Laura's Journey

Chapter 7: Master and student

Walking with the woman named Koyuki. We arrived at a house at the top of the hill. Hearing our footsteps two little girls came to greet us.

"Welcome home."

"Welcome home Mama."

The girls who seemed to be 6 years old welcomed it with cheerful smiles on their faces. The two girls look identical to each other. The only difference between them is their hair color. The other one has peach hair and the other has white-silver hair.

Mama? Koyuki-san looks so young I didn't know that she already has a child.

"I'm home Nonon, Yaya."

Greeted Koyuki back and enter the house.

The two girls then got curious and stare at me with puzzled eyes. The girl with pinkish hair walked toward me and said:

"Mama, who is this girl?"

"Yeah, I'm also curious."

Of course, they will be curious. I'm a starter after all. But their stare makes me feel embarrassed for a moment.

I'm quite nervous and stayed silent but I guess it's rude if I didn't introduce myself.

"Sorry for the late introduction. M-my name is Koyuki Crownbell, I'm from Rum town. Nice to meet you."

I said and bow down.

"Crowell... Sounds like it rings the bell..."

Is that a pun?

Koyuki seemed to be troubled and put her finger to her forehead. She may be recollecting some memories that she can't remember. But even how hard she thinks she still can't remember that moment.

"I feel like I heard the name Crownbell before but I can't just remember, I'll remember it later... Well, since Laura-san already introduces herself, maybe it's your turn girls."

The two girls nodded and introduce themselves.

"My name is Nonon and I'm 6 years old."

"M-my name is Ya-yayaya and I'm 6 years old."

She said with a blushing face.

"Sorry, Yaya is a bit shy when it came to meeting other people. Then I have to go and make dinner."

The little girl with pinkish hair is Nonon and the other one with silver hair is Yaya. That's pretty easy to remember.

Then Koyuki started to cook the dinner and after few minutes the dinner is done.

The girls and I go to the living room and eat together like a family. I'm a bit nervous because this the first time I eat with other people's families.

After the tragedy, I'm always eating alone by myself. I started to forget how it feels to eat with someone else. My mother always eats together with me and I love those times. I'm still missing her and those peaceful days.

Seeing The two girls eating together with Koyuki-san made me remember my past life. If so nice and gentle lie a warm sun. I started to have envy these two girls, but not in a negative way. I'm happy that they are in peaceful poison different from mine.

"Mama, I want more rice."

Said Yaya as she presents her empty bowl toward Koyuki. Her mother gets the bowl and fills it with a mother serving of rice.

"Yeah yeah, even with a  visitor you can't really control yourself."

"We can't control ourselves because Mama's coking is the best."

Said Nonon.

"Nonon's right, Mama's homemade food is better than food in a restaurant."

"Stop that you're flattering me Yaya, Hey there is a gravy in your mouth."

Seeing Koyuki whip the mouth of Yaya, remind me of my mother. She used to do those kinds of this to me after all.

It's sad, but I need to accept the truth. My mother is not going back not even a single bit of that sweet past will come back. I want to continue living and do my best to achieve my dream.

Koyuki turns her glance toward me and asked:

"Is there something wrong Laura?"

"No it's nothing, I just remember my mother."

"You're mother huh? I guess you really are worried. I guess I should just escort you home. Your mother might be worried sick at home."

"Well, if she's still alive that may be the case."

I said and started to have a sad-looking expression on my face.

Koyuki seemed to understand the case and said:

"I'm sorry I think I cross a line."

"Don't worry, I don't mind after all."

"Well, earlier you said you're from Rum town right? In that town, I got a friend or rather a rival before. She was a respectable state knight and very kind.  Her last name is Crownbell like you. Hmmm... What is it again? I know... Her name is Luna Crownbell. It's been a long time, maybe I will visit her tomorrow when I escort you home."

Said Koyuki and started munching her food.

Koyuki-san is a friend of my Mama? And not just a friend but a rival?

It seemed like she didn't know what happen to Rum town yet and looking forward to visiting my mother. I don't know if a have to tell him the truth or not.

I put my empty plate to the table and said:

"Koyuki-san I want to talk with you."

My serious tone reached Koyuki and said.

"Yeah, after the meal let's talked outside."

The dinner continued.

...

After that, as promised Koyuki go out with me and have a serious talked.

I felt uneasy saying this to my mother's rival but I need to do this.

"Ummm... Koyuki-san you need to know something very important."

She nodded and said.

"I'm ready to listen."

"Y-you see my mother Luna Crownbell is... My mother is dead."

I said it loud and clear.

Koyuki on the other hand seemed to have a sad expression.

"I see, Luna is dead. It's a disappointment that I never settled our score before she died, can you tell me the details of what happened to Rum town."

Koyuki and I sit down on the ground and look up at the stars. I tell her everything happened to the Rum town.

"Hundreds of dark beings and a demon who can talk. Luna is amazing. I can't defeat hundreds of dark beings by myself, before I defeated 20 of them I might already lose my stamina and magic."

Koyuki said.

"... But Laura there is nothing to regret about it. Your mother just shows how much she loves you, she even ready to use her own life to protect you. She's really a wonderful mother."

"Yeah, My mother is really wonderful."

I feel like some thorn disappeared in my chest after telling Koyuki the truth. I felt relief.

Koyuki stand up and asked:

"Your traveling alone, what's you're planning?"

My plan?

"Well, I wanted to go to State Central."

"You want to be a State Knight?"

Being State Knight? I never think about it till now.

"Well, I wanted to travel the world."

"Travel around the world, then you should have become a state knight. State knight is a proper job with lots of job opportunities. I know you know this but I will tell you this. To survive in this world, you need to be strong. In other words, you need to gain power."

"That's right, The world is pretty harsh and I need the power to survive. I already decided my fate. Koyuki-san can you teach me proper swordsman skills. No no no can you become my master?"

I said and knee, begging her mercy to teach me to become powerful. To achieve my goals.

Koyuki grinned and said:

"I can feel the intense feeling of someone desperately chasing her dream. I have my liking for you. I agree I will become your master from now on."

Hearing her words gives me hope. Making me jump over her and said:

"Thank you thank you thank you thank you so much Koyuki-san."

"Being a master of my rival’s child is not a bad idea. Fate is really unpredictable."

Then my fate has been decided.