The Horseman of Calamity

Chapter 22 - The Storm

It was the first sunny day of the spring, with numerous people enjoying their day outside in the pleasant weather. Hung and company were on a pleasant morning walk to Montarche's new home, watching as dandelion seeds swayed through the breeze. Montarche and Larie lived together in a series of apartment complexes to the west side of the city. The buildings were small and cozy, using horizontal space over vertical space. Right in front of the homes was a small park with a pond where plenty of families were enjoying their day. As they walked past the park to reach the buildings, several of the children took note of them, seeming to enjoy Meo's presence the most. Most of the kids were young, about elementary school age, with a few toddlers and babies with their parents. They giggled as they ran up to her, petting her fur and tail a bit to her annoyance. A pair of twins, a boy and girl, especially seemed to like her, almost refusing to let go of her.

Hung smiled as he watched the children run around them, "They really like you, Meo."

"Yeah, but they should quit tugging on my tail!" She whined, pulling her tail up to keep it away from the curious children.

After leaving the park, they made their way to Montarche's doorstep with excitement. Hung then cleared his throat as he stepped up and knocked on the door. Immediately, footsteps shuffled, sound very close to the door, as if whoever was home had been waiting for this exact moment.

The door swung open as Montarche pulled Hung in for a bear hug with an almost over-the-top smile on his face. The interior of the apartment was equally cozy as it was outside, composed of hardwood and stone while fitted with decor to Montarche's liking.

"Thanks for having us here, doctor. I know they're a bit rowdy so we really appreciate it." Hung said as he set his blade by the entrance to Montarche's apartment.

"Nonsense! You know, you lot might be notorious but you'll always be welcomed here. I'm glad you all could stay for dinner tonight."

Meo jumped with Hung's cell phone in her hand, "Yay! Thanks, mister doctor! Now hurry up and power up Hung's magic box! I wanna see it!"

Hung swiped his phone from her hand and smacked the back of her head, "Manners, Meo!"

Montarche laughed with a loud roar, surprising everyone else in the room, "Go easy on her, Hung. I'm no king!"

"Right, well, it's just that you've helped me a lot, doctor. And I want you to at least be treated with the respect you deserve." Hung said, handing his phone over to the doctor.

Montarche took the phone and set it on the special pad he had created for Hung before turning back to the group.

"So, how has your stay been? I hope you all have settled in quite fine."

"Oh man! This past month has been great! My new glasses are awesome and working at the shipyard has been the most productive I've ever been! I think Shitou is gonna start training me soon, I hope so at least." Hung even took off his wooden glasses, showing the round frames to the doctor up close.

"Mahmoud and I finally found jobs. We've been working as transport boys for a merchant's guild for the past few weeks. The pay is alright." Delly added in.

Larie then arrived with tea brought in for everyone, however, she quickly left after setting the tea down.

Montarche then whispered, "Larie won't be joining us today, she's busy studying to become an alchemist right now... but please continue."

"Well, you already know how it's going for me, Montarche." Goray chuckled.

"Of course! It's always a pleasure when I know my shift is with you, Goray. And what about you two ladies?"