Chapter 28:

Celim.

My will shall resonate in this stormy game


The girl went to her father's office after her studies, noticing how her little sister had already caught up with her in grades and worried, she put her thoughts in order and went to ask her father for an excuse, which he gave to the boy at their last meeting.

“León.” I look at the subject with some sadness, but determined to prioritize his studies. “There’s a problem.”

“Know that I will defend with cape and shield from any evil that may come.”

"It's not that, it's about my studies." Seeing the boy's expression worsen, she knew he at least understood the topic and explained further. "I can't go out to play until I'm better or have more protection."

“More followers, I got it.”

“Y… yes.” She couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable with the boy’s animation.

“Do not doubt that I will return with an entourage worthy of you, Saint.”

“Th… thank you for understanding.”

By the time she announced the words to her father, he explained what it implied and felt terrible when he understood what the words implied and both of them hurried to the Lica house, the official meetings were not as many, like the one in her own house, since they were both descendants of warring tribes.

“So that's what happened, no wonder he came asking for warriors.”

"Yes, I'm sorry we're having this problem. I didn't know how to interpret the answer," the girl apologized, while waiting for some scolding.

"It's understandable. The little one was never the smartest, but don't worry. I told him that if he wanted his warriors, he should recruit them on their own merits. I think that's something both families can understand. I'm wrong." He looked at the man, who nodded, and with that, they settled the matter, heading back home more calmly.

The following days were very calm, while the studies were put in order, calm returned and more importantly, he finally realized how lacking his house was of money, to the point that he began to remember how León always brought some snack that they shared on the way or at rest, but at the same time feeling happy to share some of his family's poverty and wondering about the biased point he used to have towards that act.

Time passed, with a total lack of meaning, studies were going smoothly, while food seemed to be running out and luckily something arrived that would relieve that stress. The maid had reported the arrival of young León with the closest thing she had had to joy in a while.

The conversation went as expected, with at least one companion, but the fact that two feuding families were collaborating made him wonder if he had paid the boy to follow him and lie, but as they advanced on their route to the cathedral to deliver the usual Russian, he noticed how he was trailing behind the rest, looking around, and curiosity won out over habit.

“Tell me, Abaddon, why are you looking around?”

“It’s been a while since I’ve been here, and I notice that little has changed.”

“That's how it is.” I looked around, noticing nothing in particular, while noticing how the young man seemed to be looking around almost randomly. “I honestly don't see any difference, to be honest.”

“Normally, war houses only tend to show interest when it could be part of their plans.”

A direct insult and something she couldn't tolerate. "You think so." She stopped to confront him. "You should know that I've spent my whole life here. If there were any major changes, I'd know about them."

"So, tell me, what's changed at that stall over there?" He pointed to what was clearly a small stand made of sticks, and with it what were clearly peanuts. "I remember well what the place was like before I attended to my duties."

“Well.” I look, only to realize I didn’t know.

At the same time, León stopped. "They lowered the price. They're waiting for me, I'll go get a pair." He seemed determined to buy.

“Me too.” Abaddon handed him two silver coins, enough to buy five. “I’ll take charge of the escort until your return, illustrious knight in white.”

I noticed a pleasant smile on León's face, as he departed with the closest thing he had to excessive spirits, and with it, a time for reflection and at the same time a desire to return the insult. What better time than when he's too far away to hear.

“How much did he pay you to follow him?”

"The nature of our contract is simple; the boy has a spirit no one could help but admire." At that moment, I pull out a small sack from which I take a piece of dried fruit. "I like it."

I accepted, more out of hunger than because it was the right thing to do. “You didn’t answer me.” At that moment, seeing him standing in the middle of the line, she felt she wasn’t achieving her goal. “Or maybe it’s a deal between families.”

“Contrary to what you might imagine, our families are hostile to each other, but I follow young Leon more out of admiration than obligation; his future is bright.”

“Really?” I look again, noticing how he's given way to an old woman. “I don't see anything special.”

“A bit naive, I won't deny it, but he has everything a warrior could ask for, or maybe not.”

“What do you mean?” I look at Abaddon, now more irritated than before.

“A head for strategies and a truth in your mouth.” I chew the fruit, somewhat happier from the bitter taste. “You’ll find that your family knows how to handle things well these days, despite being mostly warriors.”

“I know,” she replied bitterly. “Only the color of my hair keeps them from booing me when I walk, and yet he doesn’t seem to care what they say to him.”

“That's the spirit I admire. Despite everything that's said around them, I don't change the fact that they continued with their duty, as if it were the only thing they had to do in life.”

“Perhaps he’s right after all. He is an admirable spirit.” I muse silently. “Does the Sun family want to annex them?” I look at Abaddon, who seems unmovable yet gentle, and I doubt that thought.

When Leon arrived with the 5 bags ready and giving 4 to Leon and one to the saint, while he prepared to do the other half of the journey to the temple.

In a quick distribution, he gave one to each of the two and when he reached the poorest area, León walked towards the first child he found and gave them the two bags so they could eat.

“Abadón, don’t leave the formation without warning.” León warned, curious about Abadón’s attitude.

“I apologize, Praetor, but it is the duty of a devotee of Alba to share in Alba’s generosity.”

"Just don't let anything happen to the saint and everything will be fine," I clarify, agreeing with that fact.

“That’s what you’re here for, isn’t it?” I ask, amused by the fact.

"It's better to splurge if you have the chance." I looked at the boy, who was soon stopped by the children.

“Good point,” Leon mentioned without thinking much.

When the formation was complete again and they arrived at the temple, to the surprise of the two, only Leon and Portia entered.

For the outing they went to the park with the same purpose of always resting, but the difference was more direct, Abadón, went to patrol around, and again alone, as usual, but with the bags to eat, which helped make the time there feel happier and back home, with a bag to share with his family.

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