Chapter 12 - Barbarian Invasion

Felli picked up the goods on the market of the town. As she stretched her legs, she managed to glance at the soldiers going to war. Her eyes focused on the soldiers, brows raised, she made a cold face at the sight of the soldiers. As she stares at the soldier, a man with long black hair tied in a ponytail walked next to her. A foot taller than Felli, this man has a well-muscled body. His wearing a black duster longcoat, a tricorn hat, black gloves, gauntlets, and around his waist is a cleaver sword.

“War again huh?” said the man.

“Looks like it,” Felli replied.

“So you are staying in this place?”

“Yes, I am, Julian.”

“I see. It has been years since that time,” said Julian.

“Indeed it has. We were quite young at that time. But the difference now is that I am former caravaneer now, while you are retired.” Felli said.

“True, although retiring is something that I am bad at. Just the other day, the Lord begged me to help against the barbarian invasion in the north. He wants me to take down Al-Goraz, and repell the invasion.”

“If it’s you I bet you can do it. You are good at it.”

“I am...that is why I hate it.” Julian sighs.

“I see. You should learn from me, Julian. Stop fighting already...”

“I can’t. Not until I become worthy of Elizabeth.”

“Still have a wanting for her huh.” said Felli.

“Always...I just can’t leave her alone. You know what she is to me.”

“I do. That is why I advise you to stop it. It has been years since she left the Kingdom of Lin. She is a War Maiden and will always be. You know where to find her yet you stay away from her. Have you even tried asking her if she wants you in the first place?”

“I don’t know.” Julian tongue froze.

“Indeed you don’t know. You have been fighting, killing everything that is in your path for her. But have you tried asking her what she thinks?” Felli said.

“I wouldn’t be here in this town if I wasn’t. “Julian said with grief. “You know the story why I am going this path.”

“Yeah, but for how long Julian, you will not forever be lucky.”

“I know. That is why before luck is drained out of me; I need the power to beat Lady Luck in her face.”

Felli looked at Julian with her eyes half close.

“Always the bold one, really it is a shame you won’t settle for just some ordinary woman. Any woman would love to offer their legs at you, yet you chase after a flower located in the heavens.”

“...that is my wish after all.”

Felli smiled at Julian.

He is a friend of hers. a friend that she traveled with for years on the road. Hence, the only reason why she survived the onslaught of her caravan is because Julian stayed to help and killed every attacker within sight. After Julian slaughtered almost everyone who attacked Felli’s caravan, they were both covered in blood. Julian got wounds all over his body, while Felli was unharmed.

That is why when Julian at that time fell down. Felli went back to get help and seeing how bloody she was made her an idol in the caravan business. But if it wasn’t for Julian helping her, she wouldn’t be alive at all.

“I hope you get your wish, Julian.” Felli smiled wearily.

Julian glanced at that weary smile and felt his heart heavy.

“Thank you, Felli.”

“No need for that really.” she replied.

The two stayed still in silence. Winds passed by them, and people who were watching the march of the soldiers of Tal, slowly dispersed. The two watched in silence at the crowd, and they do. Julian, who felt guilt in his heart decided to change the topic.

“I heard you have a new worker...”

“Ah, yes I have.”

“I see. Is he a good person?”

“I don’t know. I never really know what my employee really thinks. He can’t speak the language of the land, and he doesn’t understand my words at all. The best I can do is point things out using gestures and actions so he can understand.” Felli explained.

“That seems hard. Why hire him in the first place?”

“I pity him,” Felli said. “I feel like he was one of those people who got beaten down by an inch because of life. And a helping hand towards the misfortunate ones is a good thing.”

“I see.”

“Plus he is a tolerable person. He knows how to work hard enough, and despite him having problems inside his head, he still keeps going on. It reminds me of a certain someone and I rather not have another person like that to turn into a man who walks the world to prove he is worthy.”

“...” Julian kept his words. He knows what she is referring, and he could not convince himself otherwise. “I see. I hope that person have a good time working on your shop Felli.”

“I am sure he will. Not like he has any choice too. Either he works or stays in the streets again, begging people for food and money. Plus he is in debt to me too.”

“Looks like that money grubbing part of you still hasn’t changed at all Felli, now I am feeling sorry for your employee...”

Felli just smiled at Julian’s words. She lifted the goods she brought and keep it tightly in her arms.

“I will visit your store I have time Felli, may we meet again soon.”

“I’ll be waiting for your patronage then.”

Julian tipped his tricorn hat and bid Felli goodbye. Felli glanced at Julian’s back for a whole before turning around and heading back to the Inn of hers.

As she arrives in her Inn, she saw her worker still shoveling the snow around the Inn. Seeing it, Felli put a smile on her face, as she calls out to Ramiel.