31 Chapter 10: The Change 5 (1/2)

Levi just sighed.

”I agree, let's ask the locals! Since there's no palace guards around, so it seems” Aerra added.

I glance at Levi but instead of seeing him just returning a placid stare with his usual emotionless facial expression, I saw him looking at the ground, brows a bit furrowing instead.

He doesn't look good.

He must be really tired. He did use a great amount of magic awhile ago or whatever it is that he used to teleport us here. But if I address his pale condition, he might just deny it. Especially since Aerra is around, he would hate looking weak in front of her for sure.

Oh, I have an idea.

”We came a long way. We might as well rest for a bit and besides, Aerra— you haven't even eaten breakfast yet, have you?”

She opens her mouth to perhaps argue but then, as if on cue, her stomach growled loud.

”I thought so. Me too actually! Let's try out the food here. Might be interesting to see how their dishes would taste like. Besides, I don't think miss Hysmin will leave the city premises on a spur anyway!”

”Perfect! I've been meaning to try the local foods here ever since we got here!” Eriol added, pumping a fist in the air.

I glared at him. ”So that's why you were so eager to volunteer in going here alone earlier. So you can try the foods here by yourself!”

”Hey that wasn't my intention! I just really though it would cut us time if I go alone and hunt this person we're searching for.”

”And yet you would still find time to buy foods anyway, I bet.” I murmured.

Eriol nods, ”Haha, well I won't deny that!” He laughs, scratching the back of his head, ”I mean, I would've bought some for you guys as well if you ask!”

”Right.” I sighed. ”Anyway—!”

”How about that inn over there!” Aerra cuts in, turning her head to look at a building.

I followed her line of sight and nodded. ”Looks okay. Let's go!” I uttered as Aerra and Eriol strode away in cheer and excitement.

I chuckled watching them.

Suddenly, Levi walks by from behind and pats my shoulder and whispered, ”Thanks!”

Our eyes met and I saw him smile.

What a rare sight.

I just nodded at him and grinned

as we both followed after Aerra and Eriol who already went in ahead of us.

—————

”This city is amazing, isn't it?”

”Dusty” I replied, referring to the bold streets that bears no pavements nor bricks, just bare soil. Actually, even this inn is just all sands and soil as well, no concrete flooring. ”And muddy in most of the places too!” I added, raising my shoes from under the table to where a shallow puddle exists despite being inside a building.

”It's not that bad.” she uttered, eyes scouting around.

I shrugged. ”I suppose.”

Aerra giggles. ”You suppose? You were gawking the moment we stepped pass the gates.”

”Gawking? I am not!!! I w-was only... I was just—!” I turned to Levi, ”Was I gawking?”

”What're you asking me for?” he eluded

”It's okay, Aeron. I feel the same. The rush of excitement and mix with amazement... This is after all the first time we've seen something like this huh? Maybe we should travel more often. It's good for you as the future Duke to reign over Greenrun! Together that is! Let's all travel more together!” She beams at me, grabbing my hand with both her hands, tagging at it a bit. ”Say yes!”

I just studied her in silence.

That's the smile I was waiting to see that I dreaded for to fade... That usual carefree smile that shines so bright.... I still wonder what was happening to Aerra that made her almost forget to smile.

I'm glad I agreed on this travel.

Suddenly, Eriol and Levi looms their faces close to me, almost just few inches away.