32 Leaving the Hamle (2/2)
At the same time, he took the plate with the buns, as he was famished after a night's fast.
As he started munching, Ernst spoke up.
”I guess this is it, huh? You two will be leaving right away to head to that town and save your father?”
He said this while pointing at Edmond, who got an extension of determination on his face before he nodded and said, ”Yes, we have no time to waste. We should get there soon. According to the AA, it'll take us three days to trek through the forest. If we follow the path, we should face no difficulties whatsoever.”
”Yes, stick to the path, even though it winds around a lot. Well, even if you don't stick to it, I doubt that you'll get up to too much trouble if you're traveling with this guy. Which reminds me, Aaron. I really don't want to see you go empty-handed; that is not the way of Skystead Hamlet.My wife and I were thinking that you should take something with you when you leave, just to remember us by. Even if it's something precious, if we have it, we'll definitely hand it over happily. I bet that the rest of the Hamlet will pitch in, too. Think about it, and tell me.”
As Ernst said this, Edmond's smile melted away, and was replaced by a stoic expression.
Yet, instead of feeling jealous again, he felt more determined than ever to obtain the right to be regarded in this way wherever he went. Right now, he knew that Aaron was being treated in this way because of his high-grade Body Potential and because of this Tera, which, although hadn't shown any special ability, had definitely impressed its power in the minds of all the Hamletfolk who had witnessed the challenge yesterday.
Yes, he was someone who was let himself be manipulated by his emotions, but, oftentimes, he was also able to control them. Otherwise, he might have met his end in the City long ago as there were many people there who could crush him without worrying about any repercussions whatsoever.
In fact, he even decided to support this guy, and also get back to his duty of helping Aaron out in situations related to human society.
”Yes, think about it, Aaron. Maybe you want some kind of weapon with which you can protect yourself? I heard that Skystead Hamlet has a really talented blacksmith who can make you whatever you want. Or maybe you want a special manual of tips written by any of the Hamletfolk who practice certain paths? In my opinion, those are some of the more precious things you can ask for.”
Hearing Edmond say this made the former Chief wince slightly, as the guy was right, these two really would cost him a lot, but a promise was a promise. Even the latter special manuals were supposed to be things that were closely guarded by anyone who was treading that path, as they were a record of all the things they had learned through hard work and surviving through death.
Aaron pondered for a few moments while still munching on the buns. In his hands was another metallic plate just like the one on which the meat had been served to him the day before, and when he was done, he handed it back.
Yet, the last moment before he did, his eyes landed on it, and something shone in them.
…
A few hours later, Edmond was shaking his head while Aaron had a wide smile on his face. Woof was between them, its mouth full of the bread that Aaron had left for it.
”All those options, and you chose this. Why?”
He was pointing at a metallic bowl which was strung by a string around Aaron's neck, that the guy had taken instead of opting for the other options which would have benefited him greatly.
Casually, Aaron answered, ”Because this is more valuable than all those options combined.”