Chapter 27

  Drakkel, Auril and Rillian Adore sat silently in the carriage. Auril’s eyes darted from Rillian Adore to Drakkel.

  Drakkel still didn't want to talk. He was nearly beaten by someone who was only at the early stages of Sword Sworn and even had to be saved by someone four years his junior- the very same someone who had beaten him long ago.

  Now, he knew he was poisoned and knew the reason he was weak. But, it didn’t serve to get rid of the helplessness he felt. Unlike with Jin and Locin, he truly didn’t stand a chance this time.

  Because of this, he could only wallow in this feeling, too embarrassed to speak to the two younger, yet higher cultivated people that traveled with him.

  He looked out the window blankly.

  Auril was curious as she hadn't seen such a pair before. Yes, two men could be close, but she had watched these two in particular, very carefully. They always stayed together and seemed to care for one another. And between them was a certain… energy. It was hard to explain.

  When she was younger, she had felt it before. Her mother and father gave off the same feeling. Because she was solitary in her Sword's Clan, either reading or cultivating, she hadn't learned to properly socialize. Although she longed to, she was never taught how, so some things that came out of her mouth sounded either odd or awkward. This only isolated her more from her peers who already thought less of her due to her upbringing.

  However, after meeting her father, she no longer had to stifle her personality. The words on her mind came forth like water from a broken dam and her father ate up every sentence. Now she would say she abhorred silence. She would even go as far as to say she couldn't stand it. She could keep it in for a few moments, but eventually she would have to let it out, either flooding her own thoughts with words, or, if the subject was so interesting, talking about it with whoever she was around. So, after a few moments, she naturally couldn't hold it in anymore.

  “So…” she said. “Why are you two traveling to Joyous Encounters?”

  Rillian Adore glanced at Drakkel, then answered, “I’m tagging along with him.”

  He gestured his head to Drakkel’s gloomy figure.

  Drakkel shifted his gaze from the window to Auril. “I’m looking for some information. Sorry, but that's all I can tell you.”

  Auril waved her hands in the air. “Oh no! I didn't mean to force you. I was just curious.”

  “It's alright,” Drakkel answered.

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  Auril nodded. “So… have you two had a fight?”

  “Hm?” Drakkel asked.

  “I mean spats between lovers…”

  Drakkel’s mouth twitched. Maybe it was because Auril had not been exposed to Rillian Adore in person before finding out he saved her father, that she was unaffected by his cold and intimidating air. And of course that was understandable.

  However, what was not, was that she actually asked such an inappropriate question to two people she didn’t even know well!

  Drakkel was so shocked, he had to think for a moment before uttering his next words. “Who said we were lovers?”

  Auril paused for a moment, her head tilting with a confused expression on her face. She didn’t seem to get the hint. Not only did she not retreat, she even pushed forward. “But… you two…” She gestured with her index finger, moving it back and forth between their two figures.

  She waved her hands in the air. “I mean, it's ok! Many people take same gender lovers! It's not a crazy idea anymore… After all, it's been 7 years and…!”

  Rillian Adore's face began to turn red.

  Auril asked, “Sword Master Rillian, are you ok?”

  Rillian Adore refused to say a word, only shifting his head so he was looking out the window.

  However, Auril wouldn’t let it go.

  “Sword Master Rillian!” She called. “If you have a problem, we can take you to a doctor!”

  Drakkel stopped her, clearing his throat.

  This had gone on for long enough.

  Rillian Adore was probably put on the spot and unable to give an answer. After all, for ordinary people, Auril was right. But most sword fighters still had an issue with it. For some clans, doing what she mentioned would at best ruin one’s reputation and at worst, cause one to be a sword outcast.

  Who wouldn't be flustered at the mere mention of her words?

  “You’re right.” He said. “There's nothing wrong with it. But it’s not like that. We’re just… friends.”

  Auril nodded. “Sorry, I just thought… because of the way… Oh! Nevermind. Let's just change the conversation before I die of embarrassment.”

  Drakkel nodded.

  Actually, after what just happened, his self-doubt melted away. Auril had made him realize Rillian Adore could be considered a friend. He had done him a favor so he should be grateful.

  As for his cultivation, he would naturally regain it in time. There was no need to be upset about it.

  He wanted to apologize to Rillian Adore for his behavior, but he was still staring out the window.

  Since it appeared that he didn’t want to be bothered, he let the matter go.

  In the end, he could only continue the conversation without him. “Fine.” He said. “How was your strength when compared with your clan mates’?”

  Auril gratefully answered Drakkel's question as they continued on their ride.

  Meanwhile Rillian Adore's face has returned to his normal complexion, but as he looked out the window, his lips extended into a small smile.