Strangely, it was one of the best nights rest I had ever since staying with Rowan and Braylon.
I woke up yawning and stretching as it had become a habit of mine. I needed to wake up otherwise I guarantee you I'll be sleeping till the afternoon.
"Seems like you're up now."
I turn my head to see who had spoken, a sudden thought flew by. Wasn't that the same voice I heard back in the illusion?
Huh, it turned out to be Rowan's voice that I heard...
Tsk, great does that mean my escape was due to him...hmph I refuse to believe that after all I did seal that thing and I completed the task all on my own too.
"Hey, hey Lilith? You there?"
I snap out of my daze to see Rowan's hand moving up and down in front of my face.
"Oh. Yeah, sorry about that. Anyways, you need something?"
"Ah, actually yes. I hoping if you could explain what had happened last night as both Braylon and I don't recall much."
"Okay. So, about that when I broke through the illusion, it seemed to have effected the spirit as after I broke out he was holding his arm as an injury appeared. My guess is that I broke his power link forcefully off me and so it received backlash. That backlash helped in weakening it so that I could easily defeat it."
"Hmmm, okay...but what happened to us?"
I didn't even bat an eye and just told them what had happened, "Oh, you two were distracted in the moment I broke free so the spirit casted an illusionary spell on you two. My guess to the reason why you guys didn't wake up until now is that it has something to do with how I defeated the spirit. Meaning that the illusion you guys were under broke but it caused the two of you to be unconscious."
My explanation was logical while also said with confidence, no one would believe me if I told them this was a lie and it was simply due to one thing...
That I was and am an expert in the field of deceit.
I could mask my inner thoughts and emotions to the point where even if someone used magic to read my mind they wouldn't be able to.
In other words, I was a god at lying and acting.
Looking at my earnest expression I could tell he bought it, though I could see a glimmer of caution hidden in his eyes I just smiled like I normally would. Actually, I wanted to ask a question myself, how did the two of them managed to enter when they didn't come along with me? I was feeling very sceptical at the two and I had many doubts about them but since I couldn't blow my cover yet I decided to keep quiet and feign ignorance.
After the "interrogation", yes I'm calling it that as I know fully well that he was trying to get information out of me like someone would through the method of interrogation. Anyways, after we all finalised everything we left the hotel and again headed to our next location the Spring!
The Spring that we are going to was located in the east, apparently the hot spring actually is in the mountains and that a small village was located at the base of said mountain.
I heard that the place looks the most beautiful during winter and spring, ironic huh. But it's true, it's said that cherry blossom trees are located around it and in spring the flowers blossom and make the place more enchanting. The place And tasks sounds much more relaxing and easy to fulfil then the last one, so we teleport over there.
And just like the stories of this place said, the Yokohama village looked absolutely ethereal during the winter as light snow covered the ground and scenery. The shining sunlight hitting the snow created a radiant glow that lit up the whole place, it was simply breath taking.
Even the flowers were covered with thin snow that added to the flowers beauty by brightening the colours, allowing for a vibrant display of floral arrangements throughout the village.
I was completely distracted from my nausea and began looking left and right while admiring the beautiful environment.
I couldn't help praise the village, this is exactly what is expected of the surrounding that guard the spring of life. Every thing looks bright and full of life even the villagers all looked extremely youthful and full of vigor.
When we had secured our stay in the only inn, we headed out to pay a visit to the village chief. The only way to get to the spring was for the village chief to first lift the protective barrier around the mountain and that meant he had to accompany then to the spring otherwise they couldn't get what they came for.
The troublesome thing is that the chief was known to be very protective of the spring and wouldn't bring anyone who wasn't from Yokohama to see the spring. The three of us had to figure a way to gain the favour and trust of Yokohama and it's people before being able to obtain a bottle of the springs water.
We had all agreed that the best option right now was to get acquainted with the village chief and the villagers first, then we would stay here for about a month or two which would give us plenty of time to gain the trust of Yokohama village.
Luckily, for us as we passed a couple of villagers we had happened to overhear someone of their talk about a sudden upsetting of the demonic beasts that lurked around the village. It was said that the demonic beasts were being more restless and attacking more frequently causing many of the village people to be stressed and worried.
Looking at each other, we all had a mutual understanding of what we planned to do. This was something we couldn't ignore as it gave us the perfect opportunity to win the trust of the Yokohama people.
But as we reached the chief's house, we saw happened to meet another group of travelers, my guess was that they were mercenary's that were looking to achieve the same thing as us.
We looked at each other, sizing each other up before giving our greetings.
We both knew that we had the same objective and that meant that we were each other's competition.
"Hello there I'm Mike from the Blue Moon Mercenary group. Who are you?"
"We're travellers who have stopped by the village of Yokohama, I'm Rowan." He said before tilting his head to Braylon who spoke right after in a cheerful tone, "the names Braylon."
When the man looked over at me I nodded before saying, "Lilith."
Nodding his head he started introducing his little group, I stopped paying attention which I'm sure some of them caught on as I could tell they were glaring and snarling at me. I wasn't the least bit bothered as I just yawned and knocked on the chief's door.
Once it opened, a young boy came into view while brightly smiling and saying hello.
I gave a soft smile before asking, "Hello there, I was wondering if I could speak to the village chief."
"Oh, you mean father? I'll go get him right now." The boy smiles before running off to grab his father.
I smiled at his back, thinking how cute he was. The boy was quite young but he looked to be very cute, his black hair with blue eyes were extremely unique but dazzling. It matched him really well and I could tell that in a few years he'll grow to be a very handsome man.
It seemed that Rowan was keeping the mercenary group busy as I took the opportunity to talk to the chief myself.
I was waiting in their living room waiting patiently for the village chief and his son to come back, once I saw the little boy run out from the corridor I smiled and gestured for the boy to come a little closer.
When I captured him in my hands I asked softly, "What's you name little one?"
"My names Archie!" he exclaimed with a wide grin as his eyes sparkled and lifted to form crescents.
Seriously to cute, "ahem, well Archie how old are you?"
"I'm 10 this year! What about you pretty angel?"
"Huh? Angel?" I was left shocked at his straight words and was happily shocked at how even more cute he could be.
"yes, angel. You look like an angel and since you haven't told me your name I can call you it." He continued saying very proudly, his reaction made me let out a soft laugh as I thought how funny this kid was.
"My names Lilith, Archie. If you want you can call me Lili, how does that sound?"
"Lili! Lili's pretty! Just like an angel."
At his words I was left stunned again, who taught this boy to talk like this. He definitely knows how to compliment a girl, it was rather adorable.
"Ahem. Sorry to disrupt but I believe you have come to see me, traveller Lilith." A voice called from the room's entrance.
"Oh my, I'm sorry for my lack of manners village chief. I didn't mean to offend you in anyway, it's just that Archie is very charming and cute that I couldn't help myself but talk to him." I say standing up to give him a curtsey before looking up to met his gaze with a smile.
"That's okay traveller, if you don't mind me saying you look rather young to be travelling by yourself."
"Oh, yes actually I'm being accompanied by some friends at the moment. They're currently outside talking to a group of fellow travellers. It's a pleasure to visit this beautiful place."
"ah, the pleasure's all mine miss. But may I ask why you have come to see me personally?"
"I've come to see you personally as I would like to pay respects to the village chief first as my mother and father have taught me to be respectful to my elders."
"Ah, your parents have definitely raised you well."
"Thank you for your kinds words, actually I also wanted to inform you that my companions and I are hoping to actually stay here in Yokohama for awhile and we've heard about the demonic beast situation."
"Ah...yes currently the situation is quite bad as more demonic beasts have come down the mountains and from the neighbouring forests to attack the village during both the day and night. It's been quite an issue for us."
"I see, actually sir I was hoping if you would allow me and my comrades to help in defending the village and create a way to secure the safety and wellbeing of the village people."
"oh? You can do that?"
"Yes, we can. I can assure you that though I may look young and inexperienced I have the full capabilities to fight and create a barrier to protect the village from the demonic beasts."
"Oh, if you could help that would be lovely however since you are young I won't expect to much from you, just helping us clear the demonic beasts would help greatly as our warriors need rest after many sleepless nights."
"Thank you villager chief for allowing us the opportunity to assist you and your people. I truly appreciate it and will be doing whatever I can to make sure the village is safe."
"Good, Good. You're a very kind-hearted girl. I hope to see good results whilst your stay here."
"Yes sir, sadly now I must go but if you don't mind could I come again and discuss the process of everything later on. It would also be great if I could see Archie again, I've seem to grown fond of him as he's so cheerful and bright."
"Ah, that's fine young miss. I'm sure Archie would definitely love to see you again so we'll look forward to your next visit."
"Many thanks to village chief."
"Just call me Uncle."
"Oh my, that's to kind of you sir"
"I insist, now please call me Uncle."
"yes, U-uncle"
After saying that he wore a rather pleased smile as he nodded his head in approval.
Later that night, when Rowan had left to go to a secluded area near the mountains. He met a lone cloaked figure waiting for him.
A cold and menacing voice rang as it called out his name, "Rowan."
"Yes boss."
"Do you know what you did wrong?"
"Yes sir."
"Then might I ask why?"
"..."
"I see, so you ruined the plan over nothing."
"but-"
"Shut it! Do you know how hard it was to find a way to kill her? She could've been finished at her own hands if it weren't for you! Now that altar is with her and unless she chooses to bring it out we can't take it from her! You useless thing!" It yelled furiously his cool voice containing a lot of anger and frustration.
Seeing as his boss was upset all he could do was try to calm him down otherwise he was afraid that his boss would do something rash. "Might I advise sir to calm down."
Seeming to take his words, the figure began taking deep breathes before finally calming down though his anger was still evident as he spoke, "next time I expect you to follow the plan. Otherwise you beloved Rhea will go bye bye."
"..."
Seeing that Rowan wasn't answering, the cloaked figure mumbled something showing annoyance before demanding, "do I make myself clear."
"yes sir."
Finally seeing that Rowan had agreed and accepted his place, the figure nodded his head in approval before beginning to discuss another matter with him.
"Now onto pressing matters, the army is heading over to the middle continent ready to attack the kingdom of Yuriki. The war is upon us, now we must succeed in order for the peace between creatures and beasts to live on in this world."
"Yes, sir."
The cloaked figure seemed to have grown annoyed at Rowan's dry responses and decided to leave but before doing so it looked at him and said coldly, "Do your part and kill the girl."
As the figure finished, they turned to leave after which they started to disappear into thin air.
Leaving Rowan to stand in the cold snow silently, his eyes a mixture of emotions while his mind And heart were in total chaos.