37 Chapter 37: Meeting Baudric Again

The area surrounding the Colosseum was as crowded as the one inside the building. A temporary market was opened, as the merchants spotted an opportunity to sell their goods to the spectators. Erected tents, some belonged to merchants and some belonged to the supporters who came to cheer the participants from other kingdoms, were mixing together. And among these crowds of people, ignoring the cheerful shouts of merchants offering their goods, swiftly avoiding people who walked from the opposite direction, were two young people.

Some passersby turned their head when they passed, the pretty girl with a short black hair walked fast while the handsome young man followed her. With his long legs, he could catch the girl anytime if it's not because the girl kept zigzagging, trying to give him a bit of trouble. They quickly assumed they were a young couple having a quarrel.

"Really, I left you for a few days, and your eyes went to another guy..." He said it rather loud because of the crowds.

"I tell you, that's not it!" Rena denied it out loud, feeling the gazes that were directed at her.

Because her flustered state, her shoulder bumped into a man, and she swayed to the side. At that moment, Frei caught her hand and closed their distance.

"And after you raise my hope yesterday with... a kiss~" He whispered the last word in her ear.

"Stoppp!" She closed his mouth with her hands, but quickly let go of her hands when she realized she touched his lips.

Getting even more flustered by doing this.

Not knowing what she must do to stop him from teasing her. She sulked, ignoring him. She kept walking a few steps in front of him.

"Aw, come on, Rena."

"Hmph!"

"At least you're not sad anymore..." She heard Frei said those words behind her.

Her feet stopped and she was about to turn around when her back bumped into him. He was right behind her. Frei's hands extended forward, holding something that took her interest.

"W-what is this?"

"It's a candy. I bought it from the stall we just passed. It's for you."

The glistening red candy in front of her was a blooming rose, its petals were made of candy and the green leaves were also made of similar way. It reminded her of amezaiku, sculpted candy arts from Japan. The candy maker crafted the candy into beautiful shapes that made her felt bad to eat it.

"Thank you..." She said while holding the rose candy with both hands. She twirled the stick, or in this case, the stem, blinking a few times admiring the details.

"You really know how to impress women, huh..." She said in a half-amused half-sneered way.

"Doesn't mean I want to impress all women." The voice that was coming from behind her made her got goosebumps. It would be a lie if she wasn't happy to be treated in a romantic way. At the very least, she wasn't angry at him anymore.

From passersby's view, they were definitely a couple. Everyone was looking at their direction, some obviously stopped to look at the romantic scene. Rena thought it was only Frei who attracted attention, but she also attracted attention as well. Her short hair made her stood out compared to other girls. Furthermore, once they focused on her, the eye color of that doll-like face would make them never forget her.

"We're attracting attention here, let's go." Fully aware of those stares directing at them, Frei grabbed Rena's hand and pulled her away from the crowds.

They walked a little further from the main road when a loud voice called her.

"Hey, Missy!! Cookies Maiden!"

Rena turned her head at the direction of that voice, she recognized the voice who could make a tiger ran away. It came from the second floor of the tavern on the side of the road. She looked up and from the window, a rugged man with scarlet hair was waving at her.

"Baudric!" She waved back at him.

"I was wondering who was that shameless couple over there and it turned out it was you." A naughty grin appeared on his face.

"No! We're not!" She said it as loudly as she could.

"Hahaha, no need to be shy. Youngblood should be like that!"

"As I said..." Rena tried to speak again, but Baudric's voice swallowed what she wanted to say. "Come here, come here! I'll treat you for a drink!"

Rena sighed. And then she looked at Frei, wanting to ask his approval, but for a reason unknown to her, he had an odd expression.

"Umm, Frei? Do you mind if we go there a little? That guy... umm, I met him when we tried to find Slime Jelly. I want to say thanks to him."

"Sure." He smiled at her with his calm composed face. It felt like Frei who teased her a minute ago was a different person.

Baudric already came outside from the tavern and dragged them inside. And that's how they enter a tavern called Crimson Beak.

The place was still half open. There weren't many people here, except the two waitress who was busy cleaning the wooden tables. Big barrels and bottles were placed behind the counter. It was a nice cozy place and had a warm welcoming feeling as soon as you entered the place.

"Don't worry, the owner is my friend." He said, waving at the bushy mustache man who was standing behind the counter, dressed like a bartender. The old man smiled and nodded at them.

They sat on one of the tables on the first floor. The waitress gave each of them a big glass of ale. Rena was staring at the drink, she had a mixed feeling of wanting to drink it but not wanting to get drunk. She sipped it once.

Baudric looked at Frei and then moved his gaze on her. "Who is this guy? Where are your two friends?"

"My name is Frei, I'm a merchant from Ardia Kingdom. I heard that you helped us before, I'm thankful for that." Frei spoke formally, showing his business smile to Baudric.

After Frei introduced himself, Rena explained that Senka was currently participating in the tournament.

"Oh, really? I'm looking forward to it!" Baudric said happily.

She remembered Baudric recommended Senka to join the tournament, she didn't know that time that it really did come true. She asked him, "Do you think he can win, Baudric?"

He grinned. "I'm sure he can, but it will depend on how to determine he is to win. There are also many strong people who want to win. All you need to do is give him your best cheer!"

"Yeah..." Rena smiled weakly. She was a little relieved after hearing Senka had a good chance to win from Baudric, the veteran adventurer.

And then, she remembered about wanting to thank Baudric.

"Baudric, I was having trouble at the gate when entering the city, but showing your pin helped me there. Thank you!"

"Hahaha! I'm glad this old man is useful to you." His laugh reverberated in the tavern. Baudric really was a man whose presence couldn't be ignored. "Your potion helps my old bone greatly too!"

Rena smiled, getting pulled into Baudric's upbeat spirit.

He observed Rena and Frei while rubbing his stubble beard.

"By the way, are you this?" He showed his pinky finger.

"No, no, no!" Rena was shaking her head vehemently with a peach colored face. She knew what's that gesture meant if it were the same as the one in her previous world.

But, her persistence denial meant nothing when Baudric had seen them on the road being lovey-dovey. Also, Rena's red face and Frei sticking close to her didn't help to support her claim.

"Hahaha, looking at both of you reminded me the romance of my youth. Ahh... Time goes so fast..." He shook his head weakly, showing a nostalgic smile. "Anyway, since I'm in the mood, can you listen to it?"

"Eh?!" Rena shouted spontaneously.

"Ahh... When I was young I went to many places. Then I met her, whether it was coincidence or fate I never knew." Baudric started telling the story without waiting for Rena's approval. "She was my first love... I fell in love at the first sight when I saw her. Hair as gentle as the morning sun, skin as white as porcelain, and bright beautiful eyes like water at the edge of the shore, it gave me refreshing feeling whenever I looked at her. Her dainty lips spread thin whenever she smiled, just like a smile of an angel..."

He was busy describing every detail of her; her appearance, her personality, even her small quirks, for the first half of the story, like he was still vividly remembered her. This most beautiful woman for Baudric was named Astrid. For years, he was trying to win her love. However, his love ended unrequited. Her father thought the rough Baudric wasn't suitable for his most precious treasure. And she was married to another suitor, his friend. They lived happily until a tragedy happened to them.

"...to this day, I still regret not able to save those two." He said with a pensive mood, drinking his fifth ale since they met him.

"I'm sorry for your lost..." Rena didn't know what else to say except offering her condolences. Obviously, Baudric was still hurt by the loss of those of two even after many years had passed.

Frei who sat next to her slightly leaned his body toward her and whispered to her ear. "I think it's time we go. We've been here long enough."

"Okay..." She nodded weakly.

Baudric noticed the two whispering to each other and said, "Are you going now?"

"I'm sorry, Baudric. But I don't want to miss Senka's match." Rena told him.

"I understand. Thank you for listening to my story. It made me feel better after a long time." His usual cheerful grin had a trace of sadness.

"I'm glad if lending my ears could ease you." She stood up from the chair. "Hope we can meet again."

"Thanks for the drink and sharing your story." Frei nodded a little.

"Let's meet again someday!" Baudric said.

Rena glanced up at Frei and pulled his sleeve. "Let's go."

He looked at her and a faint smile appeared on his face. He grabbed her hand and held it gently, Rena's expression froze a second realizing what he was doing. But, she didn't shake that hand. They walked to the exit with his hand holding hers.

As they reached the exit, Frei lifted his hand to push the door. However, before he could push it, Baudric shouted from behind their back, "René, come to me anytime you need my help!"

Rena turned around, surprised, being suddenly called by her name. "Eh?"

Baudric waved goodbye at her with a smile.

She returned a smile to him and waved him a goodbye.

(Did I hear that correctly?)

They quit the tavern with Frei holding her hand tight. Frei was quiet and she was quiet as well. Walking one step behind him, she stared at his broad shoulder, noticing his golden hair that was a little longer compared to the first time they met. Although Rena felt there was an invisible wall separating them, their hands that linked together, giving her a warm gentle feeling.

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