59 COURSE OF ACTION: PART VI

Lirius looked shocked and dumbfounded at the same time as he felt he was not hearing things right.

"As you know, locally they are found here. And I'm sure you know where they can be found…" She replied as she grabbed her cup back and drank which technically means they just had indirect kisses.

'Did Lirius just… Nevermind.'

"Of course I know that, but are you hearing yourself right now?" Lirius watched as the girl continued to be calm about the situation and showed no sign of concern. 'I'm screwed, she already planned ahead.'

"Of course I know what I'm talking about. Also, there is no need to worry about. I've arranged everything for Greyford. So, even if we are away for a few days or two even a week. They'll be able to manage the village and things will go as planned." She explained yet that wasn't what Lirius was worried about.

Lirius sighs as he couldn't be bothered to waste his energy and argue with the girl, for there will be another person who'll soon be giving him an ear full of nasty words. "Does he know about this?"

The girl slipped on her tea before she answered him with one direct word, "No."

He looked devastated to hear the single answer she just gave, as he could already expect the answer to his next question. "Do you plan to take him with you?"

"No."

'Ah, he'll be so angry.' He thought as he considered his final question which will be the biggest reason why the man would indeed be angry, "I'm I going with you?"

"Of course."

Lirius sighs as if he could already imagine how the man will react once he finds out about everything. Since he is not talking to the man, which means none of the boys will be coming as well. 'Well, dinner tonight won't taste good for me.'

"What's wrong?" Athena asked, seeing how distressed he was about everything.

"He's gonna go wild know you."

"I know." She once again answered with the same unbothered face, which bothers him a lot.

"Tina, have you really thought this through?" Lirius slightly raised his voice as he felt annoyed by the girl's unconcern behavior.

"Do you really need to raise your voice, it's just us here." She frowned, displeased by his reaction with everything. "Like I said, you need not worry. In the end, he has no choice but to accept my decision. If something is to happen to the village, they need him to take charge of everything at the same time, defend the people in case any unspeakable event might happen." She paused for a moment as she thought, 'We, I do hope nothing does happen.'

"Of course, I know he'll be angry at me and mad at you. Plus, he hates you the most. That would be the biggest reason as to why he won't agree to this. No, because he doesn't want me to go, but the fact I'm taking you and not him." She made her point as she crossed her arms and sat back on her seat whilst raising one of her eyebrows at him.

"Oh-" Lirius looked shocked that the girl has indeed thought things through, "Very well then, I'll prepare the necessary things we'll need." He quietly got up from his seat and left the room, since there was nothing more for them to talk about.

*That evening*

As Lirius expected, he didn't have a good dinner at all. As he felt full from all the ranting the man was giving him. Despite that, he wanted to eat more since Lance had prepared such delicious food. Instead, he only drank his wine as he felt he was having indigestion all of the sudden.

The whole dining area felt dreadful as the atmosphere between the girl and Serfred were too serious for anyone to get involved.

"Why are you bringing the weakling and not me!" Serfred yelled as he punched the wall furious from what he just find out.

Athena sighs as he found his reaction quite extreme. She didn't think he'll be this upset by everything, that he'll go around punching the wall. "Someone needs to watch the village. As you know, Greyford will be away as well with Gran. Arthur is busy travelling with the Father Roland, leaving you in charge of everything while I'm away."

Before he could face the girl and explain himself, he calms himself down as he didn't want to her to see him at such a horrid state, "My Lady, have you forgotten who I am?"

"My knight." She answered as she expect that is what he wishes to hear from her.

"Yes, I am your knight. I have sworn and oath that I'll be your blade and shield, to protect you from any harm. In doing so, I must be by your side all the time." He declared with such seriousness in his tone.

The girl looked defected as she didn't expect things would be this hard. But, she must show authority as she needs to make sure everything goes according to her plan. "The village isn't strong enough yet, plus, what if the baron and his man suddenly comes. Who will take command of the knights, if you're not here? Lance is still in training as well. At the same time, aren't you the captain I���ve assigned to train the village men who are capable of becoming a knight."

Serfred was speechless. He recalled the time Lirius once explained to him the reason why the girl asked him to speak in front of everyone. He did not expect he'd be hearing the same words from the girl now. She never mentioned it, nor has she given him the title. But, now that he hears it directly from her, he could now believe that everything the man said before was true about the girl has a reason for everything even thought she may not directly tell you.

He calmed himself as he sat back in his seat, he looked her in the eye apologetically and said, "Are you at least bringing Fuji with you?"

The girl giggled as she found his words hilarious, she noticed Lirius too was at the point of laughing but held it in. "Ha-ha, of course I'll be taking him. If I don't he might kill the entire village."

Serfred felt embarrassed as he wasn't thinking right at that moment. He smiled as he asked, "When will you be leaving?"

"Before dusk tomorrow."

"So soon?" He looked sad hearing she'll be leaving within the next few hours.

"Yes, which is why. I ask you all to please, take care of the manor and the village while I'm away."

Greyford: "Yes, My Lady."

Esme: "I shall."

Lance: "No worries, I'll work hard so that someday Serfred can travel with you."

Arthur: "..."

Jocelyn just nodded her head since she hardly speaks.

After dinner, Lirius was busy packing the necessary things when he felt someone closing into his study. Before the person could even knock, he magically opened the door.

"Why can't you be a normal person for once."

"It's not my fault I can sense your presence."

Serfred walked in mopping that the man already knew of his arrival. He went closer to him as he checked what he was doing, then sat on the sofa across from him.

Time passess, but not a word was spoken between them. Lirius continues to pack his things while Serfred busy himself by reading a book he couldn't even understand.

Then all of the sudden…

"Nerd, I know why she brought you since she trusts you to keep her life safe. So, I trust you too to keep her safe. Make sure you bring her home, and you too…" He said as he got up from where he was seated and started walking out of the door.

"Next time, if you want to read something. Pick the book on that table." He pointed at the table near the door, as Serfred stopped from where he was and checked the direction he was pointing at. "That's Jocey's table, so the books she's reading will be more to your understand."

"You-" Serfred was irritated that the man noticed what he was doing all this time and yet he said not a word.

"I mean, even I don't understand what's written in that book and am still trying to understand. It is written in Gorus, so I only know the basics."

Serfred said nothing as he continued to head for the door, as he was about to step out he paused and said his final work. "Take care nerd."

Lirius only smiled as he watched the man leave with such warm parting words.

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