(MC POV)
I watched the campfire roar into life as Brendan continued poking at it with a stick.
Well, just like he had requested, we ended up setting up camp to spend the night inside the ruins. I even brought out some marshmallows for us to roast after the campfire and tents were set up.
I gave him the choice of either sharing a tent or having one for himself and it took him a while to decide that he would sleep in a separate tent. I wonder why he looked so conflicted when choosing it though? Maybe he's just shy?
Anyway, it seems like Brendan really liked the idea of having a chill camping session so it's a good thing I was prepared for this.
That's why we're now roasting marshmallows over this campfire right now.
I took a sip of my tea and smiled at Brendan, "So, how are things on your side, Brendan? I know it's not easy being the only guy amongst them."
Brendan scratched his cheek shyly, "Ah… Umm… Senior sisters treat me really well actually so there's no need for Master to worry at all. In fact, they've helped me a lot in my own cultivation too."
"Oh? That's good to hear. What about your family? Do you still talk to them?"
"Yes, Master. We write letters from time to time. Father's still doing well working under Empress Guiying and I doubt there is anything my family is lacking for now."
"Umu, that's good isn't it? Have you thought about going back to take over your father's role?"
Brendan seemed surprised by my question but he quickly shook his head, "Not at all Master. I never had any interest in politics in the first place. What I want is to follow you, Master."
Awww~ You're making me blush, Brendan.
Brendan continued poking the fire until he realised the implications of what he just said and he panicked a little, "Ah! That… That sounded a little wrong! I mean… I really do want to follow Master alongside senior sisters as well! Master was the one who helped me and showed me how big the Universe was after all! I still want to experience more of it!"
I chuckled, "Relax Brendan, I know what you mean. Here, have a marshmallow."
"Ah. Ah… Thank you, Master," He accepted the skewered marshmallow bashfully.
I leaned back on my haunches and sipped my tea contentedly, "It's been a while hasn't it? If we don't count the vacation World, there's barely any moment where it's just me and you."
"That's… Well… That's because senior sisters want--"
I shook my head to interrupt him, "I know, Brendan, you don't need to cover for them. I am well aware of the girls' feelings towards me and yes I do love them too. But you know, sometimes it's nice to just have some bro time if you know what I mean?"
He nodded, "Is that why Master wanted to camp here tonight?"
"Well, that's part of the reason I suppose. Mainly I just wanted some time away from girls if you know what I mean? You want some hot chocolate?"
"Ah, I'll have some. Thank you, Master."
I passed him a cup filled with the hot beverage which he used to dip his marshmallows in.
He took a bite of it before turning back to me, "Why does Master want to be away from senior sisters though?"
I smirked, "You know what happens if any of the girls are alone with me right?"
He averted his gaze, "Ye… Yes, Master. I am aware…"
"Yeah, you might not have known this but I was stuck in an endless loop of sex in that World and I kind of want to spend some time doing something else. Also… I may or may not be trapped in an alternate dimension where Iris and I had sexual intercourse for a few centuries too."
"Eh? A few… Centuries?"
"Time was a little weird in that place, don't worry about it."
"I see. Master has your own share of problems too," Brendan chuckled.
I waved my hand in the air, "Anyway, that's enough about me. Let's talk about you now, Brendan. I know you said you want to follow me and all but you do realise that I don't really have anything planned after this right? Heck, I might just even continue staying in this World for the next few centuries too. Is there anything you'd like to do? Any aspirations or something?"
My alchemist pursed his lips in thought, his eyes gazing at the fire in front of him while his hands wrapped around the cup of hot chocolate.
He then looked upwards to the sky, "To be honest, Master… Now that I know about the different Worlds, I want to see what kind of plants there are in other Worlds. Maybe I might even cultivate new types of plants on my own too."
"Oh? That's nice~ You know that you don't actually need to wait right? Even Elaria's ships are able to bring you to other Worlds now."
Oh damn, I never thought that one day I'll catch myself saying something like that…
Then again, with how rapidly she was advancing the technology of the place, I wouldn't be too surprised to see the entire World change in the next decade or so.
Brendan flashed me a smile, "But I want to explore it with you, Master. Would you continue to teach and guide me like always?"
"Ha! Trying to be all cheeky now are you? Well how can I say no to that?"
"Thank you, Master."
The both of us went into a comfortable silence after that, simply enjoying the warmth from the fire and each other's company on this moonlit night.
I was just starting to think how I'm so glad that I let Brendan talk me into staying the night here when the sounds of several footsteps echoed from the half destroyed corridors behind us.
Both of us turned back to see a couple of rough looking men strut into the place with their swords out before their eyes settled on us.
The one leading them immediately smirked, "Oh what do we have here? Some travellers resting in these ruins away from civilization? Well this must be our lucky day lads! Hand over your valuables and we might even leave you in one piece!"
Wait, seriously? I thought all the bandits around here were dealt with? Where did this group of idiots come from?
Also, come on! It was a nice atmosphere too and you just had to come and ruin it!
