Blood and corpses surrounded the tents, the sharp scent of roots mingling with the stench of death. A blood-soaked witch glanced to her right, exhaustion etched into her features as she cried out, "HE'S GONNA DIE!"

  Grandma Mia pressed cloths against the gaping wound on the young soldier's chest, her hands trembling with effort. The witch chanted spells in a desperate attempt to stem the bleeding, her voice breaking under the strain. The soldier, gasping for air, turned his pain-filled eyes to Mia and murmured, "My mo...ther... starving... without... me..."

  He exhaled one final, shallow breath, his life slipping away despite their efforts. Mia froze, her hands still on the wound, before reluctantly pulling away. The witch fell silent, lowering her hands as she whispered, "Mia, rest. He's gone. We need to focus on the ones we can still save."

  Mia nodded, her face pale and drawn. She staggered to a nearby chair and collapsed into it, her body heavy with exhaustion. Blood streaked her arms, and the weight of sleepless nights pressed down on her. The chaos in the tent raged on around her, but her mind began to drift.

  She closed her eyes, letting her head rest against the back of the chair, and suddenly, the acrid smells of death and roots vanished. When she opened her eyes again, she was in her own kitchen. Warm light streamed in, and the familiar scent of freshly cooked food filled the air.

  Her gaze fell on a table laden with dishes and drinks, a sight so comforting that she couldn’t help but smile. She sank into a chair, her fingers brushing the smooth surface of the table as relief flooded through her.

  The door swung open, and Dam walked in, followed by Lifa. They were deep in conversation, their faces relaxed and peaceful. Mia’s heart swelled as they took their seats, their expressions softening at the sight of the meal before them.

  "Thank you, Grandma Mia," Dam said warmly, his voice carrying gratitude.

  Mia’s smile deepened. For the first time in what felt like forever, she felt the warmth of happiness. The horrors of the battlefield faded, replaced by the simple joy of being surrounded by family.

  "This is incredible," Lifa said, her tone full of admiration. "Once again, you've outdone yourself. Thank you!"

  As Mia soaked in the moment, a light touch on her shoulder startled her. She turned to see Leon standing beside her, his expression tender yet tinged with sorrow.

  "You need to wake up, Mia," he said gently, his voice pulling her back to reality.

  Her smile faltered. She glanced at Dam and Lifa, her heart aching as tears welled in her eyes. "Just a little longer," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Please, just a moment more."

  Leon knelt beside her, taking her hands in his. His grip was firm, grounding her as his lips brushed her knuckles. "I understand," he said softly. "But this isn’t real. You have to wake up."

  Mia’s chest tightened as the scene began to dissolve around her. She held Leon’s hands tightly, her tears falling freely.

  Mia smiled warmly and pressed a gentle kiss to Leon's forehead, her hand softly caressing his cheek. “I understand, darling. Just give me a moment. I’m tired; I’m not as young as I once was.”

  Inside the tent, Doctor Gram lay exhausted beside Reyanna. His blood- and dirt-stained clothes bore little resemblance to the crisp white he had donned earlier. Glancing at Mia, who was peacefully asleep nearby, Gram broke the silence.

  “Wasn’t it that elderly woman who killed the merchant? What was his name again? Ah, Fur!”

  Reyanna nodded. “Yes, though I still find it hard to believe. Look at her—she seems so frail. She hasn’t even eaten, likely because of the corpses surrounding us.”

  Gram tilted his head in agreement. “True, but she’s used to it. She worked as a doctor during the Syrana Kingdom conflict, that minor war years ago.”

  “Exactly,” Reyanna interjected. “So many lives were lost then. The Syrana Kingdom hated us even before that. Their royal family was always searching for excuses to attack, while those damned goblins sharpened their knives, waiting for us to be weak and wounded.”

  Gram’s gaze drifted toward the soldiers. “And now we have soldiers fighting goblins—killing hundreds, losing just as many. They die, they’re maimed, and yet more soldiers appear. Makes you wonder where they all come from.”

  Reyanna chuckled softly. “I thought I was the only one who wondered that. Does the kingdom conjure them out of thin air?”

  Gram nodded solemnly. “It’s war. Humans always seem to find a reason for it—money, honour, power, recognition. We get dragged into it whether we like it or not.”

  Reyanna smiled, wrapping her arm around Gram’s shoulder. “At least you’re here with me, old friend.”

  Gram let out a weary sigh, feigning enthusiasm. “Yay! Another thrilling day at work! Yay!”

  Reyanna laughed. “Come on, I’ll treat you to a meal when we’re done here.”

  “With this stench clinging to us?” Gram wrinkled his nose. “They won’t even let us near the city.”

  Reyanna grinned. “Then we’ll send some guards. We’ve got plenty to spare.”

  Gram smirked, glancing at her. “A free meal? Who am I to say no?”

  Meanwhile, at Yoka’s shop, Murdo greeted Dam warmly. “I’m glad you’re safe, brother! You work so hard; it felt strange not seeing you around.”

  Dam returned the smile. “I had some issues to handle. How about you? How have you been?”

  “I’ve been doing well,” Murdo replied, spreading his arms. “I had a few adventures that kept me out of the city, but everything’s settled now. I’ve got money and know exactly where to spend it.”

  Dam nodded. “Take your time. Pick out whatever you need.”

  As Murdo moved on to inspect another piece of equipment, Yoka chatted with a customer while keeping an eye on Safle, who approached Dam.

  Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  Safle offered him a knowing smile. “You didn’t tell him.”

  Dam nodded grimly. “What my grandma did… well, you understand. There was no reason to worry him. It’s fortunate that neither she nor I are well-known, so not many people are aware of the connection.”

  Safle folded her arms thoughtfully as Dam continued. “The trial drew a lot of people—some nobles and a few acquaintances. Even so, no one will remember my face for long.”

  Curiously, Safle looked at Dam and said, "Your grandma told the judge about a noble girl who killed Fur. That probably influenced the trial's unfair outcome, given that nobles are exempt from trials. I’m sorry your grandma didn’t get a fair chance."

  Dam smiled gently at Safle, but before he could respond, she cut in with a determined expression. “I can talk to my father. I *am* a noble, after all.”

  Dam held her hands warmly and replied, “Thank you, Safle, but there’s no need. You’ve always said your father is difficult. If you ask him for help, he’ll just make your life miserable.”

  Safle tightened her grip and insisted, “But your grandma! She might be innocent!”

  Dam kissed her hands tenderly, catching her off guard. He then said earnestly, “No, Safle. Not for your sake. No matter what I wish to believe, my grandma admitted she did it.”

  Safle froze, shocked. “What?” she thought silently.

  Dam nodded solemnly. “When I visited her, she confessed. So there’s no need for you to get involved. Thank you, though.”

  Safle gave him a sad smile and nodded in understanding. “If you ever need anything, let me know,” she said softly.

  Dam returned her smile, reassuring her. “Of course. You’re my friend.”

  Afterward, Safle left with Murdo, while Dam and Yoka returned to their work. As the night wore on, Dam sat quietly in a chair while Yoka calculated the day’s earnings.

  Yoka glanced at Dam, who was staring at his hands, his thoughts lingering on Safle’s unwavering support and her desperate offer to help. Suddenly, Dam muttered loudly enough for Yoka to hear, “THAT DAMN WHORE! I’M GOING TO KILL HER!”

  His fury boiled over, his teeth on the verge of grinding together. He bit his lips so hard that blood stained his mouth and chin.

  Yoka calmly sat beside him, offering a cup of tea. “What next?” he asked.

  Dam sighed heavily and began, “I will…”

  Before he could finish, the shop door swung open. Three guards stepped inside, announcing, “We are searching for any pills!”

  Dam stood up abruptly, irritation flaring in his voice. “You did this last time! And why always at night?”

  The big guard with the spear, the same one who had pushed him before, stepped forward. “NO QUESTIONS! MOVE.”

  Dam glared at the man, instantly recognizing him as one of the knights who had arrested Mia. “No questions? No problem,” he snapped. “I’m going to the royal office to report you.”

  He strode toward the door, brushing past the guard. As Dam reached the threshold, the guard chuckled and called after him, “Good luck.”

  Those two words sent a cold shiver through Dam. *Good luck?* Spoken so casually, as if justice were a meaningless fantasy. Was there no fairness in this cursed world?

  With renewed determination, Dam pressed on, heading toward the royal office—a ten-minute walk if he moved quickly.

  Back in the shop, the guards turned their attention to Yoka. The older knight stepped forward and asked, “Do you have a complaint too?”

  Yoka eyed him carefully before speaking. “Rivic. That’s your name, isn’t it?”

  The knight hesitated, surprised but composed. “Yes. Did I tell you my name?”

  "I heard your name from some merchants who didn’t appreciate your 'searching,'" Yoka said, his gaze steady. "So, let’s hope you and I can maintain a good relationship."

  Rivic nodded with a forced smile. "Me too. Boys, start searching."

  Yoka raised a hand, stopping them in their tracks. “One thing, though,” he said, his tone firm. “If I see anything destroyed or left in chaos like last time, I’ll report you personally to Meria, the fire witch. So, tread carefully.”

  Rivic’s expression turned cold as he locked eyes with Yoka. After a tense moment, he turned to his men. “Boys, forget it. This place stinks like a sewer anyway.”

  The knights exchanged glances before nodding and following Rivic out of the shop.

  Yoka grabbed his tea and drained it in one gulp. Just as he was about to sit down, the door creaked open again, and a woman entered.

  Yoka looked up to see Mimi, the blacksmith shop owner from next door. She was a petite woman with long black hair, wearing oversized gloves and covered in ashes—a clear sign she’d been working late with her husband.

  “Good thing you’re safe!” Mimi exclaimed. “I saw those knights earlier. Why did they come back?”

  Yoka glanced at the door before replying, “They’re not here on any official mission, that’s for sure.”

  Mimi nodded thoughtfully. “But they said they were searching for illegal pills—that new stuff that lets you use magic.”

  “True,” Yoka said, “but they don’t care about the pills. They’re just looking for merchants who have them so they can demand bribes in exchange for silence.”

  Mimi’s eyes widened in shock. “A bribe?” she whispered.

  Yoka nodded, and Mimi covered her mouth with her glove-clad hand. “So, they’ll just keep coming back to harass us!”

  “Unless you pay them a small bag of coins,” Yoka said calmly. “Then they’ll leave you alone... for a while.”

  Mimi raised her hands defensively. “Never! Jav and I worked too hard for our money!”

  “Then stay safe,” Yoka advised. “And keep your husband in check. That hothead of yours is likely to throw a punch if he hears about this. Don’t tell him anything. If he gets angry, calm him down. You’re the only one who can.”

  Mimi smiled, nodding. “Take care of yourself, Yoka. I’m heading back to the shop.”

  Yoka nodded in return as Mimi left. He then closed the door, muttering to himself, “Where is Dam? He couldn’t be going home after reporting to the royal office. He’ll be living here from now on.”

  After waiting for half an hour, Yoka lost patience and left the shop, heading toward the royal office. He broke into a run, dark thoughts clouding his mind: *What if he’s dead? Did Safle silence him? Did someone stab him? Why did I let him go alone?*

  When Yoka reached the royal office, he scanned the area and spotted Dam sitting on the ground near a garden, motionless and staring at the dirt. Yoka approached quietly, lowering himself to sit beside him.

  As he got closer, Yoka noticed dark red stains on the ground—tears of blood. Alarmed, he gently lifted Dam's face, only to be shocked by what he saw. Dam’s face was streaked with blood, and one eye was swollen shut.

  "Who did this to you?" Yoka demanded, his voice trembling with anger and concern.

  Dam glanced at Yoka before casting his eyes back toward the royal office. In a sombre voice, he muttered, "They laughed at me. After that, the leader left, and the two knights forced me outside and beat me..." He paused, his voice breaking. "Yoka?"

  Yoka remained silent, listening as Dam continued, his tears mixing with blood. "I didn’t talk back. They laughed, and I kept my head down. Why isn’t my mother Mia’s advice protecting me? She always said that good people would be safe."

  Yoka helped him to his feet, steadying him with a firm hand on his shoulder. “Let’s get you back to the shop. We’ll clean you up and fix that eye. Come on.”

  Dam nodded silently, leaning against Yoka’s shoulder—not because he couldn’t walk, but because Yoka was the only support he could rely on at that moment.

  Meanwhile, at the noble house of Daekrahm, Safle lounged on a plush couch beside her father, Kael, who sipped an expensive glass of wine.

  “Father,” Safle began, glancing around cautiously, “are we alone here?”

  Kael nodded, swirling his drink. "Only the loyal ones are here, along with our friend. Your mother and your sister, Taf, are busy helping at an orphanage in Guty City with their maid, Evangeline."

  Satisfied, Safle turned her attention to the man seated across from them. “Thank you for helping me, Judge Jef. You truly saved me this time.”

  Judge Jef smiled as he thumbed through a stack of coins. “Of course. You and your father are my friends, and friends look out for one another.”

  Safle returned his smile and placed another purse of coins on the table. Jef’s eyes gleamed as he reached for it. “I hope I can count on you for aid in the future.”

  Jef grinned, pocketing the coins. “Always. You and Kael, any day, any time, anywhere—I’ve got your backs.”

  Afterwards, a servant brought in a lavish meal, and the three indulged while chatting amicably. When the meal ended, Jef departed with a whore, leaving Safle and Kael alone in the grand room.

  Kael turned to his daughter, his expression filled with gratitude. “You saved us all. Thank you.”

  Safle nodded solemnly. “No, thank you. Without your help, I’d have been captured.”

  Kael raised his glass in a toast. “You, your sister Taf, and your mother—you are my world. I will protect my world by any means necessary.”

  Safle embraced her father tightly, her voice steady as she said, “I will always stand by you, Father.”