[53] Just something left VI

When the giant centipede's head exploded with a deafening bang, its attack ceased abruptly, and the massive body of the creature collapsed to the ground with a thunderous roar. The monster's fall shook the earth and sent dust swirling into the air, creating an apocalyptic atmosphere. Billy, who had fought so hard, finally sank to the ground, gasping for breath like a marathon runner who had just finished the race.

"Thank goodness... The bullet pierced it," Billy muttered, his gaze drifting up to the starry night sky. The scattered starlight seemed like silent witnesses to the recent struggle.

'Even though I've changed the course of my life, no one expected me to defeat a monster that was an incarnation of a dragon. All thanks to my teacher, Ash.' Billy reflected inwardly, reaching for his slightly dusty cowboy hat. He recalled the promise he made never to bring shame to his teacher's name, a promise that now felt like a heavy burden on his shoulders.

Shortly after, Desmod arrived with a deeply shocked expression, his eyes widening at the sight of the environmental devastation before him. The scene of destruction and scattered debris told the tale of the battle that had just taken place.

---

Several days had passed since the heroic event. Benedict, the 17th princess of the dragon kingdom, came to thank Billy, who was now residing in the orphanage established by Ash and managed by Desmod and Billy. The orphanage, formerly a shelter for slaves bought by Ash to fill the space in the building, had seen fewer slave purchases due to the potential attraction it might draw from local authorities. Ash had only purchased slaves who were either ill or disabled, mostly children, so Desmod and Billy had struggled a bit with the number of children after Ash's departure.

They also had female caretakers, but with so many children and the nature of the work requiring patience and resilience in dealing with their behaviour, it was fortunate that the prisoners rescued by Billy and Desmod agreed to work at the orphanage, having no other destination after their release.

Thus, the orphanage was no longer short of staff.

In a modest yet warm room, Billy greeted Benedict with a slightly awkward demeanor. The princess, who was of similar age to Billy, had a cute appearance with flowing sky-blue hair and eyes that matched her hair colour. Her innocent and vacant expression added to the depth of her perceived naivety.

However, the cheerfulness of the princess did not lift Billy's spirits. To him, she seemed like a soul in despair, as if her life held no meaning. There was something in Benedict's gaze that reflected deep emptiness and desperation.

"Once again, I thank you, Mr Billy, for saving me the other day," Benedict said in a soft voice, almost inaudible, her expression remaining vacant even after enjoying the finest herbal tea provided.

"Hmph, it was my duty. As a man, I was taught to use my strength to help those in need," Billy replied with a slightly indifferent tone. His dissatisfaction was hidden behind his cowboy hat, his too-casual attitude in the presence of royalty seeming like a sharp contradiction.

"Even so, I feel the need to thank you."

"Haah, very well. Let me ask you something. Why would someone like you end up being kidnapped by those bandits? Is this some sort of game with your family?" Billy asked with genuine curiosity.

Benedict clutched her dress beneath the table, and though her expression was difficult for Billy to read, her body movements spoke volumes. The desperation hidden in her movements revealed more than mere words.

'So I was right,' Billy thought. It might be that Benedict, not being in the line of succession and being the child of a courtesan, had no special privileges from her parents. This meant she was just ordinary.

It was understandable; her life was merely as a pawn to be used or discarded at will. A plaything to be manipulated as desired, considering her current condition. And the question for Billy was, why had she given up so quickly? Life could be long or short, but as a living being, especially one with intellect, there should be something to fight for, something that makes life meaningful.

This was what Billy hated. He lived to admire someone and sought praise from that admired individual. He lived because of the teachings and wisdom given by that person, determined to become what that person desired as a form of gratitude, and he didn't mind that decision at all.

"N-no... There's nothing like that," Benedict replied, her voice trembling almost inaudibly, like a soft whisper nearly erased by the night wind.

Billy, with a sharp gaze from beneath the brim of his cowboy hat, observed Benedict bowing her head. From her expression, he could sense deep doubt, as if she was struggling with something far heavier than mere words. The doubt was so apparent, as if she did not want to unveil the dark chapters of her life.

Billy sighed deeply, feeling the weight in silence. "Alright, I won't press you further. If this conversation is over, I'll take my leave. I have work to attend to." His voice held a firm, yet gentle tone. With a calm movement, Billy stood up from his seat, like a warrior ready to leave the battlefield after the fight was done.

If Benedict was indeed hiding a secret, Billy would not force her to reveal a truth that might be too painful to uncover. To Billy, helping someone who did not want help at all was a futile effort. He understood that sometimes, people preferred to bear their burdens alone rather than involve others. And now, Billy felt that this girl was one of them.

However, just as Billy was about to leave the room and continue his work, a soft but hopeful voice interrupted the silence.

"W-wait..."

Billy halted and turned around, seeing Benedict now standing with her small frame trembling, as if every word she wanted to say had burdened her entire soul. Her previously vacant face now shone with a glimmer of hope, as if she had discovered a light in the darkness of her life.

Benedict's eyes, once dim and empty, now sparkled with an almost blinding intensity. There was urgency in her gaze, as if she had just found a glimmer of hope that she had long been seeking.

"P-please help me..." Benedict's voice, though soft, carried a deep and earnest plea.

Billy, initially prepared to leave, now halted in his steps. He could feel the weight of her words, as if Benedict had revealed a deeply buried truth within her heart. The courage of the girl to finally ask for help showed how heavy the burden she carried was.

With a concerned and attentive gaze, Billy approached once more, ready to listen to whatever Benedict wished to share. The initial impression of Benedict as a dreamy and despondent girl began to fade, replaced by an individual struggling with hope and bravery.

"Alright," Billy said, his voice gentle and full of empathy. "Tell me what I can do to help. I'll listen and do my best according to my abilities." A relieved smile appeared on his face, indicating his readiness to offer support.

Benedict exhaled deeply, as if she had just released a heavy weight from her shoulders. Tears began to well up in the corners of her eyes, and she could not hold back the emotions that had been locked away. It was a profound relief, an emotion she had not experienced in a long time. Her life, despite being in the royal family, felt like an endless struggle. She was a pawn in the game of power, treated like an object to be discarded at will. The cold and suffocating atmosphere in the palace, an ornate cage that limited her freedom and isolated her from the outside world, made her feel estranged. There were no friends to confide in, no family to rely on. She was lost in a journey of life with no clear direction, without a definite purpose and no certainty about why she existed in this world.

And now, amid the storm of emotions shaking her life, someone she had met by chance had extended a hand, offering the help and hope she had long sought.

"Hey, are you okay!?" Billy panicked, immediately approaching as he saw the girl crying uncontrollably. He felt anxious seeing Benedict in such profound sorrow. With genuine care, Billy tried to offer the support she needed, providing his shoulder as a place to lean on and offering sincere attention.

As he helped her sit down, Billy offered a cup of the herbal tea previously provided, hoping it might soothe Benedict. "Try to calm down. Sometimes, crying can help release the pain that's been pent up."

Benedict rested her head on Billy's shoulder, feeling the warmth and sincerity of his gesture. For the first time in a long while, she felt true comfort and support. Billy, despite his youth, had shown remarkable care and empathy. His presence gave Benedict a new sense of hope, as if a new dawn had emerged from the darkness surrounding her life.

Billy stayed by her side, offering the necessary support and avoiding words that might add to her burden. He understood that in moments like these, presence and attention could mean far more than words. Meanwhile, Benedict began to regulate her breathing, gradually feeling lighter and more at ease with Billy's sincere help.

As for Benedict's past, it remained just that—a past.