Riley and Nainiae returned to the Reitri Merchant Group’s carriage. They decided to have a funeral for Isen, the mercenary who had lost his life in the battle against Kabal.
“To think Mr. Isen would end up like this.”
“At least we have the Priestess with us to perform the funeral.”
“It’s so sad.”
The merchants also joined the funeral. They maintained a solemn atmosphere and were not able to suppress the sad looks on their faces, saying that it was a shame that Isen died.
“I know. Now, the desert cleansing work has been postponed too.”
“Damn it all. If those bastards from the Kabal Mercenaries didn’t show up…”
“Quiet everyone.”
They noticed that Priesia was in the prayer position. The merchants firmly closed their mouths and lowered their heads to pay respect.
“…”
Priesia, the Priestess, closed her eyes gently and began to use her holy power.
With her hands gathered together, her holy prayer to send off the dead could be heard. Nara and Rorona, who were standing by Isen, bit their lips and lowered their heads.
“Will Nara… be all right?”
The prayer was over. Nainiae was watching the funeral from quite a distance. She carefully asked Riley who was sitting next to her.
“I am not sure?”
Riley was holding his head by the palm and thought about countless funerals he had attended in his past life.
“Anyway, since the Priestess personally performed the funeral ceremony… He won’t be going to Hell or something.”
Nara and Rorona lifted the torches. Their faces were stricken with grief. However, they didn’t cry and no tears were visible.
It seemed Nara and Rorona had hardened their hearts from living the life of a mercenary. They were enduring the death of their dear comrade. Riley was watching them with his head held by the palm.
“He is probably not all right, but he seems all right.”
Having heard what he said, Nainiae looked at Nara and Rorona. Nainiae felt like he could understand them somehow. She nodded with bitter look on her face.
“I guess so.”
To the logs that Isen was lying on top of, Nara and Rorona brought their torches and set the logs on fire. Rorona, who had been holding it in well until now, could not endure it anymore. She broke into tears.
“Huhuk… Isen…”
“Don’t cry, Rorona.”
“Because of me…. Because of me…”
Nara watched Isen’s body being engulfed in the flame. Nara tossed the bandages into the fire that he had wrapped on his body earlier and said,
“Don’t blame yourself. Isen would not want that.”
“I know… I know…”
Rorona was holding the torch with both of her hands. She bit her lips and nodded over and over.
* * *
Under Priesia’s guidance, they held a brief funeral for Isen. When the funeral ended, Nara and Rorona walked to where Riley was and joined him.
“Are you all right?”
“Yes.”
Because she cried, Rorona’s eyes were all swollen up. Nainiae consoled her and pointed at a seat to invite Rorona to sit down. Rorona sat down and smiled awkwardly.
“Haha…”
“Young Master, you came.”
Nara sat down as well after Rorona. Looking at Riley, Nara finally got to greet him.
“I didn’t get to greet you sooner. My apologies.”
“Your body was crushed. Is it alright now?”
Given the situation, Riley acted like it was nothing. He looked over Nara’s wounds and asked.
“Yes, more or less… Thanks to the Priestess.”
Nara said he was able to recover quickly thanks to the Priestess although he was turned to pulp. The wounds still hurt and Nara cringed lightly in response.
“The Priestess and I opened our eyes in Mr. Reitri’s carriage. It is… thanks to you I presume, Young Master?”
While Priesia was in middle of the prayer, Nara lost her because of Kabal making the entrance to the scene. He looked ashamed. Riley said he is not the one who should be thanked in particular. He turned his head to the side instead.
“No.”
“…?”
“She did.”
Riley pointed at the maid with his eyes. Nara had his eyes met with astonishingly beautiful woman who was making his eyes pop and twist. He blushed and lowered his head.
“Ah… Th… Thank you.”