Hunting days.

Explaining a bit of the conversation to Sile, she let out a sigh of relief.

-"I was worried, you know? I'm glad the situation didn't escalate."

- "I'm sorry to worry you, honey. I promise we won't cause any more trouble for the inn." 

- "You're so sweet... I can't be mad at you..."

- "Honey..."

- "Honey..." 

Again, both of them were immersed in their own world.

- "Hey, hey, brother Kael, do you want some?" Completely ignoring Seamus and Sile, Ciara approached with a plate in her hand and offered it to Kael.

- "Mmm? What is it?"

- "It's a vegetable soup and some meat! Ciara made it especially for you!" She exclaimed, puffing out her chest with palpable pride.

- "It's an honor, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, young lady." He gently stroked Ciara's head, who closed her eyes for a moment.

- "Hey! This is no time for that, eat or the food will get cold!"

- "Okay, okay, don't be mad. Thanks for the food." 

As he ate, Ciara's gaze was fixed on Kael, you could almost see the small glint of happiness in her eyes.

-"..." As for the food... -(It's unexpectedly good, you can tell she really made an effort).

Swallowing the last bite, Kael's stomach felt satisfied after a long time. Seeing that he left the plate empty, Ciara started jumping up and down happily and asked:

- "So? So? Was it delicious?!" 

- "The truth is... it wasn't good."

- "Huh...?" With an expression of complete shock, Ciara looked like she couldn't believe what she had just heard.

- "It was delicious! It's the best thing I've tasted in a long time."

- "Really?! No, I mean... It was obvious, I made it myself!" Despite trying to look nonchalant, the big smile on her face and the sparkle in her eyes gave her away.

- "You're right, well done Ciara." Kael couldn't help but smile as well and stroked her head as he praised her. 

- "Oh! I must wash what I mess up or Sister Sile will be mad at me. See you, Brother Kael!"

- "Good luck, Ciara." 

- "Jo, Jo. I see you two are getting along well, you almost look like brother and sister, right, sweetheart?"

- "You're right, it makes me happy to see little Ciara having fun with someone other than us."

- "Doesn't she play with the other children in the village? Do they get along badly?"

- "Ah, sometimes I forget that you know almost nothing about the village. It's not that, it's just that... there are no more children. The couples with children have long since left the place, and the only child left is Ciara." Sadness could be felt in Seamus' tone and a mixture of sorrow pain was reflected in Sile's face.

- "It's just as Seamus says, having to get used to the silent and depressing environment is difficult, but for little Ciara's sake we tried."

- "It's a pity she doesn't have any friends her own age, but luckily she has wonderful 'grandparents'." A small smile formed on their faces at Kael's comment, they looked happy and somewhat embarrassed.

- "Ahem, listen Kael, regarding what we talked about..."

- "Uh... Ah! Yes, I remember. If it's okay with you, I can do it this very night."

- "Mhmm, perfect. I already talked to who will accompany you, so there shouldn't be any problems."

- "Good, then I'll wait until tonight."

- "Oh, one more thing. Here, a bag to bring the 'ingredients'. When you get at least 2 or 3 of them, put them in the bags and wait for me at the village entrance."

- "Understood."

◈ ◈ ◈

That same night, Kael went to his room and prepared everything he needed for the hunt; A chainmail and on top of it a light leather armor combined with a pair of boots of the same material. His weapon is the same knife with which he fights so far, as well as a glove to improve the grip of his right hand.

-"...Too bad they didn't have swords." He asked if any were available, but unfortunately no luck, and none of the customers were willing to lend their swords. A strange feeling of emptiness and loneliness spread through his body.

Ignoring it, he walked down the stairs to the entrance of the village.

- "Are you coming out, Brother Kael?" A sleepy Ciara asked him. 

-"Yes, just for a while. You, on the other hand, should go to sleep young lady, it's getting late."

- "Mhmm... okaaay." 

- "Come on, little one, I'll walk you." And with that Sile and Ciara left the inn.

- "Kael."

- "Mr. Seamus, I was just about to go get the 'ingredients'." 

- "Good. Your escort is waiting for you at the entrance, good luck."

Arriving at the place, a single man was standing there. - (My 'escort', huh.)

- "Hey, how are you? I'm Bartholomew Archibald Beauregard Fitzwilliam. I guess you're Kael, nice to meet you."

-"..."

- "Something wrong?"

- "N-No, nice to meet you too."

After introducing themselves, both Kael and... 'Villager A' started hunting Beasts. Every so often, Kael would separate from 'Villager A' and go kill Beasts on his own taking advantage of his vision in the dark to finish them off making as little noise as possible.

It took a while, but Kael managed to leave 3 Beasts on the verge of 'death' and 'Villager A' dealt the final blow.

-"You're good, Kael. Your stance and the effectiveness of your attacks are of someone with a lot of training."

- "Thank you, though I really move without much thought. It's as if my body acts on its own."

- "Now you're just showing off, ha ha! It's still impressive anyway."

- "Ha ha... W-We'd better get back..."

- "You're right. Let me take this... Urggh...!"

Unable to lift the bag, 'Villager A' fell to the ground, rubbing his hands together.

- "Let me try."

With much ease, he lifted the bag over his shoulder and began walking towards the entrance.

- "W-Wow..." Impressed, 'Villager A' remained on the ground with his mouth open.

- "What are you doing? Come on."

- "Y-Yes!"

As they reached the entrance, Seamus was waiting for them on one side of the large door. Waving from afar.

Visibly happy, 'Villager A' ran in his direction, talking animatedly to him, as Kael slowly approached.

- "Good evening, Mr. Seamus. I have obtained the 'ingredients' you request."

- "Jo, Jo. Thank you very much Kael, I mean it."

- "If it helps the village and Ciara... no problem."

- "Mmm. You really took a liking to her, huh. I'm glad."

-"You could say that, it's hard not to." Admitting it outright was embarrassing for Kael.

- "Anyway, do you want me to help you carry the bag? It's pretty heavy."

- "Easy, easy, no problem."

Hesitantly, Kael handed him the bag, which to his surprise, Seamus lifted as easily as he did, surprised as was 'Villager A'.

 The next few days were relatively quiet, and going out at night to hunt Beasts became a routine for Kael and his companion. Little by little, he would finish off more and more Beasts, undoing his fatigue and feeling his strength and stamina slowly increase.