In the morning, Akito felt refreshed. The tavern was almost empty today, so he and Atticus had a day off until evening. Atticus, as usual, was gloomy, his hair neatly restrained and tied back.
"Alright, I'll come in the evening and clean everything as usual."
With those words, Atticus went somewhere. Akito didn't pay attention; he thought he was some distant relative of Shollar's. Akito turned around, his eyes meeting Marcus's gaze.
"Go on, Yakito, and have some fun."
"I'll do just that then."
Leaving the tavern, he started wandering around the city and ended up in the market. There were various goods, from sweets to clothes and tools, but Akito's gaze was caught by only one thing: a dark blue cloak-coat. He liked it, and it reminded him of the cloak he used to wear. He spent almost all his money on it but didn't regret it. Suddenly, Akito remembered that he was supposed to meet Viator today.
He started walking towards the gates and suddenly met Sophia, who was buying groceries.
"Akito? How are you? I'm just buying groceries here."
"I see."
Akito's face became displeased when he saw how the seller was looking at Sophia. Of course, she was beautiful and had certain curves, but for some reason, Akito didn't like it.
He stood near Sophia for a while, and then they walked on. Akito looked at Sophia, then at the city, and inadvertently asked,
"How old are you?"
The smile on the girl's face faded. She stopped and started pouting; it was evident.
"It's impolite to ask a girl that. But I'm nineteen."
"I didn't mean to! Anyway, I have to run, bye!"
Akito quickly turned around and ran off. Sophia sighed heavily and walked on. Akito eventually left the capital gates and headed towards the forest. He was about to put on his mask but remembered he'd left it in a chest.
So he began searching for Viator.
The forest was quiet, smelled fresh, and was cool. Akito wandered through the forest, and finally, Viator jumped out at him, almost hitting Akito in the face, but stopped short.
"Akito?"
"It's me! Me! Get off me."
"How's our plan going?"
"Well, I found a job and made friends with some people, so everything's good."
"Then when shall we meet?"
"Let's say in three days; maybe I'll learn something interesting by then."
Viator got off Akito and stood up.
"Three days from now, at this spot."
Akito nodded and left, waving his hand. Now he had to figure out what to do. He decided to explore everything around the capital walls. Everywhere smelled of fruit, and it was warm; it was spring, after all. Akito remembered the words of the academy director – "Spring is a beautiful time of year when classes begin, the world is reborn after winter, and harmony sets in." And indeed, the sun shone, and the world around was alive; birds sang, and some trees were already bearing fruit.
And on one of the trees, Akito saw Atticus, seemingly lying on the branch of an apple tree covered in blossoms. The snow-white petals contrasted with the boy's dark hair. His eyes were closed, but Akito interrupted this harmony.
"Atticus! How are you?"
Akito shouted as he approached him.
Atticus, startled, almost fell from the tree. His eyes widened, and he began to search for the voice of the one who disturbed his peace.
"You shouldn't scare people like that; have some conscience."
"I won't do it again! I just saw you and..."
"Please, be quiet. I'm trying to rest, and you're disturbing me. We can talk at work or sometime else; my head already hurts from you. Go talk to someone else."
Akito was saddened and simply nodded, understanding how unpleasant it can sometimes be when someone talks to you, and you're not in the mood. He went to the tavern and took his mask with him. After that, he went to the market and bought a piece of rope, thin and short. Threading it through the eyeholes of the mask, he attached it to his trousers and continued exploring the city.
It was only midday now; the sun was high in the zenith, and there were a few white clouds in the sky. Children were playing everywhere, and flowers grew in the gardens. Realizing he wouldn't see anything special in the square right now, Akito decided to leave the city again. He circled around the huge capital walls, and suddenly, somewhere in a valley on a mountain, Akito noticed a strange temple. It had gates. Akito quickly put on his mask and ran towards it. Very soon, he was standing before the stone gates. Opening them, a spacious corridor opened before Akito's eyes. It was lit by blue torches. Akito hesitated but eventually went inside. The inside of the temple looked like a lost city, and near the entrance to one of the rooms, he saw figures with weapons and strange masks, more for face protection. Voices were heard in the room; they were discussing something, something strange, but definitely not good, or so it seemed to him.
Feeling uneasy, Akito ran towards the exit. Two masked figures turned their heads, but there was no one there; they thought they had imagined it. Running outside, Akito saw a green forest. He decided to go there and find Viator. It seemed he could faintly feel him through the mask. Pushing through the thickets, Akito finally found Viator.
"Viator!"
He turned at the sound, and the next moment Akito pushed him to the ground.
"I didn't think you'd find me."
"Tell me about those stone walls and the people in there!"
"What are you mean?"
"Then come with me!"
Akito grabbed Viator's hand and ran. When they left the forest area, Akito pointed his finger at the stone gates.
"This!"
"Ah... Those are the ruins of a kingdom, not the current one. According to history, that white-haired bastard with the mysterious power, 'god's blessing,' defeated their tyrant king, and now, those people there are probably descendants of those who survived, and they want to regain power. You could say they are not our enemies."
"Got it."
"Is that all you wanted to know?"
"Yeah."
"Then I'm off. We'll meet in three days."
And Viator went back into the forest, while Akito decided to go to work. He didn't care what to do now, just to clear his mind.
Taking off his mask and tying it. He headed into the city, and on the way, he met Atticus.
"Nothing to do either?"
Atticus nodded.
"What do you think, shall we go to the tavern?"
"Alright."
On the way, they talked a little, and it turned out that Atticus likes cleanliness, which is why he volunteered to be the cleaner at the tavern. Marcus was happy to see them.
"Good that you're here! We have more customers now; come on, deliver the orders, quickly!"
Marcus encouraged them while preparing another portion of food. Sophia was somewhere nearby, also cooking.
Atticus sighed, and Akito's eyes lit up. Today, they worked very hard and efficiently. After the workday, Akito decided to help Atticus clean up. The corners of his lips twisted into a barely noticeable smile.
"Akito, I apologize if I acted incorrectly today."
Akito turned to Atticus.
"I understand; that can happen. It's happened to me sometimes too."
Atticus closed his eyes and smiled, sighing.
"Understood. It seems you're a good guy."
"Thank you, it's pleasant talking to you too."
They both started to laugh quietly while cleaning, and suddenly Marcus approached them.
"Enough of you two, go get your pay."
Akito nodded.
"Of course... But can you prepare something for me? I'll pay for that."
Atticus's gaze shifted from Marcus to Akito.
"Prepare something for me too; I'll pay for both of us."
Marcus sighed heavily but still went to the kitchen to cook, he can't hide his smile.
"These two really became friends."
Akito and Atticus sat at a table and began to wait. Eventually, Marcus brought them two of his signature marinated steaks with baked potatoes and other vegetables, all drizzled with sauce. And Marcus also offered two mugs of beer.
"Beer is on the house."
Akito was already drooling just from the sight of the food, and the smell was divine.
"Well, let's try it."
He said with a smile, cutting a piece of meat and dipping it in the sauce. He also speared a piece of potato. Putting it in his mouth, his taste buds exploded and eyes shined.
"This is so delicious!"