Lucia Tries Being Selfish

After checking that Missus Romina was asleep, I softly slipped out of bed. My biggest problem was the door — I had to open it without Sir Celes noticing. Slowly pushing it open, I was surprised to find that outside was much brighter than I’d expected. Full moons really were something. Though, the shadows under my feet were still dark.

Taking care not to make a sound while closing the door, I looked towards the shed where Sir Celes was sleeping. I couldn’t hear anything from it, so maybe...he was asleep? While I was slightly relieved, I stayed on guard, stepping as quietly as I could.

The village had sunken into the night. None of the houses had any light coming from them, so everyone must be asleep. I was tired too, honestly. Sighing, I looked up at the moon. Shining brilliantly, it dyed my surroundings white-blue. I need to find Mister Giotto before Sir Celes notices I’m gone.

As I walked around the village, I found one house dimly lit. Rather than a house, it was a shed...and a very beaten-up one, at that.

“Could it be...”

I slowly approached the shed. Just like Missus Romina’s, there were no windows, but with all the cracks in the walls, you could see inside. Looking in, I could see a man sitting curled up. On his head was a large black mushroom, with the cap freshly spread. His back was to me, so I couldn’t see his face, but he must have been Mister Giotto.

Just as I was about to call out to him...I felt a hand cover my mouth from behind.

“......!”

Shocked, I turned around to see who it was, only to feel the blood drain from my face.

“So, what are you doing here in the middle of the night, Lucia?”

Even though his voice was flat and emotionless, I could tell he was angry. But I knew it was my fault for doing something to make him mad.

“I figured you’d try something the moment you were out of my sight, and I was right. You did the exact same thing in Amarith. You’ve come to try to get rid of the Fungus, haven’t you?”

Cold sweat ran down my back. What should I do? He knows everything. I should have expected it, though, since he’s the Captain of a Knight’s regiment.

Pivoting both of us around, he said, “We’re going back to Romina’s house.”

“No!” I snapped.

Knowing that he’d force me back, I ripped his hand off of my mouth. I couldn’t go back without trying anything!

“Who’s there?” a hoarse voice called out to us. I must have been too loud. “If someone’s there, go home. It’s dangerous here.”

Sir Celes grimaced. “You’re right.”

“I said no!”

“Lucia!”

Seemingly on guard now, the person called out, “...You aren’t from the village? Who are you? Reveal yourself.”

Unable to hide his sour expression, Sir Celes begrudgingly opened the door to the shed. “We’re sorry for bothering you in the middle of the night. We’re travelers.”

“What? We never have visitors. Look, I’ve got a monster growing on me. If you don’t mean harm to the village, leave. But if you do, then I’ll take you both out with me.”

Mister Giotto seemed older than Mister Dario. He looked exhausted, most likely from the Fungus sucking out his energy. The mushroom growing on top of his white-haired head looked heavy.

“...Grampie?”

The little girl laying with her head on his knees looked up at him sleepily. She must be Dahlia. Mister Giotto adjusted the blanket covering her, and gently patted her on the back. But, having seen us, little Dahlia didn’t go back to sleep, but instead sat up while rubbing her eyes.

“Who’re you?” she asked.

“I’m sorry for waking you. You must be Dahlia. My name is Lucia.”

The little girl tilted her head. “Lucia... You don’t live here. Are you a visitor?”

“That’s right,” said Mister Giotto. “If you’re visitors, why’re you walking around the village this late at night? What do you want?” Setting the curious little girl on his lap, Mister Giotto glared at us with his brown eyes.

“Um, I can use some ma...” I started, but Sir Celes cut me off saying, “Ah, you must be Giotto. Please don’t mind us. Come on, Lucia.”

Ignoring him, Mister Giotto looked straight into my eyes. “Girl, what did you come here to do?”

Sir Celes tried to usher me out before I could respond, but I broke away from him.

“I’m sorry, Sir Celes. I can’t just abandon him. Please, let me try. I don’t want Dahlia to feel like how I felt. I know I’m being selfish, but I think it might work. Please, I can’t just ignore him and leave!”