Chapter 10: Time to Say Goodbye (1)

Part 1

The sky began to light up with golden and pink hues of dawn, while the sun timidly peeked over the horizon. The beach, quiet after a day full of laughter and emotions, seemed wrapped in an almost magical calm.

Haruto, sitting near the shoreline, watched as the waves reflected the first rays of light. Beside him, Yuna stretched and let out a soft yawn.

—It's a beautiful sunrise, isn't it? —she said with a calm smile.

—Yeah… It's hard to imagine a better ending to a day like yesterday, —Haruto replied, feeling the cool sea breeze caress his face.

Melodía appeared behind them, brushing the sand off her dress with an elegance that never seemed to leave her.

—I could get used to this view, —she said as she joined the two, watching the rising sun.

Thalindra and Simmone also approached, walking slowly as they left behind the small extinguished bonfire.

The group remained silent for a moment, allowing themselves to enjoy the natural spectacle. It was as if they wanted to stretch out the magic of the previous day before routine claimed them again.

—Alright, it's time to return peace to nature, —Yuna said, breaking the silence as she began picking up items scattered around the beach.

Each of them joined her, gathering the remnants of their day into cloth bags, making sure the beach was as pristine as they had found it.

Kai, Naia, and Nero walked over to the group, their big smiles unable to hide a hint of melancholy.

—Leaving already? —Naia said in a sad tone— Just when I thought I'd made new friends...

—Don't worry, we'll come back when we can, —Melodía replied with a warm smile—. This place is a paradise, and you all made it even better with your company.

Nero, shy but determined, approached Simmone with something hidden in his hands.

—I hope we can play together again sometime, —he said with emotion as he handed her a large seashell.

Simmone, with her usual neutral expression, took the shell in her hands. But for a moment, something like a spark of happiness flickered in her eyes. She had never received a gift in her life.

—Yes, it's a promise, —she replied calmly—. If you want, we can keep talking.

Delicately, she pulled from her bag a little paper bird that looked like a cardinal and placed it in Nero's hands. The boy looked at it in wonder, though his face also showed a hint of confusion.

—It's really cute, but… how are we supposed to talk with this? —he asked, eyeing the paper bird curiously.

—Oh, sorry. I forgot a detail, —Simmone said as she took a small orb from her bag. She touched the orb, and suddenly, the paper bird came to life, flapping its wings as if real.

—It's a messenger cardinal. Write a letter, and he'll bring it to me, no matter where I am. And I'll reply the same way—he'll fly straight to you, —Simmone explained, her tone unchanging, but her words full of intent.

Nero's eyes sparkled with excitement as he watched the little bird flutter around him.

—It's amazing! I promise I'll write to you!

Simmone nodded slightly.

Kai then approached Haruto with a blue surfboard that had a shark painted on it. He handled it carefully, like a treasured object, and extended it to him with a wide smile.

—Next time you come, let's see if you're up for surfing with me, —Kai said, his enthusiasm palpable.

Haruto took the board gently, admiring the design and the details that clearly reflected the love it was made with.

—I'm more into small sailing boats, but of course, I accept your challenge.

—But… are you sure you want to give me this beauty? —he asked, his voice filled with surprise and gratitude.

—Don't worry, I have plenty more. But this one's special, —Kai replied, his tone a bit more serious—. It was my first board, so take good care of it, alright?

Haruto looked at the board again, understanding the sentimental value behind the gesture.

—Thank you, I'll treasure it like the gem it is, —he said, accepting the weight of that legacy with a sincere smile.

After a moment, Haruto materialized something from his magical inventory—his old wooden sword with sakura motifs, the very same one he had used in his duel with Hayate. He presented it to Kai with both hands, as if offering a treasure.

—Let me give you this, as a symbol of our friendship, —Haruto said, offering the sword now adorned with a finely crafted scabbard that reflected the work of a true artisan.

Kai took the sword carefully, clearly intrigued.

—What is this?

—It's a wooden sword. It was my first sword when I started training, —Haruto replied, a nostalgic note in his voice.

Kai examined the sword, turning it in his hands while admiring the carved details.

—This is awesome. I'll put it on display next to the surfboards. It'll look fantastic behind the bar, —Kai said with a grateful smile—. Thanks for everything you've done for us.

The two exchanged a look of mutual understanding before sealing their bond with a firm handshake.

Meanwhile, Naia, Melodía, Yuna, and Thalindra were also exchanging small gifts, accompanied by heartfelt farewells.

—This has definitely been quite the experience, —Yuna said with a smile, looking at Naia, Nero, and Kai, who were waving enthusiastically from the beach.

—Yes, quite the experience, —grumbled Thalindra reluctantly, shooting a glare at Melodía.

—Hey, at least we had plenty of laughs! —the elf replied with a carefree air—. And with a few tweaks, you'd look absolutely adorable.

Thalindra scowled and spat on the ground in indignation.

—Ha!? Sorry I'm not the sweet princess of Estelaris, —the dwarf replied with her usual razor-sharp sarcasm.

—But you can't deny those swimsuits looked great on you, —Yuna added sincerely, looking at Thalindra—. I wish I could pull them off as well as you did.

For a moment, Thalindra blushed and turned her gaze away, visibly flustered.

—I suppose you're right… —she muttered, trying to regain her firm attitude—. That aside, what's our next objective?

—Well, the next step would be returning to the Aeris tribe, —Yuna replied thoughtfully—. I need to speak with my father first. But if I remember correctly, we also have some matters to attend to in the forest.

—Great. I'll finally get to see the Mythara forest, —the dwarf said, crossing her arms with a faint, excited smile.

—But once we reach Molgorath, we'll resume Haruto's training… —Yuna added, eyeing the young man—. His body is still weak.

Haruto let out an exaggerated sigh.

—Oh no. Another training montage. At this rate, I'll soon be ready to face a Russian boxer… or a bear. I've always wanted to fight a bear, —he said, reminiscing about a certain movie.

—Don't take your eyes off the goal, Haruto-Kyun, Kizu! —exclaimed Kizuna, now dressed as a miniature boxer, throwing energetic punches into the air.

—Fine by me, —Thalindra interrupted, completely ignoring little Kizuna—. I need to finish a device before we leave Molgorath. That's my only condition for coming along.

After a two-day journey by carriage, they finally returned to Molgorath under a soft sun. Despite the warm rays, the lingering cold still wrapped the city like a familiar blanket.

They walked together toward the civic center, where the lively streets welcomed them with their usual bustle. Thalindra was the first to speak.

—I'm heading to my forge. I need to rekindle the flames and get ready. You're welcome to stay at my place—there's plenty of room, —she said in a practical tone, though a subtle warmth lingered in her words.

—I'd like to join you, but I need to visit the Star Lumina inn to deal with some business. I'll catch up with you later, —Melodía said, her tone formal yet slightly distant.

Before anyone could respond, Simmone tugged at Haruto's jacket with a determined motion.

—Brother, it's tea time. I want to go to Silver and Milda's café, —she said in her usual neutral tone, though there was a faint hint of excitement.

Haruto smiled, sensing that Simmone was becoming more open.

—Alright, Simo. Let's go to the café, —he replied kindly before turning to Yuna—. Are you coming with us, Yuna?

—I'm heading to the Adventurer's Guild. I've got some paperwork to handle. Being a leader isn't easy, you know? —Yuna said with a calm smile.

Haruto watched as Simmone adjusted her parasol, making sure she was shielded from the sun. Then, he leaned slightly toward her with a playful expression.

—We better escape before our big sister puts us to work, —he said with a dramatic tone, striking an exaggerated pose.

Simmone, without changing her expression, replied in the same neutral tone.

—Yes, yes. Let's escape.

The two of them slipped away without shame, walking toward the café. The quiet understanding between Haruto and Simmone brought a faint smile to Yuna's face as she watched from a distance.

—Sometimes I wonder if becoming an adventurer was a mistake, —Yuna sighed, stretching her arms as if trying to release some of the tension—. I would've liked to have something to eat at the café.

She glanced up at the sky, her expression melancholic yet resigned.

—Give me strength, mom, —she whispered, adjusting her coat before heading off to the guild with resolute steps.

Meanwhile, at the "Star Lumina" inn

—Good morning, Lady Luminis. Welcome back, —two elves dressed as maids greeted her with a perfectly synchronized bow.

—Good morning, —Melodía replied in her usual elegant and serene tone—. Has any report arrived that I should know about?

—Yes, my lady. Your carriage will arrive tomorrow afternoon, according to the message we received a few days ago, —said the younger maid, her silver hair tied in a neat ponytail.

Melodía nodded gently, though her gaze showed a subtle trace of nostalgia.

—Very well. Thank you. Please prepare the relaxation room and make sure the bath is ready. I'd like to play the piano for a while before bathing.

—As you wish, my lady. Your piano has been cleaned and tuned for your use, —replied the other maid with a professional smile.

Melodía offered them a warm glance and nodded once more.

—Thank you for your excellent service as always. I'm proud of all of you.

The maids bowed even deeper, their faces glowing with joy at her words.

Melodía walked toward the piano room, the echo of her footsteps resonating through the elegant corridors of the inn.

The familiarity of the place brought her a sense of nostalgic peace, yet at the same time, a faint weight settled in her chest, as if each step was carrying her closer to an unavoidable farewell.

Meanwhile, at the café

Haruto was enjoying afternoon tea with Simmone. The girl listened attentively, sipping her tea with such delicate grace it felt like she had studied from a royal etiquette manual.

—It's amazing how much everything has changed in the past few years… —Simmone commented as they shared stories about their worlds.

Kizuna, floating nearby, attempted to imitate Simmone, raising her cup with exaggerated elegance.

—I am a true British lady, Kizu~ —she declared in a haughty tone, though her usual giggle gave away her act.

On the other side, Olivia was enjoying a slice of cake, but her sleepy expression suggested she might doze off at any moment.

At the Adventurer's Guild

Yuna was immersed in her responsibilities. She exchanged documents with the receptionist, reviewing the missions they had completed and collecting their rewards.

The guild hall buzzed with life, full of dwarves and humans celebrating their successes with loud laughter, toasts, and dramatic tales of adventure. Despite the noise, Yuna kept her composure, showing exactly why she was the leader of the group.

Back in the forge

Thalindra worked in silence, polishing her gloves with a look of pride in every motion. She observed them with the satisfaction of someone who had finally reached a long-awaited goal.

—Finally… something worthy of my grandfather, —she murmured to herself, as the forge's flames crackled around her. The warmth of the place, combined with the rhythmic sounds of metalwork, created an atmosphere of deep contentment.

Each of them, in their own space, was experiencing a moment of reflection and fulfillment—as if the previous day had marked a turning point in their journey.