When Arthur returned home, he found out that Neizan had been attacked by beasts in the forest, which had poisoned him. Fortunately, Arthur had retrieved all the equipment he had forgotten in the previous village, including some medicines that completely cured Neizan's poisoning.
Had it not been for those medicines, the boy would have lost the mobility of his body, either partially or even permanently. This news deeply disturbed Lina when Arthur told her, worrying her even more. Arthur also mentioned that the beasts that attacked Neizan were probably a species of smaller earth.
『Neizan: «Lina has helped me a lot as both a teacher and a maid. Ever since we started spending nights together, I've been able to rest better. I no longer suffer from insomnia, which allows me to wake up early and with more energy. Thanks to that, I've resumed my training like I used to. I want to find a way to thank her... Maybe I could teach him how to defend himself?» 』
From a distant corner, Lina watched as Neizan wielded his sword, crossing his feet from side to side with measured steps. His movements were stiff but precise as he swung the sword at various angles, as if dancing against the currents of air stirred by his strikes.
He sought to become faster, more precise, and stronger. The wooden dummies, which simulated the shape of a person, were his targets, and Neizan struck them with enthusiasm, feeling the sweat drip from his forehead down to his feet, while his heart beat strongly in rhythm with his effort.
Inspired by Neizan, Lina held a sword, its tip resting on the ground. She felt the cold of the hilt and the excitement of doing something she had never tried before. With great effort, she managed to lift the steel sword, but she could barely keep her balance; the blade swayed from side to side due to her trembling hands and nervousness.
Earlier, Neizan approached her to help, positioning himself beside her. Gently, he took her arm from underneath, lightening the weight of the sword. With his other hand, he held her left forearm, applying a slight pressure to correct her posture. For a moment, Neizan watched her, his eyes fixed on the sword that Lina was holding. She, on the other hand, was beginning to lose her strength.
Neizan's face was far too close to Lina's, causing her to blush like a tomato. Seeing the young and attractive boy so close in such an unexpected moment left her flustered.
It was to be expected that, when starting to practice with a sword, one would use a weapon suited to the body and with a light weight, like a wooden sword. Not a long steel sword weighing more than ten kilos, especially for a sixteen-year-old girl. Due to her nervousness and inexperience, the sword slipped from her hands, which amused Neizan, and they both started laughing.
Days after the incident with Neizan and the beasts, Lina and Arthur traveled together to the town of Gastor, where Lina was able to reunite with her father, thanks to Arthur's arrangement. During the visit, Lina spoke with her father and decided to stay a few more days at her childhood home, as she felt comfortable and safe there, away from the troubles of the other village. Her father gave his consent, so they spent the night at his house. The next morning, Lina and Arthur set off back to the house where Neizan was waiting for them.
Lina also spoke with Arthur to ask for his help in sending letters to her father, so they could stay in touch and ensure both were doing well. Arthur agreed, so from then on, he would take care of delivering the letters to the village whenever he could.
That same month, the two young people, along with Neizan, finished completing the remaining details of their home, such as the furniture, some doors, and windows. They also built a small stable outside for the horses, along with a shed.
And a few months later, Neizan and Arthur traveled to a nearby city to handle some business for the young merchant.
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『???: «I'm tired of being used as they please!» I'm never going back home, idiots. 』
A girl was walking alone through the streets of the suburbs in the city of Birch. In that lost and aimless area, she was searching for an exit, trying to find a place to take refuge. Although several hours had passed since she left, her presence hadn't gone unnoticed. The people passing by looked at her curiously, observing her fine clothes, typical of a noblewoman.
『Girl: «Tsk. What a nuisance! Are they looking at me like I'm an idiot now?» 』
『Men: Hey, girl, you look lost. Why don't you come with me to my place, pretty? 』
『Girl: Don't talk to me, creep."』
『Another men: Hahaha, leave her be. She'll figure out what she's doing wandering around here at this time. 』
The girl kept walking, ignoring the words of the men staring at her. She had been warned it was dangerous to walk alone in that area, but she didn't listen.
Hours passed, and as night approached, the inevitable happened.
『Girl: Aaaaaah! Let me go right now! Help! 』
『???: Smack! 』
A loud thud was heard, and the world went dark for the girl as she fell unconscious.
Later, the distant voices of men could be heard, along with the sound of carriage wheels and horses' hooves.
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『???: Hey, Toni. What do we do with her now? 』
『Toni: Give her the sedative. I don't want her waking up and screaming like before. 』
In a room inside a house in the middle of the countryside, a couple of men were talking while the sun began to illuminate the horizon, announcing the arrival of the morning.
『Man: It's done, she'll be having sweet dreams for a long time. 』
The man let out a slight chuckle, satisfied as he settled into an old chair, stretching his arms lazily.
『Toni: Now we just have to wait for our contact to arrive. 』
Toni stood up and walked to the window, squinting at the morning light that was starting to slip through the cracks. He scratched his chin, uneasy, as the morning breeze stirred the curtains.
Suddenly, a sharp sound echoed through the house.
『???: Knock, knock, knock, knock. 』
Both men looked at each other in surprise.
『Man: Someone's at the door. 』
The man frowned, a bad feeling crossing his mind.
『Toni: "I know. Go see who it is. 』
Toni nodded toward the door, his tone serious. The man nodded back, somewhat suspicious, and first moved toward the window, pulling the curtain slightly aside.
『Man: I don't see anything... 』
He glanced toward the empty field, confusion beginning to cloud his expression. He took a few steps toward the door and crouched to peer through the peephole.
『Man: I don't see anyth... Argh! 』
The scream was abrupt and chilling. The man collapsed instantly, his body slamming against the door with a dull thud.
『Toni: . . . ! 』
Toni reacted immediately, his heart racing. He rushed to the door, his eyes wide, only to find his companion slowly falling to the floor. Blood dripped from his back, where a blade had pierced through the door and into his chest.