Dreams… always having those, honestly it’s haunting and not really all that pleasant. Despite that I tried to fall asleep over and over again convincing myself there’s nothing wrong…

“Are you okay there?” Rosia asked must’ve seen my darken expression,

“Just some thoughts” I said as I dress up properly ready to leave.

 

#####

 

As I walk down the stairs I came across a familiar face… one that I wouldn’t have seen again if I go through with it.

“So, it seems yesterday was quite eventful on your end” She remarked, not doing anything childish or saying it high and mighty.

“What’s your business here?” I asked highly cautious. Someone of her standing ought to be troublesome.

“I check in and see that your stays here ends today. No doubt you’re leaving, is there really no chance for you to be at my side?” She asked. So that’s her reason.

“Absolutely none” I firmly replied. Footsteps can be heard behind me, from Rosia.

“Who is she?” Rosia behind me asked cautiously.

“Nothing to worry about” I replied… The noble girl simply observe us for a short while.

“Hm hm… I heard of her from yesterday, the one you managed to save” She said still inspecting us.

“Is that all you have to say?” I asked. Feeling like she’s about to pull something, and I won’t let myself or Rosia fall victim to whatever she’s scheming.

“...Well, perhaps there’s a good reason why you won’t stay with me. I understand” She said as she turn around and ready to leave.

“What does that mean?” I asked doubting that this is all she’s here for.

“Someone of a high stature as myself understand those lower, I’m here to see for myself your reasoning for rejecting me. Seeing it myself all I can say is, I give up, go be with who you care for most” She said as she just leave the place… what the hell is with her? Just leaving me alone… I thought someone like her would be much worse… Perhaps… 

“What was that all about?” Rosia asked.

“Just someone from here talking to me, let’s go say our goodbyes and leave” I replied, and she silently comply.

 

#####

 

Right now we’re heading for the guild to say our goodbyes and get out of here. We’ll go through the eastern gate and make our way to the capital.

“Anything you want to do before we actually leave the place?” I asked.

“Nothing” She replied.

“I see” I said.

 

#####

 

“So yeah we’re leaving” I said to the guild master. He sigh.

“Yeah message received” He said somewhat half-heartedly.

“What’s even the point of this?” Rosia asked.

“It’s not necessary but it’ll be quite alarming if someone were to suddenly leave the town without saying anything right?” I said.

“Sure, but I think just telling the guards is enough” She replied.

“This is more convenient on their side” I argued.

“Whatever, are we done?” She asked.

“Yeah, let’s go” I said as I began walking…

“Wait” The guild master suddenly said.

“What is it?” I asked.

“If it’s alright with you, how about you take this along with you?” He said handing me down a letter.

“What is this?” I asked.

“It’s a recommendation for you to teach in the academy there” Huh?

“Excuse me?” I said. Rosia also have quite a perplexed expression as well, the timing is way too convenient isn’t it?

“The academy there is a bit short on staff and could use some helping hand. Look the people from the capital wants some extra staff okay? I don’t get them either, they just said find some good adventurer to help out or something” He explained, isn’t that something.

“But me of all people? Are you trying to sabotage the nobility or something?” I asked.

“I mean honestly I don’t have high opinions on them, but like hell anyone else will do it, you seems bored and need something to do” He explained.

“What about that armored guy?” I asked.

“You do know who he’s familiar to right?” …Yeah fair enough.

“Fair enough” I replied.

“What does that supposed to mean?” Rosia asked.

“Nothing to concern yourself over, is there anything else?” I said.

“None, you can go now” He said.

“Okay then… but first can I have some words with you alone? Rosia, you can go outside” I asked and commanded, and Rosia did so without any question.

“...That’s fine, Tora, go wait outside” He said to his assistant, and she comply.

…

“What it is?” He asked looking concerned and paranoid.

“In the chance of me messing up the academy or maybe the capital itself, you would be held accountable to some degree would you not?” I said.

“I guess I will, but really if they haven’t pressure me then I wouldn’t have give you that in the first place, I’ll probably try to shift the blame elsewhere” He explained.

“You could shift it on me if you want, my reputation would be nonexistent in that scenario anyway” I said.

“Are you fine with that?” He asked.

“What? Think the lord of all demons like me can’t take the blame?” I replied. Amusing.

“...I guess so, but you said it, not me” He said.

“Of course” I replied with a grin.

 

#####

 

“This is just absurd” Rosia said as we walk toward the capital, we leave immediately after that whole exchange and now we’re traveling there.

“No kidding, I mean it’s great for us to find your sister, but otherwise it’s just seems so convenient it should be impossible” I replied.

“Are you sure there are no deceptions or tricks in that letter of yours?” She asked.

“Nothing, just a good and honest letter. I mean being in a right place at a right time is a thing but this is still so ridiculous” I said.

“It certainly is” Rosia said.

“Anyhow we need to check which class she is in, and the schedule of the academy itself” I said looking at her while we still keep walking toward the capital, it’ll be a long walk.

“Look I don’t remember everything okay?” She said.

“Well it’s okay if you don’t” I said trying to reassure her.

“Is that so?” She said.

“Yeah, we’ll figure it out together soon enough” I replied.

…

“So why aren’t we running there as fast as possible?” She asked, a good question considering I did that just a few days ago.

“Well first of all I’m faster than you, secondly two people moving at inhumane speed can be quite suspicious, I don’t think doing something risky is good for our goal” I explained, to be honest though it’s also because I want to take this slowly, having some time to think things over and such.

“There’s more to that isn’t there?” She said almost sneering at me, she’s quite good at reading me I would say, it’s a bit scary.

“You see right through me” I admitted.

“Well I think having a breather isn’t exactly bad either, it’s just that the prospect of us losing her by taking our time is horrifying” She grimly said.

“It is. But we’ll never know how our actions will affect the results, rushing in might ended up for the worse” I replied.

“I’ll agree with you on that it might, but I still feel somewhat restless knowing we’re actually doing this” She said.

“I know you are, but self-control is important” I said.

“I knew that” She replied.

…

“So what should we do when we get to the capital? I mean we could go for the academy right away” I asked.

“That would be ideal if we were to locate her quickly, I don’t have any other suggestions aside from that” She said.

“I see, guess we’ll go there immediately” I said. She nodded.

…

“You know” I said.

“What is it?” She asked.

“It’s surprisingly nice walking along with someone” I said.

“What are you proposing?” She asked sounding a bit wary.

“It’s just my honest thought, starting this whole thing I thought I’ll do all of my journey alone, but look where I am now” I replied. We still keep walking despite the conversation.

“Why would you think that?” She asked.

“Honestly someone like me doesn’t really deserved companionship, someone who bring nothing but pain as their purpose for living, even if I’m different now it’s hard to shake off that thought” I explained.

“Is that really all there is to it?” She asked. She just keep reading me like an open book.

“Yeah, but it’s complicated. Anyhow I thought I’ll be unable to lead anyone or gain enough of their trust for them to stay with me through to the end. It’s a cynical look I know, but that’s how I feel” Companionship is a precious things and I know that full well, but there are times where it feels undeserved, like it’s because I’m being pitied.

“Well, just like you I don’t exactly expect any form of companionship either, my whole life I have either pushed others away or them avoiding me entirely, all for a purpose now meaningless. I thought I’ll be doomed to never understand any of that, but you saved me and willing to be my first companion, someone I could call a friend” …We both stopped as the wind howled, I turn to see her small smile while I looked at her in surprise…

“Do you… really mean that?” I asked.

“Of course” She said.

“...Will you be with me after all of this is over?” I asked.

“Of course” She replied.

“Can I relied on you when needed?” I asked.

“I’m prepared to help” She replied.

“Can you trust me to help you?” I asked.

“I certainly am at this moment” She replied.

“I… I don’t know what to say” I said. I didn’t expect her to answer all of that wit absolute certainty… a conviction more than just a friend would have… 

“It’s strange to see you like this” She noted.

“It’s unexpected, it’s something that seems impossible to me… please tell me you really mean that, that this isn’t a dream” I asked.

… 

“I do, I swear on my life” She said with a firm resolve...

“I… thank you” I replied unable to come up with anything else.

“No, I should thank you for letting me feel this way for the first time” She said.

…

“W-We should get moving… my friend” I said.

“Yes, let’s go” She said with a genuine smile on her…

 

#####

 

After that we didn’t talk but rather took the time to compose ourselves after that exchange… at this point we’re not even halfway to the capital and it’s going to be days until we reach it if we simply walked… I think I should break the silence at this point with my… friend. There’s still this feeling that seems unrelated to being just a friend that I feel awkward to think about alone.

“Hey, Rosia” I said.

“What is it?” She asked.

“Don’t you think there’s something you feel, that isn’t quite friendship?” I asked.

“W-What do you mean?” She said sounding very unconvincing.

“Isn’t there a feeling of belonging that just feels very special?” I asked.

“I… what’s even the point? You already know the answer” She replied.

“What do you think that is?” I asked.

“I don’t know, do you know what it is?” She asked.

“I have a clue as to what it is, but it’s honestly so unbelievable, even more than the thought of gaining a friend” I said.

“What is it then?” She asked.

“...It’s not good to make assumptions so I think we should leave it as is for now” I said trying to end the conversation I mistakenly started, this isn’t a good silence breaker at all.

“Very well” She replied sounding a bit awkward. Now what could we talk about? At this point it’s in the afternoon right now from my estimation.

“Is there anything else you want to talk about?” I asked.

“No, there’s nothing” She replied.

“I see” I replied. At this point we simply keep walking and that’s about it… 

 

#####

 

“It’s dark at this point” I commented on the dark night sky.

“It is, and certainly hard to see for me” She noted.

“Ah, you don’t have innate vision to see in the dark do you? I could give it to you if you want, or you could try using magic to give yourself something along the line of that temporarily” I suggested.

“You could do that?” She asked.

“Yeah, as long as I have the power related to it in some shape or form I should be able to give it” I explained.

“I’ll go with that then” She said.

“Very well, don’t move” I said while closing up on her. Concentrating and reach my hand out of her and touching her face… it’s a bit awkward to be honest but this is for her own good. I swear her face redden… [Demonic Modification]... 

…

“Now try seeing again” I said pulling my hand away.

“...I can see quite clearly” She said.

“It can be a bit awkward if you don’t realize when it’s actually dark or not, but it’s convenient isn’t it?” I said.

“Certainly… speaking of which, no one should be able to see us in such a dark night right?” She asked.

“Not really, why?...Oh you meant we’re going to-”

“Fly over there, it should be faster” She said cutting me off.

“Sounds good to me” I said.

**Flap**

The the wings manifested and began moving.

**Fly** 

And we both fly upward.

“Now, the capital is in this direction, follow me close by okay?” I asked.

“Certainly” She replied.

 

#####

 

In the end we take a break for the day. It’s simply too exhausting for her, and even when I did it I really felt out of breath. 

“You still have your bed with you right?” I asked.

“Certainly… will you have us both sleep in here for the night?” She said.

“Well not like there’s any other option, let me set up the wall first” I said.

*[Earth Wall]*

Wall of earth surrounded us, hopefully it’ll maintain until the morning. Rosia then put her bed down, it’s a messy set up honestly.

*[Cleanse]* *[Earth Reinforcement]*

That should help making the place cleaner.

“Alright time to go to sleep… together” I said awkwardly.

“Won’t it be uncomfortable for the two of us to stay in the same bed?” Rosia asked looking a little embarrassed, I feel you.

“It might, but let’s not think about that” I said.

“Fine” She replied as she took off her short coat, and I did the same.

“Good night” I said as I lay down onto the bed first. She then snuggled into it getting really close to me.

“Same for you to” She replied. Is it just me or is it kinda heating up? Hopefully I can sleep like this, and hopefully that’ll apply to her as well… Happy thoughts and nothing else, don’t think of anything weird…

…

She’s closing in a little too much to be honest, but it’s strangely comforting...

 

#####

 

Both of them are here again, I’m not really sure what to make of them to be honest, I mean A—an have been my friend for the longest time but I’ve never asked her as to why… and R-i-a seems do only be a friend because I’m hers more than anything else. At least it’s better than nothing. I think. But… I’ll probably lose them sooner or later, much like her… 

“K—- are you alright?” -y—n asked.

“I think so” I replied.

“Honestly you don’t have to say that, you can be honest with us you know?” R—ta said.

“Yeah” A—-n agreed.

“I mean… there’s nothing to worry about” I lied. I know that, but I don’t want them to pity on me anymore than they already did. I appreciate it but it feels wrong… 

“Lies” Huh? That voice, I turn around I didn’t see anyone, what was that? I think… I’ll go see what was that about.

…

At this point I’m in the hallway, why am I even walking to this voice? Why am I leaving them behind? What’s even going on anymore?

“Whatever this whole deal is, it’s been weighing on you hasn’t it?” The voice said again. I think her voice came from here?

*Open*

…

“This whole thing has been your dream the entire time huh” She callously said… she’s… 

“My head” I said feeling confused and in pain. It’s like a vortex, chaos, everything blurring.

“Maova!” She yelled out… my name.

“W-What?” I asked… my appearance… my voice… it’s all… She’s reaching out her hand toward me…

“Rosia” I said.

“Come to me” She said, and I comply…

“D-Do you truly care for me?” I asked.

“Of course” She replied…

…

 

#####

 

Haaaaa, that was a nice nap… I feel more refreshing than ever I would say, even though we were sharing a single bed. She was holding onto me tightly, yet it never feel so good before… 

“Good morning sleepyhead” Rosia greeted. Already up before me.

“Good morning to you too” I replied. I definitely feel a lot better than before, like a part of me that was weighing me down is gone… I guess that’s a way to describe it.