Chapter 7 - I Never Should Have Come Here
A year had passed since Roland had started learning under Martine.
"You did it, didn't you" Martine blinked at Roland while showing a beautiful smile.
Roland realized how dazzling her smile was and couldn't help but look away as he responded. "I don't know what you're talking about"
Roland had just managed to comprehend the breathing state he had been taught and moved onto the second stage but refused to acknowledge it to Martine knowing she'd start throwing bizarre tasks at him.
Mentor Martine frowned "Hmm I was going to take you to the empire once you finished to prepare a custom weapon of your liking but if you're not done training I guess I shouldn't?"
Roland's face twitched but he remained seated and ignored Martine's remark. After his training had officially started Martine had started visiting him of her own accord, bringing along even more difficult tasks everytime. Sometimes he would be tricked into going on survival trips into the wild or doing excessive training which would leave him completely spent. On many occasions she would break his concentration to watch his reactions and get a good laugh. This made Roland apprehensive as he wondered whether or not she was tricking him into doing something bothersome this time around.
As if she understood his worries Martine laughed lightly then turned away. "I'm being serious this time. You said the princess broke all your weapons right? I was going to get you a new one"
Roland hesitantly looked up at Martine then eventually stood up. "I'll head back to the Inn for a change of clothes"
Before Roland could take his first step Martine had already grabbed his collar, dragging him along "Forget about clothes we'll buy some on the way!"
For the next few hours a young woman could be seen dragging a youth along the dirt floor leading to the empire. Persons who encountered the duo on the way had begun to start various speculations and rumors about an unfaithful young man and his angry girlfriend.....
When Roland stepped foot into Clearwater Border for the first time in twelve plus months memories of the time when he was complacent and free spirited rushed through his mind. To his right was the place he had spent most of his years - Water Moon Restaurant. There were days his father had restricted his allowance and put him under house arrest in order to get him to take his successors training more seriously and yet he would still sneak out to have carter cover his expenses for the day.
Roland did not feel the joy of returning home nor any other sentimental feelings as a matter but instead was disturbed by Sophie's situation. Among their siblings only Sophie would play with him and treat him like the older brother he was.
"Sentiments are blind spots , should I indulge you a little?" Martine grinned as she stared at Roland's emotionless face.
Roland wasn't bothered by Martine's remark at all. "Are you sure I'm the one that wants to go?"
"W-well it just so happens that the empire produces the best wine- not that I was planning on buying any!" Martine frowned, walking by the restaurant. By the time the duo had taken a few steps by the restaurant Martine's eyes were watery as if she was on the verge of crying.
Roland glanced at Martine and turned in the direction of the Water Moon Restaurant. After Roland returned to the entrance of the restaurant Martine was practically beaming. What are you, a child? While Roland thought this he wasn't brave enough to say it out loud and could only swallow whatever he was going to say in fear of a beating.
"Welcome, Young Master it has been a while!" a woman wearing a maid outfit that was in charge of receiving customers welcomed Roland and Martine in. The Water Moon Restaurant was an independent establishment that did not belong to the Clearwater Empire and maintained an agreement of neutrality with all customers, refusing to turn away any customer regardless if it were a thief, swindler, rapist or any other demeaning reputation was attached to a person they would be welcomed.
"Its been a while Catherine, get us a table on the lower floor" Roland smiled at the woman in the maid outfit then looked around at the the interior. The tables were made of mutated Black Rosewood and the chairs were tempered star glass, the covers were made of Dragon Bird fur each item more expensive than the other. Roland took a seat and Martine sat across the table, tapping against the table in a rapport.
"What can I get you, Young Master?" Catherine asked as she opened a holographic screen before the two. "Ugh!" Roland winced at the prices on the menu. In a single year he was reduced to a miser and every price on the list was worth more than his organs could sell for, there was no way he was buying anything from this menu.
Martine replied without as much as glancing at the menu "Five bottles of Water Rose wine and two plates of crimson buffalo meat"
"Let me confirm your order, Five bottles of Water Rose wine and two plates of crimson buffalo meat. Is there anything else you would like to order?" Catherine started to input the information into her own Q-Link that would be sent directly to the kitchen.
"Can you pay for this Mentor Martine?" Roland facepalmed helplessly hoping his mentor would not dine and dash.
"Nope" Martine replied frankly.
Hearing Martine's carefree response a wry smile crossed Roland's lips. Today they would most definitely be blacklisted by the Water Moon Restaurant after Martine had her fill.
Just as Roland was regretting his life choices the door to the Water Moon Restaurant opened followed by a series of light footsteps that drew closer after a few seconds. Turning to the source Roland felt a burden had been lifted from his chest, it just so happens that his piggy bank had arrived.
"News of your arrival is all over the Q-Net, you must really love making a commotion" Carter smiled at Roland.
Roland returned a wry smile, not knowing whether Carter was actually smiling or not. Carter was always like this, Roland could not understand why there was always a smile on his lips nor if he could see with his eyes closed all the time but never directly posed the question. "I have the habit of attracting attention, it's too difficult to hide among peasants" he replied.
Martine sat across the table silently watching the two with a blank expression. Her gaze moved towards Carter and her brows furrowed.
"Your order, Young Master" Catherine placed the dishes onto the table along with five crystal like bottles of wine. Martine's attention was instantly drawn to the food before her and she started to eat without minding the two.
"It's rare seeing you eat on any floor besides the VVIP floor" Carter teased knowing Roland could not refute his words.
"About that....a year ago you suddenly asked me to invest my savings into this Water Moon Restaurant. Will there be any available profit soon?" Roland gave Carter a hopeful stare knowing his answer would decide whether he would be blacklisted.
"20,000 gold coins. That's the total you invested, using that amount I was only able to acquire 0.2 % of the total returns. Unfortunately there will be no turnover until a few years later, should the business not run smoothly"
A few years? He would have to cough up his liver to pay for today's meal! "can you be more optimistic, Carter I need money now, can't you make something work?"
"Oh? is the high and mighty Sir.Roland having money issues?" the entrance to the restaurant was pushed open and a tall blonde haired guy strolled in stroking a few idle hairs from his face with a proud smile.
"Ah Tauran! my money problems are solved!" Roland let out a breath of relief when he saw Tauran Silvergraft come over to his table. Now I can get myself some food, too!
Tauran felt a chill down his spine the moment Roland looked in his direction. Roland always made it a habit to bully him and take his money even though he had also grown alongside Sophina and Roland. After the news of Roland's arrival had reached his manor Tauran had moved at the chance to get revenge on Roland who always gave him a hard time! " Dining in an expensive place such as the Water Moon Restaurant? can you afford such a meal without your Bladeheart clan's backing?"
"Not at all" Roland shook his head honestly.
Huh? Tauran knew how proud Roland was and did not expect him to admit to being penniless and immediately Tauran could tell something was wrong. "Uh...I should go"
"Did I say you could leave?" Roland glared at Tauran with a smile on his lips, ready for a big harvest. "why are you leaving so quickly? we are close friends right? we did grow up together, after all!"
Tauran took a step back and swallowed his saliva. Leaving was no longer an option and he obediently sat at the table. I never should have come here.....
It didn't take much effort to coerce.... convince Tauran which made Roland's mood lighten as he ordered another four plates of meat. After the group had finished their meals Tauran who attempted to escape was forced to follow Roland to purchase a good weapon while Carter left.
A few minutes after leaving the restaurant the trio quickly found ths weapons store they had been searching for. Roland pushed open the entrance to the weapon store. The interior was musky and the air was filled with dust, the floor was covered in soot and there was no one around the counter.
The sound of iron hitting iron could be heard in the room behind the counter which made Roland curious, until today he never knew a weapon shop like this existed. Moving behind the counter Roland reached out to open the door but was kicked out of the way by Martine.
*Ting!* An iron screw like object pierced the wall behind Roland, if it weren't for Martine that iron screw would have decorated his forehead...
"Hm?" behind the door was a middle aged woman with long red hair tied into a ponytail. The woman wore tight, revealing clothes that showed the many scars on her arms and stomach. As soon as the woman's gaze reached the door her serious expression vanished "Ah! sis Jasmine how many years has it been?"
"Yo Clematis" Martine greeted the lady with a nod " do you have any new pieces? a master-less one would be perfect"
A proud smile appeared on Clematis' "I just perfected the last one!" finally noticing Roland and Tauran's presence Clematis asked "who are they?"
"The kid with the proud face is my pupil, the other is....his human shuttle?" Martine introduced the two.
Human shuttle? I guess it's not far from the truth. Tauran made a wry smile and let out an exasperated breath.
As if understanding the situation Clematis nodded "Oi, you there come give me your arm" she said whilst looking at Roland.
Roland made a freightened expression and refused to move a step forward. Give her my blood? is it the bounty on my head? Did Martine rat me out? Roland's caution had reached it's peak in a mere instance.
"Is the proud Roland Bladeheart afraid of an old lady?" Martine teased.
"Tease me as much as you like, I'm not going!" Roland adamantly refused.
Unable to persuade Roland Martine decided to kick him forward anyways. Roland attempted to regain his balance but by the time his body came to a stop he was already next to Clematis.
Clematis took up what seemed to a spearhead and passed it to Roland. "let the spearhead drink your blood, if you're lucky you'll gain a rare attribute from the bonding"
"Special attribute?" Roland's eyes widened. Special attributes referred to unique skills or abilities created by a weapon to suit it's master's personality and fighting style after bonding. Only special grade weapons were capable of this and could only be crafted by spiritual craftsmen capable of giving life to a weapon.