Episode 27.17 (2/2)
The dungeon item was a mantle.
It's got defensive properties against physical and magical, a sort of lesser version of Lecan's own <Overking Bear>'s overcoat. He gave it to Eda since she wanted it. She tried to pay for it, but Lecan wouldn't take it, saying it's a thanks for the
every night.
Lecan would spar with Arios sometimes.
Arios's swordsmanship has gotten more flexible compared to before. In other word, it's gotten crafty. He even managed to prevail against Lecan often. The results would likely come out differently in a real combat, but in terms of pure sword skills, Arios comes out on top.
Meanwhile, month ten was nearing its end.
”Lecan. You're leaving this town after new year, right?”
He never mentioned anything about that, Eda must have sensed that from the mood. Or perhaps she learned how to read Lecan's trains of thought.
”Yea.”
”Are you going to dungeons?”
”I'm thinking of heading for Dungeon Tsubolt first. Haven't decided after.”
”You're going alone?”
”Arios wanted to come along.”
”I see.”
”What're you gonna do?”
Lecan would take Eda along if she said she want to tag along.
”Honestly, I wanna come with you. But if I did that here, I'm gonna stay Lecan's baggage forever.”
Eda's <Recovery> is potent enough to be considered a trump card in dungeon explorations. Adding to the fact that Eda is good with her bows, has reached a certain level of mastery in close quarter combat's evasion and defensive, and her life force is plentiful enough. She's absolutely not a burden.
However, the baggage here doesn't refer to her fighting prowess. Thus far, Eda has been living and growing up under Lecan's protection. And she feels like that can't go on as it is.
”I want to try living by myself for awhile. I'll show you I can live independently. I'm going to become someone Lecan will come for and ask to be with. I'm gonna give it my all so I can heal your left eye.”
”I see.”
”Lecan.”
”Hm?”
”I love you.”
Lecan almost said 'me too', but he stopped short. It's not Eda's <Love> that Lecan's got. The feelings Lecan hold for Eda are a bit different from that word. However, Lecan couldn't find quite the word to express that verbally.
As such, instead of words, he patted Eda's head. Ruffling through her hair rather roughly.
Eda laughed while crying.
On the last day of that year, Lecan and Arios left the town.
Their destination is Dungeon Tsubolt.
Snow was falling that day.
[Episode 27 Medical God Dialogue] End/Next [Intermission 2 Scholar Sandra]