At the Leen Sisters' Home
Daleen wiped flour from her hands as the door opened. "Kiyoshi!" she exclaimed, eyes widening. "It feels like you just returned from your last trip, and now you're off again?"
Kiyoshi scratched his head with an awkward chuckle. "Well, you could say that. I'm accompanying my friend to the MMM."
Saleen peeked from behind Daleen, her cheerful smile brightening. "Come on in, you guys!" She ushered them inside, her curious gaze lingering on Kavato. "And who's this?"
Kiyoshi gestured to his companion. "He is my friend Kavato."
Kavato straightened his posture, the remnants of noble grace evident in his bow. "Allow me to apologize for the late introduction. I am Kavato, and I am an alchemist."
Saleen's eyebrows shot up. "You're a noble?"
Kavato's expression dimmed, his fingers unconsciously tracing where a family crest might have been. "Not anymore. It's... a complicated story, and I'm not officially an Alchemy master yet."
Daleen snorted, stirring a pot on the stove. "Nobles are more intricate than they seem."
Kavato sighed, the weight of his past heavy in his voice. "Nobles can be quite troublesome."
Kiyoshi nudged him sharply, glancing around nervously. "Hey, keep it down. It could cause problems if someone overhears you."
Just then, Galeen emerged from the kitchen, a platter of steaming fish in her hands. The rich aroma filled the room, making Sakura's nose twitch in delight. "Ah! That's why I smell some good fish."
Daleen clapped her hands together. "Dinner is ready; let's eat."
As they gathered around the table, the chorus of "Thanks for the food" echoed warmly.
The Journey Begins
The cart rattled along the uneven path, sunlight filtering through the canvas and painting stripes across Sakura's face. She stirred, blinking sleep from her eyes as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Kavato, seated across from her, turned an impressive shade of red when she caught him staring.
"Sakura, what is it?" she asked, tilting her head.
Kavato stammered, his voice cracking slightly. "I just remembered some one. "
Sakura smirked, leaning forward. "Who? "
Kavato fidgeted with the hem of his sleeve. "It's complicated."
Sakura's expression softened. "There is something that is not complicated about you," she said gently. "Hey, if you need any help, just ask, okay? We're friends, and I'm sure Kiyoshi will do anything for a friend."
Kavato managed a small smile. "Thank you, Sakura."
She turned to Kiyoshi, who was slumped against the cart wall, snoring softly. "Kiyoshi... Kiyoshi..." she called, poking his cheek.
Kiyoshi mumbled in his sleep, his words slurred. "I'll protect you, Sakura... I'll heal you, don't worry..."
Kavato chuckled, shaking his head. "You're lucky to have someone like him."
Sakura's cheeks pinked. "We're not like that."
Kavato's grin widened. "I see. Well, you two make a good match."
The cart hit a particularly deep rut, jolting violently. Kiyoshi was thrown forward, his hand landing squarely on Sakura's backside. Still half-asleep, he gave an experimental squeeze. "Sakura... when did your boobs get this big? They were small..."
Sakura's eye twitched. "Take your hands off, you pervert!" Her fist connected with his head with a resounding thwack!
Kavato burst into laughter, clutching his sides as Kiyoshi blinked owlishly, rubbing his sore head. "Did I miss something?"
"Nothing. Happened," Sakura hissed, her glare promising retribution if Kavato dared to speak.
A New Companion
The cart lurched to a sudden stop. A boy with pointed ears and wild brown hair stood by the roadside, a bulging sack slung over his shoulder. "Hi, I'm Daishi!" he announced cheerfully. "Are you heading to the MMM? Can I join you, please?"
Kavato scooted over without hesitation. "Hop in!"
As the journey resumed, Kiyoshi studied Daishi curiously. "Are you a dwarf?"
Daishi grinned, adjusting his bag. "50% dwarf, 50% witch. My father was a dwarf, and my mother was a witch."
Sakura leaned forward. "Why are you going to MMM?"
Daishi's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I'm an inventor! I've created the coolest thing in the world!" He rummaged through his bag and pulled out an L-shaped wooden tube.
Kiyoshi took it, turning it over in his hands. "What is it?"
Daishi puffed out his chest. "Behold the '3rd Eye'! By looking through one hole, you can see out the other end, even around corners, thanks to the mirrors inside."
Kiyoshi's lips quirked. "Ah, a periscope!"
Sakura nodded. "I understand."
Daishi blinked. "What's a periscope?"
Kiyoshi ignored the question, examining the device critically. "There's a problem—it's incompatible like this. I can fix it."
Daishi's expression turned panicked. "Promise me you won't break it!"
Kiyoshi held up his hands. "I promise." With a few deft adjustments, he reshaped the tube into a proper periscope. "Now you can see more easily."
Daishi's jaw dropped. "That's godly! You're a genius! Now I can see cute girls at ease—OW!" Sakura's fist connected with the top of his head.
"Stop that, pervert," she growled.
Daishi rubbed his sore scalp, turning to Kiyoshi with newfound reverence. "Can I take full credit for this idea?"
Kiyoshi chuckled. "Of course, and I'll even teach you some tricks."
Daishi's eyes shone. "That's amazing! Then I'll be your student from now on. Be proud, Master, because I will be the greatest inventor in the world!"
Kiyoshi ruffled his hair affectionately. "I look forward to it."
A Heartfelt Revelation
Sakura's smile faded as she studied Daishi. "Don't you need to go back home?"
Daishi's cheerful demeanor cracked, his shoulders slumping. "I forgot to mention... both my parents passed away a long time ago. I lived with my grandfather until he... recently passed away too. I sold our house for 100 small gold."
Kavato's brows furrowed. "Daishi, they swindled you. A house like that should have fetched at least 400 small gold."
Daishi shrugged, though his voice wavered slightly. "It's all right. I only need this much."
Sakura reached out, squeezing his hand. "That's good to hear."
Kiyoshi's eyes softened. "With our combined funds, we can buy a new house in Ramiya. We were considering it anyway." He turned to Sakura. "How much money do we have now?"
Sakura counted silently. "We have 150 gold."
Daishi dug into his pocket, thrusting his pouch at them. "You can have my money too. I'm living in the Master's house anyway."
Kiyoshi hesitated. "Are you sure?"
Daishi nodded fiercely. "Absolutely."
Kiyoshi smiled. "So, we have 250 gold. We only need 50 more."
Kavato straightened, determination flashing in his eyes. "Don't worry. I'll find a way to get 50 gold."
Arrival at the Capital
The cart rolled to a stop, the driver calling out, "Here we are!"
As they disembarked, their voices blended together. "Thank you!"
The city gates loomed ahead, the promise of new adventures—and dangers—waiting beyond.