Chapter 36 – Carelessness

The student then asks, not understanding the behavior of Laili, Zeryn, their companions, and even the merchant, who seems to be in agreement with the decision.

Before the young woman responds, there is a brief silence in the area, as if Rei and Kazuki were the last to receive the news.

— I truly apologize. At first, we thought about taking shelter in the refuge until the road to the capital was safe enough for us to pass. But while we were walking, we thought a lot and decided this wasn't the best option — Laili replies.

— We decided to follow a nearby path because we have other matters that are more important than waiting for the capital's road to be secured — Zeryn adds, placing his hand on the boy's shoulder.

With both of their responses, the student simply nods and says: — Well, if that's what you've decided, good luck.

— Just one more thing, did you decide to go with them? — he asks, his eyes fixed on the merchant.

— Yes, young man. I'm going too. They convinced me, talking about merchandise and money, you know… business stuff. If everything goes well, I won't have to worry about all the losses the war caused. — As he finishes speaking, he lets out a small smile.

The merchant's voice sounds full of excitement and enthusiasm, his eyes turned away, unable to focus on the conversation.

"They probably have a plan in mind; they wouldn't just leave here without thinking things through."

"Merchandise and business… Seriously? Is that really the only thing he can think about? Well, he is a merchant. His way of thinking is just like that. It'd be weird if it weren't."

— If you've already decided this in advance with them, then good luck — Rei states.

— Thank you for everything, and I also apologize for all the trouble that happened. I hope we can meet again in the future. - Laili says as she starts to walk in the other direction.

As she moves away from Kazuki, Rei, Mia and Takayo, both Zeryn and his group begin to follow Laili, who leads the way, taking a dirt path to the east.

Moments later, they enter a nearby forest, with the trader following close behind.

By the time they had said their goodbyes, the orange sky of the late afternoon had faded, and darkness had taken over the vast expanse.

Parts of the stars appear in their brilliance against the surface of the night, and just as the student is lost in thought, Hert interrupts his train of thought with a comment.

— Gentlemen, are these, by any chance, your friends?

— I wouldn't say friends. They're more like some people we met after we helped them, Hert — Kazuki answers, still scanning the whole area.

— I see. I just hope they won't be careless like the last ones.

With that, Hert looks into the distance with an indifferent expression while he adjusts his white cloth clothes.

— What? Like the last ones? — the student asks, not understanding if he is referring to the people from the war or some specific case.

Hearing the boy's question, the elf turns his face to the side and lowers his gaze, not answering.

Only after a few seconds he says reluctantly, as if he doesn't want to say anything at all: — The direction they went... I just wish them good luck. The last people who came from there barely survived.

He speaks in a concerned tone, despite his indifferent expression, which barely shows any change on his face.

Hearing this, the student furrows his brows and looks at him with dissatisfaction, angered by his comment which, despite carrying concern, also gives off a slight impression of indifference.

— Why... why didn't you say that before? You could have warned them. You knew this path was dangerous. They're already far away, I can't even see their silhouettes anymore — Rei complains, her eyes burning with anger, her voice slightly raised.

— You practically signed their death sentence and just watched them go that way without saying anything. Are you an idiot or what?! — he adds, his tone still sharp.

As he finishes speaking, Kazuki, who is nearby, merely shifts his gaze towards the student with extreme hesitation. Although he agreed with the statement, he was still worried about the argument that had suddenly escalated.

Hert, on the other hand, wears a puzzled expression, feeling guilty about how he handled the situation, — in contrast to his usual stoic, indifferent, and impassive demeanor.

— I... I really didn't give it much thought. Please forgive me for my inappropriate behavior. I didn't expect them to go this way! I was almost certain that they would go to another region once they entered the forest.

— That wasn't my intention. I apologize again. — When he finishes speaking, the elf looks down, ashamed, as if he doesn't know what else to say.

Realizing the weight of his words, the boy takes a deep breath and lowers his tone. As he calms down, he admits that he spoke too harshly.

— No, it's fine… How could you have known which way they'd go? Sorry for yelling at you out of nowhere, I ended up being rude - the student admits, turning his gaze elsewhere.

— It's all right, don't worry about it, young man. You were upset for a good reason, and such a reaction is understandable. I was the one who was careless and failed to notice their true intentions — the elf replies with extreme politeness, her gaze directed at Rei.