The Place Where I Belong

Chapter 20

Previously...

"So what are you gonna do now?"

Bud stares at Rock, who only stares back until Rock breaks the contact with a sip on his coffee.

With a stoic expression, he talked. "Do nothing."

Typical Rock, Bud thought.

-

These days have become too quiet as it should be.

These past days, Cale continues training under Bud’s guidance. He was told that he is improving too easily that he might even grow as a swordmaster in no time but Cale thinks otherwise. He finds himself lacking and his goal is to become even more stronger. He can’t deny that to become a swordmaster is part of his goal but for now, even without the aura, he needs the strength to protect himself.

Aside from learning swordsmanship, his work is also part of his attention. Over those days, right after his training, he would get ready to start his work. That was his routine for the whole week.

Some thought of how unhealthy it is for the kid.

On the other hand, Rock, the owner of the inn, is already busy for the whole week. He is stuck in his room for the whole week but all of that is pretty normal to others, only three people could possibly meet him any time they wanted, the manager (Lux), the mercenary king (Bud) and the cloaked mage (Glenn).

He was always so busy that he was already stuck in his office, without the other knowing that the office had a secret room that could lead to his room which is just next door. The room for his bedroom is just beside his office but he is too busy to leave the office and to enter his room without using his secret passage. That is how busy he is.

He is busy sleeping and breathing.

“Do you have any plans to at least walk outside? At least take some fresh air outside.” That is what Glenn said the moment he entered the office with Lux, only to see the inn’s owner sitting in the rocking chair right beside the window. The said man’s eyes are close but Glenn could tell that he is listening.

Glenn came to check on the man after hearing something about the kid getting stuck at the inn and almost no time for himself because of the kid’s work and training. Glenn came here to check on the boy, who is probably in the kitchen and working.

He saw how passionate the boy is over his work, but still, is it enough for the kid to only focus on those things? Is the kid enjoying it or is he just doing it to survive in this society, now that he is not on someone's protection?

Since Glenn is already in the inn, he decided to check on Rock as well that is literally living like a rock.

On his way to the man’s room, he saw Lux, the manager, struggling over the pile of papers that he was carrying. Lux was on his way to the office which is just near to Glenn’s destination so he helped him. The said papers were work that was already done by Lux but needed to be checked by the boss.

They entered the office, a wind breeze welcomed them and they shivered from the sudden cold. They looked for where it came from and there they saw Rock sitting on his favourite rocking chair near to the opened window.

Back to the their conversation, Rock show no movement but only talked back to respond to Glenn’s statement that Rock saw as a dumb question.

“I already have enough air.”

“How about sunlight?”

“I’m not a plant, I don’t need it.”

“Right. Cause you are a rock.”

Rock shows no interest and continues enjoying the wind that is entering from the opened window.

Gleen and Lux could only sighed before they decided to fix the papers to the other man’s table and then, Lux left after to attend some of his left works.

Glenn was left behind with the busy Rock. He muttered something about sitting on the couch as if asking for the man’s consent, still he sat comfortably even without Rock telling him to do whatever he wanted, he even made himself a coffee to drink before he started a conversation with the man.

“Cale, that kid… he is too busy.”

“… he is?” It took seconds for Rock to answer but Glenn is more than grateful that he got an answer from the slacker man.

“Mm. I heard he also has no time to look around the city.” Glenn stopped for a moment to make sure that the man was still listening. Rock hummed which made Glenn continue. “So, how about you tour him around the city?”

There is another long silence before the other man hum.

With that Glenn smiley put down his empty cup and made his way towards the door.

“Then… I’ll leave it to you.” Glenn exited the inn with a big smile on his face.

On the other hand, Rock finally woke up after that small slam sound came from the door after Glenn left. He only stared blankly at that door until he realised what happened.

Due to his relaxly state, he just hummed to whatever the previous man said to him so he really was not listening.

All he can recap is the last thing the man said before he bid farewell.

‘Then… I’ll leave it to you.’ That replayed to his mind again and again.

‘Leave what to me?’ Rock really wanted to shout Glenn’s name at the moment but could only mess his hair in frustration.

-
Next...