《The Windmill's Embrace》


 Chapter 1: What a peaceful village.

    In a quiet, peaceful village, a man sat on a chair outside his house. Smoke lingered in the air, swirling gently before disappearing, much like a memory of the past. He gazed out at the village, where people smiled and interacted with one another as if the war had truly ended. Looking down at the palm of his hand, he let his thoughts drift.


    ¡°Ah, the war ended a long time ago,¡± he whispered, taking a deep sigh before closing his eyes again.


    ¡°RETREAT!¡±


    A voice echoed across the battlefield, filled with frustration and desperation to survive. The air was thick and heavy, the surroundings engulfed in flames. Bombs soared through the sky, exploding one after another, blanketing the ground in unbreathable smoke. Dead bodies lay scattered everywhere, blood pooling along the barbed wire fences. Gunfire roared from every corner of the battlefield, and the scene felt as though hell itself had descended upon the earth.


    It was suffocating¡ªhot, hopeless, and empty.


    Despite the chaos, every soldier, no matter their allegiance, shared the same fear: death was imminent. None of them had truly understood the unbearable terror of war until they were standing in its flames.


    Amidst the devastation, one man stood alone. His uniform was torn, his face smeared with blood, yet his eyes¡ªlifeless and hollow¡ªbetrayed that he was still alive. A gun hung limply in his hand as he stared blankly at the sky. He bit his lip, the pain grounding him as he struggled to hold on to his fraying sanity.


    Then, through the cacophony of war, a voice called out.


    A woman¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Arthur¡­¡±


    The voice was soft, almost melodic, and entirely out of place in the chaos of the battlefield. It stopped him in his tracks, confusion flickering in his empty gaze.


    ¡°Arthur!¡±


    The voice called again, louder, more urgent.


    ¡°Arthur, wake up!¡±


    The battlefield dissolved, the chaos fading into the quiet hum of cicadas. Arthur gasped for air, his chest heaving as though he had just surfaced from drowning.


    As he blinked, trying to steady himself, he noticed an elderly couple standing before him. Their worried expressions were tinged with anxiety as they stared at him intently.


    ¡°A-Are you okay, Arthur?¡± the old woman asked, her voice soft but concerned.


    Arthur nodded slowly, his mind still clouded by the remnants of his dream. ¡°Y-Yes. Is something the matter, Mrs. Fredway?¡± he asked, his voice laced with confusion as he tried to grasp the situation.


    ¡°Young man, you were panting so hard. It looked like you were having a nightmare,¡± Mr. Fredway said gently.


    Arthur ran a hand over his face, piecing together what had happened. ¡°Thank you for waking me up,¡± he murmured, his voice low and strained.


    ¡°The war has long ended, Arthur. Be at ease,¡± Mr. Fredway said, his voice calm and steady.


    Arthur nodded again, though unease still lingered in his chest.


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    Mrs. Fredway smiled kindly. ¡°Why don¡¯t you try interacting with the other villagers? Perhaps it could help ease your mind and bring some peace to your heart.¡±


    Arthur¡¯s eyes widened slightly at the suggestion. He hesitated but eventually nodded. ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll keep that in mind,¡± he replied softly.


    The Fredways exchanged a glance before nodding, their smiles warm as they turned and walked away.


    As their footsteps faded, Arthur leaned back in his chair. The air, once heavy and suffocating, now felt lighter, fresher. The cicadas hummed in the distance, and sunlight brushed against his face, warming his skin.


    He closed his eyes, letting out a deep sigh. ¡°It¡¯s easy for you to say, but¡­¡± He opened his eyes and stared at the palm of his hand, the weight of his memories pressing down on him.


    ¡°Am I even allowed to do that?¡±


    His voice trailed off, carried away by the breeze as his thoughts swirled with doubt and despair.


    The night had finally kicked in. The once noisy village, filled with a positive atmosphere, had grown quiet. It was a peaceful night for all the villagers¡ªunfortunately, not for him. The silence felt suffocating, and his negative thoughts swirled through the air as if trying to choke him.


    As he prepared dinner, his eyes fell on the knife lying among the kitchen utensils. He swallowed hard and let out a reassuring sigh. Picking up the knife, he tried to cut the vegetables and meat, but his hands trembled uncontrollably. His frown deepened as fear gripped him. Suddenly, his stomach churned violently, and he vomited. His face turned pale, and sweat dripped rapidly down his face. Slowly, he sank to the floor.


    ¡°W-What a-am I even doing?¡± he whispered, his voice low but laden with emotion. Pain, trauma, fear¡ªfeelings he couldn¡¯t comprehend surged through him like an unrelenting tide


    Morning came, bringing with it a soft golden light. After struggling the previous night, Arthur had failed to make dinner. Hunger gnawed at him, but he couldn¡¯t bring himself to cook. With no other choice, he decided to wander through the village, hoping to find a stall for food.


    The villagers were surprised by his sudden appearance. They exchanged glances, murmuring among themselves¡ªit wasn¡¯t often they saw him leave his house. Just as they prepared to greet him, he stepped into a small restaurant, avoiding their gazes.


    Arthur sat on an empty chair, picked up the menu, and began scanning it. The options were plentiful, each dish tempting and capable of filling his stomach. As he decided, a waitress approached with a bright smile.


    ¡°Good morning, Mr. Arthur! May I take your order, please?¡± she asked cheerfully.


    Arthur blinked, surprised she knew his name despite this being their first meeting. ¡°Ah, yes. I¡¯ll have a steak, two portions of rice, and a bottle of water,¡± he replied. Then, after a moment of hesitation, he added, ¡°By the way, I know this might sound strange, but¡­ can you cook?¡±


    The waitress tilted her head, surprised. ¡°Unfortunately, I can¡¯t, Mr. Arthur. May I ask why you¡¯re curious?¡±


    Arthur frowned slightly. ¡°I¡¯m looking for someone to cook for me,¡± he admitted. ¡°I can¡¯t cook for myself, and going out every day is¡­ inconvenient. So, I thought¡ª¡±


    Before he could finish, the waitress grinned mischievously. ¡°Oh, I see! Are you trying to propose to me?¡± she teased, laughing at her own joke.


    Arthur¡¯s eyes widened, and he shook his head quickly. The waitress¡¯s laughter rang out, filling the space with warmth. When her laughter subsided, she gestured toward the counter.


    ¡°See that girl over there?¡± she said, pointing to a woman standing behind the counter. ¡°She¡¯s good at cooking. But¡­¡± The waitress leaned in closer, her voice dropping. ¡°Some say she¡¯s a witch from foreign lands because of her enigmatic personality.¡±


    Arthur followed her gaze, his curiosity piqued. ¡°It¡¯s my first time seeing her. Is she new to the village?¡±


    ¡°Yes. She arrived a few days ago,¡± the waitress explained. ¡°Apparently, she told the mayor she needed money for her travels, so she¡¯s working here temporarily.¡±


    Arthur frowned slightly. ¡°If she¡¯s so new, how do you know she can cook?¡±


    The waitress smirked, her tone playful. ¡°You¡¯re quite curious, aren¡¯t you, Mr. Arthur?¡± she teased before continuing. ¡°Well, the chef was out for a couple of days with a fever. None of us waitresses could cook like him, and we were in trouble. But then she volunteered. At first, we were nervous¡ªnone of us knew if she could cook¡ªbut the results were¡­ incredible.¡±


    Arthur¡¯s eyes drifted back to the enigmatic woman. She moved with a quiet confidence, her expression calm and unreadable.


    ¡°How about you ask her to cook my order?¡± he suggested.


    The waitress¡¯s eyes lit up with excitement. ¡°Of course! I¡¯ll tell the manager right away.¡± She dashed off to relay his request, her enthusiasm contagious.


    Arthur watched as the manager approached the mysterious woman, whispering something to her. She nodded before heading into the kitchen.


    Arthur exhaled deeply, his thoughts weighing heavily on him. ¡°Am I asking too much?¡± he murmured, his voice barely audible. But as he sat there, a faint sense of relief began to seep in, like a crack of light breaking through the darkness.

 Chapter 2: I am not a witch.

    As Arthur observed the surroundings of the restaurant, he found it oddly refreshing. The place was small but filled with warmth and genuine people. He could tell. Years in the military, fighting wars against foreign nations, had honed his instincts¡ªhe could sense who was good and who wasn¡¯t. Yet, this place was entirely different from anything he had known. It unsettled him, drawing a deep frown across his face.


    ¡°Am I even allowed to be here?¡± he whispered, his voice barely audible.


    Suddenly, a torrent of negative thoughts rushed through his mind. His hands clenched tightly together as he stared at the table, avoiding any chance of someone noticing his inner turmoil. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, and his breathing grew uneven. His trauma was clawing its way back, suffocating him in its grip.


    Then, he heard a soft sound¡ªa plate being set down on the table. Slowly, he looked up, and his eyes met the intense gaze of the enigmatic girl. Her expression was calm but piercing, as if she could see right through him.


    ¡°Uhmm, are you alright, mister?¡± she asked. Her voice was low, but he could hear a faint note of concern in it.


    Arthur quickly covered his face with one hand, leaning his elbow on the table. ¡°Y-Yes, I¡¯m alright. Thank you for the food. You can leave now,¡± he replied, his voice strained and tinged with pain.


    For a few seconds, he felt her presence lingering in front of him. The silence stretched, and then, unexpectedly, he felt warmth on his forehead. Startled, he looked up to see the enigmatic girl leaning closer, her hand gently pressed against his head. Her proximity caught him off guard, her face mere inches from his.


    She smiled softly. ¡°You finally looked straight into my eyes,¡± she said in a gentle voice.


    Arthur¡¯s confusion deepened. ¡°What are you doing?¡± he asked, his curiosity overcoming his discomfort.


    The girl straightened, letting out a small sigh. ¡°It seems like you¡¯re struggling with something inside your mind,¡± she said, her tone calm yet probing. Her eyes studied him intently, as though trying to uncover his hidden pain. Then, after a moment, her expression softened into a smile.


    ¡°My name is Alice. Nice to meet you, sir,¡± she said simply before turning and walking away.


    Arthur sat frozen in his seat, utterly baffled. ¡°She really is an enigmatic person,¡± he muttered to himself.


    But then, something strange happened. The relentless ache in his mind, the pain that usually lingered for at least an hour, was completely gone. He touched his forehead, still feeling the faint warmth of her hand.


    ¡°That¡¯s strange,¡± he murmured. ¡°The pain¡­ it vanished right after she touched me.¡±


    His gaze shifted to the food on the table, and his stomach growled in response. The meal looked incredible, its aroma drawing him in. For the first time in what felt like forever, he felt his hunger take over.


    ¡°Thanks for the food,¡± he whispered before picking up his utensils and digging in, savoring every bite. As he took a bite, a little light appeared in his dead eyes. It was delicious. It is indeed delicious. He never tasted more delicious food in his entire life than this. He somehow smiled but he didn¡¯t notice it.


    Alice watched from a distance, her gaze softening as she saw him smile. A wave of relief washed over her, and she found herself smiling too. Jean, noticing this rare display of emotion, smirked knowingly.


    "Well, well, the witch of the restaurant finally smiles," Jean teased, her voice playful. "You''re usually all enigmatic and stiff. Who knew a smile was hiding in there?"


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    Alice turned to her with a bright, almost uncharacteristic smile. "That guy is just... so cute," she admitted, her tone filled with warmth. "Before eating the food I made, his face looked lifeless, his eyes empty. But afterward? It was like a spark came back to him. Isn''t that adorable, Jean? And for the record, I''m not a witch." She rested her chin on her palm, a faint blush rising to her cheeks.


    Jean sighed, shaking her head. "That man, though... he''s a sol¡ª"


    Before she could finish, the doorbell chimed, announcing a new customer. The interruption left Alice curious but unable to press further. She let out a soft sigh and pouted. "What was she about to say?" she murmured to herself, her curiosity gnawing at her.


    Meanwhile, Arthur paid for his meal and left the restaurant. The food had been exceptional, so much so that it brought on an unusual sense of drowsiness. Since the war had ended, restful sleep had been a rarity for him, the haunting memories of battle refusing to release their grip. But tonight felt different. As soon as he reached his home, he collapsed onto his bed and drifted into a deep, peaceful slumber.


    For the first time in years, his dreams weren''t plagued by the horrors of war. Instead, he found himself sitting under a tree, the gentle rustle of leaves and birdsong filling the air. The wind was refreshing, the sunlight warm on his skin. He smiled, savoring the serenity of the moment.


    Then, in the distance, he saw her¡ªa girl with long, white hair. Her figure was blurred, her back turned to him. He tried to focus, to see her face, but just as she began to turn, the dream shattered.


    Arthur woke abruptly, his chest rising and falling as if he''d been running. Sweat dampened his brow, and he stared blankly at the ceiling. "W-What was that just now?" he muttered, his voice low and uncertain.


    Turning his head, he noticed the window. The night sky stretched endlessly outside, the moon casting its soft glow. Evening had already arrived. He got up, brewed himself a cup of coffee, and stepped outside for some fresh air. The cool breeze brushed against his skin as he gazed at the moon, his thoughts swirling.


    "It was... too peaceful," he whispered, recalling the dream. "Why now?"


    "The moon is beautiful tonight, isn''t it?"


    A soft, familiar voice pulled him from his thoughts. He turned his head sharply and saw her¡ªAlice. She stood a few steps away, her silver hair glimmering under the moonlight, a gentle smile gracing her lips.


    His eyes widened in surprise. The girl from his dream and this enigmatic woman¡ªthey were the same. Or were they?


    "What are you doing here?" he asked, masking his shock behind an emotionless expression, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of curiosity.


    Alice tilted her head slightly, her smile unwavering. "Do you remember my name?"


    He hesitated but nodded. "Alice, isn¡¯t it?"


    Her smile grew brighter. "That''s right. And you? I don¡¯t know your name yet. Will you tell me?"


    For a moment, he hesitated. Then, with a faint sigh, he replied, "Arthur."


    To his surprise, Alice stepped closer and took his hand. Her touch was warm, her enthusiasm catching him off guard.


    "What are you doing?" he asked, instinctively pulling back a little.


    "I heard from Jean that you were looking for someone to cook for you," she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "How did you like the food I made earlier?"


    He blinked, the memory of the meal coming back to him. "It was... incredible," he admitted, his voice softer than before. "Also, yes, I am looking for someone to cook for me."


    Her smile widened, her confidence shining through. "How about me? Am I qualified for the job?"


    Arthur was momentarily taken aback but soon found himself smiling faintly. "Your food did something no one else has managed¡ªit made my nightmares go away and gave me peace. Honestly, just like what everyone says about you, you really are like a witch."


    Alice laughed softly, her eyes meeting him with a knowing glint. "I''m not a witch, Arthur."


    Arthur looked her in the eyes. ¡°Sure, if you want to take the job. I like your cooking too. It¡¯s a win-win for me.¡± He said nonchalantly.


    Alice¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. She hadn¡¯t expected him to say that so directly, and with such a neutral expression. ¡°Be ready then,¡± she said, pausing for a moment. ¡°Also, I¡¯ll quit my current job so I can focus on cooking for you.¡±


    She stepped back, putting a bit of distance between them, as if ready to return to where she was staying. ¡°I¡¯m currently living in the restaurant. After I quit, I¡¯ll stay at your house,¡± she added with a smile, her expression radiantly cheerful¡ªtoo bright for him to ignore.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be better for you to keep both jobs? I mean, you¡¯re saving money for your journey, right?¡± he suggested, his tone calm and thoughtful.


    She shook her head quickly. ¡°Jobs shouldn¡¯t be taken lightly. Besides, I¡¯ll expect you to pay me well,¡± she said with a lighthearted laugh, her playful tone clearly meant to brighten the mood.


    To her surprise, he smiled¡ªa small, unintentional gesture that softened his otherwise stoic demeanor. ¡°Well, that depends on how good your cooking is,¡± he replied without missing a beat.

 Chapter 3: Every person has a secret.

    Both of them agreed to the terms, and the night passed. Arthur woke up to the sound of countless knocks on the door. When he opened it, he saw Alice standing there with three huge pieces of luggage. He was surprised¡ªnot because she arrived first thing in the morning, but because she had so many bags, as if they belonged to three people.


    ¡°You could¡¯ve asked me to help you carry those heavy luggages,¡± he said, grabbing all three bags with ease and carrying them inside.


    ¡°You¡¯re my boss. It¡¯s not right to ask for help from my boss, right?¡± she replied, following him inside.


    He frowned slightly and flicked her forehead lightly with his finger. ¡°Do I look like that kind of boss to you?¡±


    She paused, startled for a moment, before a soft smile appeared on her face. She touched her forehead where he flicked her and whispered, ¡°No, you don¡¯t.¡± She then followed him further into the house.


    Arthur brought the bags into an empty room and placed them on the bed. ¡°Sorry if it¡¯s a bit dirty, but starting today, this is your room,¡± he said.


    Alice stepped inside, her eyes shining with amazement. ¡°Is it really okay for me to stay here?¡± she asked, her voice filled with both excitement and hesitation.


    ¡°Yes, but like I said, it¡¯s a bit dusty,¡± he replied.


    Shaking her head, she smiled brightly. ¡°It¡¯s my first time having my own room, so I¡¯m happy. And don¡¯t worry¡ªI can clean the room anytime,¡± she said, her genuine happiness catching him off guard.


    Arthur stared at her for a moment, then nodded. ¡°I¡¯m happy for you. Anyway, I¡¯m hungry. Can you make something for breakfast?¡± He turned and walked toward the dining room.


    Alice followed him into the kitchen, her eyes wandering as she took in her surroundings. She was mesmerized by what she saw. Refrigerators were rare and expensive to own, but Arthur had one. The utensils were sparkling clean, almost as if they had never been used. She noticed the fruit basket was completely empty, adding to her suspicions.


    She turned to Arthur with a pout, crossing her arms. ¡°You never cook, do you? If your refrigerator is empty, I¡¯ll get mad,¡± she said, narrowing her eyes at him.


    Arthur avoided her gaze, scratching the back of his neck. ¡°There¡¯s nothing in the refrigerator,¡± he admitted bluntly. ¡°I don¡¯t eat much to begin with, and I¡¯ve never been one for cooking. But since I¡¯m not living alone anymore, let¡¯s go to the market together and buy the ingredients we need.¡±


    Alice kept her pout for a moment, then smiled. ¡°Well, since you¡¯re honest, I¡¯ll forgive you this time,¡± she said teasingly. Grabbing a basket from the counter, she added, ¡°Let¡¯s go shopping together then.¡±


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    Together, they went outside. They walked side by side, Alice talking nonstop while Arthur listened attentively. This rare sight intrigued the people around them; they had never imagined that the isolated soldier and the enigmatic woman¡ªwho some thought resembled a witch¡ªwould be walking together like this. It made them curious and, at the same time, amazed by the sudden development. The old couple from yesterday smiled, clearly happy at the sight.


    ¡°What a lovely sight we¡¯ve got here, darling,¡± Mrs. Fredway said, her voice filled with relief.


    Even though it was early in the morning, the vendors in the market had already opened their stalls, and there were plenty of people already buying goods and wandering through the streets. Arthur looked at Alice. ¡°What should we buy then?¡±


    She smiled back at him. ¡°For now, let¡¯s get some ingredients for breakfast and lunch. What do you want to eat?¡±


    ¡°I want something light for breakfast so I can eat a lot at lunch,¡± he said.


    She started walking. ¡°Okay, then. Let¡¯s buy what we need. You¡¯ll pay for it, right?¡± she teased, a playful smile on her face.


    ¡°No, you¡¯ll pay for it,¡± he replied immediately, pausing for a moment.


    They locked eyes, and the silence between them lasted for about five seconds. Alice was at a loss for words, unsure of how to respond.


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll pay for the expenses,¡± Arthur said, a smile appearing on his face.


    They went through various vendor stalls, purchasing meat, eggs, vegetables, rice, fruits, and many other daily necessities. As they explored the market, they encountered Jean, who smirked at them.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t things moving a bit too fast for you two?¡± she teased, lightly smacking Alice¡¯s shoulder with a smug look on her face.


    Alice smirked back. ¡°We¡¯re already engaged, Jean,¡± she replied, surprising Jean.


    Arthur gave her a light tap on the head twice. ¡°Stop making jokes like that,¡± he said bluntly, sighing.


    Turning to Jean, he added, ¡°Good morning. Thank you for passing on what we talked about yesterday. I appreciate it.¡±


    Jean sighed in response. ¡°You¡¯re too stiff. Soldier, you¡¯re way too serious. Relax a little,¡± she said, which surprised Alice since she didn¡¯t know Arthur was a soldier. Alice stared at him, her expression now tense.


    ¡°Sorry, it¡¯s just a habit,¡± Arthur replied, his voice apologetic.


    Jean coughed twice, then patted his shoulder. ¡°Be good to her, Mr. Arthur. She may be a witch, but she¡¯s human too,¡± she said, smiling at Alice.


    Alice¡¯s eyes widened in surprise, but she smiled. ¡°I¡¯ve told you a hundred times, I¡¯m not a witch,¡± she replied, though her tone was more relieved than before.


    Jean finally made her way to work, and Arthur watched her go. ¡°She¡¯s quite a good friend of yours.¡±


    But when Alice looked at him, he noticed her change in demeanor. Her expression had grown serious, as though something had shifted between them. She sighed. ¡°I see, you¡¯re a soldier from this country.¡±


    Arthur nodded. ¡°Did I never tell you that?¡± he asked.


    She shook her head. ¡°Nope. Anyway, let¡¯s continue shopping. There¡¯s a lot of stuff I still need to buy.¡± She walked ahead, and he followed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make me go broke, Alice,¡± he joked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make you buy the entire market, and you still won¡¯t go broke,¡± she replied, laughing along with him.

 Chapter 4: Will he come back?

    ¡°Papa, when are you coming back? I¡¯ll be waiting for you,¡± the voice of a young girl quivered, her face clouded with a mixture of sadness and worry. She looked up at the man before her, her wide eyes shimmering with unshed tears.


    A warm hand gently patted her head, offering what little comfort it could. ¡°I can¡¯t promise I¡¯ll be back soon, dear, but wait for me,¡± the man said, his voice soft yet carrying the weight of uncertainty.


    The girl¡¯s lips trembled, but she managed a brave smile, nodding firmly as if her small act of courage could somehow bridge the distance between them.


    Arthur sat on the sofa, releasing a heavy sigh. His gaze drifted to Alice, who stood in the kitchen preparing lunch. The soft clatter of utensils and the aroma of cooking filled the air, wrapping the room in a comforting warmth. Watching her move about, he couldn¡¯t help but reflect on how much her presence had changed his life. The nightmares and traumas that had once haunted him were slowly retreating, replaced by moments of peace he never thought he¡¯d have again.


    Suddenly, the doorbell rang, breaking his thoughts. Alice glanced toward the door and saw him lounging on the sofa.


    ¡°Arthur, can you see who¡¯s at the door?¡± she asked, her voice gentle but insistent.


    He stood immediately, crossing the room in a few strides to open the door. But when he did, he found nothing there. The porch was empty, the faint sound of birds chirping the only noise around.


    ¡°Mister, mister, I¡¯m here.¡±


    A small voice called out, startling him. He glanced down to find a young girl, no older than seven or eight, standing at his feet. Her face was serious, her dark eyes fixed on him with an intensity far beyond her years.


    ¡°What can I do for you, miss?¡± Arthur asked, lowering his voice to sound as approachable as possible.


    ¡°Where is my father?¡± she asked bluntly, her tone unwavering.


    The question caught him off guard, leaving him momentarily at a loss for words.


    They brought the girl inside, seating her at the dining table. She sat quietly, her small hands resting on her lap as she glanced around the room. Arthur leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his mind racing as he tried to make sense of the situation.


    Alice placed a bowl of mashed potatoes in front of the girl, her kind smile never wavering. ¡°Are you hungry, dear?¡±


    The girl nodded enthusiastically, her eyes lighting up at the sight of food. She picked up the spoon and began eating eagerly, as though she hadn¡¯t had a proper meal in days.


    Alice exchanged a concerned glance with Arthur, her expression growing serious. ¡°Do you know this child?¡± she asked in a low voice.


    He shook his head. ¡°No. But she¡¯s looking for her father.¡±


    The girl set her empty bowl down gently, clasping her hands together as if in prayer. ¡°Thank you for the food,¡± she said politely.


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome,¡± Alice replied, taking the bowl and carrying it to the sink.


    The girl turned her gaze back to Arthur, her expression once again serious. ¡°Excuse me for intruding, but do you know where my father is?¡±


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    Arthur sat across from her, studying her face carefully. ¡°What¡¯s your name, miss?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m An Fredway,¡± she said. ¡°I¡¯m waiting for my papa to come back from the war. My grandpa told me he¡¯s in a faraway place I can¡¯t reach yet.¡±


    The room fell silent. Arthur and Alice exchanged uneasy glances. The war had ended over a year ago, and those who hadn¡¯t returned by now were gone.


    Arthur exhaled deeply, feeling the weight of her words settle over him like a stone. ¡°Can I ask you something, An?¡± he said gently.


    ¡°Sure, mister. What is it?¡± she replied, her eyes searching his face.


    ¡°What made you come here?¡±


    She hesitated, her small hands gripping the edge of the table. ¡°Everyone in the village knows you¡¯re a soldier. My papa is a soldier too. Since you¡¯re here, I thought he would be too. But... he¡¯s not.¡±


    Her voice cracked slightly, but she held herself together, her serious expression masking the fear and confusion in her heart.


    Alice reached out and patted her head softly, breaking the heavy silence. ¡°How about we take a stroll through the village, An?¡± she suggested, her voice bright and cheerful.


    An nodded, a faint smile appearing on her lips, though Arthur could see it didn¡¯t quite reach her eyes.


    ¡°That¡¯s a good idea,¡± Arthur added, his voice steady. ¡°After lunch, you can go for a stroll. I¡¯ll meet you later at the big tree on the hill to the east. Bring a blanket, and we¡¯ll have a picnic there.¡±


    Alice looked at him, surprised. ¡°You¡¯re not coming with us now?¡±


    He shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ve got something to take care of first. I¡¯ll catch up with you later.¡±


    Alice and An exchanged glances, their initial hesitation giving way to excitement at the idea of a picnic. For a brief moment, the tension in the room lifted, replaced by a flicker of happiness.


    As they finished eating lunch, Alice and An went out to stroll through the village. Arthur went to his room and moved the cabinet aside, revealing a hidden door behind it. When he opened the door, he found an old telephone inside, once used for secret military communications. He sat down in the chair and started dialing the number to connect with the headquarters.


    For a couple of minutes, the only sound he heard was the rhythmic beep of the line. Thanks to his patience, he eventually managed to get through.


    ¡°Hello, good afternoon, officer. How can I help you?¡± A man¡¯s voice answered from the other side of the telephone.


    ¡°Good afternoon to you as well. This is Colonel Arthur. I need you to look for a person named Fredway. He is a soldier who went to war a year ago. This is very important information for me. Please find his current situation and update me as soon as possible,¡± Arthur said, his tone firm yet carrying a subtle hint of sadness. Deep down, he already knew the answer. Most of the survivors who went to war had already returned to their hometowns.


    He gripped the telephone tightly, biting his lip.


    ¡°Good to know you¡¯re doing fine, Colonel. Please hold for a couple of minutes while I search for the name Fredway in our military records. I¡¯ll also check the list of our fallen heroes,¡± the man replied respectfully.


    The silence that followed was unbearable. Arthur stared at the ceiling, its dim light seeming to stretch shadows across the room. The darkness felt suffocating, dragging him into his thoughts. Memories of the war clawed at him, the trauma and nightmares he had been trying to bury now flooding back with brutal force. His chest felt heavy, and the absence of Alice¡¯s calming presence only deepened the void. He gripped the armrest of the chair, his knuckles white, his lip trembling as he fought back the overwhelming emotions.


    Suddenly, the telephone rang. The sharp sound jolted him back to his senses. He immediately picked it up, his voice steadier than he felt.


    ¡°Good afternoon, Colonel. Apologies for the wait. I have the information on Fredway. Unfortunately, he was one of the soldiers who didn¡¯t survive the war. He died shortly after being sent to the battlefield,¡± the man said, pausing briefly.


    Arthur was left speechless. Though he had suspected this outcome, hearing it spoken aloud hit harder than he anticipated. His eyes widened as he gripped the telephone tighter.


    ¡°Colonel, may I ask why you were looking for Fredway¡¯s information?¡± the man asked cautiously.


    Arthur took a deep breath, forcing himself to respond. His voice was low, almost breaking under the weight of his words. ¡°Today, I met his daughter. She asked me why her father hasn¡¯t come home.¡±


    ¡°Daughter?¡± The man on the other end sounded genuinely confused, which made Arthur frown.


    After a couple of minutes, the call ended. Arthur placed the receiver down, his hand trembling slightly. A single tear rolled down his cheek as he whispered to himself, ¡°I see...¡±

 Chapter 5: Let鈥檚 walk together till the end of the road.

    Alice and An walked hand in hand along the winding roads that connected the houses of the village. An''s radiant smile lit up her face as they chatted cheerfully. Alice noticed the villagers¡¯ gazes, their expressions a mix of curiosity and confusion. She didn¡¯t mind. She was used to people staring when she went out with Arthur, though the way they looked now felt different.


    ¡°Alice, are picnics really that fun?¡± An asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.


    Alice nodded, her smile warm and genuine. ¡°Yes, they are. I¡¯ve had a few picnics with my family before, and those are some of my happiest memories.¡±


    As they wandered through the village, they laughed and played, stopping to pet stray dogs and buy snacks from street vendors to take with them. But as they passed an elderly couple sitting on a bench, An suddenly lowered her head. Alice noticed the shift and gently asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    An shook her head quickly and picked up her pace.


    By the time they reached the hilltop, the sun was dipping low, painting the sky a brilliant red. The cool breeze carried the scent of grass and wildflowers, and their hair danced in the wind. Birds soared across the horizon, their silhouettes etched against the fading sunlight. For a moment, both of them were lost in thought, mesmerized by the breathtaking view.


    Alice spread a blanket on the grass and began unpacking the food they had bought. An inhaled deeply, a wide smile on her face. ¡°This is beautiful,¡± she whispered, her voice filled with awe.


    The sound of approaching footsteps broke the moment. They turned to see Arthur waving as he climbed the hill. When he reached them, he stopped, surprised by the sheer amount of food spread before him. ¡°You really went all out,¡± he remarked, a faint smile on his face.


    He crouched beside An and gently patted her head. ¡°Are you having fun?¡± he asked softly.


    An blinked, startled by his unexpected gesture, then broke into a wide smile and nodded. ¡°I am.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear,¡± Arthur said, his smile becoming more genuine. He paused, his gaze fixed on the horizon where the sun was slowly sinking. ¡°An, I need to talk to you about something important. Can you listen to me?¡±


    The air seemed to grow heavier, the breeze suddenly feeling harder to breathe.


    ¡°It¡¯s about your father,¡± Arthur began, his voice gentle but tinged with sorrow. ¡°He passed away during the war. He fought as hard as he could, but¡­¡± He trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.


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    An¡¯s smile didn¡¯t waver. She nodded as if she already knew. ¡°I know,¡± she said, her tone calm and serious.


    Alice gasped, looking between them in confusion. Arthur¡¯s expression softened as understanding dawned.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s time for you to join him, An,¡± Arthur said quietly. His voice was steady, but the sadness in his eyes was unmistakable. He swallowed hard, trying to hold back his emotions. ¡°He¡¯s waiting for you on the other side.¡±


    Arthur¡¯s words faltered, and he stuttered slightly. Alice¡¯s confusion deepened. She opened her mouth to ask, but before she could, An smiled again, this time bittersweet.


    ¡°I see¡­ You figured it out,¡± An said, her hair fluttering in the wind as her body began to shimmer and fade. ¡°Did my grandparents tell you?¡±


    Arthur nodded. ¡°After the military sent a letter about your father¡¯s death, you disappeared. The villagers searched for weeks before they found you¡­ in the forest.¡± His voice cracked slightly, but he forced himself to continue. ¡°They said you were lying there, lifeless. They believed you¡­¡± He hesitated, the words painful to say. ¡°They thought you took your own life to reunite with him.¡±


    An shook her head firmly. ¡°At first, I wanted to. I was desperate to kill myself. But then I thought about my grandparents¡­ I wanted to go back to them. But fate wasn¡¯t kind.¡± She paused, her voice growing softer. ¡°Some lustful men found me in the forest. They¡­¡± She stopped, taking a deep breath as she glanced at Arthur. His once cold, emotionless expression was gone, replaced by a face full of pain and sorrow.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to look so sad,¡± An said, her laugh light but tinged with sadness. ¡°It¡¯s okay. Please, take care of my grandparents for me, Arthur."


    Arthur nodded, the lump in his throat making it difficult to speak. "I will," he promised, his voice breaking.


    Tears welled up in her eyes as she turned to Alice. ¡°Thank you for making me happy, Alice.¡±


    Alice, understanding at last, broke down. She reached out to hug An, but her arms met only air. An disappeared, her form scattering into the wind like golden dust, drifting toward the horizon.


    Alice fell to her knees, tears streaming down her face. It was too much to bear. Arthur knelt beside her, placing a gentle hand on her back.


    ¡°I¡¯ll explain everything,¡± he said softly, his voice steady.


    Before he could say more, Alice turned and hugged him tightly, catching him by surprise. Slowly, he wrapped his arms around her, patting her back gently.


    ¡°Cry as much as you need to,¡± he whispered.


    After Alice was able to calm herself, they both sat down beneath the tree. She rested her head on Arthur''s shoulder, their hands intertwined with each other. He explained everything that he knew to her¡ªabout what the officer had told him regarding An¡¯s death. He knew who An''s grandparents were, so he had gone to speak with them to verify the information. They explained everything to him thoroughly, which was unbearable for him to hear. Why did someone so young have to bear such overwhelming pain in her heart?


    He explained it all to her, and after that, silence took over for a few minutes. They both looked up at the sky. It was already night, and a sea of magnificent stars glittered above them, their beautiful light shining throughout the night. They both smiled.


    ¡°Be with me always, Alice,¡± he said, his voice serious. It was too sudden, and it made her surprised, but she smiled and nodded.

 Chapter 6: Vows of Doubts.

    The day was bright as the sun. The sky was a clear blue, and clouds moved slowly above, forming mesmerizing shapes. Alice was walking down the road after buying some things at the market. She crossed paths with Jean, who was on her way to work. They greeted each other, and Jean suddenly held Alice¡¯s hand, her expression serious.


    ¡°Alice, I need to talk to you about something. Can I go to your house after work?¡± she asked, desperation clinging to her voice, which surprised Alice¡ªshe had never seen Jean like this before.


    ¡°S-Sure, what¡¯s the matter, Jean?¡± Alice asked, confusion and curiosity mixing in her mind.


    Jean started walking again and waved her hand. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you after work. See ya!¡± she said before running off. Alice watched her figure grow smaller as she moved further away. ¡°What is going on with her?¡± Alice murmured to herself.


    When Alice got home, she saw Arthur sleeping comfortably on the sofa. She smiled softly. ¡°I guess he¡¯s getting more comfortable with me,¡± she whispered before heading to the kitchen. She began unpacking the things she bought, placing each item where it belonged. Once she was done, she cleaned the vegetables and set the frozen meat in a bucket of water to thaw. She needed to cook for three people since Jean would be coming over.


    The aroma of her cooking filled the air, stirring Arthur awake. He blinked a few times, seeing Alice¡¯s blurry figure standing in the kitchen. A faint smile crossed his lips. This peaceful moment felt like a small slice of heaven, knowing he was in a safe place, free from threats.


    Alice noticed him waking up and smiled. ¡°Good afternoon, Arthur. What made you wake up?¡± she asked as she continued cooking.


    ¡°I smelled the delicious aroma. It woke me up,¡± he replied, standing up and leaning his shoulder against the wall. He glanced at the portions of food she was preparing¡ªit was more than enough for two. ¡°Who¡¯s coming?¡± he asked as he sat at the table.


    ¡°Jean¡¯s coming. We met earlier when I was at the market. She said she wanted to talk to me about something important,¡± Alice explained.


    Arthur yawned. ¡°I see. Sorry I didn¡¯t go with you to the market.¡±


    Alice shook her head with a small chuckle. ¡°You were tired. Seeing you asleep so comfortably on the sofa made it impossible to wake you up,¡± she teased.


    The atmosphere between them was positive and peaceful, almost heartwarming. It felt as though they were the only two people in the world. Their dynamic was natural and harmonious, though neither felt romantic toward the other¡ªit was simply a bond built on trust and mutual understanding.


    An hour had passed, and the doorbell rang. Alice immediately went and opened the door. She saw Jean, surprised because it was not yet time for the restaurant to close. She noticed Jean¡¯s expression¡ªit was serious, with a mix of desperation and unease.


    ¡°You¡¯re here? I thought you¡¯d come after your work is done,¡± she said, confusion all over her face.


    ¡°I took an early day off. I told the boss that I¡¯m not feeling well, so he let me out,¡± Jean replied, her expression serious, though she smiled slightly.


    Alice immediately placed the palm of her hand on Jean¡¯s forehead to check if she had a fever. ¡°You¡¯re not hot¡­¡± she paused and smiled. ¡°What¡¯s going on, Jean?¡± she asked, her face filled with worry.


    ¡°For now, let¡¯s get inside. I made lunch for you,¡± she continued.


    They got in, and Jean looked around, noticing Arthur was not in the house. ¡°Where is he?¡± she asked.


    ¡°He went to greet Mr. and Mrs. Fredway. He wanted to check if they are doing alright,¡± Alice replied.


    Jean was surprised. ¡°That¡¯s surprising for him. What made him do that, though?¡±


    Alice put the food on the table and smiled. ¡°Well, let¡¯s just say he is trying his best to keep the promise that he made,¡± she replied, her expression softening into a genuine smile.


    Jean looked at her, surprised by her expression. She had never thought that the enigmatic girl she knew would smile so widely. ¡°You¡¯ve changed. Or, have you always been like that since the very beginning?¡± she whispered to herself as she sat on the chair, took the spoon, and started to eat.


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    Alice then sat next to her as she watched her eat. ¡°So, what¡¯s the matter, Jean?¡± she asked once again, her tone somehow gentle.


    ¡°You know this sounds crazy, but I¡¯m getting married,¡± Jean said, though her tone was somehow sad, her expression uneasy.


    Alice was surprised, yet seeing her not being happy, she didn¡¯t know what to say. ¡°I-I see,¡± she laughed nervously.


    Jean took a heavy sigh. ¡°My parents decided it on their own,¡± she added, which made Alice even more surprised.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t like it, why not decline the offer?¡± Alice spoke.


    Jean shook her head. ¡°You know, my parents and the parents of the man that I am going to get married to, they already arranged it ever since I was a child. And the person who was engaged to me was looking forward to it too. I have no way out at all,¡± she said, smiling, but Alice knew she was forcing herself.


    She didn¡¯t know what to say either because it was too much for her to handle. She then held Jean¡¯s hand. ¡°For now, let¡¯s forget about that. Let¡¯s enjoy this day to our hearts¡¯ content,¡± she said with a smile on her face, which made Jean smile too.


    ¡°Sorry, I killed the mood,¡± Jean said.


    Alice shook her head. ¡°No, it¡¯s fine,¡± she replied.


    They continued to talk nonstop, smiling, laughing, and even sharing some secrets with each other.


    Arthur, on the other hand, had finally finished checking on the old couple. He was walking along the road of the market. The people there were lively; everyone was busy with their businesses. As he went out to buy some stuff, he recognized a familiar face walking down the stairs. He was surprised because he¡¯d never thought he would find his best friend in a place he never expected to.


    ¡°Matthew!¡± he shouted.


    A man wearing a classy coat and eyeglasses looked at Arthur. He was stunned, even speechless. Both of them were surprised. Matthew then waved his hand with a smile on his face.


    ¡°Arthur!¡± he yelled out with enthusiasm.


    As they got close to each other, they hugged, happy to reunite again.


    ¡°What are you doing here, Matthew?¡± Arthur asked out of curiosity.


    ¡°My family lives here. I was about to go to their house now, but we crossed paths with each other. All this time, God is with us, Arthur,¡± Matthew said, genuinely happy from the bottom of his heart.


    Arthur nodded as well. ¡°God is really with us,¡± he replied with a faint smile on his face.


    Matthew noticed his expression and was surprised. Then he smiled once again.


    ¡°How about a cup of coffee at my place, Matthew? It¡¯s been a while since I last saw you,¡± Arthur suggested, which made Matthew nod.


    ¡°Sure, I want to talk to you about something. And yes, the last time I saw you was after the war ended,¡± Matthew said as he accepted the offer.


    The girls were having fun talking with each other, their laughter filling the room as if they never cared about their surroundings.


    ¡°Do you know, one of the customers at the restaurant was sad after you left,¡± Jean said as she fixed Alice¡¯s hair.


    ¡°Why? I mean, the customers thought of me as a witch, right? Also, they never talked to me when I was still working there. Not even once,¡± Alice argued, not wanting to believe what Jean said.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, but the charm you had made the place more refreshing to stay in,¡± Jean replied with a laugh, leaving Alice even more confused.


    ¡°What does that even mean?!¡± Alice said, trying to figure out the meaning behind her words. Jean only laughed harder.


    Meanwhile, Arthur and Matthew stood on the other side of the door, hearing the laughter from inside. Matthew looked at him, curiosity evident on his face.


    ¡°Is there anyone at home?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Yes. Well, how can I put this? I hired her to cook for me. Since she¡¯s not from here, I let her stay for free,¡± Arthur replied.


    Matthew was intrigued. ¡°How was our Frostbane able to hire someone with that intimidating face of yours?¡± he teased, smacking Arthur¡¯s back twice.


    ¡°Even if you say that, she¡¯s done so much for me. Thanks to her, I¡¯m slowly becoming human again,¡± Arthur replied, his gaze softening.


    He smiled¡ªa genuine, heartfelt smile¡ªwhich left Matthew stunned. His eyes widened, unfamiliar with this side of his friend. It was foreign to him. Then he smiled in return.


    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear, then,¡± Matthew said before pausing. ¡°And, she is a woman,¡± he added teasingly.


    Arthur opened the door, and both of them stepped inside. Alice stood up and went to greet him, but she was surprised to see he wasn¡¯t alone.


    ¡°Welcome back, Arthur,¡± she said in a gentle voice, her smile warm.


    ¡°I¡¯m home,¡± he replied, placing a hand on Matthew¡¯s shoulder. ¡°This is my friend, Matthew,¡± he said before turning to Matthew. ¡°And this is Alice, my caretaker.¡±


    Matthew lowered his head slightly, placing a hand on his chest. ¡°Thank you for taking care of my friend. I¡¯m grateful for your service,¡± he said formally.


    Alice mimicked the gesture, lowering her head in return. ¡°It¡¯s my pleasure to meet you. Your sign of gratitude is accepted. You¡¯re welcome,¡± she replied with a smile.


    Suddenly, another voice came closer. It was Jean. She stood next to Alice, her curiosity piqued.


    ¡°How long are you two going to stand at the entrance?¡± she asked, not realizing that Arthur wasn¡¯t alone. When she noticed the person next to him, her expression changed.


    He was oddly familiar to her. All of a sudden, it clicked. Her eyes and mouth widened in shock and disbelief.


    ¡°MATTHEW!¡± she yelled, pointing a finger at him.


    Matthew was startled at first, but then his expression softened into a smile.


    ¡°This is rather interesting. I never expected to meet you here, Jean. God is really with us,¡± he said, his tone amused by the unexpected reunion.

 Chapter 7: Polar Opposites: Bound by Fate,

    The house was unnervingly quiet, as if no one were there at all. The four of them sat at the table, the silence pressing down on them like a heavy weight. No one dared to speak. Despite the tension in the air, it felt as though the world had paused. At last, Jean let out a deep sigh and turned to Arthur, who was clearly confused.


    ¡°So, you were friends with Matthew,¡± she said, breaking the long silence. ¡°I knew he was a soldier, but I never imagined the two of you knew each other.¡±


    Arthur nodded in agreement. ¡°Yes, and I never thought that you two were friends either. What a small world,¡± he replied, his tone carrying a note of surprise.


    ¡°WE¡¯RE NOT FRIENDS!¡± Jean snapped immediately, her face twisted in irritation.


    Matthew chuckled, clearly amused by Jean¡¯s reaction.


    ¡°Of course, we¡¯re not,¡± he said sarcastically, further irritating Jean. She clicked her tongue in frustration.


    Alice, sensing the growing tension, clapped her hands together with a nervous smile. ¡°Alright, everyone. We didn¡¯t expect this turn of events, but both Arthur and I are a bit confused.¡± She paused, glancing at Arthur, and they nodded in unison. ¡°We¡¯d like to know what kind of relationship you two have,¡± she said, her voice tinged with an awkward, nervous laugh.


    Matthew turned to Jean, his face wearing an annoyingly smug expression. ¡°What are we, Jean? They¡¯re curious about our relationship,¡± he teased, his tone full of mischief.


    Jean could no longer hold back her frustration. She stood abruptly and began walking toward the door. Before leaving, she glanced at Alice.


    ¡°Thank you for making time for me. I¡¯ll be going now,¡± she said curtly, and without another word, she exited the house.


    Both Alice and Arthur were left completely confused. Suddenly, Matthew burst into laughter, making them even more bewildered.


    ¡°She¡¯s mad at you, isn¡¯t she?¡± Alice asked, her voice a mixture of irritation and concern. ¡°Why are you so happy about it?¡±


    Matthew shrugged, a faint smile tugging at his lips. ¡°She¡¯s always been like that, ever since we were kids. I¡¯m used to it.¡±


    Arthur leaned forward, placing his hand on the table. ¡°I think it¡¯s about time we learn about your relationship with Jean, Matthew,¡± he said, his curiosity now overwhelming his usual composure.


    Matthew¡¯s expression shifted instantly. His usual playful smile faded, replaced by a serious look.


    ¡°Actually, we¡¯re childhood friends,¡± he said, his voice suddenly grave. ¡°We were very close back then, but because of how close we were, our families arranged a marriage between us.¡±


    The atmosphere grew heavy, and Alice was taken aback. She had known that her friend was engaged, but she hadn¡¯t expected to meet the groom so soon.


    ¡°Well, should I say congratulations?¡± Arthur teased, trying to lighten the mood.


    Matthew smiled, though there was a hint of sadness in it. ¡°Thank you,¡± he replied, sighing deeply.


    Alice, sensing the weight of the moment, asked quietly, ¡°Are you not happy with it?¡±


    Matthew looked at her, noticing the seriousness in her eyes. He frowned, the sadness in his expression deepening.


    ¡°Of course I¡¯m happy,¡± he said, his voice sincere. ¡°I¡¯ve liked her since we were children. Knowing that I¡¯m engaged to her brightens my world. But seeing her unhappy with it, struggling because of it, makes me both sad and angry at the same time.¡±


    He paused, clenching his fist, biting his lip in frustration. ¡°I want her to be free, but I also want her to be mine.¡± His eyes were full of genuine emotion, sparkling with intensity. ¡°I¡¯m conflicted. My mind and heart aren¡¯t on the same wavelength. What should I do?¡±


    His voice broke with the weight of his inner turmoil. Arthur, moved by his words, patted him on the shoulder.


    ¡°Are you trying to comfort¡ª¡± Matthew started to say, but his words caught in his throat when his gaze landed on the woman standing near the door.


    Jean. Her face was flushed bright red, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. She tried to compose herself, but the effort was in vain. Without a word, she turned and ran out of the house, her footsteps echoing in the quiet.


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    Matthew stood up, unsure of what to do. His heart pounded in his chest.


    ¡°I think what you should do right now is chase her,¡± Alice said, her voice calm yet firm.


    Matthew lowered his head, conflicted. He was paralyzed by fear.


    Arthur stood up, placing a hand on his shoulder. ¡°You need to stop running away from your feelings any longer. It¡¯s about time to face it wholeheartedly. Your very first step is to tell her how you feel, and I think it is the right thing to do.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m scared,¡± Matthew admitted, his voice trembling.


    ¡°Scared of what?¡± Arthur asked, his tone sharp, not allowing him to spiral into doubt.


    ¡°I¡¯m scared of rejection. What if she already likes someone else? What if she hates me?¡± Matthew¡¯s words tumbled out, but before he could finish, Arthur lightly tapped his head.


    ¡°Enough with the ¡®what if¡¯s.¡¯ Think of this as progress. Who cares if you get rejected? At least you faced it like a man, like a soldier. This isn¡¯t about being accepted; it¡¯s about moving forward without any regrets in the future. You¡¯ll never forgive yourself if you don¡¯t tell her how you truly feel.¡± Arthur¡¯s words were laced with an unexpected seriousness that took both Alice and Matthew by surprise.


    Matthew felt a surge of motivation, his hesitation evaporating. He ran toward the door, determined. Alice smiled, watching him go.


    ¡°You sure know how to talk smoothly,¡± she said, amused by the scene.


    Arthur glanced back at her. ¡°You think so? I only pushed him a little.¡±


    With that, he walked through the door and closed it behind him.


    Matthew ran as fast as he could, his heart pounding wildly. It felt as though his body was moving on its own, dragging him closer to her against his better judgment. Despite his hesitation, his feet wouldn¡¯t stop. Yet, even after sprinting through the village streets, he still couldn¡¯t find her. Frustration welled up as he bit his lip, his breath coming in ragged gasps.


    Then, a memory surfaced¡ªof a place they used to visit as children. A place they had always loved. His eyes lit up with hope, and he pivoted, heading straight for it.


    When he arrived, the sight before him momentarily took his breath away. The garden was alive with vibrant, blooming flowers, their colors bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun. The light danced across every petal, creating a scene so mesmerizing it felt almost unreal. For a moment, he stood frozen, stunned by the beauty surrounding him.


    But it wasn¡¯t the garden that captivated him¡ªit was her.


    There she was, standing among the flowers, her delicate fingers brushing against the petals. Her hair swayed gently with the breeze, catching the sunlight like strands of silk. She was beautiful, more beautiful than he had ever allowed himself to admit. He could have stayed like that, watching her forever, and never grown tired of the sight.


    Then, as if sensing his presence, Jean turned toward him. Her gaze met his, and she smiled¡ªa soft, gentle smile so unlike her demeanor from earlier.


    ¡°You knew I¡¯d be here,¡± she said, her voice calm, almost serene.


    He nodded, his eyes locked on hers. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I? This was our place. We used to play here all the time,¡± he replied, his tone serious, unwavering.


    She tilted her head slightly, a hint of surprise in her expression. ¡°I see. You still remember. I thought you¡¯d forgotten about this place,¡± she said softly. Her cheeks flushed as she noticed the intensity of his stare. Flustered, she turned away quickly.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked, stepping closer to her, his voice tinged with concern.


    ¡°A-About what y-you said earlier... is it true?¡± she stammered, her nervousness evident.


    He stopped in his tracks, inhaling deeply to steady his nerves. ¡°Yes,¡± he said quietly. ¡°It¡¯s true.¡±


    She hesitated, then turned back to face him, her expression shifting to one of hurt. ¡°Then why?¡± she asked, her voice trembling. ¡°Why did you bully me back then? Why did you make fun of me¡ªpulling my hair out of nowhere, teasing me all the time?¡± Tears welled up in her eyes as she continued. ¡°And why didn¡¯t you say anything to me when you joined the military? You say you love me, but your actions have always said the opposite. Tell me the truth!¡±


    Her voice was resolute, demanding answers.


    Matthew scratched the back of his head, clearly uncomfortable. ¡°W-Well, haven¡¯t you ever heard that boys tease the girls they like to get their attention?¡± he mumbled, his tone sheepish.


    Jean blinked, taken aback by his answer. Her face turned crimson as she struggled to process his words. ¡°W-What is that even supposed to mean?!¡± she exclaimed, her voice rising slightly in disbelief.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± he admitted, a small, nervous smile tugging at his lips. ¡°But back then, I always wanted your attention. Maybe that¡¯s why I kept annoying you. It was the only way I knew how to get close to you.¡±


    Jean¡¯s expression softened slightly, but her confusion remained. ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you say anything before leaving? Why did you join the military without even telling me?¡±


    His smile faded as he lowered his gaze. ¡°Because I¡¯d already made up my mind to join. It was my dream to become a soldier for this country. But... I knew that if I saw you that day, it would change everything. I wouldn¡¯t have been able to leave. My love for you would have kept me here. That¡¯s why I avoided you. And for that... I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    He stepped closer to her, his voice filled with regret. Jean frowned, her thoughts racing as she tried to comprehend his words. ¡°I-I don¡¯t understand at all. What are you even trying to say? I don¡¯t get it,¡± she whispered, her voice shaky.


    As he reached her, he gently took her hand in his, his other hand softly cupping her cheek. She gasped, startled by his sudden action. ¡°W-What are you doing?¡± she stammered, her face as red as a tomato.


    ¡°Please, Jean,¡± he said, his voice tender, his eyes filled with sincerity. ¡°Believe in me. I want to make you happy. I want you to be mine, and mine alone. Put your trust in me, and I promise to make you the happiest person in the world.¡± He paused, his heart racing. ¡°Please... marry me.¡±


    Jean stared into his eyes, searching for any trace of doubt, but all she saw was unwavering honesty. Tears streamed down her face as she nodded, unable to speak.


    Matthew stood frozen for a moment, stunned. He couldn¡¯t believe it¡ªshe had actually accepted his proposal.

 Chapter 8: The Weight she Carries.

    Arthur was sitting on the sofa, trying to relax himself from all the things that had happened recently. The atmosphere around him was quite positive because of the presence of Alice, his caretaker. He closed his eyes for a bit, and suddenly the comfort of the atmosphere lulled him to sleep.


    Once again, he found himself in a dream. He saw the back of a girl staring at the sky, her white hair, much like Alice¡¯s, danced in the wind. He wanted to walk toward her, but his body froze in place. He tried to speak, but no sound came out. He was petrified, unable to move or call out to her. All he could do was stand there and watch.


    Suddenly, the girl spoke and turned to face him. He was surprised¡ªher face was blurred, and her voice was muffled, as though it came from far away. He frowned, desperate to know who this mysterious figure was who kept appearing in his dreams.


    ¡°You are not supposed to be here. Go! Now!¡± the girl said, her tone laced with worry. This time, her words were clear, and he heard every single one.


    Instantly, he woke up. The rays of the sun filtered through the window, casting patterns on the wooden ceiling. He gasped for air, trying to recover his composure. He couldn¡¯t comprehend why this girl kept appearing in his dreams.


    ¡°Her voice¡­ it sounds so familiar, but I don¡¯t know whose voice it is,¡± he whispered to himself.


    Suddenly, a woman appeared in front of him, and he hadn¡¯t even noticed her presence. ¡°Arthur, are you okay?¡± she asked, her voice filled with concern.


    He looked at her. It was Alice, her face showing a deep worry. He nodded. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m fine. By the way, where did you go earlier?¡± he asked, curiosity evident on his face.


    She chuckled softly. ¡°I was invited to be a judge for a cooking contest in the market,¡± she said proudly.


    He smiled faintly, noting the happiness in her expression. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s great! Who won the contest?¡± he asked, his curiosity still piqued.


    She shook her head. ¡°The event hasn¡¯t started yet. It¡¯s later today. Do you want to come and watch?¡± she asked, her tone inviting yet straightforward.


    ¡°Sure, why not,¡± he replied, agreeing to her invitation.


    Alice smiled brightly and turned toward the kitchen. ¡°Nice! I¡¯m going to cook lunch now. After we finish eating, let¡¯s go to the market together,¡± she said cheerfully.


    Arthur nodded with a faint smile, watching as she walked away.


    ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////


    The sound of oil sizzling filled the small, dimly lit kitchen. A young girl, about 11 or 12 years old, stood over the stove, her movements slow and deliberate. Her face was pale and expressionless, her eyes dull and lifeless like a fish¡¯s. She bit her lip repeatedly, a nervous habit she couldn¡¯t seem to stop.


    Once the food was ready, she carefully placed a small portion onto a plate. After hesitating for a moment, she cut the portion in half and placed one piece onto another plate. Her shoulders sagged as she let out a heavy sigh, trying to steady her emotions. Holding the plates, she walked toward a dark room at the end of the hall.


    The room was almost pitch black, the only light coming from the faint glow of the hallway behind her. She squinted, barely able to make out the outline of the furniture. Steeling herself, she knelt down on the floor beside the bed.


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    ¡°Mama, are you hungry? The food¡¯s ready. Please eat something,¡± she said softly, holding out one of the plates.


    For a moment, there was only silence. Then, a figure on the bed stirred, slowly sitting up. The girl could feel the tension in the air growing heavier.


    Without warning, the woman¡¯s voice erupted, shattering the quiet. ¡°WHERE IS YOUR FATHER?!¡± she screamed, her voice raw with anguish. ¡°HE TOLD ME HE WOULD COME BACK! IT¡¯S BEEN A YEAR NOW! ALL THE OTHER SOLDIERS WHO SURVIVED HAVE RETURNED TO THEIR FAMILIES¡ªBUT WHERE IS HE?!¡±


    The girl bit her lip harder, her hands trembling as she clutched the plate. Her mother¡¯s frustration was palpable, each word hitting her like a blow.


    ¡°Mama, please...¡± she whispered, trying to keep her voice steady. She sat on the edge of the bed and gently patted her mother¡¯s back. ¡°You need to eat, even just a little. You¡¯re too thin. Please, Mama...¡±


    But before she could finish, her mother¡¯s elbow struck her face with brutal force, sending her tumbling to the floor. The plate clattered to the ground, its contents scattering.


    ¡°YOU DON¡¯T UNDERSTAND, LILY! YOU DON¡¯T UNDERSTAND THE PAIN I¡¯VE BEEN THROUGH!¡± her mother screamed, her voice filled with despair and fury.


    Lily touched her lip, wincing as she wiped away the blood trickling down. Her hands clenched into fists, but she said nothing.


    ¡°GET OUT!¡± her mother bellowed, collapsing back onto the bed, her sobs muffled by the darkness.


    Lily slowly got to her feet, her expression a mixture of bitterness and heartbreak. She knew she couldn¡¯t reach her mother, not like this. Her words wouldn¡¯t break through the wall of grief and anger.


    As she stepped out of the room, her voice was barely above a whisper. ¡°How much suffering do you want me to endure, Mama?¡±


    Her question hung in the air, unanswered, as she walked away.


    ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////


    Alice and Arthur finished eating lunch and were already on their way to the market. Arthur looked around, his expression intrigued by the sudden event in the market that even Alice was participating in.


    ¡°By the way, who¡¯s the person who started the cooking contest?¡± he asked, his curiosity evident in his face.


    ¡°I think it was the mayor of the village,¡± Alice replied, tapping her chin thoughtfully. ¡°He noticed there weren¡¯t any extra activities here, which made the place kinda boring.¡±


    ¡°Who told you that?¡± Arthur asked immediately, meeting her gaze.


    ¡°It was Jean. Why?¡± she answered, tilting her head slightly.


    ¡°If the intel is coming from Jean, I suppose it¡¯s true,¡± he said straightforwardly.


    Alice smiled. ¡°You really trust Jean¡¯s gossip.¡± She paused and looked ahead. ¡°Did you know she accepted Matthew¡¯s proposal?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve heard it from Matthew himself. He¡¯s¡­ a bit annoying, though,¡± Arthur replied with a faint sigh.


    Alice¡¯s eyebrows raised, her curiosity piqued. ¡°Why?¡±


    Arthur hesitated before replying. ¡°There was never a time he wasn¡¯t smiling. All throughout our conversation, he had this wide grin on his face.¡± He paused, and a faint smile crept onto his own lips. ¡°But, I guess I¡¯m happy for him.¡±


    As they continued their conversation, the lively sounds of the market grew louder. The air was filled with the chatter of merchants and the clinking of goods being exchanged. Arthur¡¯s gaze wandered to the villagers bustling about, some carrying baskets, others laughing in groups.


    Ahead, a young girl caught his eye. She was struggling under the weight of a large basket filled to the brim with laundry. Her small frame wobbled slightly with each step, and her face was pale under the strain.


    ¡°Arthur, look at her,¡± Alice said softly, noticing the same girl.


    Before either of them could react, the girl stumbled. The basket tilted, and clothes spilled onto the ground. She froze for a moment, as if deciding whether to pick them up or simply give up, but then her knees buckled.


    ¡°Alice¡ª¡± Arthur began, but she was already rushing toward the girl.


    Alice knelt beside her, gently cradling the young girl in her arms. ¡°H-Hey, a-are you alright?!¡± she asked repeatedly, her voice filled with worry, but there was no response.


    Arthur placed a reassuring hand on Alice¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Calm down. Let¡¯s take her to the clinic,¡± he said firmly. Without waiting for a reply, he scooped the girl into his arms and began running toward the clinic.


    Alice, holding the basket of laundry, followed close behind, her heart racing.

 Chapter 9: Help is such an out of reach,

    In the midst of a war between powerful nations, countless soldiers were sent to the battlefield. These soldiers became the shield of their homelands, offering their flesh and blood as a defense mechanism for their country.


    In a village far from the battlefield, an adult man embraced his wife tightly, trying to reassure her of his return once the war was over. Their peaceful life in the village seemed like a distant dream, but he held onto it.


    ¡°Your daughter will be turning 11 years old when you come back,¡± the woman said softly, her voice a delicate blend of gentleness and sadness.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, Lilia. She¡¯s growing up so fast. I only wish her the best life,¡± the man replied, his tone strong and resolute, though the worry of leaving them behind weighed heavily on him.


    Lilia cupped his cheek, drawing his gaze to meet hers. ¡°You will come back for sure, darling. Promise me,¡± she said, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.


    He nodded and smiled warmly. ¡°Of course I will. How could I leave the two of you behind? Watching you enjoy life without me would be unfair,¡± he joked, trying to lighten the heavy atmosphere.


    She smiled faintly and playfully smacked his shoulder. ¡°Silly you.¡±


    Their conversation was like a scene from a fairy tale¡ªthe princess bidding farewell to her knight in shining armor as he set off to protect their family and their home.


    But reality has no place for fairy tales.


    When the war ended, her knight, her husband, never came back. Days passed, and the promised reunion she had clung to never came. Panic set in as her hope slowly gave way to fear. She waited anxiously, trying to suppress the dark thoughts that threatened to overwhelm her.


    Then, one day, a letter from the military arrived. Her emotions swirled in a storm of fear and hope as she stared at the envelope. Her hands trembled as she opened it, swallowing hard against the knot in her throat.


    She began to read. Each word sank into her mind like stones, dragging her deeper into despair. Her expression shifted, her breath quickened, and her tears began to fall uncontrollably. She gasped, unable to contain the tidal wave of emotions coursing through her.


    ¡°...He died in battle... his body... no trace...¡±


    The letter confirmed her worst fears: her husband had died in the war. His body had been obliterated in an explosion, leaving no remains to be buried. The finality of it crushed her, stealing the air from her lungs.


    ¡°No... no...¡± She whispered, her voice barely a sound. She clutched the letter to her chest as if it could somehow bring him back, her whole body trembling. ¡°He promised... He promised he would come back.¡±


    The weight of the words hit her like a tidal wave, crashing over her, dragging her under. She let out a guttural cry, the pain too much to bear. Her body crumpled, the letter falling from her hands, forgotten as the grief overtook her. The room seemed to close in on her, suffocating her. Leaving her to lose consciousness.


    When she woke, she was no longer the same. The vibrant, loving woman she had been was gone, replaced by a hollow shell. She withdrew from the world, her sense of purpose shattered, and welcomed the idea of death as a release.


    But her daughter wouldn¡¯t let her go.


    The young girl, only 11 years old, did everything she could to keep her mother alive. She brought her food, cared for her needs, and shielded her from the world, hoping against hope that one day, her mother would return to her senses.


    ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////


    ¡°Since when did it all start, this unbearable suffering? Ahhh, since she knew her husband died on the battlefield. She couldn¡¯t handle the grief inside her¡ªit was too much for her. Leaving me alone in this world,¡± Lily murmured, her voice barely audible as she slowly regained consciousness.


    Her eyelids fluttered open, the blurry image of a woman coming into focus. A soft warmth rested on her hand, comforting yet unfamiliar. ¡°Mama?¡± she whispered weakly, her voice trembling with a faint hope.


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    ¡°Sorry to say this, but I¡¯m not your mama.¡±


    The voice snapped Lily to full awareness. Her eyes widened, and she forced herself upright despite the weakness in her limbs. Confusion washed over her as she scanned the unfamiliar room. Her gaze landed on the woman sitting beside her¡ªa stranger with a calm yet concerned expression. It was Alice.


    Standing near the closet was a man with a firm stance and watchful eyes. Arthur.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but... can you tell me what happened?¡± Lily asked, desperation laced in her voice. Worry flickered across her face as she tried to piece together the events.


    Alice leaned closer, her tone gentle yet steady. ¡°We saw you collapse on the road earlier while carrying a huge pile of laundry. We couldn¡¯t just leave you there, so we brought you here to rest.¡±


    The words hit Lily like a cold gust of wind. Her head lowered, and she frowned deeply. Her hands clenched the blanket tightly as she bit her lip. ¡°Thank you for helping me, but... I don¡¯t have any money to pay you back right now,¡± she muttered, her voice heavy with shame. ¡°Please give me some time¡ªI promise I¡¯ll find a way to repay you.¡±


    Alice and Arthur exchanged a quick glance, their surprise evident. The room fell silent for a moment before Arthur stepped forward, his hand resting gently on Alice¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about paying us back,¡± he said firmly. His tone was calm, yet there was a hint of concern. ¡°But let me ask¡ªhave you eaten anything in the past few days?¡±


    Lily¡¯s eyes darted to him, her confusion clear. ¡°I-I have been eating,¡± she stammered. ¡°Why would you ask that?¡±


    Arthur¡¯s gaze remained steady. ¡°The doctor examined you,¡± he explained. ¡°He said you fainted because of hunger.¡±


    Her lips quivered as she shook her head in denial. ¡°That¡¯s not true,¡± she muttered weakly.


    Alice, her voice soft yet insistent, chimed in. ¡°Then tell us¡ªhow much do you eat each day?¡±


    Lily¡¯s mouth opened as if to respond, but she stopped herself. Her head lowered further, her silence revealing more than words ever could.


    Arthur sighed quietly, crouching slightly to meet her gaze. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Lily,¡± she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.


    ¡°Lily,¡± Arthur repeated, his tone softer now. ¡°If you¡¯re struggling with something, you should talk to someone¡ªyour parents, maybe a sibling. You don¡¯t have to carry this alone.¡±


    Lily slowly lifted her head, meeting his gaze. Her eyes were lifeless, hollow¡ªlike the dim reflection of a once-bright soul. Arthur stiffened slightly, caught off guard by the sheer emptiness in her expression.


    ¡°Thank you for your advice, Mister,¡± Lily said finally. Her voice was steady, but it carried a hollow, hopeless tone. ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡±


    Alice and Arthur exchanged another glance, the unspoken worry between them growing. They could see it clearly now¡ªthis young girl was battling far more than hunger.


    Alice stood up, moved to sit beside Lily, and gently touched her hand. A warm, reassuring smile crossed her face. ¡°Lily, do you want to come with us?¡± she asked softly.


    Lily shook her head twice, her response immediate. ¡°I¡¯m still working¡ª¡± she began but suddenly froze. A flicker of panic crossed her face as her eyes widened, and she looked directly at Alice. ¡°Wait, do you... do you know where the laundry is?¡± she asked, her tone rising with worry. Her hands trembled slightly, betraying her growing unease.


    Alice and Arthur exchanged a glance, sensing the storm of emotions within the girl. Arthur stepped forward and spoke calmly, trying to ease her concern. ¡°While you were still sleeping, I took it to a laundry shop near the clinic.¡±


    Lily¡¯s face fell, her worry deepening. ¡°W-What h-have you done? I-I don¡¯t have money to pay f-for the laundry!¡± she stammered, her voice trembling. She bit her lip hard, fighting to hold back the frustration and sadness threatening to overwhelm her.


    Arthur held up a hand, his tone steady and reassuring. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I already paid for it. You don¡¯t need to worry about that.¡±


    But his words didn¡¯t calm her. Lily immediately tried to stand, determination written across her face, but as soon as she took a step, her body swayed. A wave of dizziness hit her, and she gripped the bedframe for support.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she murmured, frustration thick in her voice. ¡°Thank you for helping me. You even spent money on someone like me¡­¡± She forced herself upright, her legs unsteady, and began walking toward the door despite her clear exhaustion.


    Alice and Arthur watched in silence, their concern growing with every faltering step she took.


    ¡°She¡¯s carrying something far too heavy for someone her age,¡± Alice said softly, her voice tinged with sadness. Her eyes lingered on the door Lily had just exited, her hands clasped tightly together in her lap.


    Arthur nodded, his brow furrowed. ¡°Yeah. Whatever it is, it¡¯s consuming her. And it¡¯s made her close herself off completely. She doesn¡¯t trust anyone¡ªnot even enough to let us help her.¡± He sighed, running a hand through his hair.


    Alice¡¯s jaw tightened, and she bit her lip, her own frustration bubbling to the surface. ¡°But we can¡¯t just leave her like this. It¡¯s painful to see someone so young suffering so much.¡± Her voice cracked slightly, betraying how deeply it affected her.


    Arthur turned to look at her, noting the way her fingers trembled slightly as she gripped the fabric of her dress. He saw a depth of care in her eyes. It made him wonder if this hit closer to home for her than she was willing to admit.


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± he said after a moment, his tone softening. ¡°We can¡¯t ignore her. If there¡¯s any way we can help, we have to try.¡±


    Alice nodded, a faint glimmer of resolve crossing her face. ¡°Then we¡¯ll figure out a way to reach her. No one should have to face something like this alone.¡±

 Chapter 10: Dandelion鈥檚 blessings.

    Lily walked down the street, her mind was straight, yet her body betrayed her. She shook uncontrollably, her feet trembling with each step, her vision blurred, and her stomach rumbled loudly. She bit her lip, trying to ignore it. As she approached the laundry shop, she put her hands on the empty barrel beside her, using it to steady herself. She touched her stomach and frowned, muttering under her breath, ¡°I¡¯m so hungry...¡± She gripped her stomach and punched it lightly several times in frustration.


    Suddenly, she felt warmth on her shoulder. She turned and saw Alice, smiling brightly. ¡°Hello, wanna come with me for a while?¡± Alice¡¯s voice was soft but held a hidden gentleness.


    ¡°No, thank you. My work¡¯s still on the clock. Please don¡¯t get in my way.¡± Lily¡¯s response was blunt, her tone sharp, the walls around her emotions already firmly in place.


    Alice didn¡¯t flinch. ¡°Forget about it for now. Would you like to have lunch with me?¡± She reached out gently, trying to melt the ice around Lily¡¯s heart. But instead, Lily felt irritation flare. She slapped Alice¡¯s hand away, her face darkening.


    ¡°PLEASE DON¡¯T, I DON¡¯T NEED YOUR PITY OR ANYONE! I CAN STAND ON MY OWN TWO FEET!¡± Lily bellowed, her hands shaking, her lips quivering, her eyes locked onto Alice¡¯s, daring her to go away.


    Alice smiled softly, unaffected, her eyes still filled with quiet warmth. ¡°Open up to me, Lily. I¡¯ll help you.¡± Her voice remained steady, her eyes sparkling like stars in the night sky, her gesture firm and unwavering, as if she was ready to shoulder Lily¡¯s burdens.


    Lily¡¯s glare remained piercing, her expression hard, yet despite the tension, her stomach growled loudly. Both their eyes met in surprise, the unexpected sound cutting through the heavy atmosphere.


    Alice smiled, unfazed. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about the payment. I¡¯ll pay for it,¡± she said gently, her voice warm and soothing. She extended her hand, open and inviting. ¡°Come, Lily.¡±


    Lily bit her lip, the hunger gnawing at her, too much to ignore. Her vision blurred, and her legs trembled uncontrollably. Her pride faltered, and she placed her hand on her stomach. Her resistance weakened. Alice smiled again and reached out, her palm gentle as it touched Lily¡¯s cheek.


    Lily closed her hands into fists, not wanting to let go. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Alice said softly, her voice a quiet but firm invitation. She let out a heavy sigh. In the end, she doesn¡¯t have a choice but to come.


    Arthur walked down the narrow path, unfamiliar with the area because he barely visited this area. The doctor gave him the information that he knew where Lily was staying. The place felt different, as if the air itself carried an unspoken weight. Groups of men lingered, their gazes following him, unblinking and full of intent. Despite the stares, Arthur''s pace never faltered; his jaw set in quiet determination. Not wanting to go back without knowing the truth of Lily¡¯s situation.


    One man stepped forward, grabbing his shoulder with a firm grip. "Stop. You''re passing through our territory without permission, young man." His voice was thick with pride, eyes narrowing as he sized Arthur up. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.


    Arthur didn''t flinch. "Can you let me pass?" His voice was calm, unwavering, as though the man''s posture held no sway over him.


    "No!" The man bellowed, his fist shooting toward Arthur with surprising speed. But Arthur was quicker. In one fluid motion, he caught the man¡¯s fist mid-air, his grip unyielding. With his other hand, he grabbed the man by the collar and shoved him forcefully to the ground. A collective gasp rippled through the onlookers. They hadn¡¯t expected him to be so fast, so strong.


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    Arthur stood over the man, his voice cold but resolute. "I promised myself not to harm a civilian, but I will defend myself when provoked."


    His gaze shifted to the other men standing nearby. His expression was unwavering, his stance defensive. He wasn¡¯t going to back down. Ready for whatever came next, he extended his hand toward them, fingers splayed in a subtle but clear warning.


    One of the men, who had been watching silently, slowly rose to his feet. He clapped his hands, the sound sharp in the tense silence. His smile was wide, almost amused, but there was something calculating in his eyes. "Alright, enough of this. You¡¯ve shown us your strength. Even if we tried to gang up on you, I doubt we¡¯d stand a chance." His voice was dripping with a mix of respect and curiosity. His eyes never left Arthur¡¯s face. "What business do you have here?"


    Arthur¡¯s expression remained firm, his gaze steady. "I¡¯m looking for Lily¡¯s house. If you know where it is, could you tell me?"


    The man¡¯s eyebrows arched slightly, his interest piqued. "I know where it is. I¡¯m a close friend of Lily¡¯s," he said, his tone shifting, though still laced with suspicion. "But why should we tell you?"


    Arthur let out a deep sigh, his posture relaxing just enough to show that he wasn¡¯t looking for trouble. "What do you want?" he asked, his voice softer now, but no less direct.


    The man¡¯s eyes narrowed, his expression hardening once more. "I don¡¯t need anything from you," he growled. "But if you came here with bad intentions toward her, I¡¯ll kill you where you stand." His gaze locked onto Arthur¡¯s with such intensity it felt like a physical weight. The atmosphere between them grew thick, palpable with the threat in the air.


    Arthur immediately raised both hands in a gesture of peace, trying to defuse the tension. "No, not at all," he said quickly, his voice steady, though he could feel the weight of the situation. "Let me explain what happened earlier."


    As Arthur spoke, the man¡¯s expression stiffened, his lips twitching slightly as he bit down on them. He stood frozen for a moment, clearly processing the words. When he finally spoke, his voice was softer, but still tinged with concern. "I told her to take care of herself..." He clicked his tongue, running a hand over his face. There was a flicker of something¡ªguilt, perhaps¡ªbefore his eyes softened. "Alright," he said, his tone shifting from hostile to something more neutral, even slightly warm. "Come with me. I¡¯ll show you the way."


    Arthur nodded, his expression grateful but cautious. "Thank you. I appreciate your help," he said, his voice sincere.


    Without another word, the two of them began walking down the path, heading toward Lily¡¯s house. Arthur couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that there was more to this place¡ªand to Lily¡ªthan he had anticipated. But for now, he had no choice but to follow, one step closer to uncovering the truth.


    As they passed through the streets of the unfamiliar area of the village, Arthur kept his guard up, his eyes scanning on every corner, every movement, absorbing every detail. The man walked beside him, casually observing Arthur''s heightened awareness.


    "You don¡¯t need to be on your guard," he said, his voice soft and reassuring. "I told you. I¡¯m a friend of Lily. By the way, I¡¯m Terrence." His posture was open, unthreatening, and Arthur could sense the sincerity in his words.


    Arthur relaxed slightly, though his alertness remained. "I¡¯m Arthur, I live in the northern part of the village," he responded, his cautious gaze softening but not entirely gone.


    Terrence was slightly surprised as his fingers tapped thoughtfully against his chin. "I see. That¡¯s why you met her. As I remember, she was working her third job there as a washer for the mayor."


    Arthur¡¯s brow furrowed. "Third job?" His voice sharpened, the curiosity in his words matching the unease in his gut.


    Terrence¡¯s expression stiffened, and he lowered his gaze for a moment. "Yes," he said, his voice more deliberate now, as though measuring each word. "I have no idea why she needed to work that much but if we went inside her house, we might understand why.."


    Arthur gave a single nod, his expression unreadable. He took a deep breath, his shoulders rolling back, his muscles coiling in readiness. He could feel the weight of what was to come pressing on him, but his resolve never wavered.

 Chapter 11: Unrevealing the truth behind all,

    They walked through different areas of the village, passing by people who lived in quiet harmony. The houses stood neat and well-kept, each one a testament to the care of its owners. Arthur observed the scene, his gaze lingering on the small details¡ªthe way laundry swayed gently in the breeze, the scent of fresh bread drifting from an open window.


    Then, without warning, Terrence stopped. Arthur nearly bumped into him, his curiosity piqued. He followed Terrence¡¯s gaze and immediately felt his stomach tighten.


    The house before them was in shambles. The walls bore deep, jagged scratches as if clawed by something desperate. The ceiling sagged, riddled with holes, barely holding itself together.


    ¡°This is her house,¡± Terrence murmured, his voice barely above a whisper as he shoved his hands into his pockets.


    Arthur¡¯s brows knitted together. ¡°Is she the only one living here?¡± he asked, scanning every inch of the deteriorating structure, his mind racing to piece together a picture of its occupant.


    Terrence hesitated. ¡°She told me she lived with her mother, but... I¡¯ve never actually seen her.¡± He paused, pressing a finger to his chin, his expression clouding with thought. ¡°If we go inside, we might find out more.¡±


    He rapped on the door twice. They waited. Silence.


    Terrence shifted on his feet, his impatience evident in the way his fingers tapped against his arm. He knocked again, harder this time. ¡°Is anybody home? If someone¡¯s inside, please answer us!¡± His voice carried a slight edge, tight with frustration.


    Still, no answer.


    Clicking his tongue, he reached for the doorknob. Arthur watched as his fingers curled around the rusted metal, twisting it. The door creaked open far too easily, the sound scraping against their ears like nails on stone.


    Their eyes met. Neither spoke, but their expressions mirrored the same unspoken thought¡ªsomething wasn¡¯t right.


    Terrence stepped inside first.


    ¡°Are we really doing this?¡± Arthur asked, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. His voice was low, uncertain.


    Terrence sighed. ¡°No, but what else can we do? No one¡¯s answering. And... I¡¯m curious too. Maybe we¡¯ll find her mother.¡± His conviction was enough to drag Arthur along.


    Arthur exhaled sharply, pressing his lips together. ¡°Fine. But let¡¯s not get caught.¡± His fingers clenched into a fist, tension rippling through his body. He didn¡¯t like this, but he had no choice.


    Inside, they were met with an unexpected sight.


    The interior was oddly well-kept. Dust clung to the sofa, but not enough to make it unlivable. The kitchen sink was clean, utensils neatly arranged. Even the floorboards, though worn, bore no signs of neglect.


    Terrence let out a sigh, dropping onto the couch, rubbing his temple. ¡°So much for answers,¡± he muttered, frustration clear in the way he ran a hand down his face.


    Arthur remained standing, his gaze sweeping across the room. Something didn¡¯t add up.


    Then, through the thick silence, a sound cut through¡ªlow, guttural, inhuman.


    A shudder crawled up their spines. The fine hairs on Arthur¡¯s arms stood on end, his breath catching in his throat. The air in the room shifted, thickening, pressing down on them like an unseen force.


    They exchanged glances.


    ¡°W-What was that?¡± Terrence¡¯s voice came out barely above a whisper, his lips trembling against his will.


    Arthur swallowed hard. ¡°I don¡¯t know. But we have to find out.¡±


    He stepped forward, eyes locking onto the corridor ahead. At the very end stood a room. No door¡ªonly a thin curtain swayed slightly, stirred by an unseen force. A sliver of darkness peeked through the opening, revealing only the faintest outline of a bed.


    As they moved closer, the air grew heavier, suffocating. Every breath felt labored, thick with something unnameable.


    They reached the doorway.


    And froze.


    Their eyes widened, breath hitching, stomachs twisting into knots.


    A woman lay on the bed, her limbs bound, wrists and ankles secured tightly. But it wasn¡¯t the restraints that unsettled them¡ªit was the way she moved.


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    Her body jerked in unnatural, erratic motions, as if something inside her was fighting to escape. Her breath came in ragged, wheezing gasps. Her fingers twitched violently, curling and uncurling against the bindings.


    Arthur¡¯s legs felt like lead, his body stiff as stone.


    Terrence¡¯s breath was shaky, his fingers trembling at his sides. ¡°W-We shouldn¡¯t be here,¡± he whispered, barely able to form the words.


    Arthur took a step forward, instinct driving him to help¡ªbut Terrence grabbed his arm, his grip tight with unspoken urgency.


    Arthur turned to him, confusion flashing across his face. ¡°Why are you stopping me?¡± His voice was low, cracking slightly.


    Terrence swallowed hard. ¡°I-I have a bad f-feeling about this.¡± His lips quivered, fingers cold and unsteady.


    Before Arthur could respond, a chilling wail tore through the air.


    ¡°LILY!!!¡±


    The woman¡¯s voice twisted with rage and desperation.


    ¡°RELEASE ME FROM THIS! I AM YOUR MOTHER! HOW CAN YOU DO THIS TO YOUR OWN MOTHER? YOU PIECE OF SHIT!!¡±


    Her words tumbled out in curses, each one more venomous than the last. She thrashed violently, the bed creaking beneath her weight.


    ¡°LET ME DIE IN PEACE!!!¡±


    Her screams swallowed the entire house, the sheer force of her voice rattling through their bones.


    Arthur and Terrence stood frozen, trapped in place, their minds struggling to process the horror before them.


    Back to where Alice and Lily were, they sat at a table set for the judges of the cooking contest. Lily¡¯s eyes locked onto her, frowning deeply. ¡°Why are we judging the contest? I thought we came to eat.¡± Her stare was tense and sharp, her fingers tapping lightly against the table in irritation.


    Alice laughed awkwardly, shifting in her seat as if trying to ease the heavy atmosphere. ¡°W-Well, I didn¡¯t have my pulse with me right now, and Arthur went somewhere without me knowing. That¡¯s why I thought it would be best to come here and eat for free, right?¡± She raised a peace sign, her smile slightly forced.


    Lily exhaled, arms crossing as she leaned back. ¡°Well, I guess it¡¯s okay since we won¡¯t have to spend a penny.¡± She sighed, her expression softening just a little.


    The contest finally started. The contestants moved with practiced precision, slicing, stirring, and plating with focused determination. The air grew thick with the rich aroma of spices, sizzling meats, and freshly baked bread. The scent wrapped around them, warm and inviting.


    Lily¡¯s stomach let out a low, audible growl.


    Alice turned to her with a teasing smile. ¡°You sure are hungry, aren¡¯t you?¡± Her voice was light, but there was a knowing glint in her eyes.


    Lily stiffened, a faint pink dusting her cheeks. She quickly turned away, pretending to focus on the competition.


    As the contest continued, some contestants finished their dishes, carefully arranging them with artistic flair. The atmosphere became tense, charged with silent competition. This wasn¡¯t just about winning a prize¡ªthis was their pride as chefs on the line.


    Finally, it was time for their job. Plates were placed before them, each dish a masterpiece in its own right. Alice noticed only one spoon and fork at their table. She stood up, raising her hand with a bright smile.


    ¡°Excuse me, can I have another spoon and fork, please?¡± Her voice was gentle, careful not to disrupt the flow of the event.


    A staff member hurried over, her brows furrowing slightly. ¡°Apologies, we thought we had prepared everything beforehand.¡± Her voice was low, her lips pressing together in a small frown.


    Alice shook her head with a reassuring wave of her hand. ¡°Oh no, it¡¯s okay! I came here with a friend, so I need two.¡±


    The staff¡¯s gaze shifted toward Lily, who kept her head down, shoulders slightly hunched. A flicker of understanding passed through the staff member¡¯s face before she offered a small smile. ¡°I see. Well, please enjoy the contest to your heart¡¯s content.¡± Her tone softened as she placed the utensils down and walked away.


    Alice sat back down, her eyes settling on Lily, who hadn¡¯t lifted her head. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Her brows lifted slightly in concern.


    Lily hesitated for a moment before shaking her head. ¡°N-Nothing.¡± Her voice was quiet, almost hesitant. She slowly raised her spoon and took a bite, her movements careful.


    As they ate, the announcer¡¯s voice suddenly rang out, making them pause.


    ¡°All contestants, please proceed to where your dishes were assigned.¡±


    Alice looked up just as a man approached their table. He had a gentle smile, his posture straight yet relaxed. ¡°Good afternoon, Judges. I¡¯m Bob. It¡¯s my honor to serve you a dish that I personally made.¡± His tone was polite, but there was a quiet confidence in it.


    Alice cleared her throat, adjusting her posture slightly. The warmth in her demeanor didn¡¯t fade, but there was a shift¡ªsomething more serious now. She smiled. ¡°I didn¡¯t really hear the flow of the contest, so I thought all the dishes that were served at our table were made by all the contestants. There were so many¡­ Knowing that you cooked this many within a time limit, I respect that.¡±


    Bob lowered his head slightly, a gesture of humility. ¡°Thank you for the compliment. I appreciate it.¡± His voice was steady, respectful.


    Alice turned to Lily, who was still eating. ¡°What do you think, Lily? Is it delicious?¡± She tilted her head slightly, watching her friend¡¯s reaction.


    Lily swallowed slowly. Her hand trembled as she set her spoon down with deliberate care. Her lips parted, but no words came at first. Her fingers curled slightly against the table, her expression stiff, unreadable. She frowned and bit her lip.


    Alice and Bob watched as a single tear slipped down Lily¡¯s cheek. They were surprised by her sudden behavior.


    Lily blinked, as if just realizing she was crying. Her breath hitched. She quickly raised her hand, covering her face as if trying to hide.


    ¡°I-It¡¯s¡­ v-very delicious,¡± she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°I¡¯ve never tasted anything this¡­ good before. T-Thank you.¡± Her voice wavered, raw and uncertain, as if the words felt foreign on her tongue.


    Alice smiled softly, reaching out to pat Lily¡¯s head. She then turned to Bob. ¡°I guess seeing her act like this is enough to convince you how delicious your dish is, right?¡± Her voice was gentle, warm, her eyes shimmering like stars in the night sky.


    Bob¡¯s lips curled into a wide smile, his eyes glistening with emotion. He bowed deeply.


    ¡°Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I will treasure this for the rest of my life.¡± His voice was strong, resolute.

 Chapter 12: We are here for you no matter what.

    Alice and Lily walked along the road, the sun dipping below the horizon. The fading light bathed the village in warm hues, painting everything in gold and crimson. The sight was breathtaking, but Alice wasn¡¯t watching the sky¡ªher gaze flickered to Lily instead.


    Lily¡¯s usual stiff expression had softened, her eyes reflecting the changing light, shifting into something lighter, more open. She hesitated, biting her lip before glancing at Alice. ¡°Uhmm¡­ thank you. For earlier.¡± Her voice barely rose above a whisper, and a faint redness crept up her cheeks. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, uneasy yet sincere. ¡°And¡­ sorry. For being mean.¡± This time, the usual sharpness in her tone had dulled, replaced by something unfamiliar¡ªsomething gentler.


    Alice¡¯s lips curled into a warm smile. ¡°You¡¯re welcome. I¡¯m just glad you enjoyed it.¡±


    For a moment, they walked in silence, the village alive with the distant hum of conversations and the scent of freshly cooked meals drifting through the air. Then, Alice¡¯s brows furrowed slightly, a thought gnawing at her. ¡°You apologize a lot,¡± she mused, tilting her head. ¡°Even when there¡¯s nothing to apologize for. Why?¡±


    Lily¡¯s steps faltered, and Alice stopped too, watching as Lily¡¯s face tensed again, the light in her eyes flickering. ¡°Just a habit,¡± she muttered, gaze dropping to the ground. Her fingers curled into the fabric of her skirt, pressing tightly, lips pursed.


    Alice reached out, cupping Lily¡¯s cheek with gentle hands. Lily¡¯s eyes snapped wide open, her breath catching.


    ¡°W-What are you doing?¡± she stammered, her voice still edged with sharpness, but now laced with uncertainty.


    Alice didn¡¯t pull away. ¡°You don¡¯t have to be on guard with me, Lily.¡± Her voice was soft, yet firm. ¡°I know a sincere apology is a sign of strength, but doing it too much¡ªeven when you¡¯ve done nothing wrong¡ªcan give people the power to make you feel small.¡±


    She leaned in slightly, her forehead almost touching Lily¡¯s. The warmth of her breath brushed against her skin. ¡°Don¡¯t let them take that from you. Stand your ground, even if people turn against you. Don¡¯t give them a reason to step over you like you¡¯re nothing.¡±


    Lily¡¯s lips trembled. Her fingers clenched tighter around her skirt, but she didn¡¯t pull away. The words sank deep, too deep. She squeezed her eyes shut, biting down hard on her lip. When she finally spoke, her voice had lost its usual sharp edge¡ªit was softer, raw, almost fragile.


    ¡°In order to survive in this world, sometimes¡­ you have to lower your pride. For the sake of the people you love.¡± Her fingers loosened, her grip on her skirt easing. ¡°I understand what you¡¯re saying, Alice, but this is my battle. No one can fight it but me.¡±


    She exhaled slowly, then opened her eyes. Alice stiffened slightly. There it was¡ªa spark. Faint but unmistakable, glimmering in the depths of Lily¡¯s gaze.


    Then, Lily did something Alice never expected. She smiled. It wasn¡¯t forced or bitter¡ªit was small but genuine.


    ¡°Thank you, Alice,¡± she said, her voice light, the ice inside her heart cracking bit by bit. ¡°I appreciate your kindness, but this is something I have to do alone.¡±


    Alice¡¯s throat tightened. But before she could respond, Lily¡¯s fingers brushed over her hand, resting there for just a second.


    ¡°¡­But if things get too heavy in the future, will you be there?¡±


    Alice inhaled sharply. The question caught her off guard, but not as much as the vulnerability in Lily¡¯s eyes.


    A soft laugh escaped her lips, thick with unspoken emotion. She pulled Lily into a gentle embrace, her arms wrapping around her.


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    ¡°Of course,¡± she whispered, voice breaking slightly. A single tear escaped down her cheek. ¡°Lean on me. I¡¯ll always be here.¡±


    And for the first time, Lily let herself believe it.


    The day finally came to an end, and after parting ways, Alice stepped into the house. The familiar scent of cigarette smoke hit her as soon as the door swung open. It was the first time she¡¯d seen Arthur smoking since she started living with him. She paused, eyebrows furrowed, as she took in the sight of him sitting on the sofa, the cigarette still smoking in the ashtray beside him.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Her voice was soft, yet curiosity curled around her words, unsure of what she might find.


    Arthur lifted his gaze slowly, blinking as if he¡¯d been lost in thought. His hand moved toward the cigarette, snuffing it out with a deliberate motion, before he stood. Alice noticed the heaviness in his expression¡ªa sadness that clung to his features like a shadow.


    He walked toward her, his footsteps slow and almost hesitant. Then, without a word, he leaned into her, his face resting gently on her shoulder. His hand found hers, and in that moment, Alice froze, her heart racing in her chest. Her body went rigid, her eyes widening as her lips trembled. The sudden warmth of his touch felt foreign, like a spark igniting a flurry of heat on her skin. Her face flushed crimson, and the silence between them seemed to stretch, thick with meaning.


    Arthur pulled back after a long moment, but the weight of his words hung in the air. ¡°I visited Lily¡¯s house earlier.¡±


    Alice¡¯s blush instantly faded, replaced by a sharp sense of clarity. Her eyes locked onto him, her curiosity now turning to something far deeper. She straightened, her posture tense as her mind raced. ¡°Do you want to know her current situation with her family?¡± Arthur¡¯s voice was quieter now, his expression dark. His lips were pressed tightly together, and his fingers trembled slightly as he spoke.


    Alice¡¯s gaze never wavered. She nodded, her hands curling into tight fists on her lap. Her eyes hardened with determination. ¡°Please, tell me. Arthur.¡± Her voice was gentle but filled with an unwavering resolve.


    As Arthur recounted the horrific details¡ªthe guttural, inhuman sounds, Lily¡¯s mother bound and isolated¡ªAlice¡¯s breath hitched. Her chest tightened as if the very air had thickened. Her hands clenched harder, knuckles white, but she didn¡¯t notice. The world seemed to spin as her mind struggled to comprehend the reality of it all. Her lips parted, but no words came. Instead, she released a shaky breath, her chest rising and falling in uneven rhythm. A cold shiver ran down her spine, and she blinked rapidly, trying to clear the blur of disbelief from her vision. ¡°A-Are you joking right?¡± Her voice was small, tentative, but the gravity of the situation sank deeper with each passing second. When Arthur met her eyes with a deadly seriousness, she knew. He wasn¡¯t joking. This was real.


    Her voice quivered as she stuttered, ¡°T-Then, w-what should w-we do to h-help her?¡± The words caught in her throat as if the weight of the situation was too much to bear. Her hands trembled in her lap, and she gasped for air, her chest feeling as though it was being squeezed. Her mind raced, but nothing made sense. How could this be happening to Lily? She was just a child.


    Arthur¡¯s eyes softened as he saw her struggle to breathe. He quickly stood and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. ¡°Calm down for now, Alice. You¡¯re carrying too much right now.¡± His voice was low, soothing, and filled with a rare tenderness. But Alice could barely focus on his words. The pain, the helplessness in her heart, consumed her.


    Her lip quivered as she pressed it into a thin line, struggling to keep her emotions in check. But the tears came anyway, hot and fast, streaking down her face. ¡°B-But it¡¯s too much for her. She¡¯s just a child. Trying to act like an adult when the world is breaking around her¡­¡± Her voice cracked, the weight of everything crushing her. ¡°She needs help, Arthur. She needs our help.¡±


    Arthur¡¯s jaw tightened, his own memories flooding back. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, remembering his own cruel past¡ªhow he¡¯d been molded into a weapon from childhood, forced to face horrors no child should ever see. ¡°Most children in this world experience pain that scars them for life. And none of it is deserved. But that¡¯s the world we live in. We¡¯re meant to help each other, to lift one another up. No matter how many barriers the world puts in our way, it can¡¯t take our humanity. It can¡¯t strip us of our kindness.¡± His voice grew stronger, and his gaze turned sharp. The determination in his eyes was palpable.


    Alice blinked, surprised by the intensity in his words. She looked at him, her heart swelling with both sorrow and hope. The warmth in her chest returned, spreading as she wiped the tears from her face. ¡°Let¡¯s help her. Arthur.¡± Her voice was calm now, filled with a quiet strength that made Arthur¡¯s face soften into a genuine smile.


    ¡°Of course,¡± he replied, his tone steady. ¡°I¡¯ve got your back, Alice.¡±


    And in that moment, the two of them knew: they would face whatever came next together, united in their determination to help Lily.

 Chapter 13: We鈥檒l cover the storm for you.

    Several days had passed since that day. Alice and Arthur did their best to find Lily, taking walks around the village multiple times a day, hoping to run into her by chance. But no matter how long they searched, there was no trace of her.


    Alice''s distress was evident. Dark circles clung beneath her swollen eyes, a clear sign of restless nights spent worrying. Arthur noticed¡ªhow could he not? Her once bright expression had dulled, her movements sluggish as exhaustion weighed on her.


    That evening, as she prepared dinner, an uneasy silence filled the room. The atmosphere was thick, heavy enough that neither of them dared to break it. Arthur leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching her. His frown deepened as his lips pressed into a tight line, brows knitting together. He could see it¡ªshe was slowly deteriorating, the weight of her concern for Lily eating away at her.


    With a heavy sigh, he finally spoke, his voice cutting through the suffocating quiet. "Do you want me to help you?"


    Alice paused, turning to him with a small, weary smile. "Just for tonight¡­ help me."


    Her tone was soft, but Arthur could hear the sadness laced within it. He held her gaze for a moment before offering a faint smile of his own. Without another word, he stepped forward, helping her prepare dinner, he found an unexpected warmth spreading through his chest. Standing beside her, this woman who had slowly begun to light up his world¡ªit was almost like he could feel the shift inside him, bit by bit. His gaze dropped to the knife in his hand, his grip tightening just a little. He stared at the sharp edge, watching it reflect the dim light, his fingers trembling slightly. He hesitated for a moment, testing the pull of his past¡ªthe familiar surge of fear. His breath hitched. But this time, when he reached for it, his hand didn¡¯t flinch. He closed his eyes and exhaled slowly, focusing on the stillness in his chest. When he opened them again, the knife was in his grip, steady and unthreatening. A soft smile curled at the corners of his lips.


    Alice, standing next to him, caught the subtle change. She noticed the way he was smiling, something different in his expression¡ªa smile she had never seen before. Her eyes widened in surprise.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± she asked, her brow furrowing slightly, her curiosity sparking.


    He shook his head gently, the smile still playing on his lips. ¡°I guess I¡¯ve changed. And the reason for that... has been you all along.¡± He paused, then lifted his gaze, meeting hers. His eyes were steady, unwavering, locking onto hers with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat. The warmth in his voice softened the moment, his gratitude clear in every word.


    ¡°Thank you, Alice,¡± he said, his tone low and sincere.


    Alice blinked in shock for a moment. She hadn¡¯t expected such a shift, such vulnerability from him. But, seeing the honesty in his eyes, the smile on his face, she couldn¡¯t help but feel a warmth of her own.


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome,¡± she replied, her voice light and full of a gentle enthusiasm. A smile spread across her face, matching his, as she felt a quiet but undeniable connection between them.


    Slowly but surely, he is making progress in confronting his emotions. Even if it¡¯s a small step, he feels grateful. After eating dinner, the tense atmosphere dissipates, replaced by a warmth they have longed for. They start to converse, one topic leading to another, until Arthur begins to open up about his traumatic past. He talks about how the special government took him as a child, trained him to become a weapon, and how he managed to survive the battlefield alone.


    Setting aside the icy stone in his heart, he tells her everything he has endured. Though it is a painful topic, they manage to smile through it. Their wide smiles brighten the room, making the air feel fresher than ever before.


    Suddenly, despite the late hour, a knock echoes at the door. It isn¡¯t just one knock but several, rapid and insistent. Arthur stands, his senses sharpening as he prepares for whatever might be on the other side. Alice follows him quietly, staying close in case he needs her. If something happens to him, she is ready to back him up.


    Arthur grips the handle and slowly opens the door. His eyes widen, his mouth falling slightly open as his shoulders stiffen. Standing there is the girl they¡¯ve been trying to find.


    Panting heavily, her face pale as a ghost, tears stream down her cheeks. Her small hands tremble visibly.


    ¡°P-P-Please h-help me f-find my mother!¡± she stammers, her voice breaking with worry. Her desperation is palpable¡ªshe doesn¡¯t know what to do.


    From inside, Alice catches sight of her and gasps in surprise. She rushes over, her heart sinking at the sight of the girl¡¯s tear-streaked face. Alice¡¯s expression stiffens as she kneels down, the sight of Lily¡¯s broken state unbearable.


    Gently, Alice cups Lily¡¯s cheek and asks, ¡°W-What¡¯s wrong, Lily?¡± Her voice is soft, tinged with concern.


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    ¡°M-My mother i-is missing. P-please help me find h-her!¡± Lily cries, her sobs shaking her frail body.


    Alice and Arthur exchange a glance, their unspoken agreement passing in silence. Alice takes Lily¡¯s trembling hands in hers, her grip firm yet gentle.


    ¡°Can you tell us the details first?¡± Alice suggests kindly. ¡°Can you come inside for a little while?¡±


    Lily hesitates, her emotions scattered into pieces. But finally, she nods. Her fragile frame seems to collapse further as she steps inside, the weight of her distress following her.


    Arthur and Lily sat at the table while Alice fetched a glass of water for Lily. ¡°Did you eat already, Lily?¡± Alice asked, her voice soft but tinged with worry. She frowned slightly as she handed Lily the glass.


    Lily shook her head, her lips pressing into a tight line. ¡°I have no time to eat. I need to find Mama as soon as possible,¡± she said, her voice trembling with urgency. Her fists clenched tightly, knuckles turning white.


    Arthur watched her closely, his gaze sharp yet calm as he studied her behavior. He exhaled slowly, a soft sigh escaping his lips, and let the weight in his chest settle before speaking. ¡°Lily,¡± he said, his tone steady but kind. His features softened, his eyes easing into a quiet concern, and the faint curve of a reassuring smile played at his lips. ¡°Can you tell us what¡¯s going on?¡±


    Lily glanced at him, her eyes filled with hesitation before she looked down, her hands trembling in her lap. The air around her seemed heavy, suffocating. ¡°After I got home from work, I went to check on her in her room,¡± she began, her voice low and unsteady. ¡°But she wasn¡¯t there.¡±


    She paused, swallowing hard to keep from breaking down. Arthur nodded gently, leaning forward slightly. ¡°Maybe she went out to buy something?¡± he suggested, his voice calm as he rested his hand on the table.


    Lily¡¯s eyes widened in shock, and she clasped her hands tightly. ¡°She can¡¯t leave on her own,¡± she said, her voice firm. Her expression grew sharp, her eyes narrowing with intensity. Arthur felt the tension rising around her, but he remained composed.


    ¡°I see,¡± he said quietly, nodding as he considered her words. ¡°Then, first and foremost, do you know where she might usually go?¡± He gestured subtly with his hands. ¡°She might be there.¡±


    Lily shook her head, her face shadowed with frustration. ¡°I know nothing about my mother. Not a single thing. After Papa¡ª¡± She stopped herself, shaking her head quickly as if trying to push the thought away. ¡°After Father died, she isolated herself completely from the world.¡±


    She sighed heavily, her shoulders sinking under the weight of her words. Arthur leaned his elbow on the table, his expression growing serious. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to ask, but how did your father die?¡±


    Lily hesitated, startled by his question, but when she looked at him, she saw he was serious. Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply, trying to steady herself. When she opened them again, sadness filled her gaze. ¡°He died in the war a year ago,¡± she said, her voice laden with sorrow.


    Arthur and Alice exchanged a look, their eyes widening in shock. Lily bit her lip, her hands trembling as she continued. ¡°He promised Mama he would come back, but when the war ended, he never returned. She waited for days¡ªweeks¡ªbut then the letter came. The letter said he¡¯d died.¡± Her voice broke as tears spilled down her cheeks. ¡°After that, she became a different person. She wanted to end it all.¡±


    Arthur¡¯s eyes softened as he listened. He could see the depth of her pain, how she had carried the burden alone for so long. ¡°I see. That¡¯s why you tied her up¡ªto stop her,¡± he said softly, his tone steady but weighted with understanding.


    Lily¡¯s head snapped up, surprised by what he said, her eyes wide with fury. She slammed her hands on the table, her voice rising. ¡°You, trespassed in my house!¡± she paused. ¡°How dare you!?¡± she bellowed, her anger spilling over.


    Arthur met her gaze, unflinching. ¡°I knocked several times, but no one answered. The door was unlocked,¡± he explained, his tone resolute. ¡°When I entered, I saw something I wasn¡¯t supposed to see. I¡¯m sorry.¡± Arthur¡¯s expression hardened slightly, though his voice remained calm and firm. ¡°I understand you were trying to protect her,¡± he said, his eyes locking with Lily¡¯s, trying to convey that he didn¡¯t doubt her intentions. ¡°But binding your mother like that¡ªit¡¯s not the way to help her. It could hurt her even more, and you might face consequences you didn¡¯t anticipate.¡± He paused and then continued. ¡°I know you''re desperate to try to help your mother but sometimes the right choice isn''t always the easiest one.¡±


    His words struck her like a blow. Her face twisted with rage and pain, and before she knew it, she grabbed his collar. ¡°How can you know?!¡± she shouted, her voice cracking. ¡°How can you understand the pain I¡¯ve been through because of that cursed war?! At the age of 11, I had to act like an adult just to survive! I worked three jobs... three jobs a day to sustain our daily needs! Our daily needs!, throwing away my dignity, letting people treat me like dirt!¡±


    Her breathing grew ragged, and tears streamed freely down her face. Her grip on his collar loosened as her shoulders began to shake. ¡°And still, my mother neglected me! She abandoned her duty as a parent, yet here I am, trying the best I can to hold on, trying the best I can to make her live, but¡ª¡± She grabbed his collar with her other hand, but this time it was gentle. ¡°This is too much for me to handle. I¡¯m still a child... a child who barely knows how the world works.¡± Her sobs grew louder, the heavy emotions she had been carrying finally escaping. She cried, letting out the pain that had weighed on her heart for so long. She finally let it all go.


    Her cries filled the room, a year of pain pouring out all at once. The air became heavy, thick with her sorrow, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still. Arthur and Alice exchanged glances, their faces serious, caught in the weight of what Lily had just unleashed. Neither of them moved right away.


    The silence between them stretched on, a quiet understanding in their shared hesitation.


    Finally, Alice took a step forward. She knelt beside Lily, her movements slow, deliberate. She wrapped her arms around the girl gently, as if afraid the act itself might break something fragile. ¡°We¡¯re here now, Lily,¡± she whispered, her voice soft, yet firm. ¡°You¡¯re not alone anymore.¡±


    Arthur reached out, patting Lily¡¯s head softly as he joined the embrace. ¡°¡°You¡¯ve finally spoken it out loud. You¡¯ve carried this weight long enough. It¡¯s time for us to share your burden,¡± he said, his voice earnest and steady.


    Lily clung to them, her sobs wracking her body as she released the pain she had carried for so long. For the first time, the weight on her heart began to lift.

 Chapter 14: The scent of the dandelion reminds me of you.

    The moon cast its gentle glow over the landscape, its silver light dancing across the endless field of dandelions, their soft heads swaying in the cool night breeze. Fireflies flitted from dandelion to dandelion, their delicate luminescence making the area brighter and more enchanting. In the center of the field stood a woman, her long black hair flowing like a dark river in the wind. Her pale skin, illuminated by the moonlight, appeared almost translucent, as if she were a figure from a dream. She sighed, her hands reaching out toward the empty space before her, as though yearning for something forever out of reach.


    ¡°Dear, I''m here. To where we first met. To where our romance started. Where are you?!¡± Her voice, low and trembling, cracked with emotion, each word heavy with pain and longing.


    After they were done with everything, they started to search for Lily¡¯s mother, splitting up to cover more ground. Arthur headed north toward the edge of the village. Alice went south, weaving through narrow streets and alleys, while Lily returned home to check if her mother had returned.


    When Lily arrived, the silence of the house greeted her, cold and heavy. There was no sign of her mother¡¯s presence. Frustration burned within her as she clenched her fists, her nails biting into her palms, and bit her lip hard enough to draw blood. Determined, she began scouring the house for clues, her heart pounding with a mix of hope and despair.


    The house was dark, shadows stretching ominously across the walls. Lighting a candle, her gaze fell on a picture frame resting on the corner of a table. Her breath hitched as she picked it up, the faint flicker of the candlelight reflecting off the glass. It was a photograph of her parents. Her mother¡¯s radiant smile seemed to shine through time, and Lily¡¯s fingers trembled as she brushed them over the image.


    It had been years since she had seen her mother smile like that¡ªgraceful, full of life. Her silky, smooth black hair glowed in the light, framing her face with elegance. A tear slid down Lily¡¯s cheek as she traced the contours of her mother¡¯s face with her fingertips.


    ¡°Mom, where are you?¡± she whispered, her voice breaking. More tears followed, falling onto the frame as her shoulders trembled.


    As she examined the picture more closely, her eyes widened. The background seemed familiar, sparking a memory she had long buried. Her mind raced back to her childhood, to her father¡¯s soothing voice and the words he had spoken to her.


    ¡°You know, Lily, your mom and I often went to that place,¡± her father had said, his voice filled with warmth as he gently patted her head. ¡°When we fought, when the days were hard, or when we wanted to remind each other of our love¡ªthat¡¯s where we went.¡±


    Little Lily¡¯s eyes sparkled with curiosity as she tilted her head and asked, ¡°Where is that place, Papa?¡± Her voice was bright, her dimples showing as she smiled.


    He chuckled softly, a loving smile tugging at his lips. ¡°It¡¯s a field of dandelions. At night, the moonlight bathes the field, and fireflies light up the air. It¡¯s beautiful there. The place is in the


    The memory snapped Lily back to the present. Her heart raced as she clutched the frame tightly to her chest. Without hesitation, she bolted out of the house, her feet pounding against the ground as she ran. Tears streaked down her face, falling like rain as she cried out into the night.


    ¡°MOM!! I¡¯M SORRY!! PLEASE WAIT FOR ME THERE! I¡¯M COMING!¡± Her desperate voice echoed through the quiet streets, filled with sorrow and determination.


    Meanwhile, Alice was tirelessly searching the southern part of the village. Her breaths came in sharp gasps, her chest tight as though a fire burned within her. Sweat slicked her brow, and her legs felt like lead, but she refused to stop.


    Her heart raced, faster and faster, until a metallic taste filled her mouth. A sudden burst of blood choked her, and she dropped to her knees, coughing violently. Crimson splattered the ground as she struggled to steady herself, her trembling hands pressing against the cool earth.


    ¡°Why¡­ why now?¡± she gasped, her voice barely audible. She leaned against the rough wall behind her, her vision swimming. The world spun, her surroundings blurring into indistinct shapes.


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    But Alice forced herself to her feet, her resolve stronger than the pain. She wiped the blood from her lips with her sleeve and took one shaky step forward, then another. Her legs trembled beneath her, threatening to give way, but she clenched her teeth and kept moving.


    ¡°I can¡¯t stop now¡­ I promised to help,¡± she whispered hoarsely. But no amount of willpower could carry her exhausted body. Her knees buckled, and she collapsed onto the cold, unforgiving ground. Darkness consumed her as her strength gave out.


    Arthur, on his way back, saw a figure lying on the ground. His breath caught, and his heart thundered in his chest as the faint moonlight glinted off her hair¡ªit looked like Alice¡¯s.


    ¡°Alice?¡± he murmured, his voice tinged with fear.


    As he drew closer, dread clawed at him. It was Alice. Her body lay motionless, and a dark stain on her lips gleamed under the pale light. Panic surged through him as he rushed to her side.


    ¡°A-Alice!¡± he stammered, dropping to his knees. ¡°W-What¡¯s going on?! Alice, wake up!¡±


    She didn¡¯t respond. Arthur¡¯s hands trembled as he gently lifted her, cradling her limp form against his chest. His heart pounded wildly as he noticed the blood on her mouth.


    ¡°No¡­ no, this can¡¯t be happening,¡± he whispered, his voice cracking. Despite his fear, he carried her in his arms, his legs moving on instinct.


    ¡°Hold on, Alice. We¡¯ll get to the clinic. You¡¯ll be okay,¡± he said, his voice trembling with worry as he sprinted through the night.


    In the stillness of the night, the stars sparkled brightly, their light reflecting like scattered diamonds on the river''s surface. The moon cast a gentle glow over the land, illuminating the darkness with its silver embrace. Lily finally arrived at her destination, her heart pounding as she took in the scene before her. There, amidst the field of dandelions, was a figure¡ªa woman moving with the wind. Her long black hair shimmered like silk under the moonlight, swaying in harmony with the breeze.


    The fireflies danced around her, their soft glow adding a surreal beauty to the scene. Lily stood frozen, mesmerized by the ethereal sight. But the awe in her heart was tinged with sorrow, a heaviness that brought tears to her eyes. Her mother was dancing, her movements graceful and free, a serene smile lighting up her face. She looked like a spirit released from the chains of pain and despair, her joy seemingly untainted.


    As her mother danced, she caught sight of Lily standing in the distance. Her eyes sparkled with recognition, her smile deepening as memories washed over her¡ªthe echoes of the place where she and her husband had first met. Yet, she could also see the sadness in Lily''s expression. Still, she continued to dance, her movements unbroken.


    ¡°MOM!¡± Lily cried, her voice tearing through the quiet beauty of the night. Her shout echoed, filling the field of dandelions. The woman stopped and turned to face her daughter, her gaze tender but full of unspoken pain. Without hesitation, Lily ran through the sea of dandelions, her steps driven by desperation and love. She reached her mother and threw her arms around her, clinging to her as though she might disappear.


    Her mother returned the embrace, her touch warm and gentle, offering a comfort Lily hadn¡¯t felt in a long time. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mom,¡± Lily whispered, her voice trembling. Her words cracked, thick with emotion. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for locking you away. For tying you up and isolating you from the world.¡±


    Her mother shook her head, her disagreement clear as tears welled in her eyes. ¡°You did what you thought was best. You kept me safe when I couldn¡¯t do it myself,¡± she said softly, her voice filled with guilt. ¡°I should be the one apologizing. I abandoned my role as a mother. I left you all alone in this cruel world. I¡¯m so sorry, Lily.¡± She tightened her embrace, holding her daughter as if to shield her from all the pain she¡¯d endured.


    ¡°But,¡± her mother continued, her voice breaking, ¡°I can¡¯t stay here. I want to be with your father. I need to be with him. Without him, this world has no meaning for me.¡± Her hands trembled as tears spilled freely down her face.


    Lily felt the weight of her mother¡¯s loneliness, the gaping void her father¡¯s death had left behind. She imagined her mother¡¯s grief like an endless, dark ocean, dragging her deeper into its cold embrace. Lily''s voice wavered, but her resolve burned bright in her eyes as she looked up at her mother. ¡°Take me with you,¡± she said firmly. ¡°I can¡¯t bear this world without you either. Please, Mom.¡± Each word carried the raw, unfiltered desperation of her heart.


    Her mother¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. She pressed her trembling lips together, her hesitation plain. ¡°It¡¯s going to be painful,¡± she murmured, her voice a fragile blend of anguish and love. ¡°Can you bear it?¡±


    Lily buried her face in her mother¡¯s chest, her arms tightening around her. ¡°I don¡¯t care,¡± she replied, her voice quiet but unwavering. ¡°As long as I¡¯m with you, nothing else matters.¡±


    A gentle smile spread across her mother¡¯s face. Her tear-streaked eyes glimmered, like stars piercing the darkest night. ¡°I see,¡± she said, her voice soft with acceptance. ¡°Then let¡¯s go.¡±


    Hand in hand, they began walking into the expanding mist that enveloped the field. Slowly, their figures grew faint, fading into the silvery haze until they disappeared completely. No trace of them remained, their existence erased from the world.


    Yet, in that final act, they found happiness. Together, they left behind the suffering, anxiety, and despair that had bound them. They were not just two souls intertwined by fate, but a family, united at last.

 Chapter 15: You will know the deepest secret I鈥檇 kept.

    Two weeks had passed since that night. The world around them had returned to its usual rhythm, the routine of daily life almost mocking the ache that lingered beneath the surface. Yet, for Alice, nothing felt normal. She never got the chance to see Lily again. The memory of that night¡ªthe one where Lily and her mother vanished¡ªhaunted her every waking moment.


    Alice had never imagined such a loss, especially not after everything they''d been through. She couldn''t help but blame herself. If she had been there¡ªif she hadn''t been so consumed by her own struggles¡ªmaybe, just maybe, Lily wouldn''t have disappeared into the night. Her heart ached with the thought that, had she been able to stop them, perhaps this torment wouldn''t be her reality.


    But now, she had to face the truth: the void they left behind could never be filled, and it was her fault they¡¯d slipped away. Yet that was not the only problem she had to face. Arthur discovered something crucial¡ªsomething that she had kept hidden from everyone else. She was carrying a deadly disease that could end her life if she wasn¡¯t careful. When Arthur brought her to the clinic, the doctor examined her condition, and that was when they found out she had leukemia. After knowing she had leukemia, she wasn¡¯t surprised all along because she already knew she had that disease with her in the first place.


    In the middle of the afternoon, Alice stood at the kitchen counter, washing vegetables and preparing meat for lunch. Yet, her body betrayed her. Her breaths came in shallow gasps, and her once steady hands trembled as they struggled to hold the knife. The effort felt monumental, her vision blurring as she fought to maintain focus. Despite having moved for only a few minutes, exhaustion drained her, sapping the strength she had once taken for granted.


    But she pushed herself, forcing her body to comply. This simple act of cooking, something she had always excelled at, now felt like an insurmountable task slipping further and further from her grasp. The air inside the house grew thick, pressing against her chest, making it harder to breathe.


    The door creaked open, and Arthur stepped inside, his arms laden with a pile of medicines from the clinic. He paused in the doorway, his eyes immediately catching the paleness of her face and the forced brightness of her smile.


    ¡°Welcome back, Arthur!¡± she said, her voice light but strained with effort.


    He frowned, biting his lip to hold back the wave of worry that threatened to surface. Forcing a smile, he replied, ¡°I¡¯m home.¡±


    Without hesitation, he strode to her side. Gently, he placed a hand at her waist to steady her and covered her trembling hand with his. His gaze locked onto hers, intense and filled with concern.


    Her eyes widened at the sudden intimacy. He had not done this to her like this in months, and the proximity left her flustered. A faint blush warmed her pale cheeks.


    ¡°Let me handle this. You need to rest,¡± he said, his voice calm but edged with unmistakable worry.


    She shook her head, a determined yet fragile smile on her lips. ¡°It¡¯s my job to cook for you, isn¡¯t it?¡± she replied softly, easing her hand from his grip to resume slicing the vegetables.


    But Arthur wasn¡¯t having it. He caught her hand again, stilling her movements. ¡°Now is not the time for that. You¡¯re pushing yourself too hard,¡± he said, his hand trembling slightly as his gaze bore into hers.


    Her expression faltered, her eyes lowering slightly as she whispered, ¡°Am I not needed anymore?¡±


    Her words cut through the room like a blade, the tension thickening in an instant. Arthur¡¯s eyes widened, his breath hitching as disbelief washed over him. His lips pressed into a tight line before he stepped closer, resting his forehead against her shoulder. His arms wrapped around her in a desperate embrace.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that,¡± he murmured, his voice low and trembling. ¡°It hurts me when you think that way.¡± He paused, tightening his hold as if afraid she might slip away. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to go somewhere I can¡¯t follow. Somewhere I can¡¯t reach you.¡±


    Alice blinked, her heart squeezing at the raw emotion in his voice. Slowly, she raised a hand to his head, brushing her fingers through his hair. She pressed a soft kiss to the crown of his head and whispered, ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere. I¡¯ll stay with you for as long as I can.¡±


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    Her voice was steady, filled with warmth and sincerity, and Arthur seemed to ease, though the tension in his body didn¡¯t fully dissipate.


    Later, Alice sat on the sofa, her legs tucked beneath her as she watched Arthur bustling around the kitchen. The clatter of pots and the sizzle of food filled the space, but it felt surreal. Their roles had reversed, and she couldn¡¯t help but smile faintly at the sight.


    It was a strange but comforting moment¡ªa small pocket of normalcy amidst the storm that loomed over them both.


    When they finished eating lunch, Alice noticed Arthur¡¯s gaze lingering on her, intense and thoughtful. She could feel his curiosity, sharp and probing, like a thread winding through her. Though he didn¡¯t say a word, the question was written in his furrowed brow, in the way he sat straighter than usual.


    She set down her cup, meeting his gaze with her own¡ªa flicker of light danced in her tired eyes. ¡°Are you wondering about my past, Arthur?¡± she asked softly, her voice steady but tinged with an unspoken weight.


    Arthur¡¯s expression shifted. He hesitated, lowering his eyes and pressing his lips together, his hands clasped tightly on the table. ¡°If it¡¯s not hard for you to share, I¡¯ll listen,¡± he said, his voice measured but uneven. ¡°But if it hurts you... you don¡¯t have to.¡±


    Alice studied him for a moment. His words were kind, but the stiffness in his jaw betrayed his true feelings. She let out a faint smile, one that barely reached her lips. ¡°Do you remember why the war between the great nations started?¡±


    Arthur blinked, surprised by the sudden shift in the conversation. He nodded, though his curiosity deepened.


    Alice clasped her hands in her lap, her expression darkening. ¡°It happened so quickly,¡± she began, her voice distant, as though the memory came from another life. ¡°The sky was clear that day, a perfect shade of blue. My younger siblings were laughing, chasing each other through the fields, their voices like music. The scent of wildflowers filled the air. For a moment, it felt like the world couldn¡¯t be more perfect.¡±


    She paused, her gaze dropping to the table. ¡°And then, it changed. The explosion... it was blinding. A massive atomic bomb hit near our house. The shockwave obliterated everything.¡± Her voice faltered, trembling as the words fought their way out. ¡°My parents were gone in an instant. My siblings¡ª¡± She stopped, biting her lip hard enough. ¡°They didn¡¯t survive either, they were blown away by it. The house was gone. My family... gone. The fire started to claw from house to house.¡±


    Arthur¡¯s hands tightened into fists, his knuckles white. He wanted to speak, to tell her she didn¡¯t need to continue, but the words stuck in his throat.


    Alice took a trembling breath, forcing herself to go on. ¡°Foreign soldiers came next, their faces obscured by the mist. They raided what was left of my country, turning it into a battlefield. Smoke and blood filled the air, and my people¡ªmy friends and neighbors¡ªdied without mercy. It was as if hell itself had descended upon the earth.¡±


    Arthur¡¯s eyes widened, his expression frozen in disbelief.


    ¡°Hatred burned in my heart,¡± Alice admitted, her voice hardening. ¡°I couldn¡¯t just stand by and do nothing. I volunteered to help our soldiers, to fight in any way I could. Years passed, but no matter what we did, the enemy always had the upper hand. They dropped another atomic bomb on our military base, and everything was destroyed in an instant.¡±


    She stopped, her breath catching as her hands trembled in her lap. ¡°The ashes, the smoke... It covered everything. There was no escape from it. I remember breathing it in, choking on it, trying to survive. I kept going until one day, I collapsed. When I woke up, the doctor told me...¡± Her voice cracked, but she forced herself to continue. ¡°He told me I had leukemia. From the radiation. From the smoke. From surviving not one, but two bombs. My body couldn¡¯t take it anymore.¡±


    Arthur¡¯s lips parted, but no sound came out. His hands gripped the table¡¯s edge, his knuckles trembling.


    Alice wiped away a single tear that escaped her eye, her voice softening. ¡°That was when I realized... all I had ever seen was cruelty. Pain. The worst of humanity. So I made a choice. If my time was limited, I wouldn¡¯t spend it consumed by hatred. I would try to see the beauty in the world instead.¡±


    She looked at him then, a genuine smile spreading across her face, warm and radiant. ¡°And I did. I saw people laughing, smiling, helping one another. I realized how beautiful this world could be, despite everything.¡±


    Arthur¡¯s expression softened, the heaviness in his eyes lifting as he watched her. Her smile was contagious, and for the first time in what felt like forever, he smiled back. ¡°That sounds just like you,¡± he said, his voice low but warm, carrying a quiet admiration that lingered in the air between them.


    After Alice fell asleep on the sofa, Arthur frowned deeply, his gaze fixed on her pale face. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees and his face in his hands, as if in silent prayer.


    "I''m sorry, Alice," he whispered, his voice trembling. "I was the one who ordered the bombing of your country. And I was the one who led the soldiers who raided it."


    His words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. His hands shook as he clenched them together, tears slipping silently down his cheeks. He made sure his sobs were quiet, careful not to disturb her rest. The guilt inside him clawed at his chest, growing with every passing second.

 Chapter 16: Hope within Reach.

    Arthur sat in the quiet of his secret room, dialing the number to headquarters. The silence around him was thick, oppressive even, as he gripped the edge of the table tightly, a deep frown etched on his face.


    ¡°Ring... ring...¡± A calm, respectful voice finally answered on the other end. ¡°This is one of the telephone operators from headquarters. May I have your name and the reason for your call, soldier?¡±


    ¡°This is Colonel Arthur. I repeat, this is Colonel Arthur,¡± he replied, his voice carrying an air of authority.


    The soldier on the other end sounded surprised. ¡°Good evening, Colonel Arthur. How may I assist you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m facing a dilemma,¡± Arthur said, his tone steady but tinged with urgency. ¡°A close acquaintance of mine is in the terminal stage of leukemia. She needs treatment immediately. Given the resources and intelligence at the headquarters, I¡¯m ordering you to find a hospital capable of treating this disease.¡±


    The soldier¡¯s voice became even more respectful. ¡°Yes, sir. I¡¯ll begin searching immediately. Please give me a moment to consult our facilities.¡±


    The call ended, and Arthur leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the ceiling. The weight of his thoughts grew heavier with each passing second. His lips pressed together tightly as he gripped the chair with white-knuckled intensity. The air around him seemed to thicken, charged with guilt, frustration, and an all-consuming sense of helplessness.


    He closed his eyes, a shaky breath escaping his lips as he hid his face in his hands. ¡°The war ended a year ago, but the aftermath still lingers, infecting everything I touch. How much more suffering must I endure to see peace? Just when I finally start to feel something again, it all becomes too much to bear.¡±


    Just as the weight of his thoughts threatened to pull him under, the phone rang, snapping him out of his reverie. He answered it immediately, eager, almost desperate.


    ¡°Good evening, Colonel Arthur,¡± the soldier¡¯s voice came through, steady but with an underlying respect. ¡°As you requested, I¡¯ve located a hospital with a potential to cure leukemia. However, the costs are quite high. Would you still consider it?¡±


    Arthur¡¯s heart skipped a beat. The sliver of hope he¡¯d been clinging to was within his reach. His eyes, once clouded with sadness, now flickered with a spark of joy.


    ¡°Yes, tell me everything,¡± Arthur said urgently. ¡°The location, the transportation costs, the monthly expenses... all of it. I need to know how much it will take to cure her disease.¡± His voice tightened with a mix of desperation and resolve. The thought of losing Alice was unbearable, and now, with hope before him, he couldn¡¯t afford to let it slip away.


    ¡°Understood,¡± the soldier replied, his voice low but filled with determination. ¡°Please take note. It¡¯s going to be a long list.¡±


    Arthur¡¯s fingers tightened around the phone as he prepared to write down every detail. ¡°Thank you, soldier,¡± he said, his voice softening, gratitude seeping through. It was a small gesture, but it meant everything. He was one step closer to saving her.


    In a field of blooming flowers, a figure of a woman stood, mesmerized by the beauty around her. Her white hair swirled gently in the wind as her eyes took in the scene. A wave of nostalgia washed over her, and the sight of the flowers brought her back to a time long past. It was the same field where her younger siblings used to play. Suddenly, a voice broke through the stillness.


    ¡°Sister, have you ever seen flowers blooming simultaneously?¡± The voice was childlike, full of energy and joy. It was so familiar to her.


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    She turned towards the voice, her heart skipping a beat. Standing there with a wide smile was her younger brother. "It¡¯s been a while, Sis!" he exclaimed.


    Her breath caught in her throat, and she took a hesitant step forward. "Am I... in heaven now?" she whispered, her voice trembling. A smile tugged at her lips as she looked at him, but it was tinged with sadness.


    He shook his head, his smile unwavering. "No, you''re in your dreams. It¡¯s not time for you to die yet," he said, his voice dropping in weight.


    She was caught off guard by his words, a sense of confusion flooding her. ¡°What do you mean by flowers blooming simultaneously?¡± she asked, her gaze fixed on the vibrant blossoms around them. She reached out, gently brushing the petals with her fingertips.


    He smiled warmly, his expression bittersweet. "You¡¯ll know soon. This is the last time we¡¯ll see each other. I''ll pray for your health and happiness, Sis."


    Before she could respond, the world around her began to blur, her brother¡¯s figure slowly fading. She smiled through the tears that welled in her eyes. ¡°Wait for me... I¡¯ll come soon.¡± Her voice was soft but full of meaning¡ªan unspoken promise.


    His voice echoed back, firm yet gentle. "Don''t come here too soon. Live your life to the fullest. It¡¯s not your time yet."


    His words were vivid in her mind, but she didn¡¯t fully understand the meaning of it. She knew, deep down, that death was drawing near. As she woke up, her heart still heavy, she found herself staring at Arthur, who had fallen asleep in the chair beside her bed.


    Her eyes widened in surprise, and a faint smile crossed her face as she gently sighed, careful not to disturb him.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± His voice was gentle but laced with concern. She hadn¡¯t meant to wake him, but her ragged breathing had done so anyway.


    Her gaze softened. "Yes... and it''s all thanks to you," she replied, placing her hand over his as she closed her eyes, seeking comfort in his presence.


    Arthur pressed his lips together slightly, his face tight with worry. "I have something to say... can you hear me out?" he asked, his tone steady but betraying an underlying urgency.


    Alice opened her eyes, curiosity flickering within them. "What is it? I''m all ears," she responded, her voice full of warmth.


    Arthur hesitated, his next words coming out in a rush. "I found a hospital that might be able to cure your disease. It''s far from here, but we can go... We can get you the treatment you need."


    Her eyes widened, surprise overtaking her features. "I don¡¯t have the money for that, Arthur." Her voice dropped, the weight of the reality settling in.


    He shook his head, the desperation in his eyes palpable. "I¡¯ll pay for it. I suggested it because I want you to live. I can¡¯t just stand by and let you go without fighting for you."


    Her chest tightened, and she shook her head again. "You''ve already done so much for me... I can¡¯t just accept without finding a way to repay you."


    Arthur clenched his fists, frustration overtaking him. "That should be my line," he muttered, gripping his shirt near his heart. His voice lowered with intensity. "The reason I want you to live is because, for the first time, I can feel something. It¡¯s all because of you. And now, knowing you''re in danger... what do you expect me to do, Alice? Pretend it¡¯s okay?"


    His voice cracked, and she could see the turmoil inside him. "No... No way I can just sit here and watch you slip away. What¡¯s the point of getting my emotions back if you''re going somewhere I can¡¯t reach?" His tears welled up, his words raw with emotion. "I¡¯d rather die with you than live alone again."


    Alice¡¯s heart shattered at his words. She didn¡¯t expect this¡ªdidn¡¯t know how to handle it. Tears welled in her eyes as she reached out to him. "I understand... but please... don¡¯t say that. It hurts me more than you know."


    Arthur immediately took her hand and pressed it to his cheek, closing his eyes as he let out a shaky breath. "I don¡¯t care about the cost. But if you care, then when you¡¯re cured, stay with me. Stay until our hair turns grey, and our vision fades. Stay until the very end of our lives."


    His words were so genuine, so full of emotion, that Alice couldn¡¯t help but feel the sincerity in his voice. Her eyes widened in shock. "Are you proposing to me?" she whispered, her voice full of surprise.


    Arthur¡¯s eyes widened too, but a soft smile spread across his face. "Yes," he said simply, his tone full of warmth and love.


    A faint blush crept up Alice¡¯s pale face, and her heart raced. She had never expected this moment, yet here it was, and it was more than she could ever have dreamed of. She took a deep breath and smiled, a radiant glow returning to her eyes. "If you¡¯re okay with me... then I¡¯m glad to be with you."


    Arthur smiled back, his heart full of hope. "You''re more than enough for me, Alice. You always have been, and always will be." He gently leaned in, and their lips met in a tender kiss, the warmth of their love filling the room, making the world outside feel a little less cold.

 Chapter 17: The road of hope..

    The sound of the train''s arrival echoed through the bustling station. Arthur¡¯s hand gripped the handle of the rolling suitcase, its small wheels humming softly against the tiled floor. His other hand firmly held Alice¡¯s, guiding her along while subtly supporting her unsteady steps. Her pale face was shaded by the wide brim of a floppy hat, shielding her from the harsh sunlight streaming through the station windows.


    Arthur¡¯s gaze lingered on her, a mix of concern and tenderness etched onto his face. ¡°Are you okay?¡± he asked, his voice low, yet heavy with care.


    Alice nodded, a soft smile gracing her lips. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m fine. And you?¡± Her voice carried a lightness, as if attempting to ease his worries.


    He smiled faintly, though his eyes betrayed him. ¡°I¡¯m okay. Just¡­ let me know if you need anything, alright? I¡¯m worried about you.¡±


    Alice chuckled, the sound warm and teasing. ¡°You worry too much, Arthur.¡±


    He stopped in his tracks, his frown softening into a knowing smile. Leaning closer, he kissed her cheek gently. ¡°How could I not? You look like you¡¯re about to break. You¡¯re gasping for air, and your fingers are trembling.¡± His voice lowered, thick with concern.


    Alice cupped his cheek, her eyes shimmering like starlight in the night sky. ¡°You notice too much, but this is normal for me. I¡¯m fine.¡± Her tone was steady, her gaze unwavering.


    Arthur found himself captivated by her resolve, his lips curling into a soft smile. He leaned in, pressing a light kiss to her lips. ¡°If you say so,¡± he murmured, his voice tender.


    Once aboard the train, Arthur guided Alice to their room with utmost care. Without her knowing, he had booked a VIP cabin to ensure her comfort on the long journey. The room featured a spacious window that framed the passing scenery like a moving painting, a single large bed ample enough for them both, and a small en-suite bathroom with a shower.


    Alice¡¯s eyes narrowed as she surveyed the luxurious cabin. ¡°I know our destination is far, but isn¡¯t this a bit much, dear?¡± she muttered, her tone simmering with mild irritation.


    Arthur averted his gaze, a sheepish expression crossing his face. ¡°I just wanted you to be comfortable,¡± he admitted, his voice soft.


    The train roared to life, its engine¡¯s hum resonating through the cabin as it began its journey. Alice sat by the window, her eyes fixed on the world rushing past. The scenery was breathtaking: two majestic mountains intertwined on the horizon, clouds forming playful shapes in the sky, endless wheat fields swaying like a golden sea, and tranquil lakes reflecting the sunlight.


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    Arthur watched her, noting the way her expression shifted as she took in the view. There was a quiet intensity in her gaze, a faint smile playing on her lips. Her eyes, once dull from fatigue, seemed to sparkle. He couldn¡¯t look away, mesmerized by the beauty he saw¡ªnot outside the window, but in her.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Alice asked, tilting her head slightly, her smile gentle.


    Arthur shook his head, snapping out of his reverie. He rested his chin on his hand, his eyes drifting to the scenery outside. ¡°Nothing,¡± he said softly. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ such a beautiful view.¡±


    ¡°It really is,¡± she replied, her voice tinged with quiet awe.


    Days passed, the train carrying them through landscapes they had never seen before. Each moment felt like a gift, the journey worth every second. Finally, they arrived at their destination. The city stretched out before them, vibrant and alive. Automobiles zipped along the cobblestone streets, their engines blending with the lively chatter of people. Smiles were exchanged freely among strangers, and the air was filled with an energy that felt both new and welcoming. As dusk settled, street lights flickered to life, casting a golden glow over the tall buildings and bustling avenues.


    Alice¡¯s eyes widened, a spark of light igniting within them. Despite having visited many cities before, this one felt extraordinary. Her smile brightened, chasing away the pallor of her face. ¡°I¡¯ve been to many cities, but this¡­ this is the most beautiful I¡¯ve ever seen. Thank you, Arthur,¡± she said, her voice imbued with newfound energy.


    Arthur¡¯s heart swelled at her words, his own smile soft but deeply satisfied. ¡°I¡¯m glad to hear that,¡± he replied, his tone gentle.


    Arthur hailed a horse-drawn carriage to take them to the hospital. As the carriage rolled through the city, they marveled at the sights: intricate architecture, vibrant markets, and serene parks. The driver, an amiable man, glanced back at them with a welcoming smile.


    ¡°New to the city?¡± he asked, his voice warm.


    Arthur nodded. ¡°I come here occasionally, but it¡¯s my wife¡¯s first time.¡±


    Alice blinked in surprise at his words but said nothing, her smile deepening as she gently squeezed his hand. Arthur looked down at her, his initial confusion melting into a matching smile.


    He looked at her with a flicker of confusion in his eyes, but her radiant smile softened his expression, pulling a smile to his lips as well. ¡°I see,¡± he said with a warm chuckle. ¡°Then make yourself at home. This city is often called the Goddess of Health and Healing, you know.¡±


    He paused, his eyes widening as though he¡¯d just remembered something significant. ¡°Now that I think about it, your destination is the Elysium Haven Medical Institute, isn¡¯t it? Well, you¡¯ve certainly come to the right place.¡±


    With a slight nod, he extended his hand to gesture toward the towering building in the distance, its silhouette commanding the skyline. ¡°That,¡± he said, his voice filled with a hint of pride, ¡°is the Elysium Haven Medical Institute. We¡¯ll be there in just a couple of minutes.¡±


    Arthur followed the man¡¯s pointing finger, his gaze landing on the grand structure ahead. ¡°Thank you, sir,¡± he replied with genuine appreciation. He turned to Alice, her hand resting lightly on his knee, and placed his own hand over hers, his fingers sliding softly along hers in a reassuring gesture.


    Alice glanced at him, her pale cheeks faintly touched with warmth. Though she said nothing, her eyes spoke volumes, brimming with gratitude and the unspoken emotions that passed effortlessly between them. Arthur¡¯s smile deepened as he held her hand, anchoring her in a moment of quiet strength amidst the journey ahead.

 Chapter 18: Flicker of hope.

    Arthur and Alice stood before the imposing building, its sleek modern design gleaming under the bright sun. The door, massive and heavy-looking, slid open effortlessly as if responding to an unseen force, sending a wave of surprise through both of them. They exchanged a glance, eyes wide with wonder at the advanced technology the hospital seemed to boast. They stepped inside, their footsteps echoing slightly in the grand, sterile lobby.


    The place was alive with movement, patients bustling about in various stages of treatment. Nurses and doctors, moving with purpose, attended to each person with practiced efficiency. The line at the receptionist¡¯s desk was short, and the atmosphere was calm despite the steady stream of patients.


    Arthur and Alice approached the desk. The receptionist, a woman with a welcoming smile, greeted them.


    ¡°Good morning, how may I help you, sir?¡± Her voice was smooth, and the warmth in her eyes made the coldness of the room seem less harsh.


    Arthur took his card from his pocket and placed it gently on the desk. ¡°Good morning. I made an appointment for a check-up yesterday,¡± he said, his tone steady but with a hint of urgency.


    The receptionist took the card, glancing at it for a moment before looking back at him with a soft smile. ¡°Ah, Mr. Arthur. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you in person. Dr. Fye has reserved time just for you today. Her office is on the 4th floor, room 4509. She¡¯s expecting you.¡±


    Arthur nodded, relieved by the promptness. ¡°Thank you,¡± he said, his voice warm. He gave Alice¡¯s hand a reassuring squeeze, and they headed toward the elevator, the soft hum of the building¡¯s energy filling the air around them.


    As the elevator doors closed, Alice turned to him, her voice laced with surprise. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you¡¯d already made the appointment.¡±


    Arthur¡¯s eyes were focused on the floor indicator, but his voice was calm, steady, though it carried an underlying sense of determination. ¡°We need to treat your leukemia before it gets worse. We can''t afford to waste more time in lines. You¡¯ve suffered enough already.¡± He glanced at her briefly, his expression softening. ¡°I can¡¯t bear to see you like this.¡±


    Alice looked down at their intertwined hands, her pulse steady but her heart heavy. She was grateful for Arthur¡¯s concern, but part of her wondered if she deserved it. She pushed the thought away.


    When they reached the 4th floor, Arthur¡¯s grip tightened slightly as they walked toward Dr. Fye¡¯s office. His eyes darted to Alice. ¡°Are you okay?¡± His voice was low, almost a whisper, but full of concern.


    Alice forced a faint smile, her tired eyes meeting his. ¡°I¡¯m fine, Arthur. Don¡¯t worry about me,¡± she said softly, trying to sound convincing. She squeezed his hand, though it felt like an effort.


    They entered the office. Dr. Fye, an older woman with silver hair neatly tied back, looked up from the papers on her desk. Her eyes widened as she smiled warmly at them.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a while, Arthur. Seven years, I think?¡± Her voice was warm, like a hug, yet sharp with the wisdom of time.


    Arthur smiled back, his features softening with nostalgia. ¡°It really has been seven years, hasn¡¯t it, Dr. Fye? It¡¯s good to see you again.¡± He gave a small bow, more out of respect than habit.


    Her eyes crinkled in surprise as she stepped toward them. ¡°I didn¡¯t think I¡¯d see you smile like that,¡± she said, her voice gentle but curious. ¡°You¡¯ve changed, Arthur.¡±


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    Arthur looked at Alice, his hand instinctively moving to rest on her waist. ¡°This is Alice,¡± he said, his tone growing serious. ¡°She¡¯s my fianc¨¦e. She¡¯s been diagnosed with leukemia, and it¡¯s getting worse. We need your help.¡±


    Dr. Fye¡¯s eyes softened as she stepped forward, placing her hand gently on Alice¡¯s wrist. Her fingers lingered for a moment, feeling the pulse beneath Alice¡¯s skin. It was faint, weaker than it should have been. Dr. Fye pressed a bit harder, her brow furrowing as she counted the beats.


    ¡°Your pulse is weak, dear,¡± she murmured, her voice steady yet laced with concern. ¡°And your heart rate is elevated. Likely due to anemia, but we¡¯ll need to monitor it closely. How are you feeling right now?¡±


    Alice didn¡¯t meet her gaze immediately. She looked out the window, her body slumping slightly. She knew the doctor was asking for more than just a surface answer, but she didn¡¯t want to burden her any more than necessary.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Alice said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°Just... a little winded. It¡¯s nothing to worry about.¡± She shrugged slightly, though the movement was slow, like even that small action took too much energy.


    Her hand lay still beneath Dr. Fye¡¯s touch, but the tremor that ran through her fingers betrayed the calm expression she tried to hold. She didn¡¯t want to admit how exhausted she was, how the fatigue wrapped around her like a constant weight. But the doctor would see through her, she knew that. For now, she kept the smile on her face, even if it felt fragile.


    Dr. Fye¡¯s expression softened. She withdrew her hand and stepped back, her voice gentle as she spoke. ¡°You¡¯ve done well, Alice. Managing the symptoms, I mean. It¡¯s not easy, but I can see you¡¯ve been strong.¡±


    She walked to her desk and began writing something down, her movements deliberate and thoughtful. She paused, then looked at them with a level of seriousness that made the air in the room feel heavier.


    ¡°Please, have a seat,¡± she suggested, her voice still warm, though now carrying the weight of something important. ¡°We need to talk.¡±


    Arthur and Alice exchanged a brief look, uncertainty in their eyes. They sat down at the table, their hands still intertwined. The silence between them was thick with unspoken words, neither knowing what to expect.


    Dr. Fye looked at them for a moment, her eyes sharp behind her glasses. She then picked up a piece of paper, her fingers tracing over the words she¡¯d written.


    ¡°Alice, is it?¡± she asked, her gaze never leaving the paper.


    ¡°Yes, doctor,¡± Alice responded quietly, her voice barely audible.


    Dr. Fye nodded, then folded the paper and looked up at them. Her eyes held something serious, almost regretful.


    ¡°Unfortunately, with the current capabilities of this hospital¡¯s technology,¡± she began slowly, ¡°I can¡¯t say whether we¡¯ll be able to cure your leukemia.¡±


    Arthur¡¯s breath caught in his chest, and his lips trembled, but he didn¡¯t speak. He clenched his fists, fighting the rising panic in his chest.


    Before he could say anything, Dr. Fye raised her hand, stopping him. ¡°But there¡¯s a chance,¡± she continued, her voice steady and reassuring. ¡°There¡¯s one way we might be able to cure it.¡±


    Alice¡¯s heart skipped a beat, her eyes lighting up with hope.


    ¡°Please,¡± she said, almost breathless. ¡°Tell us what we need to do.¡±


    Dr. Fye handed them the piece of paper. Arthur took it gently, his fingers brushing against hers. He unfolded it, scanning the information quickly. He looked back up at her, confusion and desperation flickering in his eyes.


    ¡°This... this is a location,¡± Arthur said, his voice thick with emotion. ¡°You want us to go there?¡±


    Dr. Fye nodded, her expression softening.


    ¡°Yes. That¡¯s the address of a clinic, a place only accessible to those who carry a life-threatening disease. It¡¯s my clinic.¡± She smiled, her warmth filling the room. ¡°When I first met Arthur seven years ago, I thought he was a robot. He didn¡¯t show any pain, not even when he was wounded badly. But when he called me three days ago, I could hear it in his voice¡ªhis raw emotions. He¡¯s changed, and it¡¯s all because of you, Alice.¡± She stepped closer, her hand resting gently on Alice¡¯s. ¡°Trust me, I¡¯ll do everything I can to help you.¡±


    Alice¡¯s eyes glistened with unshed tears. She placed her other hand over Dr. Fye¡¯s, her voice trembling. ¡°Thank you for always being there for Arthur, for helping him when he needed it most. I want to live. I want to be with him. I want to have a family with him.¡± A single tear slipped down her cheek. ¡°Please cure me. I don¡¯t want to lose him.¡±


    Arthur¡¯s throat tightened, and his eyes burned with unshed tears. He could feel the weight of Alice¡¯s words, the raw emotion in the room. His hand tightened around hers, but he didn¡¯t speak. Instead, he just pressed his forehead against hers and whispered, ¡°I¡¯ll always be with you, no matter what.¡±

 Chapter 19: i will choose you over and over again.

    Arthur and Alice hadn¡¯t expected this. Moments ago, they stood in front of a huge hospital building, but now they found themselves in front of a run-down, small clinic. Arthur''s brows furrowed, his lips pressed into a thin line. ¡°W-W-We¡¯re in the right place, right?¡± he stuttered, his voice tinged with doubt.


    Alice¡¯s face hardened in disbelief. But then, she laughed softly, her pale face suddenly brightening. Her pounding heart calmed, and for a moment, everything felt right again. She turned to Arthur, her smile gentle. ¡°I like this place better.¡± She paused, taking a few steps toward the door, then stopped and glanced back at him, her expression glowing.


    ¡°It reminds me of our home.¡± A sudden gust of wind swept through the area, making her long, white hair sway like a dance in the breeze.


    Arthur stood there for a moment, mesmerized by the sight. He finally smiled back at her.


    ¡°Well, if you say that, I guess I don¡¯t have a choice but to agree.¡± They both started walking toward the door, their steps in sync. At that moment, they knew what was ahead, and they were ready. They would face whatever came their way, together, with unwavering confidence and spirit.


    After they entered the clinic, the contrast between the outside and the inside couldn''t have been more striking. The outside was weathered and torn, but inside was spotless and well-organized. Not a single patient other than them was there. Suddenly, a door opened, and a nurse in her mid-twenties stepped out, greeting them with a wide, warm smile.


    "I¡¯ve been expecting you both. Mr. Arthur, Ms. Alice," she said softly. "Dr. Fye informed me of your arrival. If you''re ready, we can begin the check-up right away." Her voice was soothing, aiming to calm the tension that lingered in the air.


    They exchanged a brief glance, a silent understanding passing between them. Alice was the first to step forward, her posture straight and eyes sharp. Her lips pressed together as she spoke, her voice steady despite the unease she felt.


    "I''m ready. Please look after me," she said, determination flashing in her gaze. The nurse''s smile softened.


    "I¡¯m Teresa," she replied, trying to ease the atmosphere. "I¡¯ll take good care of you."


    They walked down the narrow corridor, and Arthur couldn¡¯t help but notice the advanced technology in every room they passed. The clinic was small but meticulously clean, and he felt a sense of reassurance growing inside him. He took a deep breath, his earlier worry easing as he saw how professional everything looked.


    They finally reached the laboratory room. Teresa paused, turning to them with a smile that was both warm and serious.


    "We''ve arrived," she said. Then, her gaze shifted to Arthur. "Guardians are not permitted to enter the examination room. If you wouldn''t mind, could you wait in the waiting area?"


    Arthur¡¯s worry was palpable as he looked at Alice. "Are you okay without me?" His voice cracked slightly, betraying the concern he always had when it came to leaving her alone.


    Alice gave him a reassuring smile, one that reached her eyes despite the nerves she felt.


    "I¡¯m fine, Arthur. Wait for me there," she said with a lighthearted tone that she hoped would ease his worries.


    Arthur hesitated for a moment, then, seeing her smile, he smiled too¡ªalbeit a little more faintly.


    "I¡¯ll be waiting," he said, walking toward the waiting area as she entered the room with Teresa. Once inside, Teresa noticed Alice¡¯s trembling hands.


    "Are you alright, Ms. Alice?" she asked, her tone gentle as she gestured to the chair. Alice sat down, her breath catching slightly as she tried to steady herself.


    "Y-Yeah, somehow. But when he¡¯s not with me, I feel anxious without even realizing it," she admitted, her voice soft and uncertain. She laughed nervously, trying to mask her unease.


    "Weird, isn¡¯t it?" she laughs nervously.


    Teresa smiled, shaking her head with a hint of fondness. "I wouldn¡¯t say weird," she said, her voice warm. "I think it¡¯s beautiful. I¡¯ve never had anyone like that in my life. To care so much... it¡¯s a beautiful thing."


    Alice blinked, surprised by the nurse''s sincerity. "Thank you," she said, her heart a little lighter.


    Teresa took a deep breath, shifting the focus back to the task at hand. "Let¡¯s start with the basics first, Ms. Alice." The examination room was quiet except for the faint hum of the overhead light. The nurse, a composed woman in her mid-thirties, introduced herself as Teresa. Her warm smile softened the tension in the room. ¡°Let¡¯s start with your vitals,¡± Teresa said gently, wrapping the blood pressure cuff around Alice¡¯s arm. As it tightened, Alice winced slightly, her pale fingers gripping the edge of the chair. Teresa noted the reading, her brow furrowing ever so slightly before she moved on to check Alice¡¯s pulse.


    ¡°How have you been feeling recently?¡± Teresa asked, her fingers lightly pressing against Alice¡¯s wrist. ¡°Exhausted,¡± Alice murmured, her voice trembling. ¡°Sometimes, it¡¯s hard to breathe.¡± Teresa nodded, her expression professional but empathetic.


    ¡°Shortness of breath is common. Have you noticed any bruising or bleeding?¡± Alice hesitated before nodding.


    ¡°Yes¡­ It happens more than it used to.¡± Teresa jotted down notes before reaching for her stethoscope. ¡°I¡¯m going to listen to your heart and lungs now, okay? Just breathe normally.¡± Alice¡¯s breaths were shallow, her chest rising and falling unevenly as Teresa moved the stethoscope across her back and chest. The nurse¡¯s face betrayed a flicker of concern as she listened to Alice¡¯s labored breaths.


    ¡°Your heart rate is slightly elevated,¡± Teresa said as she straightened, making another note. ¡°That could be due to anemia. Let¡¯s run some tests to get a clearer picture.¡± Teresa prepared the materials for a blood draw, tying a rubber tourniquet around Alice¡¯s arm. ¡°This might sting a bit,¡± she said softly, inserting the needle with practiced precision. Alice winced but kept her gaze fixed on a distant point in the room, willing herself to stay calm. As Teresa labeled the vials, she said, ¡°This blood test will give us your cell counts and tell us how your bone marrow is functioning. We¡¯ll also check for any abnormalities in the blood cells.¡±


    Alice nodded, though the word ¡°bone marrow¡± sent a shiver through her. Teresa set the vials aside and reached for a small tray.


    ¡°Next, Dr. Fye has requested a bone marrow aspiration. It¡¯s not as scary as it sounds, I promise. We¡¯ll use local anesthesia to make it as comfortable as possible.¡± Alice swallowed hard, her hands gripping the edge of the table tightly. Teresa offered a reassuring smile. ¡°It¡¯s an important step to understand how advanced the disease is and what kind of treatment will work best.¡± Alice nodded again, her expression resolute despite the fear in her eyes. Teresa guided her to lie on the padded table, explaining each step of the procedure. When the needle pierced her pelvis, Alice gritted her teeth, her knuckles turning white as she clenched her fists. The discomfort was sharp, but the procedure was over quickly. Once finished, Teresa helped Alice sit up and handed her a small bottle of water.


    ¡°You did great,¡± she said gently. ¡°We¡¯ll also examine your blood under a microscope and run some genetic tests to check for abnormalities. These will help us tailor your treatment.¡± Alice sipped the water, feeling drained but resolute.


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    ¡°Thank you,¡± she said softly. Teresa packed up the samples and gave her an encouraging smile.


    ¡°Dr. Fye will go over the results with you soon. You¡¯re in good hands.¡± As Teresa stood beside her, Alice leaned back against the chair, exhaling slowly. The silence felt heavy, but she steadied herself, knowing this was just the beginning of her fight.


    She bit her lips together and took a deep breath. ¡°C-Can you help me walk, I want to see Arthur as soon as possible.¡± She said, her voice was desperate and anxious was all over her. Teresa smiled.


    ¡°Yes, of course I will escort you.¡± She responded with a smile on her face. The days passed quietly, the stillness of the hotel room a stark contrast to the tumult of Alice¡¯s thoughts. Their time together had been peaceful, but there was an unspoken tension in the air.


    On the sofa, Alice nestled into Arthur¡¯s side, her head resting on his shoulder as the weight of the upcoming results settled between them like a looming cloud.


    ¡°If things will work out and be good for us, what are we going to do, Arthur?¡± Her voice was low, carrying the distant hopes and dreams that filled her heart despite everything.


    Arthur ran his fingers through her hair, his lips brushing her forehead gently. ¡°All I could ever want is to be with you till the end of my life. I think that¡¯s all that matters for me right now,¡± he replied softly, as though reassuring both of them in the face of uncertainty.


    Alice shifted slightly, looking up at him with a playful pout, though the tension in her eyes remained. ¡°Is that all you ever think of? I mean, there are so many things we could do¡ªexplore different places, learn the traditional cultures of people who live in those places.¡± She paused for a moment, her pale face coloring as a sudden thought occurred to her. ¡°Also¡­ w-w-we could have children of our own,¡± she stammered, her voice barely audible as she turned her face away, her blush deepening.


    Arthur¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. That idea had never crossed his mind. He let out a soft chuckle, but his amusement quickly turned to confusion when he saw the irritation in her expression. She turned her back to him, her face a mix of sadness and frustration. "I see,¡± she muttered, her voice carrying a quiet hurt. ¡°You don¡¯t want to build a family with me, do you?¡±


    Arthur¡¯s heart ached at the thought. He immediately pulled her close, holding her tightly as he kissed her neck in an attempt to comfort her. ¡°Our daughter will be just like her mother¡ªstrong and beautiful. That would be a treasure to me,¡± he whispered softly, his breath warm against her skin.


    Alice''s breath caught in her throat, and for the first time, she let herself truly smile. She patted his hair gently, a tenderness in her touch that was more than just affection. ¡°I want a son who¡¯s like you,¡± she murmured, her voice soft and sweet. ¡°Serious, reliable, and above all, kind. I¡¯ve been longing for a family for so long, and I¡¯m grateful I can have that with you.¡±


    Arthur''s heart swelled as he kissed her lips, the gentle embrace wrapping around them both like a warm cocoon. ¡°That should be my line,¡± he said, his voice full of love and longing as they settled into each other, letting the moment linger.


    The following days passed quickly, and when the test results arrived, they immediately made their way back to the clinic. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation as they entered the sterile, quiet room.


    Dr. Fye and Teresa were waiting for them, their expressions unreadable but serious. The medical documents in their hands seemed heavy with unspoken truths.


    "Good morning,¡± Dr. Fye greeted them with a slight smile, her tone light but not without gravity. ¡°You arrived quickly. I¡¯m glad to see that." Arthur gently guided Alice to a chair, and they sat together, their hands entwined. Alice could feel the rapid beat of her heart as Dr. Fye took her seat across from them, her gaze focused on Alice with a level of intensity that made Alice feel exposed.


    ¡°Alice,¡± Dr. Fye began, her voice gentle but firm, ¡°we¡¯ve gone over the results, and there are a few things we need to discuss.¡± She paused, as if gathering her thoughts. ¡°Your blood work shows severe anemia. Your red blood cells and hemoglobin levels are dangerously low. This is why you¡¯ve been feeling so fatigued and experiencing shortness of breath. Your platelet count is also significantly reduced, which is why you''re experiencing frequent bruising and bleeding.¡±


    Alice¡¯s hands clenched the edge of the chair, her knuckles white, while Arthur¡¯s grip tightened around hers, offering silent strength. Alice kept her eyes trained on Dr. Fye, her mind racing.


    ¡°The white blood cell count is elevated,¡± Dr. Fye continued. ¡°There¡¯s a high percentage of immature cells in your bloodstream, which indicates that your leukemia is progressing. The bone marrow test confirmed this as well¡ªit¡¯s producing a large number of abnormal cells, crowding out the healthy ones.¡±


    Arthur¡¯s stomach churned at the words, but he held his composure, wanting to be strong for Alice. His heart, though, sank with every word that left Dr. Fye¡¯s lips. Dr. Fye set down the clipboard with a soft exhale. ¡°The good news is that your leukemia is still in the chronic phase, so there is a window to act before it becomes more aggressive. The treatment we recommend involves a combination of chemotherapy and targeted therapy, both of which can slow or stop the progression.¡±


    Arthur¡¯s eyes widened as he absorbed this information. ¡°Chemotherapy¡­¡± His voice trembled slightly. ¡°That means there are risks, right?¡±


    Dr. Fye nodded solemnly. ¡°Yes, Arthur. The treatment does come with risks. One of the potential side effects is that it can impact Alice¡¯s fertility. Chemotherapy and some of the medications we¡¯d need to use could damage her ability to have children in the future.¡±


    The room fell silent. The air seemed to thicken around Alice as the words sank in. She stared at Dr. Fye, the gravity of the situation slowly crushing her from the inside. She had always dreamed of a family¡ªchildren, a future. Now that dream seemed far beyond her reach.


    <div>


    "I¡­" Her voice faltered, her chest tightening as she tried to find the words. ¡°I see.¡± She looked down, squeezing Arthur''s hand as she struggled to keep the tears at bay. Her dream, her hope for a family, felt as though it had just shattered. Arthur¡¯s heart broke at the sight of her pain.


    He could see the turmoil in her eyes, the loss of something she¡¯d longed for. But he also saw the strength beneath that pain¡ªthe strength that had carried her this far. He leaned in, his voice full of conviction. ¡°I¡¯ve told you before, Alice. I¡¯ll choose you, no matter what. There will never be anything above you, not even this.¡± His voice cracked as a tear slipped from his eye, something he hadn¡¯t expected to happen. The rawness of his emotion hit Alice like a physical blow.


    She bit her lip, feeling the overwhelming sorrow surge within her. ¡°I¡­¡± She swallowed hard. ¡°I wanted to have a family¡­ with you.¡± Her voice was barely a whisper, the weight of her dreams slipping through her fingers like sand. Arthur pressed his forehead to hers, his hands cradling her face with tenderness. ¡°No matter what happens.¡± he whispered, ¡°I will always be here for you. Always.¡± And in that moment, surrounded by the weight of uncertainty and loss, Alice felt his love, raw and unyielding. It wasn¡¯t a solution, but it was enough to carry her through the storm.


    <div>

 Chapter 20: Arthur鈥檚 past.

    ¡°Pull the trigger, Arthur.¡± A man¡¯s voice echoed through the dimly lit room. ¡°This is your only chance to survive,¡± he added, his tone calm, his pale blue eyes steady and unwavering.


    Arthur¡¯s hands trembled as he raised the gun, his grip unsteady. He bit his lip hard, his brow furrowed. ¡°W-Why are you d-doing this, Ray?¡± he stammered, his voice breaking as his breath hitched. This wasn¡¯t something he had ever prepared for¡ªnot in the most dreadful scenarios he could imagine


    Ray smiled¡ªa soft, almost serene smile that didn¡¯t belong in a moment like this. Despite the odds against him, he still found it in himself to smile. ¡°It has nothing to do with you,¡± he said quietly. He closed his eyes for a moment, drawing in a long, steady breath, as if bracing for what was to come. When he opened them again, the determination in his gaze was unshaken, fearless.


    Arthur¡¯s heart clenched. ¡°R-Ray¡­¡± he murmured, his voice barely audible. The words hit him like a knife to the chest, cutting deep. He wasn¡¯t ready to hear that. The pain twisted inside him, showing in the tight set of his jaw and the slight quiver in his lips. His eyes gleamed with tears he refused to let fall.


    ¡°PULL THE GODDAMN TRIGGER, ARTHUR!!!¡± Ray suddenly roared, his voice cracking under the strain. He grabbed the barrel of the gun and shoved it against his forehead. ¡°SHOW YOUR FUCKING OWNERS HOW LOYAL THEIR DOG REALLY IS, YOU IDIOT!¡±


    Ray¡¯s outburst sent Arthur¡¯s emotions spiraling. His breath quickened, his vision blurred with hot tears, and a scream tore from his throat. He tightened his grip on the gun, every muscle in his body trembling, and pulled the trigger with all the strength he had left.


    All of a sudden, he heard a voice, a familiar one. It kept calling his name, growing louder and more insistent.


    ¡°Arthur!!¡±


    ¡°Arthur! Wake up!¡±


    His eyes fluttered open, taking in the ornate light bulb on the ceiling that cast a soft glow onto the lavish wooden walls. He rubbed his eyes with his fingers, blinking away the haze, and saw a woman looking down at him, her eyes clouded with worry.


    ¡°Arthur, are you okay?¡± she asked, her voice low but thick with anxiety.


    He raised his hand to her cheek, his brows knitting together in confusion. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Alice? Why do you look so worried?¡±


    Her hand covered his as she leaned into his touch. ¡°You were panting in your sleep,¡± she said softly, her eyes downcast. ¡°And you kept saying the name Ray.¡± She closed her eyes, her brows furrowing. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re okay?¡±


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    Arthur drew in a deep breath, forcing a small, reassuring smile onto his face. He leaned closer to Alice, his fingers brushing through her hair with slow, deliberate care. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± he said, his voice gentle. ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about me. Let¡¯s focus on curing your disease.¡±


    Alice let out a soft sigh, leaning into his embrace. Wrapping her arms around him, she rested her head against his chest. Arthur closed his eyes, holding her close, his grip firm as though grounding himself in her presence.


    It had been three weeks since her leukemia treatment began. Her condition had started to improve¡ªthe symptoms were subsiding, and her once pale complexion had brightened. She was slowly returning to her usual self.


    Yet, despite the progress, Arthur often seemed distant. Like today, he sat on the couch, staring blankly at the ceiling, his expression devoid of emotion.


    In the kitchen, Alice watched him, a flicker of concern crossing her face. Was it related to what happened last night? Could his dream be tied to the weight of his past? She shook her head, dispelling the thoughts. With a determined breath, she walked over to him and stood in front of him.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± she asked, her voice steady but laced with concern.


    Arthur blinked and looked at her, his lips curving into a faint smile. He patted the empty seat beside him, gesturing for her to sit. Alice lowered herself onto the couch, her gaze fixed on him.


    ¡°Tell me,¡± she said, her tone soft but firm. ¡°What¡¯s gotten into you so suddenly?¡±


    Arthur¡¯s gaze faltered, and he let out a shaky breath. ¡°Alice,¡± he said quietly, his voice heavy with emotion. ¡°Do you want to know about my past? The reason I couldn¡¯t let go of my trauma before I met you?¡±


    His hands trembled slightly, the movement subtle but noticeable. Alice caught it and placed her hand over his, squeezing gently.


    She smiled at him, her eyes warm and reassuring. ¡°My ears are always open to you, Arthur.¡±


    ¡°It escalated so quickly that I had to force myself to accept the fate laid out before me,¡± he said, his voice heavy as he drew a deep, shuddering breath, struggling to steady himself.


    She fixed her gaze on him, her expression sharp and questioning. ¡°Force yourself?¡± she asked, her voice soft but edged with disbelief.


    He gave a faint nod, his eyes drifting upward to the ceiling as if searching for solace in its blank expanse. ¡°I had to force myself to kill the only person who ever respected me¡ªthe only one who saw me as a human being, not just a tool. That person was my best friend.¡± he said, each word dragging out of him like a confession.


    The weight of his admission struck her like a blow. Her breath hitched, and her eyes widened, the shock of his words coursing through her. It was sudden, too raw, like a blade slicing through her resolve. She wasn¡¯t expecting for him to say that to her face directly.


    ¡°H-Huh?¡± she murmured, words wouldn''t come out from her mouth.


    "You heard me right," he said, his voice trembling as if the words themselves were too heavy to bear. "I stained my hands with the blood of my best friend to get where I am today." His breath hitched, and his gaze locked onto Alice¡¯s, unwavering and intense. His eyes burned with a mix of pain and guilt, his lips pressed into a hard line. "I killed my own best friend."

 Chapter 22: Arthur鈥檚 past (Part 2)

    A man stood in awe as the first rays broke through the darkness, casting a radiant glow over the quiet world. A sense of hope stirred within him as the sky transformed, vibrant and alive.


    All of a sudden, the voice of another man cut to the quiet and relaxing moment. He embraced his arm to his shoulder with a wide smile on his face. ¡°Good morning, Sergeant Arthur, you¡¯re up early again today.¡± he said, his tone was full of excitement.


    He looked at him and smiled a little. ¡°I would say that straight to you too. Ray.¡± he replied as he looked at the sun setting up on the horizon, spreading the light throughout the whole place. Suddenly they heard footsteps coming closer to them, they looked at where it came from and saw a woman with her complete military uniform while carrying a report paper in her hand.


    She stopped and looked Arthur intensely in the eyes, sharp and cold. ¡°Good morning, Sergeant Arthur, I''ve come to give you a report.¡± she said, her cold and intimidating voice made the atmosphere slightly intense.


    Arthur straightened up. ¡°From the higher ups?¡± he replied, his relaxed face suddenly changed into serious.


    She nodded and then read the report with her eyes. After a couple of seconds, she was done reading and looked at them. ¡°For the past weeks, the higher-ups were deciding whether to attack the capital of Exolus or not,¡± she said, pausing and looking at them before continuing. ¡°But Exolus is a mysterious country with powerful military power. That¡¯s why they¡¯ve come to the conclusion to send a scout, and they chose your squad.¡± She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and opened them again.


    Arthur was confused. What was the reason behind choosing them? His squad wasn¡¯t skilled at gathering intel, and scouting one of the strongest countries wasn¡¯t a joke¡ªespecially Exolus, which had the highest level of security among all the nations. He took a box of cigarettes from his pocket, lit one, and took a drag. ¡°With all due respect, gathering intel and searching for weaknesses in a country isn¡¯t what we¡¯ve trained for. Please report to the higher-ups that I respectfully decline the mission,¡± he said.


    Both Ray and the woman¡¯s eyes widened in shock. They hadn¡¯t expected him to reject the mission so outright.


    She walked closer to him slowly, and when she was close enough, she handed the documents to Arthur and started glaring at him. ¡°You have no authority to decline the orders given by the higher-ups,¡± she said, her eyebrows narrowing. The tension between them grew heavier.


    Arthur grabbed her hand lightly, but she fought back, pulling her hand away from his grip. He sighed. ¡°Like I said, this type of mission isn¡¯t our forte. Why would you send inexperienced men into a domain full of beasts? It doesn¡¯t make sense to me¡ªit¡¯s like you were guiding us to our death.¡± he said, his eyes piercing into hers. He knew how dangerous the mission was and didn¡¯t want to send his men into a suicide mission.


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    The tension between them was palpable. Neither of them wanted to back down.


    Ray sighed and looked at Arthur. ¡°Sergeant, I know why you want to decline, but it¡¯s an order from the higher-ups. We have no power to refuse,¡± he said.


    Arthur looked at him with intensity. ¡°Then, are you prepared to give your life for this mission?¡± he asked, his words hanging heavily in the air.


    Ray suddenly smiled; his eyes filled with resolve. ¡°From the moment I joined the military, I was prepared to give my life,¡± he said sincerely.


    Arthur couldn¡¯t maintain his stance after seeing Ray¡¯s expression. He let out a deep sigh. ¡°Go gather everyone and tell them to prepare their things. We¡¯ll depart at noon.¡± He looked at the woman and took the documents from her hand. ¡°I can¡¯t guarantee the mission will be a success,¡± he said while glaring at her. ¡°And I¡¯ll prioritize the lives of my men above all.¡±


    The woman slowly walked away. ¡°I know you, Sergeant Arthur. You¡¯ve been trained since you were a child to be the perfect weapon for the government. You know the policy of our military. Your mission must be completed, no matter how heavy the casualties are,¡± she said. Her figure faded from his sight, leaving him with the bitter taste of reality he had always known.


    The evening came, and they arrived at the train station of Exolus. Despite the high security of the country, they managed to get inside without revealing their real identities to the security guards. Arthur and his five subordinates stood on the station platform, their faces showing clear signs of exhaustion. The area was bustling with people, all walking in sync through different pathways.


    ¡°Out of all the spies in our military and their excellent capabilities for this kind of job, why are we the ones assigned to do this?¡± a woman spoke, her voice low and laced with exhaustion.


    Ray patted her back gently twice. ¡°Don¡¯t overreact, Sasha. We¡¯ve made it this far, so we can¡¯t complain about it anymore,¡± he said, a faint smile crossing his face.


    The man standing beside him nodded in agreement. ¡°He¡¯s right. We may not be suitable for this line of work, but since the higher-ups appointed us, we have no choice but to proceed,¡± he said, though his voice cracked slightly, and his fingers trembled.


    ¡°Your words are admirable, but your body tells a different story, Albert,¡± Arthur said, his eyes narrowing as he glanced at Albert¡¯s shaky hands.


    Albert let out an awkward laugh, scratching the back of his neck.


    Suddenly, a hand rested on Arthur¡¯s shoulder. He turned to see two men walking slowly toward him. ¡°Sergeant, we¡¯ll part ways for now. We¡¯ll send you a report once we¡¯ve finished investigating the areas you assigned us to,¡± one of them said.


    Arthur nodded. ¡°Avoid calling me Sergeant for now, Danny,¡± he replied with a sigh. ¡°Good luck on your side. May God protect and be with us all.

 Chapter 23: The Trauma Starts.

    Several days after they stepped to Exolus, the group managed to gather information that could help them on their mission. Thanks to Danny and Therese for secretly infiltrating the places where Arthur ordered them to search.


    In an open area where people are freely walking from every direction. A man wearing a black hat and brown coat sitting on a bench, reading a newspaper yet his eyes were completely in different angles as if he was observing the surroundings. Suddenly, another man sat beside him then opened his newspaper.


    ¡°What did you get, Danny?¡± he asked, his eyes suddenly scanning the newspaper as if he was reading.


    ¡°Good morning, Arthur. I have great news for us.¡± he replied with a faint smile on his face.


    Arthur¡¯s eyes locked on him, his brow slightly lit while his eyes sharpened. ¡°What kind of great news is that?¡± he questioned him once more.


    Danny turned the newspaper to another page and crossed his legs. ¡°We¡¯ve found the place where all the documents about the military and government secrets were secretly laid in.¡± he said, his voice was urgent, but it delivered the meaning of what he was trying to say.


    Arthur¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. He didn''t expect them to get that information so quickly. He then took a deep breath to calm himself out. ¡°Are you really sure about that, did you double check it to make sure it''s legitimate?¡±


    He sighed. ¡°I didn¡¯t but this is the only clue we have so far, i think it would be such a waste to ignore this.¡± he stated as he looked at Arthur with seriousness.


    Arthur shook her head and turned another page of the newspaper. ¡°You might be right but i don¡¯t want to put all your lives in danger.¡± he gripped the newspaper without him knowing. ¡°It¡¯s too dangerous and it¡¯s not a hundred percent guaranteed that it''s legitimate.¡± he continued as he pressed his lips together.


    ¡°Arthur.¡± he said softly while a single sweat swayed in his face. ¡°We are not playing some kind of game where we value our own lives here,¡± he said.


    Arthur tightened his lips as he frowned, and the silence hung up to him.


    ¡°I¡¯m grateful that you always care about our safety, but that¡¯s not how it works. We came here of our own free will, fully aware that one wrong move could cost us our lives. But as soldiers sworn to protect our homeland, we are prepared to die. Please, Arthur, don¡¯t let our determination go to waste¡ªuse us as you see fit.¡±


    His words cut through deep inside Arthur¡¯s heart, he then looked at the sky and let out a heavy sigh with a thought of something deeper. These guys are serious, they were eager to do anything just to protect the country they loved, even if he tried to stop them using his position as the Sergeant, he knew he couldn¡¯t.


    He stood up which made Danny take a glance at him.


    ¡°Come to the house, we will proceed to make plans on how to infiltrate this place without getting caught.¡± he said and started to walk slowly.


    Danny sighs and suddenly leaves a fainted smile on his face.


    The silver moon rose into the sky, casting a cold glow over the city. A chilling breeze swept through the streets, and the streetlamps flickered to life, their soft light stretching over the quiet roads.


    Night had fallen.


    They stood before the worn-out building, tension settling in their chests. Brows furrowed, lips pressed into thin lines¡ªsome exchanged uneasy glances, while others narrowed their eyes in doubt. Then, as if drawn by the same thought, they all turned to Arthur.


    ¡°Are you sure this is the right place, Arthur?¡± Ray asked, his voice low, edged with uncertainty.


    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Arthur gave a firm nod, his gaze locking onto Danny. ¡°There¡¯s no mistake. The documents about military power and government secrets¡ªthey¡¯re hidden in this building.¡± He exhaled slowly, steadying himself.


    A heavy silence settled over them. They swallowed hard, steeling themselves for whatever lay beyond the doors.


    Arthur studied his team, and for a brief moment, something in the air shifted. A quiet intensity radiated from him, making them instinctively straighten.


    ¡°This could be our only chance to get the intel we need,¡± he said, his sharp gaze moving over each of them. ¡°But the greater the reward, the greater the risk. That¡¯s why we have to be careful. And remember¡ªyour lives matter more than this mission. If things go worse, don¡¯t hesitate to fall back.¡±


    Back to how they planned on infiltrating the target building without getting caught by security. They sat on specific chairs, their expressions grim, a heavy silence settling over them as they braced themselves for the storm ahead.


    ¡°Listen up, everyone. I¡¯ve made a plan on how to infiltrate the building without getting caught,¡± Arthur started, cutting through the thick tension that surrounded them.


    They all faced him, their eyes fixed on his every word. ¡°First, I will split the team into two groups. The first team is me, Ray, and Therese. The second team is Sasha, Danny, and Albert.¡± He gestured with his fingers, outlining the plan.


    They all nodded, ensuring Arthur knew they understood the gist of the plan.


    ¡°Let¡¯s assume the building is heavily guarded, and to get the information we need, we must get inside unnoticed. That¡¯s where the second team comes in. Your job is to distract the guards¡ªby acting like you¡¯re fighting.¡± Arthur stated, but confusion flickered across their faces.


    ¡°How can we get their attention with just a simple fight, Arthur?¡± Danny questioned, his brow furrowing.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been in this country for weeks now. I¡¯ve noticed that fighting is uncommon here. The government enforces strict laws to prevent people from turning against each other without reason,¡± Arthur answered. ¡°I want you to blend in with the locals and stage a fight in front of the building. I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll step in to stop you.¡±


    ¡°How about us? What are we gonna do?¡± Ray voiced out.


    ¡°As the second team keeps the guards occupied, we¡¯ll slip in through the back door,¡± Arthur said, exhaling a heavy sigh, drawing concerned looks from the team.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Arthur?¡± Therese asked.


    He scratched the back of his head, lips pressing into a thin line. ¡°The problem is, we don¡¯t have the building¡¯s layout. That means it¡¯ll take us longer to find the documents.¡± His expression hardened; his voice steady. ¡°And the longer we stay inside, the riskier it becomes to move freely.¡±


    Albert raised a finger, a grin creeping onto his face. ¡°Then how about this? We¡¯ll buy you a huge amount of time to finish obtaining the documents.¡±


    Their eyes widened, doubt flashing across their faces. It almost seemed like Albert wasn¡¯t taking the situation seriously, but Arthur¡¯s gaze remained locked onto him.


    ¡°How?¡± Arthur asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s simple. Danny and I will fight like our lives depend on it. And if one of the guards tries to break it up, we¡¯ll ¡®accidentally¡¯ punch him. That should buy plenty of time, right?¡± Albert smiled, clearly pleased with his own idea.


    Everyone let out a collective sigh, disbelief written all over their faces.


    ¡°Punching a licensed security guard carries heavy consequences in this country,¡± Sasha pointed out, arms crossing.


    ¡°You¡¯re right¡ªbut we¡¯re not from this country,¡± Albert shot back without missing a beat.


    They blinked, momentarily stunned by his counterargument. None of them had considered that.


    Arthur, however, let out a faint smile. ¡°You¡¯re right but even if you manage to run away on the scene, we are not guaranteed that both of you will be able to leave the country. It¡¯s too risky I would say.¡± he stated, leaving Albert in a complicated situation, he let out a sigh.


    Danny coughs twice to get their attention. ¡°I¡¯ve told you earlier Arthur, as soon as we took a single step from this country. We are already prepared to throw away our lives.¡±


    The words hung in the air which made the whole place into silence, he is right, why would they care for their own safety when they already made this far.


    Arthur frowned yet he let out a faint smile. ¡°I get it already, we¡¯ve already made this far, we will do whatever it takes to complete this mission.¡± he said, his words were sharp, strong to the point that it made everyone surprised, they never really had imagined that their leader had that much of an aura.