The first day staying at Agis’s house. This morning, Agis was preparing to leave for the palace, while I would remain here for the time being, waiting for news from him once he resumed his duties.

“So every soldier gets two days off every three months?” I asked. The sun had not yet risen, and I was easily startled when I saw Agis already dressed in his soldier’s uniform.

“Yes. The palace only allows two days of leave every three months. If the leave isn’t taken, it can be converted into money. But this time, I’ve been away from my sister for too long, so I chose not to take the money,” he explained.

“You work too hard, in my opinion,” I said. He only chuckled softly.

“If there’s no news from the palace by tomorrow, I’ll send you a letter. It should arrive in a day or two,” he said. I nodded immediately.

“Sorry if that troubles you,” I said, but he shook his head with a faint smile.

“You helped me. This is the debt I have to repay.” After that, he kissed his sister’s forehead and prepared to leave.

“Lany, can you take care of yourself and the house?” I asked. Lany nodded.

“Yes, I can!” she replied firmly, sounding far more mature than her age.

“You’re leaving her… alone?” I asked worriedly as Agis was about to go.

“Yes. Our aunt comes here once a week to check on her,” Agis replied. His explanation made me fall silent for a moment.

“She’s still very young. Can she really take care of herself?” I asked anxiously, but Agis didn’t answer.

“I can take care of myself. I can survive on my own,” Lany said proudly. I looked at her, estimating her age.

Isn’t she about the same age as Lira? I murmured softly, then nodded to myself.

“All right, I’ll be going now. If something urgent happens, come to the palace immediately,” Agis said. Lany kissed his right cheek.

“I’ll wait for you here, big brother!” she said, waving as Agis slowly left the house.

“Come inside!” she invited me, and I followed.

“Aren’t there wild animals around here?” I asked, still worried. Lany, who was eating, stopped briefly.

“There are no wild animals here. That’s why my brother can leave and work,” she said, then continued eating.

I looked around. The house seemed deliberately designed—only two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living room—which made me think they weren’t originally from this place.

“Are you from the human clan?” I asked hesitantly.

“No!”

“Y-Yes… I’m from the human clan.”

Her hesitant answer made it clear that she was hiding something.

“I am human. I can live just like normal humans,” she added. My eyes narrowed slightly. Her words suggested otherwise, but I simply nodded.

“Have you lived here long?” I asked.

“Yes. I’ve lived here since I was born.”

“And your parents—” Before I could finish, Lany cut me off, and I pressed my lips together.

“Let’s just eat. I’m going to collect firewood in the forest. Do you want to come?” she asked. I nodded, having nothing else to do—and hoping to learn more about her slowly.

After preparing, we headed into the forest to gather firewood and whatever food we could find.

Lany was already ready, carrying a bundle on her back. “Are you sure there are no wild animals around here?” I asked again. She shook her head.

“There aren’t. If you’re scared, just stay here. I’ll go alone,” she said, sounding annoyed after I repeatedly tried to stop her.

“When did your brother leave you?” I asked. She paused, tapping her chin lightly.

“Since I was seven years old.”

“How old are you now?” I asked curiously.

“Secret,” she replied with a wide grin, showing her baby teeth.

“You’re quite a clever negotiator for a child,” I said. She laughed brightly.

We walked far from the house, and indeed, there were no signs of wild animals—no large tracks, no dangerous traces. The air was cool, and Lany gathered firewood while I helped and kept watch.

Still, I felt as if someone was watching us. Yet I couldn’t see anyone.

They’re still following me… or watching me.

“Do you feel anything strange right now?” I asked, crouching beside Lany as she picked mushrooms.

“Let’s hurry and pull these mushrooms out so we can go home,” she said, ignoring my concern.

“I’m serious. I think someone’s watching us,” I insisted. She shook her head, continuing to gather mushrooms.

“Watch out—!”

Srakk!

Jlebb!

“Ahh—!”

An arrow flew past me, nearly hitting Lany. I immediately rolled toward her, pulling her out of the line of fire.

“Who was that?” I asked sharply. Lany looked shocked.

“B-big brother… who was that?” she asked. I shrugged—I couldn’t see anyone.

“Show yourself!” I shouted. No answer—only another arrow that narrowly missed my leg.

“Damn it…” I cursed, scanning the area while drawing the dagger I had brought for protection. I hadn’t expected this—these attackers were clearly targeting me.

“Do you have enemies? Is that why they’re attacking us?” Lany asked cautiously.

“I… don’t,” I said, unsure whether they were demons.

Another arrow flew. We quickly hid behind a tree.

“You’re clearly lying!” she said.

I ignored her and kept watching. When I spotted a figure, I immediately threw my dagger. It struck his chest, and he fell.

Crash!

“Argh—!”

My dagger had hit its mark. The others realized my position. I prepared myself.

Srekkk!

Srekkk!

Srekkk!

Srekkk!

Several arrows flew, barely missing me. I grabbed Lany’s shoulders.

“Lany, it’s not safe. Hide and don’t let them see you,” I said firmly, scanning the surroundings.

“Let me help you!” she said, looking at me with innocent determination.

I shook my head gently. “No. This is my problem. They’re after me. I won’t let Agis worry because you got hurt because of me.”

I stepped out of hiding. Lany looked at me, fear clearly in her eyes.

I moved quietly—then suddenly someone blocked my path. He wore a mask.

“You—”

He attacked immediately. I deflected his strike without hesitation. Three masked men surrounded me.

The fight was fierce. They were clearly trained, forcing me to parry consecutive attacks from all three as the battle escalated.

Several times, they nearly struck my chest and legs. But I managed to defend myself and evade all of their attacks.

“It seems they’re not ordinary people,” I muttered softly as I succeeded in bringing one of them down.

“Attack.”

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