Chapter 64 - #63 Oarburghs hideout (1/2)
Babara started explaining what she felt when she was under the curse.
”He said that his sword is named Murasame, maybe it will help you later once you will be looking for more information” Babara said with a serious expression.
”I see...The information you just provided to me is extremely valuable.” I replied with a small confident smile.
”Anyway...how did you stop the curse? Do you already have some kind of strategy against that sword? Because even if you are extremely skilled, there is always a chance for you to get caught off guard and attain one but fatal nick on your skin.” Babara asked with a curious expression while putting her hand at her stomach on the location where I penetrated my hand into her body.
”You already know about my ability to control fire...I just used the fire to purify it and burn the curse itself away.” I explained with a small smile while looking at Taeko and Chelsea talking to each other some distance away from us.
”You...burned it away? But wouldn't that also burn my insides?” She asked with a curious expression.
”I don't have that good control over my flames but I was able to burn only the thing I wanted to burn, of course, it took a big toll on me since my control isn't the best yet.” I explained with a smile and Babara was slightly surprised by my words.
”Anyway, what do you plan on doing, now that you have failed.” I asked with a slightly curious expression.
”First of all, we must return to our base and report this to our leader. This time, we have got big targets.” Babara immediately replied with a slightly disappointed expression.
”I see...your leader. Is she still the same after so many years?” I asked with a slightly curious expression since I still want to get my hands on the Danger Beasts control technique.
”Well...It's hard to say. Ever since she met you, she has been treating men with slightly more respect but her illness is still there. However, I must commend her that she at least tries to push her urges back when she is in a serious situation.” Babara said with a tired expression.
”Well, I guess her sėxuȧŀly ȧssaulting women is still better than whoring herself out on the streets...That would be a real disgrace for Oarburgh.” I jokingly said with a small smile.
”...Please don't even joke about such things.” Babara glanced at me and said with a serious expression.
”Alright, when do you plan to leave? Are you well enough to travel?” I asked.
”I want to return as fast as possible and my condition is already better so we will take our leave after lunch.” She answered while glancing at both Taeko and Chelsea.
.
.
.
”Well, I guess I no longer need to accompany you since you will be returning to your clan right now.” I said with a small smile while standing and facing all 3 of them.
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'Are we going to part ways so soon? After I finally discovered something new and pleasant? What is this stinging pain?' Taeko thought with a confused expression while pressing her hand to her heart.
'Although we didn't spend long time with each other, it was fun and I kinda don't want to return now. All of this despite him being utterly irritating and annoying the entire time' Chelsea thought with a slightly sad smile.
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Babara and Chelsea said their goodbyes to me and turned around to leave however Taeko didn'T follow them and stood on her original position completely frozen. She was staring at me without blinking.
”Taeko...?” Babara turned her head back and called her out but she still didn't move a bit.
When it looked like Babara was about to come back to check on Taeko...
”Granny, how about we go ahead?! Taeko surely must have something to discuss with Akashi after all, they didn't have time to talk about that yesterday's fight at all.” Chelsea was saying this while pushing Babara ahead with a forced smile.
”Hm? Fine...stop pushing me, you are annoying as ever.” Babara replied and started walking without looking behind her.
Taeko finally responded and looked at Chelsea who only showed her thumb up with a wink before running after Babara.
When Chelsea and Babara disappeared from our sight...
”Taeko?” I called her out with a gentle smile and she looked down while gripping her sword tightly.
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'What should I say? I have no idea why I even stayed behind to begin with...Chelsea said to simply follow what my instincts and heart say without thinking too much about it.' Taeko thought with a difficult expression.
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”Um-! Akashi? Would you mind coming back with me?” She suddenly raised her head and called out my name aloud and then she blurted out this question.
...I see, well, I haven't said when I will return and I could also use this chance to interact with their leader in better circumstances than before. And I won't lie....I also want to spend more time with Taeko after the last night.
My expression remained calm without any changes while I gestured for her to come closer. She was confused by this and tilted her head to the side in confusion but she still came close enough to me.
I suddenly put my hand on her cheek and gave her a quick peck on her lips.
”Is that enough of an answer for you?” I asked with a gentle smile.
”Mm!” She immediately brightly smiled and nodded her head with a happy expression.
”What is going on?” Babara asked while looking at Taeko before she directed her gaze at Chelsea who had a teasing smile on her face while looking at Taeko.
”I am going with you, I will regularly check on your condition on your journey. I also want to talk with your leader under normal circumstances.” I said with a small smile but Babara just glanced at me before looking back at Taeko who was brightly smiling.
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'What exactly happened when I fell unconscious? It looks like Chelsea is aware...maybe I will force her to talk, hehe' Babara was slightly confused from seeing her pupil act like...normal girl but she didn't exactly mind it as long as she will continue to grow stronger.