Tears and Destiny

The morning sun had risen, and our carriage stopped at the grand residence of Baba Laurence. The guards who noticed our arrival immediately called for Lucy.

“Thank you, Mr. Brian.”

“Yo, no problem, Miss Silva. Call me anytime.”

After safely escorting us, Mr. Brian departed somewhere with his carriage.

Even though I had slept all night inside, my body still longed for more rest. Rin and Wufy also looked drowsy.

“Let’s all go inside.”

Silva stepped forward into the residence, her posture firm even though I knew she was still exhausted from our long journey.

From inside, we heard the sound of hurried footsteps running toward us. It was Lucy, and she looked deeply worried.

“Sister Silva, did you manage to obtain the Eternal Flower?”

“Yes… just a moment.”

Silva took out the pouch containing the flower, and Lucy grabbed it before quickly heading into a room.

“What will Lucy do with the Eternal Flower?”

“She is going to make it into a potion. She is skilled in that.”

Silva walked quickly toward Baba Laurence’s chamber, and we followed her. When we arrived, we saw Baba Laurence lying weak and powerless, dark blotches spreading across her body. Beside her sat Sally, quietly keeping her company.

“Sally, what happened to grandmother?”

“As you can see, Miss Silva, the curse spread rapidly since yesterday. Seeing that you’ve returned, I assume you managed to retrieve the Eternal Flower.”

“That’s right… Lucy is making the potion to counter the curse right now.”

Sensing that our presence as outsiders was not appropriate, I took Rin, who was carrying Wufy, and stepped out of the room.

Outside, I saw Lucy rushing past us holding a glass bottle filled with a green liquid. She was so panicked she did not even notice us and went straight into Baba Laurence’s chamber.

Seeing how hard everyone was working to save her… Baba Laurence must truly be an extraordinary person. I hoped she could withstand the curse of that dark sorcerer.

Time passed, and the silence in the room grew heavy. Suddenly, Silva opened the door, tears streaming down her face. Did it fail? No… it couldn’t be…

Silva collapsed against my chest. What should I do? Should I comfort her? Damn, I didn’t know how to act.

“Thank you… thank you…”

Ah… my heart nearly stopped. So she was crying because her grandmother had been saved. Thank goodness… I felt relieved and happy too.

“Come on, this isn’t like you. Besides, you worked hard to get the Eternal Flower, didn’t you?”

Silva nodded, though her tears still kept flowing.

Then Sally stepped out of the room.

“Miss Silva, it is not proper to cry like that in front of a man. If a villager were to see, they might misunderstand.”

Hearing that, Silva shoved me away and ran off somewhere.

“Master Ronin—”

“Rei.”

“Very well, Master Rei… it seems your child and her pet monster are utterly exhausted.”

When I looked over, I was surprised to see Rin sleeping while standing, and Wufy drooling in her arms. I hadn’t noticed.

“Come, I will show you to a room where you can rest.”

I carried Rin and Wufy and followed Sally to the room. Then she returned to Baba Laurence’s chamber. I carefully laid them both down on the bed so as not to wake them. The room wasn’t large, but it had two beds, which was convenient.

I needed rest too. The long journey had drained my body completely. I placed my bag and belongings beside the bed and threw myself onto it. The soft mattress felt like heaven. Without realizing it, I drifted into sleep.

Once again, I found myself in a dream with the man wearing the cracked mask.

“You again? What will you tell me this time? Who are you really?”

“Accept me. You will find out for yourself.”

“What if you stab me once I accept you?”

“I won’t.”

“That’s exactly what villains always say.”

“JUST ACCEPT ME!”

He shouted so loudly it hurt my ears. He looked angry, yet I did not sense malice from him. Should I accept him?

I stepped closer until I stood right before him.

“What will happen once I accept you?”

“You will know everything.”

I gathered my courage and reached out my hand.

“Good. It seems I have found a worthy successor.”

He pulled my hand into the crack. Suddenly, countless memories poured into my head. I saw a wanderer wielding his katana. I saw him train relentlessly. I saw him unleash a powerful technique of his own creation. I saw him slay villains. I saw him cut down monsters. I saw him laugh, cry, live in loneliness, and struggle alone. All of the memories flooding into my mind belonged to Miyamoto Musashi.

Suddenly, I woke up and found Rin and Wufy sleeping beside me.

“Huh? When did they move here?”

I stood up, feeling a surge of energy overflowing within me. I wanted to use it immediately. Carefully, I climbed out of bed so I wouldn’t wake them. Grabbing my katana, I opened the window, which led to the back of the residence. Fortunately, the backyard was wide and quiet.

I leapt out, feeling my body lighter than before. I landed softly without a sound.

I drew my katana and began practicing the technique I had seen in my dream. My movements felt more natural now. I could feel it, a calm yet deadly flow. This was incredible.

“Don’t be so pleased with yourself, boy. What you just showed was only a fraction of my true technique. You’re terrible at using it.”

“Huh? Who’s there?”

I looked around, but no one was there. Still, the voice was familiar. I wasn’t hallucinating.

“You cannot see me for now. Keep training and improve your skills. After this, go to the Empire.”

“The Empire? Why?”

“Did I not already show you the demon allied with the kingdom of Alphenia?”

“…”

“DON’T TELL ME YOU FORGOT ABOUT THAT, BOY!”

“Sorry.”

“Hah… remember, your enemies from now on will be far stronger than anything you have faced. That’s all for now.”

The voice vanished without a trace.

So my next destination was set. I would go to the Empire.