Gift & Friendship
2111 Words
Luna’s PoV
When we arrived at the village, I followed Gaia to her house and apologized to her parents for what had happened to Gaia. Cyrus forgave me, but I don’t think it’s enough. Even though Gaia constantly tells me everything is alright, I know it’s not.
“Luna, stop blaming yourself for what happened. Daddy, it was my fault for wandering without the group leader, and somehow I got into trouble. It’s never Luna’s fault. Besides, Luna healed me immediately. Look, there’s not even a single scar on my body.” Gaia tried to reason with her father and me.
“Gaia’s right. As long as my daughter is safe and sound, I will overlook this. I know you did your best to find her after. The headmaster told me everything that happened. I think you need to meet your parents since they’re worried about you after knowing you got hurt internally after using an immense amount of mana.” Cyrus is right. Juliet and Gunther are probably waiting for me.
“Again, I’m sorry for what happened.” I excuse myself after exchanging goodbyes with Gaia before walking home. My mind keeps wondering about the moment when I almost kill someone in front of everyone I know. I know I’ve made quite an impression, and I’m sure Mariana is having difficulty explaining things to the royal family.
But-
“Luna!” Juliet, we’re waiting for me in front of the front door together with Gunther.
“Hey, mom.” I think I’m ready to head the never-ending lectures from Juliet and Gunther.
“Oh, Luna!” I didn’t get to defend myself when Juliet hugged me before I could even walk up to the front door.
“We heard what happened. You hurt yourself, right? But you told the headmaster that you managed to heal yourself. Are you okay, dear?” I nodded. My body froze. Somehow I feel like Juliet is really worried about me. Maybe because they’re the first people that show me what love is.
In my previous life, Ophelia showed me that love could make you do crazy things like protecting your loved one. This time, Juliet and Gunther are trying to show me I am loved.
“I’m sorry for making you two worried about me. I should have never been too selfish with myself and endangered my only friend like that. Again, I’m sorry.” I felt Juliet’s hand on my back.
“I’m glad you’re alright, Luna. Are you hungry?” I nodded. I haven’t been able to eat decently after what happened.
“Knowing that you’ll be back, I made your favorite.” I felt quite happy to see the spread Juliet and Gunther had prepared for me.
“Thank you, mom, dad. I promise I’ll do better and make you two proud of me.” Juliet smiled.
“Oh, Luna. If only words could describe how proud we are of you and your achievement so far. Now, we should get inside. You’re probably tired from the journey back.” I was, but when I saw Juliet and Gunther’s faces, it seemed my energy was back.
I watched as Juliet and Gunther continued to talk about my achievement, and I couldn’t help but blush in a deep shade of red, hearing how they wished they could see me in action. I swear they are the most doting parents ever. Oh, before I forget-
“Mom- I went to visit the museum just like you suggested, and I was utterly surprised to see your picture hanging on the walls. When I asked the worker, they said you were one of the witches who drove away from an invasion a couple of years ago. Is that true?” Juliet chuckled.
“Honey, I don’t think we can hide that you were once a witch that works for the ministry anymore. Our daughter is curious, and we should tell her the truth.” Huh? The truth? Does that mean Gunther is not a farmer?
“Dad? You have a secret too?” Gunther nodded. Well, now that I think about it, this man’s prowess seems a little over the top to be a farmer.
“My name is Juliet Avon. I am the youngest daughter of duke Avon. My father is related to the current king of the empire.” Huh? Wait, for- Avon?! Isn’t that the empress’s birth mother's maiden name. It’s no wonder that I could keep my original feature. It’s because Juliet is related to the ancient empress.
“My name is Gunther Talan. I am the youngest son of a fallen knight family, Marquee Talan. I’m sorry for keeping our birth a secret, Luna. I know we should be proud of our noble birth, but in our situation after the invasion, it’s hard for us to keep face as a nobility.” Huh?
What happened after the invasion? What’s the reason for Juliet and Gunther keeping their noble birth a secret from everyone? If Juliet was once a witch working for the ministry, why didn’t the duke family ever come and help them whenever they were in a bind? I watched as these two worked hard in the field to feed me while they starved themselves! Isn’t that a little unfair?
Is it because Gunther is from a fallen noble family? Is that why the duke family decided to keep the estranged relationship with their daughter?
“After the invasion, the Talan family suffered a great loss when my father and older brothers died amid a battle against the unknown. As the youngest son, I have no choice but to flee and reside here in this small village with my mother. That is how we manage to have a farm and land. We used the only amount of money we have to survive.” Gunther explained. I see- that’s how he became a farmer.
“In my case, my family was unhappy knowing I decided to have a relationship with a farmer. After they knew that your father was the remaining son of the Talan family, the duke threw me away and erased my name from the family registry. Your father took me in and gave me a lovely home and a lovely child. You’re the best thing that happened in our life, Luna. I never stop praying and thank God for allowing me to be a mother.” I‘ll be damn.
To think that I have the blood of Avon and Talan in my veins. I may be reincarnated but to have two of the noble bloodline in me is something else.
“Luna, since we agreed to reveal the truth, you must know what happened when the unknown invaded the empire. My father and my older brothers are the main reason why the invasion happened in the first place. They betrayed the empire.” Wait, hold on.
I was happy to know that I am a noble, but now I have to face the truth that I have the blood of a traitor? Isn’t that too early for me to know? I was getting the hang of it too.
“Are you a traitor, dad?” Gunther shakes his head no.
“Then it’s settled. But, since I used my power, do you think your family will try to find us, mom?” Juliet nodded.
“The duke family probably knows you possessed the ancient empress talent, Luna. Even though I try to look the other way, I can’t say you’re not part of me.” Juliet and Gunther smiled at each other.
“The duke family will never get to you, Luna. We promise that. Even if they threatened us, we would never yield.” I admire how doting they are, but even if the duke family tried to take me away, they would have to fight a whole army of me.
And if they try to hurt my family or friends, I will make them pay with my own hands.
THE NEXT DAY,
This morning, Gaia went to my home and asked if I wanted to spend some time at the lake while enjoying some food she made with her mother. I agreed and went out with a friend to the lake. But before that, we decided to stop by a bake shop.
“Oh, good morning, ladies. I heard what happened. I’m so glad you two are okay.” Gaia smiled.
“Thank you. I will never have to worry about anything if Luna is around.” I smiled back while Gaia bought some baked goods for our trip. After paying the baker, we embark on our journey to the lake. Our walk was filled with Gaia’s story of when she went to the lake with her parents when she was little before we met each other.
“Luna, are you okay?” Gaia asked.
“I’m alright. Why?” I smiled at Gaia, who looked at me suspiciously.
“You didn’t respond to any of my questions. That is so unlike you. Normally you would be telling me how pathetic and childish I am. Is it because of what happened at the capital?” I shake my head no.
“My parents told me the truth. My mom and dad were born nobles. I don’t know if I should be happy or sad at this point.” Gaia hummed.
“Really? Wow. You’re a noble?” I nodded.
“I am related to Duke Avon.” Gaia gasped.
“That explains why you look so much like the empress! I mean, I’m not the only one who thought that way when we first saw the statue of the empress. You’re related to the ancient empress, Luna!” Well, I was the ancient empress, though.
I wonder who my brother married. There wasn’t any information about my brother or his wife. I did ask Juliet, but even the forest descendent of the Avon family didn’t know about their origin. Isn’t that weird?
“We’re here. Since it’s the weekend, many people are coming to the lake to enjoy their time with their families. We should find the best spot.” Somehow we manage to find a spot.
As I spread the blanket Gaia had provided, I noticed a foul smell not far from where we were. I looked around and noticed how polluted the area was.
“Disgusting.” I took out my wand and disposed of the rubbish that was scattered along the grass and smiled at Gaia. Someone needs to make sure that the lake is well-taken care of. The chief should hire someone to take care of the lake instead of spending it on his concubines.
“Luna, you look like you’re ready to kill someone.” That reminds me.
“Did the village chief son come to see you again?” Gaia nodded.
“My father told me the chief’s son wants to have lunch with me. But I decided to go to the lake with you today.” I see. There’s a possibility that that bastard will come here and disturb our peace.
“Oh- Luna. I’ve been meaning to give you a present since your birthday. I was planning to give you when we went to the capital, but you know, things happened.” I see.
“But you don’t have to, Gaia.” Gaia shakes her head no.
“I want to give you something for being such a caring friend.” I watched as Gaia reached for her wand, and in a matter of seconds, a long object caught my eyes.
“I saw how you been looking at this particular sword whenever we walk passed the shop.” No way- this is such an expensive sword!
“I can’t accept this. It was expensive! Gaia, you shouldn’t have.” Gaia shakes her head.
“I want to, Luna. Please, accept it, and happy birthday.” Gaia smiled as she placed the sword in my hands. I- I don’t know what to say. I should say thank you, but I’m afraid I would choke on my own words. I smiled at Gaia before hugging her.
“Oh, Luna- it’s just a sword.” It’s not just a sword. It’s more than that.
“I know you’ve been training with a wooden stick all this time, Luna. You’ve been working and saving up to buy a sword. So I thought it would be a perfect gift if I bought the sword and gift it to you.” I pulled away from the hug and smiled.
“Thank you.” Gaia smiled.
“Your welcome, Luna.”
- Writer
