WLWES 7

Rio waited nervously in the long line that had formed in front of the gate. Knights are stationed at regular intervals on both sides of the line, carefully watching everyone. Interestingly, the number of knights had increased.

“Why is this such a big deal?” Rio wondered. Maybe the blonde red-eyed person isn’t me, but some other guy that did something terrible? Though my mother always said, ‘There are many people with blonde hair and red eyes, but only our clan is born with both blonde hair and red eyes.’ So there can’t be anyone else like me. Even in the village, before our clan was torn apart, I was the only one with blonde hair and red eyes. The villagers loved saying, ‘Rio is the only precious being chosen by God.’

As Rio pondered the situation, it was his turn to approach the knights. He showed his pass and stated his name and reason for traveling to the neighboring state. With his usual sad and pitiful demeanor, he quietly said, “I wander around the country, occasionally finding work to make a living.”

As expected, the official looked at him with sympathy and allowed him to pass.

Rio bowed deeply and was about to walk through when the official suddenly exclaimed, “Ah!” Startled, Rio felt as if his heart might stop.

He slowly turned around, and the official lowered his eyebrows in pity. “There’s a scary man known as the Wolf Lord in the province you’re heading to. You should be fine if you meet other officials or knights, but be careful of the Wolf Lord. Though, you probably won’t meet him.”

“Yes, I’ll be careful,” Rio replied.

He bowed again and, this time, passed through the gate. Relieved to have entered the neighboring state safely, Rio removed his warm hood and blended into the bustling crowd with light steps.

At that moment, Rio felt a surge of excitement. He was also quite relaxed, so he didn’t notice the gaze of a knight on horseback from the other side of the gate he had just passed through.

Free from the overpowering atmosphere, he took a deep breath. Then he pulled An out of his bag and pressed his nose against her black nose.

“I’m glad we made it through safely. Tonight, I’ll treat you to a delicious meal.”

“Woof!” she responded, licking Rio’s nose with her long tongue.

Rio smiled at An and tilted his head in confusion. “An… you’re not getting any bigger, even though you’re eating so much.”

An mirrored his head tilt, looking just as puzzled.

Chuckling at her cute expression, Rio thought that she would grow soon enough and continued toward the next town.

On his way to town, they encountered a horse-drawn carriage and hitched a ride. This allowed them to arrive at the large town near the state border in no time.

The town near the border was bustling and thriving because of the constant flow of people and goods. In comparison, this town was much more lively. Many people walked along the main street, and the sounds of merchants could be heard from all around.

It’s fun to be in a lively place. As Rio walked through the area, he put on his hood and held An securely in his arms while browsing the shops that caught his eye.

Drawn in by a sweet smell, he stopped before a bakery and bought a loaf of bread filled with a sweet custard. A little further, another fragrant aroma led him to a butcher’s shop, where he purchased grilled meat on a long skewer. As he walked, carrying the paper bag containing the bread and meat, he stumbled upon a small square. It had a flower bed and a simple stone chair.

Rio sat on the chair, placed An on his lap, and took the meat from the paper bag. An stared intently at the meat. Noticing her gaze, Rio smiled and said, “Wait a minute,” as he removed the meat from the skewer and brought it to her mouth. She looked back and forth between Rio and the meat.

Rio stroked An’s back and said, “You must be hungry, right? Here, go ahead and eat.” Finally, An took a bite and quickly chewed the meat with her small but sharp fangs, finishing it in no time. Although surprised at her appetite, Rio thought it was good for her to eat well and gave her more than half of the meat skewer. After she finished the meat, he tore off a piece of bread and offered it, but she suddenly turned her head away and started licking her front paw.

“You really don’t like sweets, huh? You never eat them. They’re good, you know?”

At Rio’s voice, she looked up but quickly turned her head away again.

“Well, that’s okay. Here, have some water.”

Rio laughed as he poured water from his bottle onto a flimsy wooden plate. An seemed thirsty, quickly jumping off Rio’s lap to drink it all. After finishing, she climbed back onto his lap, lowered her head, and closed her eyes.

Seeing An like that, Rio narrowed his eyes and stroked their soft fur again and again. Ever since he met An, traveling had become so much more enjoyable. It felt like he could go anywhere with them.

“An, please stay with me forever.”

Though An was almost asleep, she dutifully raised their head and licked Rio’s hand as if to reply.

In Rio’s pocket, he had three copper coins and one silver coin as payment for his work at the inn. In return for his labor, he received food and shelter, along with his wages. Rio couldn’t express enough gratitude to the innkeeper and Nora.

Gideon should have given him some compensation as well. However, it couldn’t be helped since Rio had run away before Gideon woke up.

With this much money, I can get by without working for a few days.

However, he knew he couldn’t waste it. He decided to first look for a cheap place to stay and, at the same time, find somewhere to work. He placed An in his bag and stood up, clutching an empty paper bag in his hand. He tossed the bag into a trash can at the square’s exit and headed toward the busy main street.

As he continued walking, he noticed a store that offered a variety of items. Rio loved browsing through things that initially didn’t seem to have a purpose. His eyes lit up as he stepped through the open door.

“Come in! Oh… Are you alone?” asked the shopkeeper, an old man who was dusting off the shelves with a rag attached to the end of a stick. He looked at Rio with wide eyes.

Rio lowered his gaze slightly, as was his habit, and nodded. “Yes, I’m traveling alone.”

“What about your mom and dad?” the shopkeeper inquired.

“They’re dead… so I don’t have a home,” Rio replied.

“That’s really sad. Then, if I may ask, how do you live?” the old man asked sympathetically.

“I find work wherever I go and travel with the wages I earn.”

“Is that so…”

“Hey, uncle, can I look around the store? I like looking at items like these.”

“Yeah, sure. Take your time,” the shopkeeper replied.

“Thanks!” Rio said, flashing his usual friendly smile as he began browsing the shelves one by one. There were glass cups tinted in translucent shades of pale blue and green and vividly painted dishes adorned with intricate designs. On another shelf, he saw linen pouches in various sizes and colors. Behind a cabinet with glass doors were beautiful necklaces, rings, and bracelets in an array of hues, including a sword with delicate engravings on its sheath.

“Oh, that purple collar is the same color as Gideon’s eyes…” he muttered but quickly closed his mouth.

Huh? Why am I thinking of Gideon again? I hate knights. Gideon glares at me with a frightening expression, and he seems cold and distant. But… he’s not truly cold. His attitude and demeanor may seem harsh, but I think he’s just clumsy in social situations and is actually a kind person. I would like to meet him again and have a long conversation… Wait! No! That’s not it! I want to meet him again to get my full reward! That’s why I want to see him!

Lost in his thoughts, he suddenly heard a cute bark from below. “Woof.” She looked up at him, concerned.

Rio gently stroked her head and laughed, “Are you awake?” When she licked his palm, the ticklish sensation made him pull his hand back reflexively. That’s when he noticed a red collar. It was the same vibrant red as his own eyes. Next to it, he spotted a purple collar of the same shape. Turning to the shopkeeper, he called out, “Uncle.”

The shop owner quickly came over and asked, “Did you find something you like?”

Rio pointed to the collar in front of him.