Lucas POV
"I'm Lucas," I said, keeping my voice soft, "My wife Harper is a great cook. She's probably making something amazing for dinner right now.
"Why don't you come to my place? I've got a lot of room. It's warm, and you can join us for dinner. We can help you."
"Why would you do that?" she finally asked.
"Because you're out here, alone, in the cold. And no one should have to live like this. Especially not someone your age."
She looked down at the stick in her hand, then back at me. Her lips pressed together tightly, as though she wanted to say something but didn't know how. The fire crackled between us, its warmth doing little to ease the chill of the moment.
"It's your choice," I added, keeping my tone calm, "But the offer's there. No one should have to spend the night out in the cold."
"I'm Lisa." she introduced herself.
"Alright, do you have any pets or anything? We can bring them in too."
"I live alone."
This feels a bit familiar...
*****
The girl, Lisa, didn't say much as we walked back toward the house. Her steps were hesitant like she expected me to turn around and change my mind. I couldn't blame her. The way she held herself, the way her eyes darted toward every noise...it told me enough. She wasn't used to trust. I kept quiet, not wanting to spook her, but my mind churned with questions. How long had she been living like that? How could anyone leave a child behind like that?
When we reached the house, the warmth from the windows made the cold feel even sharper. Harper opened the door before we could knock, her smile bright and welcoming.
"Oh, you're back!" she said, her eyes quickly shifting to Lisa and her smile then softened, "Is she staying with us?"
"Yep, her name is Lisa. And Lisa, this is my wife, Harper."
I gave her the look and it didn't take long for her to register as she crouched down to Lisa's eye level and introduced herself properly. Lisa avoided eye contact, but Harper didn't mind.
"Good thing I was planning to head out anyway. I'll grab some proper clothes and a few other things for her." Harper said, "Mona is doing the cooking today." Harper then tip-toed up and kissed me on the cheek, "I'll be right back."
I then led her to the living room next to the fireplace where it was warm. Mona then walked in and I briefed her on our interaction in whispers, but it was clear that
"Lisa, this is Mona," I said, gesturing toward her, "She's my wife, too. Don't let the serious face fool you. She's kind once you get to know her."
"Hi Lisa, I'm Mona, it's nice to meet you." Mona introduced herself, "Welcome to our home."
Lisa shrank back a little, clutching the edge of her coat, her gaze flicking between us.
"H-Hi," she said quietly, her voice was barely audible.
"Luke, would you mind doing the cooking instead, I'll help her settle in. I can also help bathe her a bit, her face is a bit dirty."
"Sure, you're way better with children than I am...Lisa, is there any food you dislike? Or do you have a favorite food that you want me to cook?"
*****
The soft murmur of water splashing echoed from the bathroom as Mona helped Lisa bathe. Harper had just returned, her arms full of fresh clothes and supplies, her cheeks pink from the cold. I then briefed her on the situation.
"Here, I also brought chocolate, do you think you can make it for us?" Harper asked.
"Sure, but don't we already have chocolate?"
"These are sweeter, it'll taste better for a little girl." She then gave me a quick kiss on the cheek before heading to the bathroom to check-in.
I stayed in the kitchen, stirring the last pot of stew and setting out the bread. The table was already laid, and the room filled with the warm aroma of the meal. By the time Mona and Lisa reappeared, Lisa was dressed in the new clothes Harper had brought—a simple sweater and leggings that looked warm and comfortable. Her hair was damp but brushed, and she clung to Mona's side, her shyness still evident but softened.
We then all sat down for dinner. Lisa took a seat between Mona and me, her small frame dwarfed by the chair. She didn't say much as we all started eating, her gaze flicking between us as though she was still trying to figure us out.
"Why are you helping me?" Lisa asked, breaking the silence.
Mona opened her mouth to respond, but Lisa turned her attention to me, her small hands clutching the edge of the table.
"I…I want him to answer." she requested and pointed at me sheepishly, "Why...did you approach me?"
"...No reason," I answered, "A little girl...shouldn't be out there by herself...That's all."
Lisa stared at me for a long moment, as if weighing my words. Finally, she gave a small nod and returned to her plate, quietly eating again.
The rest of the meal passed in a comfortable quiet. Harper and Mona chatted softly, giving Lisa space to process everything. By the time the plates were cleared, Lisa's eyelids were drooping, her exhaustion catching up with her. Mona stood and extended a hand to her.
"Come on, Lisa," she said with a soft smile. "I'll show you where you'll sleep."
*****
I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the newspaper in my hands. The bold headlines stared back at me, painting a grim picture of the world outside this quiet little town.
The bed shifted as Harper sat beside me. I felt her warmth before her head gently rested on my shoulder. Her hair was still damp as she just got out of the shower.
"What's wrong?" she asked softly.
I didn't answer right away, my eyes scanning the headline again: Tensions Rise as Nations Court Heroes for Support. Below it, smaller articles detailed skirmishes, alliances forming, and whispers of war. Harper shifted closer, her hand brushing against mine.
"Luke," she said a little firmer this time.
"Sorry...I zoned out."
"..."
"The world was supposed to be happy...after the demon lord was defeated, after everything we sacrificed…it was supposed to be better. We were all supposed to have a happy ending, such as the abolishment of the nobility hierarchy and the peace treaties. Instead, it's all falling apart. The nobility just rebranded themselves. Nations are stockpiling weapons, and the 9 other heroes are being pulled into this mess...I thought we were building a world where no one would have to suffer under tyrants. But here we are...We stopped one tyrant just to give room for a hundred more.
"And now there's Lisa...kids like her. They weren't supposed to be in that kind of situation. That's what we fought to stop. We fought, and sacrificed everything, so kids like her wouldn't have to go through this. And yet…I...I can't even go back home..."
"Luke...you didn't create this world. You gave it a chance to be better. What people do with that chance is on them." she said softly as her thumb brushed against my hand, "But maybe… maybe we can start making the world better, even if it's just in small ways. Like taking care of Lisa...there's no orphanage nearby...we got the financial means, and since we're retired, we also got time...Giving her the kind of life she deserves seems like a good start."
*****
3rd Person POV
The grand double doors of the mansion swung open, revealing a pristine marble foyer where maids stood at attention. The group of representatives, clad in formal attire, exchanged wary glances as they were ushered inside. The mansion was filled with priceless treasures and many other expensive decorations. Despite the grandeur, there was an underlying tension in the air, a weight that came from knowing whose domain they were entering.
The maids led them through the halls without a word, their footsteps echoing on the polished floors. At last, they stopped before a heavy door. One of the maids knocked lightly, then pushed it open and leaned inside before gesturing for the representatives to enter.
The sight inside made some of them falter. The room reeked the scent of incense and wine. Several naked women lounged about, their laughter and chatter halting as the newcomers entered. At the center of it all sat a towering man, his presence dominating the room.
Carter Hayes.
He was massive, nearly 2.15 meters tall, his broad frame barely contained by the oversized chair he lounged in. His dark hair was messy, and his sharp eyes glared at the group with open disdain.
"What the hell do you want? You're disturbing me." he demanded.
The representatives swallowed their unease, the oldest among them stepping forward.
"Master Carter Hayes," he said as he tried not to cough on the heavy scent of incense, "We've come with a proposition."
"Well? Spit it out before I toss you out." Carter grumbled as he chucked a glass of wine.
"We wish to hire you for a task. One that requires your unique skills."
"And what's this task?"
"We need you to eliminate Hero Jacob Sanders. The new heir of the Western Vale kingdom."
"Eliminate Jacob Sanders, huh?" he scoffed, "New heir...I thought we got rid of all that nobility nonsense before we even beat the demon lord. What's the point of royalty? Clinging to that throne or...crown, whatever, like stupid worthless roaches...Alright, then. Let's say I am interested. What do you have to offer? Because I don't work for free."
"We can provide you with the location of the one thing you desire most. The woman you've been searching for, former Saint, Harper Vivienne Blackwood."