"Huh? Take your money back, you moron. I don't accept bribes," the blacksmith shouted, waving his hand furiously.
Lucy paid him no attention and headed straight for the door. Alfie and Rebekah followed close behind, while the blacksmith continued yelling after them.
"Come back here and take your money. I'm talking to you. COME BACK."
He kept shouting until the trio finally reached the door connecting the forge to the main equipment shop.
Once inside, Alfie slung his scabbard over his back like a backpack, securing it with the two straps that crossed over his shoulders. Rebekah, meanwhile, fastened her scabbard around her waist with a long rope, tying it firmly in place.
Lucy stopped in front of the shopkeeper's counter. The same man who had tried to overcharge them earlier was sitting on a tall wooden stool, quietly waiting for his next customer.
Without saying a word, Lucy dropped five gold coins onto the counter, turned around, and continued toward the exit.
The shopkeeper's eyes widened.
"Hey. Wait a minute. Come back and take your money. I don't want it anymore," he shouted after her.
Lucy glanced over her shoulder with a sly smirk.
"I'm not paying you for the sword, mister. I'm paying you for letting me walk out of here with my student without causing a scene. It would've been unfortunate if I'd been forced to hurt an innocent young man."
The shopkeeper blinked, completely speechless.
Lucy didn't wait for a response. She walked out of the shop, with Alfie and Rebekah following right behind her.
"Master," Rebekah began as they continued down the street, "are you sure it's okay to give away ten gold coins like that?"
"Of course," Lucy replied with a warm smile. "It's just a little thank-you for not trying to take Alfie away from me."
"Ohhh, so that's why you gave them the money..." Rebekah grinned knowingly. "For a second, I thought you were doing it because you love Alfie."
"Huh? But I do love both of you," Lucy replied with a chuckle. "And that's exactly why I'm going to be the one to discipline him properly."
"Whatever you throw at me, Master, bring it on," Alfie declared proudly. "I'm not afraid. I'll take you on in a one-on-one duel right now if you want. I need stronger opponents if I'm going to improve."
Lucy smiled at his confidence.
"Suit yourself, Alfie."
"Fine by me," Rebekah muttered with a yawn. "I'm done interfering with your stubbornness. Let's just get to the motel."
After walking a little farther, Rebekah turned toward Lucy.
"Master, don't you think it's too late to travel? Remember what the blacksmith said about the border between Eminence and Sunflower? We shouldn't knowingly walk into danger."
"We'll decide after I check on my horse," Lucy answered. "If she's in good condition, we'll set off."
Rebekah lowered her head with a disappointed sigh.
"Hey, Master..." Alfie suddenly called out, his face lighting up. "You promised to buy us new clothes. Can we stop by a clothing shop?"
"Look around you, you idiot," Rebekah snapped. "The shops are closing one after another. It's practically midnight. What makes you think you'll find one still open?"
Alfie's excitement vanished.
With a disappointed sigh, he followed the others toward the motel.
Once they arrived, Lucy headed straight for the stables behind the building to check on her horse, leaving Alfie and Rebekah waiting outside.
"Hey, Alfie," Rebekah asked quietly. "Do you actually want to continue travelling tonight?"
"Of course not..." Alfie groaned, rubbing his temples. "I'm exhausted. My head hurts so much that I can barely think. Honestly, I hope Master's horse is sick."
"Keep your voice down, you fool," Rebekah hissed, quickly glancing around. "What if Master is standing right behind us? We're going to be in serious trouble."
Alfie let out a long breath.
"My bad. I'm just tired of everything that happened today. My head has been killing me, and now the pain feels like it's spreading throughout my entire body."
Rebekah's expression changed immediately.
"Wait. Since when have you been feeling like this?"
"Since we started walking to the motel," Alfie replied.
"We need to tell Master," Rebekah said seriously. "That doesn't sound like an ordinary headache. Do you think it could have something to do with your Force Energy?"
"Huh? Force Energy? What's that?" Alfie asked, tilting his head.
"It's the physical strength you gain from your Renshi," Rebekah explained. "Your muscles and bones become stronger depending on how much Renshi you possess. And since you have an enormous amount of Renshi, your Force Energy must be incredibly powerful."
"Ohhh! So that's why I could cut through the Rock of the Forest and lift that old man's ridiculously heavy hammer..." Alfie exclaimed as the realisation hit him.
"Yes, yes, yes. That's exactly why," a familiar voice answered from behind them.
Both children spun around in shock.
Rebekah's face stiffened.
I didn't even hear Master's footsteps!
A chill ran down Alfie's spine.
Please tell me she didn't hear me wishing her horse was sick. No, no, no. I'm finished!
Lucy stood behind them, a mischievous smile spreading across her face.
"Very nice explanation, Rebekah. And what an interesting prediction, Alfie."
She tilted her head slightly.
"You were hoping my horse would fall ill, were you? Well, congratulations. Your wish has come true. She's sick, so we won't be travelling tonight."
Alfie's eyes widened.
Without another word, he turned and bolted into the motel.
"ALFIE, WAIT," Rebekah shouted, immediately racing after him.
Lucy watched the two flee with an amused expression before calmly following them inside.
"You children really shouldn't run away like that," she remarked as she entered the building. "We're staying in the same room tonight, remember? There's nowhere for you to hide."
By the time Lucy reached their room, Alfie and Rebekah had already rushed inside, looking as though they'd just seen a ghost.