Feelings

Things have been chaotic to say the least. I had explained what was said in Kaede's letter, as it was in my old language so I had to translate it. But ever since getting that letter back from her, I couldn't pay attention to class. Kaede was all that was on my mind. It felt like every passing moment my heart was aching, the same pain I felt when I was first reborn in this world. I needed to see her.

Luna: "We'll find her..."

She brought her hand on top of mine in the middle of class, also seeming to be uninterested in class. It has been 4 days since I got that letter. I sent another letter back, but I still have yet to get a reply. I asked if she wanted to meet at Azalea since that was where her letter was sent from. It was a long trip, but if it meant that I could meet Kaede again, I'll skip my studies at the academy and go there. I talked to Luna about this plan, but she thinks waiting here would be the best option. I know she's right, but it pains me to just sit and wait.

Kendal: "-academy gates. Be sure to be there"

The sound of the bell rang, signaling the end of class.

Ellen: "Wait. What's happening?"

Luna: "We're meeting our instructor at the academy gates next week. Apparently we're going on an excursion to the southern town, Pontia."

Ellen: "Wait, why are we going there?"

Luna: "You really weren't paying attention haha. Kendal wants us to help out the town there, giving us a good opportunity to learn how to fight against monsters."

Going south will mean that I'll be heading in the wrong direction to Kaede... If the excursion took place in Maemont, or any of the other towns then maybe I could sneak out and try and find her. "This sucks."

Luna: "...You were hoping to go to the west right?"

Ellen: "Yeah..."

As always, Luna could tell exactly what I was thinking. It still baffles me that she's remaining calm about all this. Its been 4 days since that letter and she still seems to be supporting my search for Kaede. I can't help but think she's just putting on a smile and saying she's fine, I wish I could read minds like how she can.

Luna: "Hey and... You don't need to worry about me. I like you, but seeing you pained like this makes me just as sad... I want to find Kaede with you, and that's because 'I' want to. I want to see you happy again."

Once again, she could tell exactly what I was thinking. Could she actually read minds?

Ellen: "Thank you."

She just smiled at me as we continued our walk to our dorm room, hand in hand. I'm glad even after all that's happened we can still remain this close. My biggest fear was that with the appearance of Kaede, she'd distance herself from me, maybe even swap rooms with someone to run away from me. Thinking about thoughts like that, I gently squeeze her hand as she squeezes back, a smile appearing on both of our faces as we walk up the stairs.

Today is the weekend, so just like usual, Luna and I get dressed out of our uniforms and make our way to the Inasdale guild, in hopes to find a latter from Kaede. Just like yesterday, and the days before, there was nothing.

Luna: "Hey, why don't we send a letter to that person that sent Kaede's letter? What was her name again?"

Ellen: "Good idea, I think her name was Fleur?"

We head back inside the guild, heading towards the lady at the desk.

Ellen: "Actually, I would like to send a letter to Fleur in Azalea."

Lady: "Fleur Ilaria? She works as the manager at Azalea's guild. May I ask why?"

Ellen: "Well she was the one that sent the letter before, so I'd like to send a letter to her directly. Is that possible?"

Lady: "Yes. It's just unusual for adventurers to send letter to managers. Usually its merchants. What would you like your message to be?"

She slides me a piece of parchment to write my letter on. I write the message: "Is Kaede okay? Do you know where she is?" Making sure to address it to Fleur Ilaria.

Lady: "That will be 10 silver."

I pay the 10 silver as she takes the letter to be processed and sent out.

Lady: "Thank you. This will take a while to send, so if she replies, come back at the start of next week."

Ellen: "Ah, I wont be here next week as I'm going to Pontia with my class."

Lady: "Oh? I've heard they have been getting a lot of goblins lately. I'm guessing you guys are going to help?"

Well this was unexpected. I don't recall Kendal giving us details on what we will be fighting in Pontia, but I just unexpectedly found information regarding such a thing.

Luna: "Ooo~ Goblins? That's surely what we're fighting right?"

Ellen: "I think so yeah."

Lady: "Well I wish you two the best of luck. You two are E ranks, but if your with a class I'm sure you'll be fine. Stay safe."

Ellen/Luna: "Thank you~"

We leave the guild after getting some valuable information, but the information I wanted the most was about Kaede. My only guess was she is dealing with that trouble she mentioned in her letter, but she never explained what it was. If she had gotten hurt, or even died before I could reunite with her, I'm not sure how I'd deal with that.

Luna: "So goblins huh? Do you know anything about them?"

Ellen: "Well~ I've heard the name before in my old world, but I'm not sure if they are the same kind of goblins as I know."

Luna: "You had goblins in your world too?"

Ellen: "No no. It was a common monster in fiction stories. They didn't action exist."

Luna: "Hmm, well from what Nick has told me. Goblins are social creatures. You'll rarely find them alone and instead in groups. So maybe that's why Kendal wants our class to work together?

Ellen: "That would make the most sense yeah."

While talking, we gradually made our way back to the academy. We didn't stop at a restaurant this time as Luna wanted to cook dinner. Every time she cooks, it only reminds me of Kaede when she used to help my mom cook in my old world. Before it used to hurt when I remembered such memories, but now that I know Kaede is alive and here in this world, that pain is no longer there. However, even now, I still miss my old parents. I want to taste my mom's cooking again, to help dad with moving around heavy things, to listen to their laughs together, making the house feel lively and happy, even during the nastiest of storms.

Suddenly, breaking me from reminiscing on my past, I felt my hand be squeezed a little as I look to my right to see Luna wearing a worried expression.

Ellen: "Hey, you okay?"

Luna: "I've just. Never killed anything before. If we are actually fighting goblins, I... don't know how good I'll be."

I pull her closer to me, bringing our shoulders to touch.

Ellen: "Well. I haven't killed anything either, so I'm in the same boat as you. So let's make sure we protect each other okay?"

Luna: "Mmm!"

She lets go of my hand, only to wrap her arms around mine, keeping us together close as we continue our walk.

Luna: "Plus we'll have our instructors there with us. I'm sure they will keep us safe as well."

I actually never got the chance to spar with Kendal, but after seeing him spar with half of the class with me taking the other half, I could tell he knew what he was doing. Suddenly, a thought popped in my head-

Ellen: "Hey, do you know if goblins know magic?"

Luna: "From what Nick has told me, they can't, but maybe Kendal will tell us next week."

Ellen: "That puts me at a disadvantage then. I might not be able to make use of my magic..."

Luna: "That's why you have your sword silly. I'm sure you'll be fine~"

We eventually make our way back to our room as Luna immediately starts getting dinner ready, with me taking my shower early. Memories of that night... The night where I was murdered flashed in my mind as the hot water stings my skin. Ever since I learnt of Kaede's existence here, all I could think of were the memories of that day. I wonder what kind of life Kaede has been living up till now? What is it like living in a far off town like Azalea? I have so many questions for her, yet she isn't here. I play with strands of my long red hair in the shower, thinking back on all those times I wanted to cut it short.

Yui: "I kept it for you, Kaede..."

I spoke in my old language for the first time in 15 years, giggling a little at the thought of Kaede and I having our own secret language.