SWNOVELXO Chapter 16: Dante
On the way, Zamir muttered something inaudible, probably complaining a bit, for a change.
Shapira then slapped Zamir on the back of the head and said:
"Say it out loud, you big-bellied oaf!" she said, smiling, proud of what she had done.
Zamir got angry, stopped walking, turned around, and shouted:
"You miserable wretch! You drag me from my good time and still humiliate me, you witch!" he expressed, clenching his fists and teeth.
Shapira's expression turned completely irritated.
"WHAT DID YOU SAY, YOU DRUNKEN DWARF?" she shouted, lifting him again by the collar of his shirt.
"This same trick again! Let me go, you damn woman!" he replied, struggling to get free.
Arthur watched it all with an expression of tiredness and irritation.
'These two… how were they ever partners? They seem like oil and water,' he thought.
The boy then asked out loud:
"How were you two partners, seriously? You seem to hate each other, like fire and water," he said, pointing to Shapira, who was still holding Zamir in the air.
Shapira dropped Zamir on the ground and crossed her arms.
"It's been a long time since we were partners, kid. He used to be a little less unbearable and, as much as I hate to admit it, he was reliable."
Zamir got up, dusting off his clothes.
"And she was a lot less annoying than she is now! Not the pain in the ass she is today. I can't even go out for a little drink without being scolded like a child," Zamir retorted.
"You should be thanking me, you old dwarf!" she shot back, pointing a finger at him. "Someone still has an ounce of concern for you. If you stopped drinking a little, I might be friendlier!" she added.
"I'm old enough to decide what I do with my life, you know! Besides, drinking like this reminds me of the old adventuring days… me, you, your sister, Torvin, and…" he cut himself off. His expression changed to sadness as he stared at the ground.
Shapira's expression also changed upon hearing what Zamir was about to say. She looked sad and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I know it's hard, Zamir… I miss him too," she said, holding back tears.
"You're the one who must miss him the most, Shapira. Forgive me for bringing it up now. It's just hard, you understand?" he replied, also placing his hand on her shoulder in a gesture of solidarity.
Silence fell over the group, and then the three resumed their walk. Arthur was more confused than ever. Who was this mysterious member, and why did no one want to talk about him? If he was so beloved, why not mention him? Arthur didn't understand this reasoning but just followed in silence until they reached Zamir's shop, next to the Guild.
The shop was similar to Torvin's on the outside, a simple house with a wooden sign that read "Zamir's Market." A very uncreative name, by the way.
Zamir took the lead, fumbling in his pocket for the keys. It took a moment, but he finally found them and opened the main door.
Upon entering, however, the interior was completely different from what was expected. There were numerous shelves with various products for sale, much like a real-world market. Incredibly, everything was well-organized and labeled. There was also a small counter where payment was made.
"Welcome to my shop. Follow me to the counter. I'll give you the list of what I need at the moment, kid."
Arthur walked around, marveling at the shelves and products. He couldn't understand how someone like Zamir had such a well-organized and clean establishment.
"So, here's the list," Zamir said, handing a sheet of paper with various items to Arthur.
Slime Jelly
Boar Hide
Wolf Fangs
Mountain Herbs
The boy looked at the list with wide eyes. He thought:
'Well, since my mission is to kill slimes in the southern fields, I can already get the Slime Jelly. There are probably some mountains around there to get that herb, and if it's like my world, boars are a plague, they're everywhere.'
Shapira leaned in close to Arthur to read the list.
Arthur got a little nervous. He could feel her breath on his neck and even blushed a little. He took a deep breath, trying to maintain his composure.
"You're in luck, kid," she said with a smile. "Your mission is to kill slimes, so the jelly is already guaranteed. Boars are everywhere, they're like pests," she concluded, leaning away from Arthur.
The boy seemed relieved. It seemed Shapira's proximity had affected him more than he'd like to admit.
Woosh!
Suddenly, the shop door swung open quickly.
A man entered the place. He was tall and thin, his clothes stained and with a few cuts. There was a serious wound on his thigh that dripped blood wherever he walked. The man seemed desperate. Right behind him, a small woman followed; she seemed to be fine, but her face was one of pure fear and distress.
"Is Shapira here?" he asked, panting, as if he had run a marathon.
Shapira stepped forward and recognized the young man.
"Ah, it's you. What do you need?"
The man's expression changed to one of relief.
"It's them again, Ma'am Shapira. Can you help us?"
Shapira rolled her eyes but nodded her head.
"Let's go, then," she replied, walking towards the exit. "I'll be right back, guys. I need to solve this problem now," she said, waving goodbye.
"Okay," Arthur replied, waving back.
The boy had already understood: these people were under Shapira's protection.
'Business first, right?' he thought.
Zamir sat down in a chair in front of the counter.
"This business of Shapira's is going to get her killed one day," he exclaimed, lighting a cigar.
"You think so?" the boy asked. To him, Shapira seemed so powerful she was unbeatable.
"One day she'll find someone stronger than her, kid. And her name won't save her then," Zamir replied, finishing lighting the cigar and putting it in his mouth.
Arthur thought this was the perfect moment to ask about the mysterious member. So, he got closer to the counter and said:
"You know… I noticed you were talking earlier, about a member who used to adventure with you. Who was he?" the boy asked, curious, his eyes shining with expectation.
Zamir blew out a cloud of smoke, observing the boy.
"Well, since she's not here, I can explain it to you," he replied, placing the cigar on the counter. "His name was Dante. He was our team's mage, a true talent for magic. But above all, he was Shapira's future husband."
Arthur was surprised. He never imagined Shapira was the type of woman who would get married.
"Dante… he was the best of us, kid. As a mage, he was a genius, but not the kind that just blows things up. He was the smartest, the brains of the team. Always had a plan, always led the team with mastery, and never left anyone behind. Sometimes he'd have a spell that no one expected and that would save our skins at the last second." He paused, looking at the cigar as if seeing the past in it.
"But what made him truly special was his character. Dante was the calmest and kindest person I've ever met. He was the rope that held our group together, especially when Shapira and I started fighting over some nonsense. He had a good way about him, a way that made you want to be a better person just by being around him. He was a true brother."
Zamir smiled, remembering those times with an indiscernible fondness. He then continued:
"It was obvious to everyone in the group that something was going to happen between them. Their chemistry was different; they understood each other with just a look, you see? And it happened just like that. When they finally admitted they were together, no one was surprised. It was a beautiful love to see. It wasn't just passion; they connected in a way that was rare. They were together for a long time, until the day they announced they were going to get married and retire from the adventurer life. We were so damn happy for them, really… even if it meant our team was going to end. Everything was perfect… until that day."