At her side were gathered a few of what looked to be companions. The young girl was a mage, while the others were warriors, swordsmen, and archers.
Judging by the roles they had assembled, they would have passed for a balanced party in a game, drawing extreme interest from Suimei. That said, he certainly was not acquainted with them.
“Those are the companions that took down the semi-giant with me.”
“Ohh, so that’s them.”
Lefille’s remark dissipated his confusion. So those are the aforementioned guild adventurers, huh.
“We were on pretty good terms while together. We’ve had some interactions before.”
As Lefille explained, the young girl cupped her hands to her mouth like a megaphone. Judging by her actions, she seemed to have decided they hadn’t heard.
“I think they’re calling for you.”
“Looks like it. I’m going to head over there for a bit,” she replied before setting off in their direction.
Before his eyes, a joyous reunion took place.
“Companions, huh…” he murmured.
If he had to be honest with himself, the sight made him somewhat envious. That notwithstanding, this was undoubtedly a path that he had chosen for himself. He didn’t have the right to indulge himself in such a feeling.
He exhaled deeply, as if to purge the unnecessary feeling from his body as well, when a sudden sensation caused him to rub his neck.
“…”
…He wasn’t sure why, but ever since he’d left Mehter, his back would feel strangely warm at times. It wasn’t at all a good feeling – an ill omen perhaps? Any other person would likely have discounted the feeling, deciding that they were simply overthinking things. When Suimei, however, had experienced this in the past, it had always proven to be eerily prescient. He had the feeling his father had once explained the reason for this phenomenon, but try as he might, he just couldn’t recall.
…In a flash, he focused on his surroundings, though he was unable to find any hint of someone in chase.
I guess I’m worrying about nothing, he decided, discarding that line of thought as he looked up toward the sky.
The wind was blowing westward. The gentle, refreshing breeze blew past his body, bringing with it the air of this other world – mild and untouched by pollution – setting his heart at ease.
The weather seemed to be giving its blessing, wishing them a smooth and uneventful trip, an atmosphere without the least hint of danger.
And yet, for some unknown reason, as he gazed up at the heavens engulfing the road ahead, he couldn’t help but shake the feeling that the wind and the clouds were slowly but surely undergoing a transformation.