The surroundings were bustling with the voices of the villagers, yet my eyes still felt heavy. I tried to lift my eyelids, allowing the dim light to seep into my blurred vision.
I was finally awake after a long sleep.
I slowly moved my hand and realized that my body was still wrapped in the same clothes—the ones that had absorbed all the exhaustion from last night's battle. I was still in the same place, but this time, the air felt more peaceful.
To my left, Yena was asleep in a sitting position, her head resting against my side. Her breathing was slow and steady, as if she had been there for a long time.
"You're awake?"
A rough, deep voice came from my right. I turned and saw the merchant sitting against the wall, smoking his cigarette in his usual relaxed manner. Thin wisps of smoke curled into the air.
"How long was I asleep?" I asked, still groggy.
"Too long… long enough to waste my time." He exhaled smoke with an annoyed expression.
I let out a small sigh. "Sorry for wasting your time…"
"Hmm." He tapped the end of his cigarette, letting the ashes fall to the ground. "Three hours."
I nodded slowly. Three hours… longer than I expected.
"But we need to move now before the ship at the port sets sail." His tone turned more serious this time.
The merchant was already standing, turning his back on me as he prepared his belongings. I took a deep breath, trying to gather the strength to get up.
As soon as I lowered my feet from the bed, the movement startled Yena. She rubbed her sleepy eyes before looking at me with a shocked expression.
"Nao… you're awake?" Her voice was hoarse from sleep.
"Yeah, and I need to leave now."
Her eyes widened, and the shock on her face quickly turned into sadness. She remained silent for a moment before biting her lip, trying to hold back her emotions.
Don't cry…
I gently patted her head, hoping to comfort her. But her face only became more sorrowful.
"If that's the case…" Her voice trembled. "… don't forget Yena."
I smiled. "Don't worry…" I stood up and patted her shoulder lightly. "Remember, if anything happens, Nao will come."
Yena lowered her gaze slightly, clutching the fabric of her clothes tightly. Then, with a voice full of determination, she spoke, "Then… Yena promises to protect this place. Yena will become strong and defeat all the bad guys!"
I smiled at her promise. This child…
I faced her and held out my hand. "Then make sure this place becomes better before I return… deal?"
Yena looked up at me with teary eyes before nodding firmly and gripping my hand. "Deal!"
The merchant's voice broke the moment, "Nao!!!"
I turned toward the horse-drawn carriage, where he was already prepared to depart.
Taking a deep breath, I turned back to Yena. "I have to go now."
Each step I took brought me further away from her, but before I could walk far—
Tap! Tap!
Suddenly, Yena ran up and hugged me tightly from behind.
"Nao…!" Her voice trembled as she held back her tears. "Nao must come back…"
I paused for a moment before lifting my hand and gently patting her head again.
"I will come back."
Slowly, she released her embrace. I looked at her one last time with a smile before heading toward the carriage.
As I walked, the villagers began approaching, expressing their gratitude. Some patted my shoulder, while others smiled with tear-filled eyes.
The last person before I got on was Norman.
He looked at me seriously before suddenly pulling me into a hug.
"Thank you, Nao…" he said softly. "If you ever come back here, I'll give you special treatment."
I chuckled lightly. "No need…"
Then, Yena's mother approached. "Over there, don't forget this place."
I could only smile and nod.
Each step I took distanced me further from them, and finally, I climbed onto the horse-drawn carriage.
I turned back to see them still standing there.
I waved. "Bye!!"
"Bye, Nao!!!" Yena's voice was the loudest among them.
With a loud Grrr!!, the carriage wheels began to turn, carrying me away from this place.
I leaned back and exhaled slowly.
This journey may not have been fun at all, but it will be a memory I will remember forever.
---
The sound of galloping hooves echoed in the air, approaching the villagers of Norman Village. The ground trembled slightly under the weight of the approaching horses. A group of Divine Inquisitors arrived, their banners fluttering proudly, bearing the emblem of justice and order.
A man clad in silver-white armor dismounted from his horse. His face was stern, his sharp eyes scanning the gathered villagers.
With a commanding and authoritative voice, he spoke, "Who is the leader of this village?"
Norman, standing in the center of the villagers, stepped forward calmly.
"I am," he replied, bowing respectfully to the Divine Inquisitors' leader.
The man narrowed his eyes. "Why didn't you report your situation?" His tone was tense, clearly holding back anger.
Norman took a slow breath before answering, "The enemy used magic detection and implanted both a magic tracker and an explosive on my forehead." His voice remained calm despite the dangerous situation.
The Divine Inquisitor leader clenched his fists, clearly trying to suppress his frustration. "If that's the case…" He took a moment to compose himself. "… our forces will monitor this place until the situation stabilizes. I expect full cooperation from you and your people."
Norman nodded and placed a hand on his chest as a sign of respect. "We gladly accept your offer."
Dup! Dup! Dup!
The sound of fast-approaching hooves disturbed the moment. The villagers turned toward the source of the noise.
From behind the billowing dust, a man riding a majestic white horse appeared. Zareth.
He swiftly dismounted, revealing his face and body, which bore fresh wounds—evidence of a recent intense battle. His sharp gaze swept over the area before stopping at Norman.
"Who fought Zepr earlier?" His voice boomed with arrogance.
Yena almost spoke, but before she could utter a name—
"Apologies, sir. He does not wish for his identity to be known." Norman quickly interjected, his tone polite yet firm.
Zareth raised an eyebrow, his gaze narrowing. "Norman… do you think I'm playing games?" His tone dropped, laced with pressure.
Norman remained composed, but beneath that calmness, there was a glint of resolve in his eyes. "This is my promise to him, sir."
The two men stared at each other for a moment, as if silently measuring one another.
Zareth finally sighed, suppressing his dissatisfaction. "Hmph. Very well… Everyone, let's move out!" he commanded.
"Yes, sir!" The Divine Inquisitors responded in unison before beginning to depart.
Yena tugged at Norman's sleeve with a questioning look. "Papa… why?"
Norman gave her a small smile as he gently patted her head. "Sorry, Yena… he doesn't want to create problems later."
Yena furrowed her brows. "Problems? But… he could earn a name!" Her voice was filled with the desire to help Nao be recognized as a hero.
Norman sighed. "Everyone has their own reasons…" his hand continued to gently ruffle his daughter's hair.
Deep inside, Norman whispered to himself, Even though I don't know his reason either, I will respect it.