Villain Retirement

"Does it not look like Aerith?"

"I do not know, Master."

"It does."

The wooden figurine was truly just that, a wooden figurine. But it was clear to everyone who could see it that it was created by a master craftsman, as even though the figurine was just the size of a normal human hand, one could actually see the details of each fold of the figurine's dress; one could even see a hint of eyelashes if they wished to see it.

But of course, there was truly only so much detail one could put in a figurine the size of a hand — and the face sculpted could be the face of anyone.

But for Riley, who had memorized each and every pore on Aerith's body, it was as clear as day to him that the figurine was a mold of Aerith.

"I would like to buy this, vendor."

"Ah, of course! The statue of Lady Irene," the vendor clasped his hands together as he looked at Riley, "It is a very popular item and that is the only one left, so it is worth 5 coppers."

"5 copper coins for a stick?" Miss Pepondosovich raised an eyebrow as she stared the vendor straight in the eyes.

"Pay him a silver coin, Miss Pepondosovich," Riley looked at Miss Pepondosovich.

"A… silver?" Miss Pepondosovich gasped, "I know my money is limitless, but he is scamming you, Riri. Why are you even giving more than what he already asked!?"

"Because I am buying information too," Riley breathed out as he glanced at the figurine, "Are you the one who sculpted this figurine, vendor?"

"N… no," the vendor quickly answered Riley's question, "That's one of the Lord's men, he lives in the castle."

"The castle…" Riley glanced in the direction that should be the center of the large city. And even with all the festivities and buildings, one could see the castle standing tall, "...Lady Irene, is she also there?"

"She… should be."

And without even waiting for Miss Pepondosovich to hand the coin to the vendor, Riley grabbed the coin himself and threw it at him.

"W… wait!" Miss Pepondosovich could not help but just immediately chase after him as he started walking at a pace already suspiciously fast for a human, "Slow down! Just… tell us what's going on! Does that figurine really look similar to your lover!? Miss Esme!?"

"I do not know," Esme shook her head as she too, followed Riley through the crowd, "I have not really spent that much time with the Aerith of my universe, but if Master says the figurine looks like her, then it probably does, Miss Pepondosovich."

"This… is getting crazy," a wide smile started to grow on Miss Pepondosovich's face, "It truly is the right decision to become his guide. This… this is better than all the plays I have seen in my life. This drama… oh, what mysteries are we to see, Miss Esme!?"

"There is a high chance this involves the Higher God that Seed mentioned to us, Miss Pepondosovich," Esme nodded.

"Right!? Could it be — is time travel actually real?" Miss Pepondosovich gasped, "I know the primordials have already told Riley that time travel could never be real… but what if they just do not know yet because it will be farther away into the future? A future they don't even know!?"

"I thought you do not believe the Master's story, Miss Pepondosovich?"

"I'm doubtful," Miss Pepondosovich nodded several times as she made sure they were not losing Riley, "But…

…is it not more fun to believe?"

And although Riley and the others were just walking across the streets of Rosa like everyone else, it did not take long at all until they reached the gates of the Lord's castle. But alas, they could not walk anymore as they were quickly blocked by the people guarding the gates.

"Halt! State your business in the Lord's castle!" The guard's voice was loud, a little rhythmic.

"I wish to see Lady Irene, guard." Riley did not waste any time to answer.

"The Lady is resting!" The guard once again shouted; his words, almost a hymn, "State your name and your business with the Lady so that we may pass it onto their attendants!"

"Tell her that Riley Ross is here."

"Riley Ross!" The guard once again voiced out.

"...Wow, he should really change careers," Miss Pepondosovich whispered to Esme.

"And what is your business with the Lady, Riley Ross!?" The guard breathed out, slightly extending his words.

"Please tell her that her lover is here."

"Then I will—What!?" The guard's voice practically turned into a siren, causing everyone who was just passing by the walls of the Lord's castle to look at him, "Are you telling me you are Lady Irene's lover!?"

And with his humming voice thundering through the air, a crowd almost instantly formed around the gates; all of their eyes, looking at Riley.

"Lady Irene's lover?"

"Why does he look so young… and white?"

"Is he from another land?"

"This… this…" Even the guard's stutters sounded good, "I think it is better if you and your company wait inside! Lind, check them for weapons!"

And as the crowd continued to grow bigger, the guards had no choice but to just let the three in, unless they wanted the entire city gossiping in front of their gates. The three then were escorted to a house separate from the Lord's castle, the attendants there, also all looking at Riley.

They all seemed to want to have a chance to talk to Riley, but unfortunately for them, he was quickly called to present himself in front of the Lord of the castle.

"What… what is going on!?" Miss Pepondosovich could not help but just raise her hand as they were once again escorted through the Lord's castle. She did not even have any time to appreciate all the decors of the house, "Why do you have to create so much chaos, Riri!? This was supposed to be a romantic reunion between you and your lover!"

And soon, the three found themselves standing in front of the Lord of the castle.

"What sort of slanders do I hear coming from you, boy!? To vilify the Lady's name like that, explain yourself or have your neck meet the blade this instant!"

Riley was not looking at the raging Lord at all, however, not even acknowledging his appearance as he sat on his throne—no.

Riley was staring at the large painting behind the Lord — a portrait.

A portrait of Aerith… with another man beside her.