The Rathian had finally been subjugated. Her partner, however, was still in the air and it was furious. Aria, who had successfully taken down the Rathian, had to face the wrath of the much more dangerous Rathalos, but she knew that trying to take it down was suicidal and opted to throw her last dung bomb towards it.
The bomb exploded on Rathalos head, causing an immediate severe irritation that spread rapidly around its head, neck and body. Despite its anger, Rathalos prioritised its safety and left the area in hopes to rid itself from the assaulting stench and irritation.
Aria fell on her knees and butt, exhausted from the prolonged battle and her many close encounters with death.
"Aria!" Catherine rushed down to aid her companion. She gave Aria the well-needed refreshing water and leaned her against a rocky formation that faced the prized carcass. While being wary, she also collected the dual blades that Aria used and returned them onto their rightful owner. "That was close. My heart almost jumped out of my chest when I saw you dropped your blade."
"Thank you for your help. I owe you another one."
"Hey, don't sweat it." Catherine made cheeky grin as she replied. "Anyways, about those 2..."
The 2 offspring of the dead Rathian was mourning as they let out high-pitched screech while leaning over their dead mother. Both Aria and Catherine watched in silence, also praying for the soul of their enemy to ascend to heaven. Aria stood up, albeit wobbly, and approached her prize while Catherine followed her with a worried face. The 2 offspring immediately bared their fangs onto Aria and Catherine; clearly furious, they shoot out several pulses of fireball that unfortunately dissipated before reaching their intended targets.
As Aria and Catherine continued their approach, 1 of the juvenile Rathian flapped its wings and began to generate enough uplift to fly and although it fell several times, it manage to slowly climbed the steep cliff back into the heart of the Cloudy Jungle. The other one stayed with its mother for a while, ignoring both Aria and Catherine after its failed assault and leaving on foot; it disappeared into the darkness of the jungle as the morning fog slowly swirled in to cover its track.
The nearby rangers, who had successfully quelled the forest fire, approached Aria and Catherine. "The 2 of you, care to explain?"
"Before that, how are those who were attacked by the red flying beast?" Catherine asked out of concern. "Unfortunately, I have ran out of antidote. It would be wise to carry them back to the checkpoint to get their needed treatment."
"Thank you for your concern, but we do carry with us a multitude of antidotes in case of emergency. The local wyrms can inflict poison after all. Anyway, may I now hear your story?"
Both Aria and Catherine explained as best as they could about the events leading up to the hunting of the Rathian. Just as they finished, a group of adventurers, rangers and knights arrived at the scene. They were astounded with the Rathian and their mind were blown when they learnt that the 2 young girls were the one who took it down. Both Aria and Catherine were bombarded with questions and enquires that troubled them, but were soon silenced by a ranger who seemed to be the most senior of the group. He informed everybody to let the 2 girls rest for they had just given their all to take down the Rathian, much to the dismay of the others while to the appreciation of the girls.
As the sun reached its zenith, several staff members of the adventurer's guild and veteran guides arrived with their equipment to dismantle and transport the fallen beast. Raymond was apparently the leader of the group and gave out clear instructions to everybody, speeding up the process while the sun is still strong enough to disperse the fog. Several members set up fire pits around the area to dissipate the fog in case they took longer than expected to dismantle. Aria and Catherine waited for the process to complete before following them back to the safety of the city.
"Miss Aria, I would like to first express my sincere congrats on taking down the Rathian. I am pleased to see that you and your companion are unharmed. The guild master too, is relieved when he heard the news and immediately prepares the paperwork needed to claim the bounty."
"Thank you. I appreciate the immediate action taken. I do hope that man did not do anything else to sabotage the contract."
"You need not worry for we have taken several precautions to ensure that the contract is to be adhered to faithfully without any interference. However, about your mot- I mean stepmother, I am afraid that she had filled in a complain and demanded your arrest for entering the inner layer of the jungle. Of course, the guild master and several city official stated that it was too harsh of a punishment and a noble such as her should not be too concern about the live of a single adventurer."
"I expected that from my stepmother, but not from the city officials."
"Perhaps, your father's influence and action by gifting you those monster carcasses soften their stand. Your several accomplishments made them think that you will be an asset to the land in times of emergency."
"I see, they are a bunch of pragmatic individuals who think about future prospects more than clinging onto the influence of nobility."
"They are officials of the Sultier family. Your stepmother seems to have underestimated their loyalty to their homeland."
"I think that is something that makes this earldom one of the richest and influential in the nation despite being a borderland area."
***
"Aria, Catherine. I am so glad to see the 2 of you alive." Granzial walked out of his office and greeted the returning party. "The paperwork for the bounty has been completed and you will be receiving the money as soon as you signed the papers."
"Thank you for that, but I am still a few gold short."
"You need not worry about that. Before leaving for the examination quests, the Will of the Wind party members pitched in the remaining balance. They seemed confident that you will definitely take down the Rathian, believing that Lord Flare will undoubtedly bless you with strength to overcome your trial. They claimed that the money is akin to a donation."
"They are a bunch of good-hearted people." Aria thanked them in silence, hoping that they would succeed in their rank up quests.
"Anyways, I am aware of the scale and proportion of the creature described, but seeing it in-person does give off a different feel. It is dragon-like."
"Indeed, I was stunned when it flew over the cliff while crashing down with such force, but it could stand up as if it was nothing. You have no idea how much punishment this thing can withstand before it died."
"Like I said, this thing is famous for its vitality. Crafting an armour piece from it could grant you just that. That is also why I was worried when it was about to flew back to its den for it can easily recover a large amount of health with enough rest and food. We would have to chipped away at those health again."
"Ha! The Lord will be pleased when he hears that. Many nobles will definitely scramble for this material to increase their vitality. I will write a letter to the Lord residing in the royal capital and send it via fast horse. I think he would like to sell this carcass to the capital's central nobles or maybe to his majesty the emperor."
"I am sorry to interrupt, but why would the nobility want an increase in vitality?" Aria was confused. "Perhaps they want to increase their chance of survival in case they are poisoned, or something along that line?"
"Hmm, oh that is one of the reason, but mainly, for the purpose of creating more heirs."
"It is not that kind of vitality!" Aria retorted in a comedic fashion to Granzial's casual reply.
Their conversation was short-lived for when the evening sky set itself, a group of knights working directly to the Sultier noble house arrived in the building. They announced that Aria and her accomplices were to be banished from the earldom for at least 5 years or until this sentence was revoked by a higher power.
"Wait! Catherine have nothing to do with this, she just happened to be there when I was hunting down the beast!"
"I understand your complain, but this is the decision made by the government of this earldom. We are merely messengers and have no power to overturn this judgement."
"It is fine Aria." Catherine held Aria on her shoulder. "I have discussed it with mother and she had predicted this. Afterall, she used to work for the government officials and knew that this would happen."
"Then why do you-"
"Aria. Let us go on a journey." Catherine stared straight into Aria's eyes. "We have long decided to move to the royal capital where there are better opportunities for employment. I heard that after the war, the emperor is trying to expand the nation's economic prowess and is in need for educated people who can read, write and calculate. Perfect for my mother who can do all that."
"..."
"You are given 3 days to prepare and several escort knights will accompany you to the border." After a long silent ensued, the knight broke it before leaving.
***
"So, you are also banished."
"Indeed. However, I am already planning to expand my business to the royal capital. Besides, I believe that the emperor would like to have somebody who had experience in crafting equipment from these new monsters, and with me being in the capital, it will make things easier." The owner of the smithy Hearth of Forge, Lucio, was apparently listed as an accomplice as well. He was packing his things up while some of his workers were still smithing equipment. "That being said, I am having trouble finding those who would be willing to come with me to the capital. I guess, leaving the place that you grew up in is difficult for most. Nevertheless, I am grateful for the few who are willing to join me and since you are leaving as well, you can join me in my carriage."
"Thank you. I have been receiving a lot of help from you. My companion and her mother will be joining as well. Is that alright with you?"
"Anything for the miss."
"I will be writing out some kind of manuals for you in case any more of those new monsters appeared on your doorstep. I hope that is enough for the compensation."
"Hahaha! I guess we can call it even then! Now then, hurry and sharpened your equipment and go back to pack things. All of us have to leave by tomorrow."
***
The sun peeked over the horizon and Aria woke up with a hand pressed against her cheek. She nudged away the hand of one of the orphan girl who slept on the same large straw mattress as Aria. She slowly moved the girl so as not to wake her up and allowed herself to navigate out of the sea of sleeping children of various ages. As she exited the room, the owner of the orphanage spotted her and called for her.
"Good morning miss, may the blessing of our Lord shine upon your day." Theresa greeted with a warm yet sullen tone. "I am thankful for you in saving this orphanage, but I am afraid I have nothing to repay you with other than my sincere prayer."
"Do not trouble yourself over that matter. I am sadden from the fact that there is nothing more I can do for you and the children over the next few years. Anyway, I will be going away once the sun reaches its peak and so, I would like to check all of my belongings once again."
"Oh dear, your kindness knows no bound. I pray for your journey to be fruitful and safe."
Aria thanked for the prayer and proceeded to clean herself at a nearby stream before coming back to have breakfast with the now awaken children. The atmosphere was lively with the children, but as soon as the meal was done, the children began shedding tears for they knew that it was time to separate with Aria. Troubled, Aria tried to sneak away, but she was easily spotted. Theresa decided to bring some of the children out of the orphanage to accompany Aria to the eastern gate.
Aria was early, but Lucio and his companions were earlier and had their carriage, where Aria loaded her belongings that did not amount to much, secured onto several horses. The blacksmiths were having breakfast at the designated location. Several escort knights were also early and were waiting patiently within their own designated carriages; some were checking their equipment and feeding their horses. Soon, Catherine and her mother appeared from the corner, carrying several heavy loads that the strong blacksmiths immediately offered to help with.
The conversation was cheerful with the lively orphans resonating well with Catherine who told them the story of how both she and Aria took down Rathian. The narrative was exaggerated, much to the embarrassment of Aria.
The second bell was about to ring and the related parties were getting ready for their departure when another group of knights arrived with a splendid carriage, approaching the group. A beautiful lady exited the vehicle and walked towards the exiled group. Aria noticed the lady in the center of the formation and began to glare at her until Mona detached from the back of the formation and ran towards Aria, hugging her with tears.
"Miss! I am sorry that it has come to this! I am going to miss you!"
"There, there Mona. The banishment only lasted for 5 years and when that time is over, I will be visiting this city again." Aria hugged Mona back. "Besides, I have always wanted to explore the world and this is just pushing the schedule earlier."
"Uhh... miss..." Mona released her hug and wiped her tears. "You have grown a lot even though it has only been less than 2 months. Truly, your mother will be very proud."
"Hahaha you really sound like a doting parent." The cheerful demeanor that Aria displayed soon changed as a lady approached her.
"Are you done with your sentimental greeting?" A young lady similar in age to Aria spoke out with a strong yet elegant intonation. She was cladded in an elegant dress that was adorned with beautiful gold and silver embroideries that blended well against the light green base. She stood straight with a dignified expression that masked her true emotion. "I am here as the representative of House of Sultier to ensure the eviction of the involved parties is done flawlessly."
"You have no need for any worry. In fact, this task may be too unrefined for someone as grand as you." Aria released her embrace and walked towards the lady. "What do I owe this pleasure to meet someone as high and mighty as you are?"
"Enough with your blatant sarcasm." The lady similarly approached Aria and with every step, her beautiful blue hair swayed, captivating the surrounding audience. "We both know that we are not in the best of term, so drop your pleasantry."
"Tragic, is it not?" Aria and the lady stood facing each other with intense glare that emanated in equal proportion despite being different from each other. While Aria had a lean build similar to a warrior, the lady had a delicate build that exuded noble authority. "We cannot exchange a single compliment, even though we are sisters."
"Either you have become sentimental over the years we have not seen each other or you have inherited that brave defiant attitude from your late mother. Perhaps she should have become an adventurer instead of marrying a noble family."
"Is that the argument of the loser? Since father had eyes on my mother more than yours."
"Quite the cheap provocation you have. For all those years, you and your mother never paid even the slightest of attention to mine and my mother's feelings. Both of you are always so carefree and oblivious to the suffering that my mother had to endure over her unrequited attention. The world does not center around you Aria."
"Nor does it care about your self pity, Alfina. Your mother should have known that father does not really care about her and that the marriage was arranged between the families. Father loves my mother more than he does yours and had his world destroyed when my mother died. Instead of going against the inevitable, you should have embraced it and find your own position within the house. Acting out due to your feelings of inadequacy is irrational and will only do disservice to everybody."
"And that is why I hate you!" Alfina let out an emotional burst uncharacteristic of her dignified stance. "You refused to accept the fragility of a human mind and how emotion can cause people to act maliciously or illogically. Just like how you blamed father for acting the way he does after your mother's death. You are not the tragic hero in this story."
A long silent lingered around the confrontation between the 2 ladies.
"It does not matter anymore." Alfina broke the tension as she turned away from Aria. "By the time you returned, I will already be named as the successor of this territory. However, I do admit that you are better suited for that position instead of me since you are more adept at rational thinking despite your arrogance. You should head north once you are out of the territory."
"The north? The snow covered mountainous region of Ponterim county?"
"Indeed. No one will be dumb enough to follow you through that harsh environment and you can disappear within the violent snow storm. I do hope that happen." Alfina walked back to her carriage after leaving a stout remark.
"Please wait!" Catherine watched the whole event unfolded and was unsatisfied by the conclusion. "I understand that this may sound disrespectful, but as sisters, you should learn how to help each other instead of bickering. The actions of your parents should not be a reason for the 2 of you not to get along. In fact, it becomes much more important for the 2 of you to develop a strong bond when your parents do not get along."
Both Aria and Alfina stared at Catherine with widen eyes, but Catherine continued her speech. "No one is perfect and you should learn to accept each other's weaknesses. The time when you need each other the most may come and when it does, you will understand that the 2 of you do not hate each other as much as you think. Please, the next time the 2 of you meet again, do try to get along."
Alfina stared at Catherine for a while before continuing her walk to the carriage. Unknown to both Aria and Catherine, the edges of Alfina's mouth raised a little.
Aria and Catherine headed back to the departing carriages. Mona stayed beside Aria and chatted about the many adventures and trials that Aria had to go through. The children from the orphanage joined in the conversation with cheery mood until the knights announced their departure where Mona and the orphans cried, waving goodbye to Aria who waved back until they were no longer visible to each other.
Along the road leading to the eastern side of the territory, Catherine informed Aria that her sister meant no harm from her last statement and that she was just a little too emotional. Aria peered out into the distance and nodded. "I know. I did not sense any form of malice from that last statement... I think that was an advice..."
"Hmm? I am sorry, but I did not hear that last part."
"It is nothing." Aria shook her head. She could sense the escort knights attentions towards her.
After a few hours on the road, a group of adventurers walking on the opposite direction appeared over the horizon. At first, Aria ignored them, thinking they were a dime in a dozen passerby using the busy road, but looking at their equipment, Aria lit up and waved at them. The escort knights were alerted over Aria's sudden movement and readied their weapon in case of retaliation, but pulled their nerve back after seeing the other party waving back; they came to the conclusion that they were just acquaintances from Aria's time as an adventurer.
"Aria!" The 5 people rushed towards the carriages.
"Thank the Lord that we are on time." Gunther beamed a smile. "I knew that you will pull it off."
"Indeed, I have faith that you will prevail." Elisia gave a gently stare and placed her right hand on her chest. "I prayed everyday for your success."
"Righty, both me and Noel knew ya had it in unda ya ol' thumb. Right Noel?" Mary gave a thumb up.
"Sure did. Come and give big sis a big ol' hug." Noel opened her arms wide and gave Aria a squeeze.
Peter stood straight and gave a deep approving nod.
"Everyone, thank you for your support and thank you for the remaining gold. You have all made a generous donation." Aria gave out a big smile in return. "Unfortunately, several people including mister Lucio here are pulled into my mess. They are currently heading towards the Capital city to set up a smithy."
"I see. I am sorry that this happen mister." Gunther turned towards Lucio who was spending his leisure time carving out a wood block. "Though you seem unbothered by it."
"I have been wanting to open a smithy in the capital and this is just me pushing it earlier than scheduled. Do not worry though. Those fellows I left behind are good enough to maintain your equipment to the standard that I approve." Lucio sat up straight and toss away the wood block. "Though it would be more interesting if you headed to wherever this girl will be heading to. I believe that your adventures will be more interesting if you do so. Hahaha."
"That is an advice we will keep in mind, but we do have our contract with the guild in Lapis. Once it is over, maybe we will head to the capital as well."
"Then, when that time comes, I will welcome you with open arms. Oh, and, congratulation on your rank up into Steel-rank."
The unexpected reunion filled the air with an elated atmosphere, but was cut short as the escort knights ordered them to continue their journey. They parted ways, vowing to meet again.
As the group continued east, the sky slowly grew dark. The sun slowly sunk over the horizon behind them, marking the end of the old adventure and the start of the new into the unknown.