25 ch 22

Creaking the door open, light flowed in showing an empty bed. I had gone to the pub to grab food but Kaiser was gone. He must've had enough and quit. I staggered into the room and set down the food. I had to recollect myself. I just couldn't process what was happening. Leaving the room, I went out on the streets.

I hadn't notice the surroundings earlier since I was so sucked up into the tournaments. It was empty but it was a sight to behold. All sorts of colors were everywhere and it stretched out far. By the time I realized it, I had come upon a fountain. I sat on the ledge of it. I had not seen a fountain in a while, and even if I did I didn't have to money to make a wish. Even now I didn't have the funds to do it. I needed to hire a new bodyguard. If I could make a wish it would be of course to have an actual companion.

Staring off into the fountain water, my reflections looked back at me. An unkempt kid who would fit in with beggars easily. My stomach grumbled and brought me back to reality. I had forgotten to take the food. What should I do...

"Hey boy, What are you doing?"

"Eh?"

This voice was familiar. I had look towards the sound of voice. My face felt wet and Kaiser's face turned into that of a guilty person.

"What are you crying about?"

I had wanted to ask what was he talking about but I noticed exactly what he meant. I was choking up on my words.

"I- I thought you were hic- done with me wah!-"

My eyes had closed up but I could feel the warmth of a hand on top of my head.

"There's no way, didn't you see my belonging still there. Well I guess it's too unserviceable for me to make use of them. But anyways! You got it wrong."

It took a minute to recompose myself but as I did, Kaiser had stop rubbing my head.

"Hey let's take a walk."

I nodded and followed next to him. It's been a while since we both were walking together but immediately it felt like it was back to the usual.

"Hey boy."

"Yeah?"

"I'm sorry I couldn't take you around the festival."

I smiled in response. It was true I would had like to tour the festival but I knew it was for a good reason that he participated in the tournament.

"No, it's ok."

"That guy did some serious work on my armor. We don't have time to wait on repairs so I'll have to buy new gear tomorrow. Depending on what's left over, let's go grab some food together."

"Ok."

"There's also going to be another person coming with us too."

"Oh?"

I was quite curios and waiting for him to tell me but after a few seconds of silence I figured he didn't quite catch on it was a question.

"Once we finish, we'll immediately depart."

"Yeah of course!"

We were making progress, at this rate we would reach The Land of Old soon. Somewhat the thought of it all finishing filled me with a sort of strange unhappy feeling. I wonder why.

"Hey."

"Yes?"

"You do know that the Land of Old is a dangerous place right?"

It was the first I heard of it. I heard there was some demons there but according to the books I read, they didn't have much information about that place. There was only one thing I really knew about that place.

"No, not really."

"You serious? That place is guarded by demons and strong monsters. Whenever adventurers were sent there, they never came back. I don't know too much about that place either."

"Is that so?"

Kaiser's face was a bit perplex.

"What does a kid like you need at some dangerous place like that?"

I heard him clearly but I pretended I didn't hear it at all. I didn't want to talk about it. If he knew my real reason, he would definitely leave me here right now. I was sure of it. Any sane person would.

"I need to know kid. I'm putting my life on the line. Depending where you're trying to go to, I won't be strong enough to protect you by myself."

Oh so this is where he was trying to go with this conversation. I felt embarrassed because I had suspected him. Hearing him, I wanted to trust him a bit.

"I'm not entirely too sure but where I'm trying to go to is where there's a temple surrounded by three towers."

"That's not very helpful..."

"Dark clouds always float over it regardless of the weather. When you're there, it feels like you have a hard time breathing. At least that's what I know."

"I see."

From there, he stopped questioning me although his face looked worried. I wonder why. It really was unreasonable for him to stay with me. It still puzzles me why he would still stick around.

"Thanks."

"Hrm?"

He didn't bat an eye. I was glad he didn't ask why. As we continued walking for a bit, my stomach interjected our walk with a loud growl.

"Let's head on back boy. The food must be cold now."

He knew there was food at home... So that meant he was looking for me!? I felt happy.

"Yes."