[Why not just wait until you're a bit older?]
I'm not sure how long we've been chatting, but it feels like Ylva is in no rush to wrap things up. Truthfully, I'm fine with that—I'm enjoying keeping her company. I can't take my eyes off her, and every so often, the flickering light from the campfire casts playful shadows across her face.
I'm always tuned in to what she's saying, but I can't help but keep my eyes glued to her lips. The way they glide and their vibrant hues always leave me curious about just how soft they really are. I can't help but wonder about that sensation.
Don't underestimate me. Even though I'm a child again, I still know how to appreciate beauty and all its nuances.
The moment was abruptly interrupted when the front door swung open for the second time. Out of nowhere, the chilly air rushed in, threatening to snuff out the warmth of the campfire.
With a hint of irritation, Ylva called out to one of the men, "Father, can you please close the door quickly? You're going to freeze us all to death."
"You're as cheerful as ever, Ylva. When I see you like this, it completely makes me forget about my age."
I agree with that, but that voice feels familiar to me for some reason.
After glancing toward the door, my face lit up with surprise. "Father, what are you doing here? Are you worried that I might disappear again?"
There was absolutely no doubt about it. The man standing next to Thors was my father. Even with the ashes clinging to his face, his broad smile still managed to look delightfully silly.
"Calm down, son. I'm actually surprised to see you here," my father said, a hint of warmth in his voice. He then followed Thors into the back room. "Just wait for me a moment. I need to grab something, and then we can head home together."
Ylva and I exchanged puzzled glances after hearing the commotion behind us. But when my father emerged, juggling a pot, pan, kettle, and all sorts of iron utensils, we shared a knowing nod that said it all.
"Hey buddy, you can't keep bothering them like this."
Since his hands were busy carrying stuff, my father used his head to get my attention. I was anxious that he might ask me to help carry the whole thing, but luckily, I ended up with just a small pot that was pretty light.
"Come on, Smiour, I'm serious! My family would rally love it if Viktor could stick around longer. I already think of him as my own son," Thors chuckled heartily. After that, he gave my head a gentle rub and then turned to give my father a friendly pat on the back.
I could sense my father's frustration. The pat felt too hard, and with his hands full, he just couldn't return it the way he wanted to.
"Be careful uncle," Ylva said with a playful tone as we stood in front of the door. I could see the effort she was making to stifle a laugh, and it was almost contagious.
My father just nodded his head, a thoughtful look crossed his face as he pondered how to get back at Thor for his prank. Meanwhile, as the two giants continued their playful banter, Ylva made her way over to me.
With a gentle bend of her body, she asked, "How's your exploring going? I'm here to help if you need anything!"
"I stop."
"Ehhh, what's the reason behind that?"
"I've pretty much seen it all, so I'm not sure where to go next," I said, not bothering to hide my annoyed expression. This issue had truly turned into my biggest challenge yet.
From the beginning, I shouldn't have taken three years to explore every nook and cranny of this little village. It's just that I became a child again, with limited stamina and abilities, which turned this into a sort of extended adventure.
So, when I finally wrapped it up, I found myself feeling lost once again. It was like, for the first time in a while, I was just getting back to living my life like usual.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with that, but the memories from my first life held me back. I can still recall all those tough experiences and past traumas that linger in my mind. When I finally came to terms with just how much of a mess I was, I couldn't help but want to laugh at myself. It was one of those moments where you just have to find the humor in your own chaos.
"Well, that's going to be a bit tricky. How about this? I'll take you to a place that I'm pretty sure you haven't explored yet," Ylva said after giving it some thought.
"I... when will you take me? tomorrow?"
That's right. I was reborn in a different era, and now, my possibilities of being anything and doing anything feel limitless. No one is going to dictate how I live my life. In this world, it feels like there isn't even a proper police force or government to keep things in check.
People are just trying to survive, and they'll go to great lengths to make that happen, even if it means taking over new lands. Pushing the indigenous people from their territories and creating a civilization that will be remembered for ages to come.
"Just a heads up—this place can be pretty risky, so I'm not sure I can take you there tomorrow. Why not just wait until you're a bit older?"
"Are you serious?" I was aiming for a bit of sarcasm, but it looked like she totally missed it because she just kept going on with her talk:
"Honestly, it wouldn't make much sense for me to take you secretly right now. Maybe we should just wait a few more years? I doubt your parents will say anything when that time comes," Ylva shrugged, her expression suggesting there was little she could do about it.
This frustrates me. It all goes back to me being a kid.
Even though I just found my spirit and thought I had opened the door to a new story, it feels like everything has fallen apart.
It felt like I was wearing a blend of sadness, disappointment, frustration, and annoyance all at once. But beneath that, there was a strong sense of curiosity that made Ylva look awkward.
"Come on, son! Your mother's going to be mad at me if we don't hurry," my father called out to me once more.
After taking a deep breath, I quietly tiptoed over and gently kissed Ylva's cheek. With a soft smile, I said, "I got it, I'll wait patiently..."
Seeing her eyes wide open in surprise brought a little lift to my spirits. I quickly dashed over to my father and, for what felt like the last time, waved goodbye to them. "You promised, sis."
Thors, completely unaware of the situation, burst into laughter before casually waving back at me. Meanwhile, Ylva, who had finally returned to her senses, smiled wryly. Her cheerfulness lingered, holding on until the distance between us grew too great, and I could no longer see her.