65 - Finding More

The next day, Annie wore a blue cotton dress. She was going into town again today. Last night, Vivi's words chilled her with fear. When Vivi disappeared, Annie couldn't summon her again. She had made Vivi angry with her words. But Vivi's words... she couldn't sleep well at all.

Maybe Annie shouldn't have compared Vivi to the black dragon. She needed to know more. There was a library in town that she could look into about the history. Or she can go back to that inn to see if there was any news about missing nobles. Annie was conflicted.

"Oh, you're leaving to town?"

Annie turned in surprise to see Poppy. "Yes, I am going to see if there is additional work." The lie fell easily from her lips. She didn't want to get her caught up with what she was dealing with. She'll have to look on her own.

"Then I will go with you."

Poppy's words stunned her. "Wha-what?"

Poppy nodded with an easygoing smile. "They are holding a gathering for the people who died in the factory. I'm going to check if they were able to recover father's body or remains." Poppy's smile broke a little.

Annie held Poppy's hand. She had forgotten just now. Poppy's father was caught in the local factory fire that happened last winter. Last winter was only several months ago. Not only were they not compensated for the accident, many couldn't look for the remains of their loved ones.

The noble of this area had used his guards to block the locals from going in. Many protested but were subdued right away. They could only watch from a distance the guards cleaning the area. Poppy and the twins had also tried to go but were stopped.

With no body or confirmation, they couldn't hold a funeral. Many days went by and they missed the time to start preparing the seeds. If it wasn't for Annie's job, they would be starving now. It was hard to not have an adult around for help. Annie remembered how Poppy's father cared for them. That thought made her decision.

"Alright, I will also go help look," Annie agreed. "Will the twins be coming too?"

Poppy nodded, moving to pack a satchel. "We can also look around for seeds to sow. Or if someone has saplings we can use. We can still try to farm."

Annie nodded at her words. She liked how Poppy tried to be optimistic and cheery in this situation. At night, it weighed on her heavily though. Annie had come upon Poppy in the living room with her father's clothes, crying. Sorrow also filled her at the sight.

Poppy wasn't a fighter but she was strong. She was the one who moved forward and taken the role. When Ollie had protested, Poppy reminded him that he was still a child. He can protect them when he was older. The responsibility also fell on Annie. She was the same age as her and didn't want Poppy shouldering it all.

Poppy accepted but something in her eyes hinted she knew Annie wouldn't stay. Watching Poppy busy herself, Annie saw that look again. Annie loved staying with them and how it was. But... She knew they couldn't live off of her stealing. Poppy would be devastated.

Annie made up her mind. She was going to look for her family and who she was. When she finds out who she is, she will bring Poppy and the twins. After they go to the gathering, she'll make her way back to that inn.