Bonus Story 1: The Girl’s Story

Bonus Story 1:
The Girl’s Story

 

Part 1
Myria

 

TODAY MARIELLE AND I took a trip to the city of Hyritet. She had an errand to run, and I’d figured she’d turn down my offer of company, so I was pleasantly surprised when she allowed it.

She hadn’t let me come to town with her since that time I’d gotten lost. It looked like she’d finally gotten over it. She wasn’t really the type to hold grudges, anyway. The only small part of her was her stature.

“Listen. I know you already learned this lesson the hard way, but don’t go off on your own,” Marielle warned me.

“Yes, of course! I know!”

“Why does it always sound like you don’t actually know when you say it like that?” Marielle narrowed her eyes and studied my face. She was trying to glare at me, but the effect was slightly undermined by the fact that she had to look up at me. And that she was incredibly adorable. I reached out automatically to pat her on the head but caught myself just in time and pulled away. Wow, that was a close one! I need more self-control.

“Ah ha ha…that’s not true!” The last incident had taken more of a toll on her that I realized. She must’ve really hated the guards treating her like a child.

I’d heard that elves were very proud and arrogant, but Marielle wasn’t like that at all. Of course, I’d never met a pure-blooded elf. Maybe they were stuck up, or maybe that was just a stereotype, along with the rumors that they looked down on humans and avoided even conversing with them. I really wanted to meet one. I wondered if they were all small like Marielle.

“Thank you so much for bringing me along with you, Marielle. I know you’re still bothered by what happened, so I thought for sure you’d make me stay home this time, too.”

“I am not still bothered by what happened! I told you several times I left you behind on my last visit because I needed you to stay and tend to the Mirei flowers! They’re difficult to take care of!”

“Oh, I’m sorry! That’s right, you did say that.” I had a feeling it was just an excuse, but I wasn’t about to rub it in and make her angry on purpose. Maybe if everything went smoothly, she would bring me back again next time.

We stopped in a town on our way to the city, where we hired a small carriage to take us the rest of the way.

We generally didn’t hire carriages, but this one belonged to a personal friend of Marielle’s. Considering the price, there was no way I would ever be able to afford such a trip myself. And I didn’t have anyone else to accompany me either, so I absolutely couldn’t afford to get on Marielle’s bad side. I needed to be extra polite and cautious. Whenever she went on her own, Marielle never got me exactly what I asked for. She would get something similar but miss the spirit of my request. Sometimes I thought she might be doing it on purpose.

Times like those were when I felt the age gap between us most acutely.

“Actually, there is something I’d like you to do for me, Myria. That’s part of the reason why I asked you to come along.”

She wanted my help? What task could I possibly do that Marielle couldn’t? Whatever it was, I’d accept it without hesitation. I couldn’t turn down a favor for Marielle. It would be the perfect opportunity to prove myself indispensable.

Even if I screwed it up, I’d prove my loyalty. She was the type of person who appreciated effort no matter the results.

“I’ll do anything you want me to do!”

“Well, there’s no need to get so excited about it. Do you remember that wine I bought last time I was here? I’m quite fond of it. Supposedly it’s a special brew only sold in this city. I’d like you to go buy some for me.”

Huh? She just wanted to send me on an errand? I was grateful it was such a simple task, but it put me on guard. That was why she wanted me to come along?

“Um…why do you need me to do it, though?” I wasn’t refusing, but I was genuinely curious. We didn’t need to split up to go shopping, especially after how annoyed she got with me last time when I got lost.

“H-hmm…” She frowned. She appeared to really want to keep her reasons a secret, and I was beginning to grow suspicious. Perhaps I shouldn’t have agreed so readily.

I knew she wasn’t the kind of person who would send me off into danger just because she wanted some wine, but I couldn’t think of any other good reason she wouldn’t just tell me. I considered whether to press her on it.

“M-Marielle?”

“…I just had a bit of a misunderstanding with that shopkeeper, you see. He doesn’t have the best opinion of me.”

Okay, so she’d made a bad impression. That made sense. But would she really feel so bad about it that she wouldn’t even want to step foot inside the shop? Marielle had lived a long life, and she was an incredibly practical person. She knew all kinds of things I didn’t, and her open-mindedness always impressed me.

She could be a bit scattered at times, but usually only around me. She always held it together when it really counted. This shopkeeper had to be awful if they’d upset her so much. I was biased as her apprentice, but still.

“Don’t worry about it. Just go buy the wine and get out quickly. That’s all you have to do.”

If it was as simple as that, why did her eyes keep darting away from me? I hesitated, absolutely certain there was more to this story. Marielle glanced at me, quiet and sad. She must really want that wine.

There was something about Marielle’s face when she was sad, though. She looked so young, like a poor, unfortunate little girl who had lost all hope. The contrast between how old she looked and how old she actually was could be intense. And yet every time I was overwhelmed with a desire to protect her…to do something for her.

“Leave it to me! I’ll go get you that wine!”

“I’m glad I convinced you, but you really don’t need to shout.”

 

Part 2
Myria

 

THE WINE was a brand called Baphomet. She said it had a label with a sheep that looked like a child had drawn it.

“There, there it is…” Marielle jerked her head in the direction of the shop as we rounded the corner.

“So that’s where I have to go? All right. You stay right here and wait for me, Marielle. I’ll prove to you what a reliable apprentice I am.”

“That’s a good girl, Myria. Don’t dawdle. Just buy the wine and get back out here. If they say anything to you, just smile.”

“Thank you so much for the advice, Mistress. I promise to make you proud.” I was feeling fairly enthusiastic. But just then, we were interrupted by a loud thump.

“Eek!” Marielle and I both jumped at the same time.

“Meow.”

A black cat padded past us, turning to look back and sticking out its tongue like it was teasing us. Then it continued on its way.

I let out the breath I’d been holding. Marielle seemed equally relieved. Thinking about it, there was no real reason for us to get freaked out like that. I collected myself and headed over to the shop.

It was a simple place without many frills, and at the moment I appeared to be the only customer. Darn. If the shop were busy, the shopkeeper would be less likely to try and make unnecessary conversation with me, but I guess luck wasn’t on my side. I waited a bit, but no one else came in.

I didn’t see the shopkeeper, either, but I began to search for the wine. I’d wait until I found it before calling for assistance.

I walked the perimeter of the small room, searching for the label with the sheep, but I couldn’t find it. Frowning, I made another trip around the store. This time I spotted a bottle on the back shelf with an odd label. I put my bag down and picked up the wine. It was some sort of horned animal. Was it a sheep? No…the horns were growing from its chin. I’d never seen a sheep like that. I’d never seen anything like that.

“Welcome. You’re my first customer today, young lady.” A voice startled me. I turned to find an elderly man with beautiful white hair and a neat appearance standing there. His voice was kind and friendly.

This was the man Marielle had gotten into an argument with? He seemed so nice. But I guessed you never really knew what might set someone off. If Marielle said that was what happened, then it must be true. I needed to be cautious.

“Hello. Do you carry a wine here called Baphomet?”

His eyes widened slightly. “Another customer requesting that wine? It’s always been my dream to sell locally made wines, but no other shops would carry it, so I had to open my own. This was some thirty years ago now, though. The Baphomet never sold well, I’m afraid. I asked for input and stocked up on the more popular vintages, and managed to eke out a living that way. Occasionally someone would come and buy the Baphomet, but without fail they’d complain that the flavor was too strong and they couldn’t drink it. I can’t explain it!”

Wow, that sounded rough.

“Um, anyway…where do you keep the Baphomet? I couldn’t find it anywhere.”

“Well, so many customers complained about it that I put it in the back so no one else would be unlucky enough to buy it by accident.”

Wow, it was that unpopular? But Marielle said she’d bought it before, so…“Did a small girl ever come to buy a bottle of it?”

“A small girl…ah, now that you mention it, yes. About three months back, I think.”

That was definitely Marielle. That matched when she and I had last come to the city together. Doubtless he’d remember something as unusual as a young girl buying alcohol, especially a kind that wasn’t very popular.

“She said her mother liked unusual wines. She hasn’t been back since, so I guess her mother didn’t care for it after all.”

The shopkeeper dropped his gaze and shook his head slightly. He looked a bit hurt. He must really love those local wines, going so far as to open up a shop. It must have been devastating when they weren’t as warmly received as he’d hoped.

Still, the girl he described couldn’t have been Marielle after all. First of all, I didn’t even know her mother. She didn’t really like talking about her, and she didn’t visit her often, if ever. There was no way she’d tell a stranger about her.

I wanted to know what happened between Marielle and the shopkeeper, but if I kept prying, he’d just get suspicious. I might have already gone too far.

The shopkeeper asked, “Where did you hear about Baphomet, anyway?”

“Um, a friend of mine asked me to get a bottle for her.”

The shopkeeper looked as if he found that hard to believe, but he didn’t ask anything further, just smiled.

“Well, whatever the reason, I’m glad to know someone wants to buy it. I just wish one customer would tell me they enjoy it before I close up shop.”

“Oh? Are you going out of business?”

“Someone built a large shop nearby that sells spirits. The owner is young but very well known. Their motto is ‘buy cheap, sell cheap.’ An old fogy like me could never hope to compete. The past few years I’ve only kept the shop open out of love. But it’s time.”

“O-oh…” I answered vaguely, not sure what else to say.

“Yes, I’m planning to go back home to the country. Although…I left abruptly and have rarely been back, so I’m not even sure anyone will remember me. Maybe I should have done this a long time ago.”

He was closing up shop and going home. I wondered how many times he’d put it off over the years. Part of it must be stubbornness—it couldn’t be easy to leave your hometown and then come back because you’d failed. A rival shop opening nearby was as good of an excuse as any.

It was sad, but what other choice did he have? If he’d finally made up his mind, I had no right to try to get him to stay. I doubted he was making much of a profit. But maybe I could grant his wish. I knew someone who loved that wine. Marielle was right outside, anxiously awaiting my return.

She said they didn’t get along, but it had to be a misunderstanding. I just couldn’t believe this nice old man would start a terrible argument with Marielle. If they just talked things out, I was sure things could be resolved.

“Ah, pardon me. There I go again, just talking and talking. I’ll go get the Baphomet from the back for you.”

“Sorry, can you wait just a moment? I’ll be right back!”

“Hm?” He looked confused, but I smiled reassuringly and ran out of the shop.

I’d bring Marielle back. I knew she wouldn’t be thrilled about it, but I’d drag her here if I had to. I dashed down the street and turned the corner. Marielle was leaning against a building waiting for me.

“There you are. Did you find it? You sure you didn’t stay and talk too long?”

“Please come with me!”

“Hm?”

I grabbed her by the wrist and tugged her away from the wall.

“Myria! What in the world are you doing? Let go of me!” She resisted, leaving me no choice but to grab her with both hands and pull.

“Just please come with me! You have to help that old man!”

“Wait! Just calm down a minute! I don’t even know what you’re talking about!”

“If you won’t come quietly, I’ll pick you up and carry you!”

“You’ll regret it for the rest of your life! Now let me go!” As Marielle and I struggled, I heard footsteps.

“Excuse me, but you forgot your bag…”

It was the shopkeeper. I’d left my bag on purpose thinking I’d be right back, but he hadn’t known that. I’d run away so suddenly.

He seemed surprised to see Marielle but not uncomfortable. The situation must not have been as serious as she made it sound.

I checked to see Marielle’s reaction. She was hanging her head in frustration and biting her lip. She looked resigned.

“Hm? You’re that little girl from a few months ago. Do you two know each other?”

“Oh, Marielle might look like a little girl, but she’s actually an adult.”

“What? When I asked her why she was buying the wine, she said it was for her mother’s birthday.”

So the girl he mentioned was Marielle.

“You bought it to drink yourself, didn’t you, Marielle? What’s this about your mother? I thought you told me elves don’t care about birthdays.”

Marielle’s face grew redder with every question I asked her.

“Marielle?”

“It wasn’t me! You must have the wrong person!” She shook off my grip and sprinted away.

I stood there watching her run with my mouth hanging open. What in the world? I turned to the shopkeeper, eager for the whole story.

He told me that when she came in, he asked her if she was running an errand, and she snapped, “No!” indignantly, as if she were offended. Then he wondered if she had snuck some money away from her parents to buy alcohol, since the drinking age here was fifteen. He was very hesitant to sell her something so strong.

Marielle then told him she was part Elf, but he didn’t believe her. He knew elves existed but had never seen one for himself, and he’d never heard of an elf having a child with another species. And Marielle just looked so very much like a small child, he dismissed her argument outright. After that, Marielle gave up on convincing him she was an adult and instead made up a story about buying the wine for her mother’s birthday. She even put on a baby voice and said, “I really wanna buy it for Mommy,” trembling on the verge of tears.

I couldn’t imagine Marielle putting aside her pride like that, but why would the shopkeeper lie? Marielle must’ve really wanted that wine.

Now I understood why she didn’t want to go back into the shop. This was the misunderstanding she’d been so vague about—she hated having to pretend she was a child. She wasn’t a self-important person, but she wasn’t exactly humble, either. The thought of having to put on a baby voice again and pretend to cry was probably torture for her, never mind having to explain it all to me. And yet she risked all that just to drink the Baphomet again.

I suddenly felt very guilty. I practically ripped a bandage off her wound and rubbed salt in it. There was no turning back now. What was that old saying? “If you’re going to eat a poisonous lizard, you have to swallow it whole, all the way down to the tip of the tail.”

 

Part 3
Myria

 

“THERE YOU ARE, Marielle! I’ve been looking everywhere for you!” I found her in a vacant spot near a line of outdoor vendors. She was panting with exertion from her run.

“Just so you know, I’m not the little girl the shopkeeper was talking about. And I’ve never even met my mother. It definitely couldn’t be me.”

“Okay…” She wasn’t budging.

“Anyway, Myria. Did you buy the Baphomet?”

“I forgot! Let’s go buy it together!”

She scowled. “I’m never stepping foot inside that shop again! How many times do I have to tell you that? Why are you so insistent on taking me there? Is torturing me really that entertaining?” Her eyes glittered with unshed tears. Wow, she must really not want to do this, and I understood why.

But I wasn’t going to budge, either.

That old man came all the way here from the country to spread his love for local wines. It was so depressing for it to end this way. I wanted Marielle to tell him that she loved the Baphomet and thought it was delicious. That was all she had to do. We’d already resolved the misunderstanding about her age, after all.

“Honestly, just forget about it!” she snapped. “I’m heading back to the inn and going to bed early. I’m exhausted.”

Uh-oh, that wasn’t good. Now she was really mad.

“That shop won’t even be here the next time we come to the city, Marielle.”

“What?”

“A bigger shop opened nearby, and they took all of his customers. He said he’s closing and moving back to the country. He wanted people to appreciate the Baphomet wine, but not even one customer has ever told him it tasted good.”

She went silent for a while, averting her eyes. “Well, if he’s going to close up shop, I suppose there’s nothing I can do about it. If you won’t buy it for me, I’ll have to do it myself.”

She turned abruptly and started back towards the shop. I felt a smile spread over my face.

“I’ll come with you!”

“What a terrible apprentice I have. Can’t even do a simple errand! I’ll just come to the city by myself again next time.”

“What?” But I didn’t want that at all!

Marielle laughed. “I’m only joking. Don’t take me seriously. Now hurry up.”

I smiled again and quickly followed her.

“U-um, Marielle? I have a favor to ask before we get to the shop.”

“Hm?”

“Could you please pretend to be a child in front of the shopkeeper again, like you did last time? Just a little bit? I’d do anything to hear you talk like that!”

Marielle had quite the poker face. Her smiles were frequent, but she still always looked mature. I couldn’t imagine her seeming innocent or childlike.

Just imagining her saying, “I wanna buy it for Mommy!” got me excited.

“Hm? Marielle? Marielle?”

There was no answer.

She suddenly sped up. Uh-oh.

“I-I’m sorry, Marielle! Just forget about it! You probably didn’t want me to bring it up again, did you?!”

“I’m definitely coming back alone next time!”

“I-I was only joking! You don’t have to take me seriously! Marielle, slow down!” I ran after Marielle as fast as my legs would carry me.