The Path of Learning (1)
One of the reasons the queen assigned Ashu to me seemed to include some pre-meeting etiquette training.
Sure, some nobody from who-knows-where might get lucky in a brawl and end up a Hero.
Imagine that guy shoulder-checking a guard who's just doing his job by blocking the road, or pigging out at a banquet full of nobles.
It'd put the inviting queen in an awkward spot, so yeah, some education was in order.
“Let's swing by the Academy before heading straight to Darania. It's got tons to see and learn about.”
“The Academy? Is that a city name?”
“This is exactly why you need some training, Kirgil. I'm constantly amazed by how you lack even basic common sense. It's like you came from another world or something.”
“Well, yeah, I've lived in such a remote backwater.”
In truth, I had come from another world, but I hadn't told Ashu that yet. She fixed me with a long, suspicious stare laced with a hint of annoyance.
Even without oracles or prophecies, women had that sixth sense. Ferio had sniffed out my fake amnesia too, back in the day.
She didn't seem keen on grilling me right now, though.
Ashu was an open book, but I was still holding back—felt a little guilty about that.
She was probably waiting for me to come clean on my own. I wanted to, as soon as I could.
I'd run it by Agnes next time I saw her.
“The Academy's in a city called Paraskarania—we just call it the Academy since it's such a mouthful. Paraskara, the guy who founded it, used to be Darania's Knight Commander, so some folks avoid saying the full name out of spite.”
“Sounds like they mention it plenty without using the name, then.”
“Yep. The Academy doesn't belong to any one nation, which draws people from everywhere. You get to experience goods and cultures from all over. And you'll meet all sorts of new races, so keep that sword sheath tied tight.”
Meaning the place was so packed with exotic races, you might accidentally draw your sword in surprise? Hell yeah, now I was excited!
My brain was already picturing a Star Wars cantina scene.
Anyway, this detour meant our journey was getting longer.
Darania was a straight week's walk nonstop from here.
But looping to the Academy added at least three extra days.
Once we got there, factoring in some social crash-course time and a short stay, we were looking at a solid fortnight.
Oh, and that was on horseback, not my feet. No point walking wide roads meant for carriages.
We had prep work before departure.
First up: replying to letters.
I'd sent the necklace and bracelet from Jasgiria to Ferio and Reshi, along with my responses.
Ferio's letter started with this overly flowery description of her surroundings, like she was playing the proper lady. I teased her a bit about maybe prepping to switch from knight to noblewoman.
Midway through, she mentioned her mother Orio had returned safely, but since I hadn't, the lord had mobilized General Liard and the full army for a search-and-rescue op.
They'd taken my disappearance seriously—even chewed out Feripa for his gossiping—until they found the note I'd left on the horse.
Anyway, they wanted to reward me, but with me gone, they'd rebuilt my burned-down house in Agnes Village instead.
A Hero who'd beheaded Katona and rescued the countess deserved a home to come back to. It wouldn't look good for the lord's rep otherwise... and apparently, Orio had pushed hard for it.
I did a double-take. Not Ferio, not Liard—Orio advocated for it?
That cheapskate? She didn't mention the beating I'd given her, huh?
Hope my plot back in Agnes Village wasn't a doghouse or a prison camp.
Anyway, Ferio was overseeing construction. And she'd make my bed extra big.
...I praised her for that one bit of good taste in my reply.
Lirisa wrote that she was deep into researching enchantment magic. She'd also penned letters for illiterate Soo and Rada.
That was a talk for later.
“I was hoping to pop by Prosek and Agnes Village if we had time.”
“Don't even think about it. That's the total opposite direction from Darania. The palace would see it as rejecting the invitation, and Mom would question my competence. Worst case, they send someone else instead of me.”
“They really overanalyze everything, huh? Palace life sounds exhausting.”
With our destination set, it was time to gear up. I dropped letters at the merchant guild to update my next stop and inquired about caravans or coaches to the Academy.
Ashu had her own busy list. Just refusing the Holy Knight escort took meetings with a bunch of people.
Was she planning a dojo-crawl to prove she didn't need guards?
She'd trot out excuses, but deep down, she just wanted a quiet trip with me.
The adventurers' guild said a merchant caravan was leaving in 2-3 days, weather permitting. I put in for escort duty.
Handy having the guild as a hub like that.
While registering, Hairil sidled up, tail swishing like crazy.
No robe today—instead, leather pants and a hooded vest like a kid out playing. Hood down, of course.
Those beastkin ears and tail wouldn't quit twitching right in my face.
Why so fidgety? Kept drawing my eyes.
“Hairil? How long you been there?”
“I smelled Kirgil and followed da!”
I'd asked 'how long,' not 'why.' Whatever, vibe said let it slide.
Around us were folks who looked like Kataril beastkin—probably Hairil's attendants or guards.
“Kirgil-nim, you headin' for lunch? With Ashushikara-nim da?”
“Yeah, that's the plan...”
“Then can I come too da?”
Not even waiting for me to finish. Was Hairil always this pushy?
No reason to say no to a comrade like that.
Ashu liked Hairil too. Put a tail out, and she'd park next to them instead of me.
I said sure, and Hairil immediately alerted their entourage before scampering over. They were way more hyped than usual.
We'd planned to meet Ashu at the guild.
“Kirgil-nim, Ashushikara-nim's this way da!”
They grabbed my hand and yanked me down an alley.
Like a dog dragging its owner for walkies. Sure enough, Ashu was coming our way.
Kataril noses were bloodhound-level.
At the restaurant.
Ashu plopped right next to Hairil. Filling her belly and petting therapy for the morning grind. Lucky.
Wanted to give those ears a rub myself.
“Kirgil-nim, Ashushikara-nim, I'm headin' home to my homeland tomorrow da. So I had to see you both today.”
“Aw, that's a shame. Really sucks.”
Ashu petting that tail looked straight-up like a princess losing her kingdom. Rare to see her emotions so raw.
“So, um, Ashushikara-nim...”
Too shy to say to me? Hairil whispered in Ashu's ear.
Couldn't hear, but they glanced my way, and Ashu nodded with a smile.
Short time together, but they were like sisters—or siblings?? Anyway, thick as thieves, chatting one-on-one plenty.
Apparently, they'd snuck meets without me lately too.
Felt left out. Kinda bummed.
Lunch turned into a mini send-off party.
Ashu and Hairil wanted private time, clearly.
After eating, Hairil pulled me aside for goodbyes.
“Kirgil-nim... take this... pleash...”
Hairil fished out a small cloth bundle, fur all puffed up from nerves. Final goodbyes jitters, huh?
I patted their head to ease it and took the bundle.
“Sorry, I didn't prep anything. Thanks—huh!?”
Before I finished, Hairil lunged into my chest, rubbing their face all over.
Cutting me off again today. But it was cute, so fine.
Last hug, so I gave a light squeeze back.
“I won't forget this smell da. Never forget Kirgil-nim's scent da!!”
“Yeah. You take care back home too...”
“I'm off da!!”
Agh, cut me off and bolted.
Ashu, watching nearby, giggled softly, gave me a casual wave, and followed.
Gotta ask what they talked about later.
Once they were gone, I untied the fist-sized bundle from Hairil.
...Fur!?
A mix of silver hairs from all over—not just head fur, but everywhere!
Even I, clueless about this world's norms, could tell this meant something deep to Kataril folk.
Fur, though. Fur... such a fuzzy gift...
In my world, it'd offend and get tossed. But Hairil meant it sincerely.
Maybe like a missionary getting Inuit hospitality.
Plus, chucking a gift from a highborn kid like Hairil? Could be a massive insult to Kataril.
Thinking diplomatically like this... Ashu was rubbing off on me big time.