World Isekai

Chapter 41: [Cold breeze]

"We have everything?" asked Aura.

"Huh, yes... I think," replied Xannos, his eyes going over everything at the back of the carriage.

They tried to adapt to the newest information they received about the mountains.

They got new sets of cloaks, made with heavy layers of wool. They purchased additional blankets, socks and various other clothing items.

Their wallets hurt, but not as much as they thought it would, prices were quite low, and most of what they received came from locals who didn't need those items anymore.

Raz knew everyone there was to know in that village. He didn't warm up to Aura, but made sure they would stay warm on their journey.

The food they received for their journey beat anything they had.

"I think we have everything we need, and a fair amount of water too. We don't need extra for the horses, only for the next days and then we should probably sell them at a nearby village."

"They'll go for a fortune," said Lilae.

"Let's get going then," said Mori.

Xannos jumped on the driver's bench, joined by Lilae. They waved at the people around, thanking them as they left.

In the back, Mori and Aura sat together, looking through the back as the village became smaller and smaller, until it disappeared from the horizon.

The scenery was mainly grasslands. A lot of small hills dominated the area, most-likely the reason wind wasn't hitting them as hard as it could've.

The weather wasn't too bad, but the breeze was stronger the further west they went, and colder as well.

The rest of the day was uneventful, Mori eventually took over as the driver, his mind wandering around as the day slowly turned into night.

The others talked in the back, but he barely paid attention.

"Mori?" asked Xannos in the back.

"What?"

"Why do you want to create your own kingdom?" he asked.

The others were silent, avidly awaiting his answer.

"Hmm."

He thought for a moment; the others exchanging looks as it took more time than expected.

"Why not?" he finally answered.

"Well that's a let down..." said Xannos.

"I don't want to rely on any other nation. Everyone has an agenda, and I have my own too. In my agenda, humans are gone, and there's no confusion there. Think about it, what would happen if I joined your Royal Guards order, if it hadn't disbanded the moment Asmodael fled?" asked Mori.

"That would've been great," quickly said Lilae.

"Or what if I joined hands with Griswald? What if I joined the war on the front on the north's side?"

"That's a lot of what-ifs," said Aura.

"The only option I have is to rely on myself. My one true goal will never change, no matter who I'm with. What is your goals? Why are you guys following me?" asked Mori.

Everyone looked away, reflecting on what Mori said, while barely understanding the meaning.

Yet, something truly resonated with them.

It was all about purpose, in the end.

The night progressed, the cold rising fast. Lilae slid a blanket to Mori who kept going for hours, before letting Aura take over, who insisted to go next.

"have fun," he said, joining the others.

Morning seemed to come fast, Aura was still at the helm, joined by Lilae who sat next to her, leaving the two guys in the back.

"Finally awake!" exclaimed Lilae, "I was about to wake you up myself..."

"Touch me while I sleep, and you're dead."

"Scary!" laughed Lilae.

"Who's that, on the road?" asked Xannos.

They all squinted, looking ahead.

"Father," said Aura.

"...How is he ahead of us, when he went the opposite way days ago?" asked Xannos.

As they approached, they could notice he was holding a low bow position, a hand on his heart while the other seemed to be holding someone by the collar.

It was Reaper. His body had been dragged on the ground with little care, his overall shape was extremely bad, while his clothes also showed the same.

Whatever happened during the past two days, nothing he had been through hell.

They stopped next Griswald, who just tossed Reaper's body on the side of the road.

"Hard to believe that's really him," said Xannos.

"Isn't this excessive?" asked Lilae.

Mori glared at her.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

She took a step back, anxiously looking around.

"I don't mean... Just hard to believe someone I've been close to for so long was working for the other side."

"He was. There's nothing hard to believe, here."

"It's just-"

Xannos put a hand on her shoulder, inserting himself between Mori and Lilae.

"What she means is she's seen him for so long as an ally. She's still shocked to know he wasn't truly one of us. She's not questioning whether he's deserving of this punishment."

"Well-" started Lilae.

"-No wells, no buts, no ifs, that's it," said Xannos.

"There's no space here for anyone sympathizing with them."

"Mori's right," said Aura.

Mori was surprised by Aura taking position, but his attention remained on the other two.

"You've experienced first-hand what humans are capable of. This one," said Mori, while pointing at Reaper, "was trying his best to get us killed. You're fighting for him now?"

Lilae's eyes darted around, trying to keep composure. She was biting her lips, looking at Xannos but he wouldn't match her gaze.

"What if," said Lilae, her voice louder as she tried to conjure courage. "What if... It was your sibling? Someone you've grown a lot with, or your kid? What would you do? Wouldn't you hesitate?

If it was Aura betraying you?"

"I wouldn't."

Mori looked at Aura, then at the rest of the group.

"Let this be a warning. My patience is at its limit."

Mori's eyes were fiery, as he looked at everyone individually.

"They took a lot from me. I don't care who you are, if you're with them, you'll meet his fate."

Mori turned to Lilae, gazing into her eyes.

"Look at me. Look. At. Me."

Her eyes were dodgy, but ultimately met his.

"Kill him. And don't make it quick."