Rina's POV
"Hmm~ mmm~ hum~."
I am sewing while I am waiting for Garwyr to return. Right now, he is checking the towns to check what happened to the merchant.
"Alright. It is done."
I finished sewing a cloth. With this, I can make a cute handkerchief with it.
"Oh! It's afternoon already! It's time to make some lunch."
It took me thirty minutes to make a lunch for two. After I finished making them, I then put them on the table. As I did that, I noticed that someone had entered the door.
"Welcome back, Garwyr."
"Yeah, I'm back."
"Look. I made some sandwiches."
"Ooh. Looks pretty good."
As he was about to grab one, I slapped his hand.
"Nuh-uh, Mister. Wash your first before you eat."
"Oh, right."
After he washed his hands, he sat on the table and then he grabbed a sandwich and ate it. I also followed suit and ate one.
Yum! Delish! As expected of me.
"Mmm. It's good."
"Aww, you're making me blush... not! What do you think of the taste? Does it need some improvements?"
"It's delicious enough."
"I see. Then let's eat some more."
"I am on my third piece right now."
"Wow. You really like my cooking, huh?"
"Yep. I am grateful to eat delicious food every day."
"H-hmph! It's not like I made them for you or anything."
"That act only works for a cute girl playing hard to get."
"You say that like I am not a cute girl. Ooh, that hurts my feelings, boo-hoo~."
"Nah. You're not cute. You're super cute."
Ugh. Saying that so nonchalantly. It's always like this. Whenever we playfully banter with each other, he always says something smooth when I don't expect it. Not only that, he says it like it's a stated fact. I mean, I know I am pretty cute, but at least be shy whenever you say it.
"Hmph."
"Huh? Why are you pouting?"
"It's nothing... Hmph."
He looked confused, and then he went back to eating.
I swear I'll make him flustered one of these days.
"Well, anyways. Is there any news about what happened to the merchant?"
"Well, he died in prison."
"Oh... Huh. Then does that mean I am..."
"I am still looking into it to make sure. But yeah... you are now free."
"I see..."
Looks like it's over...
For some reason, I feel refreshed. Maybe it's because I don't have to worry about it anymore.
"Hey, now..."
"Hmm? What's up, Garwyr?"
He then stood up, went close to me, and placed a hand on my cheek, wiping my tears that fell down with his finger.
Ah... It looks like I am crying before I am aware of it. Tears then began to pour down on my cheeks.
I buried my face on his chest and wept. He then hugged me while his right hand was patting my head. I returned his hug, clinging more tightly as I cried, reminiscing what had happened to me these past years.
Before I had an epiphany of my past life, I was struggling as a little girl. No parents to love and care about me, not allowing us orphans to go outside because of the strict order of the merchant and barely having enough to eat since the merchant is a cheapskate.
It got worse when I became aware of my past life. I then noticed that the orphanage was not an ordinary one but a cover for slave trafficking business. Fearing for my life and future, I try not to stand out from anyone else.
I got no one to call for help. My fellow orphans began to look at me like a weirdo, and some dirty looking thugs were inspecting each of us while taking some older kids and then bringing in newer younger kids.
Ever since, I have always felt fear and despair.
It went on for seven years, and then, I became twelve years old. Since twelve years old is the age where a kid is allowed to become independent, according to the director, I thought I could leave the orphanage. However, that merchant saw me and then decided to bring me to his mansion.
There is nothing but despair waiting for me. No hope, only despair. I already knew at the time that I was doomed. Even though I was rescued, I still dread and keep having nightmares. I am afraid to sleep every night because of that.
And now... I can't barely believe it.
It is over.
"...*sniff*...*Hic* Thank you, truly. *sniff* Uuh.."
"Mhm. I know."
"I don't have to run and hide anymore, right?"
"Yeah."
"I don't need to be afraid anymore, right?"
"Yeah."
"I don't have to return to the orphanage anymore, right?"
"Yeah."
"I am free... *hic* *sniff* Uuhh."
I wept for about thirty minutes before I calmed myself while Garwyr was comforting me. Right now, we are sitting side by side.
"Hey, Rina?"
"Hmm?"
"I got a commission from the hunter's association. This commission has something to do with the orphanage."
"Hmmm..."
As he said that, I rested my head on his shoulder.
"It will take a month but I will finish it as soon as possible. After finding out more about the orphanage and making sure that it is all over, you can now move freely to anywhere you want."
"Mhm..."
He looked at me curiously as I also looked at him while my head was resting on his shoulder.
"You're not curious about the orphanage?"
"Hmm... it's pretty much over anyway. Besides, I don't have any fond memories of the orphanage."
"That's true. I will try to finish the commission as fast as I can, but I will be gone during that time, so..."
"That's fine."
"Is it alright?"
"Hmm? Are you planning to leave me?"
"Huh? Of course not."
"Hehe, then it's fine."
"Alright then."
After that, we spend the day together, having fun with gardening and training. For the first time in my current life, I have a peaceful sleep and a good dream.
*Conditions are fulfilled*
New skills and titles can now be accessed.