Chapter 8 -Charlotte's New Life

Charlotte

As a new day arose, I again awoke to start my usual day. Due to the mess that has happened yesterday, my first task of the day was to clean it all up. Cleaning the floors and washing the dishes and pot, everything seems fine and dandy.

Well... everything except for these two...

"Hey! Are you even listening to me!" Tanuki shouted angrily at John.

"Will you please keep quiet, you fat raccoon. Your ruining my day." John retorted.

With the two strangers in her house, Charlotte can't help but wonder on what to do. Not long before, she was still alone and living by herself. Yet like a surreal dream, two unknown strangers from unknown origins currently resides in her house.

"You can't just tell me to keep quiet, you fucking moron!" Tanuki shouted.

"[Sigh...] How annoying..." John sighs.

Seeing the two argue once more, Charlotte can't help but sigh. These two have been arguing all night to the point that Charlotte haven't even had any sleep. It somewhat surprises her that even in this time they still continue their bickering.

"Hey don't just ignore me!" Tanuki once again shouted.

Not wanting to see their bickering continue for the whole day, Charlotte decided to join in to the conversation.

"Why are you both still fighting even in this time?" Charlotte asked somewhat exhausted.

"Hey don't blame me." John spoke. "I'm not the one sperging out here."

"Ehhh!! Stop acting that you're not at fault here." Tanuki said. "You're the one whom said that you'll do nothing."

"God... You're still fixated about that." John said.

"Of course, I would be!" Tanuki shouted "I was tasked to guide the Hero in defeating the Demon King. Yet you; the one who should be defeating such threat, decides to sit around and do nothing."

"And what's wrong with that?" John asked.

"Are you serious!? You're going to risk the lives of the people in this relm just because you're too much of a pussy." Tanuki stated.

"It's called taking least risks." John explained. "I still don't believe much of what you've said. But if in the case of it being true, then preparations are somewhat crucial."

"[Sigh...] By the name of the Goddess above, are we seriously still going to talk about the validity of what I told you."

"With such holes in your story, of course I would talk about it." John said.

"What the hell are you saying?" Tanuki asked.

"Well for starters, this Demon King thing that you keep mentioning, is pretty suspicious." John uttered. "Cause for a threat in that magnitude, it sure is odd that it's pretty unknown by everyone other than you."

"E-eh?" Tanuki muttered while somewhat confused.

Seeing how the raccoon seems confused at what John was saying, he then asked Charlotte to back up his claim.

"You've talked about this earlier in the night, the kid doesn't even know what or who this Demon King is. Isn't that right, young miss?" John asked.

"U-umm... that would be true, I suppose." Charlotte replied.

"See. The young miss's words back up my claim." John said.

"E-even so... That doesn't disprove the Demonic Threat." Tanuki said. "The young miss, already explained the existence of Demons being real."

"U-umm... I have a name too you know." Charlotte spoke.

"If such is the case, then they're a pretty shitty threat if you asked me." John uttered.

"Right... says the one whom refuse to do anything cause it's risky." Tanuki spoke in a mocking way.

...God they're ignoring me. Charlotte thought in her mind.

"Have you seen the people outside, lately." John spoke. "All of them seems to be going on their day like nothing is happening. I'm not belittling their threat or anything, but I would like to point out that despite being a relm ending threat, people sure are pretty relax about it."

"U-uumm..." Not being able to refute John's words, Tanuki wasn't able to say anything. Despite his knowledge about the Hero and the Demonic threat, his uninformed like the Hero about the current situation of this world. "I really don't know much about what's has happened to this world and why the people don't remember about the Hero and Demon King. But I assure you that what I'm saying is true."

"So, you don't much about this world either." John said.

"I'm just a spirit that vanishes once the task of Defeating the Demon King is done. So, any event that has happened after, is something out of my knowledge." Tanuki answered. "That's why I'm very concerned about this situation. Something like the Hero and the Demon King should be common knowledge. Yet here we are."

"I see..." John muttered. "What a problematic situation we have in hand."

"If you understand how problematic it is, then don't just sit arou-"

Before Tanuki can even finish his sentence, they heard a sudden knock on the door, which caught their attention

[Knock-Knock...].

"A-ahh! I'll answer it." Charlotte spoke.

Knowing that letting the two strangers answer the door would be weird, she quickly made her way to the outside door. Opening the door, she greeted with a familiar face.

"How may I help... Miss Evelyn?"

Just outside from her door is Evelyn Silverstar from the Merchant Guild, wearing her ever ominous suit and pair of glasses.

"Why good morning, young miss." Evelyn greeted. "Speaking of greetings, you never really introduced yourself when we first met."

"A-ahhh... I'm sorry." Charlotte apologized. "My name is Charlotte Lemongrass, n-nice to meet you miss Evelyn."

"Charlotte... what a nice name." Evelyn said.

"U-um.... may I ask what miss Evelyn is doing here?"

"Oh right, I almost forgot. I came here to bring you some good news." Evelyn spoke.

"Good news?" Charlotte echoed.

"Seeing how difficult your current circumstances, I tried negotiating with Guild to find some way on helping you." Evelyn explained.

"I see...." Charlotte muttered.

"Anyhow. It isn't really much, but in my negotiation, I was able to extend the time of payment to another month. Essentially adding one more month to your disposal."

Hearing Evelyn's words, Charlotte can't help but be happy. Her day ever since yesterday has been nothing but constant failures, so having at least some good luck was very appreciated.

"U-umm... Thank you, miss Evelyn." Charlotte said with sincerity. "You really didn't have to do it, but thank you."

"No need to be modest. Seeing a little girl suffer from the harsh decisions of adults, is something that I can't condemn." As she converses with the young Charlotte, Evelyn can't help notice the presence of John. Seeing the unknown stranger for the first time, Evelyn got curious. "And who might this person be?" Evelyn asked.

"This is sir Her-..." Figuring out that referring to John as Hero might sound weird, Charlotte stopped midway to her sentence. Not knowing what to refer to John, she can't help but just stand dumbfoundedly.

"The name's John Lemongrass, I'm a distant relative of hers." John calmly answers.

Hearing John's lies, Charlotte can't help but be surprised. But after some consideration, said lie isn't really that bad of an idea. So not wanting to disclose his cover, Charlotte then played along.

"T-that's right! His a-a cousin of mine from far away." Charlotte awkwardly said.

"I see..." Evelyn muttered. "Nice meeting you sir John, the names Evelyn Silverstar; a representative of the Merchant Guild."

"Nice to meet too, I suppose..." John replied.

Giving her hand for a shake, John then stood for a moment, after which he took said handshake. As their hands grasp each other, John is oddly calm about said situation, like nothing is out of the ordinary.

"So, you're a representative of a Merchant Guild." John spoke. "How odd seeing someone like you visit a little girl's home."

"I won't deny that it isn't weird, but a job is job." Evelyn uttered. "Even if were task to visit some wizard's tower, I would still do it."

"You have your priorities straight, at least." John said. "Speaking of which, may I ask what's this about?"

"How odd, did the young miss haven't told you about her current situation?" Evelyn asked.

"I just arrive here yesterday night, so I haven't really known much of things."

"I see..." Evelyn muttered. "Well if you want to know what your young cousin's current circumstances, I advise you to go ask to her. You might find it more convincing if it came from her mouth."

Saying her goodbyes to both people, Evelyn then quietly left the residence. As she leaves the little house, Charlotte can't help but keep thanking her for what she did. Finding Charlotte's gratitude to be charming, Evelyn left the place with a somewhat sad smile in her face.

"I hope you get through this, young miss..." Were the last words of Evelyn's mouth as she blended with the crowd of the very busy morning street.

---------------------------------------------

As they watch Evelyn's figure slowly fade away, they are once again left by themselves. Closing the outside door, John then asked about Charlotte's circumstances.

"Mind telling me what was that about?" John asked.

"A-aahh... I don't think that sir Hero would need to know about such a thing." Charlotte said.

.

.

"I can't really force you, so it's your choice." John spoke. "But with no solutions as to my situation, then I'll be staying here for far longer. So, if you have any problems, my piece of advice is try consulting me."

With his words said, John then made his way to one of the living room chairs. Seeing how Evelyn's is now absent, Tanuki then revealed himself once again.

"Is the woman gone?" Tanuki asked.

"Why were you even hiding yourself?" John questioned.

"It can't be help. With how little information we currently have, being cautious is the at most importance." Tanuki said.

"Right..." John sighs.

With nothing much to do, both John and Tanuki was once again stuck seating on their seats. Thinking of things to do, their thoughts were suddenly halted when they heard a sudden growl on their stomachs.

[~Growwwlll...]

"..." - 2x. Both of them remained quiet with their faces reddening from embarrassment.

Hearing the growling of their stomachs, Charlotte was quickly reminded that she still hasn't made any breakfast.

"Oh my? How could I forget." Charlotte spoke. "I still haven't made any breakfast."

"Sorry about that." Feeling embarrassed that his hunger is making Charlotte worried, John apologized.

"Don't worry about that sir Hero." Charlotte said. "Considering that both of you were up all night, it makes sense that both of you would be hungry." Counting the money, she has in her pocket. She was somewhat worried that the amount she has is isn't enough for the amount of people she has to feed. But after counting her bronze coins and finding that she has 20 left, she was a bit saddened. The remaining coins she has is supposed to be her allowance for the week. But with the prospect of feeding more people, is seems inevitable that she has to take more coins on her savings. I wonder if that savings of mine is even going to last this year. Charlotte thought.

Preparing her leather boots, she readies herself to venture out in the market once more.

"Where are you going, young miss?" Tanuki asked.

"I'm just going to buy something for breakfast. So please stay put while I go out." Charlotte replied.

Making her way to the outside door, she then quickly left the residence and made her way to the busy street.

-Riverdawn Market, 2nd Amanecer Estrella

Arriving at the busy town's market, Charlotte then made her way to Mrs. Bloom's stall.

"[Pat-pat...] G-good morning, Mrs. Bloom." Charlotte greeted somewhat exhaustedly.

"Good morning to you as well Charlotte" Mrs. Bloom greeted back. "How truly odd for you to arrive today, you usually arrive in earlier times. Did something happen?" Mrs. Bloom asked somewhat worried at the young kid.

"A-ahh... nothing. Everything's just fine, I-I was just late due to some accident that happened to the kitchen." Charlotte answered.

"I see..." Mrs. Bloom muttered. "Do you perhaps in any need of help?"

"There's no need Mrs. Bloom, it's nothing serious." Charlotte said. "Just my pot falling to the floor and spilling some things."

"How unfortunate." Mrs. Bloom spoke. "I'm just glad that you haven't got hurt at least."

"Right..." Charlotte muttered, somewhat feeling bad for lying to Mrs. Bloom.

"So anyhow, you want the usual right?" Mrs. Bloom asked.

"U-uummm..." Being asked about her order, Charlotte can't help but stand dumbfoundedly. She's been buying her vegetables at Mrs. Bloom's place for far too long, to the point that she's been familiar with her order. Buying differently now would arouse some suspicion. Which Charlotte doesn't want.

"Is something wrong Charlotte?" Seeing Charlotte stand still with sweats in her face, Mrs. Bloom can't help but get worried. She has known the little girl ever since she was a baby, so seeing someone familiar to her have some problem, is very worrying. But just as she's about to ask the nervous Charlotte once more, an unfamiliar individual suddenly came to her stall, which caught her attention.

"Could you get a portion of her order that's enough for three people." John said.

"S-sir Her-... I mean c-cousin John?" Charlotte said in surprised.

The unknown person that Mrs. Bloom saw was none other the John, whom followed Charlotte when she went out to the house. Confused as to who the person is and why Charlotte is calling her cousin, Mrs. Bloom can't help but asked.

"Cousin?" Mrs. Bloom echoed

"Oh, right! I've yet to introduce him. Mrs. Bloom this is c-cousin John. His a... distant relative from Father's side." Charlotte explained.

"Good morning, miss." John greeted. "I apologize for the sudden introduction."

"Oh my? I didn't know that Richard have any relatives." Mrs. Bloom spoke.

"I see... It seems that uncle of mine is still shy as ever." John casually spoke.

Hearing John's words Mrs. Bloom can't help but chuckle. "I suppose that it wouldn't be wrong. All the things in that man's head is pretty much just adventuring."

"I'm not even surprise..." John said.

"Oh, right, I've yet to introduce myself. How very rude of me." Mrs. Bloom spoke. "The names Bloom Cottonfield."

"Bloom Cottonfield... What a fitting name for a lady as beautiful as you." John said.

"Oh my? How bold. But I'm very sorry young man, for this lady here is already married."

"Even so... that still doesn't change the fact that young miss here is quite charming." John spoke.

"Y-young.. M-miss..." Mrs. Bloom blushingly echoed.

Hearing John's flirtatious words, Mrs. Bloom can't help but redden from blushing. Their little flirtatious chatter continued for a few minutes, in which John learned some things about Mrs. Bloom, Charlotte and her family.

Seeing the both talk like somesort of lovebirds, Charlotte can't help but be wide eyed from the whole thing.

.

.

"Here's the vegetables you've ordered, young man." Mrs. Bloom said as she gives the bag of vegetables to John. "Please do visit anytime, if you need something."

"Of course, who wouldn't want to see such a lovely face." John smiles.

"[~Ohhoho♥] Stop it, will you. You're such a rascal." Mrs. Bloom spoke somewhat charmed.

Ehhh.... Charlotte uttered in her mind.

Saying their goodbyes. John and Charlotte then made their way to the busy street. Still weirded out by John's actions, Charlotte made sure to stay as far away from John as possible.

"Quite the distance your making, young miss." John spoke.

"I don't think that I like you very much, sir Hero." Charlotte uttered.

"I suppose I can't blame you." John said. "If I were in your position, I also would be weirded out seeing a man flirting with an old lady."

"I'm not talking about that." Charlotte replied.

"Oh? And what would be the one your referring?" John asked.

"In your talk with miss Evelyn and Mrs. Bloom just now... You were lying a lot." Charlotte answered.

.

.

.

"Oh really? I'm quite impressed that you were able to tell." John spoke.

"I wasn't able to tell most of them, but just feel it." Charlotte explained. "For someone who's supposed to be a Hero, you're quite a natural liar."

"...This isn't the first time someone had said those words to me." John uttered, while looking like his reminiscing something.

Huh...? Seeing John's looks, Charlotte can't help but wonder what's in his mind. But as her mind drift from her thoughts, her wonders were suddenly cut short when she heard John's voice echoed in her ears.

"Say... is this all?" John asked.

"Huh?"

"I'm talking about this." John points out the bag of vegetables his holding. "Are these things all you needed for breakfast?"

"U-uumm... I was going to buy some bread from the bakery." Charlotte spoke.

"Well let's get on then." John said with a smile. "I'm pretty sure that fat raccoon in the house is probably starving at this moment."

Making their way to the crowded street they quickly headed straight to the bakery that Charlotte mentioned. While they began their walk, Charlotte can't help but monologue a few things in her mind.

How odd... I didn't feel anything ominous about his smile. Watching John's face once again, Charlotte was making sure if her hunch wasn't wrong. But as their eyes gaze at each other, John can't help but asked if something's wrong.

"Is something the matter, young miss?"

"U-um... Nothing!" Not wanting to act as if she was checking John, Charlotte quickly hasten her pace. As she walks from corner to corner, a single thought lingers her mind.

I suppose... sir Hero isn't that bad.

-End