Bookworms

It had been a week since the Crimson Desert Tribe retreated to the Farlands. The people of the town were busy and full of noise preparing for what was to come. They constructed a large arc of wooden spiked barricades in front of the entrance of the wall and even took the time to rebuild the large arched wooden gate that had collapsed a long time ago. Even Roz joined them to support the cause.

He was impressed by their efforts. They may not have been capable of fighting back against the barbarians, but they were hard workers that continued to persist despite the torment.

The Acting Baron Jules had just returned to Bordertown bearing good news. Alongside him came the long-awaited company that Bianca had called upon. Anyone who saw them would be an ignorant fool not to recognize who they were. The armor they wore was that of a glistening white steel, reflecting the morning sunlight in their plates. It was a symbol of their presence, one that represented pride, honor and duty.

They were none other than the great Knights of Alexandria, second only to the Heroes of Alexandria.

“Miss Bianca, we have responded to your call,” their captain said.

They all knelt down before the lady Hero.

“How many of you are here?” Bianca asked.

“There are fifty of us under your command.”

“Fifty….” Bianca placed her thumb and index finger on her chin. “This is going to be a problem.”

“I apologize.” The captain bowed his head. “The Knights can’t afford to send any more troops. We’ve been dealing with a lot of problems lately.”

“You’re always dealing with a lot of problems.” Bianca rolled her eyes. “Fine, we’ll have to make do with this. Just make sure not to underestimate the barbarians. They’re stronger than what most would have you believe. Now go help the citizens with the defense. We could use some more arms around here.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

The knights started moving right away.

Since they were going to help with the construction, Roz decided to take a break and went over to Amity's bookstore. He noticed that the broken window had finally been fixed, and now the store looked good as new. He was glad to see that it was up and running again.

Roz entered through the door, ringing the bell hanging on the frame.

“Amity.”

Amity’s blue eyes brightened as she saw him.

“Roz?” she called, then she fixed her glasses. “You’re back!”

Roz walked over to the counter.

“How was Elven Housewife?!” she asked, unable to contain her excitement. “I’ve been waiting for so long to hear your thoughts on it!”

“I liked it,” he said. “The development between the two main characters was well-executed. I liked the way their relationship progressed at a natural pace.”

“I know, right!” she giggled. “I’m such a huge fan of the author! They really know how to write lovable characters! Belle is so cute and charming, and Tristan is so cool and manly!”

Amity proceeded to pour out all of her passions onto Roz for a couple of minutes, while he just stood there and listened. She couldn’t see it in his face, but Roz loved hearing all of it.

I’m glad you’re still talking passionately about stories, Amity. I hope you never lose that shine of yours.

Eventually, Amity realized that she had been talking for so long and ended up feeling embarrassed.

“I-I’m sorry, I ended up talking too much.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Roz said. “Please continue. I’d love to hear more about what you have to say.”

Amity blushed and looked away. “You’re the only one who likes to listen to my rambling….”

The store fell into an awkward silence. Roz remembered that he had forgotten what he was actually supposed to say, so he brought it up to break the ice.

“I……lost the book I rented.” Roz scratched the back of his head.

“S-Seriously?!” Amity’s eyes widened with her mouth agape. “You’ve never lost a book before!”

“Well, the barbarians burned my home down.”

Amity’s eyes drooped.

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

She poked her fingers and looked away.

“Y-You could stay over at my place, if you want.”

“There’s no need to worry,” Roz said. “The Hero Bianca offered me a free room at her estate.”

“Oh. That’s good to hear.”

For some reason, Amity appeared to look a little disappointed, but Roz didn’t think too deeply about it.

“I’ll pay full price for the book.”

“No-no-no, it’s fine!” Amity waved her hands. “It’s on the house.”

“Are you sure?”

“It’s fine!” She smiled at him. “I have another copy of it anyway!”

“If you say so.”

“Just make up for it by renting another book!” Amity placed another book on the table.

Roz read the title, then he scratched his head.

“I promise, it sounds ridiculous, but it’s actually a really good story!”

I Fell In Love With A Blade.

He held the book in his hand.

“I believe you. If you say it’s good, then it’s definitely good,” he said, placing the book under his black cloak.

Amity nodded with a smug grin. “I’m flattered that you like my tastes.”

Once Roz paid Amity the rental fee, he thanked her and made his leave.

“Wait!”

Before Roz could reach for the door, she called out to him.

“What is it, Amity?”

She looked at him with a pained smile. “Actually, I’m planning on moving to the city of Hansel soon. I’ve almost saved enough money to travel and set up shop there.”

“S-So….” Amity twirled her hair. “I was wondering if you could escort me there someday.”

Roz didn’t know what to say. He wanted to say yes, but the word couldn’t get past the tip of his tongue. A thought came to mind. A thought of moving to the city of Hansel and starting a new life there. Maybe the town didn’t need him anymore. Bianca had everything under control. He could finally step away from all this and be free.

Did you really think you deserve a chance to live a new life? You have already died a long time ago. Bordertown is where you belong.

“Sorry, Amity.” Roz sank his head down. “I can’t leave this place. Not ever.”

Amity frowned. “I understand. But if you ever change your mind, please let me know as soon as possible.”

“All right.”

Roz left the store with a lingering somberness that he couldn’t understand in his heart.