To Each Their Own Path

You're back! Did you find him?

Yes, but there's a problem. He's got a fiancée.

Huh?

His family arranged it recently. He says he can't meet Shemila because of that.

Eh, fair point.

What do you want me to do? I can tell Shemila, if you want. Or do we keep it from her?

......

We can't give up!

They need to meet again. Maybe I'm being selfish, but I want Shemila to see him. Only he can make her happy!

Okay, you're the boss.

Please take Shemila to that knight. Leave convincing her to me.

Got it!

I think she's at the Meeting Hall. Let's see if we can find her.

Shemila, can we talk?

My, that sounds serious! I hope it's not bad news.

We heard about what happened to you. In the past.

It was my grandma, wasn't it? That tattletale!

In any case, my past doesn't concern you.

It does concern me.

If something's making you unhappy, then as your friend, I want to fix it!

That's really nice of you, but please, let it go.

No, listen! We found him, the knight you love.

What are you saying? How did you know who it was?

It is him. We spoke about you.

So you really found where he is.

Aldo can take you there, if you want to see him!

......

You want to meet him, don't you? Don't you want another chance to talk to him?

Honestly, I'm afraid. It's been so long...

Shemila, it will be okay...

But it may be my only chance. I'd regret it if I didn't take it.

Please take me to him, if it's not too much trouble.

No problem!

......

Give me a moment to get ready. I'll be right back.

Was it wise to not tell her about the engagement?

If she knew, she might not want to see him anymore.

I get it, but what if she gets mad at you when the cat's out of the bag?

I don't mind. What matters is that they meet.

Okay.

Thank you for helping me with this, Aldo.

Sorry to keep you waiting. Why do you look so worried?

We're not! Ahaha...

Just a bit tired, it's been a long day.

Ah, okay.

You'll need some privacy, so we'll go to Serena Coast. Find a place to hide there, and I'll go and get the guy.

It feels unreal...

I'm going to Miglance Castle. I won't be long. Make sure nobody sees you, or we could get into some trouble we really don't need.

Yes, of course.

Come back soon, Aldo!

Are you nervous, Shemila?

A bit. My heart's beating so fast...

You'll see him soon!

Ahhh! Get away from me! Help! Somebody help!

That voice!

We must help her!

But Aldo said to stay hidden...

I can't just ignore it!

Wait, don't go! *sigh*

What's going on there?

Some kind of gathering? Let's check it out.

Has something happened?

If it isn't Aldo himself!

Aldo? Aldo the hero? You're a godsend!

Just Aldo is fine. I'm no one special.

I beg you, please save my daughter! She's been kidnapped by a beast!

Huh?! But...why her?

She comes from a family of wealthy merchants. The beast likely wanted a hostage to trade for money and goods.

You know my daughter? Then please, Sir Aldo, help us get her back safely!

I never refuse my help to those in need, even to strangers.

Thank you, kind sir!

Do you know where she was taken?

She was last seen at Serena Coast. The beast attacked her on the way from Rinde.

Serena Coast you say...

What's up?

No, no. Let's head out at once!

Hey, you! Let the lady go!

Oh no, it's another beast!

The lady doesn't want to go with you! Let her go!

Struggling and screaming is just what hostages do, kiddo. Get over it.

I'll...I'll have to use force if you don't listen to me!

Now that's funny! What, do you have a soft spot for humans? Want to be a hero?

Graaaaaargh!

*sob*

Vetille, are you all right? Vetille!

Why did he do that for me?

How pathetic!

......

I told you to stay out of this, but you just had to interfere. Now I can't simply let you go. I don't feel good about killing fellow beasts, but you give me no choice.

Don't lay a hand on them! You got what you came here for, so leave them alone!

I...I couldn't do anything. Without Aldo, I'm not strong enough to help anyone...

You're wrong there, Vetille!

You bought us precious time! Now let us take over from here.

It's Aldo!

Darling!

I'll have my fiancée back, you wretched beast.

......

You again? Ugh!

That's right, and this time you're not getting away!

So that's what his real goal was. Kidnapping!

You have a bad habit of getting in my way. But no more of that. Say your prayers!

Graaah! Damn you, humans!

Thank you so much! Thank you for saving me from that horrible beast!

I'm glad you're unhurt.

Good job, Vetille. We wouldn't have made it in time if not for your bravery!

You say that, but I didn't do anything.

That's not true at all!

I dread to think of what that wretch might've done to me if you hadn't shown up.

So, thank you, young man. I'm safe because of you too.

I-I just...can't stand it when other beasts do bad things.

It's good to know that there are kindhearted beasts like you.

......

...Shemila? What are YOU doing here?

Who, me? You must be mistaking me for someone else. I don't think I've met you before, sir.

......

...I must be going. Excuse me.

No, wait!

I should be on my way too. Those two weren't here to cause any trouble. I'd appreciate it if you could keep them out of your report.

......

Darling...

Let's go back to Unigan. Your father has been sick with worry.

Shemila, why didn't you want to talk to him?

Did you know that woman? And that she was his fiancée?

Yes. I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I thought you would refuse to see him if you knew about that, and I really wanted you to meet again.

So that's what was going on then...

Are you mad at me?

Don't worry, I'm not. I guess that's just how it had to be. It's for the better that I went to see him.

You went out of your way for me, Aldo. I'm sorry that I couldn't find it in me to speak with him.

It should be me apologizing to you. I just caused you unnecessary stress.

No, it's okay. At least now I know I should just forget about him.

But you didn't even talk to him to ask how he feels about you.

What good would that do? He's getting married. I don't want to complicate his life.

Do you still have the pendant, Aldo?

Yes, sure. Here it is.

Shemila, this is yours.

Oh, so you had it.

You dropped it when you were attacked by monsters. Sorry it took me so long to return it.

I searched for it everywhere. I thought it was lost for good.

Thank you for bringing it back to me. I received it as a gift from my love. The first, and the last gift I ever got from him.

You kept it all those years and took good care of it. It's because you never stopped loving that man, isn't it?

If he mattered so much to you, and your feelings never faded, you should tell him that!

What for? He already found someone else. What do you want me to tell him? We never stood a chance. He's human, I'm beast. It was hopeless from the start!

I hoped so much that we could be together. There was so much I wanted to talk to him about, so many places I wanted to see together. I longed for his embrace...

But we're star-crossed lovers, who never had a future.

I don't believe that!

Vetille, don't press her on it any more. You have to respect her choice.

But, Aldo, this isn't right!

We should head back. Will you escort us to the island, Aldo?

Shemila!

Huh... You came back?

I made a mistake, Shemila. I tried to shut out the feelings I had for you for the sake of my career at the castle.

With hindsight, I should have never left you in the first place. So it may be too late now, but I have to ask you anyway. Shemila, I want to share the rest of my life with you. Would you still want to be with me?

......

Why are you asking her this now? And what about your fiancée?

She was the one who opened my eyes.

I could see it in your face that you love that beastwoman. Why aren't you with her? You always say people are better off getting married to those they love, not those that were chosen for them by others.

But I couldn't possibly break my vow.

I wouldn't mind. In fact, I'd welcome having the freedom to find my true love, too.

She made me realize I should follow my own advice.

And I'm so grateful that she did.

I see...

Shemila...will you please give me your answer?

You silly man. Of course I want to be with you! Stay with me, and don't leave me ever again!

Of course. I promise you that.

That's a very bold decision you made. Will your family accept you canceling the engagement?

That's not likely. I may be disowned for all I know. But no matter. I'll have to withdraw from the Order too, but I was planning to do that after getting married anyway.

Such are the consequences I'll have to live with, but this is for the best.

In that case...will you move to Snake Bone Island?

No, I'm considering moving further afield. In these lands it's still not commonly accepted for humans and beasts to live together.

I was hoping Shemila would be willing to help me search for a safer place for us.

Are you okay with leaving the island, Shemila?

It's where I grew up so I'll definitely miss it, but my place is by his side.

That's so romantic!

If you're going to travel, you'll need a boat.

That's already taken care of!

Is it?

You'll see! Come with me to Gabaraki.

Over here!

Oh! That's what you meant...

That's right! It's your boat, all fixed and ready to sail again.

I actually made some modifications. You said you didn't want it, so I customized it a bit.

I'm sorry I was so harsh that time.

Don't worry about it! Anyway! I'm glad the boat will return to its rightful owner.

It's very generous of you to go to this length to help us. Thank you, boy.

It's my pleasure, sir! Oh, but you're quitting the knight job...

You can address me any way you like. Although perhaps I'm too old for you to call me by my first name...

Old man it is then!

Hahaha, aren't you a cheeky little imp.

Are you going now?

Yes. I already said my goodbyes to my family and packed for the trip.

Aldo and Vetille, thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you've done for us.

I was just the muscle and Vetille was the brains. It was all his idea.

Anything to make Shemila smile again!

Thank you.

Well, we shall be on our way.

I guess so.

I can't see the boat any more.

You don't have any regrets?

Huh?

You didn't tell Shemila about your feelings for her.

Whaaaaaat... How did you know?!

It was kind of obvious.

It was?! Well...it's okay this way. I love her smile and what I want the most is for her to be happy.

This was the best outcome for her. As long as she's happy, I'm fine.

......

You have a very big heart.

Besides, I have a new goal in life.

I want to be able to ensure the happiness of people I care about. I'm just a kid now, too weak to protect anyone. I don't stand a chance against an adult beast.

But one day, I want to be strong like you, Aldo!

I'm sure you will be.

Okay!

My dear daughter! Are you okay? Why are you unaccompanied? Where did the knights of the Order disappear off to?

Oh, don't worry about them, Father.

But I must offer them my thanks for saving you.

It wasn't them. I was rescued by my fiancé, Aldo and...

A certain very brave boy.