Dankern Village
Sophia's House
Gouz ate heartily while Kanda crossed his arm looking at Sophia. He kicked Gouz' feet. "Ah. Right? We would like to ask if there are phenomenon happening here. It seems that the villagers are wary of new people", Gouz observed. "Is there possibility that there is really a witch here?", Gouz asked. Kanda noticed how the father of Sophia seemed to be on the edge. "There's no real witch. You don't have to worry about that", Sophia had a short chuckle.
"About that woman that you brought in", Sophia's father had a shaky voice. "She's wounded from a previous mission. If you would do us a favor of keeping her here for a while", Gouz bowed his head. "A woman on a mission?", Sophia's father sounded confused. "Here are some jelly beans", Sophia offered. Kanda stares at Sophia as if he was trying to pin point on someone. If Eleanor's eyes are available, it would be easier to see who is the demon in that village.
Guest Room
She heard some footsteps. "I am going to leave your food here", Kanda placed a bowl of soup on the table. "That's nice of you, Kanda. Have you gathered any information?", Eleanor sat straight. "Gouz is doing that job. You are supposed to be with Marshal Squalo. Have you contacted him?", Kanda asked. "My golem was crushed during the encounter with the Noah. All the innocence are with the Marshal", Eleanor informed.
"Your eyes", Kanda stared at Eleanor's painfully bandaged eyes. She had a weak smile. "I'm not sure if it will heal but I cannot open them as of this time", the lady reached out to her temple. Kanda remembered the first time he saw Marie. He also lost his eyes due to a mission. Though he doesn't want to remember part of what he saw in the river, he tried to recall the scars on Eleanor's back and front.
"You wounds", Kanda opened. Eleanor tried to search for the spoon using her hand. Kanda just leaned on the door with no intention to help her. She found it and started eating. "How were you able to survive the attack? Gouz told me you've been missing for three days. Where did you go for shelter?", Kanda bombarded her with questions. Eleanor just listened and started forming answers in her head. "You also have some matters you don't wish to discuss, don't you, Kanda?", Eleanor placed the spoon on the table. The topic made her loose her appetite.
Kanda flinched as Eleanor moved unexpectedly agile. She was able to grab on Kanda's sword and drawing it pressing it on his neck. There is just a thin line before it slashes off Kanda's head. Kanda remained calm and composed. "I can feel hatred, anger and pain within you but you chose to move forward and continue. How do you do it?", Eleanor leaned closer having her forehead rest on Kanda's shoulder. "It's because I have to...", Kanda remembered an image of a woman.
We are just like lotus. We make the world smell fragrant.
Kanda pushed Eleanor away and grabbed his sword back. "You move like someone accustomed to fighting. If you want to move forward, you just have to find your stupid reason, whatever it might be", Kanda exited the room.
Open Sea
Deck
Lavi and Bookman watches the endless ocean. "Hey, old man. Do you think she's adjusting well?", Lavi had Eleanor's face appearing on his mind. Just few years ago, he had handful of times punching the lady on her face. He looked at his fist and felt terribly shameful of his acts. Although Bookman told him to just shrug it off, he couldn't contain all the guilt he felt.
"At least, she's no longer taking human lives", Bookman crossed his arms hiding them inside his sleeves. "Hundreds, thousands, how many names were accounted under her name?", Lavi's mouth twitched. "Do not concern yourself with any human, Lavi. That was inevitable. Whatever happened in the past has nothing to do with us. If you want to survive as a bookman, you have to remind yourself that bookman has no need for a heart", the old man turned and allowed the lad to be with his own thoughts.
Sorry. I will try one more time.
Flashback- 6 years ago
Wales- Palace
Lavi walked along the corridor wearing a scholar's uniform. Without the access of being a bookman, he will not have the privilege of entering such a prestigious place. He heard some chattering and it led him to the open space near the garden. He saw a tall blonde man having a sparing with a lady wearing a soldier's uniform. "Punch harder!", he instructed. Though he sounded rough, Lavi felt concern from the man's voice.
"I have been training since yesterday. Can you cut me some break?", the white haired lady with sky blue eyes pleaded. "Why do you think do I have to train you day and night?", Keanne raised his chin making the young girl stand on her feet. "I will try again", Eleanor said with her small voice. Lavi felt awed looking at the angelic figure. He stayed for a while and started to feel bad as he watches the young girl be beaten by someone who is not her size. He gulped and marched towards them.
"She's already at her limit, Sir", Lavi went in between and spread his arms. It was Eleanor's first time to see someone stand up against her father who is currently the right hand of the King. "Who are you?", Keanne felt intrigued with the red head. "I am-", Lavi felt a sharp pain from his head. "My apologies, Sir Keanne. This apprentice of mine doesn't know his place yet. I will make sure to discipline him well", Bookman dragged Lavi away from the scene.
Herbarium
Eleanor winced as Shiraiah applies herb on her face. "You're a lady and we have to save your face. Whenever you have wounds, do not hesitate to come here, okay?", Shiraiah brushed her fingers on Eleanor's locks. "Dad wouldn't cut me some slack. He's very sweet and annoying whenever we head back home but he's scary as a grim reaper here at the palace", Eleanor whined. Shiraiah laughed. "Have you heard, Elly? A commoner can live longer than those who lives inside the palace", the woman hugged her daughter. "He's just helping you protect yourself as well", she added.
"Don't worry, Mom. I am going to be stronger than anyone else that you don't have to worry about those matters. You can live as much as you want because I will be here for you", Eleanor made a pinky promise with her mother. Lavi happened to be picking some herbs that Bookman ordered him to gather. He hid behind the bushes and smiled as he hears the conversation.
I will be stronger than anyone else.
The Next Day
Corridor
Eleanor saw Lavi watching the birds. She sneaked behind him. "Good morning, missy", Lavi turned and waved at the lady. "How did you know I was here?", Eleanor made sure she was silent as a cat. "Your presence is too bright and I can easily notice it", Lavi winked. Eleanor felt unsure of his actions.
"Unlike other ladies of the houses, they are back at home learning music or painting but you are here being trained to fight", Lavi said straightforwardly. "My father is the Right Hand man of the King. His main responsibility is to protect the King and be with his side. I need to fill in that void since I am the only child in our family", Eleanor said proudly. "That's a noble thing to do", Lavi had a short laugh. "Are you making fun of me?", Eleanor pouted. Lavi couldn't help but think that she's still a child regardless of her position in the kingdom.
"It's time to study", Bookman appeared from nowhere. "Study?", Eleanor tilted her head. "If you are to train your body, I will also have to train this head of mine", Lavi pointed at his head.
End of Flashback
"Lavi, it's time to eat", Krory called on the lad. He wonders how long will he also be staying with the Order. Bookman already warned him. They just took part of the organization to add more to their existing knowledge. If they already gained what they need, they will have nothing to do with the Order.
Chapter end.
