Salvage(4)

"What is this?" Morsan didn't take that money pouch from Vigeil, he looked at him with a frown as he asked.

"Currently, sir, this is all I can offer you. I understand it may not meet your expectations, but I promise to repay your kindness in the future."

As Morsan gazed deeply into Vigeil's eyes, he could see the sincerity and truthfulness reflected in them.

It was a rare quality to find in people these days, especially in a world where deceit and selfishness seemed to prevail. Without a moment's hesitation, he offered all of his hard-earned money as a token of gratitude for Morsan's act of saving his sister.

Morsan couldn't help but feel a surge of contentment wash over him. It was not just the relief of receiving payment for his services, but also the knowledge that Vigeil's honesty far surpassed his forgetfulness in asking for compensation.

Despite his own desperate need for money to rebuild their shattered lives, Vigeil chose to honor his word and deliver the money to Morsan. It was an act that spoke volumes about his character.

With a grateful smile, Morsan gently pushed the money pouch back towards Vigeil.

"You don't have to worry about that money anymore; instead, you can use it to rebuild your life and that of your sister. I want you to understand that I intervened and saved you all from your dire circumstances because the prince offered me a commission for doing so. I can obtain even more money from him if I so desire. Therefore, there is no need for you to pay me back for my assistance."

"...But.. I promise-"

"I mentioned that there's no need for you to pay me because I genuinely appreciate your gesture, but I want you to know that I already have plenty of financial resources to spend at my leisure."

After some persuasion, Vigeil's heart sank as he reluctantly reached out to take the money back.

The weight of his shame bore down on him, a heavy burden that seemed to crush his spirit. He had promised himself that he would repay Morsan, that he would honor his word. But now, as he clutched the money in his trembling hands, he couldn't help but feel like a failure.

His eyes, once filled with determination, now cast downward, unable to meet Morsan's gaze.

The ground beneath his feet seemed to hold all the answers as if it could somehow provide solace for his wounded pride. He had hoped to repay Morsan and regain his self-respect, but now it seemed like an impossible feat.

Morsan, however, observed Vigeil's pitiful gesture with a kind smile. He understood the weight of Vigeil's shame, the internal struggle that had led him to this moment. He knows very well sometimes kindness also could hurt someone depending on the situation.

But Morsan was not one to judge or condemn. Instead, he chose to offer compassion and understanding, recognizing that sometimes life's circumstances can be overwhelming.

With a gentle voice, Morsan spoke, his words carrying a soothing warmth.

"Vigeil, don't be ashamed. We all encounter difficulties, and sometimes we don't meet our own expectations. The important thing is that you had the courage to seek help and managed to rescue your sister. Have you seen those people? Their families had given up on finding them long ago, but you didn't... you fearlessly ventured into the forest to find your sister... all by yourself for a whole week... that's truly remarkable... you are courageous and resilient. Look after your sister and take care of yourself."

Vigeil reluctantly accepted the payment, suppressing his pride as he nodded in agreement with Morsan's words. Unbeknownst to him, he tightly clutched the pouch of money, feeling its weight in his hand as a reminder of his compromised principles.

Vigeil glanced at Morsan, his voice trembled with desperation as he posed a question, his words hanging in the air like a fragile thread.

"Sir, had I possessed greater strength, could I have protected my sister from them sooner, even if only to a small extent?"

Morsan's gaze softened, his weathered face reflecting a deep understanding of Vigeil's inner turmoil. The weight of Vigeil's question hung heavily in the air as if the very essence of his future depended on the answer.

The weight of his sister's suffering bore down on him, and he couldn't help but wonder if he had failed her.

After a moment of contemplation, Morsan spoke, his voice carrying a mix of his experience and regret.

"No, Vigeil... You couldn't have done it better... personal strength alone cannot guarantee the ability to protect our loved ones. While being physically strong may provide some level of protection, it is not the sole determining factor.

As someone who takes great pride in being one of the strongest humans alive today, I have unwavering confidence in my abilities.

I have honed my physical strength to the point where I could even hold my own against adult dragons if I chose to.

However, despite my immense strength, there have been countless instances where I found myself unable to save people.

The harsh reality is that personal strength has its limitations."

"...Even for you sir?!" Vigeil looked genuinely surprised as he heard Morsan.

"Yeah?! I am also a human... What do you think I am?... In my journey, I have faced numerous challenges and encountered corrupt nobles who falsely accused me.

These powerful individuals have thrown me into jail multiple times, putting my life at risk.

It is disheartening to realize that I cannot fight against everyone even with my strength.

If it were not for the prince's involvement, I would have been unjustly executed, despite being the victim of his plot.

This experience has taught me that personal strength, while important, is not the ultimate solution.

Recognizing the importance of alliances, support systems, and strategic thinking is crucial.

True strength lies not only in physical prowess but also in the ability to navigate complex situations, build relationships, and make wise decisions.

So, no, personal strength alone does not hold as much power as one may think. It is a multifaceted concept that requires a holistic approach.

While it is essential to cultivate personal strength, it is equally important to acknowledge its limitations and seek other means of protection and support for ourselves and our loved ones."

Vigeil's heart sank as he heard more of Morsan, his eyes welled up with tears, a mixture of relief and sorrow washing over him.

Morsan realized that perhaps Vigeil had been too harsh on himself, too focused on his perceived shortcomings.

At that moment, Vigeil understood that true strength lay not in physical might alone.

****

Author's note:

Greetings everyone,

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to apologize for the delay in uploading today's chapter. Unfortunately, an unexpected power outage occurred in my area, which prevented me from posting it on time. I want to assure you all that the chapter was completed and saved in my draft, but circumstances beyond my control hindered its timely release.

However, I want to assure you that starting from tomorrow, I will make it a priority to ensure that the chapters are posted at our usual time of 12:30 Indian time. I understand the importance of consistency and I apologize for any inconvenience caused by this delay.

On a brighter note, I am absolutely thrilled to share some exciting news with all of you. We have recently secured our first sponsor and subscriber for our Patreon page. I am delighted to introduce you to Andrew, who has graciously decided to support our fanfic. Witnessing someone subscribe to our Patreon page and show their support has brought me immense joy and gratitude.

Today, 12:12:2023, will forever hold a special place in my heart as the day I received my first subscriber. This milestone is incredibly significant to me, as it symbolizes the growing support and recognition for my work. It serves as a reminder of the impact my writing has on others, and it motivates me to pour even more energy and passion into creating captivating chapters for all of you as I can.

Mr. Andrew, I want to express my sincerest gratitude to you for your support. Your decision to become a patron means the world to me, and I am truly humbled by your generosity. I promise to do my utmost to meet and exceed your expectations. Your support will not go unnoticed, and I am committed to delivering the best possible fanfic experience for you and all our readers.

Once again, I want to thank each and every one of you for your continued support and patience. Your enthusiasm and encouragement are what drive me to keep writing and sharing my stories with you all. I am truly grateful for this incredible community we have built together.

Thank you...