He wouldn't have!
With the heroes now fully assembled, their collective strength emanating like a pulsating aura, they swiftly commenced the task of loading their belongings into the waiting carriages.
Aware of the likelihood of an extended stay in the town, they meticulously selected and packed the essential items they would require.
Aiko carefully folded her priestess robes, placing them inside a neatly adorned travel bag. She ensured to include her sacred sword, herbs, and healing potions.
Aiko released a weary sigh, her eyes fixed on the bag that held her meticulously packed attire and essential equipment.
Seated within the confines of one of the carriages, she could hear the muffled sounds of her fellow heroes as they diligently attended to their own belongings.
"I believe I have everything I need," Aiko murmured, her voice tinged with a sense of exhaustion.
Just then, Veronica, the mischievous hero, appeared outside the carriage, her vibrant gaze locked on the open entrance.
Resting her head playfully on the floor of the carriage, she peered inside with a mischievous grin adorning her lips. "Ah, this one looks absolutely splendid! It has my seal of approval," She exclaimed, her excitement palpable.
Aiko's smile faded slightly, her brow furrowing at Veronica's comment. "Have you packed your belongings as well?" She inquired, attempting to shift the conversation.
Veronica's eyes sparkled mischievously as she nodded. "Absolutely! Elena has packed hers too. It seems we girls are the most competent heroes here," she declared with a hint of playful arrogance, before gracefully settling herself inside the carriage.
Aiko couldn't help but chuckle softly at Veronica's words. "I don't think Bali would appreciate hearing that," she replied, a warm smile gracing her lips as she arranged her bags in the corner of the carriage.
"Tch! Who cares what he thinks anyway," Veronica scoffed, crossing her legs and resting her chin on her palm. Suddenly, her mischievous gaze shifted, and she posed another question. "Oh, by the way, where is your 'lover boy'?".
"Lover boy?" Aiko echoed, her tone tinged with confusion.
Veronica grinned impishly. "You know, the guy who allegedly drugged his priestess..."
Before Veronica could finish her sentence, Aiko jolted upright from the carriage floor, her eyes blazing with indignation. "He didn't drug anyone!" She interjected, her voice filled with fervent defense.
"Oh…I just… ".
"Take it back!" Aiko yelled again, her face more stern.
Feeling a bit ticked off, Veronica closed her eyes before she voiced out, "Fine, I take it back".
Aiko's stern expression softened slightly as Veronica retracted her words. "Thank you," she responded, her voice carrying a touch of gratitude. With determination in her eyes, Aiko rose to her feet, realizing it was time to locate the person she sought.
"I'll go look for him," Aiko declared, her gaze sweeping the surroundings. "We'll be setting off soon."
As she turned to exit the carriage, Veronica's voice called out once more, its tone holding a hint of concern. "Word of advice, Aiko: you should distance yourself from that boy... if you don't want him to suffer any further, great people aren't meant to stay close to failures… it's how it is".
Aiko hesitated, her hand on the carriage door, her mind caught in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. She stood in silence for a moment, contemplating Veronica's words, before deciding to leave without offering a response.
With a determined stride, Aiko ventured forth, her heart burdened by both uncertainty and unwavering loyalty.
….
Aiko's steps slowed to a halt as she stood at the threshold of Ethan's room, her heart brimming with anticipation. Observing the slightly ajar door, a smile graced her lips, assuming he must have already awakened.
"Ethan, if you were awake, why didn't you come downstairs..." Aiko's voice trailed off, abruptly replaced by a gasp of astonishment. Her eyes widened as she entered the room, only to find it devoid of any sign of occupancy.
The bed lay immaculately made, its sheets undisturbed, as if untouched by the weight of a slumbering figure. The room itself exuded an eerie emptiness, devoid of the usual presence that Ethan's belongings and essence would infuse.
A rush of concern surged through Aiko's being, mingling with the tinge of unease that tingled at the back of her mind.
[I plan to quit being a hero… I heard of a Kingdom west of here].
The weight of Ethan's earlier revelation reverberated through Aiko's mind, their significance intensifying with each passing moment. "He wouldn't have," she whispered urgently, her determination propelling her forward.
Without a second thought, Aiko dashed out of the room, her steps propelled by a sense of urgency and a growing sense of unease.
Her heart pounded within her chest as she navigated the castle corridors, her mind racing through the possibilities that lay before her.
As she neared the castle's entrance, Aiko's eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for any sign of Ethan's presence. The bustling activity of the castle's inhabitants blurred into a flurry of motion as she focused solely on her objective.
Aiko's steps quickened as she pushed through the castle doors, her gaze scanning the horizon, seeking any indication of Ethan's departure.
A surge of urgency gripped Aiko as she laid eyes upon the maid within the castle compound. Desperate for any information that could lead her to Ethan, she closed the distance between them and seized the maid's arms firmly, her voice filled with intensity.
"Hey!" Aiko's words resounded with a mixture of determination and anxiety. "Do you know where Ethan is?!".
The maid, trembling in fear, clutched her broom tightly, her voice quivering as she responded, "E-Ethan? I don't know who that is!".
Aiko's grip tightened, her impatience palpable. "Young, black hair, brown eyes, false hero!" She hastily described, hoping to trigger the maid's memory.
Recognition flickered in the maid's eyes as she recalled the figure Aiko was referring to. "Oh, that guy... right. I saw him jumping out of the window this morning with a luggage in his hands."
"Window?" Aiko repeated, shock etched across her features. The revelation caught her off guard, her mind racing to comprehend the implications.
The maid nodded, a mix of fear and uncertainty coloring her voice. "Yes, I'm pretty sure he was heading towards the forest".
Aiko's grip tightened further, her determination unyielding. "Which side?!" she demanded, her tone tinged with urgency.
Fearfully, the maid pointed in the direction to the right, her trembling finger guiding Aiko's gaze. Sensing the gravity of the situation, Aiko released her grip on the maid's arm and took off toward the indicated path, her heart pounding within her chest.
...
A/N
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