Chapter 24

Hyogo and Hana reach the old storage where Hyogo will be staying during his stay at the village. It's a very worn down and dusty place having not been used in a long time.

Hana: "Sorry that this was the best I could do for you. This place is a mess but don't worry I'll clean it up for you. Also you don't need to worry about food. I'll bring you some throughout the day until you leave."

Hyogo: "Thanks I would help you as well but unfortunately I can't move my arms until Lily comes."

Hana: "Don't worry about it, leave everything to me!"

She gives Hyogo a thumbs up with a reassuring smile.

Hyogo: "Alright I'll let you do it, it's not like I can refuse your offer."

After an hour of waiting Hana finished cleaning the storage for it to be inhabitable for Hyogo's stay. Hyogo lays down on some hay that's on the floor to rest his body.

Hyogo: "Hey I got a question."

Hana: She tilts her head in confusion. "What is it?"

Hyogo: "Has your brother had a bad time with other participants of the war? It's normal for people to be wary of us but he's a bit more aggressive towards me than what I'm used to. He has fear and hate in his eyes when he looks at me that's different from the others."

Hana: "... I don't know he changed after he went to the capital to pay the village taxes. He actually looked up to people from the war a lot. About 10 years ago some other participants of the war came to our village and my brother was glued to them asking questions to hear stories while they stayed to recover their wounds. After that he wished to join as well and it was his dream. He even went out of his way to learn how to read and write which is rare for people in a small village. He was interested in the outside of the village so he studied his best with the few books we have here. He even tried to teach the rest of us the best he could but after he came back from the capital he completely changed. Know he can't even keep his cool whenever someone mentions them. His love has now become hatred and he refuses to speak on why."

As she spoke her voice trembled. Her brother that had once been so lively that she looked up to had become someone different.

Hyogo: "I see I think I get why he's changed now after your explanation."

Hana springs up after hearing his words.

Hana: "What's the reason, tell me!"

Hyogo: "I can't because he chose to not tell you for a reason didn't he so I want to respect his choice. The one that should tell you is him, not me."

Hana: "But w-"

Hana left soon after without an answer.