>>45206423
>Ask Cilus if he's ok.

>>45206423
"...Cilus? Are you OK?" You ask softly.

"Y-Yeah, I'm fine. I didn't expect her to get easily killed like that." Cilus says with a hint of... sadness?

"Well, that's one less problem to deal with." Echerson sighs.

Maria says nothing as she looks down at the floor, gripping her staff.

"Well, no matter. I will let our guild know of this matter. Meanwhile, I believe you should return back to your own guild." The king states. "Your guildmaster is probably expecting a report."

"Yes, your highness." Cilus nods.

"I'll send a carriage to take you back to Grandale." The king snaps his fingers and two guards leave the room.

You and your friends then move to follow the guards. You couldn't wait to tell Evelyn about this.

What do you do?

>Pester Maria
>Talk to Echerson.
>Say nothing.

>>45206673
>Pester Maria

>>45206673
"Hey, Maria." You whisper to the blonde.

"What is it?" She hisses back.

"Aren't you going to say goodbye to your family?" You ask.

"What for? I live next door to them! I can just visit them whenever I have time!" The blonde grumbles.

"Well, I was going to visit my family when we get back, and I was thinking about inviting you..." You trail off.

"Me?! Visit a commoner hovel?!" Maria looks at you incredulously.

>"You're right, I guess it's just too bothersome for a noble like you."
>"Never mind, I'll just ask Evelyn."
>"Sorry I asked."

Sorry, forgot to put my trip on.

>>45206993
>"Never mind, I'll just ask Evelyn."

>>45206993
"Forget it, I'll just go ask Evelyn." You say.

"F-Fine! I'll go visit your little hamlet!" Maria snaps, a blush on her face. ...Was she that jealous of Evelyn?

"Well, if you really want to.." You say, but Maria cuts you off.

"I do! And you're not going to stop me!" The cleric shouts.

"We have arrived." The guard states, pointing to the carriage standing outside the gates of the castle, servants putting your things onto the back.

All of you climb inside the carriage as Eihan stands outside and waves at you.

"Don't worry, mates! I'll be sure to look into the thief thing! And I'll be sure to let the Salzbergs know that their little girl is leaving again!" He shouts.

"Shut up!" Maria barks out the window.

"Good grief..." Echerson groans.

"I can't wait to go back home..." Lamont sighs.

You and Cilus remain silent as the carriage starts off its way through the town and out of the south gate.

Soon, you're on the highway and the ride is fairly relaxing. You feel like falling asleep right about now.

What do you do?

>Look out the window.
>Take a nap.
>Pester someone.

>>45207557
>Look out window

>>45207557
>Look out the window.

>>45207557
You stare out the window, and see a village down a large slope. It seems like a nice place, not unlike your home. There are farmers working on the wheat fields, and women carrying baskets.

As the carriage moves on, you see the border gate, where the guards are walking around, keeping a constant vigil on any suspicious people. You party was naturally exempt from checking because the regional guilds were allied with one another.

Soon, the familiar sights of your country come into view. It's been a while since you came back.

What do you do?
>Pester someone.
>Take a nap.

>>45207710
>Take a nap

>>45207710
>>Take a nap.

>>45207710
>Take a nap.

>>45207710
You then let your eyes close as you fall asleep, darkness taking you.

Soon, you are woken from your sleep as the coachman announces your arrival into Grandale. That was fast.

You rub the sleep from your eyes as your friends exit the carriage, heading over to grab their things. You decide to do the same and put your knapsack on your back.

"Damn, can't wait to go and get some rest." Echerson says. "Oh, and Kline, I wanna tell you something before we go back to the guild."

"What?" You ask.

Echerson leans over to whisper something to you. "Apparently Maria finds embroideries fashionable to wear over her robes."

You let out a laughing snort from your nose. The thought of Maria wearing something like that was hilarious.

Gathering your things and heading off, you and your party arrive at the guild's entrance and head inside.

"Finally. I need to change," Maria states and heads off towards the barracks.

"Who's going to make the report?" Lamont asks.

>"I'll do it."
>"Cilus can handle it."

>>45208066
>"I'll do it."

>>45208066
"I'll do it," You sigh. You doubt Cilus is any condition to do anything right now. You then head upstairs and walk towards Lora's office, knocking on the door.

"Come in." Your mistress's voice greets you. You gather your courage and enter the office.

This was going to be a rough day.

After you explain the situation to Lora and being dismissed by her, you make your way to the barracks and begin to pack for your trip for your visit back home.

You wonder if your parents missed you. But then you realize how would they react to Maria? They at least liked Evelyn enough to treat her as a member of the family.

Gods, this was going to be awkward.

"Commoner!" Maria's voice can be heard as she knocks on your door. "Are you ready?"

>"In a minute!"
>"I thought you went to get changed."
>"I'm busy with something!"

>>45208265
>"I thought you went to get changed."

>>45208265
"Didn't you went to get changed or something?" You reply.

"I did!" Maria snaps. "I've changed into something appropriate for going out into the country!"

"...Right." You scoff.

"Just hurry up!" Maria's footfalls can be heard going away from your door.

You sigh as you finish packing your things and leave your room. You really didn't want to keep her highness waiting.

As you enter the hall, you see Evelyn at the entrance, talking to Herschel.

"Hey, Eve!" You greet the mage, then look at Herschel. "Hey, Herschel."

"Bueller." The rouge mutters.

"Hey, Kline. Are you going somewhere?" Evelyn asks you.

"I'm going back home for a visit." You say.

"Oh, that's nice! I wish I could come, but I got a mission to do. Can you tell your parents I said hi?" The silver-haired girl asks.

"Can do." You nod.

"C'mon, let's go! I don't want to spend another minute wasting our time." Herschel gripes.

"Shut up, Herschel." Evelyn glares at the lanky man.

"Where's Elsie?" you ask.

"Home." Herschel growls. "Where she should be."

"Well, good luck with your mission. Don't let Herschel keep you down, Eve." You wave at your friend as you ignore Herschel shooting curses at your retreating back.

You then see Maria standing outside, wearing a low-cut white dress that is showcasing her chest, hands on her hips.

"About time!" She huffs and catches your surprised gaze." What is it?"

>"...You look nice."
>"What's with the dress?"
>"I liked the robed look better."

>>45208496
>>"...You look nice."

File: I can't believe my girlfr(...).jpg (247 KB, 711x607)

247 KB JPG

>>45208496

>"...You look nice."
But
>"I liked the robed look better."

Can't not rile the tsun

>>45208496
"...You look... nice?" You say, trying to find the right words for the cleric's appearance.

"Hmph! I-I don't need your compliments!" The blonde fiercely blushes. "Stop trying to hit on me!"

"I'm not." You quickly blurt out. "L-Let's get going, shall we?"

Maria huffs as the two of you head towards the northern town gate and after flashing your emblems, you walk along the trail.

"Why do we have to walk?" Maria snaps. "Can't we just hitch a carriage there?"

"It's not that far." You sigh. "Two miles isn't that far."

"Two miles?!" Maria sputters. She lets out an over-dramatic moan. "My poor feet!"

By the gods, you wonder why you had to open your big mouth to her.

A while later, the sight of your hometown greets your eyes. It was just like you left it, the beautiful forest behind the village, and the windmill spinning about. The various colored rooftops of the houses. It felt good to be back.

"...This is it? Your home?" Maria states. "I expected something like rundown huts or something."

>"...You're kidding, right?"
>"You live in a mansion with wheat fields around your house."
>"It's not that bad."

>>45208669
>"You live in a mansion with wheat fields around your house."

>>45208669
Hey I'm not that poor.

>>45208669
Um you shouldn't trust the books about everything.
Besides you live in a nobles mansion surrounded by wheat fields.

>>45208669
"You live in a mansion where wheat grows near your house. I don't think you should complain." You state dryly.

"Whatever." Maria snorts. "Let's just go."

You and Maria then head into the village, where everyone is busy doing their usual things, like selling their crops to travelers and kids are running around a direction sign, playing tag.

"My parent's house is just up north." You state. "Can you try to be a bit less judging?"

"What do you take me for, a boor?" Maria frowns. "I am very well versed in manners."

You sigh. This wasn't going to be pretty. The two of you reach your home, a decent-looking two-story house with a blue-green rooftop.

"Here it is, home sweet home." You announce.

"How quaint." Maria says with a bored tone in her voice.

You ignore her and knock on the door.

"Who is it?" A man's voice calls out.

>"Special delivery."
>"Hi, dad!"
>"Orange."

>>45208848
>"Orange."

Bad jokes with dad, classic.

>>45208848
"Orange." You say.

"Orange who?" The man's voice replies back.

"Orange you glad to see me?" You laugh.

The door opens and your father stands in the doorway, a big grin on his face. "Boy, I swear, you'll be the death of me with those jokes of yours. Come here!" You move towards your father and both of you hug each other, laughing.

Maria just stands there, looking nonplussed.

"How's the city life treating you, son?" Your father cackles. "Treating you good, I hope."

"As it should be." You grin. "Evelyn says hi, by the way."

"What, she couldn't come?" Your father frowns.

"She's busy with something." You sigh. "Where's mom?"

"In the kitchen, making dinner. We're having turkey." The old man grins. "And you know how she is with birds.

You chuckle. "More dressing?"

"More dressing." Your father sighs, and looks at Maria. "Who's this? Kline, did you finally manage to get a courtesan?"

"I beg your pardon?" Maria sputters out.

>"No, she's a friend."
>"It's not like that..."
>"She's one of my guild partners."

>>45208990
... She's one of my guild mates.
Dad please don't harass her.

>>45208990
>"It's not like that..."

>>45208990
"She's from my guild. She's not a courtesan or my girlfriend." You blush.

"Oh. From the way she's dressed, I assumed she worked at one of those fancy brothels." Your dad states.

"Excuse me, sir-" Maria starts.

"Call me Klint. Everyone calls me that." Your dad smiles.

"Excuse me, Sir Klint, but I'm actually from a noble house in Frendan." The blonde sighs, trying her best not to explode at your dad.

"Huh. Could've fooled me. I expected you to be dressed in a fancy dress." The old man then bursts out laughing.

"Her parents work outside the wheat fields of her house." You say, ignoring Maria's glare.

"You don't say? So, her family's no different from us, then!" Your father then ushers both of you inside. "Come in, don't just stand out in the hot sun! Make yourselves at home!"

The two of you enter the house and head into the living room, you flopping onto one end of the couch, while Maria politely sits on the other end.

"Kirna! Kirna, our boy's home!" Your father yells.

"Kline? Kline's here?" Your mother's voice calls out from the kitchen. "Oh, dear! Now I need to set more dishes!"

"You better! He's got another lady friend!" Your father shouts back.

"Oh, gods!" Sounds of dishes being moved can be heard in the kitchen.

"Should I help?" Maria asks, looking at you.

>"Nah, just relax."
>"If you want."
>"Go ahead."

>>45209151
>"If you want."

>>45209151
If you want to sure.
I'll go along as well.
And sorry for my dad being rude.

>>45209151
"If you want. Just don't get in mom's way. She gets feisty when someone's trying to pester her about doing things her way." You state.

Maria stands up and heads into the kitchen.

Soon enough, you can hear the two women arguing loudly.

"I was trying to help-"

"Help?! You're trying to ruin dinner! I was doing fine until you barged in!"

"I wasn't trying to ruin the dinner!"

You and your dad sigh in unison.

"I warned her," You say.

"It's not your fault, son. Your mom's just being... herself." The old man then stretches his arms.

Your mother then emerges from the kitchen, shooting a glare back at Maria, who has a sulky look on her face.

"Hello, Kline." Your mother gives you a big hug, smiling at you.

"Hi, mom. I see you met my friend." You say sheepishly.

"Yes, and she's nothing like Evelyn. I swear, that girl thinks she can tell me what to do." Your mother grumbles.

"I was helping you out!" Maria protests.

"You were trying to ruin the turkey!" Your mother shouts.

"The turkey doesn't need that much dressing!" The blonde replies back.

"What do you know about cooking?" Your mom frowns at Maria.

"Enough to know that the turkey doesn't need to be filled to the brim! It was already fat in life, it doesn't need to gain more weight!" Maria huffs.

Your father is trying his best not to laugh.

>"Um, is something burning, mom?"
>"Maria, I'm sure you're a great cook."
>Say nothing.

>>45209305
Um is something burning mom?

*grab Maria and tell her she did well and shouldn't be bothers by your mom complaining*

>>45209305
>Maria I'm sure you're a great cook.
Mom always overdoes it.

>>45209305
>>"Maria, I'm sure you're a great cook."

>>45209305
"Is something burning, mom?" You ask.

"What- Oh, gods, the pie!" Your mom rushes into the kitchen.

Maria sighs. "Is your mother always this... headstrong?"

"Ask dad." You say. "Also, I think you'd make a great cook, Maria."

"Obviously, I did learn from my mother, after all." She sniffs.

"I bet you did." You say.

After a while, your mom's voice calls in to say dinner's ready. All of you head into the dinning room and sit at the table. Your mom sets the dishes on the table, all the while shooting looks at Maria.

Soon, you and your father dig into the food while an icy air hangs over Maria and your mom, tension growing between them.

"Hmph. Not like my mother's turkey, but it does have a heady flavor to it." Maria shrugs.

"Are you saying my turkey isn't good enough for you?" Your mother snaps.

"No, I'm just saying you should cut down on the dressing!" Maria goes on the defensive.

"Kline, what do you think?" The old lady turns to you. "Who's turkey is better, mine or that girl's mother?"

>"Can't I choose both?"
>"Well, Miss Joanne does make a good dinner..."
>"I always love your meals!"

>>45209530
>Talk later, busy eating. Munch munch munch.

>>45209530
"I think both are good." You say, then resume munching on the turkey.

Maria and your mom then glare at each other and go back to eating.

A few minutes later, your mom is cutting piece of blueberry pie, your favortite. She cuts the usual generous pieces for you and your dad, but when she cuts a piece for Maria, she gives her a thin slice of pie.

"What is this?" Maria complains. "Why are you giving me such a tiny slice?"

"Excuse me." Your mom states in a cool tone. "I assumed you were on a diet."

Maria grumbles in anger as she picks up the pie slice and eats it.

>"So, did I ever tell you guys the time I visited Katse?"
>"I fought some goblins earlier."
>"I got a letter from Sis."

>>45209669
>"I got a letter from Sis."

>>45209669
"Sis sent me a letter." You say.

"Really? Did you send her a letter back?" Your mother asks.

"Yeah, I stopped by the post office before training." You state simply.

"Heh, that's just like her, she always looked after you when you were kids." Your father laughs.

"I wish she'd just let me fight my own battles." You mutter sullenly.

"Excuse me, but who are you talking about?" Maria demands.

"...Have you ever heard of the S-rank adventurers?" you look at Maria flatly.

"Of course! Everyone knows them! There's Dirk Strata, Grant Richter, Kaire Bueller-" she stops in mid-sentence as she gives you a long stare of shock. Finally, she manages to regain her voice. "...Y-You're Kaire's b-b-brother?" She stammers out.

"Yes." You say.

"A-And this is her house?" She gulps.

"Yes." You repeat.

"A-A-And I just angered h-her mother." Maria's face turns white as a sheet. "Oh, gods...!"

"Anyways, are you going back to the city soon?" Your mother ignores Maria and asks you.

"Not yet. I just want to hang out here for a few days before I return. I want to speak to some old friends of mine." You say.

"I'll go and get your sister's room ready, then." Your mother gets up and heads upstairs.

Maria is still murmuring in shock, the news of you and your sister being too much for her to take.

"By the way, son. Can you drop by Marshe's tomorrow? His little girl wants to see you." Your father says.

"Millie? Of course." You say. Ever since you were kids, Millie was like your childhood friend. You wonder what she could want.

Soon, you finish up with dessert and head up to your room, Maria slowly trudging up behind you, looking absolutely nervous.

"K-Kline?" She asks.

"What?" You say.

"C-Can I-I s-sleep in y-your room?" She stammers. "I-I don't feel comfortable sleeping in... Miss Kaire's room."

>"My sister doesn't really care about people using her room as a guest room."
>"Are you coming on to me?"
>"...There's the couch."

>>45209909
>"My sister doesn't really care about people using her room as a guest room."

>>45209909
>>"Are you coming on to me?"

>>45209909
"My sister doesn't mind people using her room for a place to sleep. Your family didn't mind us hanging around and eating their food." You reply.

"Don't remind me." Maria growls, then sighs. "I'll try not to touch anything, then." She then heads inside the room next to yours and closes the door.

You enter your room from childhood. It's exactly the way you've left it. The misplaced books, the paper drawings on your desk. Good times.

You hop into your bed and relax. Aside from Maria, this was a good day. You just hope your village can handle Maria.

>To be continued.

Thanks for playing. I already archived the thread. I may or may not answer questions.

See you next time