Darrion's shoulders shifted as he adjusted his stance, the leather at his waist tightening with the movement. A slow breath passed through his nose before he continued, voice even and deliberate.
"Do you want me to help you look for clues about your brother's whereabouts?"
Nora's breath caught briefly in her chest, and she nodded once, a small, quick motion. Her fingers curled at her sides as she drew in a careful breath, eyes lifting to meet his before dropping again.
"Uh huh… it would mean so much to me."
Darrion gave a single, restrained nod. His posture remained straight, hands settling calmly at his sides as his gaze shifted forward, already fixed on the road ahead. A measured breath left him before his voice followed, low and controlled.
"Very well. When we reach the capital, we can search for clues there. An archive exists where all recorded fiend knowledge and history are kept."
Nora's eyes widened, warmth settling into her expression. A soft breath left her as her shoulders eased, posture relaxing while a small, genuine smile formed and stayed.
Darrion drew in a steady breath, his shoulders rising and settling as he turned fully toward her. His stance remained firm, but his grip loosened at his side, fingers relaxing as he spoke.
"Listen… although it pains me to admit this, I owe you my life, along with the lives of the villagers you saved. My code of chivalry won't allow me to walk away without repaying that debt."
A brief pause followed as he exhaled quietly.
"So… what's your final condition?"
Erina smiled, shifting her weight as one hand settled at her hip. Her gaze flicked briefly between the two of them, shoulders relaxing as a quiet breath left her.
Looks like he's finally coming around.
Nora's lips curved into a bright smile, her shoulders lifting slightly as she leaned forward just a little.
"Wow… so you really are a kind knight."
Darrion closed his eyes as he finished speaking, his arms folding across his chest. His expression remained unreadable, jaw set, posture rigid.
"Don't misunderstand me. I would still take your life without hesitation if you began to awaken. From what I know, witches are at their weakest during the transformation phase."
His shoulders remained squared, unmoving.
"If I'm present when that happens, it would be an easy kill."
Darrion's eyes widened slightly, then steadied as his composure returned. His expression smoothed, gaze shifting aside for a brief moment before settling back on her.
She… reminds me of her… but only a little.
Darrion's fist tightened at his side, leather creasing as his fingers curled hard. His jaw locked, teeth grinding once as his gaze fixed on her, sharp and unyielding.
"Yeah… I'd kill you without hesitation."
His knuckles remained clenched, shoulders squared.
"Even without you begging."
Erina lifted both hands slightly, palms angled outward as she stepped in, her tone light but firm. Her brows rose as she tilted her head, eyes flicking toward Darrion's clenched fist.
"Whoa, easy there tiger."
A small, exasperated smile crossed her lips as she let her hands drop back to her hips.
"Honestly…"
Nora bowed at the waist, a gentle smile staying on her face. As she straightened, she clasped her hands behind her back, shoulders relaxed. Her eyes lifted to him, clear and sincere.
"Thank you… Mr. Knight."
The breeze moved through the clearing, tugging lightly at her ponytail as the trees around them shifted and rustled in response.
Darrion froze for a brief moment, his posture locking in place. He then straightened, composure settling back into his stance as his expression returned to neutral.
Erina glanced between them, a playful glint in her eyes as she leaned in and nudged Darrion lightly with her elbow. Her lips curved with quiet amusement as she spoke.
"Look at you two… already getting along."
Darrion turned his head slightly toward Erina, his posture firm and unmoving. His gaze stayed level, expression flat as his fingers settled at his side.
"Just so you're aware, Miss Erina… I'm keeping her close only to kill her if she ever awakens."
His eyes shifted forward again, tone unchanged.
"I'm not traveling with her for any other reason."
Erina let out a quiet sigh, shoulders easing as she placed both hands on her hips. She tilted her head, the tension fading as a warm smile settled on her face.
"You really need to lighten up… well, whatever."
Her gaze moved between them, lingering for a moment before her smile softened.
"I'm happy to see you traveling together."
She straightened slightly, her tone gentle and sincere.
"Take care of each other. And if you ever need anything, just come to me."
Her expression brightened as she continued, fingers resting comfortably at her waist.
"I'll gladly give you fresh fruits and vegetables from my little garden."
Her eyes slid toward Darrion, amusement flickering as her smile turned teasing.
"Or—if you happen to need healing potions."
She held the smile, unbothered and knowing.
Darrion's expression hardened, irritation showing plainly as his brows drew together. His shoulders stiffened, and his gaze sharpened as it fixed on Erina, jaw tightening.
"After what happened… you really have the nerve."
His head angled slightly downward, eyes narrowing as his tone cooled.
"I haven't forgiven you for pulling that stunt."
A brief pause followed, his posture rigid and unyielding.
"So don't joke about it."
Erina let out a light laugh, shoulders lifting as she waved it off. She leaned back slightly, one finger rising to rest against her lips as she closed one eye, her smile turning playful.
"Well… it looks like you decided to keep it a secret between us," she continued, gaze sliding back to him.
Her finger lingered there as her smile deepened.
"So I guess you didn't mind at all."
Whatever... Darrion folded his arm.
A voice called out from behind, sharp and loud enough to cut through the clearing.
"Hey—! Sir Knight! I'm finally done!"
Erin waved as he approached, one arm lifting too high as the box in his hands tilted dangerously. His steps faltered, boots scraping as he shuffled back to steady himself. He tightened his grip, shoulders tensing, then let out an awkward laugh as he recovered.
He straightened and continued toward them, pace slower now, arms locked around the box. Its weight pulled his posture forward slightly as he carried it over, breath tight but controlled.
Erin set the box down with a dull thud, then bent forward, hands braced on his knees as his chest rose and fell heavily.
He straightened after a moment, rolling his shoulders as he regained his composure, then looked up at Darrion with a wide grin. Sweat clung to his skin, his white tank top darkened and smeared with coal. Dirt streaked his face, and his eyes looked worn, but the smile stayed firm.
"I'm finally done repairing your weapons and armor."
He shifted his stance, wiping one hand against his side without much effect.
"Your request was pretty demanding, but I pulled an all-nighter and got it done."
Darrion crouched and reached into the box, drawing out his sword. He lifted it slowly, angling the blade as sunlight ran along its edge. His eyes tracked the surface with careful focus, wrist turning just enough to inspect the craftsmanship.
The metal was clean. Balanced. Whole.
No way… he repaired my sword… in a single day?
His grip tightened slightly as his gaze sharpened.
Not even the finest blacksmiths could manage this in a week.
His eyes shifted to Erin, lingering there a moment longer.
This guy…
Darrion gave the sword a controlled swing, wrist firm as the blade cut cleanly through the air. He adjusted his grip and followed with a second motion, testing the balance and weight before bringing it to a steady halt at his side.
Erin lifted a hand and gave a small shrug, confidence settling into his stance as he spoke. He wiped a finger across his nose, leaving a faint streak of grime behind, then straightened despite the fatigue in his eyes.
"Don't worry. It's not as durable as it used to be," he continued, tone steady. "But I'm confident it'll hold until you return to the capital."
He shifted his weight, one hand resting briefly on the edge of the box.
"I didn't have enough of the proper materials, but it's fully functional."
His grin widened slightly as he looked up.
"And the good news is—I managed to keep the core essence intact."
Nora's eyes lit up as she stepped closer, excitement clear in her expression. Her posture leaned forward slightly, hands lifting before she caught herself, gaze fixed on the blade and then on Erin.
"Whoa, that's amazing. I didn't know you made weapons, Erin."
Beside her, Darrion slid the sword back into its sheath, the motion smooth and practiced. His stance settled, attention returning to the group.
Erin's cheeks warmed as he smiled, one hand lifting to scratch the back of his head. His shoulders drew in slightly, posture turning modest as his gaze dipped before lifting again.
"Yeah… I hear that a lot."
He straightened a bit, tone steadying as quiet confidence slipped in.
"I might not look like it, but I'm a blacksmith."
His hand dropped back to his side as he continued.
"I can make proper equipment for you all—at the right price, of course."
His eyes flicked between them, expression earnest.
"Just make sure you bring the materials."
Erina stepped in and tapped Erin lightly on the head, her expression firm despite the gentleness of the motion.
"Don't get ahead of yourself now, Erin. You need to get some rest."
Erin winced slightly and rubbed the spot with a disappointing look.
"Yeah… okay, sis."
Darrion fitted the repaired chest armor over his torso, adjusting the straps with practiced motions before lifting the shield and settling it against his arm. He tested the weight with a small shift of his shoulders, stance steady as his gaze focused ahead.
This feels even lighter than before.
Erin smiled as he explained, posture easy as he gestured lightly with one hand.
"I shaved the iron down a bit. That's why it feels lighter."
Darrion's expression stayed flat, his gaze fixed ahead as his grip tightened once around the shield.
He read my mind?
"And like I promised, I added two essence stones. They're weak, but they'll increase your attack spe—"
"I get it."
Darrion cut him off, his tone firm and final. He reached into his pouch without looking, fingers closing around its contents before extending his hand. Coins clinked softly as he placed them into Erin's grasp.
Erin stared down at them, eyes widening as his head snapped up again.
"Twenty thousand gelts?!"
His grip tightened in reflex, shock plain on his face.
"That's way too much. I can't take this."
Darrion kept his hand extended for a moment longer, gaze steady as he waited for Erin to look up. His posture remained firm, expression unchanged.
"It's thanks for your hospitality. Yours—and your sister's."
He withdrew his hand once the coins were secure, stance settling back into place.
"It isn't much, but it should cover what you need for at least a month."
Erin's face brightened as he looked up, excitement cutting through his exhaustion. He straightened, hands tightening around the pouch as he gave a quick, eager nod.
"Thank you, Mr. Knight!"
Erina stepped forward and held out a cloth bag, its weight pulling slightly at her grip. She pressed it into their hands with a warm, reassuring smile.
"Oh—and this is for you as well."
She adjusted her hold once before letting go.
"There are fruits and vegetables inside, along with some meat and rice."
Her gaze lingered on them, gentle and sincere.
"It's not much, but it should help on your journey."
Darrion took the bag and secured it to his pack, tightening the straps with efficient motions. He gave a short nod once it was set, then turned away.
"Thank you."
The word came only once as he started down the path, his steps steady as he walked on.
Nora turned back and lifted her hand, waving as a bright smile stayed on her face.
"Bye-bye! And thank you, Erina. I'll visit this place again soon."
She lowered her hand and pivoted forward, breaking into a light jog. Her steps quickened as she closed the distance, easing her pace once she caught up to Darrion and fell into stride beside him.
Nora leaned forward a little, lifting her arm to point down the road. Her eyes sparkled with eager energy, and she shifted on her feet as if ready to move at once.
"Alright, to the capital!"
She grinned, voice light and playful.
"Lead the way, Knight."
Darrion slowed, then stopped. His gaze slid sideways, sharp and warning.
"Don't think you can boss me around…"
A brief pause followed as his eyes narrowed, something clicking into place.
Oh—that's right.
He turned more fully toward her, posture firm.
"You didn't tell me your final condition."
Nora let out a light chuckle, shoulders lifting as she waved it off. She tilted her head slightly, eyes bright with mischief as she took a small step back.
"Oh, that?"
Her smile widened as she spoke again, tone playful.
"Ah, never mind. The last condition isn't important right now."
She clasped her hands behind her back, rocking once in her shoes.
"So… it's a secret."
Darrion turned away and started down the path, his steps measured and unhurried.
"Fine. That's one less thing for me to deal with."
He continued forward without slowing.
"Let's move."