Gilda's Sword

"No, Dad. I can confirm that Gilda is not as bad as we think. She has given up the events of the past. Instead, she wants to change the future and establish good communication between Jotuns and humans," Arthur explained.

Rudolf insisted on rejecting Arthur's request. The reason is that what Jotuns have done so far is not something that needs to be discussed or negotiated.

"Arthur, do you know that the things we've done all these years can't just stop? So then, why should I talk to him?" asked Rudolf again.

"Dad, I didn't say that we should stop this all. Gilda just wanted to talk to you, that's all. Can you do that for me?" snapped Arthur, squealing. Rudolf increasingly didn't understand what his son wanted. Never before had he seen his son behave like this, let alone just because of a human being.

"Then, what's in it for us? Never mind, Arthur. You just came home and suddenly asked for something absurd. It's better to meet your family. They are apprehensive about you!"

Rudolf passed away, leaving Arthur unceremoniously. he didn't want to continue a conversation that he thought contained just plain nonsense.

"Dad! Wait!" shouted Ivar.

"Dad, please. Didn't I ever ask you anything? I've always followed your orders all this time, but when I begged for the first time... You've been acting like this. I promise you everything will be fine and not affect our hunting tradition, Dad," Arthur said.

Rudolf stopped his steps and then turned to Arthur with a sharp look as he moved his face closer.

"What makes you so sure that she's not going to do anything?" asked Rudolf in a severe tone.

"Because she is different," Arthur replied.

Rudolf took a long breath and threw it out violently. He was silent for a moment, placing his big hand on his head as if looking confused.

"Well, bring her over. But, there's one thing you need to know, if I wouldn't allow her to do anything other than talking to me, you understand? Ah, another one. Suppose other Jotuns see the girl coming here (then it's your responsibility to explain to them). if something happens to us as a result of the girl's actions, then you will know the consequences," Rudolf said as a condition.

"Fine, Thank you, Dad!" said Arthur with a smile. Then, without lingering, he rushed out of the cave to meet Gilda. Never in his life had he felt encouraged towards something like this. While running, Gus suddenly came to block Arthur's footsteps while stretching his arms together.

"Gus! What are you doing here?!" asked Arthur in surprise.

"You're going to want to see that girl again, right?" asked Gus.

"If so, then what? It's none of your business," Arthur retorted.

"Arthur, trust me, you must be careful about that girl! You can't give her a chance for..."

Not finished, Gus finished his remarks. Arthur then parried his best friend's arm and was about to walk again regardless of the warning from his best friend.

"It's over. You don't know anything about Gilda, don't get in my way!" said Arthur as he left.

"ARTHUR! If you don't want to listen to me, that's fine. But, bring this sword and return it to the girl," Gus shouted.

Arthur's pace stalled as he listened to Gus's remarks. He also turned his body while thrusting his hand as a gesture of receiving the sword. Gus also approached his best friend with slow steps and a cynical look. He then placed the sword in the open palm of Arthur's hand.

"Thank you," Arthur said to Gus.

As if taking revenge, Gus then left without answering Arthur's thanks. Meanwhile, Arthur doesn't care about his best friend's attitude by shrugging his shoulders up and down and then continuing his steps again. Moments later, Arthur arrived at the waterfall where Gilda was waiting for him.

"Gilda, are you ready? I've talked about this to my dad," Arthur said to Gilda, sitting on a rock staring at the waterfall.

"You sure? Of course, I'm ready. Have you made sure that the situation will be safe?" asked Gilda a little hesitantly.

"Already, you will be safe while you are there. And so it is with you, Pipi. So no need to be afraid. I will guarantee your safety," Arthur retorted.

The three of them finally stepped together towards Howa cave. While on the way, Arthur remembered something he had to tell Gilda.

"Gilda, I have something for you,"

"What is it?" asked Gilda with a wrinkle on her forehead.

Arthur thrust Gilda's shiny sword, which he had previously hidden behind her body. Seeing her sword coming back, of course, Gilda was shocked.

"My sword?! Where did you find this?" asked Gilda, rushing to get her sword. However, Arthur did not just release the sword's grip from his hand as if he wanted to say something. This, of course, amazed Gilda until her smile faded while looking astonished at Arthur.

"If I give you this sword, can I trust you?" asked Arthur. This time, it was Arthur who had doubts. Because he suddenly remembered what his father said when he received the sword from Gus.

"Ah, Arthur. We've come this far, and you doubt me? I don't know if you're this tight on my sword. Hahaha, all right. Let's put it this way, and you keep my sword until I return home to the village. Will that make you calmer?" said Gilda giving a choice.

"No, I don't have anything at all. It's just, I take care of my family if one time you..."

"Going to attack? Certainly not. You've given me confidence, and I'll take care of it. Better, you keep my sword, let's continue our journey," Gilda rebutted.

Arthur nodded slightly as he still kept the gaffe. Then, not having time to continue their steps, Arthur suddenly pulled Gilda's arm and passed the girl's sword.

"It's yours. So, you're the one who deserves to keep it more than I am. So, accept it, and there's no reason not to believe you," Arthur said with a warm smile.

Happily, Gilda accepted Arthur's offer while returning the monster's smile. Now, his sword was in her hands after days of losing her protective gear.