Matthew stood by Rose’s while leaning on a wall. He watched as Rika changed the wet cloth on her forehead again. Her breathing was better now than yesterday. Her fever still hasn’t gone down. Matthew was getting worried about her condition. After Rika was done, she brought out the basin and left through the door. Once she left, Matthew sat on a stool beside her bed. He held her hand, tightening and loosening his grip on it. It was his responsibility to keep her safe, it was his fault that she got brought to this world too. Sitting like this, it reminded him of the time when Rose was waiting for him in the hospital. How long had she waited until he woke up? How many hours had she waited? He let go of her hand and caressed her hair. He twirled the red strands in her hair. He was knocked out when it happened, but Cecilia described that her appearance changed that night. It explained to him R

“Hey, one cup of cappuccino here!” “Coming!” “Can I have another set of bagels?” “Sure!” “Here’s the pay.” “Thank you for coming!” “I want that cake for take out please.” “Right away sir.” Exchanges between customers and the waiters and other staff seemingly never stops. The sound of chatting amongst the customers and the smell of freshly brewed coffee and desserts filled the room. Matthew took a good look around the establishment. The amount of customers were amazing to look at. “You said this place is a cafe? Looks more than just a normal cafe to me. It’s packed with people.” Matthew said. “You never heard of this place?” Br

Matthew returned to the mansion with a plan in mind. He was welcomed inside the mansion by a pair of maids as usual. While he was making his way to his room, he rethought the plan he had. In two days, he was supposed to meet up with a few other people at the cafe before they all set out, so it was perfect with his original plan anyway. He must try to sneak out his needs for the quest. He didn’t want anyone to find out just yet. “Oh hi Matthew. You’re kinda late today.” Yuki greeted him at the stairs. “I was just hanging out at a cafe. I didn’t realise it was already late.” Matthew told the truth while also keeping it away. “I guess you did take your mind off things then. Hehe! Go wash up now, dinner’s ready soon.” Yuki walked past him and went downstairs. Matthew nodded and went the opposite way. He

After a tiring day of preparing, Matthew finally headed back to the mansion. “Hah… Everything’s ready. I can get some rest now.” Matthew murmured to himself. Upon entering the mansion, he checked the time. It was about time for dinner already. He sniffed himself a few times. “Yeah, it should be fine to have dinner first.” He convinced himself as he headed for the dining hall. Matthew opened the door and saw the maids were just about done preparing the table for dinner. Cecilia was also there already, sitting on one of the chairs. “Oh Matthew, you’re back!” Cecilia greeted him when he entered the hall. “Hey. Is Yuki at the hospital?” Matthew asked as he took his seat. “Yes, she left a while ago already. Where have you been?” Matthew froze up

Somewhere at the edge of the forest, just outside the city walls by the checkpoint. Matthew and Bran were waiting by the road. Bran was just examining his greatsword while Matthew only watched. Bran did not have that big of a body size. So seeing him wielding a greatsword did not seem quite right. Even Matthew himself could not really picture himself holding a big sword like that. “Hey.” Matthew broke out of his trance when Bran suddenly spoke. “Matthew, right?” “Yes?” “How long have you been a Hunter for?” Bran asked out of the blue. “A few months. Why?” Matthew was a bit surprised when he asked. “You’re already Rookie rank. How is that possible?” “I was instantly promoted from the start because of my performance.” Bran stopped