Chapter 147: Back to the city (1/2)

Under the clear morning sky, a long black-haired young boy could be seen casually crossing through the dense shrubbery of the forest. He was wearing a thin linen short-sleeved beige shirt with khaki-colored simple linen-pants. Even though he was told to wear a bit more, he really hated wearing much, it felt too restrictive. Adding to this, he always had to keep his garment in mind, especially in combat. Even his hair was left freely fluttering against the wind, it felt better, natural that way.

Reaching the edges, he halted his steps and leaned against the trunk of a nearby oak tree. He had a remote look on his face, seemingly lost, gazing at the dusty road just ahead. Despite the early morning, people have already started to form a serpentine line. Looking at it, his golden irises flashed momentarily, his lips curved forming a thin smile.

This wasn't his first time here, nor was it the second. Still, despite that, seeing the entrance, he still remembered the past and couldn't help but smile. At that time, he still didn't know that years later his two companions from that time will one day be his most important people in life, his family.

Coming back from his memory trip, he shook his head, smirking at himself. Taking a step forth, his figure seemingly vanished from existence, only to appear a couple of dozen meters ahead on the road, at the end of the snaking queue.

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Robert was a small trader, selling the crops and everything their village managed to produce in the city marketplace and using that money to gather up all the required materials and necessities the villagers needed.

Today they came early since they had a long list to complete. They even came with some extra coins just to be safe. He was sitting on his cart, grumbling at their misfortune that despite them trying to arrive early in the morning, they were still too late, and had to wait through the tedious entry process.

He just casually glanced at the direction of the forest when he noticed a long black-haired farm boy come out and look at the direction of the city. He seemed to be lost in thoughts as he kept his attention towards the gates. However, when he suddenly took a step and seamlessly vanished, he jolted in shock, startling his wife in the process.

”What is it?!” Joyce, the middle-aged brown-haired mature woman looked at his husband with confusion. She was just about to doze off when he suddenly jumped up, as they probably still had at least an hour before they could gain entry.

”T-there w-was a boy…” He pointed towards the spot where he saw that long-haired youth just a moment ago.

Looking at the spot, Joyce grumbled.

”And? Why did you shout?”

”H-he just disappeared… Was it a ghost?” He responded still in a daze, not believing his eyes.

Hearing her husband's words, Joyce frowned unhappily. Leaning closer she smelled at his breath before speaking up.

”Hmm… you smell drunk… Maybe you are just still tired. We did have to wake up pretty early today. Go and sleep, we still have an hour at the very least.”

Keeping his gaze at the now-empty spot, Robert sighed.

”Maybe you are right… I am still a bit sle-” His words froze in him as he turned his head around, he noticed the same farm boy behind them, casually taking his spot. He nervously poked at his wife next to him, speaking with a much higher-pitched, agitated tone.

”Joyce, there, behind us! It's that boy! He just appeared behind us! Can you see it also?”

Turning her back around on the seat she saw a wild, long black-haired boy. He was wearing poor, baggy linen clothing. He had no baggage on him, seemed to be completely penniless.

Keeping her gaze at the boy, she answered.