"Huh? What the hell does that mean? And stop smiling like that! It's weird!" Aurelia, feeling unnerved, tossed the wooden tablet at Lyco's face in an attempt to disrupt his strange demeanor. However, the wooden tablet had no effect on him. Even after leaving a visible scratch on his face, his dimpled smile remained intact.
Observing his friend's newfound energy, Armis leaned in eagerly and asked, "Well, someone looks happy! Tell me, who did you meet? How was she? What did you guys do? Come on, tell me everything."
Alan, swept up in Armis's curiosity, momentarily forgot about his stress as the unfolding events grabbed his attention. Leaning in alongside Armis, he joined Relecta in listening intently.
At Armis's question, a blush spread across Lyco's face as he gazed up at the sky. With a satisfied and joyful tone, he began recounting his encounter with the mysterious girl to his friends.
"When you guys were busy deciding on couples, I found myself standing there, observing the childishness," Lyco began. "I decided to venture out into the market alone. I hadn't even taken more than twenty steps when I stumbled upon her..."
Lyco's expression turned even more bashful as he recounted his encounter. "She was almost the perfect height, with deep green eyes and long, lush brown hair tied neatly into a thick ponytail. She wore a beautiful and mature green and white gown that perfectly showcased her curves while respectfully covering her feminine dignity."
As Lyco described the girl with a taunting tone, Aurelia's anger flared, knowing he was mocking her own choice of clothes. She turned her gaze away, visibly irritated, as Lyco continued his tale.
"I was completely captivated by her beauty," Lyco recounted, his voice tinged with admiration. "I started to apologize, but before I could, she interrupted with her melodious voice, asking for apology instead. She explained that she was new to the market and had lost her way while searching for a shop to buy armor."
With a burst of confidence, Lyco emerged from his shyness and leaped onto the table, eager to amplify the impact of his storytelling. His voice dripped with pride as he began to extol his prowess in courtship, continuing-
"Seizing the opportunity, I offered to assist her. Enchanted by my charismatic charm, she quickly accepted my offer. Together, we embarked on a journey through the market, selecting items that befitted her goddess-like presence. However, our time together was fleeting, and soon, our beautiful moments came to an end."
"She mentioned that she has a curfew to follow as she's departing for Relic Castle tomorrow to fulfill her duties. She's a honey harvester, a sweet job for the sweetest beauty alive," Lyco reminisced, gazing up at the sky with a wistful expression.
Alan and Armis, impressed by Lyco's storytelling, bombarded him with questions. "Where does she live?" Alan inquired, while Armis asked, "Did she tell you when you'll meet again?"
Lyco's eyes sparkled with hope at Armis's question, and he draped his arm around Armis's neck enthusiastically. "Yes! I told her about our departure tomorrow, and she said she'll be returning to Relic Castle as well. She even agreed to accompany us. Isn't that wonderful?"
"That's wonderful, Lyco. Looks like you've found someone special," Alan remarked, smiling happily for his friend.
Relecta eagerly raised her hand to get Lyco's attention, asking him the burning question, "So lucky guy, what is her name?" Her inquiry was accompanied by a wink directed at Lyco.
A sudden awkward silence filled the air as Lyco realized his blunder. His gaze fell, and his face paled with embarrassment.
Aurelia couldn't help but chuckle at the situation, finding amusement in Lyco's discomfort. She teasingly remarked,
"So let me get this straight, after we ignored you, you met a female twerp who lured you into buying all these things," Aurelia gestured toward Lyco's knapsack with a playful smirk, "Half of which you probably won't even need, am I right?"
Lyco shot Aurelia an angry glare in response to her teasing. Instead of backing down, Aurelia continued to poke fun at him with a smirk, "And you don't even know her name! Hmph! I'm starting to wonder if she even exists or if this was all just your desperate imagination."
Lyco's frustration boiled over as he leaped onto the table, surprising Aurelia. He quickly grabbed her cheeks, pinching them tightly, and retorted, "She is much more real than these hanging meat bags."
Upon hearing the insult, Aurelia swiftly rose from her chair and swung a punch at Lyco. He dodged, narrowly avoiding the blow, but the punch accidentally landed on Alan, who instinctively shielded himself with a nearby wooden tablet. Wincing from the impact, Aurelia grimaced and then launched into a pursuit after Lyco, who teased her incessantly as he darted around the table.
Armis sighed at the playful antics of his friends, watching as Relecta joined in the chase around the table. With a tired expression, he turned to Alan and remarked, "I'll order the food." Alan, sharing the same weariness, nodded in agreement. "Please do," he replied, "I'm starving."
After a satisfying lunch, during which Relecta perhaps indulged a bit too much, the group made their way to the harbor of Pompeii. Aurelia couldn't contain her excitement as they approached their destination.
"Behold, Porta Marianna!" Aurelia exclaimed, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.
Alan's gaze swept over the breathtaking vista before them—the vast expanse of cerulean waters, the bustling shore adorned with fishing boats and vendors peddling their ocean treasures. The sight stirred memories of days gone by, filling him with a sense of nostalgia.
As they stepped onto the sandy surface of the beach, the setting sun cast a warm glow over the scene, contrasting with the cool breeze that swept in from the ocean. The tranquility of the moment enveloped them, punctuated only by the distant cries of seagulls and the gentle lapping of waves against the shore.
Leading the group, Aurelia stepped forward, eager to share her knowledge.
"Porta Marianna is Pompeii's primary source of ocean treasures," she elaborated. "Where, exotic fish and rare pearls are procured from the seas and lakes of Relic Castle, Porta Marianna supplies common fish for the everyday needs of the lower classes in Pompeii."
Turning to face her companions, Aurelia held a cotton bag in her hand, her excitement palpable. She reached out to take Relicta's hand, brimming with anticipation.
"But it's not just about commerce," she continued, a smile playing on her lips. "Porta Marianna offers the perfect blend of warm sunshine and salty sea breeze—a haven for relaxation and adventure alike. Now, if you gentlemen will excuse us, the ladies need a moment to prepare an attire suites best for some water activities."
As Aurelia strolled towards a nearby cottage with Relecta in tow, Alan caught onto her intentions and shouted after her.
"Aurelia!!! Remember, she's just a kid!!!!!"
Aurelia's carefree response echoed back, her voice carrying on the breeze.
"Yeah yeah."
Alan turned and noticed Armis's anticipating expression and quickly addressed his concerns with a stern voice and furrowed brows.
"Nope, I'm not stripping," he stated firmly.
Armis voiced his friendly concerns, "Then how will you get in the water? You'll ruin your clothes, Alan."
"Who says I am going in the water?" Alan stretched out and laid on the sand casually, pulling his cowl over his eyes.
"I'm just going to enjoy the nice cool breeze and bask in the warm sunlight," he continued in a relaxed tone.
"Whatever, dude, suit yourself," Lyco exclaimed, his gaze fixed on the rhythmic waves of the ocean as he quickly stripped out of his clothes and dashed towards the water.
"Really? Are you sure?" Armis tried to change Alan's mind one last time, but seeing Alan already deep in relaxation, he shrugged and decided to join Lyco, stripping off his clothes before he spoke to Alan.
"If you change your mind or Aurelia comes, we are near the rocks," Armis informed Alan before heading towards the water.
Finally getting the rest he had been yearning for since morning, Alan reveled in the cool breeze caressing his overalls, bringing a pleasant sensation all over his body. With a contented smile on his face, he drifted off into a peaceful sleep, wishing these moments could last forever.
After about ten minutes of a soothing nap, Alan was awakened by a gentle pinch on his arm, someone pulling it gently.
Alan leisurely lifted the cowl from his eyes and found Relecta perched over him, her petite frame nestled on her knees. She blushed, clad in a small yellow blouse, which delicately veiled her burgeoning curves, snugly embracing them without revealing too much. Her slender neck extended gracefully to her exposed chest, where faint scratches from her past adorned her pale skin.
Her hair, tied in a neat bun atop her head, accentuated her cute features, while a matching skirt in the same sunny hue draped loosely over her thighs, teasingly revealing glimpses of her toned legs. Beneath the skirt, she sported snug black shorts, accentuating the curve of her hips and thighs.
Completing her ensemble, she had draped a robe from her earlier attire over her back, adding a touch of modesty to her beach attire, all for Alan's sake. Blushing like a peach, she gazed at Alan with shy anticipation before softly asking, "Are you happy now?"
Alan maintained a composed expression, concealing his inner astonishment as he regarded Relecta. After a momentary pause, he responded with a firm yet modest tone, "Yes, now you look respectable."
Relecta beamed at Alan's subtle approval, her excitement palpable. With hopeful eyes, she pointed towards Aurelia and eagerly inquired, "Tell me I look cuter than her, right?!!"
Upon her gesture Alan turned his gaze at Aurelia, who was approaching Armis. Armis's cheeks reddened visibly on the sight his eyes widening in stunned admiration. She glided toward him, clad in a white loincloth that trailed gracefully to her feet, accentuating her lithe form. The skirt attached to the loincloth hugged her curves seductively, the fabric barely concealing her ample busts, teasingly exposing the curvature of her bust, revealing a glimpse of her slender yet shapely legs.
A tight blouse hugged her curves snugly, emphasizing her large breasts, with a delicate pink flower nestled delicately between the fabric, drawing attention to her neckline. Aurelia's hair was elegantly styled in a bun, secured with a white piece of cloth, adding to her allure.
Armis felt his cheeks flush intensely as Aurelia approached him in her bathing suit. With a playful smile, she greeted him, her radiant blush matching the warmth of the setting sun. As she leaned forward, offering a tantalizing view of her ample chest, Armis found himself at a loss for words, his gaze darting away as he scratched the back of his head in bewilderment.
Before he could gather his thoughts, Lyco dashed past them with a high leap, shouting, "Prepare yourself for a giant boulder!" As he plunged into the water, a tidal wave of spray drenched Armis and Aurelia, nearly engulfing them.
Aurelia rose from the water, ready to give Lyco a playful scolding for disrupting her moment. Meanwhile, Alan, observing the scene, turned to Relecta after admiring Aurelia's suggestive attire. Confirming Relecta's earlier question, he replied, "Yes, definitely yes."
Relecta's joyous reaction was evident as she jumped with excitement. Alan stood up, stretched, and then turned to Relecta, asking, "So, want to play in the water?"
However, Relecta's expression suddenly shifted to fear at the mention of the water, causing her to tremble uncontrollably. Alan, puzzled by her reaction, sat down and looked at her with a serious tone. "Don't tell me... No... No, no, no. You are coming with me," he said firmly, disappointment evident in his voice.
With determination, Alan swiftly grabbed Relecta's arm and began pulling her towards the water, despite her attempts to break free, she ultimately skidded towards the shore.
As Alan dragged Relecta to the shore, Aurelia, Lyco, and Armis observed their struggle. Amused by the situation, Aurelia chuckled and asked teasingly,
"Are you afraid of the water, Relecta?!" Ignoring Aurelia's question in her fear, Relecta continued to squirm and shiver as Alan attempted to push her into the water from behind. Suddenly, like a startled cat, Relecta leaped away the moment her toe grazed the water's surface, causing Alan to tumble into the water due to the sudden movement.
Disappointed, Alan emerged from the water, his expression reflecting his frustration. "Sure, whatever, stay there if you want like a little kid," he remarked with a hint of taunting amusement in his voice.
With that, he swam away, leaving Relicta behind. Armis, trailing after him, teased Alan about his sudden change of heart regarding swimming. Alan replied with mild frustration, acknowledging that he also thought that he wouldn't swim.
As Lyco joined them in the water, Aurelia stood alone in the water, watching the now somber Relecta tracing patterns in the sand, sitting a short distance from the shore.
Aurelia's gaze softened with understanding as memories of her own childhood fears of water flooded back. Stepping out of the water, she approached Relecta and settled down beside her in the sand. Glancing at Relecta's attempts to draw her kittens, Aurelia asked gently, "Do you miss your kittens?"
For a moment, Relecta remained silent at Aurelia's question, her gaze fixed on the sand as she completed the third doodle of her kittens. Then, with a sigh, she began to recount a story.
"One day, while we were drinking from a barrel of water, one of the kittens fell into it," she started, her voice tinged with sadness. "I watched helplessly as it cried and struggled, too short to reach it with my hands. Despite its desperate screams, I couldn't save it, and I felt utterly powerless. I began to cry, convinced it would die."
Relecta paused, her eyes misty with emotion, before continuing. "But then, hearing my cries, a shopkeeper nearby came over in anger and kicked the barrel, sending it crashing down. I quickly grabbed the nearly lifeless kitten and fled from the furious shopkeeper."
Relecta looked up at the sky, lost in memories of her kittens as she spoke softly, "The kitten survived that day, but we made a pact to not go anywhere near with lots of water"
Hearing her story, Aurelia smiled in empathy, but she gently interjected, trying to reason with Relecta. "But Relecta, you know that to use your abilities, you'll have to be near water, right? It's—"
Before Aurelia could say anything further, a sudden rise in the ocean level caught them off guard. A wave surged over the sand, washing away the doodle Relecta had been creating, startling her as she leaped away from Aurelia in fright.
Aurelia, observing Relecta's trembling, formulated a plan to help her overcome her fear.
She swiftly returned to the ocean where Armis and Alan were and whispered her idea to Alan. Initially hesitant, Alan looked at Aurelia with concern, but she and Armis managed to convince him of the plan's potential.
With determination, the group sprang into action. Armis and Aurelia moved away from the shallow waters near the shore, while Alan, filled with confidence, approached Relecta. Stepping a bit further from her, he called out, "Relecta!!! Watch this!!" With that, Alan dashed towards the water, executing several impressive vaults before plunging into the ocean with a spectacular splash.
Witnessing Alan's skillful dive, Relecta jumped to her feet, applauding in astonishment. However, her excitement quickly turned to fear as Alan failed to resurface from the water. Her expression shifted from disbelief to dread, hoping against hope that Alan was simply playing a prank on her. Yet, as minutes passed without any sign of him emerging, her fear intensified.
Frantically, she called out for help from Armis and the others, but they were nowhere in sight, leaving her alone with her mounting panic. She scanned the surroundings desperately, her gaze darting between the ocean and the empty beach, searching for any sign of Alan's return. With each passing moment, her fear tightened its grip, evoking memories of the helplessness she experienced when her kitten nearly drowned.
Her feet gradually carried her toward the ocean, her steps faltering with each moment as tears streamed down her cheeks, mirroring the overwhelming helplessness consuming her. Amidst her sobs, she uttered Alan's name, a desperate plea laced with fear and grief. Then, in a sudden ray of hope, she spotted Alan's arm extending above the water.
Her relief was short-lived as his hand began to sink back into the depths. With determination overriding her fear, Relecta broke through her paralysis and plunged into the water, reaching desperately for Alan's hand. As she leaped into the waves, she seized Alan's hand, feeling it pull her in as he sank below the surface.
In that terrifying moment, Relecta found strength she never knew she had as she swam towards Alan's unconscious form, wrapping her arms tightly around him in a protective embrace.
Suddenly, Alan's eyes fluttered open, and to Relecta's astonishment, he began swimming upward with determined strokes. With a swift motion, Alan brought Relecta to the surface of the ocean and carefully placed her over his shoulders. Relecta, on the verge of losing consciousness, gasped for air, coughed out water, her eyes fluttering open to the breathtaking sight of the setting sun sinking into the vast expanse of the sea, painting the horizon in hues of gold and orange.
Lost in the beauty of the shimmering vista, Relecta's fear ebbed away, replaced by a sense of awe. Alan, his voice mesmerizing against the backdrop of the sunset, gently asked her, "Beautiful, isn't it?"
Relecta nodded, a serene smile gracing her lips as she kept her gaze fixed on the glimmering horizon. Alan's words washed over her like a comforting embrace. "See, there's no need to be afraid when such beauty surrounds us," he continued. "You don't have to worry about anything, Relecta. I'm here to protect you."
Touched by Alan's comforting words, Relecta felt tears welling up in her eyes. As she glanced down at Alan, his gentle gaze filled with reassurance, a mischievous idea crossed her mind. With a playful grin, she grabbed hold of Alan's hair and pulled him into the water, pretending to drown him for real.
From their vantage point on the rocky outcrop, Armis and Aurelia observed the scene with amusement. Seeing Alan's efforts to help Relecta overcome her fear, they chuckled softly, content in the moment as they watched the sun sink below the horizon, casting its final rays across the ocean's surface.
Armis turned to Aurelia, captivated by her beauty illuminated by the fading sunlight. With a hint of urgency in his voice, he posed a question to her, his gaze piercing yet gentle.
"Aurelia, I need to ask you something, and I need your honesty," he began.
Aurelia, caught off guard by Armis's sudden seriousness, couldn't help but twitch slightly before meeting his gaze with wide eyes and a soft smile. "Of course, Armis, I'll do my best," she replied, her chuckle betraying a hint of nervousness.
Locking eyes with Aurelia, Armis exuded sincerity, which made Aurelia's heart flutter nervously. Despite her apprehension, she trusted her friend as she returned his gaze with equal warmth, getting lost in the depths of his blue eyes.
"Why were you so excited about today?" Armis finally asked, his tone gentle but curious. "I mean, don't get me wrong, we were excited too, but your enthusiasm and laughter seemed weirdly unwavering, even when we weren't feeling it."
Upon hearing Armis's question, Aurelia's gaze slowly drifted away, her expression tinged with disappointment. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, stealing a glance at Armis from the corner of her eye as she responded, her voice carrying a hint of hurt.
"Are you implying that I'm weird, Armis?" she questioned softly.
Suddenly realizing how his words might have sounded, panic washed over Armis. He replayed his question in his mind and realized that he might have unintentionally offended her. Stammering in embarrassment, he hastily tried to explain himself, "Oh, I'm so sorry if it came across that way. I... I was just... trying to understand... I mean, forget about it, please. I apologize for asking such a rude question."
Armis turned away, bracing himself for Aurelia's reaction, expecting either a scolding or her walking away. However, her sudden chuckle caught him off guard. She commented, "Oh, Armis, you're so innocent and cute. Come on, look at me. I'll tell you the reason behind my 'weird enthusiasm.'" Her emphasis on the word "weird" embarrassed him slightly.
Raising his gaze, Armis looked at her as Aurelia watched the sunset, she began, "As you know, it's our last day in Pompeii, and, well, as you said earlier, the place we're heading to is full of dangers, which, don't take it the wrong way, scares me."
Armis's eyes widened as Aurelia began to reveal a side he hadn't seen before.
"I am the youngest in my family," Aurelia admitted, her voice tinged with vulnerability. "Most of my siblings are either big merchants or married to influential figures in Pompeii. It's always been a competition for me to earn my father's approval."
Armis listened intently, a mixture of surprise and concern crossing his features.
"When I expressed my wish to be a Raider," Aurelia continued, "my whole family mocked me. They couldn't understand why I would want to 'stoop down to one of our servants,' as they put it."
"Even my father began to look down on me because of my aspirations," she revealed. "So, I rebelled. I started wearing revealing attires, fighting with my siblings, getting into fights outside, staying away from home for days, all in the hope that my father would notice me, even if it was just to scold me. But instead, he distanced himself from me. He deceived me, sending me to the Academy, making me believe he finally approved of my dreams, only for me to realize, when no one came to celebrate my graduation, that it was all a ploy to keep my 'disgraceful' existence away from his grand legacy."
"So I started hating them," Aurelia admitted, her voice tinged with bitterness. "But now that I realize this might be my last chance to see them, my hatred is pulling me away. I'm stuck in between, trying to avoid the confrontation by focusing on enjoying whatever time I have left outside with you guys."
After sharing her heartbreaking past, Aurelia, with tears welled up in her eyes, turned to Armis, only to find him shedding tears as well. Startled, she was about to voice her concern when Armis enveloped her in a tight embrace, whispering in her ear reassuringly.
"Aurelia... you don't have to worry about anything. Those people don't deserve you. If they insult and mistreat someone as wonderful and beautiful as you..." His words choked with emotion, causing Aurelia's tears to flow even more freely.
"You shouldn't care about them, about anything. Because now, you have a new family," Armis declared, releasing her from his embrace and gripping her shoulders firmly. He locked eyes with her, his gaze filled with determination and sincerity.
"Now, you have us, me! I promise you that no matter what dangers await us in the Relic Castle, I will be there to protect you. I will keep you safe, even if it costs me my life."
Aurelia felt a glimmer of hope ignite within her as she listened to Armis's heartfelt words. Slowly, she began to release the weight of her dilemma and started to view her friend in a new light. Resting her head on his shoulder, she held his gaze, her eyes now filled with newfound hope as she gazed at the setting sun one last time.
Just as the moment settled, Lyco's voice shattered the tranquility once more. "Meteor mash!!!" he yelled, leaping into the water near Aurelia and Armis, sending waves crashing over them and soaking them thoroughly.
Aurelia's anger flared as she turned to glare at Lyco, her voice sharp with irritation. "What is your problem, twerp?!"
Lyco remained unfazed, floating casually in the water. Instead, he pointed behind her, prompting Aurelia to turn around. There, she saw Alan and Relecta waving to them from the shore.
With a swift motion, Aurelia jumped on Lyco, delivering a kick to his gut before swimming towards the shore to join Alan and Relecta. Armis followed close behind, supporting the dizzy and almost-drowned Lyco on his shoulder.
Gathering their belongings, the group made their way towards the academy, the darkening sky signaling the end of the evening and the beginning of the last night of Group Luna's stay at the Chronos Wielder's Academy in Pompeii.
Back in Alan and Armis's room at the Academy, Aurelia, Lyco, and Armis gathered on the floor to go over their preparations. Aurelia held a list while Armis meticulously checked off each item as they confirmed its presence in their room.
"All of our attires?" Aurelia asked.
"Check," Armis confirmed.
"All four resting tents?"
"Check."
"Two knapsacks containing all potions?"
"Check."
"Knapsack containing other necessary items?"
"Check."
"Drinks for the final celebrations?" Aurelia inquired, scanning the room.
Armis lifted a barrel from his bed, filled with Pompeii special wine courtesy of Aurelia, and placed it on Alan's bed where four mugs were already set. With a resounding shout, Armis declared, "CHECK!"
"Whoo!!!!" Aurelia exclaimed in excitement, lowering her hands with a grin. She glanced at Armis and Lyco before speaking with a soft, nostalgic tone.
"Armis… Lyco. When we first met, I never thought we'd become such good friends. But as we sit here celebrating our departure towards our destiny, which is a little early than I anticipated, I can't help but feel a bit of gratitude towards both of you," she said, turning to Lyco. "Thank you for putting up with my attitude, and I still hope that we will treat each other the same on our adventures in Relic Castle."
Hearing her words, Lyco turned a little emotional as he looked at her with a forced smile, trying to hide his emotions. "Yeah… fine, I hope for the same."
Noticing the emotional atmosphere, Armis attempted to shift the focus before getting caught up in the sentimentality.
"Hey… where's Alan and Relecta?" he inquired.
"They went to get food for the celebration. Alan said it's his way of thanking us for our support or something," Lyco replied, surreptitiously attempting to wipe away tears from his nightgown.
Aurelia, trying to conceal her own emotions, turned to the window and gazed at the moon. "Well…it's been some time. Where are they?" she pondered aloud.
In the corridor leading from the food hall to the dormitory, Alan and Relecta walked with packets of food in their hands. Alan led the way with a mild smile on his face, while Relecta trailed behind, visibly upset for some unknown reason.
As they climbed the stairs, Relecta surged ahead of Alan, her expression still one of distress. Alan, noticing her demeanor, felt a pang of frustration but knew he had to address it.
"Relecta!!!" Alan called out, but Relecta remained unfazed, continuing toward their room.
"Relecta!!!!" Alan raised his voice, but she still didn't respond.
Alan, growing increasingly frustrated, set the packets of food down on the floor and yelled once again, this time visibly angry.
"Relecta!!! Why are you upset now?!! It was just a joke!!! I wasn't serious when I said that I was gonna sell your armor!!! C—"
"No!!!!" Relecta turned and yelled back at Alan in anger, her frustration evident. "You lie!!! You lie!!! You are lying now!!! You were serious, you are gonna sell my armor!!! And you will leave for Relic Castle tomorrow."
Alan was taken aback by Relecta's deductions and accusations. His anger dissipated as he saw Relecta crying in frustration. She collapsed on the ground, throwing the food packets down the stairs as she tried to wipe away the tears falling with her sleeves.
As Alan attempted to approach her, she growled at him, "NO!!! Stay back!!!" She continued crying as she addressed her fears to him in a broken voice. "Y…yo…you are just like them. You will leave me here too. Alone. You will go to Raiding in Relic Castle, abandon me just like them."
Hearing her sobbing accusations, Alan understood the comparison she was making. He quietly sat down in front of her, placing his hand on hers as she continued.
"You…will…abandon me too, just like them, right?" Relecta asked, her eyes brimming with tears.
Looking at her innocent weeping face, Alan took a deep breath and began comforting her. "You know this better than anyone, that I can never abandon you. If that had been my intention, I would never have saved you in the first place, right?" Alan said, trying to instill hope in Relecta's heart.
"Then you are going to take me with you right?" Relecta asked with hope slowly filling her eyes.
Alan quenched his lips in helplessness as he tightened his grip on Relecta's shoulders and began to speak in a heavy voice. "Relecta, I don't know… I haven't figured it out yet. To go to Relic Castle, you need a Raider's license, and you are not even a student here an—"
"But Lyco said that as your concubine, I can accompany you in your Raiding, and the sword master already knows about us—-"
Relecta cut between in Alan's reasoning, but hearing her mumble about her arguments over Lyco's ideas, Alan snapped. "THAT WAS A MISUNDERSTANDING, RELECTA!!!"
"THEN FIX IT!!!!" Relecta retaliated back in the same volume, her tears drying out as she glared at Alan in anger and frustration, continuing. "Fix it, make me your wife, concubine..slave even, whatever you want. Just don't leave me here. I…I want to come with you. I want to be with you FOREVER!!!"