66 Chapter 66
As I reluctantly walked away from the warmth of my familia's tight embrace, the rays of morning sunlight greeted me. The heartfelt conversation with my familia had left me in a surprisingly uplifted mood, instilling a renewed sense of determination within me.
However, as I stepped onto the deserted streets, the weight of responsibility settled heavily upon my shoulders.
The recent devastating attacks on the city had left scars that ran deep. The once bustling and vibrant streets now bore the marks of destruction, a somber reminder of the battles fought and the sacrifices made.
The combined efforts of the Familias of Orario had managed to repel the evilus, but the toll on our Familia's finances had been significant. Our manor, a symbol of our pride, laid in ruins, waiting to be restored to its former glory.
Yet, the task of finding skilled craftsmen who could undertake such a monumental project while staying within our limited budget seemed like an insurmountable challenge.
The city, too, was in dire need of healing and rebuilding. As I strolled through the once bustling streets, the echoes of cries and wails still lingered in the air, a poignant reminder of the pain and suffering endured by its inhabitants.
Amidst the melancholic atmosphere, I encountered some of the grateful civilians whom I had saved during the chaos. Their words of heartfelt gratitude and admiration for my efforts in protecting the city brought a glimmer of happiness to my heart. It was a small solace amidst the vast sea of challenges that lay ahead.
Steeling myself, I made my way to the Guild to report my side of the story on what happened in the dungeon. Upon entering, I noticed the familiar figure of Rose at her desk. She had been worried about me since the evilus attacks began, and her concern was visible on her face even now.
"Ah, Draco, I'm so glad to see you're still in one piece," she greeted me with a warm, relieved smile.
I reassured her, "Thank you, Rose. I assure you, we incurred no losses in the dungeon during our fight. Now, where should I start with the report?"
We spoke for a while, detailing my encounters with the evilus and the details of the other Familias in their battles. Rose was a good listener and I knew she saw the broader picture of the events that occurred in the city.
Then came the difficult part: discussing Clair's sudden and tragic demise with Rose. Since Rose had met Clair when she first arrived in the bustling city of Orario, they had developed a close bond over time, with Rose serving as Clair's assigned dungeon advisor. As I mustered the courage to share the devastating news, the weight of the moment hung heavily in the air.
As the words escaped my lips, tears welled up in Rose's eyes, and a wave of sadness washed over her. It was heart-wrenching to witness the pain etched across her face, knowing that no amount of solace could completely alleviate her grief.
After wiping away her tears, I enveloped her in a comforting embrace, offering words of solace and support. We reminisced about the memories we had shared with Clair, finding solace in the knowledge that her spirit would forever reside in our hearts.
Rose wasn't particularly inclined to form connections with adventurers, but she made an effort to befriend Clair because of my introduction. I was well aware of her tendency to view herself as a jinx to adventurers, so Clair's passing must have felt even more personal to her.
After a while, the situation settled and Rose returned to her usual demeanor. As an employee of the guild, she likely possessed coping mechanisms to handle such occurrences, given the nature of her job.
Before leaving the Guild, I decided to mention my current predicament to Rose.
"Rose," I began, tapping her on the shoulder to get her attention because she appeared lost in thought. "Would you happen to know any reliable and affordable builders that are cheaper than the Gofannon familia? My Familia Manor has seen better days."
Rose, with a thoughtful expression on her face, hesitated for a moment before suggesting the Goibniu Familia. "They're known for their exceptional craftsmanship," she said, "but I don't think they will be able to help with your current budget."
"Thank you, Rose," I replied, appreciating her input. "I'll go visit the Gofannon familia first, I guess." With those words, I bid farewell to Rose and left the Guild, my mind filled with thoughts of finding a solution to my families money troubles.
As I cautiously approached the Gofannon Familia's location, a heavy feeling weighed down my heart. The once bustling area now lay in ruins, remnants of its former glory scattered in disarray.
The echoes of battle and the relentless war against evilus seemed to linger in the air, reminding me of the sacrifices made in this ongoing struggle. My dismay deepened as I surveyed the scene, hoping against hope to find some sign of life.
Taking a deep breath, I called out tentatively, breaking the eerie silence that enveloped the surroundings. "Is anyone here?" My voice echoed through the rubble, carried away by the wind. For a moment, there was only the sound of my own breath, mingling with the distant cries of birds.
Just as my hope began to waver, a haggard figure emerged from a partially destroyed building. It was Lysander, the captain of the Gofannon familia, whom I had hired in the past to construct my familia manor.
His worn-out appearance and labored breathing revealed the toll that the recent battles had taken on him. Yet, amidst the wreckage, he managed to stand tall.
"Greetings, Draco," Lysander panted, mustering a faint smile as beads of sweat trickled down his forehead. The lines etched on his face told a story of both physical exhaustion and resilience.
"We meet again," he said, his voice tinged with a bit of weariness. The intensity in his eyes showcased a blend of curiosity and fatigue.
"You must be here seeking help," he stated, his voice filled with a combination of anticipation and uncertainty. As I listened intently, I couldn't help but notice the weight of his words, each syllable carrying the burden of untold tales.
I then proceeded to share the reason for my presence, but amidst my own narrative, a sense of empathy stirred within me.
"Lysander, what happened here?" I inquired softly, the question lingering in the air like a veil of compassion.
He gestured to the ruins around him, narrating the horrific events that unfolded. "The evilus struck without warning, decimating our Familia and leaving us in this pitiful state."
His words hit me hard. Yet, despite the tragedy, Lysander remained resolute. "I understand your Familia needs help with rebuilding, and it's true, we may no longer have the resources we once had. But, I'm willing to do my utmost to assist you."
Our conversation continued, Lysander assuring me he could still provide the services I required - albeit at a slower pace and cheaper. Grateful, I thanked him and agreed to move forward with the arrangement.
Lysander was insistent that we seal the deal with a handshake. "Draco, I am forever grateful that you have entrusted us with this task, despite our current circumstances," he expressed his gratitude.
However, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. The sole reason I agreed was because he used the word "cheap," which my mind associated with low-cost labor and more money saved.
