513 Parting
"Ah, speaking of, which direction is the federation?"
I threw that question out of nowhere. Chief looked confused yet answered me nonetheless.
"Over there. So, what are you planning to do now? Why do you ask. Also, did I hear that right... you want to ride the griffon? Are you serious? It's dangerous you know? I've heard a story about a tamer who tried to pull that stunt only to narrowly skirt death. He was under the belief he had tamed the griffon and got thrown off mid air. That accident became proof of griffons' intelligence and the reason why nobody tried to tame them anymore."
I guess being smart also means being able to deceive. Also proof that they have wisdom and emotions.
The emotion to hurt people who bother them.
"Eh, think I'll do just fine? I have experience riding Chimera already. It's just a bit chilly up there. I mean this griffon's gotten pretty attached to me... Ah, hey, don't rub on me, you're too big."
Griffon kept trying to rub its body on me. Like urging me to ride quickly.
"Do you have a plan at the federation?"
Chief gave up trying to convince me. Must be my carefree reaction to her warning.
"Hmm, I don't want to stay in this kingdom, or rather I can't? I'm thinking of traveling around. I just want to get away from here. Well, don't worry about it."
This has to do with the watchdog thing of course. No need to tell her.
"Are you coming back? I don't mind if you want to work here, you know? Right, as a bodyguard and an employee. How about it?"
I really appreciate her offer. A place to settle down, get paid and lead a stable life. I could get all that if I said OK here.
But no, I don't think so. I'm honestly grateful but me staying here would only draw more trouble to this site.
Therefore, refusing is the only choice I have. Painful it may be.
"Aah yeah, if only. But it's just not possible for me to settle here, shame. I probably won't ever come back. Ah, I might drop by for a bit whenever I'm nearby at least."
All this talk apparently prompted Griffon to lower its beak and urged me to ride it.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
"Yes, that's quite a shame. Then let me reaffirm one thing. Can I truly believe what you said about Bandoro?"
"Yes, the kingdom should have him arrested by tomorrow. It should be fine now. Gora Family has been taken care of as well."
Well, I know she likely won't believe me regardless.
"I have no idea how you come across all that information. But you're probably telling the truth considering what you did back then. See you again. I've given it my all to stabilize Waking Grass, and will always be from now on. Take care."
She must be recalling the time I took care of Gora Family and Old Wolf members. Chief's eyes looked distant.
She also recalled about my fixation on Waking Grass along the way. That signaled our parting.
"Keep at it. I'm off now. Ah, Griffon can you head there, and fly slowly about as high as these trees?"
Griffon is ready to take me on its back. It lowered its body for an easy climb while we were saying farewell.
I could only smile wryly as I climbed it up.
"Alright! Time to take off! Man, there's no way I can stay calm! My life is on a straight path with no recourse!"
The matter this time has thrown a wrench on my life plan. It's good that I found something I like, the Waking Grass.
But thanks to that, I can no longer hold back to do what I please in this world.
(Guess it's far too late? I'm sure I'll no longer hesitate to plunge straight into trouble from here on.)
Griffon spread and flapped its wings, then we started floating up.
The ground got farther and farther away every time the wings flapped. Once we got about as high as the top of the trees here, Griffon powerfully kicked its hind legs.
That propelled us forward. Slowly at first before gradually gaining speed.
And thus began my second air trip in this world, leaving the site behind.
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