Chapter 29
29 . Mornings in Tornela are cool during the summer .
A short but heartwarming chapterTranslator: RoblagEditor: H . K . Glenstid
Mornings in Tornela are cool during the summer .
Cold fog would hover just above the grass; the barely risen sun over the horizon lights up the field with a slight glow . When the sun finally begins to rise, the temperature will rise considerably . By then, it is no longer convenient to continue training .
Early in the morning, Belgriff is in the garden with a sword in his hand . Duncan stands opposite him, battle-axe ready, his gaze fixed steadily on Belgriff . Belgriff shifts his weight to his wooden peg, then back . Belgriff keeps swaying from side to side, his eyes closed in a peaceful serenity .
Duncan also remains motionless, his knuckles turning white as he tightens his grip on his axe . His face remains tense as he carefully shifts his feet forward .
His front foot slides once more before suddenly he pushes off the ground . He closes the gap between him and Belgriff, bringing down his axe in a deadly overhead swing .
Belgriff’s eyes snap open, stepping to the side with minimal movement . The axe barely skims past him, and he lashes out with his sword at the same time .
However, Duncan is also an experienced warrior . Seeing the incoming blade, he whirls his handle and deflects the blade, before leaping back a safe distance away from Belgriff .
Belgriff sighs with a complicated expression . “Still not fast enough huh Duncan?”
“That should be my line . I haven’t landed a single hit from all your dodging . Hahaha!” Duncan hollers as he wipes the sweat from his forehead .
Duncan originally had stayed at Kerry’s house until Belgriff came back . But even with a now somewhat peaceful life in the rural village, it didn’t take long for the axe-wielding adventurer to join the daily patrols and morning training .
As his body was sore throughout the incident with the undead, Belgriff has been training fervently to improve his physical condition . Although the muscle pain disappeared thanks to the Elven elixir, the old adventurer realized while in Bordeaux, that no one can win against the passage of time .
He doesn’t know if continuing down the path of the sword will end up in serious injuries . And assuming that it happens, he doesn’t know if he will be able to recover again . Last time he was saved by the Elven elixir, but he doesn’t know if he will come across anything as valuable in the future .
And that fear led Belgriff to train every morning and afternoon with Duncan, the most skilled warrior in Tornela .
The idea is to return to the youth he once had many years ago . That’s why he’s perfecting his ability to dodge attacks, a necessity in the art of swordplay . But he still felt weak, unable to land a clean counter-attack against Duncan . Even without relying on any magical power to hone his senses, he has to at least learn to land a good hit on the man .
He needed to be faster . He needed to be stronger .
Belgriff sighs heavily .
“It’s problematic… my body can’t keep up with my mind . ”
“Haha! Alright, it’s settled! We keep training till your beaten black and blue!”
“Right… Although I’m not sure all this will even be beneficial in the future… I don’t know even know if my body can even recover from serious injuries anymore . ”
“Well,” Duncan says, resting his axe proudly on his shoulder . “If you ask me, you’re already a damn good fighter . ”
“Thanks, I guess . Though it really doesn’t matter . I…I don’t think I’m ready to push myself that hard,” Belgriff says, shaking his head .
Belgriff had recently decided to investigate the cause of the magic beast outbreak .
In the past, there were many magic beasts around Orphen; not to mention a surplus of high-ranking magic beasts since Angeline couldn’t return home for a while .
However, only low-ranking monsters have appeared near Tornela so far . And while it’s unlikely to be a Demon King, strong magical beasts naturally attract smaller ones . Because of that, there is an unknown chance for a large reservoir of magical power to be built up .
If it’s a magic beast it’s simple really . They just have to subjugate it .
But a magical power reservoir? Only an expert that studies the phenomenon can even hope to control the situation .
Belgriff has some notions, but ultimately he is a swordsman and not a magician . He lacks the knowledge .
Also not to mention that Duncan isn’t the best at exploring, so if they want to find the cause of the outbreak; Belgriff has to be the one to do so .
The old adventurer needed to improve his skills before entering the forest .
But the result remains the same . No matter how many times he tries he feels like he isn’t getting any stronger . It’s to the point where he begins to feel frustrated at his lack of growth .
“The fact that you’re still trying to improve your combat skills at your age is inspiring Bel . But you don’t need to push yourself so hard, you’re already good as you are,” Duncan says, before diving into a series of stretches .
Belgriff smiles bitterly . “You’ll feel it soon enough . When you get into your forties, your body will no longer respond as it did in your youth . ”
“Is that so? Here I thought I was already an old man because I’m over thirty…”
“It’s a little different than that,” Belgriff interrupts . “How to explain it…it’s not really ‘I’m growing old’, but more like…I’m no longer in my prime . ”
“…Right…”
“I’m not explaining this well, am I? I just…you know, feel sad . . every time my body doesn’t move the way I want or every time I find a new gray hair . It might be a trivial thing, but it makes me feel lonely somehow . I just get this sudden realisation that I miss the good old times . Like my passion is just dying away as I grow older . ”
“I see… I think I understand,” Duncan states, looking solemn . “I’m only thirty-seven years old, but sometimes I also feel that feeling of loneliness . I was wondering if there was something wrong with me or something like that . ”
“Something wrong, huh? That could be true . I’ve tried to live my life to the fullest and without regrets, but sometimes I can’t help but look back to my youth . “
“What are you talking about Belgriff? You raised the ‘Black Haired Valkyrie’, didn’t you? While you and I have only known each other for a short time, I long listened to the rumors about you . ”
“Yeah well…I guess you’re right . Finding my daughter was the best thing that ever happened in my life . ” Belgriff says with a big smile . He thinks back to the times of joy he had raising Angeline . He blushes a bit in embarrassment, scratching his cheek . “Well, I think we’ve talked enough . Let’s have breakfast . I’m starving . ”
“Hahaha! Hey now, no need to be embarrassed . It’s in my code of honour to never laugh at a parent who is proud of their child!”
Duncan laughs loudly once more, striking Belgriff’s shoulder playfully and then strolls into the house . Belgriff scratches his cheek with a shy smile and then follows Duncan .
It’s been raining heavily since morning, and the crowded lobby of the Guild wasn’t doing any favours for Angeline . She scowls as she pushes her through the hordes of people .
“Even today it’s packed…”
A group of young adventurers is making a hassle at the front counter . A large group of middle-aged adventurers surrounded the table at the end of the lobby . And as usual, employees run from one side to the other, while the receptionists try to calm the rest of the people with panicked expressions .
Angeline quickly heads to the counter for high-ranking adventurers, the solid crack from Angeline still there . She takes in a deep breath and peers at the quests posted on a board .
“Good morning little Angie, can I help you with something?”
A beautiful woman greets the adventurer from behind the counter . Long locks of dark blue oceanic like hair fall naturally, a beauty spot is just below her eye . The beautiful woman offers a warm smile to the girl .
Angeline beams . “Morning Miss Yuri . Do you have anything special for me please?”
“Hmm~ I’m not making any promises, but I’ll see what I can do . I won’t be a minute . ”
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Yuri pulls out and begins to flip through the archive at the counter; her long blue locks falls onto the documents as she hums a soft tune to herself .
Suddenly her eyes widen in pain . She clutches her back, and stretches backwards a bit .
Yuri was one of Lionel’s former party members .
After retiring from active duty, she moved to the Imperial capital to seek out a more peaceful job; but it was during the outbreak of magic beasts she received Lionel’s plea of assistance . So she traveled back to Orphen . But by the time she arrived, the incident was already done and dusted .
It took a while for everyone to cheer her up .
However, she has been very helpful in the subsequent reformation of the Guild .
In addition, Yuri being a high-ranking former adventurer means she can also deal with the occasional unruly crowd . And apparently, she’s given Lionel some very… . very useful tips .
Angeline looks carefully at Yuri .
She’s thirty-five this year and while she’s not exactly young anymore, her youthful looks do wonders for her beauty . Her skin’s pretty supple and has a warm healthy glow to it . She doesn’t seem to have any wrinkles either, not to mention she is very calm and tolerant . She is also versatile, pretty, and not to mention, intelligent . Oh, and the beauty spot under her eye is cute too .
It’s only been a few months since she came to Orphen, but there are already many adventurers who are in love with her .
‘Why isn’t she married yet?’ Angeline thinks curiously . ‘She would be an excellent mother . I’m almost positive she has amazing maternal instincts . . . ’
Angeline’s shakes her head, still worried that if Belgriff got married, he’d neglect her . That idea still haunts her .
Maybe it was best to abandon her plan?
However, she’s sure she wants a mother . Besides, Belgriff is not the kind of person who would abandon others just because he got a wife . Yeah, she has to stick to the plan . If it is Yuri, she will surely be a good mother .
She may even pamper Angeline .
Angeline starts laughing silently when she thinks of the potential little brothers and sisters .
“What is it little Angie?” asks Yuri tilting her head .
“Miss Yuri . Can I…uh…ask a question?”
“Of course sweetie, what is it?”
“Would you like to have a marriage interview with my dad?”
“Eeeh?!” Yuri drops the files on the counter and widens her eyes with surprise . “What’s with that all of a sudden!?”
“My Daddy has spent a lot of time on his own and…well, he shows no sign of getting married anytime soon… but it’s not like he’s a bad person! I promise that he’s a very good and caring man!”
Yuri pauses . She bites her lip and thinks for a bit . “Well… Your father is the famed ‘Red Ogre’, right Angie? Are you sure I’d be a good match for him?”
“Yes! Of course! My Daddy is very strong and you were a AAA Rank adventurer, right?”
“But that was on my days of active duty, Angie . I’ve only worked in a bar in the Capital since then . ”
Angeline is sure that thanks to her beautiful appearance, Yuri was able to work there without any problems .
Yuri is blushing furiously and her hands are nervously shaking . She continues to babble on uncontrollably, her speech becoming harder to understand . Apparently, she is used to dealing with all kinds of men, but when a girl like Angeline talks to her about marriage interviews with her father, she doesn’t know how to respond .
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“Anyway, just think about it,” Angeline deadpans . “I think you’re a beautiful woman, Miss Yuri…”
“What? Little Angie, it’s very flattering…but you’re putting me in a difficult situation, and I…I really don’t know what to say…”
As Yuri blushes, Lionel appears in the back of Gremio and seems to be in a hurry . Apparently, he hasn’t slept enough and an incipient, careless beard covers his chin and cheeks .
“Yuri, I need to see the quest archive… Ah, Miss Angie, good morning…”
“Good morning, Guild Master… Lack of sleep?”
Lionel smiled weakly at Angeline’s question .
“Well, I’ve had some problems with the investors, I haven’t had much free time to rest, and the situation hasn’t improved much since the outbreak of magic beasts…”
Yuri laughs lightly when she hears Lionel’s grunts .
“You’re always complaining Lio~ . ”
“Don’t say that . If I can’t at least complain, I will end up dying for real…”
“You’re one of the most stubborn people I know . Even if you say you’ll die, you’ll be fine . ”
“Hmm… Ah~! I’m going to take this one and this one . ” Lionel selects some papers from the archive, picks them up and looks around . “Where are Ed and Gill? Aren’t they here yet?”
“Hmm, I believe they came home yesterday, so it’s possible they’re sleeping . ”
“I see… My old body would also like to sleep…”
“You can sleep once you’re done . You’re gonna have to wait a little longer, so do your best . ”
“Haaa~…”
Angeline’s eyes narrow and hone in when she sees Lionel sighing with envy . As former members of the same adventurer party, Lionel and Yuri get along very well .
“Hey…” Angie starts .
“Hmm? What is it, Miss Angie?”
“Are you two dating?”
“Huh? Why do you ask that?”
“You seem to be very close… very close…do you trust each other a lot?”
“Yeah, we’ve trusted each other for a long time…not close like a couple, but I’ll say more than best friends…” Lionel says with a frown, confusion evident on his face .
Yuri puts a finger on her chin as she thinks with a calm expression . “I wouldn’t call it trust… I mean, Lio was the strongest of our party, but he was also very unreliable . ”
“Haha… Even then it was a well-known fact that I don’t have much talent . I was aiming for a low profile job actually so…I have no idea how I even became a Guild Master in the first place…”
“Stop talking like an old man all the time Lio! If you have any respect for the amount of people helping you with your job, then you’ll work hard without any complaints!”
“I know, I know sheesh… But lately, I even have nightmares of working…” Lionel says sadly as he looks down and scratches his cheeks . Yuri sighs and pats the Guild Master on the back, a gentle smile on her face .
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‘Even though they’re not a couple, they’ve built a strong relationship based on trust,’ thinks Angeline . So, instead of falling head over heels in love, they have a relationship that was forged naturally . And it looks pretty strong .
“Does this mean the Guild Master is a love rival? But there’s also the possibility of stealing the bride…” Angeline’s cheeks turned red as she imagined this situation .
“What’s the matter Miss Angie?” asks Lionel perplexed . He pauses for a bit before his mind clicks . “C-Could it be? Do you perhaps have feelings for me?”
“Nope, “Angeline answers bluntly . “What are you on about Guild Master?”
“Well, you’ve been talking about love, stealing the bride, and love rivals…”
“I wasn’t talking about me . There’s no way I will ever fall in love with you, Guild Master . ”
“I know it’s impossible, but it’s a little painful when you say it to my face…”
Lionel lowers his gaze again as Yuri laughs cheerfully . “Also, you’re old enough to be little Angie’s father . Everyone would call you a criminal . ”
“I was joking… The last thing I’d need in my life is everyone treating me like a criminal . ”
Angeline puts her hands on the counter and leans forward . “Miss Yuri… You’re going to consider the marriage interview with my Daddy, right? He’s much more reliable than the Guild Master . ”
“Haha! You’re a very pushy girl~!” Yuri pokes Angeline’s forehead with her fingertips .
At that point, Lionel also leans over the counter . “Miss Angie’s father… Elmore won’t stop talking about his achievements the last time he visited the Bordeaux territory . He even invited him to join his Guild, claiming it would improve the guild…hmmm…”
Smiling, Lionel’s mind clicks . “That’s right! If Yuri marries Angie’s father, he’ll have to come to Orphen . Isn’t that a great idea?”
“Lio, you idiot! Do you think love works like that~?!” Yuri yells, burying her fist into Lionel’s head . She begins to lay him out repeatedly much to the amusement of Angeline .
At that moment, Dortos appears with an angry expression from the door behind the counter .
“Lionel! What’s taking you so long to get the documents?!”
“Mr . Dortos! I swear this isn’t what it looks like!”
“You’re too irresponsible! Come on!” Dortos grabs Lionel’s neck and peels him out of Yuri’s grip, dragging him to the back room quickly .
Yuri sighs; feeling more refreshed after burning some steam . She smiles at Angeline and goes back to sifting through the documents from the archive, like nothing weird had just happened .
“Ah . I found a mission for you, little Angie!”
“Alright!”
The Team’s Corner
*Editor’s Notes:
Sorry for the wait . I’ve been juggling more stuff lately . Starting work at an aged care, writing a novel, starting youtube videos, and trying to find time to play games . TT_TT
But anywho, I already love Yuri’s character . Hopefully, she becomes prominent for future chapters . I hope you all have a good day, and see you next chapter!
*Translator’s Notes:
Hello! This one is a short one, but I hope you enjoyed it! Do you think Yuri would be a good mother to Angeline? Also, I always enjoy it when Lionel appears, he is just too funny! Well, we’ll see the next chapter! Cheers!