Memories of Long Ago
Even after the day at the playground, I often found myself thinking of things Amora might never have tried before.
After all, the Journey wasn't just about repeating physical training exercises on end.
Come to think of it, Amora always drank alone.
In that case, wouldn't having a drink together count as training too?
...And that's why you asked me to drink with you?
Hmm... So this is part of my training too, is it?
I can never quite tell what you're thinking when it comes to training, Captain.
It hasn't even been that long since you asked me to drink less so I'd be around longer.
Isn't that right? Hmm?
...Fufu. I'm only teasing.
Don't worry. I don't plan on letting you drink too much.
Ahaha, of course. If you say so, Captain, I'll behave.
Shall we fill our glasses before we talk?
Here, let me pour you one.
We emptied our glasses as we talked about this and that.
Incidents in the County of Stranis, the duties borne by an executor of the Grand Witch, the people in Amora's life...
...And then my daughter became completely obsessed with that storybook. You wouldn't believe how many times I had to read it to her in a single day.
It suddenly occurred to me that, even as she regaled me with stories of her life, she hadn't said anything about herself.
I'd like to hear about you too, Amora.
Hmm? About me?
Fufu. What could possibly make you so curious about a mother like me?
Hmm... Even so, I'm not sure what there is to tell you.
Well, for example... Why you wanted to go on the Journey?
Why I wanted to go on the Journey...
Amora repeated my words and fell into thought.
She remained silent for a while, and only after emptying her glass did she slowly begin to speak.
Perhaps it was something like lingering regret...
Regret?
It's nothing particularly grand.
...It happened a very long time ago, when I was still a child.
I was born and raised in the County of Stranis.
So when I first came to NOA with my parents, everything seemed fascinating to me.
Through a child's eyes, everything looked like a toy. I was always busy running around exploring.
Wow! There are buildings everywhere...!
Hehe, look, Mom! I can fit through this tiny gap!
...Mom?
Mom? W-where are you...?
By the time I realized what had happened, I was somewhere I didn't recognize.
I'd gotten lost chasing after whatever caught my eye.
Everything around me was unfamiliar, and I had no idea where my parents were... I was terrified.
Waaaah...!
What could a little girl like me have done? All I could do was cry and hope my parents would find me.
But... there wasn't even a sign of them anywhere.
...Are you lost?
That was when someone reached out a hand to me.
*Sniffle* *Sob...* Y-yes...
It's all right. I'll help you find your way back.
I know this place pretty well, you know...!
It happened so long ago now...
But I still remember how warm his hand felt when I took it.
Thanks to him, I made it back safely.
But when I tried to thank him... he'd already vanished.
My parents told me he was probably someone who walked the path of the Journey.
...For a while after that, I came to admire the Journey.
For a while. Yes, only for a while.
That's generally the way it is with childhood dreams.
I became the head of my family, then an executor of the Grand Witch...
I, too, gradually lost sight of my dream as responsibilities took over.
...I was too busy protecting what was already beneath my feet.
But then, Captain.
You said something to me.
Yes. Perhaps I was... just a little curious about this Journey myself.
How's that? Was that answer satisfactory?
Then I'll help you, Amora.
I'll make sure you reach the end of the Journey.
...Oh my. Do you mean that?
Are you saying you'll stay with me throughout the Journey?
For some reason, in that moment, I saw the man from my memory in you...
I suppose I acted on impulse and—
...
...How strange. Perhaps I'm getting drunk. Listen to me, telling you all this.
I want you to do what you want, at least while you're here.
Huh?
Being the head of your family and an executor are important, but...
Being Amora is more important.
...
...Captain.
You really are...
Quite bold, aren't you? Fufu.
...Huh?
Saying something like that when you're sharing drinks so intimately with a woman...
What if I decided to... have my way with you?
N-no, I didn't mean it like that...
...Pfft. Ahahaha!
Did I startle you?
I'm joking, I'm joking.
How could I resist teasing you when you give me such amusing reactions?
...So really, this is your own fault, Captain.
Amora suddenly rose from her seat.
Let's stop here for today.
Oh? That's unusual.
I can't stand losing control of myself.
I let Amora go without saying anything more.
Normally, she wouldn't have gotten tipsy from this much...
Maybe the drinks hit her harder today, judging by her flushed cheeks.