"Are you sure you're not going to regret it?"

"I won't."

What's this? Oh, it's the same dream again. I've seen this a lot that I could memorize every words I spoke. Worse, I remember every words spouted by the one I'm conversing with.

It's the last time I saw my parents. My mother was clenching her chest like she had some kind of chronic disease, crying and pleading me not to go. Father, on the other hand, was enraged. He was slowly unsheathing his sword.

I know that what I did that time was not right, but I can't be entirely wrong either.

"Why the hell did you get pregnant! On top of that, that same person who made you that way went missing! That bastard should be beheaded for--!"

My father, tried to quell his anger and spoke in a softer voice. "Now, listen to me, my dearest child. We can--"

"If what you're saying is abandoning the child, I won't do it."

"Zeal!"

Yes, my name is Zeal. I may have a surname of a grandiose family, but I abandoned it, severing ties with my family in the process. A family that showcased lots of feats during the war, I was the sole daughter and the youngest of the nine siblings.

"From this moment on, I'm no longer a noble, as I tarnished our reputation. I'll be leaving now, father--no, Marquis Walter Lopus."

"Kuh! Don't... Don't ever step a foot in this place again! Leave before I slit your throat!"

I bowed deeply and turned my back. Tears began rolling on my cheeks as I started my perilous journey, as a pregnant woman, at that.

***

"Mom! You finally woke up!"

"Ngh, five more minutes."

"No, that won't do! We can't finish harvesting our cabbages at this rate! You better get up! Luce will be mad at me if I won't be able to make you come outside!"

"Alright, alright. You go first, I'll come soon after I wash my face."

What diligent children I have. As expected of my twins.

It's been ten years since. With the money I saved, I was able to purchase a small house and a plot of land in a rural village in the far south of the kingdom I resided before. They call this village the Village of Boundaries, as it's a place surrounded by three kingdoms. The settlement was rather unique, as no country owned it. According to the elder, the royals signed a pact that no one would touch the village, even if this spot will become bountiful in the future as this was the birthplace of the hero who dealt with The Greatest Cataclysm a century ago, but for me it was more like they never cared about this place.

We only have about three hundred residents and we are rather fond of each other, helping whenever necessary. And a perfect example of that is here as I washed my face with cold water.

"Yo, Zeal! Just woken up, I see!"

A person whom I know is by the window, donning his armor, is smiling brightly. It's no other than Tom.

Tom, my friend's husband, is a generous person. He's among the guards of this village and trained my kids to become sword users. Bright red hair and eyes, and built like a well-trained knight, he's an outstanding guard who wields his giant sword to protect the village from wild animals like wolves. He often makes errands for us as well. Though, it's definitely Aldea's doing.

"What are you doing here, Tom? Are you perhaps scolded by your wife again?"

"Argh, don't remind me of that! Oh, that reminds me, your children's birthday is coming soon, right? Aldea keeps pestering me to help the two young folks for their upcoming adulthood ceremony."

"My sincerest thanks for helping Blaine and Luce."

My neighbor smiled and waved his hand as he went away.

After I finished what needs to be done, like cooking and clearing dust with a broom, I went outside and greeted my lovely children.

"Good morning, Blaine and Luce."

"Hello, mother dearest."

"Come on, mom! Help us out so that we can have breakfast faster!"

Blaine and Luce are twins and my eternal happiness. Blaine is straightforward and honest, and was trying his best to emulate the traits of the hero. Luce was a quiet child, opening her mouth only when necessary and prefers to take actions. Her way of thinking is akin to a noble. Not that she doesn't have noble blood in her veins. They're both nine year olds, but they're already well-known in this village. Blaine excel in swordsmanship, while Luce may be not as proficient, but she can use magic. The reason why she trained with her brother is for experience. Both of them got the same traits as I have. Black hair and eyes, tanned skin. Not to brag or anything, but, they're also famous for their looks.

As for me, I became the teacher of this village for nine years now. When I first settled here, everything was a mess. The land was dry and barren, the people were malnourished, and I could count those who were literate with my fingers. I dealt with health problems, told them about proper sanitation, found ways to revive the lands and cultivate crops and more. The once barren land is now going to have a bountiful harvest tomorrow. Seeing my efforts, they appointed me as the chief. I didn't want the position at first, but they won't budge.

The village is peaceful, and I'll do whatever I can to make it stay this way.

"Alright, alright. Let's finish the task at hand--"

"Emergency! Emergency! Monsters are approaching from the north!"

So much for my wish. Another hurdle, I guess.

"Mom, we will go help the guards!"

"I'll go with Blaine as well, mother dearest."

I simply nodded and resumed my work. To most parents, their children are their treasure and must be kept safe at all costs. But they already exceed past the point where I should shelter them. They're doing well, and are capable enough to protect the village they cherish.

"Mm, I wonder what I should cook for lunch?"