The Winds of the Past [Rune Factory 4]

Chapter 38

It was early evening when we returned to Avani's rooms and dropped off our gear before heading over to the inn's bathhouse for a much-needed soak in the fragrant baths. They were quiet at that hour—Jones was the only occupant on the men's side when Dylas and I stepped in to shower before our soak, and he left shortly after we settled down in the large pool of steaming water. Dylas seemed unusually quiet, even for him, perhaps even a trifle sullen. I knew better than to talk to him when he was in that frame of mind. If he wanted to talk, he would initiate a conversation—otherwise it was better to let him alone. So I just leaned back and enjoyed the warmth of the water and the scented steam and let him stew. I knew that whatever was on his mind wouldn't stay there long—he was a man of action, not of philosophy or poetry.

Afterwards, scrubbed and relaxed and in clean clothing, we walked over to Porcoline's for a late dinner. Fortunately, the restaurant had extended hours—though whether for his customers' convenience or for additional opportunities to sneak more food past Margaret, I was never entirely sure. We all ordered set meals—sashimi for Dylas, curry for Avani, and grilled salmon for myself, and Margaret stood by to ensure that our food reached our table intact. Dylas's pensive mood continued throughout the meal, so Avani and I talked while he mostly just picked at his food, eating less than usual despite the day's exertions.

Avani's armor had been badly damaged in combat, and she decided that it really wasn't adequate anymore. She wanted to upgrade all our armor, but she wasn't sure with what yet. So she suggested that after the meal we return to her rooms, examine our equipment, and search through her various tomes on the crafting of arms and armor to see if there was a mention of anything that would be an improvement on what we currently had. Then she wanted to go in search of whatever materials were needed the next day, spend the day after that making the new equipment, and then finally return to tackle the western island of the floating fortress on the third day.

"Sure," I said when she put forth her suggested plan of action. "That sounds great. What do you think?" I turned to Dylas.

He started slightly, then blushed a little. "Uhh, sorry. No. I-I can't. I... I'm going to be busy tomorrow."

Avani raised her eyebrow. "Weren't you just telling me earlier to ask you to come with me if I went anywhere dangerous? So now that I'm asking, suddenly you can't?" she asked, drily.

He turned even more red, saying, "Yeah. But at least you'll have Leon, so it's not like you'll be out on your own."

Avani just stared at him, perplexed, then shrugged, saying, "Well, if you can't, you can't. We'll manage just fine without you, I expect." Then she pushed her chair back and rose. "I'm going to go settle the bill. Are you guys almost done?"

I nodded, but Dylas, looking away, said, "I... I have some stuff I have to do. You go on ahead. Sorry to ask, but can you just look at my stuff for me and decide what to replace? I've got something I have to do tonight. Sorry."

Again Avani stared at him, her brow furrowed. "Dylas, what is it? What's up? You're acting really peculiar. Is something wrong? Are you... are you still mad about earlier? I said I was sorry—there really wasn't much choice, you know. I thought we got all that cleared up?"

"No, it's not that, it's... it's nothing. I just have some things I have to do, so I don't have time right now to hang out with you." Then he quickly stood up and bolted out of the restaurant, leaving us staring after him.

"What... what is wrong with that nitwit today, anyway? Doesn't have time for me? When I'm doing him a favor? I'm going to regret that I ever took him back, if he's going to be like this." She sighed and shook her head in irritation. "Well, if you're finished? Let's get going. Hopefully you aren't too busy for me, too?"