HPDBC Chapter 127 The Phantom of the Guardian Tree (6)
Chapter 127 The Phantom of the Guardian Tree (6)
Chapter 127 The Phantom of the Guardian Tree (6)
Sion and I watched the setting sun by the Eternia River docks.
Having my fortune told hadnt been the best choice.
The remnants of my burst of emotion still muddled my heart. Recognizing my own immaturity was a minor takeaway, I suppose.
I didnt want to delve deep into the fortune tellers words. They had shaken me more than necessary, and I needed time to regain my composure.
And suddenly, I found myself yearning for Silveryn. I decided to collect Stitch, which I had left for repairs, on the way back.
Beside me, Sion sat expressionlessly and then asked,
That fortune teller pinpointed your past accurately, I take it?
Well, in a manner of speaking.
So its true, then, that you were an orphan?
It wasnt something to boast about, nor was it something I felt the need to hide deliberately.
Yes.
I understand a bit now.
What do you mean?
What the master once said. People who grow up privileged dont feel the need to become strong.
What do you mean?
Even if they have great talent, if theyre in a comfortable position with adequate wealth and status, they prefer to stay there. Only those whove been through hell truly become strong.
Becoming stronger I only wanted enough power to protect the people I love. Now, that goal seemed frustratingly out of reach.
Today made me realize, you havent had an ordinary life either.
The old mans words included clues to my past. Without being specific, it seemed she could guess my background.
Sion watched the sunset-dyed river nonchalantly and spoke lightly,
Im an orphan too. Maybe thats why the master took me in.
Her words meant that Sion, too, had experienced her own trials, and in some way, she acknowledged and opened up to me.
Do you still want to fight me?
No, not at all.
She seemed not to be particularly interested anymore.
And so we sat in silence for a while, the wind blowing and the river water rippling.
As the sun finally set and the twilight moon rose, we stood up as if on cue.
We were dusting off our pants when someone called out.
Candy?
Sion and I turned around simultaneously.
About ten steps away stood Cecil and Marta.
It was an encounter I hadnt anticipated. Now that I thought of it, they had mentioned they were going to have their fortunes told too.
However, Cecil seemed different from usual. She murmured quietly while looking at us,
It really is Candy
She glanced at Sion and then back at me with a glare. Lips pursed, she seemed upset as she recognized the situation.
Cecil stood frozen for a moment, then briskly turned and disappeared into the crowd.
Marta hurried after her, calling out,
Hey, hey! Where are you going?
Watching this, Sion yawned tiredly.
Im going to head out.
She left without a farewell, truly like the wind.
I was somewhat bothered by Cecils reaction and followed in the direction she went but ultimately failed to catch up.
In the end, I retrieved Stitch, Silveryns repair. Stitch had been shattered once and, like cracked glass, bore the scars, but the repairman had assured its functionality.
With that, I returned home.
It had been a long day.
Youre hurt????
As the atmosphere deteriorated further, I quickly shifted the topic.
There seems to be something thats bothering you.
Hmph
Why did you just leave yesterday?
Who wants to barge in on a date and be an unwelcome third wheel?
It wasnt a date.
Oh, indeed. Secretly meeting in Rigved, just the two of you, enjoying the evening glowit sure looked lovely. Who asked for the date?
How is it dating one head student after another? Is it nice? Whens your date with Iris?
Ah, this is trouble. I seem to have gotten on her bad side. How do I clear up this misconceived notion of only meeting with the top students?
The meeting with Sion was unavoidable.
Oh, so youve got someone special for dates and someone different for when you need them? Was I overstepping?
Her words were filled with thorns. She could be quite intimidating when angry.
It was just to sort out the constant challenges from Sion. Didnt want to make my other friends feel uncomfortable.
Right, so important that you couldnt meet at the school, had to pick a scenic spot. Unlike with other friends.
Great, someone might think Im saying all this because I fancy you. I was merely expressing disappointment as a friend.
This is giving me a headache. How do I manage to persuade her with words? Its impossible to give her the commission in this state. If only Id brought some form of bribe.
Cecil lowered the book slightly, revealing just her eyes, which were slightly bloodshot.
Is she crying? No, I dont believe it. Surely she isnt that upset over me. Right? It must just be from reading for too long.
Tell me honestly. Do you only hang out with head students? Why are we friends?
Because youre.
Cecil cut me off mid-sentence.
Its because Im pretty, because my bodys nice, everythings fine. I could even accept something perverse like its because I have a big chest, but if its because Im the head of the magic department, thats unforgivable.
This is serious. Its true that I value accomplishment in a field that isnt innate but earned. People seem to have more issues with superficial appearance, but shes the opposite.
With you it seems like itd be fun to hang out.
Was that a good enough answer?
Cecil lowered her book again, leaving only her eyes visible.
Thats a 7 out of 10 response.
Whats a perfect score?
A thousand.
While her words seemed harsh, the knotted feeling appeared to loosen a bit.
If its so fun, why havent you ever asked?
Cant invite you without something fun to do.
If I invite you, will you come?
After saying it, I couldnt refuse.
Of course.
Cecil peeked over the book with just her eyes.
Then come to the Guardian Tree tonight.
Isnt access to the area around the Guardian Tree still forbidden?
Do you know why its forbidden?
No.
Theres a ghost appearing in front of the Guardian Tree. So come catch ghosts with me tonight.