In the far north of the White Mountains continent, in a coastal village known as Green Hill Village, a strange boy with white hair strolled through its alleys, his appearance catching the attention of the villagers.
Eventually, a man approached him and asked, "Young man, can I help you?"
"Oh, I'm not sure. Do you happen to live in this village, where there's a blind woman with white hair like mine, who lost her son, named..."
"Irene? Are you Alex, Irene's son?"
"Yes."
The man squeezed the boy's shoulders tightly, shaking him in disbelief, then shouted to those around him, "Look, it's Alex, Irene's son! The boy has grown and returned to his family."
As the man's grip was released from the boy's shoulders, his loud shout attracted the villagers, and everyone welcomed and cheered for him.
Three years ago, a war broke out between humans and the Anka race, resulting in thousands of deaths, dozens of prisoners, and missing individuals. Alex disappeared two years ago and was considered among the missing.
After a while, a ceasefire was declared, and an agreement was reached to exchange prisoners. Despite weeks passing since the agreement, many prisoners had not returned to their families, and their fate remained unknown. Hence, Alex's appearance in the village caused quite a stir.
"My son, is that really you, my son? Have you returned to your mother?"
A sweet and sad voice called out to him, and as soon as the crowd heard the woman's voice, they dispersed to make way for the broken-hearted mother. She raised her hand, feeling around her despite the signs of fatigue, hardship, and sorrow brought by the lean years. Still, her beauty hadn't faded, and an aura of nobility emanated from her, even in such a moment. Her hand, which moved through the air, finally touched the boy's face. Tears streamed down her eyes as she embraced him tightly, as if he would vanish again if she loosened her grip even a bit.
"Alex, my dear, you've become a young man. I've missed you so much. You can't imagine how happy I am to have you back."
Amidst this emotional scene, Alex embraced his mother just as tightly. "I missed you too, Mom. You can relax your hands; I don't plan on going anywhere."
His words brought a smile to his mother's face. Although she had stopped hugging him, her gentle and warm grip remained on his hand. The tender sensation on Jin's palm made him feel that every action this woman took was a reflection of immense compassion and affection.
"Why do I feel a sense of guilt? Perhaps because I'm not truly her son. Since the moment I inhabited this body, I became Alex Hartley, and her family became mine."
The original Alex wasn't a captive; he simply didn't wish to return to a life of poverty. That's why he abandoned his mother and sister, living his childhood as a thief. However, the orphan from the future longed to have a family. The voices around him and their laughter brought him back to reality. Before he could react, the man with the gruff voice shouted again, "Are you all planning to stay here all day? Get back to work, everyone. And you, Irene, won't you take the boy to see his sister and have a proper meal? He looks like he might collapse from hunger."
Irene nodded in the direction of the voice, then bent down to feel around for her stick. However, her son was quicker and handed her the stick, helping her stand. Her smile was evident, and as she sensed his grip, she said playfully, "Oh, you've grown indeed. You have a strong grip just like your father's."
In his mind, Alex thought, "Yes, he resembles his father more than you realize. In fact, he's even more despicable."
Irene concealed the truth about his deceased father, trying her best to present him as an ideal person. But he knew very well the reality of his father.
Taking his blind mother by the hand, Alex guided her towards their home. Despite her lack of sight, Irene was far from helpless. Despite her noble origins, she excelled at cooking, sewing, and managed all her daily tasks like any homemaker and more.
"I was injured, and my recovery took time, along with accumulating a substantial amount of money," Alex explained, attempting to provide a reason for his absence. However, his mother wasn't concerned with the details; after all, many were missing due to the war. "We searched for you tirelessly, but in vain. What matters is that you've found your way back. Tell me, you mentioned you were injured. Did the Anka harm you?"
"It wasn't a serious matter..."
Before he could finish his sentence, Alex noticed a person running toward him. A plump man reached them, panting heavily. He struggled to catch his breath and wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"Madam, Noble Monroe wants to meet you immediately. The payment deadline is approaching."
Irene's expression changed upon hearing the plump man's voice, but she forced a smile and nodded positively. Despite her apparent calmness, Alex felt a shiver run down his spine. He immediately intervened, "Tell the noble that the lady is busy. Her long-lost son returned home today after years of absence. As for the payment matter, I will visit him tonight."
Leaving the scene, they left the bewildered marks on the plump man's face. "Mr. Monroe won't be pleased with this, definitely not."
The mother and son arrived at their home, or rather their small, dilapidated cottage on the outskirts of the village. The cottage was scarcely more than a chicken coop.
*Cough... Cough... Cough...*
A cough came from inside the cottage. Irene hurried inside, worry gripping her. "Oh dear, in my joy, I forgot her medication schedule." She rummaged around for the box in the corner. But before she could reach it, her son's hand was on her shoulder.
"She's asleep now. Let me take care of the medicine, and you can prepare some food."
A sob caught in the mother's throat; the cottage held nothing but withered greens. She and her sick daughter had barely enough to eat. "My son, you see our situation. I borrowed some money from one of the nobles, but..."
"Mother, you don't need to worry about anything. Your son is grown now, and he'll take care of you and his sister."
Alex examined the medicine and brought it to his nose, taking a small whiff before his expression changed. "Mother, what exactly is afflicting your daughter?"
"The doctor said it's a fever common in children her age. Months have passed, but her condition hasn't improved despite following all his instructions."
"Of course it hasn't improved. She won't get better taking this garbage." "Mother, I'll visit the doctor. It seems we need to delay dinner for a while."
His mother attempted to stop him from leaving, but moments hadn't passed since he entered the house. However, his sister's moans silenced her. How could he enjoy a meal while his sister was ill?
After some time, the mother was surprised by a loud knock on the door. Before she could inquire about the visitor, a familiar voice called from outside, "Madam, I'm the village doctor. I've received a new medicine with almost magical effects. Within hours, you'll notice a difference."
Skeptical, she opened the door. He described a miraculous elixir, something beyond her imagination. But before she could ask about it, he barged into the cottage and lifted her daughter's head to administer the potion. "This place won't help her heal. You must come to my other house, at least until she recovers fully."
Irene was taken aback by the doctor's actions. He was describing a spiritual medicine, something unimaginable to her. But for the second time, before she could question him, her son spoke up, "Doctor, how generous you are. My mother and I gladly accept your invitation."
The doctor swallowed hard, his face pale with fear. Of course, the blind woman couldn't see his horrified expression as he stared at her son, as if he had seen a demon, pointing his finger towards his mouth and gesturing for silence.