The Weeping Swordsman

Mr. Swordsman sat on his bed with his head down and his hands clasped together. He bandaged his arm, but the bleeding wouldn’t stop. After getting injured again in a fight, the tingling pain made him think.

“Pasta. That brat,” he whispered. “He may be older, but he’s a fool, a useless fool. His sister is pathetic. Her guard is always down. There’s no place in this world for a girl like her.”

Mr. Swordsman glared at his reflection in the mirror. He could feel it—the constant ache in his chest, the rage evident in his eyes. Others might call it a curse, but to him, it was a gift—a blessing that allowed him to forget, to merge with whatever darkness lay within him. The face staring back at him wasn’t his own; it was just a shell, containing all the pain and emotions that were locked up inside—unwillingly but necessary.

This job was becoming increasingly frustrating. Their smiles irritated him. Mr. Swordsman shook his head and stared at the floor. He feared something but didn’t know what. He wanted an answer, but he kept getting more questions. What were his power, strength, and relationships?

Mr Swordsman kept his eyes on the floor and finally said, “Why,” he whispered. “Why did I get injured? Again? No, no. I won. Yes, I won”

He could hear a voice whispering in his head. It always spoke to him. Sometimes it cries, but he. He just can’t understand what it speaks, nor does he want to. Yet, he could understand for now. It agrees with him. Yes, he has won.

Zyrion thought about the man who was holding back at him. No one had ever ridiculed him before, not once. The dragons on the sword’s hilt caught his attention. These were not just bedtime stories, but tales he had heard about dragons. There was a dragon emperor who ruled lands outside the kingdom. He claimed divinity just like the rest. Mr Swordsman had placed him on his list for a long time.

“Being a hero... that’s not my concern. They are all monsters. All of them,” he sighed, moving his fingers. “I miss you all. Those times when all we had to do was play in the fields. But it is nothing but a memory. And memories cause pain. Pain bring weaknesses,” he said, clenching his fist. “I’m never going to lose again. Because I’m the strongest”

*

The wedding was all set and ready. Flowers and banners adorned the main halls leading out to the field. The reception was to be held at the ballroom, where the bride and her father were. Musicians played their calming, melodious tunes as Kaden and Jean danced to the music. They moved fluently, making no mistakes in their steps.

“I see no point in practising on the wedding day, Matilda?” Kaden asked.

“You can’t dance with her during the ceremony without practice,” she sighed. “It’s your fault anyway, for being too engrossed with your work.”

“It’s my work that put food on our tables,” he said.

“Would you two stop already?” Jean said.

“Ok sis, you’re the boss,” Matilda said. She faced Emilia, who was sitting in the chair next to her, pouting.

“Are you still mad about yesterday? I said I’m sorry”

Emilia turned away. She had been scared the previous night, yet she had bravely charged forward to save Matilda from an unseen threat. But in the end, it was nothing more than a spider crawling on the wall. What kind of girl screams at the sight of a mere spider, she thought, her cheeks burning..

Matilda chuckled. “You sure are cute making that face”

“Huh?” Emilia returned to normal.

“Nothing,” Matilda said. “Emilia dear. What do you know about love?”

“Apart from my family, I haven’t liked anyone,” Emilia said, raising her finger. “But there is one guy. An elf-”

“So, you can do anything for your family?”

“You didn’t let me finish,” Emilia said, putting up her serious. “Yes, I can do anything. You should let people finish their sentences, you know”

Matilda watched her father and Jane as they danced. “Emilia, go get the others. The ceremony is about to start,” she said, facing her father. “I’ll be off to check on the food.”

Kaden stayed quiet and enjoyed his dance with Jane. She seemed a bit flustered and avoided eye contact with him throughout the dance. But that didn’t matter to him. Today would be a very memorable day for him, his daughter, and his business.

Emilia nodded and followed Matilda out, making her way to Mr. Swordsman’s room. She knocked on the door, but there was no response. After a moment, she knocked again, more firmly this time. The door creaked open, and Mr. Swordsman stepped out.

“Good morning, Mr Swordsman,” Emilia greeted.

Mr Swordsman ignored her and jumped out the window, climbing to the roof.

He’s acting strange again, Emilia thought. I hope he’s okay. She went to Pasta’s room. The wedding was about to begin.

*

Beautifully prepared meals, clear glasses, and bright pink and blue roses adorned the circular tables covered with white tablecloths at the wedding. Flowers adorned the walls of the wedding venue, matching the ones placed on each table. Guests from all around arrived, all wearing their finest outfits and arriving in exquisite transportation. Amidst the elegance, Kaden’s guards moved around in their uniforms, as Kaden mentioned it would be suspicious if they were not patrolling the area. Emilia stood guard at the entrance, a position given to her by Matilda. Mr Swordsman kept watch from the roofs while Pasta mingled at the party. Emilia wore the green suit she got from the store, while Pasta borrowed a casual outfit to blend in and avoid suspicion. Mr Swordsman, as always, refused to change, so he remained hidden on the roofs.

Emilia warmly welcomed each guest as they arrived. Now this job was easy, not patrolling a mansion at night. She couldn’t help but feel the excitement in the music and atmosphere—it could almost make her scream in delight. Weddings were simply the best, and she couldn’t help but wonder how her own wedding with the elf prince would be. Perhaps it would be on a grand boat or in a garden even more stunning than the one she was in. Yes, definitely a garden, as elves truly love that kind of setting. She couldn’t contain her excitement and let out a silent squeal, which caught the attention of some of the guests. Realizing this, she composed herself, cleared her throat, and continued her vigilance in watching for anyone suspicious.

*

Pasta took a few plates of food, sitting. He had no idea what he picked. It looked like cherries placed in a sauce. He lowered his head and ate some of the weird food. It tasted good, but it was too sweet.

“Hello there,” a girl said, sitting next to him.

“Hi”

Pasta was a bit taller than her. She wore a blue dress that accentuated her figure; the neckline dipping just enough to reveal a hint of her cleavage. She used a delicate golden pin to hold her elegantly swept-up brown, silky hair in place.

“You look down. Is anything wrong?”

Pasta stayed quiet and offered some of his strange food.

“No, no. I am not here for that”

“So, what are you here for?”

She stretched out her hand. “I’m Divi. Weddings are the best place to make connections, so they say.”

“You’re wasting your time, then. I’m dead broke,” Pasta whispered, ignoring her hand.

“Oh, I see. I heard that everyone here is either someone influential or a close friend of one. I take it you fall into the latter category?”

“I’m rather a guest, or let’s say,” Pasta said, taking a bite. “I’m here for the strange food”

She chuckled. “You’re quite the comedian. But it’s rather rude not to share your name after I’ve already given you mine.”

“It’s Pasta”

“Like the food”

He eyed her. “Like the food”

“You’re just getting more and more exciting Pasta. Let me guess, your favourite food is Pasta, right?”

Pasta finished his meal and got up. “I’m not in the mood for this,” he said, eyeing the groom. The groom looked like an extraordinary fellow—tall, handsome, and even more so in his luxurious suit. Easy men with easy lives, Pasta thought. But even he must have had his hardships. Those were the words of his master.

“I came here all by myself, you know,” Divi said, leaning in closer with a playful smile. “What kind of man leaves a lady alone like that?”

“You’re older than me,” he replied bluntly.

“It’s rather impolite to mention a lady’s age so openly. Why don’t you just keep me company for a little while?”

Pasta sighed. “Alright, as long as you stop pestering me.”

“Deal,” she said cheerfully. “And look, the bride is arriving.”

Jane walked through the red carpet as the music played. Trumpets, violin and the gentle beating of drums. The pianist danced his fingers across, enticing the sound even further. The guests were all standing as the groom waited for his bride.

Jane walked down the aisle in a flowing white gown adorned with the most delicate and intricately crafted designs. She wore a sheer veil that concealed her face. She walked arm-in-arm with her father, taking measured, graceful steps toward the waiting groom and priest. Meanwhile, Matilda arrived and stood beside Pasta, catching her breath.

“Hey, Divi. Adventurer. I made it!”

“You looked like you ran a mile, dearie,” Divi remarked.

“That’s because I did.”

“Wow. I have nothing else to say then”

Emilia watched from the entrance, already imagining herself in the shoes and dress of the bride, but something wasn’t right. The cooks appeared at the scene, admiring their masterpiece of a cake. There was a strange smell, faint and nearly unnoticeable. Pasta and Mr Swordsman also smelled it.

“Dearie, you should go have some rest. You look unwell,” Divi said.

Matilda straightened up. “You’re right. I’ll go sit at the back. I don’t want my sister to see me like this on her special day.”

“You always overthink things. She wouldn’t mind. Still, go rest.”

Matilda left and went to the back. Mr Swordsman was on the roof, but there was no suspicious person at the party. Perhaps Kaden was just scared about the situation, or his guards had caught the troublemaker before he made a move. Either way, they should hurry up with the ceremony.

Jean arrived at the platform and stood beside the groom. He turned and observed the wedding. His father sat at the front, wearing a proud, albeit somewhat awkward smile, while his mother seemed to be in high spirits.

The priest cleared his throat and began as the music faded. “We are gathered here today to witness the union of these two souls in love. It is a splendid day, with love filling the air. Before we proceed with this sacred joining, if anyone has any objections, please speak now or forever hold your peace.”

Pasta, Emilia, and Mr. Swordsman kept a vigilant watch over the guests. None of them showed any signs of dissent. Outside the venue, the scene was calm, with only the guards keeping watch.

“T.M. Harold Maregoro, do you take Jane to be your lawfully wedded wife? Will you cherish her in sickness and in health, through poverty and prosperity, and remain devoted to her until the end of your days?”

“I do,” Harold replied.

The priest then turned to Jane. “And Jane, do you take Harold as your lawfully wedded husband? Will you stand by him through all of life’s challenges and joys, sharing both the hardships and the triumphs, till death do you part?”

“I-“

Pasta unsheathed his sword in a flash as a gas bomb exploded. Shadowy figures appeared, with one grabbing Jane. Mr Swordsman jumped into the smoke, and the fumes worsened his wound, sending him to the floor.

“What sort of gas is this?” he muttered.

Emilia saw a man jumping out of the smoke, holding the bride. It looked like the same man from last time. He was too fast, sprinting past the guards.

Pasta also jumped out of the smoke with Divi in hand. He dropped her to the ground.

“Where’s he?”

“He headed for the woods. Where’s Mr Swordsman?”

“Take care of her,” Pasta said to Emilia. He ran into the forest, chasing down the figure. Pasta is a fool. Those words echoed in his head. The man was right in front of him, but he was too fast.

Parallel space, he thought. If only he had listened a bit back then.

Pasta shook his head. “I just need to improvise for now”

He chased the kidnapper for a long time, hoping to tire him out. The hooded man began to slow down, as the constant shaking of the girl troubled him. Pasta finally closed the gap and grabbed the bride from his hands.

“Are you alright?” Pasta asked.

She coughed. “I’m fine. Thanks”

The man removed his hood. “Hey! Give her back. We’re in love. That bastard does not deserve her”

“And you think you are deserving?” Pasta said, his voice laced with rage. “You’re a criminal. I commend you for trying to do things your way. But If the girl has nothing to do with you. Be a damm man and get over it”

He gritted his teeth and brought out his axe. “I’ll chop you down right here. Of course, she loves me”

“Hey,” Pasta said. His eyes were devoid of emotion, and his energy was overpowering enough to knock an ordinary person down. “I’m already in a bad mood. So, scram.”

The man froze. The boy before him was ready to slay him at any moment. He sighed and left the woods. Pasta wasn’t much of a gentleman, but he tried his utmost best to make sure the bride was treated with care and respect on their way back.

*

Kaden sat with his head in his hands. “He really got to her, my dear Jane,” he mumbled.

Harold’s father patted him on the back. The smoke had cleared, and guards were sent to rescue Jane.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were injured?” Emilia asked while she was bandaging Mr Swordsman.

Mr Swordsman lay on the floor. The gas was not poisonous to others, but it somehow affected his injury. Kaden stood and knocked over the chairs, screaming.

“I hired you all to protect my daughter and see what happened,” he said. “Your swordsman is injured, and where is the other guy? Also, I want an explanation of how he was able to enter the party in the first place. Weren’t you in charge of making sure he didn’t?!”

Emilia stood. “We did our best, sir. I don’t hear you scolding your guards. You assured us that your guards had the situation under control, so we’re not to be blamed.”

Kaden growled. Picking up a chair, and was about to hit Emilia. She drew her sword and cut through the chair, then met her blade at Kaden’s neck. “I have an injured friend here. Please excuse me as I take care of him,” she said.

Kaden growled. “You little-”

Pasta walked out with the bride and some guards behind him.

“Are you alright, sweetie?” Kaden asked, holding her shoulders. “I hope he didn’t hurt your face.” He reached for her veil, but she walked past him.

“I’m fine, Dad.”

Kaden smiled and shook Pasta’s hand. “I’m deeply sorry for doubting your party. Here,” he snapped his fingers as his men brought a bag of cash. “That’s double what we agreed on.”

Pasta gave a soft smile. He saw Mr Swordsman on the floor, Emilia treating him. “I appreciate it, sir”

Kaden nodded and ordered for the ceremony to continue. Pasta went to Emilia.

“You almost cut off his hand, you know,” he said.

She shivered. “Yes, I noticed. I’m never doing that again”

Pasta chuckled. “We were this close to getting imprisoned”

Mr Swordsman stared at the siblings. They were laughing. It must be because of the doubled payment. Emilia almost cut off Kaden’s arm? He didn’t notice. Mr Swordsman sat on the floor, watching the rest of the ceremony.

The couple exchanged vows again. Harold sighed with a smile. His hands shivering a bit.

“We should take our leave,” Mr Swordsman said.

“Why? This is the best part. The kiss,” Emilia said, full of anticipation.

Pasta was a bit scared. Emilia seemed too excited about this.

Harold revealed the bride’s veil. Matilda drew him in, kissing him. The crowd erupted with screams. Divi laughed aloud, drowning herself in wine.

“M-M-M-MATILDA!!” Kaden screamed.

The groom laughed and saw the almost-dead looks of his parents. Emilia and Pasta's mouths were wide open offering a free passage for passing flies.

“Where’s Jane? How? When?” Kaden thought of his words.

Matilda giggled. “The man had been in the house all along. Yesterday, he made contact. At night, he switched places with one of the chefs. The original chef was able to escape successfully without being caught”

“That guy was a chef?” Emilia whispered. “A chef outran me”

Pasta glanced at her, puzzled. “What guy?”

Matilda continued, “The rest was easy. Assigning the adventurers to roles where I know they won’t perform their best, especially the girl who is quite perceptive. I figured it would be best to have her guard the kitchen premises and outside the ceremony. A close friend of mine distracted the boy. The special gas for the injured swordsman. The man who captured me was none other than just a simple follower. If only you had good adventurers, this mission would have failed. Yes, sweetheart?”

“You’re right,” Hudson said, “They must be amateurs. Good job finding them”

Pasta reached for his sword. Emilia held his wrist.

“B-but what…. What about your sister?” Kaden said.

She’s with the man she loves. We know you’ll never approve, that’s why we did this. Also, the groom and I have been in love for a long time, but because of the business opportunities you have with his father, you ignored us.

“Harold! How dare you perform this stunt!” Mr Maregoro yelled as his wife tried to calm him down.

Mr Swordsman and the others tip-toed out of the party. Kaden's eyes caught on them.

“Hey, you all should be in on this. Guards!” he yelled. “Give me back my money”

They ran with their full speed from the marriage. Pasta, holding the bag of money couldn’t help but laugh.

“Did any of you know that?” Pasta asked.

“What in the world did we get ourselves into? These people are insane!” Emilia screamed, while also laughing.

“All rich people are,” Mr Swordsman said.

“Insane? But You’ll definitely do it for your elf prince, right?” Pasta asked.

“Obviously!”

Emilia and Pasta laughed, ignoring the numerous guards chasing behind them. Mr Swordsman stared at both of them. They may not be the best, he thought. But maybe just maybe. He does not have to think that much about it.