Chapter 020. In our travel

Miroh was soon rushed to the infirmary after collapsing on the spot. Even the medic assigned at that time had eyed them warily seeing them bursting in the same room in a chaotic mess.

Ayla let out a sigh as she stood at the foot of Miroh’s bed. She was genuinely surprise when Miroh suddenly appeared and announced he was joining them when they were planning on executing major movements.

Given his reaction to Keid’s announcement to his demotion, he was pretty serious in upholding his duty as a knight. She would even go as far say it was beyond some kind shallow dream of attaining money and honor.

Ayla had unconsciously fixed her fringes behind her ear. She didn’t have any expression on her face, but her eyes naturally narrowed sharply while staring at Miroh’s unconscious face without her knowing.

“Hey, what is our darling flower thinking? You look like you’re digging a grave for Miroh’s body to enjoy his eternal rest.”

Ayla blinked her eyes after being awaken from her stupor, then rolled her eyes at the superfluous nickname but still opened her mouth to answer his question. “I was curious what could be the reason why he joined us.”

Caelum shrugged. His thoughts didn’t go that far to ponder on such things unlike Ayla after everything that happened. “Could be because Keid was too persuasive? In any case, don’t think too much about that. We’ll naturally learn more about him once he get used to us.”

Ayla’s frown deepened, tapping her crossed arm mindlessly with her index finger. “His attitude isn’t compatible with the way we do things.”

Caelum paused before chuckling, dragging a chair beside her and flip it so he was facing the backrest of the chair. “You might be right. But I think that’s the reason why Keid wanted him to join us. You know, I kinda like his clumsy attitude. He reminds of Leo before.”

“I don’t know what Keid’s thinking! Miroh almost died when he faced a Valkyrie for the first time. I didn’t know he’s actually a porter. If it weren’t for Hamal…” She frowned unhappily not wanting to continue what she’ll say. It’s rude to say something ominous about a person in front of them.

“Hmm, I’m glad you’re now showing concern to a new person. That’s good, that’s good, you’ll be working together for a long time after all.”

Ayla hadn’t heard the rest of Caelum’s words as soon as her mind played a passing memory. The light in her eyes flickered with indescribable emotions. It was the first time she saw that kind of memory.

She had expected a new fragmented memory from when she was prison with other Magnus, but this time the memory captures a man caressing her head amidst a heavy downpour. The pressing thing is the fact that she can’t see the person’s face.

“—Ayla? Hey? Earth to Ayla?”

“What?” She stuttered still disoriented from the confusing memory. The memory must have been an utmost importance because of the uncertain emotions bubbling inside her.

“You okay? Did you remember something?” Caelum attention was instantly piqued as he leaned over.

“No. It’s nothing.”

Caelum wore a solemn expression, noting how Ayla had froze up. “Well, that’s okay.”

Caelum decided to drop it. No matter how much they wanted to know, it wouldn’t do any good to force her to remember. They had realized that Ayla’s subconsciousness must’ve wiped off a lot of her memories for a reason.

Ayla in her desperate attempt to keep herself from remembering anything had refused to get closer to anyone again.

Caelum could still remember the dull look on Ayla’s face after being separated for months. By some sort of miracle, they were able to save Ayla on time, but it was like some piece of her had remained in that prison.

Ayla had vehemently refused to say anything about what happened to her, and they respected her wishes. They know that the time when she’s finally ready, Ayla will tell them everything.

The conservation was soon dropped after hearing Miroh making pained noises. “Uhh…”

Miroh opened his eyes weakly then began to instinctively blink his eyes to let his eyes adjust to the harsh light.

"Are you alright now?"

Caelum asked carefully. He observed Caelum's expression intently in hopes that he can get a reaction from him and gauge how he is feeling.

Keid really spooked the kid with his words earlier. That incident totally altered their original impression of Miroh. This kid with the agility of a praying mantis actually has a mentality weaker than a shekel cookie!

This contrast with his personality was surely vexing and amusing at the same time.

Miroh sat up slowly with the help of Caelum. He bowed his head apologetically when he was finally able to face Ayla and Caelum properly.

“I’m sorry for already being a burden at my first day. I’ll work hard to keep up with everyone!”

Miroh can’t believe he was under a lot of emotional stress at that time. Just thinking about it, and Keid’s words must have been the final straw that he basically shut off.

Caelum and Ayla shared a look before Caelum ruffled his hair, while carefully consider how to approach this spineless kid. He might have experienced painful things that contributed to this low self esteem and unawareness to his own strong ability.

“What are you apologizing for? Stop treating yourself lower than everyone else, greenie. Look at your shoulders! It’s hunched over like a shrimp! You badly want to be called shrimp by everyone?”

“I-is that so? I’m sorry.” Miroh looked upset at Caelum’s blunt words, correcting his shoulders awkwardly.

”This won’t do. They said if you want to manifest an object or mental state, then you have to shout it with all your heart. Come on, say this after me! AURA!” Caelum spread his arms as if unleashing the purest aurora out on him, then enunciated the word ‘aura’ with zealous.

”AURA!”

”That’s right, that’s right! Every knight get their strength from their aura.” Caelum laughed proudly.

Miroh was even more enthusiastic as he felt energized than before. “AURA!”

“Okay, that’s enough.” Ayla’s heavy, exasperated sigh could be heard from far away.

…

“Ah…I really thought that I was gonna be demoted as a knight. I don’t know how to tell my older sister if that happens.” Miroh laughed, scratching the back of his head awkwardly.

Caelum just finished filling in Miroh on what actually happened and the direction of their current plans right now.

Keid had to play as if he really removed Miroh out of service to the higher ups in order to justify putting him with Ayla back to the military academy. It just so happen that Miroh had that recent encounter with the thugs at Second City. It was the perfect excuse.

“So I’ll return as a recruit to accompany Ayla in scouting for other potential members, is that right?” Miroh clarified as realization dawned on his face.

“Yes. In this way you can also gloss over the fact that your tyrfing was already calibrated without any unnecessary questioning.”

Miroh held a look of epiphany, gazing at Caelum in awe. “Ohhh, that’s a good idea! I was previously troubled on how to explain myself to anyone.” He didn’t even carry his tyrfing these days in fear of accidentally activating at an inappropriate time.

“But I’m afraid how my older sister will react when she know I was suddenly demoted.” Miroh hold a look the borders between fear and concern for the trouble that was coming.

“She can be very protective when it comes to family.” Even protective was describing her actions lightly.

“Oh right. You have an older sister right?” Caelum recalled from their conversation back at the run.

“Yes, but we’re not related by blood. My parents adopted her way back when we were young.”

“Oh that’s cool! I also have an older brother! Did you two fight?”

And so, they began a very enthusiastic conversation on being the bullied younger sibling. It was weird to see two people converse brightly in their misery.

Ayla was instantly reminded about her family. Would it feel less lonely if she had a sister or brother with her now? It’s a pity that the only thing that remain in this earth are block of stones that bear the initials of the people she vaguely remembers now.

They were still talking when the door suddenly opened, revealing Vega and Keid’s presence. They entered the room and look instantly relieve after one look at Miroh’s less ashen face

“I thought you suddenly entered a deviation with Keid’s words. Scared me to death!” Vega placed a palm on her forehead with a laugh.

“I apologize for scaring you at that time, Miroh.” Keid had stated it seriously that everybody in the room was dumbfounded.

“Ayla, pinch me. I think I’m dreaming! Keid finally realized that his capriciousness is a pain in the—ouch!” Caelum glared at Ayla, rubbing his forearm vigorously to numb the pain.

“I was just following what you said.” She said innocently.

Still, the person at the receiving end of the apology was carrying an even greater pressure. “There’s no need to apologize, Sir. I will make sure to act appropriately with the team as to not become a liability.” Miroh swore an oath with the same energy as Keid.

Keid smiled amiably. “Then it’s good. I expect great things from you, Miroh. I hope you can also be an asset to the team over here.”

“Yes sir!”

Ayla’s ridiculing expression at Keid’s politician smile dropped down as soon as Keid’s attention suddenly pinned on her.

“By the way, I need to tell you that you’ll be setting off a week in advance in order to adjust to the capital’s climate before the entrance ceremony.”

Ayla blinked in surprise at how unexpectedly quick things seem to move. There’s only several days left before they start the journey to the summer capital of Aeviternus.

Keid and Vega didn’t stay long and they had to bid them farewell as soon as they were sure Miroh was fine. They just finalized the plan, and so, it is now time to lay all the ground work to achieve the plans gradually.

“It still feel weird to see the chief outside the military. He seems more approachable here than with the knights.” Miroh thought out loud.

“What are you talking about? Does that guy looks warm and fuzzy to you?” Ayla didn’t even hide her expression as she directly looked at him in incredulity. Are they talking about the same person here?

Miroh paused to think for a second before nodding his head. “Yeah. The chief didn’t say much to us, but when he does it’s usually to shut up demanding officials or stuck up nobles.”

By ‘shut up’ Miroh obviously meant blackmailing and cheating those pricks to fall on their pre-meditated pit.

Both Caelum and Ayla wore a matching disbelieving looks that screams ‘that’s crazy’.

“You poor sweet summer child, you still have a lot to learn.” Caelum shook his head in sympathy. Where the heck did he see Keid’s warm and fuzzy side?

‘But I didn’t saw it wrong...’ Miroh opened his mouth to shoot back, but promptly pursed his lips shut. What is he fighting for anyway?

“Huhu…he’ll know it soon enough.” Ayla murmured to Caelum, earning a heartfelt nod.

Wait ‘til he experience working with no expected working hours. He’ll cry for any form of labour code in this group soon.

…

The remaining weeks went by like a hurricane of hellish events. For Ayla, it was a fleeting experience but left devastating aftermath.

Ayla’s eyes turn into sharp slits after she had enough of Miroh’s countless indiscreet glances ever since everyone gathered to send them off early in the morning.

“I will toss you out of this carriage if you don’t stop.”

After three weeks of getting familiar with new co-workers, Miroh had surprisingly adjusted well with the members of the organization. And that includes building a semi-resistance to Ayla’s cold threats.

Miroh remained in disbelief, observing Ayla’s new dark brown hair. “I still can’t believe how unrecognizable you are.”

Ayla’s hair now sports a dark brown color, which was a stark contrast to the deep green hair she originally have.

It took a lot of trial and error to disguise the eye-catching green color into something that ordinary. If somebody with natural green hair suddenly popped out of nowhere, the church wouldn’t have time to capture Ayla when the royal family already issued treason.

Ayla observed her reflection on the glass with an unreconciled expression.

There’s no way to lessen the damage of countless chemicals and dyes going through her hair. Her hair basically went crazy. So they had no choice but to chop a huge chunk of hair off to settle the frizziness.

Ayla rubbed her neck, feeling the cool breeze slid past her nape. The lightness in her head now a constant reminder of her lost precious hair.

‘Ah. She wants to cry. Her hair…’

Caelum woke up from his deep slumber, taking off the eye mask in the process. It can be considered a talent to be able to sleep for a long time under this rocking carriage that seems to break down any second.

Caelum blinked at Ayla confusedly before snorting. “I almost did not recognize you haha.”

For some reason, Caelum tone sounded very irritating to Ayla’s ears. “Why did you come with us?”

“Keid told me to handle something in the capital so I decided to go with you ahead of time. It’s too boring to travel alone!”

“So that’s why I haven’t seen Sir Caelum in a while.” Miroh remarked in awe. Aside from resonance training with Ayla and Hamal, Miroh hadn’t stepped out of the building.

“Well. This is nothing compared to what you’ll be doing in the academy.” Caelum trembled just remembering the rigorous activities that is waiting for them.

He had a scholarly disposition and so the strenuous training almost made his dear mother to throw a fit in the academy.

Ayla noticed Miroh’s distressed expression and was curious. “Was it horrible?”

“If you’re doing it for the second time, then yes.” Caelum laughed, lighting a candle for Miroh in his mind.

“But I think Miroh will be fine this time. His tyrfing was already calibrated.” Ayla stated earnestly. Knights that already passed the threshold of calibration would be stronger than others anyway.

Miroh looked very moved by Ayla’s compliment. It was the most positive thing she had said about him since they became friends.

“That’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.”

Ayla wore a baffled look. What nicest thing is he talking about? She didn’t recall saying anything makes someone moved this much.

“I’m just stating a fact.”

“As expected, Ayla is really a good friend.” Miroh muttered, gazing at Ayla with gratitude.

“Since when are we friends?”

Either Miroh completely misunderstood Ayla’s words or just totally ignored her haughtily raised eyebrow. “Don’t worry, I will be your friend now. Can I call you Ayla? Miss Ayla seem very distant when we’re just close in age.” Miroh stated emotionally.

‘What the fuck?’

Ayla was about to open her mouth when the carriage heard two gentle thumps from outside. “We are nearing the inn we’ll be lounging for tonight. Please get yourselves ready.”

They heard Hamal’s deep voice, the fourth member in this rollercoaster of a journey, through the cheap soundproofing of the carriage.