Old Memories Come to Mind (4)
Pelle stared down at me in silence, her eyes shaking like there'd been an earthquake. Her mouth hung slightly open in shock, and her cheeks were flushed—probably running a fever. One or the other. Either stunned that I called her "sis," or thrilled to death. But whether she hated it or loved it wasn't the point right now. I'd figured out it was magic, and the Goddess didn't seem keen on helping... I considered tanking the aging curse, but I didn't want to resort to something so unnatural—and curses never stuck to me well anyway. Smash the bead? Nah, too risky without knowing more; I might never turn back. So the next stop was obvious. Time to head out now. No point dragging it out when it was this damn inconvenient. I bolted for the stairs. First, snag some thick clothes from Marim's room before setting off.
"Wait a sec..." Pelle called from behind, stopping me in my tracks. I turned to see her standing there awkwardly, hand half-extended toward me.
"What's up?"
"Where... are you going?"
"To undo this damn spell. But it's cold out, so grabbing some of Marim's clothes first."
"Outside?"
Pelle just kept repeating everything like an idiot, nothing like her usual self.
"Yeah? I'm kinda busy here."
"No, but... alone?"
"We'll see."
I paused at her question, mulling it over. I'd ride the Hell Horse, sure, but who knew how long it'd take or where exactly I'd end up. Even with the Holy Sword, this kid body made self-defense tricky if shit hit the fan. And climbing onto the Hell Horse like this? Forget it. So yeah, better bring someone... Hmm. Della, Francois, and Marim were out. Kosa too, obviously. Ukun as well—even if he could fight, neither of us could mount a Hell Horse. Aterugar? Tempting, but nah. She'd drive me insane. Ammugar or Orkog? Too bulky and demonic-looking; bound to spark trouble. Ask Hardo? No way—a regular human merc couldn't handle the otherworldly crap. That left Idwild or Pelle... If things got dicey, Pelle could unleash her true demon form and protect me. But it'd shred her clothes every time, and the fatigue would pile up. Plus, who'd manage food supplies without her? Cold weather or not, perishables spoil eventually. So... Hell Horse it was, and Idwild made more sense. Aterugar could handle bath heating in her place.
"Gonna take Idwild."
"Pardon...?"
Pelle's face crumpled like the world was ending at my answer.
"Idwild's slow and dim-witted..."
"It's fine. Her black magic's mid-tier mage level at least."
"And... she eats a ton, so we'll run out of food..."
"It's fine. I'll pack plenty of coin. Last time in Apenzel taught me that."
"I see. But Idwild..."
Pelle trailed off. No solid argument against Idwild, so she was out of ammo. Probably dying to come herself. But no choice—Idwild was the smarter pick over Pelle. Her face darkened fast, shoulders slumping from their usual rigid poise. Idwild, eavesdropping from behind, just grinned ear to ear.
"Hehe... Traveling with Bertrand...?"
"Get ready, Idi. We leave after lunch."
Idwild lumbered up the stairs, her plump ass and tits bouncing excitedly.
"Sorry, Pelle. But we need you here for supplies and all that."
"Got it."
She cut me off and stormed into the kitchen. A quick errand like this? Taking Pelle wouldn't suck... Kinda bummed, actually.
I gathered all the staff and announced I'd be off to break the spell. They fretted plenty, Della even sniffling through tears.
"Sending our little master off... alone with Idwild... What if bad guys show up en route...?"
"It's fine, Della... I'll slit their throats with curse shards and make 'em whistle... hehe..."
Idwild grinned innocently, conjuring curse fragments from her wrist. Della's sobs cut off into hiccups at the grim cheer.
"Hey! Balder! Lemme tag along! What kinda mess you gonna get into with that airhead bitch?"
"Guard the inn. And hurry that workshop I mentioned."
Ukun thumped his chest, insisting he had it covered. Francois rushed to the kitchen with snacks for the road. Marim cackled, teasing me.
"Boss, you gonna beg big sis Idwild to let you grope her tits when you're scared at night?"
"Yup. Suck 'em too."
"Eek..."
I shut her up quick and turned to Aterugar.
"You... no slacking while I'm gone."
"Hah? Work hard for free? Shitty boss. Better pray I don't burn this dump down while you're away."
"Hmm... Fair point."
I nodded gravely, fiddling with the Holy Sword's hilt.
"Gonna get smacked."
Aterugar bolted upstairs in horror. Kosa just smiled faintly.
"Safe travels, master. And black mage."
I wondered if she'd peek at our future, but she said close stuff was beyond her—only distant, hazy glimpses. No sign of Pelle. In the yard, Idwild summoned the Hell Horse and saddled it up. Bags for me and her, rolled tent, sleeping bags, Francois's food pack, Holy Sword—all loaded. The beast stood statue-still, black flames flickering, ignoring the weight. Idwild mounted first, grabbed my wrist, and hauled me up front. She wrapped me in her thick cloak, whispering huskily.
"Hehe... Cold...? Come to sis..."
"Fuck off, seriously."
Still, I snuggled into the warmth, leaning back against her. Near midwinter—damn chilly. Her tits made perfect backrest cushions. Ammugar looked up worriedly.
"Be careful, hero. Beware anyone claiming ancient magic mastery. No one lives that long normally, so maybe..."
"A lich—undead mage type?"
"Precisely. Holy Sword or not, in your state, you might drop before drawing it."
"Don't sweat it. It'll work out."
As we prepped to roll out amid farewells, the inn door flew open—Pelle dashed over, bundle in hand, right to the Hell Horse.
"Take this."
"What's this?"
Unwrapping revealed random stuff: glass-bottled candies from town, toothbrush with a dwarf gadget for soda paste, handkerchiefs, demon-crafted dragon figurines, even a pillow.
"The hell's all this?"
"Sweets for cravings—but one a day, and brush after. Chi-ka-chi-ka."
"What...? Chi-ka-chi-ka...?"
Ignoring me, she turned to Idwild.
"Make sure he brushes, Idwild. Help if he's clumsy."
"Uh...? Y-yeah... Got it..."
"Handkerchief stays in your pocket—wipe dirt on that, not your clothes."
She tucked it into my coat herself.
"Toy for bedtime boredom."
"Uh, sure... But why the pillow?"
"Mine. Ground's hard camping—use it."
Embarrassed as hell, I stuffed it all back and tied tight. Felt like... when your mom babies you in front of friends? Marim and Aterugar stifled giggles behind hands; others chuckled softly. Pelle ignored it, grilling Idwild for confirmations.
"Take good care of him. He's a kid—clumsy at everything."
"Uh...? Y-yeah... Hehe... Don't worry, Pelle..."
Idwild stammered, as flustered as me. The tits I leaned on heated up, soon damp with sweat.
"Alright, let's roll for real."
"Where to...?"
"The capital."