Chapter 136: Leaving (Part 1)
"Lord..."
Velas walked in from the doorway, looking pretty and lively, slightly sticking out her cute pink tongue.
"Is Lady Akara that scary?"
I smiled and shook my head. This girl, I didn't know what to say – she had been standing outside for a while, probably seeing Akara inside and a few burly Warriors guarding the Door, so she hadn't dared to come in. Speaking of which, Akara had a kind and benevolent Appearance, was she really as difficult to Approach as Velas made her out to be?
"It's not that she's scary, it's just that I didn't expect the respected Lady Akara to be right In Front of me. For a moment, I didn't know how to greet her or what to say, so I kept hesitating and didn't come in."
She wrinkled her nose and smilingly handed me a cup of water.
"Mm, thanks!! Huh? Velas, why did your Hair change?"
After sleeping for several days, I was really thirsty. While appreciating Velas's thoughtfulness, I looked up and found that her hairstyle seemed significantly different from before.
Her slightly curly long Hair, smooth as silk, was now combed straight, with only a hint of wave remaining at the ends, probably because she hadn't had time to straighten it completely. You know, there's no such thing as perms or hair gel in this World, so changing one's hairstyle isn't an easy Matter. Of course, there might be other small Knacks, as the Wisdom of the people here is definitely not low.
In short, Velas's originally dark, slightly curly Hair had been pulled straight and draped smoothly down her back. At first glance, it seemed to have grown quite a bit. She had bangs combed straight across her forehead, level with her eyebrows. However, what was most eye-catching was a neat Hair Tie about two fingers thick on the left side of her black Hair, roughly above the temple area. The middle of the Hair Tie was secured by a circle of dark blue Small Hair Tie, and the end of the Hair Tie had a cute Accessory with ethnic characteristics hanging from it. Compared to the waterfall-like long Hair cascading down to her waist behind, this independent Hair Tie was placed In Front, looking particularly cute and eye-catching.
"Where? It hasn't changed much!"
When I asked this, Velas's face suddenly turned bright red for some reason and she lowered her Head. Her two small hands kept gently fiddling with the dark, neat Hair Tie on her Chest.
"Does it have some Meaning?"
I asked curiously. It had been over a year since I came to this World, and I had a general understanding. In this World filled with different Races, just among Humans, different Tribes could have different customs and habits. Generally speaking, people here don't change their hairstyles frequently just for beauty, unlike in my Original World. Most people, if there's no special Meaning, won't change their hairstyle their entire life.
"Ah... ah..., haha... this... right... right, L... Lord, you just woke up, you must be hungry, right? What would you like to eat? I'll make it for you right away."
Velas clasped her hands together In Front of her Chest, her dark eyes darting left and right, not daring to look directly at me. It was clear she wanted to avoid this topic.
Well, it doesn't Matter. I'll be leaving this Village soon anyway, and probably won't have many opportunities to see Velas again. Thinking of this, a hint of sadness couldn't help but rise in my heart. This kind and cute girl is truly someone you can't easily forget.
"Then, make me the Momo Noodles you made last time."
I remembered the Breakfast she made last time, which had a strange color but tasted very good, and couldn't help but say with a smile.
"Yes~~! But how about adding a cup of Black Tea? It helps with digestion." Velas leaned closer, her index finger gently raised, looking very expectant for me to nod in agreement.
"Alright, you decide." I nodded in response.
"Please wait patiently for a moment, it'll be ready soon!" She scurried a few steps, then turned back and smiled at me.
Seeing that bright and lovely smile, my Mood unconsciously lifted. How should I put it? Velas has a rather special Charm. Generally speaking, maturity represents steadiness, and for girls, it might also imply a layer of sexiness or allure. But Velas's maturity, I can only describe with 'cute'. It's like a Kitten; no Matter how mature, in others' eyes, she is still incredibly cute, possessing a Charm that other Animals don't have, making people unconsciously want to dote on and protect her.
In less than a few minutes, Velas walked in holding two Wooden Bowls. Then, just like last time, she mixed the contents of the two bowls together and stirred them, making her special Momo Noodles on the spot. The taste was still as delicious as last time, but it would be even better if the color could be improved. After all, no Matter how delicious ice cream is, if it's made into the color and shape of feces, not many people would be able to eat it.
After finishing Breakfast, my Vitality seemed to have recovered a bit more. At this point, I was eager to go out and take a look. After staying in this dim little house for several days, my eyes were practically glowing.
As soon as I stepped out the Door, a blinding Glow shone over, forcing me to shield my eyes with my hand. After a long while, I finally adjusted. What lay In Front of me was the beautiful morning of Vita Village on the lush green Great Grassland. The fresh Air of the morning blew towards me. I took a deep breath, and my Brain instantly cleared up a lot.
"Lord, your Cloak..." The thoughtful Velas caught up, holding my Normal Cloak in her hand.
"Oh, thank you."
I was so happy for a moment that I forgot. But I was really lucky; while I was unconscious, I wasn't embezzled by that alcoholic woman Kashya. At least she had some conscience.
I happily put on the Cloak and pulled up the Hood. My whole person instantly returned to my previous Appearance as a Mysterious Mage. The unique Energy of the Equipment flowed smoothly through various parts of my Body. It was just a pity that the Sorceress Skill "Frozen Armor" attached to the Cloak didn't activate successfully when I tried it. It seemed my Body hadn't fully recovered. I thought about it and didn't Reluctantly try to activate it. Everything could wait until my Body was well-rested.
Walking on the hard mud path of the Village, breathing the fresh morning Air, I felt as if my whole person had come alive. Even my Footsteps were a bit lighter. Velas slowly followed behind me. When I asked her how her work at the Tavern was, she just blinked and smiled, not answering my question. Sigh, this little girl seems to be getting less and less restrained In Front of me. While I can't say it's bad, the timid and obedient way she was like a Rabbit when we first met is also quite worth missing.
The Battle had ended several days ago. Some of the Warriors responsible for staying behind in Vita Village had already returned to the Rogue Camp. The more diligent ones might have already resumed their journey of Trial. But, of course, there were Exceptions. For example...
"Uncle Lars, and Uncles Doug and Gus, you seem to be having quite a good time?"
Upon arriving at the exquisite little Tavern in Vita Village, I immediately spotted three figures that made my teeth itch.
"Ah, isn't this our good Brother - Wu?! Hahaha..." The three Men who were slacking off in the Tavern laughed awkwardly.
"What are you talking about? We've been worried about you, that's why we specifically stayed behind! We absolutely had no thought of taking the opportunity to Relax and enjoy ourselves. You know, I was so eager to go home and reunite with my beautiful Wife and lovely Daughter! It was all for you!"
Lars stood up and patted my shoulder seriously, looking like I should thank them. His expression didn't seem fake – if only he would put down the Wine Cup he was half-finished drinking from in his other hand and wipe the Ale foam from the Corner of his mouth.
"That's right. What the boss said is absolutely correct. We've been worrying about you these past few days. Look, I've barely spoken for several days."
Doug said with a Dejected expression. Didn't speak for several days? If what he said was true, that would be an incredible Sacrifice. However, would the credibility be a bit higher if he would release the other hand that was resting on Mardon's shoulder?
Gus, this guy, was pretty good; at least he wasn't lying. Not good at expressing himself, he just looked at me happily, then kept drinking the Ale in his hand. He was much cuter than the other guys.
"Wu, congratulations on your recovery!" Druv stood up and gave me a sincere hug.
"My dear little Younger Brother Wu, Older Sister was very worried about you."
His Wife, Hayina, also gently hugged me, pursing her lips and looking at me carefully with her gentle Gaze.
"Congratulations..." Mardon, this guy, really wasn't sweet-talker.
"Come, sit down and have a drink. Let's celebrate properly. You're a big celebrity now."
Doug, this kid, patted my shoulder with Strength more astonishing than an Elephant's.
I endured the pain in my shoulder and glared at him: "Let's skip the drink. I've slept for several days, and I want to walk around the Village later to see the Situation, and..." Towards these fellow sufferers, I didn't pretend to be modest. I puffed out my Chest and continued proudly.
"And, what do you mean I'm a big celebrity *now*? Wasn't I before?"
Doug seemed to want to say something else, but Lars stopped him with a hand. Although a bit scheming, he was a careful guy. He probably saw that something was wrong with my Body when Doug patted my shoulder.
"Alright, alright, forced wine isn't sweet. Let Wu go for a walk. As a Special Action Team Member of the Village, it's only right for him to do so."
I looked at him gratefully.
"Then, you guys chat slowly. I'll be going now."
I flicked the Cloak on my Body and walked out under the various gazes of the others.
"Velas, what are you doing?"
Opening the thick wooden Door of the Tavern, I called out to the Waitresses gathered at the counter. This cute little Maid had been following me. As soon as she entered the Tavern, she was pitifully grabbed by the other Waitresses. The few of them huddled together, whispering about something.
"Mm, Lord, wait for me!"
Not knowing what the others said, Velas's pretty face was bright red as she chased after me under the strange gazes of the other Waitresses.
"Huh?..." Walking out the Door, I realized something felt off.
Why did I call her to follow me? And so naturally, without any awkwardness. Had I already gotten used to her Existence?
The sound of light, quick Footsteps followed behind me. I shook my Head and strode out. Anyway, I would be leaving here soon, so it was better not to think too much. In this unfamiliar World, I was particularly cautious about my Attitude towards Feelings/Emotions. I was afraid of hurting others, and even more afraid of being hurt by others.
Along the way, I slowed my Pace and carefully observed this small Village that had undergone the Baptism of War. The Battle had ended several days ago, and some Adventurers had already left. But the Vita Villagers who had migrated to the Rogue Encampment for refuge had all returned. So, instead of being deserted, the entire Vita Village was even more lively. Besides the Adventurers, Young Persons and children, who were relatively rare before, could now be seen everywhere.
Along the way, other Adventurers seemed to make way for me by unspoken agreement. Some High-Level Adventurers, or those I had met before, respectfully came forward to greet me and expressed their most sincere happiness and blessings for my recovery.
The Adventurers' behavior caused many Young Persons and children who had just returned from the Rogue Encampment to look at me with curious gazes. Their various discussions constantly reached my ears. Some younger children even came closer, looking at me carefully with their innocent, wide eyes. If not for the Influence of the Awe-inspiring Aura around them, or being held back by the Adults, they probably would have rushed forward to ask me all sorts of curious questions.
I finally understood. I seemed to have become the focus of the entire Vita Village again. I didn't know if coming out was the right or wrong thing to do. I truly felt a bit of regret now. However, if I didn't walk around carefully and see the Situation of the small Village I had worked hard to protect, my heart would never settle down. So, I could only tough it out and keep walking. Not just me, but Velas behind me also seemed unable to bear the current Atmosphere. She moved a few steps closer, following tightly behind me, a small hand subtly tugging at my elbow, looking timid.
Hmph, scared now, huh? You can finally understand how I feel, right? Seeing Velas's Appearance, the awkward Feeling in my heart seemed to be partly shared, and I couldn't help but Relax a bit.
Picking up the Pace, we quickly passed through the Village Square, where the Crowd was most dense. Seeing the intense gazes around us finally weaken, both she and I couldn't help but sigh in unison. We looked at each other and both smiled wryly.
"I finally understand how you feel, Lord."
Velas said with lingering fear. She really couldn't understand why her Village Companions, whom she was usually so familiar with, made her feel so uncomfortable.
"Sigh, that's why I said I want to be a Herdsman..." I sighed.
"Hehe, your wish, Lord, will definitely come true." Velas stuck out her tongue slightly behind me, happily comforting me.
Huh? Who is that Old Man? He's wearing a gray robe and has a familiar Cane. He looks very familiar.
Wanting to see the current Situation of the Village, the first place I naturally went to was the front line that had been in contact with the Monster Army - the Northwest of the Village. However, there, I found a familiar figure standing on the Watchtower that hadn't been dismantled yet. There were also several Soldiers around him, looking like they had quite a Status.
After a brief thought, I already had the answer. It was obvious that the only Old Man in the entire Rogue Camp who could receive such Treatment was either Cain or Fara. But with Fara, that old pervert's Strength/Power, would he need to bring a few Soldiers to parade around?
"Lord Cain, you've come too."
I walked over with a smile. Velas behind me, seeing another important Lord, had already stopped her Pace some distance away, fidgeting and turning around, wanting to follow but also a bit shy.
"Hehe, Wu, you're awake. I'm really sorry I didn't get a chance to visit you."
Cain turned his Head, holding a notebook and a quill pen dipped in ink in his hand, probably recording something.
"Not at all, I just woke up myself. Are you recording something now, Lord?"
"That's right."
Cain nodded: "The Scale of this Monster Attack is very rare in the entire History of the Rogue Encampment. I think it's necessary to record it completely. So, I shamelessly followed behind Akara and specifically recorded the Situation of the 10 Villages that were attacked."
Cain's answer wasn't surprising. As a Historian, it would be strange if he wasn't interested in this kind of relatively rare, large-Scale War.
Cain gently waved his hand, and the surrounding Soldiers immediately dispersed. The entire Watchtower was instantly left with just the two of us. Facing the gently blowing morning Wind, he stood on the high Watchtower, carefully looking down at half of Vita Village, then let out a heavy sigh.