A Background Character's Fate

67. Unfinished Buisness

One week passed and I recovered enough to move myself. We meet Uncle Kasler and Eric in a camp near Piear City, their gazes stab us from afar.

Around a campfire, my siblings nervously sit with my mother. The sight of my father lights up their eyes.

"Dad!" They say in unison and run to my father, who embraces his children.

"D-Dear...you are alive..." My trembling mother slowly walks towards my father covering her mouth. Tears roll down her eyes as she throws her hands over my father.

"Thank goodness..." My father says. "Everyone is alright...Thank you very much, brothers."

Uncle Kasler and Eric, both holding their swords tightly to their chest, stare at us with pity and regret. The silence says a thousand words.

"Considering our relationship, this is as far as we can help you. There's a carriage and a horse parked behind those trees." Eric says and points in a direction. "We are honourable knights of the kingdom. The next time we meet, we will be enemies."

My father stares solemnly back and nods. "May your life be blessed with prosperity and happiness."

My mother pulls me towards her and wraps her arms around my body. "Silly boy, do you know how worried I was." She tries to pat my head but is hindered by the difference in height. I smile and lower myself to return her hug.

Uncle Kasler and Eric quietly leave as the touching atmosphere unfolds.

"Sorry, Mom, wait a moment." I chase after both of them.

"Uncles," I say. They stop and look at me. I bow to them. "Thank you very much. This isn't much but please take this."

I hand them a small pouch.

...

Uncle Kasler initially refuses but Uncle Eric takes it without hesitation, desiring some payment for their tainted honour. However, he freezes when he notices the content.

"Elixirs?! Five vials of it!?" He shoots his gaze at me. "You stole this?"

"No, I got it legitimately...although I don't have any proof."

"..."

Uncle Eric slowly shifts his gaze to the ground.

I bow at them. "I will never forget this."

Both turn their back on me, slowly walking away.

Uncle Kasler stops momentarily. "Stay safe, kid."

His brother spares no time to get on his horse and ride away.

I nod at Uncle Kasler. He replies with a warm smile and mounts his horse.

"Hiya!"

Galloping echoes through the forest, getting further and softer.

...

Murderous intent?! From behind!

I run back to my family to find my mother confronting Snow. Her eyes bore into Snow, sending even shivers down my spine. Snow instinctively steps back from the unknown danger, confused by the foreign emotion.

"Dear, who is this?" Her voice is low, almost a whisper, every word attached with sharp edges.

"Let me explain! She is the saviour of Loi and me, a former captive at the Royal Prison. Without her, we wouldn't be here in one piece," my father swiftly explains with precision.

"Ah...I see." My mother instantly reverts. "In that case, I thank you very much, ma'am."

"O-Okay..." Snow replies.