Chapter 5: Winter Coat (2)

Watching her shyly grasp his tunic, he continued, "Men are physical creatures, Christina. You have to be very careful. There are those that do not know restraint like I do. Until you come to trust and care for someone, I strongly advise you not to test them as you have tested me today. Your beauty would overwhelm them. Do you understand?"

She nodded with a downcast look on her face. Thadius didn't intend to end with a lecture. He raised her chin and put his lips inches away from hers, just enough so she could feel his breath on her skin. In seconds, her breathing quickened. The sound was clearly audible in the silent workroom.

"Now, if you don't find such a man in the next few years..." he left his sentence unfinished. Promising nothing, but implicating everything.

He'd done it now. Even he was caught in the mood. His blood rushed as he observed her quivering lips, and listened to her rapid breaths. The air was heavy with anticipation, and the wolf within him smelled it. It foamed at the mouth and licked its chops, just waiting for the next morsel.

Fortunately, Thadius had tamed that beast long ago. He released Christina and returned to the desk. When he looked at her again, the corner of her mouth was turned up in a sly smile.

[Your seductive actions have unlocked the Charm stat.

+3 Charm]

She had returned to her mischievous ways, but she didn't go overboard. Anyone that witnessed it would simply believe it was because she was blind. As far as Thadius was concerned, he had achieved his goal. Within the next hour, he managed to finish the coat. Just as Marshal returned.

[You've made a Patchwork Winter Coat. Would you like to learn the tailoring trade?]

"Might as well." he shrugged.

[You've learned Tailoring LV.1 Novice]

After learning the trade, Thadius analyzed his work. It was a shabby brown coat with no defense and low durability, but it was warm when he put it on. Marshal approved and congratulated him on his success.

While saying goodbye to Christina and thanking Marshal, Thadius saw himself out. Yet, he was stopped just outside the door.

"Thadius." Marshal said quietly from behind him. He had a serious look on his face as he closed the door.

"Yes, sir?" Thadius immediately tensed after seeing his expression.

"I appreciate the fact that you didn't take advantage of my little girl. I also respect the fact that you tried to teach her something. She's at that age now, and I don't want her to have a bad experience..."

Knowing he’d been seen in that situation, Thadius could only admonish himself silently as he replied, "You saw that, huh?"

"Did you think I'd leave her alone with some man I don't know? I came back under five minutes with my bow taunt and my quiver full."

Thadius had dodged a bullet, or arrow in this case, and he didn't even know it.

Marshal sighed, "Though I don't approve of your method, you were trying to guide her. That's something I can appreciate. Come back anytime, I'll teach you a few tricks of the trade."

"I will." Thadius nodded. He was a bit interested in the craft.

"And the next time you touch my daughter like that, I'll put an arrow in you..." Marshal glared daggers at him, and Thadius knew then that this man would carry out his threat to the fullest.

"I understand." he nodded.

"Good." Marshal nodded in approval.

They shook hands again then Thadius went on his way. Following the way he came, he was back at Tony's house within minutes to show off his new coat.

The old man appraised it with a smile. "Not too shabby. It oughta keep you warm enough at night."

"Thank you. I worked hard on it." Thadius smiled.

"You need a place to stay for the night? I got the fire goin'." the old man offered.

Thadius refused. "I'd take you up on that, but I don't think I'll turn in just yet."

On his way back to Tony's house, Thadius had an idea as gazed up at the mountain in the distance. It was something that he hadn't done in a long time.

"You said earlier that there aren't any monsters on the mountain right?" he asked. His gaze was on the peak that disappeared in the low floating clouds.

"They haven't been seen up there for years. You goin' hikin' youngin'?" Tony asked.

"I want to watch the sunrise from the top. It might take me a few days to reach the summit though. You mind if I take some of that leftover stew?" Thadius asked hopefully. He had planned to use his magical canteen as a container.

Tony shook his head. "I'll do you one better. I got some jerky dryin' out back, should last you for a week at least."

"I'd appreciate it." Thadius smiled and followed Tony out back.

It had been more than two years since Thadius had gone hiking. Every year his parents would go. Obviously, due to his injury, he had been left out on more than one occasion.

'Not this time.' he thought. The mountaintop, obscured by clouds, called to him. Being able to see the view from the top wouldn’t be a small matter for him, who had been spending his recent days in bed.

In no time, Tony helped him gather the supplies while he put them in his bag. When he was finally ready to go, night had fallen and the temperature had dropped again.

Old Man Tony pointed to a spot at the bottom of the mountain that was hidden in shadows. "There's a path the hunters use that goes up about halfway. If you take it, it should save you half a day's worth of hikin'."

"I'll keep an eye out for it. Thanks for everything old man." Thadius smiled and slung the bag of supplies over his shoulder.

"Mmmhm." Tony grumbled before shuffling back inside where it was warm.

Thadius said a quick prayer to Tegaia, and stretched his legs before he set off. With the moonlight to guide his way, he set a brisk pace. He was used to jogging in real life, but it had been a while. He wouldn't miss the opportunity to test the limits of his new legs. Cutting down the hiking time in the process wouldn't hurt either.

He jogged to the outskirts of the city, breathing through his nose and out of his mouth like he'd been taught. By the time he made it to the foot of the mountain, he had earned a new skill.

[In light of your ability to regulate your breathing, a new skill has been unlocked.

Controlled Breathing LV.1 Novice]

[Controlled Breathing LV.1 Novice

Stamina consumption when moving with Controlled Breathing active is cut by 5%

Stamina regeneration with Controlled Breathing active in increased by 2.5%]

Thadius’ eyes lit up as he read the description. 'Oh? That'll go up on its own if I just stick to it.'

It didn't take him long after that to find the trail, so he checked his bag one more time to make sure nothing fell out. Being new to virtual reality, Thadius wasn't familiar with the inventory. He'd played RPGs before, so he knew its potential. However, he was still skeptical that the small bag could hold more than it looked.

'I really hope nothing falls out.' he sighed. Then, after surveying the trail ahead, he began his jog up the mountain.