14 Chapter 12: Runaway (II)

I lie in wait at the grass plains not too far but neither too close from the city. Robin did not exactly tell me where to meet, so I only go where I feel the wind.

Wouldn't it be bad if Chart decides to just patrol outside of the city?

I told myself while staring the clouds run on the skies. It won't be long before the sun goes down.

I haven't checked the contents of the book for a while.

I realized. I grabbed the necronomicon which I placed beside me and opened it.

As you understand the concept of mortality, you are now conscious of other factors that affect it. The spirit in which inhabits the body is its will and conscience, and the body is the shell for the spirit to remain without drifting by itself. Intangible as it may be, mortal will can be bended through special means. Because of your experiences, such means will not have an effect in you.

So the new content says. I find it strange that the book just writes itself, but then I am not certain how this all works. Are there conditions? Or does it all just explain to me what I am starting to experience? Like a journal of sorts.

"So you were here.", a familiar voice catches my ears. It was a bit high pitched than usual, but it is clear and light compared to when he was inside his armor. I placed the book down lazily, aware that it is time for me to get out of my comfort.

What laid before my eyes was not Robin, or so what I thought he would look like. He has short black hair, a pretty face that would bring shame to any prince you would encounter—not that I have met any, and the very same sharp pale gold eyes that I saw through his visor. So far, so good. Then as my eyes fall to his body—or well, her body it is like my mind went floated away, confused.

"Robin, yeah?"

I replied, attempting to confirm her identity. Well, looking at her, she does seem to be the giant that Robin is...she's not lacking in the muscle either. Her figure is fit and well toned, befitting that of a knight who've trained for years. I would also like to note that Robin has a pretty good tan.

"It is me, Thane. Shall we get going?", Robin answered, impaling her spear on the soil so that she could support her weight on it.

"Right...let me just get up. Where's your armor?"

I sat up and pulled myself together, taking the necronomicon in hand. Robin carried the spear on her shoulders as we move on along the path.

"Sold it as scrap. I got myself a decent weapon and some coins to get us by."

"Wait, what is your plan again? I've never heard of it."

"Nothing. But then, the people of Terra are now in constant danger due to another attack from the Abyss. You want to help, right?"

"Yeah. You and Chart believed in me, I won't let that trust be misled."

"Good. You and I are on the same terms, so I would tag along. I would also monitor you, just in case."

"But aren't we wanted criminals now? Wouldn't they search every corners just to find us?"

"Bringing that up, here take this."

Robin said, offering a white mask. It covers my whole face and is light to carry, despite being made with steel. I strapped the mask and wore it, there is enough space for me to breathe and move my mouth, and it doesn't feel too cramp inside for my cheeks to feel full. In addition, I can see through the holes just nicely.

"It fits nicely, thank you. So I'm going to be hiding my face then?"

"Yeah. Don't fret about me, no one in the kingdom knows my appearance. Well, except one person..."

"Hmm?", I uttered in curiosity. Her stoic expression seemed down, despite no change to note of.

"Nothing. Just a friend of mine. She's gone now."

"O-oh, my condolence..."

"Don't worry, I think...I found her again."

I don't really know what she means by that, but I think it's better to ask it later. Eventually, we arrived at a village. It was quite a big village, having a wide plot of field to use for crops. The villagers were friendly and didn't seem to mind that I was hiding behind a mask.

"Make sure to rest up, it will be a while before you get to experience the comfort of a bed.", Robin answered, taking a seat on one of the two beds in the room. She arranged a room for the two of us on an inn located in the village. The sun has gone down by the time we've arrived, so it was no wonder it was quiet outside, except for that one tavern at a distance.

Knock, knock. The door made a sound behind it.

"Um, Miss and Mister mercenary, I brought dinner."

Robin introduced ourselves as a newly formed mercenary group. My town barely needed mercenaries, given that we don't engage in external conflicts, but Robin said that mercenaries are the lifeline of the common people, next to the kingdom's forces.

I opened the door and took the tray from the young kid. Today's dinner is chicken cream stew and roasted potatoes. The aroma of the milk permeates on the room and made me hungry. I took a bowl for myself and gave the other to Robin, to which she immediately gobbled down on.

"I didn't know you were really hungry, Robin. Sorry if I noticed it just now."

"It's nothing. When I was a squire, my father thought me to eat efficiently and fast. Telling me to expect and respond to emergencies as fast as possible."

Oh yeah...her family. She left her family just for me. I feel guilty all of a sudden.

"Can you tell me about that friend you mentioned earlier?"

I asked, taking a sip from the stew and a bite out of that roasted potato.

"My friend, just like you, can conjure magic that the Divine Order considers to be evil. I...back then, I only watched as she got taken away for something she hasn't done."

"She must've been a good person."

"Oh she is, she has good intentions with her strange magic, but nobody in the trial believed in her other than myself. That's why I had to move when it happened...you know, when you were about to be taken in."

So that's what she meant about when she stood up and fought. No wonder she seemed desperate to help me out in that moment.

Robin stared at her empty bowl, putting it down gently on her lap. I can't see her expression well due how dim it is, having only one candle lighting up the room.

"I am aware I forced you in this--", she suddenly blurted out, but knowing what she was about to say, I interrupted her.

"No, Captain, you don't have to say anything else. You did what you thought is correct and I should be thanking you for that. Thank you for saving me, Captain Robin."

"Uh huh. Thank you for the food. I'll be sleeping now.", Robin meekly answered back and placed the bowl and plate at the small shelf beside our bed. She laid on her bed, facing away from me while she curls up her knees.

I silently ate by myself and admired the moon. Hearing her quiet weeps that she lets out occasionally, I feel sadness welling up in my chest as I empathize with her sorrow.