10 The Journey (4)

"What should we do now, Third Young Master?"

Hm.

Azares silently observed Yurien's extremely pale face. His eyes narrowed and his expression was thoughtful.

It's really interesting.

Azares originally wanted to bring this boy along temporarily as a servant. But, now it looked like it will be hard.

Azares thought Yurien was too gullible.

They had just recently known and hadn't had the chance to build a strong relationship, yet Yurien willingly believed whatever Azares said. Not to mention how he ran here all by himself without caution. He's really capable.

True, It made Azares somewhat happy being trusted this much. However, he had no use for such a person.

A cold and distant voice carrying a hint of curiosity was heard. "You believe me?"

Yurien was confused, should he not believe the Young Master?

"Mmm.. Yes?"

"Why?"

"Well, because you said my heart will never lie."

Azares's dimmed golden eyes gained a new light in an instant. He wanted to laugh hearing Yurien's answer. He never would've thought those bunch of nonsense he said were taken seriously by Yurien.

[Hahahahaha! This kid sure knows how to make me laugh!]

Besides Azares, Sylph busily flying around while hugging his stomach in merry. This troublesome elemental laughed so happily as if he didn't see Azares conflicted face.

[Just take him with you! This kid is ok!], While licking his lips in a teasing manner, Sylph intentionally or unintentionally urged Azares. Since his contractor has been alone since the day they met, Sylph felt deeply sympathetic toward Azares. Even he as an elemental has a bunch of subordinates and a few friends too. There was no word like 'lonely' appearing in his dictionary.

But this guy? Meh. Don't even think about it.

In Sylph's opinion, Azares way of doing things and socializing had always been different from other normal humans he knew of. Unlike other humans who were eager to flock together, Azares would build a wall as tall as the sky could be just to avoid any contact.

He chose to be alone. He isolated himself. It baffled Sylph.

[Sigh..]

[What? Weren't you going to do so?]

[I wasn't.]

[Then why bother telling him such an important thing?]

[That's..]

Azares scratched his head in an attempt to hide his embarrassment. [It's a test. I want to know his intention going so far for me.]

Yurien cocked his head in a questioning manner.

"Young Master?" Yurien gazed at Azares emotionless expression and felt slightly worried. Had he done something wrong?

Before he had the chance to ask, Azares impatiently shooed him away with a waved of a hand. Then he coldly watched Yurien's bewildered face and motioned him to go away.

What Azares didn't know was he underestimated Yurien. The young man didn't have the heart to leave Azares alone. It wasn't appropriate to ditch your own master for safety.

"Young Master, didn't you said there is a huge army of monsters going to the border of the city?"

Without a change of expression Azares calmly replied. "Yes."

Then he continued on rambling nonsense with a solemn face. "I'm going to take a look. You go back and tell the others to be prepared. Whether they will believe it or not, you can never tell them the information comes from me."

"Why? It's a good opportunity for you to shine, Young Master!"

Shine??

What's that? Can it be eaten?

He was going to leave silently like a wisp of smoke without much presence. He doesn't need such a thing.

Azares sternly said, "No."

Though dejected, Yurien knew when to stop. Looking at how the Young Master behaved, he was well aware he can't stay.

"..Is this okay?" Asked Yurien for the last time before he departed.

"Yes."

Azares stayed to made sure his order was abided by. When Yurien's figure could no longer be seen, Azares looked a little out of it, staring at the sky. There was a myriad of light hidden in his eyes.

[I don't understand.]

Azares eyebrows slowly went up. His gaze was full of questions marks as he looked at Sylph who was rubbing his chin in wonder.

[Why do you like being alone? What's the fun in it?]

Azares lowered his head to cover his expression. [You don't need to know.]

---

"Are you sure this is the way?"

[If there is something I'm good at, then it is finding a path!]

[I'm the wind, and the wind is everywhere. I can feel it.]

"So, why the hell we haven't arrived yet?"

He has walked and climbed the mountain range for three hours, but still hadn't seen the enemy.

Sylph ignorantly talked back, [I offer you to fly and you reject it. Is it my fault?]

The veins in Azares' forehead popped up. Whilst his hand was leaning on a tree, he gasped to press the anger that was on the verge to spill.

You didn't tell me it would be so far!

The idea to fly is indeed good. But if he was found by the enemy and got skewered was that good?! He could get shot in the sky, okay?

Since he had already walked for so long, Azares slumped to the ground to take a breath. He took off the little rations he brought and began chewing. Sylph too was bored looking at the same scenery for a long time so he went off without a care.

Silence returned once Sylph had gone. The breeze carried a fresh and relaxing scent of the forest. The smell of grass mix with the bright sunlight that seeped through the leaves poured into one, making him yawned.

The trees' branches swayed gently as if inviting Azares to dance along with the rhythm. This sudden quietness brought him peace. He couldn't help but be in trance.

When was the last time he felt like this?

No worries, no troubles, no pressure.

Nothing.

Ever since he was thrown into this world, every life plan he had carefully made was thoroughly wrecked.

He was jittery all day long, trying his best to be 'Azares'. Blending into this world, finding a way to protect himself, and starting from scratch again.

Just when his life was about to turn good...

He was smashed to the ground. Crumbled until he had nothing left but his damaged soul.