Chapter 223: Departure

The group arrived at Sandstone City, the capital city of the Whitestone Empire, at noon on the 7th day of their trip.

With a clear indication of hesitation, Zennie told Eman that it was fine to drop them off after entering the city gate. But Eman insisted on bringing them to their destination.

"B-but…"

Zennie was both happy and reluctant. She could not bother him any longer. It was already so kind of him to let them ride his carriage. Not only that, he saved their lives.

"Well, isn't it fine? It saves us the effort. Since we are already indebted anyway, a little more won't be a big difference I guess," Rossbert said, while at the same time, secretly sending a wink to Eman. 

He was glad at Rossbert's follow-up, but it seemed like he misunderstood his motive. A bead of sweat trailed at the back of Eman's head. Though he had no plan to clear up the misunderstanding. He even disregarded the constant blushing of Zennie while talking to her. 

Looking at Zennie's face, he had a strong feeling that she felt attracted to him. After all, it was easy for someone like Zennie, a secluded person, to get attracted to a person of the opposite gender. Especially, that their age wasn't that big of a difference. Summed up with his heroic entrance, she must be looking at him as a valiant hero. 

Eman originally thought that Zennie was just a shy type of person for being secluded. But her constant blushing bugged him. He believed it wasn't simple shyness.

Eman didn't mean that Zennie fell in love with him. Perhaps it was more like admiration than romantic feelings. 

But still, admiration was the first pace. But it has a high tendency to develop into romantic feelings later.

"I--I see. Thank you, Sir Eman. I will surely never forget this debt. If something comes up in the future. You have my word, in the name of the Rothsport family, I won't hesitate to help even at the expense of my life."

Such a strong word. Eman thought upon hearing her. He admired that she didn't blatantly represent her family but herself. It was more realistic than saying her Rothsport family would be at his backing. After all, Zennie was just a member of the Rothsport family. She had yet to get her ground in the Rothsport family.

This important task that Zennie was mentioning, perhaps if she succeeded-- could help her to be recognized and acquire her first stance in the family.

Eman replied with a gentle smile. "I see, then I'll be in your care if something like that happens, though I prefer if nothing bad is going to happen."

"O-of course, I- I also prefer it. T-Then I will add you in my prayer every night."

She said in a bashful and stammering voice.

Eman lightly laughed.

"Fufu, then it's my pleasure to be one of the subjects in your prayer Miss Zennie."

Eman slightly bowed. Seeing it, Zennie also did as he did. 

Even though Eman preferred to call each other without honorifics, they are nobles after all. He had to follow their customs. Just like the popular quote back on earth, "Do as the Romans do."

Unexpectedly, Zennie's party destination was the merchant guild.

It was the first time that Eman came to the place. 

It was huge! It was the biggest, tallest, and most exquisite building in the area. The other buildings besides it are shy in comparison.

A well-printed name, MERCHANT GUILD, could be seen on the higher part of the building.

After being aquainted for a short time, they are now in difficult situation, the departure.

Departing always leads to heavy feelings especially when both share various notable moments. Everyone was skeptical about saying goodbye. It was human nature after all. 

Meanwhile, his sister, Eina, and Zennie were hugging each other. Like a child who will be missing her parents and a parent who will be leaving her child to work abroad.

Such a scene was nostalgic to him. It was the same kind of feeling when his parents left him to work abroad. Departure was indeed a very painful moment.

Eman had to agree with it. 

Regardless, they could not waste more time.

To break the painful atmosphere, "Well then, it's time for us to leave." Eman said calmly while showing a gentle smile. After saying it, Eina and Zennie reluctantly separate each other. 

"(Hic)Big Sister, I hope we see each other again!" Eina said in a crying voice while wiping the tears in her eyes.

Eman could not help it if his sister and Ms. Zennie became attached.

Although their trip only lasted for a couple of days, the bond that unintentionally formed was tighter than he expected.

There were even times in their trip that his sister slept over at Zennie's tent. There were also times that he caught them talking about him so late at night.

He chose to remain quiet and secretly listened to their conversation, but Uncle Rossbert arrived so he stopped listening and rather converse with him.

He was curious though, of what they were talking about him. Regardless, he wasn't a bit bothered by it.

"Yeah, I hope too," while wiping the tears in her eyes, Zennie said her reply to Eina.

Before Eina could turn around, "Wait, Eina, here take this," Eman was surprised when he saw Zennie unfastened her necklace. It was a beautiful golden necklace adorned with a moon pendant in a crescent-moon shape.

There was one time when Eman had a glance of it. Most of the time she hid it under her dress. Just for that reason, it was easy to tell that it was a very important belonging to her.

"Wait, Lady Zennie. Isn't that your mother's memento?" Liz suddenly interjected.

"Big Sis…"

"It's alright. My mother told me that precious memories are the most special things in the world. They are priceless and could not be robbed. What a mere necklace compared to it. I have my mother's memories and they remain the most precious memento for me. B-But I didn't mean that this one is less valuable."

Zennie's words bring a smile on everyone who listened to it.