Restart Again: Volume 1 by Adam Scott (pocket ebook reader TXT) 📕

me that you’ll keep her safe from harm. Promise that you think this is the right thing for her, and that you’ll do what you can to keep her happy.” He offered out his hand to shake but held up a finger before I could extend my own. “And promise that you’ll never do anything to hurt her.” I was taken aback by the request. It must have clearly shown through on my face, because Marten continued in clarification.

“You know what I told you is true; Marlia loves you. You must have seen it for yourself by now. Either that, or you’re not as bright as I thought.” He raised an eyebrow at me, and I gave him a small nod. “I need you to promise you won’t take advantage of that fact. I’m not saying you have to love her back or pledge yourself to her forever, but don’t hurt her. She deserves a lot better than that.”

Can I make that promise? I’ve done my best to be clear about where we stand, but...is it enough? Is it fair for me to be so friendly and open with her, knowing how she feels about me? The familiar feeling of guilt was creeping back, twisting in my gut. I had been thinking on the topic on and off ever since I had woken up in her basement, but it was finally time to make good on my decisions. Grasping Marten’s hand firmly in my own, I shook it. “Marten Corell, I promise no harm will come to Lia while she is with me. I promise I will do my best to make her happy, and I will never hurt her.”

We shook hands in silence, regarding each other with serious expressions until Marten’s mouth spread wide with a toothy grin. “You’re a good man, Lux.” He clapped my hand in his, then turned to leave. “With that business out of the way, we should head back upstairs. I’m sure the ladies are waiting on us.”

Hana and Lia were waiting for us outside by the road. Lia was fully kitted for the trip, with the canvas rucksack on her back and her shortsword looped through her belt. The sun had just begun to peek out over the horizon, painting the two figures with a warm pink and orange glow. When we came into view, I caught a subtle nod between Marten and Hana. I’m guessing Lia had a conversation similar to mine, I thought to myself, smiling. I should ask her about that, before she asks me.

Lia huffed, tapping her foot with embellished impatience. “We’ve been waiting out here forreevverr!” She drew out the word, rolling her head around once for emphasis. “Did you get lost down there?”

I held my hands up in defence. “I was getting a good picture of where we’re headed. You’ll appreciate that once we get on our way, I think.” Marten and I approached the pair, stopping next to them at the end of the dooryard. “Are you all ready to go, Lia?”

She nodded excitedly. “I’ve been ready for this for a long time!”

Marten stepped forward and planted a kiss on her forehead. “Take care, Marlia. Wherever you go and whatever you do, we’ll always be here if you need us.” He wrapped her in a tight embrace, squeezing her until she lifted off of the ground.

Hana stepped up behind Marten and tapped him on the shoulder lightly. “Alright, dear.” He dropped Lia back down to the ground, clearing his throat as he stepped back. Hana took his place hugging their daughter, albeit in a much more gentle and delicate manner. She turned her head in close and whispered into Lia’s ear. Whatever was said caused tears to well in her eyes, and she nodded hard into her mother’s shoulder.

With the family goodbyes completed I took my place next to Lia. “Marten. Hana. Thank you again for everything you’ve done for me. Wherever we end up, I’ll make sure Lia is well looked after.”

“We’ll hold you to that, lad,” Marten said sternly. Hana said nothing, instead giving me a small nod and a smile as tears sparkled on her cheeks. The emotions were palpable between the family which made me feel both a bit out of place and choked up.

Turning to Lia, I put a hand on her shoulder. “Well then. I think it’s time to go.” She looked up at me, face beaming with her infectious smile. Spinning in place quickly she ran off down the road, shouting over her shoulder.

“It’s time to see the world!” I shook my head and laughed as I turned to chase after her, but I felt a hand catch my elbow. Marten was standing next to me holding out a small felt pouch. He tossed it to me, a soft jingle coming from the bag as it landed in my hand. It wasn’t particularly heavy, but I knew the contents from the telling sound.

“An advance on that dowry.” Marten’s face curled with a wry smirk as Hana covered her mouth and giggled. “You’ll get the rest whenever you bring her back safely.” I was truly speechless, my head buzzing with a mix of embarrassment, appreciation, and annoyance. Instead of stammering an awkward reply, I simply nodded as my face burned red. “You better get going,” He said, shooing me away with his hands. “I don’t think she’s going to wait for you to catch up.”

Following his advice, I turned on my heels and jogged off after Lia. She had made it quite a way down the road, but finally stopped when she realized I wasn’t close behind her. When I caught up, we matched our pace to a brisk but comfortable walk. We traveled in silence, appreciating each other’s company as we were lost in our own thoughts of what adventures were to come.

Lia stopped as we reached a fork in the road. Turning back, we could see her parents still standing by the road off in the distance. She