Chapter XCIII - Departure, Again (part 2)

"Now... Next on the list is... Urek, then the church. And then a dinner with... the team."

I let out a sigh at that last part.

This will be our final dinner before my departure, and after that tongue twist with Valey, it will be quite difficult to face them. But she was the one who suggested this, and now I can't reject.

After talking with Urek for a quick fifteen minutes, I went to the church to talk with the elder nun. After hearing that I will be gone for three years, she was quite taken aback. But she said things will do just fine without me, and that eases me a little. 

Though, I know for a fact that it wouldn't. People will just go back to being sick again from overusing their magic energy by healing tons of people, but there's no helping it since I will be gone. They will have to find more healers.

After that, I went back home and waited until sundown, which is when we all will go to Hod's.

Sundown finally came. I let out a sigh before leaving my inn. But to my surprise, Valey is waiting outside the inn.

"Valey?"

I approached her. Her face seemed to be quite shy, and she looked really cute.

"I'm... I-"

"No, me first."

I took a deep breath and then faced her forward.

"I'm sorry for not being straightforward with you, and the others. Yes, it's true that you guys are a weight, but that doesn't mean that I don't want to be with guys.

I was a lone adventurer for a long time, and thanks to that, my whole days were… plain and boring. I couldn't stand that, even though I… hate to admit that I'm terrible at making friends."

Valey chuckled at that last part, which made me red really hard. I let out a sigh and continued.

"… Until… I met you guys."

Finishing my sentence, I let out all the breath and inhaled a new one.

"All I'm saying is... Sorry. For being terrible."

Valey looked pretty glad as well. But, she was expecting that I'm not saying that she and the others were a hindrance. 

Now that I have said it, she is unsure as to what she should reply.

"... Well, at least you are being straight forward."

"Thanks, it's... taking everything from my breath."

I said as I chuckled, and she laughed a little too.

"So... are we cool?"

"Yes. We cool."

And we both walked together to the diner holding hands. That night became the best farewell party I have ever been.

The next day… is the departure day.

The carriage that Valon had called in will leave just a little bit after the second bell, which is fairly early.

I went ahead and prepared some stuff in my room. Once in a while, I drop my body to the bed and ponder about things.

"Magic academy, huh…? Will I learn some neat tricks there? Or will it be just another waste of time?"

In any case, it's worth the try. It's not like there's any more ways I can get Emperor tier healing magic. The magic academy is my first choice.

If it really does nothing to me, then I can always leave.

After a long while of me pondering, the second bell finally rang. I stood up from my bed and headed out of the inn. I had already informed the inn owner last night that I will be gone for around three years or so, since I will be living in another kingdom.

They were… quite shocked. I am their faithful customer, after all.

Before leaving the room, I took one last glance at my room. This is the room I stayed at for nearly half a year. Who would have thought that I have grown so attached to it.

I chuckled and closed the door.

As soon as I stepped outside, the sunlight welcomed me. The carriage is located on the northern gate, which is the gate where I left for the dungeon just four days ago.

I started walking right after. While walking, I looked around the kingdom and tried my best to memorize every single detail about them. I might actually forget about them at some point, but I really hope they allow me to come back here during the holidays.

Arriving at the gate, I can see a single good looking carriage, just waiting right outside of the gate.

The carriage isn't a noble carriage, but it's certainly a high quality.

I slowly approached the driver, who is waiting on the sidewalk. He was drinking his bottle, and was quite surprised when he saw me coming.

"Ah, you must be... Rice?"

"Rize... Yes. You are the driver that will go to Xyphon?"

"That's me."

The old driver stood up looking all drunk. Will he be all right driving this cool cart?

The old man simply walked towards the carriage's front and sat down.

"... Is there anyone else besides us that will go...?"

I asked him while he was drinking. After he drank the bottle, he finally answered by shaking his head.

"Nope. Master said you are the only one."

"... I see."

Great. Alone on the road with the drunken driver. At least I won't be lonely, because the good horse can be my friend!

I let out a sigh and stepped on the carriage. The driver called the knight on the gate, and the knight began opening the gate. The gate was opened slowly, and the carriage started moving. 

As he drives, I can feel some heavy bumps as the carriage's tires forcefully drive through a pothole. My head nearly hit the ceiling from that jump, and my butt landed on the seat again.

… Yep!

This is going to be a long trip.