A/N: Hello guys ! Sorry for the small wait again. I know I have to publish one chapter every 10 days, but those times I feel tired with my work, and honestly, I sometimes felt annoyed by my studies, so much that I almost gave up for a moment...

But don't worry, I promise you I'll put some effort next time, as for the writing of my story than my studies.

Have a good read !

~Travis's POV~

"Hmm... That highland chicken is really delicious, my dear !", exclaimed Tressa's father happily.

"You're welcome, Olneo... It's such a pleasure for me to cook one of our best worker's favorite meal after such a good day of work ! Right, Tressa ?", asked nicely Tressa's mom.

"Yeah ! Mmmmh !... It's such a delight !..."

I was actually dining with the Colzione family, including Tressa and her parents, as Tressa's father came back tonight after his day of work. The dining room was quite dark while a small silence invaded the entire house.

In the porcelain plates, there were a bunch of aperitifs on the dining table, like peanuts or lemon, but we were mainly eating a roasted chicken alongside a fresh salad. Tressa really enjoyed her meal and already devoured half of her plate, while I was tasting the chicken coupled with salad for the first time of my life.

"And you, Travis ? How do you judge your meal ?", asked me kindly Tressa's mom.

"Well... That's right that chicken is pretty good.", I smiled.

It was such a peaceful evening: not a single loud noise could be heard from outside, just the slow sound of the sea made us relax. We were also pretty calm and well exhausted after that day of work.

I was grateful to Tressa's parents to invite me out to dinner, as I didn't have any other ways to eat if I don't count the merchant of free sandwiches. I never had the occasion before to eat with several persons around a table.

Effectively, when I was observing them eating, I could really see a united family who was having a nice moment together. This really reminds me of families eating together, parents with their children, in their sweet home. That's right they looked so happy together...

Me, I never knew that kind of moment, because I never knew my parents. I remember anything from them and all... but watching at Tressa and her parents eating together makes me glad.

Is that... how it's like to have a family ?

"I see you look pretty calm tonight, young boy. Is something wrong ?", asked me Tressa's father.

I haven't told them the truth about me: they don't know I'm an orphan, and that I lied to them about my family. I know I didn't want to make them upset, but I felt quite bad for hiding that secret from such nice people like them.

"...", I said nothing.

"...Maybe it was so yummy for him that he couldn't express how much it's good !", shushed Tressa at her parents while eating.

"Huh... It's just... I don't always eat with people besides my parents, so I just feel quite weird... But it's ok !"

"Ah. That's fine. I remember you told us your parents were pretty busy, actually...", answered Tressa's dad.

I didn't really want to tell them the truth directly, in the middle of the dinner, but the more they are believing in my lies, the more I regretted to invent fake stories.

But how could I tell them ?!

It was like a calm but stunning suspense to sit at the dinner table with that secret, suspense which was slowly interrupted by Tressa's mom, who asked at her husband.

"By the way, honey. Have you done good business, today ?"

"A very good business, I made ! I just sold the old luxury carpet and the nightstand at a good price of 6000 leaves at the end of the southern coast. Furthermore, with the travel expenses, I got a bonus of 25 percent, with a total of no less than 7500 leaves !"

"Ooohhh !... I really congratulate you !"

"That's a good job, Pa !", cheered Tressa.

"Thank you, girls. With that, we're gonna have a more free place to stow more merchandise in the future."

"Yes. I'm pretty sure this will greatly make our work easier.", added Tressa's mom.

I curiously watched all numerous stocks of merchandise dispersed at the end of the room, which was so full of boxes and furniture that we couldn't almost clear a path there.

More free place ? But I don't see more place anywhere...

However, I think it was quite nice to listen to their working day.

"And what about you, Marina ?", asked Tressa's father at his wife.

"As usual... We have just run the shop and sold 2000 leaves of provisions. Ah ! And we've also finished storing everything we need to prepare for the festival !"

"And we even got the magic balls !", exclaimed Tressa happily.

I and her parents looked at her, quite confused of what she was talking about when she explained.

"Err... This is how I call the golden pearls ! Hi hi !"

As I still stayed calm and discreet during the dinner, her father spoke calmly.

"I'm really glad we have everything for the feast. Furthermore, with the help given by all the other villagers, I'm really sure this would be the greatest festival Rippletide has ever known !", he made a positive smile, as his family agreed when he felt quite nostalgic. "When I think about it, it's been more than 18 years old that we are installed here, close to the sea."

"Ah... The good old memories... and now, we're here, with that beautiful sun which is our sweet and adorable worker daughter...", continued Tressa's mother, truly emotional by reminding her good memories.

Tressa followed the conversation.

"Me too... I'm really happy to help you... But you know, today, Travis also helped us a lot at purchasing the items and running the store !"

"Oh, really young one ?", asked her father.

"Y-yeah, of course ! It was really fun to work at the merchant's side ! And I mostly preferred to purchase the items with Tressa ! Seriously, she's such a pro at making deals with people !", I answered happily while eating my chicken wing.

Tressa giggled.

"He he ! You were really excited each time I was buying something ! Pretty sure if ever I gave him all my money, he would buy everything in the village !"

We all chuckled calmly at her joke.

Yeah, I admit sometimes I really wanted to buy everything I saw in the village, but I wouldn't like to use all Tressa's money for my own pleasure.

However, I really enjoyed that day and to help Tressa and her parents. Not only because I was grateful to Tressa, but also because it was a pleasure to discover how it was like to work as a merchant. I could even say that the Colzione are such an exceptional family !

Tressa's father then picked up the jar of water and managed to pour his glass, when he noticed it was empty.

"Oh... There's no more water. Tressa, would you like to..."

"Of course, Pa !", she answered happily while standing up.

She went on a nearby room with the jar, where we could see her, as her parents watched her with a lot of affection.

"She's really lovable, our Tressa... Don't you think, honey ?"

"Of course, she is...", said her husband, when he watched at me. "And you, boy ? Have you spent a good time while helping Tressa ?"

"Yeah ! I loved to work with her ! I think she would be a very cool person whom we can work together ! She is also really good to make some bargains while shopping !"

Tressa's mom giggled.

"Hu hu hu !... That's right ! Our Tressa enjoys a lot to spend her time looking at the slighltest interesting item. And she would be always ready at anything to buy it at the right price in order to save her economies."

I have almost finished my plate when Tressa's father spoke at his wife.

"Eh, you know, dearie... Me too, when I had her age, I sometimes haggled with merchants, during my trip through Orsterra ! Don't you remember ?"

"I did, honey. I also remember once that time when you have negotiated the price of a jar, by looking at the product's details... But you have managed to find more qualities, and to make the seller increasing its price ! Hu hu hu !", she giggled calmly.

"So, you have both traveled through the country when you were younger ?", I asked them curiously.

Tressa's mom answered me with a smile which showed a lot of nostalgia.

"That's right ! It was mostly my husband who has explored through the lands more than I did before we met and he would bring me in his travel. He was a traveling merchant, you know ?"

"Really ?"

"Yes ! I was quite proud of my work because I could sell at people who haven't the chance to travel by themselves, and I even went to the most beautiful cities of Orsterra: Goldshore, Victors Hollow, and especially the great city of Atlasdam...", Tressa's father continued.

"What's so special with the great city of Atlasdam ? I've heard it was a very famous city in the whole country."

Tressa's mom, who became suddenly delighted, narrated me.

"Well, it's such a WONDERFUL CITY ! Every young woman dream to live there for their studies or founding a family, and it even included me although I still prefer to spend my life in Rippletide with my lovely husband... Indeed, the city is so beautiful with its flowers everywhere, and its huge cathedrals, so much that it's really difficult to forget such a wonderful place ! I was excited like a little girl when I first put the first step at the entrance when I went here with my husband, and there were also so many areas to see like the Royal Palace, the Royal Library, and without forgetting the Royal Academy of Atlasdam !..."

"Woahhh ! That must be so awesome to visit that place !", I said, really impressed by that famous city.

"Yeah, it was ! It was also well known as scholars's capital. Every scholar would work thereby bringing their greatest knowledge and teaching them at new generations of students who are so eager to learn... I remember to have seen a group of scholars walking through the place, and they looked so AMAZING ! Especially that professor Albright !"

"Who's the professor... "All Might", exactly ?"

"ALBRIGHT, we say !... He's such a remarkable scholar, one of the smartest and wisest searchers and professors in Orsterra !"

"The cream of the crop !", added the father.

"He's such a celebrity very famous in the world, so much that it would be so surprising to meet one person who has never heard of him. The professor Albright is such an amazing example for every scholar, and he is very famous for having made a lot of discovers during all his research. And seriously... he is so seducing ! Every girl would like to marry him, and I guess he was still very young, actually, for a scholar..."

"Some people even tell that he is an amazing wizard who can controls elements !", said her husband.

I really took a pleasure to listen to Tressa's parents. Honestly, from all the places and cities I've heard about that country, Atlasdam was definitely the one which interested me the most, so much that I wanted to visit it already !

Indeed, I was also curious about that famous professor Albright. He must be a very smart person according to Tressa's parents, and this is what it interested me the most: this man must really know a lot of things about Orsterra in general. And what if... he really knows the deepest secret about that land ?

Honestly, I couldn't really confirm if he did or not, but just the fact he was very smart made quite concerned about that scholar...

Anyway, he should be also a wonderful wizard. I couldn't stop to imagine what kind of spell he could do ! Maybe he could control the water, the wind, or even something else which might surprise me.

"Woah !... Is he still living at Atlasdam ?", I said, amazed by that story.

"Mhhh... I guess. Scholars like him would mostly work in that city, but sometimes they have to move to another place for the work. We even had a small group who went working at Rippletide a few weeks ago..."

Maybe that wouldn't be a bad city to go to that city and to meet this professor... if I have time.

However, I still preferred to stay in that town and to help Tressa in her job.

Her parents looked so proud and have placed great confidence in her, despite she was still a young girl, and that was really incredible.

"Since she has started to work at her youngest age, Tressa has always been a smart girl very passionated by her work and she really fell in love with the treasures of Orsterra. It's just like she has... a third eye, an exceptional talent, and we are really proud of her... With all these qualities, we still wondered what she will do when she will grow up...", she finished in a calm tone.

"Yeah... Me too.", I said.

I could still see Tressa at the kitchen, who was still pouring some water stowed in a shelf. And I bet it wasn't the water which was annoying her, but our conversation. And it was just at the moment when her parents were talking about her future...

Indeed, she looked so calm, so passive, but it seems that she isn't as excited as when she was at the table anymore. I was pretty sure she was listening to her conversation, and I found her quite disturbed, for a reason. Does she want to say something important to her parents ? It's not like she was hurt or sick, it's just like... she was hiding a secret...

Tressa... What are you thinking about ?...

What if... she wanted to tell the truth at her parents right now ? What did she want to become in the future ? And if ever I'm right... has she trouble to announce them that new ?

She already told me what she wanted to be: a traveling merchant who sells his rare but good-looking merchandise through the world. And I was completely agreed that it was such a passion for her...

I understand her a lot: I would know how it's hard to announce such a new at her parents, especially because they were merchants and needed someone to replace them for owning the trading shop. But how can we be both a traveling merchant and the owner of the trading shop ?! She just can't do both, and that choice was just busying her !

I eavesdropped my ear to hear her speaking at herself.

"You can do it !..."

She then slowly came back with the jar of water and put it on the table after serving everyone.

"Errr... Ma ? Pa ?"

"Thanks, Tressa...", said her mom.

Her parents noticed she was abnormally calm, rather serious, as her father stared at her attentively and asked her.

"You have something to say, dearie ?"

She flinched at his question, alongside with her mom watching at her patiently, as I observed her as well in a less intimidating way.

She took a few steps back in the kitchen.

"Well..."

She managed to stay calm and quiet positive, but I could see her trembling in place, without having the courage to speak.

While I stared at her, trying to encourage her with a smile, when she watched again at her parents, she felt sorry at them and announced.

"Nothing."

Her concerned parents looked at her with confusion, ignoring the truth as I sighed at her answer, feeling bad to see her quite upset, even if she still manages to fake a small smile.

That shouldn't be easy for her...

What should I do for helping her ? I couldn't tell to her parents that she wanted to become a traveling merchant at her place, else I risk to humiliate her with such an unveiled secret... Maybe it would be better if she told them herself when she wanted to.

Anyway, we all finished eating, when I exclaimed.

"Well, it was such a wonderful meal ! I'm completely full !"

Everyone was also exhausted as I was when Tressa's mom spoke to me.

"Hmm... It's starting to be late. I think you should go home, Travis. Your parents must be worried about you..."

I became quite annoyed after these words and stayed so calm that we could clearly something was wrong with me.

So... Do I tell them ?

As they all stared at me, concerned, I finally decided to speak in a cold and low tone.

"...They're not."

"Why ?", asked Tressa.

"What do you want to tell us ?", added her father.

I felt quite upset to speak about that, but I couldn't hide the truth for long.

So, I decided to go on.

"In reality... I..."

~A few explanations later~

Unlike Tressa, I was able to confess a secret, except that it was sadder than her one. I told them the truth about my parents, about my backstory where I have to live in the most hidden streets, and about my misery. Even if I still lied by explaining that I was an orphan living in a city of the country, I mainly said the truth about my family.

The whole family was deeply shocked after learning my story: the mother almost wanted to cry, the father has so many kinds of pity for me, and Tressa was truly heartbroken for me. It must be really hard for them to endure that.

"Oh... I... It is true ?!...", mumbled Tressa's mom in a very sad tone, her hand on her chest.

I nodded reluctantly to confirm when her husband asked me.

"Why... didn't you just tell us all this before ?..."

"Because... I didn't want to hurt you by telling you the truth... You were all so happy, you three, as a family... and I didn't want to spoil that moment..."

I watched at them, feeling sorry to not have told them sooner just because I didn't really know them.

Tressa was standing in place, trying desperately to support that truth, and watched at me worryingly, went she ran to me.

"Oh, Travis !"

She suddenly hugged me tight, in a very touching manner, as I hugged her back when she shushed at my ear.

"I'm so sorry... For what all you must have been through..."

"Tressa..."

Despite they barely knew me, she and her parents were really worried about my situation and must be feeling really bad about all the hard events I have faced in my old life. Being a family, they were really nice to be concerned about people's problems, as they all faced that truth all together tonight.

They have all lived together in the same house, worked together in family with a smile on their lips with happiness, by facing together the hardest moments. They would be ready at anything as well to help people who had problems, and if I have to be honest, I was quite glad to meet such a wonderful family.

Was that... what do we call a happy family ?

We slowly stopped the hug, calming myself, as I told them my decision.

"I would like to work for you. I promise I'll do anything for helping at preparing the festival and getting something for buying something to eat. Are you agree ?..."

While the parents hesitated, it's Tressa who answered first.

"I am. I'll make sure you won't spend your life outside anymore... Right, Pa and Ma ?"

Her parents, quite worried, were still hesitating by my request, despite their daughter agreed. So, they spoke to each other by shushing.

"What do you think Olneo ?..."

"I know he wants to work, but he is pretty young..."

"Until we find someone for him, we could take care of him for a moment... And Tressa likes him, by the way..."

They finally turned back at us, when Tressa's mom answered calmly.

"We agree Travis. You can spend a few days with us if you wish to."

I sighed positively, quite grateful towards them.

"Thank you a lot !"

~Later, in Tressa's bedroom~

Despite Tressa's parents accepted me to stay here for a few days, there wasn't any extra bedroom prepared for guests like me. However, they told me I could sleep with her, in the same bed which was large enough for 2 persons. That disturbed me a little, as I never slept in the company of someone before, but it looked to be a warm bed.

Tressa's bedroom wasn't the smallest, but neither the biggest. It was a modest room with a window behind her bed covered by red curtains. Some clothes were misplaced on her bed, settled with a pair of big pillows and a large white sheet.

As I removed some of my clothes, she was already dressed up with a nightwear suit, and placed a candle next to her night table, when I asked her.

"Tell me, Tressa..."

"Yeah, what do you want ?"

"Do you wanted to tell at your parents during the dinner that you wanted to visit the world ?"

She sighed, quite calm, as she sat on the side of the bed.

"...Yes... I wanted to tell them... but I just felt a little scared, of telling them that I will leave them for an unknown time... Furthermore that I'm still really occupied with the store."

I could see how bad she was feeling about this when I sat down at her eight and looked up at her.

"But... This is what you want, am I wrong ?"

"No, you aren't. It's just... I don't manage to find the courage each time I wanted to announce them. Not only because I'm afraid they will disagree, but also because I don't want to leave them too..."

I felt quite concerned for her: I was the only one to know what she wanted, but I wasn't able to encourage her during dinner. I know she needed more time to decide, but I can't support that was troubling her.

"You know, Tressa. Me too, I was scared, when I wanted to tell you that I don't have any parents. I was really afraid to make you upset... I don't like to see people being upset because of me..."

As I felt quite upset as well, she nicely patted my hair.

"Thank you, little one...", she smiled at me, when she yawned.

She then slowly lie to her bed, covering her body with the large sheet until we only see her head, as she turned at me.

"Well, we don't have any other bedroom for you. I hope you don't really mind at sleeping in the same bed than me."

I felt quite weird, with the other half of the bed being free just for me, making me embarrassed.

"N-no !... Not at all ! Indeed, I'm quite glad to sleep in a large bed ! He he !"

"That's good. Come here, don't be shy..."

So, I shyly climbed on the mattress of her warm bed, taking the remaining pillow and the other half of the sheet Tressa wasn't using.

I was feeling weird because... it was the first time I was sleeping with someone... and with a girl, indeed...

I was really tired as well when I watched at Tressa peacefully staring at me.

"Goodnight and sleep well ! Tomorrow, there will be some work which is waiting for us."

She blew out the candle, submerging the room in the darkness when I rested on my pillow and nicely mumbled to her.

"Goodnight, Tressa..."

Honestly, I felt quite reassured to sleep with Tressa: she was like a nice presence which prevented me to freak out in my rest. I know she was a video game character, but I really liked her like she was my family.

From all video game characters I've met, Tressa was the only one who was living with her parents, unlike the others, whom some of them lost their parents like I did, while I've no ideas about Olberic and Therion's parents. Her parents were such nice people who loved their daughter most of their hearts, as it was such a close-knit family.

And I could think she was really lucky to have a wonderful family: I wasn't jealous, just glad to see a happy family.

It was quite hard for me to announce them the truth, but I stayed honest this time, and also reassured.

Smiling, I just approached myself to Tressa and slept close to her.

~At the following morning ~

Tchip ! Tchip !

Something was tickling my nose, making me moving in my sleep when I just felt something on my torso.

I slowly woke up and stretched out my arms.

"Aaaaahhhh !!!..."

This bed was much better than at Sir Olberic's home...

I watched at the bed, where the large sheet was completely removed, now dragged on the floor, maybe because it was too hot outside...

Then, I noticed there was a small animal a front of me, staring at me curiously.

It was a squirrel ! A brown little squirrel standing a front of me ! I've never seen one so close to me, as it even dares to flee out of fear.

I smiled and patted his head with my finger.

"Hello there... Aren't you so cute..."

Tchip ! Tchip !

I guess he wanted to tell me "thanks for the compliment !". I might not be understanding animal language, but this animal seemed quite smart. Thanks to him, I woke up at a good hour, ready for work, as it must be 7 AM.

I wanted to giggle when I saw Tressa at my right: she was still sleeping in a very funny way, where her arms and legs took all the place of the left side of the bed, and her hair was quite messy. I was wondering how much she must have moved during the whole night !

I watched back at the squirrel and told it.

"Thank you for waking me up... Will you agree to wake up Tressa calmly, please ? She has to work too."

Tchip ! Tchip !

The animal went towards Tressa, and sniffed her forehead, as I observed her progressively moving before she finally woke up.

"Aaaaahhhh !"

"Mornin', Tressa !"

"Mornin', Travis...", she told me, while caressing my messy hair. "He he he ! You look soooo fluffy when you wake up !"

I guess we must have both moved in our sleep cause it was so nice in that bed...

Tchip !

Tressa stared at the squirrel, and seemed to know it.

"Mornin' you too, Mila ! What have you found, today ?", she patted her.

The squirrel then showed her a big nut in her tiny hands.

"That's a good work !", she complimented her.

"Is that your pet ?"

"Yep ! It's my cute little merchant squirrel !", she told me, while the Squirrel climbed on her hand to show her to me.

"A merchant ?! I thought squirrels were shy animals... They would always flee each time I try to approach them..."

"They can be still tamed, you know ! Ours even help out when we're buying supplies. Look at the seeds she has brought !"

Mila was eventually carrying a few more seeds in her tiny arms and showed her at her owner.

"Amazing..."

"She's got a nose for the ripest nuts and fruits from the fir tree of our garden which is just outside, Thanks to her, we can turn around what he has harvested and sell for a big profit. Her smell could even find the best seeds from a few miles away ! Right, Mila ?"

Tchip ! Tchip !

Tressa took the harvested fruits from her squirrel, and put them inside a jar, with the exception of the nut, that she gives at her pet.

"Here's for you..."

Crunch !

Mila eats her food with pleasure, as I was amazed to observe her, while Tressa smiled.

"Go back to your house, now..."

Tchip ! Tchip !

Mila went on Tressa hand when she placed her on my shoulder, and Mila moved while tickling me with her tail.

"He he he !"

She then climbed on the shelves and entered in a kind of made-up house specially built for small animals like her.

Tressa watched at the ray of sun in her bedroom, when she became surprised and quickly left her bed.

"Oh my !... We are an hour late for the work ! Let's go Travis !"

"Okay !"

We quickly managed to dress up in our usual clothes and went down to join Tressa's parents, who were already wakened up for a long, sitting around the table where a breakfast composed mainly of bread, fruits, and cakes waited for us.

They nicely saluted us, as we did the same.

"Morning, everyone !"

"Mornin' ma ! Mornin' Pa ! Sorry for being late !"

"Oh, it's ok, Tressa ! You're just half an hour late than usually !", said Tressa's dad, while reading some parchments.

"The breakfast is already ready. Try to take some forces !", said Tressa's mom.

We both started to eat quickly the good and sweet food while drinking the freshwater, as I noticed me and her were eating at the same speed. We had to hurry if we don't want to miss our day of work !

Tressa's father drank his cup of coffee when he asked us in a calm voice.

"So, you two... Are you so impatient for the festival tonight ?"

"Yeah ! This will be awesome !", we both exclaimed at the same time while eating.

His wife chuckled.

"Hey, honey... Don't you think they have both some things in common ?"

"Hmm... It's hard for me to admit the contrary. He he... Anyway, after working so hard, I think we finally deserve to do the party in Rippletide with the other merchants ! Everything is ready for being the greatest festival the town has never known !... Thankfully we are organizing it tonight, and not tomorrow: we said that there will be a violent storm not far from the northern coasts."

We just finished our breakfast, when Tressa became impatient to work.

"Okay ! What we have to buy today ?"

"Well... We need you to buy a tuna, and also another bottle of wine from Saintsbridge. Can my best workers can afford this work ?", asked Tressa's mom.

We both smiled at the nicknames she gave us, when Tressa exclaimed.

"Of course, we can ! Right, Travis ?"

"Yeah ! And there must be a beautiful sky, outside !"

Tressa's mother then opened the drawer, which was full of small bags containing money coins.

"Let's see... I think it will cost you..."

Tressa quickly grabbed one bag with enthusiasm.

"450 leaves ! I already made the calculation !"

"Ha ha ha ! We really have nothing to hide from you, my girl !", laughed proudly her dad.

"And remember, Tressa: be careful to pirates, and stay away from them.", adviced her mom, quite worried.

"Okay, Ma !"

She waved at her, when we both left the trading shop, ready for another day of work.

~Third's POV~

Meanwhile, in a hidden street in Rippletide, so well hidden that most people don't know its existence, a few mysterious men were patiently waiting the right time.

"He he he ! Have you seen all that stuff, captain ?"

"There must be at least one month of food for all of us..."

"Ha ha ! Thankfully he isn't there to watch over us..."

~Travis's POV~

"And one tuna for the lady !"

"Thank you ! Would you like to carry it, Travis ?"

"Of course !"

I took the fish and placed it inside the bag Tressa's mom gave me before we thanked the fisherman.

We just finished our shopping in only a few minutes, as we both bought the wine and the fish for the trading shop. We have still a lot of work after that, as we have to help Tressa's parents at preparing our stand. But for the moment, we just wanted to explore the village.

In our walk, we observed there was a number of people in the whole town: the villagers were working together for preparing the festival, where some of them were installing the garlands above the streets, while others were preparing the special stands which will host a food or arcade games.

"Move around !"

"What if you just place that one here, instead ?"

"Mmmhh... That's a better idea !"

Many builders gave a helping hand by transporting some wooden planks or other products in particular. Some merchants even started to gather their best merchandise, like a seller who was proposing his best pieces of cheese from around the world.

I was admired to see such a crowd when I declared to Tressa.

"It's so good to see everyone is happily working together for the festival !"

"You said it ! That feast is, you know, a true proof of merchants' relationships between each other for generations ! We might not be working at the same side, but we've been always ready to help each other in case of a problem. It's also the same thing with our customers: they also befriended with merchants after buying regularly their goods. And the same thing happens in the whole world of Orsterra !"

"Ah yeah ! You said there were traveling merchants, right ?"

"Hu hu ! Look at these persons.", she showed me some people, dressed differently compared to the townsfolk, who were visiting the stands. "They came here just to see the festival tonight: some of them have families living here, others are just tourists delighted to visit our city, but most of them are really nice with the townsfolk !"

"I hope there aren't so many unpleasant people who will visit Rippletide today, like the other merchant of precious stones from yesterday..."

"Nah ! Don't worry ! I've heard a rumor where he moved back to the Highlands, as he must be tired of the excessive kindness of people. So... I think that should be fine !", she reassured me while keeping a cheerful smile when she reached out to me. "Let's visit the port, okay ?"

I nodded calmly, grabbing her hand as we both walked in direction of the port.

I think Tressa was right: I shouldn't worry about this festival, because it was the first time I was assisting at a feast, and I was even part of those who were organizing it ! With Tressa, I always feel really positive, just like her...

This village was also very positive: a good ambiance, nice people, a wonderful view of the sea... It was especially the sea which was actually catching my eye, with those beautiful waves, this beautiful sky, and those beautiful boats navigating on the ocean. One of them even looked magnificent from far, with those impressive sails.

I watched this ship when I pointed it at Tressa.

"It is me, or this boat is growing bigger and bigger ?..."

She became suddenly amazed at the sight of the boat when she grabbed my hand.

"Come with me !"

We both ran towards the port, when the huge ship just approached the dock right a front of us, making us completely amazed by its arrival.

"WOOOOAAAAHHH !!!"

"IT'S SO HUGE !!!"

We were completely dazzled: the ship was 10 times bigger than the biggest boat I've seen before in the sea. It was so majestic with its enormous sails, its multiple windows on the side, its impressive prow, and all those people present on the deck, who must be the crew of the ship

I also noticed a bunch of diversified merchandise gathered on the deck, which concerned me a little, while Tressa has like stars in her eyes at the sight of the beautiful boat.

The ship was so big ! So imposing ! So gigantic ! It was navigating at a slow speed, but its trail was so powerful that it wiped out all the water around, and created a powerful wind blow on our faces, making Tressa holding her hat in fear of losing it again. Seriously, that ship was truly a wonder, a pure treasure of this wonderful world !

DING ! DING ! DING !

"Drop anchor !"

The ship then stopped right a front of us, while a few members of the crew were turning together with a kind of crank, which makes the iron anchor plunging in the water.

From all my life, I've never seen such a boat of that giant size so close to me ! I always wanted to see a pirate ship in reality, so I was completely happy and excited to see one. Even Tressa looked so amazed that she didn't dare to move from a single inch.

But she was still able to speak.

"I haven't seen that ship around here before ! Wonder where it came from..."

"LOWER THE BRIDGE !", ordered a member of the crew.

A bridge coming from the dock went down and reached the port, ready to permit the crew to quit the ship.

While I and Tressa were completely dazzled by such a spectacle, there was a man which left the ship, but instead of taking simply the bridge, he jumped out and landed without difficulty on the deck.

"What a dreary town...", said the man, while checking a kind of tool on the palm of his hand.

It was a good-looking slim man, with long blond golden hair like a charming prince, covering one of its blue sharp eyes, and looked so pretty that for a moment I thought he was a girl. I could say he was well dressed: he was wearing a blue cap which also served of a scarf, alongside with a grey jacket, a white shirt tightened by a belt, and a pair of brown boots.

This charismatic man seemed to be used at traveling through the ocean, much often than the fishermen of the village. Was he the captain of the ship's crew ? He just looked still young...

"Hmmm... But it carries a delectable scent. Its cuisine may be promising.", he declared while smelling the nice air of the sea.

A man just spotted that person and saluted him cheerfully.

"Hello, Sir. Welcome to Rippletide !"

"Hello, good sir. What's going on ?"

"Well, we're actually preparin' a feast tonight, for celebrating the 100th anniversary of the village."

"Well, I guess I come at the right time. I won't say no to taste a drop of wine after finishing my business. By the way, haven't I parked my ship at a bad place ?"

"No no ! Not at all ! Your ship is well parked, sir ! I hope you will enjoy the sweetness of Rippletide."

"I'm just here for a day. 'heard this small town is a good place to trade."

That's ship is so cool !!!

I and Tressa were still standing in place on the deck, completely admired by the immense ship which made the splendor of the landscape, when the blond man spotted us curiously.

"What the matter, kids ? You look like fishes out of water."

We both noticed him and, amazed by that ship, we asked him a question at the same time.

"... Is this a trading ship ?", asked Tressa, with stars through her eyes.

"Are you the captain ?", I asked, being as obsessed as she was.

The man just answered calmly.

"Indeed, and yes, I am its captain."

I've never heard about trading ships before, but I guess this must be ships owned by merchants, as I could see products on board. Was this man a merchant as well ?

Anyway, Tressa was still burning with impatience to converse with that man, when she calmed herself.

"Well, Captain, the name's Tressa. I'm a merchant on this town."

"A pleasure to meet you. And I guess this is your brother, right ?"

We both felt surprised of his remark, when Tressa answered him cheerfully.

"Ah ! No !... He he ! It's just a friend of mine, Travis, who assists me in my job."

"Hi, captain !", I saluted him.

I put my right hand in a special manner, elevated close to my forehead and wide opened, making Tressa quite confused.

"What are you doin' ?"

"Well... I've heard this is how we welcome captains like him..."

He laughed calmly.

"Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ! I just arrived here in only one minute, and I've already 2 fans in that village !", he answered proudly when he continued. "Well, if you have some questions, just do not wait the sunset to ask me."

He seemed to be attentive to answer any questions from us, without we were annoying him at all. He just watched at the surroundings curiously, checking his tools and some parchments, while waiting for us.

I observed Tressa constantly trembling of joy at the sight of a captain merchant, so I told her with a smile.

"Go on, Tressa."

She smiled back and answered me sympathetically.

"Come on, you first ! It might be the first time you see a ship, so you should have an interesting question, no ?"

She gave me a friendly tap on my shoulder.

As she was usually very interested in everything about merchants, I never thought she would be so nice to me...

Anyway, I have also a question in mind to ask at the captain, something I always wanted to figure out.

"I've always wondered... what are the sails of your ship for ?"

"Uhh ! Are you serious ?!", exclaimed a surprised Tressa.

I know it wasn't really related to merchants, but I wanted to know !

The captain chuckled.

"Good question, lad. You know that there a lot of wind at sea, right ?"

"Hu uh !"

"The sails which are disposed on the yards of the mast permit to move the vehicle thanks to the action of the wind."

"Oh... That's not silly at all ! I never thought about it !"

"We then have to detach the sails when we want to stop the ship, or when there is a violent storm too powerful that we couldn't control the ship anymore. I knew several times this situation, including one in the emerald sea, where the wind had such a god-like power that it could have ripped out the sails !"

"Creepy...", added Tressa.

His story was really interesting to me.

"Wow... The sea is such a place full of surprises ! I would like to navigate on a ship like this one, a day !"

"Well, I wonder if there will be still enough place for you... in 10 years ! He he !", chuckled the captain, watching me from high my small height.

That's right that it could be fun to navigate on a ship one day, to explore the big ocean and unexplored lost islands for discovering its most precious treasures ! I'm pretty Tressa would also like to travel through the seas, knowing her and her love for treasures.

"Was it really what you wanted to know ?", she asked me.

"That's already good to know how a ship works, right ? By the way, I thought they would move by just piloting at the steering wheel, just like when we drive a car... !!!... I mean, just like when we ride a horse !"

Damn it ! I don't have to mention anything about cars in a game where it doesn't exist, else people from here would never understand me !

Everyone was confused when Tressa asked me.

"What's a car ?"

"Errr... I meant something which hasn't been already invented !"

The captain kneeled down at my height and spoke to me.

"Congratulations, you are actually the person with the most creative imagination I've ever met ! Maybe it will be you, the one who will invent the "car" !"

And if this keeps up, thanks to me, in 50 years, we would be already in the future...

It would take me a lot of work to catch back all inventions from what I could call the "future".

Tressa raised a hand.

"Me, I have a question, Sir ! What kind of merchandise you have onboard ? Maybe luxury furniture ? Or old war treasures ?"

"Well, my ship is mainly transporting all that I and my crew have found during our adventures at sea, but we are also selling some exotic products found in the islands spread in the entire ocean."

"Wow... This is what I thought ! You're a traveling merchant ! A true traveling merchant of treasures ! I always wanted to meet one in my life !", she exclaimed happily.

Me too I was sure it was a traveling merchant if he was traveling on a ship through the ocean. I was quite excited to meet one, but not as much as Tressa, who was like a little girl having a new toy.

"Thanks, lass. It's also a pleasure for me to meet such a cheerful girl like ye.", he answered calmly.

I spotted a grey tool hanging on his waist.

"What's the thing on your belt, sir ?"

"You mean this ? It's a compass, my boy."

"A compass ?"

I think I've already heard about that thing somewhere...

"A silver compass, to be exact. Look."

He showed me the round grey tool on the palm of his hand, and opened it, revealing a pair of arrows which one pointed at the opposite direction of the other. I could read some letters written on the sides of the circle like "N" or "S". When the captain pivoted it slowly at different directions, the double arrow always pointed at a specific direction.

That was such an amazing tool !

"Oh ! The arrow is moving when we turn it !"

"It's because it is attracted by the north. That thing is very useful for navigating through this vast but dangerous world, but it's also a very, I mean a very indispensable tool to take when we go to sea. If you don't have one, well you're screwed.", he explained to me.

That man really knew a lot about exploration and ocean, no wonder that he was the captain. Indeed, with all those treasures he has harvested on his ship, I guess he should be an amazing traveler passionated by the sea, as he was smelling almost the same odor than the ocean itself.

While his crew started to bring down some products from the boats, the blond merchant observed the happy town and stretched out his arms.

"Mmmmhh... What a nice day ! The people seem very welcoming, in that town !"

"Of course they are ! Rippletide always welcomes any traveling merchant to sell their goods. The merchant place is just right there.", Tressa stated him proudly

"I hope we aren't annoying you too much, with all these questions, Sir...", I added.

"It's ok. I like to converse with curious people like both of you. Else, what should I do instead ?"

What a nice captain and traveling merchant: he wasn't like the one who stole my precious stone I've met yesterday. This man was instead quite nice and unselfish, but he even seemed very experienced at navigating and selling.

Tressa was so happy to have met him, she definitely became her biggest fan at first sight.

She just watched at the treasures on board, when she said.

"I'm sure you have all kinds of neat cargo on board... Say, would you mind if I take a peek ?... I'd love to see what you've brought from overseas !"

"You have a true merchant's eye, lass. You gaze at the simple trading ship as if it were made of solid gold !", commentated the captain.

Me too I wanted to see what he has brought !

"Can we just visit your boat, pretty please, sir ?", I asked.

The man sighed calmly and told us.

"Alas, I only allow passage to those I trust."

"Aww..."

Tressa was quite upset: she absolutely wanted to discover what he has brought.

Me too I was a little disappointed: I know that he didn't know us at all, but we just wanted to know what kind of treasure they were selling. I would be happy to see a true pirate treasure chest full of gold and diamonds !

However, it might not be today that I'll see a treasure. Even if Tressa was a merchant, he would definitely refuse to show his merchandise because he wasn't trusting us. What does that could mean ?

CRACK !

"!!!...What was that ?!", I asked.

We were all 3 concerned when Tressa started to run at the center of the village.

"Let's go check out !"

The captain didn't rush like her and stayed in place when he said.

"Busy as a bream, that one."

"Tressa ! Wait !", I called, starting to catch her back.

~Third's POV~

"Don't ! I beg you... That's all I have left..."

"Then, we be in the same boat, matey..."

SBIM !

"Nghh !..."

At the center of the village, not far from the Colzione trading shop, a group of pirates was bullying some helpless merchants, without they could try to fight back.

While the pirates started to steal calmly the merchandises, without caring about the villagers imploring, a pair of pirates just beat up a poor old merchant of furniture through the desperate eyes of his wife.

They smirked under the begging of their victims.

"We got nothin' left ourselves ! Ain't that right, Makk ?"

"Aye, Mikk. And when we be needin' somethin', we be takin' it. S'what pirates do, after all."

The two continued to destroy the merchants stand by kicking while robbing the products under the eyes of the shocked villagers around.

"Please, have mercy...", begged the poor man.

"HA HA HA HA HA HA !!"

These bad pirates didn't even care of how much amount of merchandise they were stealing and of the villagers who were begging them to stop.

The pirates have taken most of the preparations for the festival, to the great displeasure of the powerless townfolk, guided by their two leaders Mikk and Makk.

Mikk was a slim bearded pirate, recognizable with his bandana, while Makk was a fat mustached man with a big noise. Despite their panoplies looked like the other buccaneers of the band, with their saber hanging on their belt and their bandanas, they have proclamed themselves as captain.

"Oh no... Not our garlands..."

"Here they come again..."

No one tried to oppose the pirates, else they will suffer hard consequences, like the old merchant who tried to oppose himself against the robbers.

Another pirate announced to one of the two leaders of the band.

"Cap'n ! I got the goods from that there shop."

The other leader gave a menacing glare at the matey.

"There be only one cap'n around here. And it be me..."

"Hah !! Everyone knows I be the cap'n and yer me first mate !", responded cockily the first leader.

"We'll see about that, Makk, ye scurvy swine !"

"Aye, we will, Mikk, yenscabby-bottomed sea bass !"

They both stared at each other angrily, about to fight in the middle of the place, when the matey intervened.

"Can't ye both be the cap'n ?"

The two leaders calmed each others, observed the old merchant on the ground, when Mikk ordered him.

"...Fine. Now show us what other treasure ye be hidin't !"

"HEY ! STOP THAT !"

~Travis's POV~

We both arrived at the center of the place, running behind Tressa who became suddenly angry.

A bunch of villagers observed us in surprise, as I noticed there were some troubles. We just saw some men bullying a poor merchant without someone even try to intervene... except Tressa.

The bullies just stopped, when one of them said annoyingly.

"Says who !?"

"Says me !", yelled Tressa.

Some surprised villagers became worried about her.

"That's Tressa !..."

I arrived next to Tressa, being as angry as she was towards those bad men, when I observed the way how they were dressed, making me concerned.

Are they... pirates ?!

I remembered to have read some colored comics of pirates robbing at people, in my old life so I was able to immediately recognize one. They looked exactly like the ones from the drawings, annoying people by stealing their booty, and it was quite funny for me to meet real ones. Even if I was angry of what they were doing, I was a little excited in my mind.

Anyway, they must be the pirates Tressa's mom warned us to not approach, but Tressa stayed brave and decided to speak to them.

"The people here are merchants and fishermen doing all they can to put food on the table ! Have a heart ! Don't steal what little they have from them !"

Me too I had a say to these guys, so I yelled.

"Yeah, this isn't yours ! You bunch of pirates !"

The crowd was quite surprised by our behavior and became immediately worried.

"What are you doin' ?! You shouldn't provoke them...", shushed a man to us.

Despite their advices, we couldn't manage to let that happen ! Those merchandise belonged to their owners, not them !

The pirates who were bullying the sellers watched at us when they started to smirk.

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA !!!

"Oh ! Cap'n ! Some brats want to stop us ! I'm afraid !"

"Grrrr !..."

Seeing them laughing quickly made us angrier, especially Tressa who watched at them in a menacing glare.

One slim pirate spoke to us with a wry smile on his lips.

"How's this for heart ? I'll give ye one chance to shove off, kid."

He looked especially at Tressa, who was definitely much more determined than me to arrest those pirates.

"But I..."

The fat pirate continued.

"Best to be on yer mate, li'l one. We're doin' grown-up business here !"

"I'm not going anywhere..."

Tressa was still standing in place, but without trying to do anything besides just staring at them.

Annoyed by these guys, I yelled angrily.

"YOU'RE NOT SCARING US WITH YOUR TWO-BIT REPLICAS !"

"Yeah ! Come on ! Scare us if you can !", answered the fat pirate.

Honestly, I don't think these bad guys would give back the stolen stuff if we just asked them kindly, but I still wanted to give them some chance if they obeyed.

However, they just stayed pretentious towards us, when the two leaders observed us, approached us as we stayed on our guard, and smiled.

The slimmest one spoke.

"Well, well... What ye got kid there, kid ?"

"It's rainbow wine ! And it be ours now !", exclaimed the fattest pirate.

SNATCH !

"Hey !"

Oh no ! The pirate just slipped out the bottle of wine we have bought out of Tressa's grip without she had time to react.

"A brat like ye wouldn't appreciate it none anyways..."

"Tressa !", I was concerned about her.

SNATCH !

Now, we just stole the fish under my nose while I was too distracted by Tressa !

I yelled at the big pirate robber.

"Hey ! Give it back !"

"Thanks for the free catch ! Brat !"

They were really pissing me off by taking what isn't theirs.

I was completely angry when one of the pirates saluted us.

"We're doin' ye a right favor by takin' it off year hands. Now say "thank ye"..."

Tressa was completely angry, but she strangely just refused to do anything to stop them, she who didn't like those brigands living through the sea.

I couldn't support to watch them: to watch them having fun with the stolen products. These selfish pirates didn't care about Rippletide's villages they are robbing, and they even made Tressa angrier than before. Me too I was started to be angry, me too I couldn't support to stay still and just watch those pirates bullying people without doing anything.

That's it ! I'm gonna electrocute them with my powers, and beat those damn pirates !

I've promised myself to not use my powers in front of everyone, but after what I saw, I only have one wish, it's to electrocute these guys until they begged to stop.

My fingers were trembling, I could cross them at any moment for using my powers, so I started to count.

Three...

"GIVE THEM BACK !", I asked angrily, ready to cross my fingers while keeping a determined glare.

"Hee hee hee ! Is the brat tryin' to menace us ?!", smirked the fat pirate, who didn't seem frightened at all.

People around wanted that scene to stop, afraid that these pirates could harm us mercilessly, even if we were just kids.

Two...

They're gonna pay to have taken the products Tressa has bought. I'm gonna beat them all and making sure they will give us back what they have stolen.

One...

"That's enough, kids.", interrupted someone.

I was just about to cross my fingers when I stopped.

"Who's that ?..."

It was the captain whom we met a time that morning !

As the crowd was confused, the man stayed calm, and approached us, while looking seriously at the pirates.

"But, Captain !...", said Tressa.

"You've got pluck, I'll give you that. But they don't look like the types who'll listen to reason, savvy ?"

He didn't seem to be frightened at all, while one of the robbers smirked at his sight.

"Heeheeheehee !... That lily-livered scalawag knows what he's talkin' about, kid."

"In this world, the strong take while the weak quake.", declared his buddy.

"..."

Tressa sighed, still staring at the thieves, but I just noticed her legs were trembling...

What that pirate just told us really wanted me to meditate about it. I guess he was considering us as the "weak" and the pirates as the "strong". But was that really true ? Or these pirates were just telling stories ? Does the strong always survive to the detriment of the weak ? And me ? Am I weak or strong ?

It wasn't really time to think, but for the moment, I don't think I would attack them if ever I accidentally used my powers on the helpless inhabitants.

The entire group of pirates started to leave at the left, carrying all the stolen merchandise when their two leaders grinned.

"Thank ye kindly for the loot, ye deck-wettin' worms !..."

"Aye. It's been a bloody pleasure."

After they left, the villagers felt reassured but also scared and upset at the same time.

"Oh no... All the stuff we've prepared for the festival tonight... All the decorations, all the feast, all the drinks... stolen by those damn pirates !"

"As well as our shops... We're gonna finish to run out of provisions because of them..."

"If that continues, I think we might cancel the festivity..."

The unhappy inhabitants calmly left the place, now all their hopes are totally gone.

That's clear: if we didn't have any feast and decoration for the festival, it won't be a festival anymore. All of that due to those selfish pirates who only think about themselves, that was really unfair !

I watched at the blond captain, feeling quite contraried.

"Are we really gonna let them leaving with all that they have stolen like that ?"

He sighed.

"Sadly, we have to, lad. It's a wise and better decision. But honestly, me too I can't bear their misdeeds..."

"So why haven't you tried to stop the pirates yourself ?"

"Little one: have you seen there were people around ? And if ever I tried to provoke them like you did, that tells me they wouldn't harm some innocents at my place ?"

He is pretty right: if ever we tried to fight them back, they could totally take some villagers as a hostage in order to prevent us from attacking. That was exactly what bad pirates like them were able to do !

The blond merchant explained to me.

"That's right, lad: no matter how strong you are, your enemies will still profit on your weakness of having your loved ones being harmed at your place."

"Oh... Could... They...", mumbled Tressa.

She was still standing in place, her clenched fist full of fury, as seeing her like that made me worried.

The captain tried to reassure her.

"There's no need to pretend lass. Your legs are trembling."

"I-it's just a cramp... that's all."

"Not even the best merchant can buy back life once it's taken from him."

"I know, but... They took everythin' we, inhabitants of Rippletide, used all our soul to collect these goods and all our heart for selling them... I really hate thieves like them !"

"Tressa..."

It hurts me to see her like this: she was very attached to her village and its merchants, as she looked so faithful and passionate about her work. In reality, that didn't only work for her, that was all her life.

That festival would mean a lot for her, as the proof of all these years she has spent at buying treasures and selling goods with her parents. I could understand a lot that she really hated thieves most than anything, but I didn't really know what to say. Me too, I was a thief, and I also wandered with Therion, who was a thief as well. We might not be exactly like those pirates, but we were still thieves. I wondered how she would react if she learned that...

The captain just gave her a friendly tap on her shoulders before he went back at the port.

The old merchant was slowly trying to get up with the help of his wife when he said hopelessly.

"Why won't they just leave us alone ? Those pirates should be out a seal. Instead, they're holed up in the Caves of Maiya west of town. What do I do, know ?"

So those pirates lived in a cavern instead on a boat ? They must be really weird for a pirate crew...

"..."

I could watch in despair Tressa, still contraried, as she just listened to the old man. She didn't say anything, when she just walked in direction of the port, without stepping back.

Concerned, I immediately thought of what she intended to do. She was really determined to go in those caves after those pirates, and I was worried because she was unarmed unlike the pirates with their swords.

As she has reached the bridge, I crossed her path.

"Tressa, wait !"

"Travis... I know you're worried about me... But you too should understand... People worked so hard to get these goods... And I lived in the middle of merchants during my whole life... What kind of merchant am I if I can't help the others ones ?..."

"We're gonna find a solution, Tressa ! So please, listen to me !"

"Don't try to stop me, please..."

"I know you're scared, Tressa. You might say the contrary, but I know when people are scared... I've always felt that feeling before in my life... Please, let me go to that cave at your place !"

"What ?..."

That's right: I didn't want her to be harmed when she will fall in the trap. She wasn't a strong fighter like Therion, H'aanit or sir Olberic, but I got my superpowers, so I could easily beat them all and take back the stolen goods for the village and for her. I was ready at anything to help her at any moment !

I continued, as she looked worried.

"You don't have to go after those damn pirates by yourself ! Please, let me go after them for you..."

"But I don't want you to risk your own life for this ! Why do you keep insisting ?"

"Because we're partners, right ?!"

"!!!..."

That was what I was considering Tressa: a partner, a friend, and also like a sister. I wanted to help her at any cost, because it was exactly what do partners at each other: helping themselves, even in the worst of situation. I wanted a lot to help her getting these goods back at their owners... whatever it takes.

Emotionally touched, she bent down and cuddled me tight.

"I'm so sorry... To have worried you..."

"It's ok, Tress...", I answered her, while returning the hug.

We then slowly stopped, and exchanged a calm and peaceful smile, when I asked her.

"Let's go to those caves together. Okay ?"

"...Okay !"

We both decided to go together in those caves of Maiya, where the pirates must have settled their basement, without of course telling anyone, including Tressa's parents, as we don't want to make them worried. I and Tressa were ready at anything to retrieve the preparations for the festival, whatever it takes.

"Going somewhere, kids ?", said a voice surprising us.

It was the blond merchant, who was waiting next to his ship, as more of its merchandise was placed on the deck.

We went towards him, understanding that he wouldn't let us go in these caves when I told him.

"Captain..."

"If I didn't know better, I'd say you were setting a course straight for the pirates' den. Awfully rash, wouldn't you say ?"

He already guessed what we were able to do, despite his warnings earlier.

Tressa spoke to him.

"I know, but..."

"And still you intend to go, I see. That must mean you have a foolproof plan of attack. And a weapon, of course. You wouldn't dare go empty-handed, would you ? Only a fool would think they could haggle their wares back from dastardly pirates..."

I might have a weapon in my bag, but Tressa didn't have a single one, I think. She might be a passionated merchant, but I don't think she would always carry around a big sword on her bag !

Though, we were still determined, as Tressa declared.

"I know that's really dangerous, but I can't just sit by and do nothing ! Those poor people might starve if they don't get their belongings back ! On my honor as a merchant, I can't let them get away with this !"

"They're gonna pay for stealing these goods and making my friend upset !"

The captain didn't seem annoyed by our stubbornness. He just stayed calm when he said.

"A find choice of words, kids."

"R-really ?"

"Y-you don't try to stop us ?", I asked, quite confused.

The merchant nodded to say "no", and took a few steps a front of us, his hair being lighted by the warm sun.

"Aye, if you're so determined, I won't stop you... On the condition that you let me help."

"Helping you ?", asked Tressa curiously.

Seriously, I never expected he would ask us a request...

"How so ?"

"I'm willing to part with some of my wares if you think they'll prove useful on your journey. If there's something that catches your eye, consider it yours... for the right price, of course."

He presented us a bunch of stands already installed after 10 minutes the ship sailed at Rippletide. Some members of his crews were keeping a diversity of goods, which seemed to be just common products as wine or her herbs, unlike the treasures still on board Tressa wanted to see.

At my surprise, Tressa immediately answered.

"Deal !"

She was still so determined to go in these caves, without being annoyed by the service proposed by the traveling merchant. Indeed, she was a little excited because he was somehow proposing her to buy his merchandise.

Me, I was still curious. There were just a bunch of people selling simple things, that's all. There wasn't anything exceptional.

I asked Tressa.

"Do... do you think we really see something from all these merchandise ? I just don't see any weapons..."

"Ah !.... Travis... This wasn't what I was really thinking about... He he !", she answered nervously.

The captain chuckled.

"Was it really the first thing you were thinking to use ? I know you're going to confront some pirates, but I only sell some kinds of weapons on board at those whom I trust. I just think your friend must have a better solution..."

I just thought it would be a nice idea to buy a weapon for Tressa, if she didn't has one. But does she has a better idea ?

She was counting her money.

"Let's see how many it remains for me... 150 leaves. I think it should be fine."

We approached the stands installed by some of the captain's men, looking for an interesting thing.

"What should we buy from those merchants, Tressa ? Do you have any idea ?"

"Tell me, if anything please you.", said one of the merchants.

Maybe Tressa would find something before me because she was such a pro to find the best products sold by the best merchants.

She was actually taking her time, trying to imagine a particular plan in order to retrieve the stolen goods with the help of the products proposed by the traveling merchant's menu.

I also tried to imagine a strategy, while feeling still angry about those damn pirates.

"When I think those cursed pirates must be eating the goods they have stolen from us and drinking their... What are pirates favorite drink, actually ?... Oh yeah, the rhum !"

"Some rhum...", mumbled Tressa, who was thinking for a while. "Oh !"

She snapped her fingers and exclaimed.

"I think I have a wonderful idea ! Let's go to see that merchant of herbs !"

"Err... Could you explain to me, Tress ?"

She went towards one of the blond captain's men, who was selling some herbs, which looked like the ones Alfyn and Zeph would be used to harvest for their job.

As I was a little confused, she bought one particular herb without forgetting to thank the seller, keeping a peaceful smile.

What are those leaves ? What does she have in mind ?

She presented the herbs at the captain, who remained curious about her choice.

"And what would you need these for ?"

"Can we really beat them with a few herbs ?", I asked.

"He he he ! Not at all ! I'm sure those pirates must be exhausted after all that looting... So I..."

She then explained to us her plan by keeping a proud and cheerful smile, as me and the captain were a little surprised of such a plan, but we were both finding her idea totally awesome !

The captain laughed.

"Hahaha ! You're a clever one, aren't you ?"

"That such a wonderful idea you got here, Tress !"

"He he ! Thank you !"

I didn't only agree with the captain about that plan she just proposed, me too I wanted so much to try such a smart plan like this one ! I couldn't wait to accomplish it !

Finally, it seems the merchant captain has changed his mind as our plan was much safer than attacking those pirates without thinking... and funnier by the way.

He walked towards his ship and said to us.

"Off you go, then. And be safe out there lass."

"Thank you !", I answered him gratefully.

"By the way Captain, why are you helping us ?", asked Tressa.

"As a fellow merchant, I'm sure you understand. We appraise with our eyes. And mine tells me there's something special about you. Not only about ya, lass... I'm also talking to you, boy !"

We both felt a little surprised: that's right he was observing us differently unlike other people since the beginning, but we didn't expect he didn't underestimate us at all. Have his eyes really seen something in me and Tressa... Or he just has faith in us, maybe ?

He added.

"It's been a time I never met such brave souls like both of you."

"Hehe... I see...", giggled Tressa.

"Ha. And one more thing: it's dangerous for both of you to go alone... take this !"

He threw a long object to Tressa, who quickly managed to grab it. It looked to be a stick, which was a wooden polearm almost as tall as she was. It might look a simple weapon, but it was still worth it.

Tressa smiled happily.

"Thanks captain ! I'll make sure to protect ourselves and that we will come back safe and sound !", she waved at him, as I did the same happily.

~Later, next to the tavern~

The barman, who seemed to know well Tressa since she was a child, was nice enough to give us a big barrel of rhum for accomplishing the plan. He laughed for a good minute after we explained it to him, but still accepted to help us with pleasure.

After giving us the barrel, we opened it as Tressa told me to grind to powder all the herbs she has bought inside the yellow alcoholic liquid before she closed it back.

"That should do the trick. Now to make a special delivery to the Caves of Malya !"

"Yeah ! Let's pay a little visit to these pirates !", I exclaimed happily.

~Later again, on the way of the caves of Malya~

SPLAAAASH !!

Hiii ! Hiii !

The waves unleashed violently against the rocks of the coasts, as they looked intimidating but impressive as well. The seagulls were singing in the sky, and we managed to avoid some giant crabs who might be 2 times less big than the ones from yesterday, but still strong enough to give us good injuries.

We were walking through the west of Rippletide, following the path in direction of the caves of Maiya the pirates have taken, while carrying together the heavy barrel of rhum from each side: Tressa was afront, while I was behind. We had to take one break of transporting it on the midway, but we were still able to carry such a weight.

While we were walking, Tressa bounced her side of the barrel to elevate it for carrying easily.

"Hush !... That's quite heavy !"

"He was really cool, this captain, to permit us to go into that cave. I thought he was really worried for us..."

"He must be. I just think for a reason or another, he was believing in us at a certain point. Furthermore, he hasn't even denounced us to the townsfolk when he left, neither his crew even did. Technically, I just think it's quite weird that they place their hopes on us."

"Yeah, maybe because we're children."

"Thought, I'm quite glad to go there. I couldn't accept what these pirates have done and their stupid ideas ! And thankfully, the captain even gave me that wooden spear to defend ourselves. I would like to have also a bow, but that would be too embarrassing to carry all these arrows."

She was effectively carrying her spear that the merchant captain gave her, just between her back and her bag back, without having a real difficulty to advance.

"Me, I have an ax in my bag for defending myself. If ever one of them tries to touch you, he would see what I'm made of !", I said proudly.

"Hey... Calm down, would ya. We're just here to take back the stolen merchandise, not to make more trouble... Except if one of you dare to touch a single hair of yours !", she finished, being as stubborn and courageous as me when she continued to discuss. "By the way, I think you're quite lucky to control magic with your electricity ! Me too, I would like to have my own magic, you know."

"Yeah ! That would be cool ! But what kind of superpower would you like to get ?"

"Err... I never thought about it, eventually. Oh ! A lost coin."

She picked up the coin carefully, making sure to not drop the barrel.

Me, I was very curious about what kind of magic she would have: Therion could control fire, Ophilia was able to use light, Alfyn could summon ice, and H'aanit could provoke thunders. Only sir Olberic didn't use magic, but he was still very strong with his own colossal force and sword fighting skills. And Tressa... what kind of power she could have ?!

I tried to imagine one.

"Maybe... the power of creating infinite money !"

"Ho ho ho !... That one must be really amazing !... Though, I would have any interest anymore at buying products if that's too easy."

"So... What about the power to transform into a fish ?"

"Do you really think I look like a fish ?"

"This isn't what I said ! Even if you look like a bird with the feather on your hat..."

"What ?!", she exclaimed, feeling quite nervous and me feeling guilty, but she then giggled. "He he he ! I'm just joking !"

"And what if... you get the power to... let grow people's hair until they reach 10 meters ?"

She chuckled again.

"Pff !!... Why do you keep giving me the weirdest superpowers ?! Would you like, me, that I give you the power to stick the tongue by the ears ?!"

"He he he ! I won't be able to hear anymore if you do that.", I joked as well, finding her company really pleasant.

She sighed positively and spoke.

"I would like to have mine a day, in a way or another... With that, this would help me in my job and maybe... to visit Orsterra, a day."

After walking for at least 10 minutes, I finally spotted a kind of dark cave entrance at the left, next to a small beach of sand brightened by a warm sun, entirely made of the same sea rocks I've seen at the north of Rippletide.

"Are they the caves ?"

"Yep. And we even have some company."

There was furthermore a pirate guarding the entrance, who became quite angry when he spotted us.

Despite his menacing glare, we still remained calm and stopped a front of him, who was standing a front of the entrance, before putting the heavy barrel on the ground.

Tressa smiled happily.

"Ahoy there, me hearty !"

"...Ahoy me too !", I added.

Tressa started.

"Not you again ! You lookin' for trouble, brats ?!"

"No, siree I came to apologize on behalf of my town. We should've known we didn't stand chance against you swashbucklers."

"We thought for a while... and we finally understood that there's no stronger than you, the pirates... No one else stronger than you, really... After, I don't know everyone, I mean everyone around the world and beyond... but I still guess you're the strongest !..."

Tressa pushed a little the barrel.

"This is for you. I hope you can forgive us."

The pirate, first suspicious at the gift we were giving to him, examined the barrel but didn't need to open it, as he immediately recognized what it contained with his smell, making him excited.

"Wine !"

He smirked proudly while taking the barrel alone by rolling it through the cave, when he smirked.

"He he he ! The cap'nses'll be happy to see this !"

"Hehe ! Bottorns up !", exclaimed Tressa.

Now the barrel has entered, and our plan has just started right now.

I and Tressa were both really excited: we were so impatient that it happens, and also ready to retrieve all these goods back to their owners with such an easy plan.

Now alone at the entrance, we both stared at each other like true complices and laughed together.

"Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha !"

~

A/N: It seems Travis and Tressa look pretty happy today ! But what did Tressa have put inside the barrel of rhum ? What a mystery ! I would like to keep the suspense for those who haven't played the game (please the others don't spoil), which you will have the answer in the next chapter.

Anyway, I think you may have noticed that in my story, Tressa doesn't still have her wind magic like in the game (Oops !! Sorry for the spoil !), because you know, she's still a kid (yes sir). But don't worry she will get those powers later in the future !

By the way, this chapter should have been longer than before. It's not common for me to talk about this, but I deleted a scene because else the chapter would be too long. And a passage would have looked like a scene from the precedent chapter.

By the way, I changed the sex of Tressa's squirrel because I made a mistake by believing it was a boy, so its name is not Miles but Mila. I'll correct it later in chapter 24.

Else, I hope you all enjoyed the story of our two favorites merchants, and see you next time for next !