KENSHI
It was strange to think that we started this journey with just the three of us, but ended it with twenty more people. Thanks to Tanshiro's film crew, we would be concluding this journey with a little bit of a crowd. With their scheme being busted and the fear of attracting another uninvited guest, the group decided to end the filming. For Tanshiro, this decision was not easy, but with us strongly antagonizing his goal, he had no choice but to surrender in utter defeat.
The group was ahead of us three, and the noticeable distance between us entailed the repelling tension. For what they did, it was not unusual for the three of us to feel upset. So much that looking at his face was not the last thing I would like to do before this mission ends.
The remaining trek towards the outskirts of the city was not that long, and even in our current location, the bosky Imder Forest was still beside us. This forest was so vast that it was the size of two Amber Forests back in Thorn Kingdom. The slight difference was that this forest was a little bit more hostile than the other.
"I can finally see it!" Shino announced while her eyes glimmered and shimmered at the view in the distance. It was the walled city of Aste. Even from here, I could already feel the fun and happiness that this city was giving.
It didn't take long for us to reach the city gate. And just like any city gate, it was guarded by a few sentries, each occupied with the checking and verification of those who wished to enter. And that would include us.
Unlike Tanshiro's group, who was the son of the known filmmaker in the world and was granted swift entry without the hassle of the said protocol, we three had to wait for our turn in the line. And by the looks of it, I would say it would take us a few hours before we could finally get inside. Unfortunately, the king's letter did not include this predicament.
We were about to join the queue when Tanshiro's voice suddenly roared over the already noisy place, catching our attention.
"I know you're still upset about me, and I understand, but please, at least let me do one thing to repay you: let me help you," he began. "I have already vouched for you three so that you can enter without having to wait in line. Just present the guard with your identification, and they'll grant you entry. I know this is not much to match the favor you did for us. But worry not, I'll be more than willing to help you in the future if you allow me to."
The three of us shared a look with each other, asking one another whether we should accept his offer or not. But practically speaking, we were indeed in need of this privilege, and just like the saying goes, opportunity only presents itself once.
I looked back at Tanshiro, who looked worried that we might reject his offer, but the moment he saw my head bob up and down as affirmation, a hint of happiness shone within his eyes.
Tanshiro left quickly upon receiving my response, while the three of us, following his suggestion, cut through the line and went straight to one of the sentries.
And just like what Tanshiro told us, the sentry granted us entry upon verifying our identity. And the thought of waiting in line for hours turned into seconds.
"I hate to admit it, but he was helpful earlier," said Shino, which I agreed with internally.
"So, what's our next move?" Kana asked as she watched the bustling and hustling city before her.
"It's dusk already, so looking for a place to spend the night should be our first priority. We can start our mission first thing in the morning tomorrow."
"Alright then. Where should we go? Among us three, only you have the idea about this place," Shino pointed out, but as much as I didn't want to disappoint her, I didn't have a single idea where we should g—
Wait. Or maybe I did.
"If my memory serves me right, I think we should go this way," I instructed as I led the two down the path that only I could recognize.
While I focused myself on navigating through this busy street, Shino and Kana were getting too excited about the things they saw along the way.
"Look at those necklaces! You can't find those in Thorn!" Shino screamed from behind. "And those keychains! Cute!"
"This city sure is fun," Kana praised.
"I totally agree! Promise me, Kana, once all of this is over, let's go back here!" proposed Shino, which for me, I think was a good idea.
"And let's bring Mister Daku! He's gonna enjoy this place as well!"
"I take that as a yes! Ack! Can't wait for that time to come!"
Speaking of come, we had finally reached the said place. It was a hotel, and based on its look from the outside, I could tell that this structure defied the changes brought by time.
"Woah~ Is this the place, Kenshi?" Shino asked.
"Yes," I replied and started walking to approach the entrance.
"Welcome to Avidius Hotel, esteemed guest!" greeted the hotel guard. "If you have yet to check in, you may proceed to the reception."
I thought I wouldn't be able to recognize this place once I entered it, but I was mistaken. Because just as how unchanged the exterior was, so was the interior. The arrangement of the furniture, the color motif, the vibe — it was the same as before. This feeling stirred a bitter taste inside me as it reminded me of the time when I went to this place for the first time with my father.
"Welcome to Avidius Hotel, dear guest. In what way could I be of service?" the lady at the reception greeted along with a friendly smile. If there was one thing that changed here, it was the employees.
"Is there any available room that could fit the three of us? It would be better if there would be separate rooms."
"Yes, sir, there are available rooms with three separate bedrooms. How long will you stay, sir?"
"Three nights, please."
"Just to enlighten you, sir, our hotel includes a free breakfast. How would you like it to be served?"
"Deliver it to our rooms."
The receptionist nodded. "As for the food preference?"
"Nothing in particular. A usual breakfast meal would suffice."
"Alright. We can now proceed with the payment—"
"About that, I'd like you to give this." I motioned my right hand to grab the letter the King wrote himself and handed it to the woman.
The woman opened the letter and read its content. When finished, she excused herself to fetch her employer. While the woman was talking to her boss, I couldn't help but feel nervous. Not because I was afraid to meet the owner of this place, but because I had no idea how the owner would react once he saw me.
"If it isn't my best boy, Kenshi!" a voice roared through the lobby, getting the attention of everyone present. "It's been a while, kid."
The man in his forties walked toward me and stretched both of his hands as an invitation for a hug. Although it was embarrassing to do the gesture in such a place, it had indeed been a while since the two of us saw each other, and it would be rude of me not to accept the gesture.
So I intercepted him for a hug, and for a moment, my heart ached for no reason. Probably because it was the same gesture that I didn't get to do while Father was still alive.
"It's nice to see you again, Uncle Avidius," I said as we patted each other's back. Time had made sure to make itself known in Uncle Avidius' appearance.
Lines were more visible on his forehead, and strands of white hair were starting to invade his scalp. He gained quite a bit of weight, but he still had that muscular stature that he was once proud of during his youth.
"You've grown into such a fine man. You are becoming like your father." Hearing the last word from his mouth sent a phantom pain in my heart. "Tell me, Kenshi. Do you hate your father because of what he did?"
I didn't expect Uncle Avidius to ask that particular question. Now that he asked it, I also inquired the same question of myself.
Do I hate my father?