8 Unlucky day (1/2)
After walking out of the courtyard, all the kids spread out in different directions. Only Aria with her two close friends was left standing in front of the gate.
”See Aria, I told you these people won't help us with the chores,” Sean complained. ”What is there to say? They never stick around anyway.” Chloe replied as she glared at the back of the other kids.
Aria looked unhappy, ”Samuel even promised to help yesterday. He is so bad, he broke his promise.”
Sean said, ”Why don't we go along with them and have some fun first?”
”If you want to leave with them, you can go.” Aria scolded him harshly.
”Yes Sean, I can see you don't want to work with us. You should leave with the others.” Chloe echoed.
Little Sean was tempted. Last week the boys had boasted about their experiences. They had a seen a dead flaming bull hanging in front of Hunter Loki's house.
He would love to go with them today and try his luck. Maybe he'll have the chance to look at some monsters killed by the Hunters in town.
Aria glanced back at the late Chiyo and said, ”Arca, are you coming with us to complete the task?” Chiyo glanced at her and only nodded slightly. Seeing their interaction, Sean gave up hesitation and stated, ”It's alright. I am coming along so we won't need Arca to come along.”
”We have wasted enough time. Let's complete this quick, else we won't have free time to play afterwards. I and Chloe will visit the fruit shop and you guys go pick up the incense.” Aria decided for them. Sean was reluctant to partner with Chiyo but before he could complain Aria continued. ”We will later meet up in front of the flower shop.” Telling them this much, Aria held Chloe's hand and ran towards their destination.
Sean was bitter, he didn't get to partner up with Aria again. He glanced at Chiyo and said, ”Why do you have to come and disturb us? We could complete the quest just fine without you.” Chiyo looked at him oddly, ”I wanted to visit the butcher since the shops are nearby I'm helping.” Sean couldn't find fault with that logic. He could only snort coldly and start walking towards the incense shop, Chiyo followed behind him calmly.
Backlog town was a really small place. Though it had a lot of houses, few people lived in them. Most of them were serving as holiday homes for rich hunters.
Backlog town was left alone by beasts, was broadly known. Hence it became a favoured spot for hunters who wanted a break but did not wish to travel far from the forest. Still, compared to the prospering towns, it was a small boring place that only the elderly liked.
Reaching the butcher's shop, Chiyo waved at Sean and shouted, ”You should move ahead, I'll see what old Niel is doing.” Sean didn't even bother looking back and kept on walking forward. Chiyo did not mind, he was accustomed to Sean's sassy personality. Circling the shop front, he proceeded to the backyard.
”Old Niel! What new things did you find this week?” Chiyo shouted across the wooden fence. Sprawled over a chair, Neil the old butcher of Backlog town was sunbathing in his backyard. Raising his head he glanced towards the door and lazily responded, ”Little brat Chiyo, I shall spank you on one of these occasions for interrupting my naps.”
”What interrupting? You are always laying on your chair. Haven't you had enough of napping?” Chiyo came up beside Niel and complained.
”My old bones can't take much beating. During my youth, I could butcher a dozen Wyverns each week. But now, slaughtering a pig takes my breath away.”
”Bah! A dozen Wyverns? Do you take me for a little kid? Stop boasting and answer my question.”
”Little one, don't speak as if you are a hundred-year-old monster. I must teach you a lesson one of these days.” Bantering with Chiyo leisurely, Niel stood up from his chair and retired inside his house. Seeing the boastful fellow disappear behind the door excited Chiyo. Since he went in, he will surely bring out something new and extraordinary.
Soon Niel walked out holding a long icy blue feather. Placing the feather on his tea table he began speaking seriously, ”This tail feather is from the legendary Thunderbird. I bought it from a travelling merchant for a thousand coins yesterday.” Chiyo frowned slightly and inquired, ”Wasn't the Thunderbird supposed to have bright yellow feathers?”
Staring at the silent Niel, Chiyo suspiciously said, ”Don't tell me you got scammed?”
”Aiya! Old me got scammed again. What will I do now? My thousand gold coins!” Hearing the wailing old man, Chiyo was astonished, ”You used gold coins to get this? Aren't those precious? Old Niel you fool! Someday people will sell you and you will help count the money for your scammer.”