Chapter 1.22 — Complications, Nicknames and a Punch to the Gut

  At noon, a pleading sound echoed through the air from the Nachman residence.

  “I’m sorry!!”

  I bowed deeply with my face planted into the living room floor after I explained the confrontation I had with Ann’s mother, Martha.

  “Ahh Leo, you don't need to do that!” Grey panicked.

  I pressed my face against the floor even harder.

  “But you’ve been so good to me and all I did was to become a burden!”

  Jen and Grey looked at each other and sighed in unison. Jen leaned down and placed her hand on my back.

  “Come on Leo… I'm the one to blame, I even helped arrange this little escape with Ann.” Jen gently stroked my back.

  Grey rubbed his neck. “Even though I disagree with both of you… I do understand why you went through it—so please stand up!”

  I looked at them both. “Really, you don’t mind?” My eyes shimmered with gratitude.

  Grey nodded. He and Jen helped me back up on my feet.

  “The way I see it. A girl asked you for help and you gave it—even though she was the one who ultimately didn't show up.” Grey scratched his head.

  Jen nodded. “It's not your fault Leo! I didn't imagine that Ann's mother would confront you like that… Tess was right, you got lucky!”

  Jen glanced back at Tess who stood silently and observed us in the corner with her arms crossed.

  Grey put his hand on my shoulder.

  “I'm honestly shocked that Ann did that to you Leo… maybe she just didn't know what she wanted?” Grey said unsure.

  Jen glanced at Grey, and slowly shook her head.

  “Hmm… I'm not sure about that. The world of aristocrats can be quite complicated. We can't know for sure what happened and why Ann made that choice.” Jen stroked her chin.

  “Well, not unless we go and ask her! Jen looked at me.

  Grey's eyes began to twitch.

  “Let's not do that! I’m just happy her mother did not choose to pursue this matter any further.” Grey nervously rubbed his hands.

  Jen tilted her head. “Ohh yeah… I wonder why her mother didn't—not that she would have succeeded—I can assure you that!” She grinned proudly.

  Tess sighed deeply and rolled her eyes, as if she couldn't believe what Jen just said.

  “No.” Grey lifted his finger.

  “It doesn't matter why she didn't pursue it! No one does anything—especially you Jen!” Grey said firmly while shaking his finger at her.

  Jen looked away for a moment with a dissatisfied expression.

  “Fine! I won't do anything!” Jen pouted.

  “Good, I'll hold you to that.” Grey nodded.

  “Anyway… considering the circumstances I think you should take some time off Leo. Something like this needs time to heal.” Grey said calmly.

  I widened my eyes.

  I know he means well, but I really don't want to be by myself right now.

  “Grey I appreciate that, but I really feel like I need to focus on something… please!” I pleaded.

  Grey and Jen looked at each other, they seemed surprised. Then Jen tilted her head slightly and gave Grey a small nod.

  Grey furrowed his brows and turned his head toward Tess, she also gave a slight nod.

  “Hmm… I understand…” Grey kneeled down and met me at eye height. “I want you to work only on simple tasks. No going crazy with crafts, studies or training—got it?!

  I froze for a moment. Then blinked as I processed his words.

  “Yeah, of course… I'll make sure not to overdo it.” I nodded in agreement.

  “Alright it's a promise.” Grey smiled. “Then, I got an easy job for you.”

  “Sure anything.” I said excitedly.

  Grey cleared his throat. “I placed a request at the guild to gather some materials for me. By now the adventurers should have completed the request, so I need you to go to the guild and pick it up.”

  “Of course I'll go right away.” I grinned.

  Jen raised a brow. “Seriously Grey? Didn't you just say he should rest?”

  Grey took a step back.

  “Well, yeah of course. But as you can see he didn't want to, and I'm not gonna force him—it's better to keep him busy with simple stuff, right?”

  Jen glanced at me. I widened my eyes—trying to look like a puppy.

  “Fine then… he can do less intense work, but I still want him to keep his training—even if it's only simple sword techniques.”

  Jen looked at Tess and Grey, they both nodded.

  Tess then left her corner and walked over to me.

  “Now that it's settled. I do have business with the guild so I'll accompany you to the guild Leo.” Tess said in a soft voice.

  “Ohh… since when do you work with the guild?” I gaped.

  Tess pressed her hand to her lips. “Hehe… There's a lot of things you don't know about me, Leo… I have other projects beside you and the orphanage.”

  I tilted my head. “Yeah I get it… anyway we better get going.”

  ***

  On the way to the guild, Tess and I walked side by side without speaking. The tension was still lingering in the air after our last conversation.

  We had been sneaking glances at each other for a while now, but none of us wanted to speak first.

  Ahh the silence is killing me! Why is this happening?

  My mind raced as I tried to figure out a way to break the silence.

  Maybe I should say something…

  Ohh, I could break the ice with a joke?

  Knock knock—who's there…

  —Ahh that's even worse—no way I’m gonna do that!

  I facepalmed myself at my stupid idea.

  Suddenly I heard a chuckle and turned my head. Tess was pressing her palm on her lips—as if she was trying to hold back her laughter.

  I raised my brow. “Ehh, what's so funny?”

  Tess looked away. She looked like she was struggling with holding in her laughter.

  “Oh, not much—you looked like you were having a bit of a hard time. Since you ended up slapping yourself.”

  Tess turned her head toward me, still pressing her lips with her palm.

  “Does the silence really bother you that much?”

  “Huh?” I was taken aback by her words.

  “Noo… of course not. I’m completely content with silence, yep—no problem!” I said in embarrassment.

  “It's alright, Leo… I don't like the silence too.” Tess’s gaze met mine.

  “You know I'm not a kid that needs reassurance?” I said sarcastically.

  “Ohh really…” She hid her smile behind her palm.

  She leaned in closer and bowed slightly down toward me.

  “So you're saying you don't need me anymore?” Tess said teasing.

  Ahh… she's so close.

  My face flushed bright red.

  “Uhmm… where did you get that idea from? But no, that's not what I'm saying!” My voice trembled slightly.

  Tess stood straight up—her smile turned into a teasing grin.

  “I see… well I'll make sure to take good care of you then.”

  I lowered my head as steam shot out of my ears—my face turned completely red.

  “Ohh, there it is.” Tess pointed her finger toward the guild.

  My eyes narrowed as I prepared myself to deal with that annoying receptionist.

  I really hope that woman is in a good mood.

  ***

  I looked to my left… then to my right, then my eyes drifted around the entire place.

  Ohh… do my eyes deceive me or is that woman nowhere to be found?

  A slight grin appeared on my face as I walked up to the receptionist table.

  People around me began to murmur as they stared at me—pointing at us, whispering.

  As I approached the desk, I snuck a glance at Tess, she stared blank into the void not seeming bothered by all the attention we got.

  At the receptionist desk I looked around just to be sure.

  Suddenly a familiar voice called out.

  “Welcome Mr. Nachman, how may I be of assistance?”

  I looked toward the voice only to be met by a warm smile.

  “Ohh hello Lili, it's good to see you again.” I smiled.

  Lili pressed her palm on her lips while chuckling. “Likewise Mr. Nachman, you seem to be looking for someone?”

  “Well I was just wondering where that sweet colleague of yours was?” I chuckled awkwardly.

  “Ohh… you mean Miss Sandra! Well she's still very busy with the whole loophole thing—so I'm afraid she won't be available for some time… but maybe I can help?” Lili explained.

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  “Ahh I see… Well, I don't need anything specific from her, I'm here to collect this.” I placed a piece of paper on the desk.

  Lili picked up the paper, her eyes tracing over it. “Hmm… yes I can help with this, just a moment.”

  She turned and walked into what looked like the back office.

  Lili might only be thirteen just like Ann, but being allowed to work without constant supervision meant she was very talented—good for her.

  While I saw Lili disappear into the back, I suddenly realized that Tess had been quiet for a while.

  I began to smell something burning. I quickly glanced back only to see Tess’s face disappear in a cloud of smoke.

  Seriously? Couldn't you have waited until we left.

  —or at least just smoked on the way over here?

  I shook my head in disapproval. But before I could voice my dissatisfaction, someone suddenly stepped in front of her.

  “Uhmm… excuse me miss, do you have a moment?” The man said nervously.

  Tess inhaled the cloud of death while giving him a deadpan stare.

  “What do you want?” Tess said in a cold voice.

  I raised my brow. My eyes scanned him up and down, that's when I realized he was a high ranking adventurer I had seen before.

  Huh? What's this guy doing?

  Do they somehow know each other?

  I looked at Tess but based on her cold demeanor, not to mention her lack of interest—I would guess she doesn't know him.

  The man rubbed his hands nervously together.

  I could see sweat coming down his face.

  His lips parted—then closed…

  The man looked like he was holding something in.

  Ohh noo don’t tell me… not here! Not now!

  There's a time and place—dammit!!

  Behind him, a group of other adventurers began to cheer him on.

  “Yeah… Come on—you can do it!”

  Tess sighed as she put out her smoke. “Well if there wasn't anything you wanted.”

  “No wait!” The man reached out his hand.

  Tess tilted her head—confused. “Yes?”

  “I… I was just wondering… if you would sometime like to…” The man stammered, barely getting his sentence out.

  Get a grip man!!

  This is so hard to watch.

  The man looked back and forth between his friends and Tess… for a moment he seemed conflicted… but suddenly—

  He bowed deeply. “Would you please consider having dinner with me?” He shouted.

  Tess stared at him—her expression unchanged.

  I raised my hand and pressed my fingers into my forehead.

  Ohh just kill me now!

  The man looked up with a nervous smile on his lips.

  Tess glanced at me for a moment. Her face was unreadable.

  Ehh! Why’s she looking at me?

  Is she expecting me to do something?

  “Please can you give me your response?” The man stood straight up.

  Tess put out her smoke and stepped closer to him.

  “Why?”

  The man blinked. “Huh?”

  Tess tilted her head. “Why do you want that?”

  The man looked back at his friends. They shook their heads, not understanding the question.

  “I don't quite follow?” The man asked, confused.

  “You said you want to take me to dinner… right? So why do you want to do that?” Tess folded her arms.

  “Uhmm… because I think you're beautiful and… and I want to get to know you better? That's why!” The man said firmly.

  Tess tilted her head—seeming unsatisfied with his answer.

  “Ahh… I mean… I’ve seen you come here many times… and I was completely dazzled by your unmatched beauty, that's why—I wanted to at least get to know you!” His voice trembled as sweat poured down his face like a waterfall.

  For some reason this guy was just hard to watch.

  I ended up facepalming myself.

  Please make it stop!

  Tess shrugged her shoulders. “Alright then… on one condition.”

  The man's eyes brimmed with excitement. “Of course—anything!”

  Tess leaned in closer to him. “What's my full name?”

  The man blinked once, then twice, then he glanced back at his friends.

  They looked at each other and shook their heads, they didn't seem sure about her question.

  The man turned his head back toward Tess.

  “Well of course… Everyone in the village knows who you are, Miss Tessaria Mari Dorfmund!” He said proudly.

  “Ohh really?” Tess' voice shifted into sarcasm.

  Hey wait, what's she up to?

  Tess pressed a finger into her cheek.” unfortunately I asked for my FULL name… you didn't give me that!”

  The man's eyes widened. “Huh? Wait… but I did give it! Your full name is Tessaria Mari Dorfmund! Is it not?”

  She let out a small chuckle. “No it's my name, yes—It's just not my FULL name!”

  The man dropped to his knees.”No way… It can’t be!”

  Tears streamed down his face as he looked back at his friends—they shook their heads in confusion.

  A familiar voice then called out. “Come on Miss Tessaria! Give the boy some slack!”

  The voice boomed through the guild.

  “Well he was the one who approached me… I only respond in kind, Guild Master.” Tess said calmly.

  “You don't have to be that hard towards him! He just became a B-rank adventurer… so don't go and break him.” The guild master grinned.

  “Don’t worry boy… this woman is way out of your league—better give up and find someone else.” The guild master padded the man on his back, sending him away to his friends.

  The guild master then turned his head toward Tess. “Sorry to keep you waiting… we can have our meeting now.”

  “Huh? Your business is with the guild master?” My face went surprised.

  Tess chuckled slightly. “You can't be that surprised Leo?”

  I sighed and tilted my head. “Yeah… figures…”

  “Anyway, the boy can wait here while we conclude our business.” The guild master turned and walked back towards his office.

  “This won't take long Leo… Please wait for me.” Tess said, as she followed the guild master.

  As I looked at them leave for some reason I couldn't help but feel a bit lonely.

  I took a deep breath and pulled out the mystical pendant.

  So I was not supposed to run away with Ann, huh?

  What now… please tell me!

  I stared at the pendant, almost expecting it to respond… but nothing.

  Crap… what am I supposed to do now?

  My grip tightened around the pendant as I gritted my teeth—frustrated.

  Suddenly, Lili Vein called out to me.

  “Mr Nachman… I got it.”

  Lili pulled out a bag and dropped it with a heavy thud on the desk.

  “Phew… here you go, one completed quest with the requested materials gathered.” Lili smiled proudly.

  I opened the bag to examine its contents. “Ohh this is perfect… Thank you for completing it so fast.”

  Lili looked inside the bag. “Honestly, what do you even use those materials for?”

  I pulled out what looked like a bronze-colored metal ore.

  “Well you see we use these babies to install Manashell sockets into weapons.” I explained while grinning.

  “Ohh I see…” Lili gaped as she pressed her fingers on her lips.

  She then looked around the room. “Huh? Where's your friend?”

  I furrowed my eyes. “My friend?” I replied confused.

  Lili nodded. “Yes, that girl you’re always with! The one who always hides her face under a hood?”

  I widened my eyes. “Ohh you mean An—you mean that friend of mine!” I corrected myself.

  Crap—that was close!

  I looked at Lili as a bead of sweat ran down my face.

  “It's alright… I know she’s someone special.” Lili chuckled slightly, hiding her smile behind her hand.

  Lili then looked at me with sincere eyes. “You know, the guild master was the one to verify her identity… so I only know her by her nickname—but I bet she's someone important.”

  “Huh? What nickname?” I was surprised.

  Lili leaned in closer. “Ohh… you don’t know… she got a special guild card with only her rank, discipline and nickname…” She smiled teasingly.

  I leaned in. “Come on! What's her nickname?”

  My curiosity grew as Lili’s face lit up, her lips curled into a mischievous smile.

  “Ohh so you would really like to know?” Lili looked around.

  I nodded in anticipation.

  “On one condition! You admit that you've been joining the quests your friend was supposed to do alone—before you were allowed to become a guild member!”

  Lili raised her finger—pointing straight at my face, as if we were in some courtroom drama.

  I leaned back, gasping.

  Ahhh… noo I object!

  Lili’s gaze was locked onto mine as I hesitated for a moment. I took a deep breath and folded my arms… thinking how to respond.

  I can't admit that I’ve been sneaking around, helping Ann with her guild quests.

  They’ll revoke my membership—or worse, Ann might get into trouble.

  I stood frozen, not sure what to do… suddenly Lili broke into laughter.

  “Pff… hahaha… it's alright—don't worry.” She wiped away her tears.

  I looked up at her in surprise. “Huh?”

  “Your face says it all, don't worry… I’m not gonna tell anyone. You’ve always been standing in the corner every time your friend has taken on quests.” Lili said in a reassuring tone.

  I stared at her for a moment, then sighed in relief.

  Lili leaned back. “Sorry for teasing you a bit but I do agree that the guild system is flawed… However, because of you we’re working on making it better.”

  Lili then gestured for me to lean in closer. “Your friend's nickname is Anfie the Slime Huntress!”

  Huh!!! Anfie as in Anja—her first name—and Fie—her middle name?

  The Slime Huntress!!

  What kind of nickname is that?

  I broke into laughter. “Haha… seriously! She's known as the Slime Huntress?”

  As I was laughing out loud, Lili suddenly pressed her finger into the tip of my nose.

  “Don't laugh at that name… Anfie has been doing good work despite her name—so I won't allow you to laugh at it!” Lili said with a serious expression.

  I scratched my head. “Hehe… sorry, my bad… I won't laugh at it.” I said with a light chuckle.

  Lili nodded as her face turned back to her usual bright self.

  “Anyway, I was just wondering where your friend was, since it's quite rare for you to be here without her?”

  I sighed deeply. “Unfortunately something happened… so we're not gonna see each other anymore.”

  “Huh? Did you have a fight or something?” Lili asked, surprised.

  “Something like that… it's more complicated… but I'm afraid our friendship is over.” I lowered my gaze.

  Lili raised a brow. “Ohh… I see… well if you had a fight you should just go and make up.”

  I sighed. “I wish it was that simple but I'm afraid it's impossible.”

  Lili paused for a moment, then tilted her head slightly.

  “Hmm… that might be true for now, but you never know what the future might bring.” Lili smiled brightly.

  I widened my eyes. “Ohh that’s a very mature perspective… Are you really only two years older than me?”

  Lili chuckled. “Just think about it…” She said smiling as she handed the bag.

  I nodded slowly as I walked over to a table and sat down.

  Hmm… what the future might bring?

  My eyes drifted around the guild. The sound of people chatting and laughing echoed through the air… everyone seemed to get along with one another.

  It sure must be nice to be part of a party?

  I wonder… Did people see me and Ann as a party?

  I reminisce about all the times we’ve been hanging out, doing quests, helping with her studies…

  As I was lost in thought, it suddenly dawned on me.

  I… do I really miss her?

  It was hard to admit since I am technically a grown up… but at the same time I'm also a little kid—which is still confusing for me.

  But despite my situation being complicated… I knew one thing for sure.

  —Being alone really sucks!

  My stomach twisted as anger began to surface… I gritted my teeth and pulled out the pendant—gripping it tightly

  Why!! Why did you bring me here!

  What am I supposed to do in this damn world!!

  I examined the carvings in the pendant, trying to understand its meaning… but nothing came to mind.

  Dammit—four years of studying symbols and languages!

  —And still I have no clue about what this damn thing is!

  As my grip tightened around the pendant a sudden realization hit me.

  Wait a minute… strange carvings?—strange symbols?

  The Prima library is not the only place where I can find these!

  There's one place that has everything I could possibly wish for!

  A familiar voice then called out to me.

  “Leo! I'm done for now… Let's go back.” Tess shouted as she walked over to me.

  I raised my head and with newfound determination in my eyes I smiled at Tess.

  “Tess, I figured it out!”

  Tess blinked for a moment. “Huh? Figured out what?”

  My gaze met hers.

  “I'm moving to the Capital of FeuerHartz!”