Episode 13

The sun was shining high in the sky when they could see the town in the distance. Even with Aiyla and Bruon joining them, the cart wasn't cramped. Yuli slept on Quella's lap, Quella read a book as she stroked his head, Lesker looked at the passing scenery, Ilan drove, Aiyla hummed and Bruon buried his head in his arms, sleeping.

"Say Miss Quella...." Aiyla started.

"It's okay to just call me Quella"

"Alright, Quella. Which family are you from in the capital?"

"Is it that important to tell? I left my family a long time ago"

"It's just, I haven't seen features like yours in the prominent and lesser family in the capital. Looking at you, you definitely look like an aristocrat"

"Hmm, alright. Do you know the Duke Seigher?"

"Yes"

"He is my brother. I am from the Seigher family"

"I heard the duke's sister died when she was younger"

"I told you I left home a long time ago. If you will, Aiyla, please stop asking me such sensitive questions. No one would appreciate their past being dredged up"

"Forgive me, I didn't mean to upset you"

"Hmm"

The rest of the ride was uncomfortably silent, at least until afternoon. They stopped to change drivers, have lunch, and rest.

Lesker and Ilan were going over a map of the area, trying to pinpoint the correct location. Aiyla peered over the map, watching over them.

"Say, what creature were you hunting that you got a party wipe?" Lesker asked, looking at the vast mountains.

"See this area.." Ilan started, pointing at the edge of the mountain area.

"This area leads to the ocean. In this ocean resides the Soujin, servants of the Siren"

"....What?"

"Sometimes, I forget you don't have any memories. I suppose I should tell you about it from the start. Do you know of the story of Origin?"

"Yes, a little"

"Alright. Let me just tell you how this all correlates. In the beginning, the cosmos existed. The cosmos gave birth to the planets, realms, and the Celestials. From the planet came forth the first deities, the creature Celestials. The three were the dragon, lord of the skies, the nine-tailed fox, lord of the land, and the Siren, lord of the sea.

The phoenix are the servants of the dragons, the Inari are the servants of the nine-tailed fox and the soujin are the servants of the Siren.

There is a myth that anyone who consumes the core of a Soujin would gain the powers of godhood. The prince selected the finest hunters to find an injured Soujin in these mountains and bring its core. It was during the battle with that Soujin that my comrades lost their lives"

"I see...how sad"

"Indeed"

"You're telling me you went in search of a Soujin?" Aiyla boomed, almost bursting the eardrums of the two.

"Relax big sister. It was an order we couldn't refuse from his highness after all"

"That selfish stuck up son of a....."

"Save the curses Aiyla. You've done enough babying. Ilan is not a child anymore so spare him all these. With all he has been through, he doesn't need you reminding him of his mistakes. Take it easy for his sake and your sake" Bruon chided.

"But...."

"No buts. Let it go"

"Hmph!" Aiyla stalked away with a pout.

"Big brother Bruon....." Ilan looked at him with teary eyes.

"It's because you act like this that she treats you like a child. You're a man"

"Yes"

"Haha, Ilan acting like a child, first time I've seen this. Oh my, this is comedy gold. Haha"

"Don't laugh Lesker. That's too mean"

"If only Sora could see this"

"Lesker..." Ilan growled.

"Aha, how fun!"

"Who is this Sora you speak of? Is she your betrothed Ilan?" Bruon asked, peering curiously at Ilan. Ilan gave Lesker a glare before denying.

"Ah, I forgot. Your type is the gentle and intelligent ones. I wonder which one you'd pick between the lady over there and Lesker"

"W..What? What are you saying?" Ilan said flustered.

Lesker's interest was piqued and he leaned in to learn more.

"Oh, tell me more Sir Bruon"

"Just call me Bruon. This boy here doesn't have any preference. He just has a type"

"Interesting"

"Now now, let's not get things mixed up here. Lesker, it's not what it sounds like"

"So, I'm not attractive to you?" Lesker said in a sulky voice. Ilan facepalmed.

"Why are you going along with this?"

"No particular reason. Why don't you go look for your big sister now? It's time to leave"

"Alright. I'll be right back"

Ilan walked away in search of Aiyla. Bruon stares at his retreating figure and turned to stare at Quella. His face scrunched up a few times before returning to neutral.

"Do you need anything Bruon?" Lesker asked, seeing his face change so rapidly. Bruon shook his head.

"It's nothing. It's just puzzling why she would accompany you on a trip without being involved with any of you"

"Are you the same though? I wouldn't worry too much about her. She's been pretty helpful"

"If you say so. Aiyla is very much over protective about Ilan so I don't want anything around him to put him in danger. I hope you can understand"

"Of course. I also don't want him hurt. I think it's time we were on our way. Aiyla and Ilan should be on their way back now"

"Hmm, let's pack up"