Again, Maven opened her eyes.

The first thing she saw was a ray of light coming through the window, slowly revealing a room.

Its wall was not of white marble but grey stones.

A table, a chair, and a bed. Made of wood, not pure gold.

The elf girl tried to look to the right, pushing the cotton blanket a bit downwards.

The door and the desk were made of wood.

The Holy Ankh, symbol of Vadis hanging on the wall… was made of iron.

A bucket of water and a towel.

Accompanied by a heavy voice that isn’t very tunable. “Ah… Mave, you’re awake?” It was Declan.

Without looking back, Maven asked, “Pinch my hand.”

“Hah?” Declan made a funny, confused face. A moment later he smiled, getting what she meant and did as she asked.

“Ooowwwwww!”

“Now you’re convinced that this is not a dream?”

Maven nodded. “Yup, neither the heaven nor a dream. But, how did I end up here? We’re in the Saint Ambrosius Monastery, right? How long have I fainted?"

“Wow, one at a time, Mave.” Declan outstretched his finger as though pointing upwards. “You are now in the women’s guest room of the monastery, and you’ve been unconscious for three days. Besides, you gave your bow and arrow sack to me, right? They’re in my room, I’ll get them for you later, after you’ve fully recovered.”

“Thank you, Declan,” Maven said as she looked at her spiritual brother closely.

Declan scratched his head as usual. “Aah, don’t sweat it. This is my duty as the defender of justice.”

Declan dipped the tip of the towel into the bucket, squeezed it a bit then wiped it on Maven’s face which looked gorgeous even if it was still rather pale.

Maven suddenly recalled something important, “Declan,” she said. “How about…. Father Nigel?”

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Declan gasped, then bowed his head. “When I was returning the rosary, The Headmistress of the Monastery finally discovered about what Father Nigel has done. Me and a few monks went down to the catacombs, but we didn’t find him. The only thing we could bring back was Father Nigel’s broken trident. With or without a weapon, it would be impossible for him to face all those undead alone.”

“So it’s true… Father Nigel has….”

Declan only nodded weakly.

Maven began to weep. She couldn't stop looking at Declan, whispering softly, “Father Nigel has sacrificed himself for us… May his soul find peace beside Vadis. Declan, you too had helped me a lot, even putting your life on the line.”

“Oh, it’s just common sense. I will do the same for my other fellows as well.”

Maven shook her head. “Not only that, you also fought so hard to help me avenge my parents, it was something that goes against your faith. I don’t think a ‘thank you’ is enough to reward you.”

Declan went silent briefly, recognizing the hint in Maven’s face. Slowly he drew his face towards Maven's.

Maven's heart pounded hard.

They drew closer and closer….

But a hoarse voice cut them short. “Ah, our hero has awakened!”

Declan awkwardly pulled himself from Maven. Maven looked at the man who came without knocking, dumbfounded. She recognized that rather short, half balding and half-crooked, middle-aged man with a face like a frog.

Baron Croac le Toadt.

“Well, well, I hope I didn’t interrupt something here. I shouldn’t be barging in like this. But please be advised, knowing my busy schedule as a mayor always has me in a hurry," said Croac.

Maven rose up and sat on the bed, scratching her forehead. “If that’s the case, I won’t slow you down, mayor. I’m prepared to be arrested and jailed right away.” She offered her hands to be chained.

Seeing her attitude, the Frogface shook his head instead. “Ah, young blood, always rash in drawing out a conclusion.”

“What do you mean?”

“Listen to me well first, Maven Istravel. You must have infiltrated into Redne as a fugitive. You even have stolen the Saint Ambrosius Rosary, the priceless relic of Vadisianism.”

“I only borrowed it…”

“Don’t interrupt me! Eh, where was I just now? Oh, right. Even with that considered, it appears that you have executed the ‘catching a snake with by being a snake' ruse very well. Thanks to you, we have successfully vanquished the most notorious criminal gang in town, the Viperwolves from head to toe. You have uncovered their entire network and the proofs of their crime. This is the most magnificent delivery of justice in the last ten years.”

Maven and Declan exchanged smiles.

“And now, Maven, for everything you have done, you have been freed from all charges. This is the letter of decree.” Baron ended his explanation by giving the said letter to the elf.

Maven read the letter and was stunned.

Free. I’m no longer a fugitive. No longer I have to hide.

I am now free to live in Redne, or…. go to everywhere I want to… including…. to Lu Vazr.

Lu Vazr…. To meet with Reyl again?

Suddenly, a suffocating feeling stunned Maven. It was no longer a decent feeling, since Reyl already had a lover.

Even so, Maven's feelings raged uncontrollably.

How eager she was to see Reyl's handsome face again.

His clear blue eyes.

To hear his firm, swaying voice.

One more time, even for just one more time…

“Mave! Mave, don’t space out again!”

Declan’s call startled Maven out of her daydreaming. She then saw Croac le Toadt standing before her, frowning.