endless path, infinite cosmos

chapter 117

As Vahn was exiting Naaza's room, he made his way towards the reception area where he saw Tsubaki powdering a long claymore-like weapon. She looked toward him and smiled slightly before saying, "Next time I see you acting up, don't blame me for bullying you. Try something like that little stunt again and you'll be lucky to walk away the same day." Vahn nodded and made his way toward the exit, but stopped before crossing the threshold.

Turning around, Vahn smiled and said in a cheeky manner to Tsubaki who had been following his back as he left, "I'll just become strong enough to get away with it." The moment he finished the words, Vahn lunged forward and rolled along the ground as the claymore that had been in Tsubaki's hand pierced through the place he had previously stood. Bounding to his feet, Vahn ran out of the courtyard while laughing at the raging Cyclops behind him.

Tsubaki walked out of her workshop and picked up the claymore that had been lodged into the ground. She knew Vahn was ready to dodge her attack, but she decided to play along with his little 'play'. Looking at the direction he had retreated, Tsubaki smiled before saying, "Kids growing up faster and faster. Hope he doesn't get hurt too badly." Shouldering the claymore, she turned and walked back inside her workshop.

Vahn noticed that Tsubaki hadn't chased after him, so he slowed his speed until he came to a complete stop. Teasing Tsubaki, who had tormented him so much in the past, was very fulfilling and Vahn resolved himself to continue doing so in the future. Even if she got very angry with him, Vahn knew that she wouldn't intentionally harm him just for messing around. At this point, it was nearly 3 PM, and Vahn didn't really have anything to do so he decided to walk around the City.

Unlike his typical, fast-paced, movements, Vahn leisurely strolls through the City and just 'experienced' the sights and sounds of the people. Though all the people were strangers to him, Vahn noticed that the majority of people had neutral or even positive impressions of him. Unlike when he had first entered the City, people looked at him with smiles instead of intrigue or disgust.

There were even several women, both young and old, that would try to call out to him or strike up a conversation with the 'handsome' boy. Vahn found many of them to be very cute, and even some of the mature women were very charming, but he just gave them curt responses and nods as he continued walking through the City. Considering all of the things he had been wrapped up in lately, Vahn couldn't divert his attention to people that had yet to influence his life.

Using the opportunity, Vahn decided to map areas of the City he had never visited and started thinking about appropriate places for his upcoming date with Eina. Since Vahn had decided to make an effort, he felt like he owed it to Eina to make the date enjoyable. Though he didn't know much about her, he assumed she would like to stroll around and go shopping like most of the girls he had seen. Vahn visited several scenic locations and marked them on his map while trying various foods from stalls along the paths.

Vahn really enjoyed the food in Orario, as there seemed to be an infinite variety to enjoy. Though he still loved the food at the Hostess of Fertility the most, Vahn had yet to find anything that was unpalatable amongst any of the vendors in the City. He especially enjoyed seafood, and the crepes he often ate had quickly become one of his favorite foods. Using his newfound wealth, Vahn tried the food at nearly twenty different places before bringing his journey to an end.

Anything that he liked, Vahn had purchased a large amount of it and stowed it away in his inventory when nobody was looking. He could eat the dishes later, or even give it to the children once he returned. Vahn was especially fond of sharing the things he enjoyed with others, and he looked forward to the expressions they would have when he gave them the delicious food.

Vahn arrived at his own workshop/house at around 8 PM and made his way through the courtyard and into the foyer. Curiously, the moment he entered, Anubis was patiently waiting to receive him. She smiled and said, "Welcome back, Master." Vahn nodded his head and asked, "Where are the children now?" Anubis raised her brows after seeing how composed was as she responded, "They are waiting in the dining room for your return. As members of your 'pack', they will not eat until you tell them or until you arrive."