Chapter 155: May You Remember the You Who Gave It Your All
Chapter 155: May You Remember the You Who Gave It Your All
The herb-gathering mission was a complete success.
If there was one regret, it was that they didn't take any immediate payment. Instead, they returned with an IOU.
Rod and Elfman agreed that Mr. Caleter's family was in a difficult situation, and he needed time to recover. If they took the last of their savings, the family would face even greater hardships.
However, Mr. Caleter and Mrs. Weiss had their own principles. They insisted that they couldn't let their saviors, who had saved their family twice, leave without at least some form of compensation, even if it couldn't be immediate.
Rod had mentioned that Jimmy had found most of the herbs, but without their help, would Jimmy have made it back at all?
Rod proposed a compromise: an interest-free IOU with a repayment period of one hundred years.
They also used the meat from two Rabadons to cover their meal and lodging expenses, with any leftover meat left to help Mr. Caleter regain his strength.
The next morning, the two set off on their return journey. Before leaving, they didn't forget to formally apologize to Mrs. Nepol, offering a Rabadon leg as compensation.
The villagers were fascinated by the ferocious beasts that had attacked them and flocked to the Caleter household to purchase the meat.
Rod didn't concern himself with what happened next, hoping that the family would earn some starting capital to begin a new life.
Saving a family on the brink of collapse was a deeply rewarding and satisfying experience.
Rod realized that as his strength grew, so did the number of ways he could earn a living.
Even if he never became a Mage Knight again, he could still survive by hunting and selling meat and pelts.
Of course, this was a last resort. If possible, he preferred to continue living a peaceful life in the guild.
And maybe find a gentle and beautiful wife.
In the carriage, Rod stroked the pelts he had preliminarily processed. All he needed now was to find a good tailor.
Elfman had a similar pelt on his lap, neatly folded.
The village skinning master had said that Elfman's pelt was of slightly better quality, so Rod had generously let him have it.
Elfman's mind, however, was elsewhere, his gaze distant.
Concerned, Rod decided to check in, "Still thinking about that?"
"..." Elfman nodded, but he was more focused on his own thoughts than the Caleter family, "Did I do something wrong back then?"
Rod thought about it seriously before asking, "Back then, did you give it your all?"
"Of course! We three were completely drained! Otherwise, I wouldn't have..."
"Have you ever blamed your sister? Blamed her for taking on such a dangerous mission, for not being strong enough, for not being able to protect..."
"How could I! The mission going wrong wasn't her fault! And both Lisanna and I are capable Mage Knights, we can't keep relying on her for protection!"
"Exactly." Rod looked at him, "Lisanna is a capable Mage Knight. Even as her brother, you shouldn't underestimate her resolve."
"But, but I didn't have the will to defeat the Beast King. I was the one who..."
"Not you, but the Beast King's influence. Don't you remember, you gave it your all." Rod placed a hand on Elfman's shoulder, "All three of you are kind-hearted. I believe Lisanna would want you to be kind to yourself, to remember that you gave it your all, and to accept yourself as you are."
Guilt and self-blame won’t help you become the person you want to be, or the brother she looks up to, will they?”
Rod had been mulling over these words for a long time, ever since he decided to help Mira resolve her inner turmoil.
If he had said them under normal circumstances, they might have had a slight impact, but things would have quickly returned to normal.
Just like the last time he tried to console Mira at the coffee shop.
But in this situation, they might have a greater effect.
“Accept yourself… the way Lisanna looked up to you…”
“Elf-nii, don’t cry anymore.”
This was a scene from when they were ostracized in the village.
“Just like how Onee-chan protected us with her power, it’s our turn to protect her now.”
This was when they first learned to channel magic.
“Elfman, don’t you think we should… do we have the right to try forgiving ourselves?”
This was what Onee-chan had said to him a few days ago.
The memories flooded his mind, and Elfman wiped away his tears. It was difficult, but he wanted to try a little harder.
“I won’t cry anymore… I’m a man!”
But your tears haven’t stopped, Rod sighed inwardly. At least it’s having some effect.
He thought for a moment and decided that there was no need to say more today: “Be a man.”
“Don’t tell anyone.”
He meant about him crying like this.
Rod smiled. “Alright.”
After getting off the carriage, Rod and Elfman took the fur to a tailor's shop for processing.
Knowing they were mages from Fairy Tail, the shop owner gave them a discount, citing that Fairy Tail mages often patronized his business.
Especially Gray and Natsu, and occasionally Erza would come to have some special clothing made.
“I heard about this place from Natsu,” Rod said. “He told me they can make clothes that won’t burn.”
“That’s right, that’s one of our proudest designs. Would you like to order a piece?”
“What’s the price?”
The shop owner gestured with his hand. “Just this much.”
“Then I’ll pass.” Rod didn’t feel he really needed such specialized clothing.
...
Elfman had composed himself before they returned to the guild, and he and Rod pushed the door open together.
As soon as they entered, someone rushed out, holding a mission request.
The guild was just as quiet as the past two days, with only a few members who weren’t planning to take the S-Class exam left.
The bulletin board was sparsely covered with mission requests, making it look much more spacious than usual.
Even so, Wakaba was still standing there, carefully reading every mission. When he got tired or finished, he would go grab a drink to rest.
“Oh, it’s you, Rod and Elfman,” Makao greeted them. “Are you planning to challenge the S-Class exam?”
Rod waved his hand. “No, just taking a regular mission to earn some pocket money.”
And we haven’t even earned it yet.
Wakaba said, “Really? I thought you were going to challenge the record for the fastest to become an S-Class mage after joining the guild.”
“What record is that?” Rod wondered if the two uncles were just looking for someone to chat with since there were so few people around.
“Welcome back, Elfman, Rod.” The familiar, warm smile greeted them.
“I’m back, Onee-chan.”
“I’m back.”
(End of Chapter)
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