Chapter 12: [Luna] 1 – 1 {Mask Retrieval and Adventurer’s Guild}

There I was, just casually walking around the capital.

It was still relatively early, so I had plenty of time to waste. The direction of my path was, of course, the Adventurer's guild, but I wanted to keep it leisurely. Moreover, I wanted to take one more good view of my home city, since I'm going to be leaving here today.

Naturally, even though I say it's early, people are already rushing about busily. Stores and businesses were already opened, while the residents are walking to and fro. I could even see children playing around.

Looking around, I'm tempted to go into a restaurant and have a meal, but doing so by myself just seems unpleasant to be honest.

"Hahahah—"

"Wait! Hold on!"

*Thud*

While I was absentmindedly walking, a young boy accidentally bumped into my waist and fell on his hind. The young boy seemed stunned by the encounter while the young girl not far behind became a bit panicky.

"Ah—Um, I'm sorry."

"It's okay."

While smiling as gently as I can, I raised the boy up from the floor, patting away the dust from his clothes, before rubbing his hair which thus ruined his hairstyle(lol).

"Next time, try to watch where you're headed, kay?"

"...Y-yeah, thanks."

The boy seemed to blush a bit, while the little girl came forward also apologizing, which I naturally I dismissed, since to begin with, I wasn't bothered by any means.

After the little sidetrack, I went about my original way, leaving the dazed little boy and the little girl concerned for him. Silently, I muttered my apologies within my heart.

The pendant mom gave allowed for a change in my hair and eye color, turning my gold eye blue to match the color with the other. Along with covering me with a strange aura that made me somewhat unnoticeable and easily overlooked by those around me.

Unfortunately, it didn't make a change in my facial appearance nor did it change my overall figure. It seems that as long as someone actually takes notice of me, the aura doesn't effect them anymore.

"Haaah—"

Looks like the mask plan still has to be ensued after all.

Thankfully, there was a place with miscellaneous gadgets near the direction was I going, which saves me a bit of effort.

_________

___

Deep within a back alley way that most would normally pass by without paying attention to, exists a rather peculiar store. It looked shady as hell, and would probably be thought of as some sort of underground black market selling a bunch of illegal crap by anyone who is unlucky enough to pass by it.

Standing in front of it's door, I'm greeted by a glaring 'CLOSED' sight which hung right at the entrance.

By this point, you'd probably be thinking, 'Hey, this probably needs some super secret password to enter upon it.' But me being me, I have no need for such a trifling thing.

Confidently, I naturally waltzed inside, instantly unlocking the door and undoing any defensive spells with my immaculate knowledge over magic.

Having entered the store, I am immediately welcomed by all sorts of random miscellaneous objects, most of which are wood carvings. Rather than a proper shop, it looked more like a storage area filled with all kinds of crap.  

As I walked around, I found someone sitting in front of a table, delicately carving something within his palms. The table itself was a mess, filled with all sorts of carving tools in different sizes.

The dude was so engrossed in his activity that he didn't even notice his store had been invaded, much less the fact that someone was sneaking up on him.

"Sup Woody!"

"Whoa! Holy f*ck— Wait, Luna?"

The poor guy was in such a shock and panic that he almost drop his carving. Yet the instant he recognized me, as though like flowing water, he swiftly and soundlessly drew the drawer under the table, exchanging the carving he had been holding with a different one before closing the drawer.

'This little...'

He probably thought I didn't notice it, since the table had blocked my view. Unfortunately for him, I currently have my Mana senses expanded across the room.

"What the hell are you doing here? I thought you left the city yesterday."

"Well, too bad~ You thought wrong, my schedule to leave is today."

Sitting before me was a young man who looked around 15-16, sporting a deep brown hair paired with light brown eyes. Honestly, in this world filled with all sorts of colorful hairs and eyes, his was a pretty down to earth hue.

His name was Eddie Forge, and as his last name would suggest, his family is a lineage of blacksmiths. In fact, his older brother was the one who built my sword. Though he never did have much liking for forging, he had quite the knack for carving. I guess the artisan bloodline lives on.

He had a special fondness for carving wood, thus earning him the personal nickname of 'Woody' from me.

Naturally, he very much disliked the nickname. Many times, he'd tried to change how I call him, to no avail. At this point, he had long given up and reluctantly accepted it.

"Then what'd you come here for?"

"I'm here for the mask that I commissioned from you."

"Seriously? I thought you were joking about that."

I received a more or less confused look from him, which couldn't be helped since I spoke in a rather mildly sarcastic tone the last time I mentioned the masks.

Our little awkward staring contest continued for a bit before he heaved a sigh of defeat. Standing up from his seat, he placed the strange incomplete carving (Which I know was exchanged earlier) into the table and slowly walked out of his 'office'.

"Alright alright, I'll go get your stupid mask. In the mean time don't touch my sh*t, you've already broken enough of them as is."

"Kay' bud, no worries here."

Leaving one last warning, he left for another part of the 'store', probably to get a pre-made mask or something. Unfortunately for him, I have no intention of following said rule.

There was just no way I was gonna pass up checking on whatever he tried so desperately to hide.

Wearing a mischievous smile, I waited till I sensed his presence leave far enough before I crept behind his desk like table. Pulling up the bottom left drawer, exactly where I 'saw' him make the exchange, and taking out the small wood carving the he had been working on earlier.

'I f*cking knew it'

Eddy was not some sort of shy child who felt embarrassed about the things he made, he could even proudly display the wackiest and weirdest sculptures that he created. If someone had the gall to insult his works, he'd instead berate them to defend his art, calling their tastes trash (Something which I may or may not have been subjected to at one time).

 It screams 'suspicious' for him to actively hide a carving that he produced, but the moment I saw it, my doubts were instantly cleared.

Held before my hands was a figurine of a young girl, carved in a special snow silk wood. She stood straight like a sword, with both hands holding her waist haughtily and a mischievous smug like smile hanging on her face.

Moreover I could tell it was mostly done, with nary a few touches left to add.

"But why a skirt?"

Seeing the dress of the figurine, I couldn't help but grumble, my musings were short lived though as I sensed him coming back. Upon his return, he noticed me sitting on his desk holding the figurine. I didn't miss the trace of panic flashing through his eyes before he quickly hid it with a displeased expression.

"...Even though I told you not to touch my stuff."

"I would've complied if I hadn't notice you sneakily trying to hide something."

Seeing his awkwardly perplexed face made me laugh a bit, which thankfully seems to ease him a little. A relieving scene since he seemed to have been tense since I got here.

"You're not angry?" He asked hesitantly.

"And why exactly would I be mad?"

He hasn't done anything in particular that somehow set me off, nor do I remember him having done so the last time I met him. If anything, I should be the one to feel apologetic since I'm the one who's been causing him trouble every now and then.

"Well... because I made that..." 

"This? why would I be mad over this? It's pretty well made, so I have nothing to complain about."

I smiled as I placed the figurine upright on the desk. As you can probably guess, the figurine wasn't made in the image of anyone else. It was, in fact, a carving of me.

It's obvious why he was worried I would be upset about it. It's not exactly pleasant for most people to have a carving or a painting of themselves made without their permission, at least not around here anyways.

"If consent is what you're worried about, I give you full permission to make as many figurines of me as you want, just don't sell them. If you do intend to sell them, make sure to at least send me half the profit, or I'll be sure to kick your ass the next time I come back."

I spoke in a jesting tone which seemed to get a smile out of him, finally alleviating any tension and concern he had left.

Having completely lost his nervousness, he placed three mask on the table, each made of different materials and varying styles of carving.

The first one was a rather simple wood carving made with snow silk wood, the same type that he made the figurine out of. It didn't have any particular features, only covering the face completely, leaving out the eyes to see through.

The second one was an interesting fox mask, complete with fox ears and all. Seemed to be made of some sort of stone that I've never seen before, appearance wise it looked like porcelain but I could tell it was far more durable than them. It had a base coloring of white together with blue and gold lines along it's contours that seeks to emphasize it's foxy nature, which I quite like very much.

The last one was carved out of a silver-white crystal like substance, forming a beautiful butterfly mask that covered the entire upper part of the face down to the nose, though that also means it exposes the mouth. It didn't have any coloring painted over it but it didn't need to in the first place, it already looked exquisite as it is.

"Wow, you said you thought I was joking about the mask, yet you went and made them anyways. That's just adorable, man."

"What? Where did you even get that idea from? I only had them lying around here collecting dust, so I'm giving them away."

That's the fattest lie I've heard in a while now. I've visited this place many times now and have secretly scanned all of his creations on several occasions, yet never seen those three masks before. He also certainly has no reason to hide them from me till now, not to mention I could clearly tell they were were made recently. But whatever Mr. Giant Tsundere, you do you.

Honestly, I was just expecting him to give out those weird old eccentric masks that he made a long time ago, but this was most definitely a pleasant surprise.

"Can I have all three of them then?"

"Yeah, of course. That was the idea in the first place, I don't exactly have any personal use for them."

Great, I can alternate between them whenever I like, one more spice up to the adventure life.

"So can you go now? I sort of have things to do."

"Sure, that is, after I see you finish the figurine."

"..."

"Come on! I'll even give a little gift after you finish it."

"...Haah— Fine, whatever, suit yourself."

He moved towards his seat earlier (which I had already moved away from), taking the figurine and his tool before slowly carving away at it. Standing opposite to him, I could see his dexterous hands work their magic together with the chisel while also seeing the Mana flow around his body, some focusing on his eyes while the others concentrating towards the tip of his chisel.

This was likely how he was able to sculpt clearly my facial features and the other minute details despite the figurine's size.

It didn't take that long to complete, considering it was practically finished already in the first place.

I stretched my hands towards him the moment he looked up. Understanding what I was trying to convey, he confusedly handed the figurine to me with some reluctance.

"What are you trying to do?"

"Just sit and watch~"

Without bothering to explain, I held up the figurine closer to my face and examined it a bit. A few ideas leaped up from the back of my head, but I eventually settled down to a specific design.

As soon as I came to a decision, a strand of primordial force sprang from the depths of my heart, making its way through my arm till eventually materializing into my fingertip, which I lightly tapped the sculpture with.

At that moment, color spread all throughout the carving.

Fair lifelike skin, white snow like hair which reached down the waist, together with contrasting colored left and right eye, gold and blue respectively, had caused a drastic transformation to the figurine.

On the other hand, her knee long dress seemed to contradict her, as a jet black color reminiscent of the night diffused across it, while a blood red hue laced the clothing like decorations along with the ribbons tied to the hair.

Black thigh high stockings covered her legs, so it wouldn't look too revealing, but I also made sure to add a mist like censoring effect under the dress, because someone decided to be a pervert and carved out the underside of the skirt as well.

With careful observation, you could almost mistake it as a living person shrunken down a size if it weren't for its serene stillness.

On another note, I secretly added a blessing to it. Though I wonder if he'll even notice.

The change greatly astonished Eddie, engraving an especially shocked expression on his face. Though he narrowed his eyes doubtfully, seemingly after noticing a strange detail.

"...Black and red?"

"Contrasting colors! Doesn't it make it more interesting? Besides, now it has the complete set of primary colors, well sort of anyways."

Also, the smug-as-hell smile made her (or should I say me in this case?) look evil as f*ck, the black dress just accentuated the witch like vibe. Not that this would pass as a proper reason for him, so I deliberately left it out.

"By the way, why did you carve me in a skirt?"

For the most part, I rarely ever wear a skirt. I usually wear long pants and other male-ish clothes, which surprisingly no one seems to complain about. Can't really blame them considering how eccentric my older siblings are, I guess in their eyes, a tomboyish princess is hardly anything to complain about.

In the off chance that I do dress in a skirt, it's usually because my mom chose it for me and I can't, for the life of me, bear to betray those hopeful expectant eyes of hers.

That said, as far as I'm concerned, in the two years that I've known him, he should've only seen me exactly once in a skirt, so it shouldn't have left that deep of an impression.

That is of course unless...

"Ohoh~ Seems like our Woody here has quite the fetish for girls in skirts~"

Seeing him tense up a little, I realized I hit bullseye.

"And here I thought tomboyish girls were more your type, but I guess I was wrong."

"...Uh hold on—"

"No no, you don't have to explain to me. Liking girly girls is pretty standard in most guys, so it's not that big of a deal. Personally, I like to see girls in a skirt too, so we're like minded in that aspect."

"..."

Despite his best efforts to keep a calm expression, I can still see his ears blush which I couldn't help but chuckle at. He remained silent, probably understanding that anything said further might just embarrass him more.

As I handed him the extremely realistic figurine of myself, I began to pack the mask into my storage in. I conversed with him a bit more, talking about his future plans and places I hope to visit.

Unfortunately, as with all things, I had to say my goodbyes with one of the few friends I made in the capital. Though technically, I already said my goodbyes the last time I met him.

"By the way, free advice, if you get yourself a girlfriend you should probably throw that away or at the very least hide it well. You wouldn't wanna be classified as a weirdo or anything."

"I highly doubt that would happen. Besides, I'm already being seen as a weirdo."

"Hey, don't say that! You never know, I've seen worse of guys get themselves a date. Damn lucky bastards."

"..."

While the man was still left speechless, I quickly skedaddled outta there. Though I also made sure to lock the door and remake the defensive spells exactly how it was prior to my entrance. In the first place I was the one who made them, since the dude couldn't even be bothered to hire an actual sorcerer for it.

In any case, having finished tying up lose ends, I finally head to my main destination for today.

Which of course is none other than the Adventurers Guild.

 

 

---

 

 

[??? POV]

 

Despite it still being relatively early in the morning, the Adventurer's Guild had already racked up quite a few people lounging around.

Some are looking around the quest board, one is trying to flirt with the female receptionist on my other end, while others are gathered around the tables discussing things. There's even a drunkard drinking mead he obtained from hell knows where, the guild isn't exactly a bar that sells beverages.

Honestly, from my experience, about a third of them probably aren't even registered Adventurers. For some reason, hanging around a guild is just something people do, even without having any proper business doing so.

"Haaaah—Ugh..."

Heaving a tired sigh, I lazily leaned back into my chair, which thankfully has comfortable cushion. If I was seen by someone right now, they'd probably see me as being unprofessional, but who the hell even cares?

If there's one upside to being a receptionist in an Adventurer's Guild, it's that no one gives a sh*t how you appear to be as long as you get your job done. Naturally there are some troublemakers, but those types of people generally want to cause problems regardless, so they don't really count.

Moreover, being able to work here in the capital allowed for some pretty hefty salary despite a rather humble job.

"Hello~ Would you mind assisting me for a bit?"

Just as I had let myself go, a melodious voice took my mind out of its resting state. Sitting up, I found a girl standing on the other side of my desk.

Boasting a black, silk like hair which fell to her waist, she wore a leather garb that lacked any femininity. A simple white wooden mask concealed her face, yet it couldn't hide a pair of clear blue eyes brimming with gentle purity.

"Hi! Uh, how can I help you."

"Well, I'd like to register as an Adventurer, if that isn't too much trouble."

"N-No, not a all! I would be happy to help."

Her sonorous words rang like music in my ears, scratching an itch within my heart which I never even knew existed. I couldn't help but be heavily motivated, swiftly opening my drawers and taking a piece of paper from the files.

"This here the registry application, if you can't read and write, I can do it for you."

"It's okay, I can manage."

Taking the paper, she began to carefully scrutinize it. Seeing her take it so seriously, I felt strangely nervous, even though I have no reason to be.

"Is it mandatory to fill it all out?"

A rather surprising question fell out, though thinking about it further it was clear why. Around half the form usually asks questions related to one's identity, and while most wouldn't particularly mind, some prefer to keep themselves anonymous. Looking at her mask, it's clear she's part of the latter.

"No, only name, race, age, birthplace, and Elemental Attribute is mandatory, the rest you can leave blank if you wish. The most important part in applying is your Blood and Mana imprint which we will have to do in a little while."

"I understand."

She thought deeply for a brief moment, before she began to write on the form using a pen left on the desk, which she completed rather quickly before handing it over to me.

'Let's see... Luna huh? How fitting.'

Remembering her eyes which were reminiscent of the blue moon, I found her name suiting her quite well. But reading further brought me a few surprises.

She had the Elemental Attributes of Lightning, Light, and Life, meaning she wasn't only a Tri-Elementalist but also wields one of the four higher Attributes.

Moreover, she was born and raised here, in the central capital of the Amenthys Kingdom. People moving to and fro from other cities were understandable, but to be born and raised here specifically either meant she had a very rich family, or...

'A Noble...'

Though I quickly dismissed that thought. If she were really a Noble, she wouldn't have much interest in being an Adventurer.

"By the way, I was told to give this out while signing up."

Reaching out to the pouch bag wrapped in her waist, she took out an envelope engraved in gold.

"This..."

Carefully holding the envelope, I saw clearly three very distinct insignia imprinted upon it. Although I've only seen something like this once, I was well aware of what it meant.

It was a special recommendation letter.  

"H-hold on, I'm sorry but I need to get this verified first."

"...Uh, sure I guess? I can wait."

"Thanks for your patience."

Not wanting her to wait too long, I quickly sped upstairs heading towards a room. Though I stopped after reaching my destination, as I heard loud murmuring behind the door.

Which was strange since there should be a fairly good sound insulation between the rooms. I knocked thrice, but it unfortunately only fell on deaf ears.

Thinking of her who was still waiting in the lower floor, I impatiently opened the door.

"—Look! Why in the flying f*ck do you think I would steal-huh? Sam?"

{Because you were the last person to leave the building, asshole!}

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Inside, I found one of my supervisors having a heated argument with someone using a telecom crystal.

"Were dropping this, I have business to attend to."

{Hold on! We aren't finished with—}

"Yeah no, I don't give a f*ck."

Without hesitation, he cut the communication before turning his attention back to me.

"What is it this time?"

"Someone brought a recommendation letter which needs a conformation."

"Fine, let me see it first."

I readily handed him the envelope, which he began to carefully inspect in great detail. Though seeing the three insignia made him raise a brow.

"This is the Guild Master's emblem."

He said, pointing to one of the insignia.

"...Was it really?"

"Yes, did you seriously not know your own Guild Master's symbol?"

"No, it wasn't like I was told to do so."

"That's true, anyways I'll do the conformation myself with the Guild Master, in the meantime you can go back and keep the recommendee occupied."

He left after patting me in the shoulder, moreover he seemed strangely eager too. Regardless, it wasn't my business to pry deeper so I returned downstairs to where the applicant was waiting.

"Sorry, the letter is being validated right now, please wait just a bit longer."

"Uh, was it really necessary for all of this formality."

"Yes, actually."

Special recommendations are exceedingly uncommon, as they are a break from the conventional rules within the association.

For the most part, regardless of one's experience, strength, and age, the moment you apply as an adventurer, you start as an F-Rank and work your way up. But with a recommendation, you can start at a higher ranking than what you normally should've.

Moreover, it allows for a special status that could be likened to VIP, bringing all sorts of benefits specific to the person themselves.

Well, despite all of its upsides, it's much harder to obtain than just simply working your way up. For one, you need three different confirmations, represented by the three insignia.

One from someone with reputable authority, one from a reputable power, and a third conformation from a guild. The first signifies that they are trustworthy enough to hold this privilege, the second signifies they hold sufficient strength to have such a privilege, and the final establishes the validity of the former two.

From the three emblems, I recognized the symbol of the Magic Association and was told of the Guild Master's emblem being one of them. Assuming that the third one is from a noble, or someone with significant authority, the she has the complete set.

While slowly explaining to her the significance of the Special Recommendation Letter, I recognized one of the Guild Master's assistant moving towards us.

"Are you perhaps the recommendee?"

"Uh, yes."

"The Guild Master is calling for the two of you in the third floor."

Her words took a second to register.

"Wait! Me too?"

"Yes."

"...O-okay."

I followed the two as they headed towards the third floor, where we were lead to a spacious area that one could mistake as a living room. Inside, there was a woman sitting comfortably in the couch, yet despite her languid appearance, one could feel an unshakable confidence radiating from her.

I couldn't mistake her even if I wanted to, she was the Master and manager of the Guild.

"Hey, Luna~ I was expecting you but I didn't expect you would come this early."

"Why? Should I have come in the afternoon?"

"Well, if you had come an hour earlier, I might not have been here yet."

I was surprise to find the two of them well acquainted with each other, though I also felt a bit unnerved since I was somewhat out of place. Looking around, I realized that the door beside us was closed and the assistant missing.

"Why don't you two sit down a bit."

The girl named Luna was able to casually sit down in a couch opposite to the Guild Master, while I on the other hand sat prudently on a single seated couch separate from them.

"Why the mask?"

"You already know why."

"Does it still need to be worn even here?"

Luna glanced at me briefly before a sigh escaped her lips. Reaching out, she removed her mask and handily placed it on the desk.

The moment I saw what hid underneath the mask, I felt as though my heart was smashed by a cataclysmic force. All my life, I had seen many women who could be perceived as beautiful.

Whether the fair maidens who keep their appearance pristine, the myriads of female adventurers who live their life day to day, or even the gracious noble ladies from afar, yet all of them seem to pale in comparison to her and her alone.

As if a Goddess had descended upon the world, robbing it of all its colors, and selfishly leaving only hers to reign.

"By the way, this is Sam, my nephew, I hoped you two could get along really—"

"Please no, I have enough people either courting me or trying to pair me with their sons, I really hope you don't add to the bunch."

"Haha~ I'm merely jesting, loosen up a little why don't you."

It took their conversation passing, before I finally left my trance like state. There on the table was a set of documents that were already filled up.

"You already finished the paperwork?"

"Yes~"

"Why didn't you tell me you were going to do it?"

"I wanted to leave it as a surprise~"

The Guild Master began to spread the papers out, clearly explaining where the signatures were required while urging her to read the print carefully.

"Sam here could act as the third party witness to your designation. Now, if you have any questions, feel free to ask away."

"Is all this formality really required?"

"Yep~"

"I'm starting to regret handing in your stupid letter."

"No take backs unfortunately, hehe~"

Luna began to peruse the documents with a slight frown painting her beautiful face, after which she began to sign. Once she completed, the Guild Master took out a metallic plaque-like object. I could tell it was an identification imprinting artifact of sorts, but it seems different from the usual.

"Now for this one, you just have to drop you blood and input your mana, then you're set. Oh, and Sam, go ahead and sign your part as the witness."

I did as I was told, feeling a little ecstatic that I was given the chance to be her witness. I even praised myself for choosing the early morning as my shift, as it allowed me to meet a Goddess.

Looking towards her, I saw her pricked her thumb with a needle which she seemed to have brought herself. She pressed the thumb into the plaque, while pouring her mana in the same sequence.

At that moment, a change occurred in the plaque, which surprised me. It glowed a crystalline light before splitting into two parts, one shrank down becoming a platinum white card given to Luna, while the other retained it's size and was taken by the Guild Master.

 "That will act as your identity card, make sure to take good care of it, it's very expensive you know?"

Luna began to curiously observe the card.

"...D-Rank, seven stars?"

"Why? Is the rank too low? If you want I can arrange—"

"No no, please no. I'd like to keep the rank, I was actually more worried you rose the ranking to an absurd height, just... what are the stars for."

"Oh, that there is your Special Classification Grading, you can think of it as a VIP score of sorts. It's the highest that a special recommended can have."

"...Haaah— I can't even be bothered to complain anymore, you win."

"It's my belated birthday gift, since I couldn't participate last time."

"Thanks, I guess, Serra."

I felt a wave of sympathy rising within me as I looked at Luna who seemed exhausted by the Guild Master.

"Now, you are free to go to the quest board and search for a task you'd like. If you want, I can even recommend one for you."

"No thanks, I'll do it myself. If leave it to you, I feel like you might pull something."

"Harsh~ Am I not trustworthy at all?"

"I don't know, you tell me."

"Ouch~"

While pouting, the Guild Master commanded me to lead Luna out, which I dutifully obeyed.

As we were making our way out, Luna began to speak with me, much to my surprise.

"Your name was Sam right?"

"Y-yes?"

"Your aunt can be quite a handful, how do you usually deal with her?"

"W-well, it's not like I can do anything about her."

"That's true~"

I couldn't help but be embarrassed while we continue to converse, as I stuttered constantly like child meeting their crush. I wanted to crawl into a hold and perish, knowing I'm ruining any positive impression I could've left.

"Hey Sam?"

"Yes?"

"You're an alright guy, ya know? Thanks for everything."

Together with her gratitude, she gave me the most wondrous smile I had ever seen, one that will perhaps be forever burned within deepest recess of my heart. I felt as though my world collapsed and rebuilt itself within the span of an instant.

"I h-hardly did anything that you need to be grateful for, I merely did my job."

"Just because it's your job, doesn't mean you shouldn't be thanked for it. Anyways, see ya around Sam~"

As she left, I could only stand dumbfounded while staring blankly at her back.

For the rest of the day, I worked absentmindedly. Feeling time pass rapidly, I felt as if a few people might've impatiently yelled at me, though it didn't seem to register to me.

"Hoh~ Seems like someone was pulled into quite the very deep end."

"G-Guild Master?"

"You don't have to call me that, we're not exactly at the guild anymore."

"Aunty?"

"Too much! You make me sound old. Just call me like you usually do."

"...Serra."

She snickered, casually patting me on the back.

"So, what did you think of Luna?"

"She's... I don't know."

"Come on! I know there's definitely something."

"...I don't think any combination of words could do her justice."

She widened her eyes in shock after hearing my words, as if finally comprehending a horrifying truth.

"Don't tell me... damn, you really fell into quite the terrifying abyss."

"..."

"She truly was a dreadful weapon, deadly in more ways than one."

A pair of eyes gazed at me pityingly, which only served to bring me discomfort.

"...Is it that impossible?"

"You two practically live in two different worlds."

"...I see..."

"It's okay Sam, cheer up, I'm sure you'll find someone. Tell you what I'll even introduce you to a friend's daughter...(etc)"

Honestly, her attempts to comfort me felt more hurtful than if she'd just shut up, but unfortunately, I couldn't exactly tell her that outright.

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

[Extra: Fruitless Affections]

 

He met her two years ago, at that time she'd only been 12 and he'd only been 14.

It was never a particularly special encounter, she sought the creation of a weapon and he had merely been present, helping his brothers at the smithy.

Though, the moment he laid eyes upon her, he had been moved. He thought perhaps even the greatest sculptures he'd seen thus far were still a level beneath her.

Yet such a perfect first impression was utterly ruined the instant she mistook one of his wooden carving as a practice dummy, hurling a newly made throwing knife upon it and destroying it in the process.

Since he deeply cherished his creations, unable to even bear to sell them, a rather grave dislike towards her was born.

Learning of her mistakes she tried to remedy it, paying for it in gold, gifting her own treasured belongings, and even attempting to remake a replica of her own to offer.

Seeing her being sincerely apologetic, he eventually forgave her and over time, the two even became friends.

She was greatly outgoing and mischievous, while he was heavily introverted and preferred to keep things to himself, yet the stark difference didn't seem to dull their connection.

As time went on, an affectionate feeling different from friendship slowly bloomed within his heart, yet he never dared to convey them.

He knew she never felt the same way towards him and their status would never permit such a coupling, and more than everything, he was well aware that such a treachery often ruined friendships.

And so, he crumpled the budding feelings to the ground, hoping such a thing would cease their existence. Yet much to his dismay, they never stopped growing.

He could only resort to hiding them, pretending they never existed. It pained him, yet he believed it was better this way than foolishly breaking their ties.

But unfortunately for him, the time of their parting drew nearer. He knew of her yearning to explore the wider world, and while he had accepted such an outcome, he still secretly despaired over it.

In the end, knowing he might deeply regret never disclosing his true thoughts, he confessed to her a month before her supposed schedule to leave.

Just as he expected, a rejection followed.

Despite having already anticipated such an outcome, he still became depressed. Requesting relief from smithy duty, he holed himself within his personal space and began to sculpt in hopes to keep his mind away from the rejection, leaving only for his living necessities.

Yet unexpectedly, she came to find him, comforting him as if the person he professed his affection to was not her.

Despite what many would consider treachery, she never broke their friendship, treating him the same as she always had.

And so, the day of their parting still came.

But this time, the farewell no longer felt as harsh as he thought it would be.

_________

___

 

Laying his head upon his desk, he stared at the tiny figure.

The figure itself looked so realistic that he could almost fool himself into thinking it was actually her, shrinking herself just to play a mischievous prank upon him.

"Haah—"

He sighed for the fifth time this hour, something that's usually unlike him.

It was undeniable that he still felt off due to her departure, but it wasn't a feeling he could rid himself just by wanting to.

He had spend over three days without a wink of sleep, carving out sculptures to vent himself. Something he usually does when stressed or angry, yet it had never been longer than a day and a half prior.

He should've been exhausted by now, and he had indeed been tired. Yet the moment he met her, most of his fatigue seemed to have dissipated into thin air.

Moreover, the longer he stared at her figurine, the more rejuvenated he felt.

'I can't go on like this.' Thinking so, he stretched himself.

If she saw him continuing to mope around, she might tease him for it. He wanted to at least seem more reliable in her eyes.

With such motivations, he took one of the incomplete sculptures and began his work once more, under the watchful eyes of the figure made in her image.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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