- Understood. Let's survive together, Daemon. -
Her words are oddly comforting, and for the first time since that night, I feel like I'm not entirely alone.
- Notice: The old man who helped you is the one you need right now.
What do you mean by "the one I need right now"?
- You need shelter; he has shelter. You need consistent food and clothes; he has both. And everything he told you is true. He has no malice or bad intentions toward you or your sister.
Can you see if someone is good or bad? How can you be so sure he isn't lying and just waiting for us to take the bait?
- First, you have the epic skill All-Knowing Guide to the World. One of its abilities is to discern the truth in words and detect the intentions behind them. Besides, what would the old man gain from baiting you? You don't even have the necessities to live.
Yes, I get it. I'm just asking. You don't have to slap the truth in my face.
- Notice: Just making a reasonable and logical explanation.
So, what do I do now? Chase after him and ask the old man to take us in?
- Yes.
I took a deep breath. "Okay, you win."
I followed the old man's carriage until it stopped at a medium-sized house. He got down and began unloading his belongings.
"Time to fix my new home! I wish you two were here," he said, his expression darkening again. It looked like tears would fall at any moment, but he quickly wiped them away and smiled again.
I felt sad for him, but I needed to know more about him if I was going to trust him to help care for my sister.
I approached him quietly. "Hey, old man, do you need help?"
He looked shocked, clearly not expecting to see us again so soon.
"Oh, hey, kid. Thank you, but there's a lot to do, and I don't want to burden you and your sister."
I was surprised by his concern. "No, it's fine. This is the least I can do to repay your kindness from earlier." I glanced at his house. "Does your new home already have furniture, like a bed? If so, can I put my sister there while I help you with your things? If that's okay with you."
He smiled. "Sure, this way. It's definitely safer to put her down first than carry her while moving heavy things."
I followed him into the house and to the bedroom. Looking around, I realized this place was already fully furnished. Maybe he bought it a while ago before moving in.
I noticed him watching me, following my gaze.
"I bought this house because I wanted to move here with my children and settle in this town for good," he said, his voice heavy with emotion. "But now... I'm the only one left."
Tears formed in his eyes, but he quickly wiped them away. I placed my sister, still sound asleep, on the bed. When I turned back, I saw him sitting in a chair.
Not knowing what else to do, I sat beside him. A heavy silence filled the room. Finally, he spoke.
"My children and I lived in a village far from here. We were happy, enjoying our time together. I'm a merchant, so my work requires me to travel for trading. But I never went far—I didn't want to be gone too long since my son and daughter weren't old enough to be left alone for long. My son was about your age, and my daughter was two years younger."
He paused for a moment, then continued.
"One day, I returned from a trip to find our village on fire. I rushed to our house, leaving my carriage behind, and found my two children lying on the floor... covered in sword wounds, drowning in their own blood. I screamed for help, but no one answered. That's when I realized I was the only one left. Then I heard my son's voice."
He stopped, his eyes filling with tears.
"'Father, is that you...?' he said. 'Yes, it's me, son. I'm here. Stay with me—I'll get you both treated in town.' He coughed up blood, unable to open his eyes because of the blood covering them. 'I'm sorry, Father... I couldn't protect Lilia... I tried my best...' He cried one last time before he passed."
I couldn't speak. I didn't know how to respond.
- Notice: His statement is true.
I know. You don't have to tell me that—I can see he's sincere.
- Understood.
"It's okay," Lucas said. "You don't have to say anything, kid. I just needed to get that off my chest." He smiled, though his eyes brimmed with tears. "Thank you for listening. I appreciate it."
I nodded and smiled back.
"I'm Lucas. How about you?"
I hesitated, but after hearing his story, I felt like giving my name was the least I could do.
"My name is Daemon, and my sister is Daeri."
He nodded. "I see. Just like my children, who had the same initials... Thank you for telling me, Daemon. You can call me Lucas or whatever you like."
I didn't know why, but I felt comfortable around him, even when we first met.
"Okay, Uncle Lucas."
He looked surprised, staring at me in shock. I couldn't blame him—even I was surprised I said that. I quickly looked away.
"If you want, you can stay here as long as you need," he offered.
I smiled and nodded.
But I felt it would be unfair not to share my story in return.
"Uncle Lucas, you know..."
I told him everything, from the beginning to the end, leaving out the nightmares and the voice in my head.
As I recounted what happened to my village, his expression shifted between shock, sadness, sympathy, and anger.
When I told him I wanted to leave my sister in his care so I could earn money, he reassured me. "You don't need to worry about money. I want you both to stay here comfortably."
But my plan wasn't just about money. I was determined to uncover the truth and find the bastard who murdered my parents.