Separation 03

The group emerged from the Adventurer's Guild.

The afternoon sunlight poured down without hindrance, like molten gold, dazzling their eyes and making it hard to see.

The sun was a bit harsh, and Xia Lun slightly raised a hand to shield his eyes.

"Food! Food! Come on, let's all hit the tavern one last time to eat and drink like kings!" Liyana was the first to bound down the steps, spinning around and spreading her arms wide as she shouted excitedly.

"Isn't it a bit early? It's still daytime," Moke sighed helplessly.

"I'm drinking from day till night, and from night right through to tomorrow morning!" Liyana planted her hands on her hips, proclaiming her grand vow.

She never had the stamina for it, of course. Every time, it ended up with Xia Lun and Moke taking turns lugging a dead-drunk, rambling Liyana back to the inn like a sack of potatoes.

But this time, everyone went along with Liyana's whims.

The group stepped into a tavern, pushing open the wooden door. The scent of oak barrels mingled with the smell of malt ale hit them straight away.

Since it was daytime, the place was quiet, with hardly any patrons—just a few regulars sitting in the corners. Sunlight filtered through the old, yellow-tinted windows, casting patches of light on the wooden floor.

"Barkeep! Bring out the drinks!"

Liyana had already dashed up to the counter, ordering food and drinks.

Before long, two sturdy square tables were pushed together, soon laden with dishes that made everyone's mouth water.

"Cheers!" Liyana raised her mug high first, and the others followed suit. The solid oak mugs clinked together in the air, producing a low, pleasant sound. Clear foam splashed out, landing on hands and the tabletop, bringing a hint of coolness.

Aina usually never touched a drop of alcohol, but this time she raised a glass of red wine as well, fitting right in with the group.

Liyana shoved a chicken leg into her mouth, clutching a large bone in one hand and a mug in the other, already wolfing down her food without a shred of dignity. Her cheeks were stuffed full, and bits of meat and sauce clung to the corners of her mouth.

"Liyana, show some manners," Moke sighed, watching her devour the food like a glutton.

"No! This is our last meal, so you can't boss me around!" Liyana kept stuffing her face, forcing down what she was chewing, and mumbled back, "I still haven't come down from it—if you nag me again, I'll cry."

Moke: ...

Never seen anyone threaten someone like that.

Glasses clinked and cups were passed.

Laughter echoed through the tavern.

Time slipped away in the warm atmosphere. The sunlight outside gradually softened, stretching the shadows. The meal was drawing to a close.

It didn't end up being the day-and-night drinking marathon Liyana had declared... Before long, she was leaning back in her chair, patting her round belly, utterly spent.

"I-I can't eat another bite..." Liyana let out a loud, unladylike burp, groaning in both satisfaction and discomfort. "So full... it hurts..."

"Who told you to cram in so much? You ate like you were starved half to death," Moke said, ordering a bowl of sour soup to help her digest.

"Thanks, Moke, you're the best..." Liyana said, deeply touched. Maybe it was all the alcohol, but she started rambling. "If I ever find a girlfriend, I'd want her to be just like you... Why are you so good to me?"

"Maybe because I'm like your dad?" Moke thought for a moment and replied.

"Bastard..." Liyana cursed, reaching out to hit Moke beside her, but she couldn't quite reach him. Her arm swung limply through the air, which got everyone laughing lightly.

After the laughter faded, the atmosphere settled, and a faint thread of parting melancholy began to spread silently.

Musen slowly rose from his seat.

"Xia Lun... everyone, I'll be taking my leave now."

Xia Lun smiled and nodded: "Take care, Musen."

Moke raised his mug in salute: "Make sure to write often."

Liyana was still slumped in her chair, rubbing her belly, but now she struggled to sit up straight: "I'll come visit the church!"

Aina: "Farewell."

A faint smile appeared on Musen's sharp, angular face. Before leaving, he turned back to glance at his companions once more, and then the sturdy figure of the priest disappeared through the doorway.

A moment later.

Moke drained the rest of his drink in one gulp, let out a satisfied "Ha—", wiped his mouth, and slowly stood up.

"Well, I'm about ready too." Moke stretched lazily as he rose from his seat.

"In such a hurry? Where are you headed?" Liyana sat up straight from the back of her chair.

"Hmm... I've arranged to meet a caravan. I'm heading out to another city tonight."

"Traveling at night? Isn't that dangerous?" Liyana tilted her head. "The world's not exactly safe these days."

"It's fine. The caravan is large, and they've hired a mercenary company." A dagger flipped and twisted in Moke's hand. "If any trouble does come up, I'll step in."

Moke was genuinely quite skilled; he only got overshadowed in Xia Lun's party.

"Oh! I know this plot twist!" Liyana's voice suddenly turned lively. "When you join the caravan, they'll probably look down on you for being short. But when the bandits clobber the mercenaries, you'll step in, wipe them out in a few moves, and leave them all dumbfounded. Maybe the merchant's daughter will even fall for you..."

Moke: ...

"Read less of that nonsense. That kind of thing doesn't happen in real life." Moke gave Liyana a glare. "And besides, I'm planning to propose to Shila this time. No merchant's daughter is going to take an interest in me..."

"Oh..." Liyana stuck out her tongue, for once holding back from a retort.

"Well... I'll be off now." Moke waved goodbye to the group with a casual flourish.

Liyana flopped onto the table, her cheek pressing against the surface: "Next time we meet, I'll come visit you when I'm out adventuring in the wild frontier."

Xia Lun smiled, a hint of sadness in his eyes: "Stay safe on the road."

Aina: "Farewell."

The rogue disappeared without a sound, vanishing around the street corner.

Xia Lun turned to look at Liyana.

She was still slumped over the table, her arms hanging limply. She looked completely relaxed.

"Xia Lun... we've been playing together since we were kids. This might be the first time we're really parting ways," Liyana murmured.

"It's all right. We'll see each other again soon." Xia Lun reached out and patted Liyana on the head.

This wild girl was practically no different from his own little sister.

"Even if you get married... I'm still going to keep pestering you like crazy," Liyana said with a playful grimace.

Xia Lun's gaze softened, full of warmth and fondness: "Always welcome."

Liyana: "Mm."

Xia Lun: "Give my regards to your parents."

Liyana: "Got it."

The archer let out a burp, and her figure disappeared beyond the door.

Inside the tavern, only Xia Lun and Aina remained, along with the messy table and the lingering afterglow of the gathering. After all the commotion, the silence was especially clear.