Chapter 297: Chapter 297 - Ilex and Mysst(Part 5)

Point-of-View: Ilex Sarralot

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Okay, just...just stay calm, getting nervous won’t help me in any way whatsoever. I can do this...it’s just a few words, I just need to get them out and then see how she responds. Y-yeah, it’s simple, I-I can do this, I can do this...

I took in a deep breath and slowly exhaled to try and ease my nerves, but it wasn’t working...I feel so on edge, my chest is pounding and my head kinda hurts too.

I was in a private booth in a bar, waiting for Mysst...I’d texted her to ask if she was free to meet up with me, she said she was, and agreed to meet me here in this bar.

She should be here any minute now, I need to get it together and calm down before she-...

"Ah, here you are, Ilex," Her voice suddenly came from my left, startling me, before she added, "Oh, sorry, didn’t mean to spook you."

"N-no, it’s okay, I was just lost in thought...I’m, um, glad you could make it," I replied with a slight gulp, as she sat down across from me.

Hm? Her expression...she looks kinda sad, somehow...

"I...I think I know what this is about. I’m guessing you’re moving soon, and you called me here to say goodbye, right?" She surmised with a sad smile.

I felt my chest tighten slightly as she looked at me with that sorrowful expression, a slight lump forming in my throat.

"Well, actually, I-...," I began.

"Hold on...before you say anything, I’ve got something to say first. I, um...I really like you, and I hate the idea of never seeing you again. So...if it’s not too much of a bother, could I, maybe...come with you?" She asked me, her voice growing quiet towards the end as a look of dread appeared on her face.

Did I hear that right? I did, didn’t I?

"Huh? Are...are you serious? You’d really do that!?" I blurted out before I could stop myself, letting my excitement take control of me.

"W-wait, you mean, you’re okay with that?" She responded in surprise.

"Yeah, I definitely am. Actually, this works out perfectly for me, the reason why I asked you to meet me here is because I wanted to ask you if you’d be willing to move with me, so..."

"Then, why’d you look so fidgety? I thought you were preparing yourself to give me bad news!" She shot back indignantly.

"Huh? Oh, no, I was just nervous, I...I was scared that you’d say no, you have no idea what a relief this is. Can you really do this, though? I mean, I’m really happy that you want to come with me, but what about the Knight Order?" I asked her.

"It’s fine, I’ll just leave without saying anything. Things are all peaceful now, so it shouldn’t make much of a difference. I’ve only stuck around with the Knights because the pay is good, and because the Commander kinda forced me to join in the first place...I just never left before because I didn’t have a justifiable reason to quit. But...I do now. And I’ll choose you over the Knights without hesitation."

Wow, holy shit, I...I don’t think I’ve ever felt this happy. But...I still haven’t gotten to the main issue...

"There is one thing though...it’s about where I’m going to be living now. See, uh...I’m a part of Arcadia. The nation that used to be Hematite, that’s where I’m moving to," I informed her with a slight gulp.

"Huh? Wait, you mean the place where all the Demons now are?" She responded, her eyes widening as that bit of info sunk in.

"Y-yeah...the residents of Arcadia include Demons, a Dragon King, Demi-Humans and so-called Heretics. If you move with me, you’ll be living alongside them...I know that’s a lot to ask of you, but I-..."

"I’d be lying if I said that doesn’t sound at least a little bit scary, what with the Demons and Dragon, but...yeah, I stand by what I said. I don’t want to say goodbye to you, Ilex..."

"Then...you’re okay with moving to Arcadia? Really?"

"Yeah, I am. It is a bit intimidating, but I can handle it. I hope. I’ll try my best, at least."

"I can assure you, you’d have nothing to worry about. The Demi-Humans are all really nice, the Demons are a bit scary and some of them still don’t totally trust us, but they’re cooperating and willing to give us a chance to earn their trust. And the Dragon King just sleeps most of the time. As for the Heretics, they’re just-...," I began.

"Yes, I think I know what you’re going to say, they’re just regular people who happen to possess both Attributes instead of just one. Honestly, I’ve never understood it...when I was around twelve or thirteen, I lost my younger sister because she had the Light Attribute, but I never said anything because I was afraid that I’d be killed too. I didn’t understand why she had to die, I still don’t. And if you, someone who’s such a nervous and timid person, are standing up for them, I’m inclined to believe you. So, yeah...let’s do this. Take me to live with you in Arcadia," She smiled without hesitation.

"I’d be glad to, nothing would make me happier...so, when can you leave?" I asked her as an uncontrollable grin spread out across my face.

"W-wow, it’s kinda flattering to see how happy you look about this. Also, um, you look really cute with that big smile. And...can we leave right now? I’m just gonna feel awkward around the other Knights if I see them again while knowing that I’m about to leave out of the blue like this. So, the sooner the better," She replied sheepishly.

"Okay, I’ll call my friend who has the Teleportation Skill and have her pick us up outside the town," I nodded, as I took out my phone. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

This went way better than I could ever have imagined...I hope things are going as smoothly for Larrk in the capital. I should text him to let him know that things went well on my end...

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