"W…what! You're leaving?" Luna's voice cracked slightly.
Souta turned around, adjusting the straps on his bag. Yeah. Why?
"Why so soon… without me?"
He raised an eyebrow. "You want to come along?"
Luna blinked, crossed her arms, and tried to act casual. No no that's not what I mean
Isn't it a bit too soon? I mean the capital is dangerous, Will you even be able to keep up?
Dangerous? Now you've made me curious souta said, don't worry honey I will be able to handle myself
From behind them, a voice chimed in with a teasing grin, Guys… can you see this? The ever aggressive Luna is into that guy!
The entire guild hall went quiet for a beat, then laughter erupted.
Souta smirked, turning to her with a shrug. Into me, huh? So that's what this is about. No wonder your cheeks are glowing red."
"W-What!?" Luna's face turned bright red.
Hey! Luna I just wanted let you know if you are into me, it's not gonna work out! You're not my type!
Souta chuckled, Heh, just kidding.
Who said am into you? Though… you are handsome.
"No, no, no! What's wrong with me!?" she covered her face, then BONK! smacked Souta's head with a heavy stick that came from who knows where.
Ow—! What the hell was that for? Souta rubbed the fresh bump forming on his head.
The other hunters in the guild burst into even louder laughter, a few even applauded.
Luna turned away, still red faced. "Idiot…"
Souta grinned. I'll take that as a goodbye.
Later that day, Souta stood by the city gates, with his little bag hanging loosely on his shoulder a steel armored horses waited on the cobbled road.
The coachman, an older man with a tired look, glanced at him. You headed for the capital?
Souta nodded, yes.
He climbed in and took a seat by the window.
As the wheels began to turn, the city slowly faded behind him stone streets, wooden stalls, familiar faces, he passed the market district, then through the outer walls, and finally out into the open road.
The carriage rocked gently as they moved through grassy plains and forest paths, he passed small towns, hunter camps, and a few Gate watching outposts. Children waved from the roadside, merchants bargained loudly in makeshift towns.
The wind was cool, birds soared overhead Somewhere in the distance, a river glimmered under the afternoon sun.
The capital was far, and the road ahead wasn't that safe.
A new journey began.