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"Stay alive. I have to do this because I love you even though you are not my son. You don't have to feel guilty because none of this is your fault. Because you are.."
~○○~
The voice sounded weak, but somehow it sounds so painful. In pitch darkness. That voice was capable of echoing to the point of inducing pain that one could not imagine. Until it merges into a memory that is difficult to achieve. Unfortunately, that memory just vanished the moment he opened his eyes. The sound of the wind, as well as the sunlight began to greet him.
(I don't remember who I am. I don't remember anything. But that voice still haunts me all the time. The voice I heard amidst the pitch darkness that enveloped my soul. Even the cold night air and the smell of blood I can still feel to this day, but that nothing compared to that cold and painful feeling. I don't remember anything about it. Somehow, I feel.. that I have to walk, without stopping. Without knowing where I should go.)
He continued on his way, regardless of the condition of his body. Even if he had to cover it with his cloak.
~○○~
*260 years later.*
In a remote village, but it's so calm and cool there. Such a peaceful atmosphere. Moreover, many residents there are able to carry out any activity. One of them is that there are so many herbs and mushrooms that thrive.
"I hope uncle doesn't scold me later." She said while holding back her cough.
Fiona's life can be said to be very simple. After his parents died from a night creature attack when he was 7 years old, she only lived with her uncle who was a former adventurer. 10 years have passed, she has become a beautiful young girl. Her beauty always caught everyone's attention, even including young knights and adventurers. Unfortunately it's not that easy. For some reason, her body is weak and often coughs. Her uncle even asked for help from a healer to check on her health, but unfortunately... no one could find out about Fiona's illness. The people there are worried about Fiona's condition all the time.
Whenever they saw Fiona going out just to look for herbs and mushrooms, they always approached her and often offered to help. However, she refused that attention gently and sincerely, because she didn't want to bother anyone and wanted to try on her own even though she had to endure the pain. Even so, they didn't mind it at all and still sincerely wanted to help Fiona. But today.. something unexpected might change her life. Because just as she was about to go home having gathered quite a number of herbs and mushrooms..
"Sir, are you alright?"
She saw someone who looked very worried. His body was dirty, even covered in bruises. Not only that, both of his legs were also injured. Not only that, while they were even gazing at each other. Fiona realized that the person's gaze looked so cold... and sad. Feeling pity, she immediately took the man home with her.
"Hold on, sir. I will help you. Also, I will treat you."
She tried hard to carry the person even though she was so weak. It didn't matter that she kept coughing or almost fell because she wasn't strong, but she still forced herself to carry it.
"Hold on, sir."
~○○~
But she doesn't realize that her meeting with this person will change her life, sooner or later.