Serfred was sentimental for the miracle that just happened to him, as he helped the girl up. 'She must be exhausted?' He thought.
He couldn't believe himself that the girl was a Divine Healer. To think the daughter of a duke is a Divine Healer at such a young age. She must be one of those gifted magicians.
But one thing was still bothering him, and he couldn't put his finger as to why the hell is she in the North? After witnessing how powerful she is, why would they even send someone like her here.
There must be a good reason...
The Empire would not let go of such talents. What's the point of their elite academy for if they'll just send the girl to a wasteland.
But one thing was certain, he was aware of the girl's identity now. Which made him even curious as to who in goddamn mind had the guts to send the girl to the North. He could only point his finger to a few people, but did not dare mention them.
Diana was rejoicing for the miracle that just happened and so was Father Roland. They both praised the girl, amazed with what she did.
Then all of the sudden...
"My Lady."
'Huh? What is he doing?' Athena was dumbfounded as to why Serfed suddenly went down on his knees and bowed towards her.
"I, Serfred Dillan, hereby swear on my honor to dedicate my allegiance to you, Lady..." Serfred was hesitant to say the girl's name at first, since there were people around who weren't aware of the girl's identity. In the end, he only stated the girl's name as low as possible, making it hard for anyone to hear.
"For the rest of my life."
'Huh?' Athena was not sure of what's going on. Never in her life has someone so willingly offered their lives to her. She didn't know what to do, nor how she should respond to it.
Seeing how surprised Diana was and how happily Father Roland looked. The girl realized what was happening was something very serious.
'I guess it would be rude to reject his offer.'
Athena smiled and answered, "I accept."
Serfred was delighted that the girl has accepted his oath, "For now on, my honor, my life, and all of my being is yours, my Lady."
Athena was flustered when Serfred grabbed hold of her hands and kissed it. Not only was it the first time she received an oath, but it was also the first time another man, apart from her father and brother to hold her hand, at the same time kiss it.
Also, back in her world. She has never held a man's hand as well. Not even her own father. The last time her father held her hand was maybe when she was a child. Which is also the last time she recalls her father ever giving her a kiss.
'I think... I've just done something without knowing the severity of this oath.'
"My Lady, I am now your personal knight." Serfred got up and announced his new title.
'What have I done?' Athena did not expect the oath would mean Serfred to be her personal knight. She only healed him since she needs a man who has some skills in fighting. Since she thought the best way to help the village first is to find an able man, who can help her hunt for food. At the same time, train the men of the village in order to help gather some food as well.
Plus, they'll need the skills to survive.
Athena didn't say anything as she watched Diana in tears as she congratulated Serfred for his new title. Father Roland was very pleased as well and was at the point of crying.
'Guess, I have no choice but to go with it.'
.....
Athena and Diana decided to head home for now since it was almost noon. Both of them were happily chatting to each other when they suddenly heard a commotion inside the house.
Both of them looked shocked as they said.
"Elder."
"Grandfather."
They hurriedly ran inside the house worried that something terrible must have happened to the old man.
"Grandfather!"
Diana pushed open the door and was taken aback when she noticed the reason for her grandfather's cry.
'Ah, what have I done?' Athena miserably sighs as she felt guilty of what happened. 'How could I have left Fuji behind.'
Fuji may be just a puppy, but for some reason he was growing at such a rapid rate. If she had not found out what type of creature Fuji was, she would have really treated him like a dog.
"Grandfather, are you alright?" Diana asked, as she tried to approach him, but was to frighten as well since Fuji was growling furiously.
"Fuji!"
Hearing his master's loud command, it surprised the puppy as it went down on his stomach acting innocent of what was happening.
Athena couldn't stay angry towards such a cute puppy, her heart ache ashamed of what she'd done, by leaving him behind which led to the current event. "Come here."
Fuji ran towards Athena and jumped into her arms. He was indeed still a puppy and needed lots of attention.
"I'm sorry for leaving you behind."
She then carried Fuji towards them, "Grandfather, forgive us for what Fuji did."
The old man was embarrassed for it was not the puppy's fault in the first place. He ashamedly told them the truth, "No, child, it's partly my fault. You see, I-I accidentally step on him…"
"Grandfather, how could you," Diana yelled as she started scolding the old man again like a child.
"He was so small, and I didn't notice him." He replied back as he embarrassedly averted his gaze from them.
Both Athena and Diana couldn't help it, but laughed seeing how awkward the old man felt at that moment.
Whilst Diana was busy teasing her Grandfather, Athena decides to check the village with Fuji. Since it was dark when she arrived last night, she was unable to see how bad the situation was. After seeing how bad the condition of the people was when they headed to the church, she fears the village is already ruined and in need of drastic help.
"We tried to help, but we couldn't help everyone," Diana said suddenly appearing beside her who came following after they noticed she was gone.
"Don't worry, soon we'll be able to bring life to everyone." Athena patted the girl as she saw the tears rolling down her face.
Diana cleared the tears as she brought a smile to her face. Even though the pain is still there, she knows that the girl will soon heal those pains and burdens she has been carrying. Seeing how she has helped Serfed, she honestly trusts the girl's words. "Thank you."
"Don't thank me now, I haven't done anything yet..." Athena giggled as she still had a long way to go to receive such words from the girl. She now knows that her decision to go to the North was the right choice. If there is indeed a God, she realizes it must have been His plan to send her to this world and at the same time help the people in the North.