Chapter 245
“I don’t know how to express my gratitude. I should invite you in and offer you hospitality, but as you can see, my dwelling is so humble that I’m at a loss…”
The old man, standing with his back to the door, trailed off with an apologetic smile. The old hut, as was typical, showed signs of peeling paint here and there, but it blended with the forest’s ambiance, creating a tranquil atmosphere.
It was also well-maintained. Whether he was diligent by nature, not a single weed was visible in the yard. As Roseline looked around the yard, a cluster of fully bloomed purple lilacs in a small flowerbed caught her eye. It was strange. Even though the north was cool, it wasn’t the season for these flowers, with autumn approaching. Did he have a secret method?
She considered asking but let it go. It’s not like I’m going to grow lilacs myself. It’s a meaningless question.
“We’d like to come in, but we really must be going now,” Roseline said, gently curving her lips into a smile.
Meanwhile, Giorno, squeezing out his last bit of strength, staggered across the yard and practically slammed the box down. The dull thud that echoed gave a hint of the box’s weight.
“Oh my, look at me, losing my head. I know you’re busy, but could you wait just a moment? There’s something I really wish to give you.”
As if remembering something, the old man clapped his hands together, repeatedly urged them to wait, and then hurried inside.
“Damn, I thought my arms were going to break,”
Roseline quickly released her healing magic, and his muscle pain vanished as if washed away. Giorno swung his now-lightened arm in a circle, complaining, “It would’ve been better if you’d done that sooner.”
“My apologies. I just thought of it now,”
The knights who had been milling about led Giorno outside the yard. Sounds of scolding, asking why he was acting like this all day, carried over the fence. Even that noise bothered Roseline, and she kept glancing in that direction.
Edan, who had been inspecting the hut’s exterior, said to her, “It’s a matter related to internal discipline, please don’t concern yourself.” As if I couldn’t possibly not be concerned.
Suddenly, she remembered Giorno from her past life. The Giorno in her memories was also gruff, but somehow… he had a much more knightly demeanor than now. Chronologically, that was about two years later, so perhaps that version of him was shaped by numerous reprimands and advice.
While she was looking at Giorno, surrounded by the knights, with pity, the hut door opened and the old man reappeared.
“It’s not an item worthy of a noble lady like yourself, but it’s the only thing I can offer you, Miss.”
The old man approached with quick steps and handed her a small pouch. It wasn’t a situation where she needed to receive payment, and if anyone deserved compensation, it was Giorno, who had moved the load.
Roseline firmly refused, but the old man was stubborn. When he insistently took her hand and pressed the pouch into it, Edan quickly intervened. He gave the old man a cold once-over and then checked the pouch’s contents. The knights outside the fence also watched the old man with wary eyes. One would think he’d be frightened, with armed knights suddenly baring their fangs, but the old man stood straight, merely offering a benevolent smile.
“…It’s a mirror,”
Edan said after finishing his inspection, then handed the mirror to Roseline.
It was a silver-handled mirror. The round mirror, with an intricate floral pattern engraved on its back, looked very old.
It wasn’t made of the clear glass commonly used by nobles. Whether it was copper or bronze, the reflection was blurry, making it hard to see one’s features clearly. Regardless of the mirror’s condition, if it was an item he had kept for so long, it must undoubtedly be precious to the old man. It was right not to accept it.
“It seems like a precious item…”
“A mirror also finds its owner, you see. Despite its appearance, it is a valuable item, so please accept it without refusal,” the old man added in a gentle voice. Roseline was conflicted. If it was valuable, she couldn’t possibly accept it even more. Wouldn’t it be much better for him to sell it in the village and get at least some money for it rather than giving it to her?
But she was worried that refusing his sincerity would make the old man feel awkward.
“Thank you. I will use it well.”
After some deliberation, Roseline accepted the mirror. At that, the old man smiled contentedly and saw them off.
On the way back, clutching the red velvet pouch tightly, Roseline, lost in deep thought, gradually fell behind. By the time they were leaving the woods, she had come to a complete stop.
“What’s the matter?” Edan asked, stopping alongside her.
“Sir, could you lend me some money?”
“…Excuse me? Money, you say?”
“Yes. How much do you have?”
“Might I ask why you need it?”
“That item must be precious to that old man, and it doesn’t feel right to just take it like this. I want to buy it from him.”
Ahem.
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