Chapter 42: House

Perseus POV

Arriving at the mansion, I was greeted by a crowd, they surrounded me, bombarding me with questions about my well-being and how I had managed to survive on the outside. I offered them a weak smile, doing my best to downplay my experiences and reassure them that I was alright. It was clear that they were relieved to see me regardless.

I was listening to them telling me their stories and having them ask me some stories, stories that I faked to not have any of the king's spies to listen in, I lied about hiding somewhere by the coast in a cave.

Cedric treated them well enough that they chose to continue working for him and looking after his place while he's gone, though Cedric's older siblings didn't like that much, Michael Hawk, his eldest brother, was very against Cedric for not just letting everyone go since they have their freedom now.

*****

I managed to finally isolate Cedric and got ourselves a private meeting, and without too many eyes on me.

"Here, for you." I said as I presented him with the sacred sword.

The moment his eyes fell upon the gleaming blade, I could see the shock and disbelief written across his features. He was at a loss for words, his mouth opening and closing soundlessly as he struggled to comprehend what I had just handed him.

As he reached out to touch the hilt of the sword, I could see the awe and disbelief in his eyes.

"Is this...is this really for me?" Cedric stammered

"Yeah."

"I...I can't have this, you found this, you keep it."

"No, I got no use for such a sword, and even if I sold it...no...it's better for you to have it, it's so that you can protect the others."

It was clear that he was deeply moved by the gesture, but he was mostly speechless as the sword then transformed into this bright silver blade with a shiny golden hilt.

[Level up!]

[Level up!]

[Level up!]

[Rank up!]

[New quest!]

And just as I turned to leave, he stopped me.

"Are you planning to leave here?" he asked

"Yeah...I don't belong here, and I feel more at peace when I'm out there alone."

"I see...at least...let me repay for this sword, I'll give you some gold."

"Just a couple please, and make the rest in silver. I know the storage spell, and I also don't want to find places for occasional change for gold...it'll attract too much attention."

*****

I stayed the night, and I then woke up to be prepared to go on the roads once again, I plan on going to the town of the forgotten. The former slaves, now freed and seemingly content in their newfound lives, bid me farewell with warm smiles and heartfelt words of gratitude. 

Henry just shook my hand and made a couple of offers to have Cedric take care of me like how it was for him, but I just politely declined.

As I set out on the road once more, the landscape stretched out before me in a monotonous blur of muted colors. The familiar sights and sounds of the world around me seemed to blend together into a dull gray. There was no sense of excitement or anticipation in my heart because I knew what kind of news awaited me once I arrived there.

The road stretched on endlessly, winding its way through the countryside. My thoughts drifted aimlessly, lingering on memories of the past and visions of what lay ahead. Yet, despite my best efforts to push them aside, they continued to haunt me...the thoughts of leaving that man so early and abruptly...

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the landscape, I found myself seeking shelter for the night. I made camp beneath the shelter of an oak tree, the branches stretching out like skeletal fingers against the darkening sky. The sound of crackling fire and the rustle of the wind helped me sleep that night.

*****

As I approached the familiar outskirts of the Town of the Forgotten, a sense of déjà vu washed over me. The town appeared unchanged...and as usual, its inhabitants moved about their daily lives with an air of quiet resignation. Familiar sights.

As I made my way through the streets, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for the town as I made my way to the bar, skipping on the house as I didn't want to see what was left of it.

As I entered the pub, there were only dark faces and as I listened to the snippets of conversation around me, there were only murmured complaints and whispered grievances with a bitter voice.

"Just the usual." I said as I approached Faust, the pub owner.

"Kid!" he happily exclaimed, "You're back! You're alive."

"As alive as I can possibly be."

"How've you been?"

"I'm alright, I guess, what about you?"

"It's pretty much the same, I'm just spending my days listening to the same kinds of stories, and if they don't come anymore...well, it's either they're dead or they miraculously decided to go for a change."

"Does the latter happen often?"

"A good amount, though I'm pretty sure half would return and become a regular again."

"Who's your new brewer?"

"Just some newcomer who's trying to provide for his sick daughter...I don't even know why he brought her here as it's not the best environment...but it was something about her falling severely sick due to heartbreak."

"Really? Yeah."

"It was bad, like his divorced wife slept with her husband or something...anyway, enough about all that, what about you? You've been to the house yet?"

"Is it still even standing?"

"Yeah, he gave it to me after his death, I've been taking care of it. It's not like I can find a buyer as well, so you can stay there for a while too if you want...You know what, once I close up, I'll take you there."