[47] Do the Cowboys belong in fantasy? II

As Billy began to calm down, Ash took out the meat from the monster he had killed earlier and placed it near the campfire. Billy sat by the fire, staring at the chunks of meat with a mixed expression. Despite the delicious aroma of the cooked meat, the boy's face looked reluctant, as if he was forcing himself to eat just to meet his basic needs.

With slow and hesitant movements, Billy started eating the meat. Each bite was accompanied by an uncomfortable expression, clearly indicating that consuming meat he had recently seen as a threat was not easy for him. Even though Ash tried to make the atmosphere more comfortable, Billy appeared distressed, each bite seeming like a strenuous effort to overcome the trauma he had not yet fully shaken off.

"T-thank you..." 

His voice trembled in the quiet of the night, expressing deep gratitude mixed with a faint sob. Despite his young age, Billy felt a profound sense of loss, something that was difficult for most children to understand.

"You're welcome. Don't hesitate to finish that meat," Ash said softly, adding some logs to the fire, making the flames blaze brighter. His voice was warm and soothing, aiming to provide some comfort amidst the heavy situation.

"Un..." Billy nodded, though his expression remained filled with sadness and uncertainty.

Ash pondered for a moment, observing Billy eating the cooked meat with reluctance. "How can I comfort him better?" Ash thought, his eyes fixed on the boy, trying to sense what might help him feel a little better.

While Ash wanted to ask about Billy's goals and plans, he realised that, given the boy's tender age and the emotional state from recent tragedy, it might be too overwhelming for him. Ash decided to give Billy time and space, hoping that the comfort and support he was providing would help Billy feel a little better before delving into a deeper conversation about his future.

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The night passed slowly, with a silent and quiet atmosphere under the star-studded sky. Ash, recognising the importance of giving Billy space to deal with his grief, decided to postpone his plan to comfort the boy. He allowed Billy to reflect inside the tent, giving the child a chance to adapt to his new reality.

As the sun began to rise on the horizon, dawn gently swept away the dark night. Ash emerged from the tent, his sturdy frame and cowboy attire still intact. He started the day with light stretching, ensuring his muscles remained flexible and ready for the next journey.

"Yosh, we're moving on again, Stallion," Ash said to the large black horse standing proudly beside him. The horse whinnied happily, flicking its tail as Ash gently stroked its neck.

However, the peaceful morning was suddenly interrupted by Billy's voice. The boy emerged from the tent, standing behind Ash with a nervous expression. "M-Mr Ash!"

Ash turned, slightly surprised to see Billy standing there, looking anxious. "What is it, Billy?" he asked gently, recognising that the boy had something important to convey.

Billy gathered his courage, his gaze filled with determination despite the clear fear in his eyes. "Mr Ash, I... I need help. I don't know where to go, and I have no home after the disaster. Can you help me find my parents or at least tell me where I should go?"

Ash looked at Billy with deep sympathy, his heart full of empathy for the unfortunate child's plight. "I'm sorry, Billy. I have to continue my journey. However, I can't leave you alone in the wild. So, you can travel with me until we reach the next kingdom."

Billy appeared anxious and confused, his lips trembling as he tried to speak. "B-but, what about my parents? I don't know what to do if I don't know where to go after this..."

Ash sighed deeply, his cowboy hat shading half his face, adding to his mysterious and authoritative appearance. "Kid, I understand your concerns. However, while I am generous, I can't turn back just to take you to the Asura Kingdom. I have responsibilities and goals I need to achieve. But you can rest assured, I'm quite responsible. Our current goal is to head to the Dragon Kingdom."

With a tone that was firm yet gentle, Ash conveyed his certainty and assurance. Although Billy still seemed hesitant, he could sense the sincerity in Ash's words. The boy finally nodded, albeit with some hesitation, and accepted the offer.

Ash continued with his preparations, organising his belongings on the horse while getting Billy ready for the upcoming journey. He looked at Billy with understanding, hoping that this journey would provide some comfort and security for the boy amidst the uncertainty.

Days passed since their meeting, and the journey to the Dragon Kingdom continued. During this time, Billy got to know Ash better. Despite Ash's unusual cowboy attire, he seemed incredibly cool and authoritative. Every word Ash spoke felt like the result of a long and rich life experience.

Billy, with his remarkable intelligence—observed by Ciel to have an IQ of 200—showed how sharp his mind was. Fortunately for Ash, he had found a very intelligent child. To make use of Billy's potential, Ash began teaching him various in-depth scientific knowledge. Although this might seem unusual, Ash also provided insights into policy and good behaviour, broadening Billy's horizons while imparting valuable lessons on how to navigate the world wisely.

Billy was very impressed with Ash's appearance. The cowboy outfit, with its large hat and long coat, seemed incredibly cool and charming from the boy's perspective. Every detail of Ash's outfit radiated an aura of masculinity and adventure that left Billy in awe.

Aware of Billy's admiration for his appearance, Ash decided to have a bit of fun. With a mischievous smile, he began teaching Billy about the cowboy world, complete with all the aspects that made it intriguing.

Ash started enthusiastically, "You know, in the cowboy world, there's a lot to learn. For example, how to wear this hat properly—it's important for protecting your face from the sun and also gives a distinctive look. And the lasso, it's not just a tool for catching cattle but also a symbol of skill and bravery."

Billy listened eagerly, his eyes shining with interest. "Really, Mr Ash? Are there any special techniques for using the lasso?"

Ash nodded, growing more excited. "Absolutely! Using a lasso requires diligent practice. You need to be able to throw it with precision and speed. Every skilled cowboy has their own unique style when using it. But most importantly, a cowboy must have calmness and courage."

Billy smiled broadly, inspired by Ash's stories. "I want to learn all of that, Mr Ash!"

Ash laughed lightly. "Good! Perhaps one day, you can become a great cowboy like those in the stories. But for now, let's focus on our journey and learn as much as we can from what we encounter."

The two continued their journey with renewed enthusiasm, Billy increasingly eager to learn about the cowboy world, while Ash continued to provide valuable lessons and experiences as they made their way to the Dragon Kingdom.

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Thus, the first cowboy was born in that world.