Forged Promises

The rain had ceased, and we made our way back to the manor, the damp streets reflecting the fading sunlight.

Ais wore a troubled expression, and I couldn't bear to see her like that. It was time to address the message Tsubaki had left her with.

Breaking the silence, I flashed a playful smile and asked, "What's on your mind, Ais? You've been awfully quiet since Tsubaki's cryptic words."

Ais glanced at me, uncertainty in her eyes. She hesitated for a moment before finally voicing her question, "Am I like a sword?"

Unable to contain myself, I burst into laughter at her query. "Hahaha~ Ais, you're not a sword," I replied, attempting to stifle my amusement.

Ais pouted angrily, clearly not finding any humor in the situation. "What's so funny?" she asked, a hint of annoyance in her voice.

Realizing that my laughter had only confused her further, I quickly composed myself and apologized. "I'm sorry, Ais. It's not what Tsubaki meant. Let me explain."

Ais looked at me, her gaze still searching for answers. "Then what did she mean?"

I paused, gathering my thoughts, and then began to explain. "Well, think about it, Ais. What do you think a person and a sword have in common?"

Furrowing her brow, Ais contemplated my question. After a thoughtful pause, she admitted, "I don't know."

I smiled at her, ready to shed some light on the matter. "The answer is potential. Just like a sword has the potential to be strong and unbreakable, you have that same potential within you."

Ais's eyes widened in surprise, the weight of my words sinking in. She realized that Tsubaki's cryptic message wasn't about being a literal sword, but about the strength that lies within her.

I continued to explain, wanting to make sure she understood. "You see, Ais, you have the spirit of a warrior. Your determination, your resilience, and your unwavering will to become stronger make you unbreakable."

Ais nodded slowly, the turmoil in her mind gradually subsiding. She began to grasp the meaning behind Tsubaki's words and my explanation. I pressed on, emphasizing the importance of self-care.

"But remember, Ais, just like a sword, you need to take care of yourself. Sharpen your skills, nurture your body and mind because, without self-care, even the strongest of swords can become dull and useless."

Ais nodded, her expression filled with newfound understanding and trust. She believed in my words, knowing that I always had her best interests at heart.

With the conversation concluded, we continued our walk towards the manor. The distance between us and our home grew shorter as the night enveloped us. The moonlight cast a gentle glow, guiding our way forward to our destination.

---------------------------------------------------

As we approached the entrance of the manor, we were greeted by the sight of Gareth, a bearded dwarf who had been waiting for our return. He visibly relaxed upon seeing us.

"Oh, you two finally came back!" Gareth exclaimed, his voice tinged with worry.

I greeted Gareth nonchalantly, maintaining my usual playful tone. "Hey there, Gareth. Did you miss us?"

Ais simply nodded in acknowledgment, her silence speaking volumes.

Gareth's concern was evident as he questioned our whereabouts. "Where did you two go? I was just looking for you with Riveria."

I shrugged casually, replying, "We just went for a stroll. That's all."

But before we could continue the conversation, Ais unexpectedly blurted out, "I am a sword!"

Gareth's eyebrows furrowed in confusion at Ais's declaration. "What do you mean, Ais?" he asked, clearly taken aback.

I stepped in to clarify, realizing that Ais was referring to Tsubaki's message. "Gareth, it's about the encounter we had with Tsubaki, the blacksmith. She said something cryptic to Ais, and it's been bothering her."

Gareth's eyes widened when he heard Tsubaki's name, clearly surprised. He eagerly inquired, "What happened? Tell me everything."

I took a deep breath and began recounting our encounter with Tsubaki, from the moment we met her until she delivered her enigmatic message. I also explained our conversations and the deal we made for Ais to have a sword.

Gareth listened intently, absorbing every detail. "And what was this message she gave to Ais?" he asked, curiosity burning in his eyes.

I looked at Ais, who seemed a bit hesitant. With a reassuring smile, I encouraged her to share. "Go ahead, Ais. Tell Gareth what Tsubaki said."

Ais took a moment to gather her thoughts before speaking up. "Tsubaki said that if I desire a sword that remains unbroken, there's already one right here," she said, pointing to herself.

Gareth's eyes widened, his gaze shifting between Ais and me. He seemed to grasp the weight of Tsubaki's words.

I continued, elaborating on the meaning behind Tsubaki's message. "What Tsubaki meant, Gareth, is that Ais has the potential to be strong and unbreakable, just like a sword. It's not about her physical form but her spirit and determination."

Gareth's expression softened as he absorbed my explanation. "I see... That's quite a profound message."

I nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Gareth. It made Ais realize that she has the strength within her to face any challenges."

Gareth looked at Ais with newfound admiration. "Ais, you've always had that strength within you. It's just a matter of harnessing it."

Ais shyly lowered her gaze, but I could see a spark of determination in her eyes.

With our conversation concluded, Gareth urged us to come inside. "Well, let's not keep Riveria waiting any longer. Come on, you two."

Ais and I complied, following Gareth into the manor. However, just as we were about to step inside, Gareth paused, a realization crossing his face.

He turned to me and asked, his voice filled with curiosity, "How about the deal with the sword? Could you explain everything about it?"

I couldn't help but wryly smile at his question.

"Well..."

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"You did what?!" Riveria's voice reverberated through the captain's office, a mix of disbelief and anger lacing her words.

I found myself standing before the stern gaze of Riveria, the elf woman with Jade hair, who was currently scolding me. It seemed that word had quickly reached her about the deal I had made regarding the sword.

I sighed inwardly, knowing that this conversation was inevitable after explaining everything to Gareth. I met Riveria's stern gaze with sheepishness and defiance.

"Yes, I made a deal with Tsubaki," I admitted, not one to shy away from the truth.

Riveria's brows furrowed, her expression demanding an immediate explanation. She needed to grasp the details and understand the ramifications of the deal I had struck.

Trying to reason with her, I spoke with conviction and composure. "I made the agreement because I promised Ais that if she learned to take care of herself, I would secure a sword for her. I approached Tsubaki to craft a sword that would be unbreakable."

Finn, our Familia's captain, who had been silently observing, decided to intervene, "Riveria, let's hear her out. Althea has always been astute in striking deals that benefit our Familia," he said, his voice was calm and measured.

Riveria's stern expression softened slightly as she contemplated Finn's words. She shifted her gaze towards me, indicating her willingness to listen.

Pressing on, my voice resolute, I expanded on the details of the agreement. "In exchange for Tsubaki's assistance in crafting the sword, I agreed to support her current project and provide her with rare materials. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement, Riveria."

Riveria sighed, her exasperation tempered by a glimmer of understanding. "Althea, you know how crucial it is to prioritize the well-being and growth of our Familia members. However, I do expect you to exercise caution and safeguard our interests next time."

I nodded, acknowledging her concern. "Absolutely, Riveria. I understand the gravity of my actions and the responsibility they entail. I won't let our Familia down."

Riveria's gaze softened, revealing her care and concern for our Familia beneath her stern demeanor. "Make sure you don't, Althea. Your sister's progress and safety are of utmost importance. I trust that you'll honor your commitment and ensure that the sword Tsubaki creates is of the highest caliber."

"I won't disappoint you, Riveria," I reassured her, determination gleaming in my eyes.

Finn, the composed mediator, brought the conversation to a close. "Very well, let's place our trust in Althea's judgment for now. We will observe how things unfold. But remember, Althea, our Familia's well-being always takes precedence."

With those parting words, the tension in the room began to dissipate. Riveria's stern facade softened slightly, indicating her cautious acceptance of the situation.

As we departed from the captain's office, a mixture of relief and determination washed over me.

Tomorrow morning marked the commencement of Tsubaki's work on the sword that would embody Ais's growth. I was ready to fulfill my promise and support Ais wholeheartedly on her journey.