Same Old Ussera

[Eric Tanabe. Morning.

Ussera. Elisbonear.]

The chilly morning breeze brushed past me, leaving behind a refreshing feeling on my skin. I stretched my hands and hips after getting out of the small passenger boat. It was an unpleasant ride. Not only was it lonely and expensive, but the ferryman was also red the whole time. I am used to it now. After all, I look pretty bad.

I mean, I never saw which part is bad, but people always turn completely red and start shaking when they see me. At least I can truly be myself in Ussera. No one in this small town ever judges me. Hardly anything happens here anyway. But it's still scary, since the last time I was here was four years ago.

Suddenly, the sound of something falling rang out and was soon followed by rushing footsteps. Slightly turning my head, a young man rushing towards me entered my sight. It was Keizo, my childhood friend. I would have been happy...

"Eric!? Is... is it really you!?"

...were it not for his completely red face.

**

Keizo helped me move back into my place in Ussera. He was awkward at first but was still my childhood friend. He probably got used to my bad looks...

After setting up my home, I asked Keizo to have lunch with me. We walked towards one of the few restaurants in Ussera to get our food. Over the stone bridges connecting the different blocks of land, each housing beautiful structures of traditional Minka architecture.

"... And that was 10 months ago. I don't know what Ito is up to these days, but he drops by while visiting Aki now and then."

"I still can't believe Hiko-san passed away. Aki was barely eight..."

"God plays games like that, Eric."

Keizo told me about what happened over the four years I was gone. A few of the older citizens died, and the Yasumichi family situation was the only thing of note. We went past a part that I didn't fully recognize. A faint voice made its way out of the house.

"Such healing and dark magic spells don't seep into your body but influences it. That's why they work on me too."

"What's that?" I asked Keizo.

"Ah, they are at it again. They are siblings I told you about. Moved here just a year back. The brother's a magic expert, I hear. You'll get along with him well."

"Is that so..."

We talked a bit more until we reached the restaurant. Of course, my fears were bound to come true as everyone in the restaurant went completely silent at the sight of me, their faces all red. A few of my friends recognized me and came over to talk, but they were clearly uncomfortable.

Just what had I done to deserve this? I spent the entire day looking around the same old Ussera, alone. Considering how late it had gotten, I would probably be alone if I went to a pub. So, I went to a pub.

My thoughts were once again proven wrong since the pub housed another customer. I ignored his existence and moved towards the counter, a seat away from the man.

"Master, get me a bottle of Absinthe, please."