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Chapter 7: White Lies .2

I actually made up a story spontaneously and I didn't stutter a bit. That's something new. But guilt is slowly creeping over me, and I can't help but be on edge. All I'm trying to think now is that this is just a white lie to cover up my awkward self and that's not that bad, I guess.

"You seem to have some issues there." Tucky suddenly said.

"I mean, who doesn't have one, right?" I replied to him.

"Alright, but why are you on a quest to Draco? Is this like for just some fun or something? The adventuring thing?" Scarlet asked.

"The truth is, I'm trying to live an ordinary life, something that the ordinary people have. It's much better, really than just sitting in the castle, with the servants always at your feet and the king and queen always pressuring me to go find someone to marry so that I could rule the kingdom, or they'd find someone I could marry in the future and set me up with her. For Pete's sake, I was just ten when they started doing that! I mean, what if I don't want to do that? What if I wanted to do something else with my life? It's like they placed me in a box that restricts me from doing anything I genuinely want. That's why I decided to defy everything they asked me to do."

"I get what you're feeling, but you didn't have to run away. I mean, you're fortunate to have both your parents alive with you." Scarlet replied.

"It's barely living if they're just there to constantly pressure and build high expectations from you. They haven't even shown any love for me. I only had a book as a company on my birthdays each year." I sullenly said. I feel like I can totally relate to this prince I just made up in my head. I never had a birthday with even just a cake or even just my mother celebrating with me. She always forgets because she's so focused on pressuring me into things. I never once felt like she was my mother.

"I'm sorry to hear that, Finley. I can't say I know what you feel because I don't. I just know that it sucks, and no child should ever go through something like that." Scarlet stated with concern.

"Oh, for sure, no kid should ever. That brings a different type of pain that hits very differently. I'm sorry, Finley." Tucky sympathized.

I guess it was believable. They seem to believe what I just said and that's a good sign although guilt still lurks in the corner.

I mean, all the things I said are partially true to experience except that I'm not a prince.

"It's alright, I got used to it eventually and now I've been training so that I could fight stronger. I want to show them that I am capable of other greater things that I actually want. That's what I want. I want to fight for the people's honor. I want to save lives and not just marry someone to keep the king's bloodline. I don't want that kind of power. I want genuine connections with people especially to the girl that I'll marry."

"You can still do that when you become king. I mean they're not far off from what you really want." Scarlet stated.

"You don't know them. They chained me up into this little minion that they've constructed to accord to all their desires and commands. It's not as simple as "they wanted me to marry and be king." It's way more than that."

Maybe this isn't going to be that hard. I can just channel my own inner battle into this man I've created.

"Alright Finley, I guess we can help each other then. I'll help you live the life you wanted while you help me." Scarlet then declared.

"Really?? That'd be great! I promise I know how to fight. I've put myself into real combats before and I survived and defeated mostly every enemy. Now, I'm more committed to my goal. I'm going to train even harder so that I can defeat any opponent out there. I'll even get back to those vicious elementalists soon." I stated with confidence and excitement.

"Slow down right there. To defeat those humongous elephants, you'd have to learn some magic first. Your bare hands and swords are no match to what they can do."

"Then, I'll learn some. Whatever it takes, Scarlet."

"Then it's official. Finley Scott Davis, you have officially joined our party. It's going to be the three of us all the way and I hope that we can really trust you." Scarlet formally announced with a slight grin on her face while offering her hand to me.

I took her hand and my knees utterly weakened at their lowest. It felt like it turned into some cooked noodles that's ready to be served with a sauce. I shook her hand awkwardly and tried to smile while looking at her.

I can't believe I even managed to lie to her directly. I got real serious for a while and now I guess, awkwardness is knocking on my door yet again. Why won't you just leave me alone?

"We're now giving a little of our trust to you, Finley, since you're going to be part of this party. I hope you won't waste it." Tucky warned.

"I won't, Tucky. Thank you for letting me in on your party. I won't disappoint you."

"Alright then, we have to tick off the 'bring Demetrius' head on the ground' on our to do list soon but first we'll check off dinner on it. The two of you should rest for a while while I cook up some food for our supper." Tucky uttered.

I then went back to bed and tried to rest my still wounded body for a while. Scarlet went out of the house, and I curiously want to see where she's headed. But I don't want to seem clingy so I should wait for a little while, so I briefly closed my eyes.

~ To be Continued ~

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