Town of Artes, alley. 26th day of February 1467 AD.

...

As that Aval looked at me, I could feel my heart thump. Not only because of the increasing amount of adrenaline in my bloodstream, but also because of a weird sensation I was feeling. It was as if I wanted to hug him and never let go like he was the only thing I've ever needed. I knew it was not only admiration and closeness, it was something even beyond that.

How... he is a man... how can I feel such things when I'm close to him?!

He was not only the man that would pave my way...

He was also one of the two people I've ever truly loved to that extent. And someone I hold dear in my heart to this day.

As he smiled at me, I could feel his thankfulness. At least by the looks of it, he would not win if I hadn't interfered. I kind of saved his life that day, and he was surely grateful. But what he said took me by surprise.

"Let's have a meal buddy, I'll pay."He said as he gestured for me to follow him. He turned around and followed the path that leads to the exit, he seemed to know how to navigate through the alleys as much as I do.

I just followed him mechanically, I couldn't even think as I followed him. Looking at his back, I felt I could trust him. As if his back would cover a barrage of arrows to protect me.

But I just shook those feelings away, as I loathed the idea of depending on someone to defend myself. But I still couldn't shake that weird feeling, I felt I could only stay close to him for the rest of my life.

He took me to a tavern, it was not a good one, it only served porridge and beer. But to me, that could only eat hard bread at most, porridge was an unbelievable luxury, as one bowl would cost at least thirty coppers. I barely made ten coppers after working for five days on the smithy, so I would die of starvation before affording porridge.

We sat on the counter and he tapped on the hardwood surface to call the boss. There were no waiters, so the boss would take some time to come. While he didn't, Aval looked at him and tried to break the ice.

"So... you worked for that smithy didn't you. You even helped me, do you think you will get into trouble?"He asked with a worried face, he was sincere, as I had helped him, and I could feel his aura of care surrounding me. It was a comfortable feeling, but when he mentioned that. I noticed my mistake.

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Those bodyguards definitely saw my face, there is no way they wouldn't mention me in their report. Not to mention I won't be able to work for Abral, if I stay alive until tomorrow it will already be a miracle. Even if Abral is just a second son, killing and finding a peasant is easy for him.

Aval noticed my shocked face, and he laughed for an unknown reason. Then he made a proposal that would save me, whilst keeping that caring smile on his face.

"It is okay my friend. I have quite some power actually, I may not be noble, but nobles wouldn't infuriate me for no reason. That Smith will probably scold his bodyguards for attacking me even though they knew who I was. You may have that sickly body of yours, but with some good food and training, you have the potential to become a good warrior! Did you see how you fought?! You might have shitty combat skills, but your instinct was there for the show! Do you know how long it takes to hone that fast thinking? Some people don't get to that level through their whole lives! So... What about joining the Moon Wolf Band? You are good enough to be a captain and I will provide your equipment. The pay is three silvers a month."He said as such as taking a sip of the porridge that had just arrived.

I looked at my porridge as well and took a sip. It was hot, which was good as I had no idea how much time has passed since I last ate something hot. I was doubting his words because I had no idea how could I become a captain.

I looked at myself, I had thin arms and legs, but they were fit from all the work I did, the hunger made my muscles be almost non-existent though. My skin was tanned because of the work under the sun, even though it was previously white, I now had a bronze-like skin. If anything about me is worthy of a captain at all, is my white hair, that is a rare hair color and very popular among nobles. I also have green eyes that look beautiful on anyone. If I weren't a peasant, I would be rather beautiful.

"Are you sure I could be a captain? I am rather weak you know?"I ask him with an aspect of doubt.

"Yeah, you can. You can get stronger later, your instincts are enough to become a captain. One of my captains is even a woman! If a woman can do it, why can't you? Hahahaha!" He said with a hearty laugh.

"A woman?! Can they even become mercenaries? I thought they just knew how to sew and have babies! Hehehe!"I say with a light laugh. (Warning! This work is inspired in the middle ages. The view on women of the protagonist doesn't reflect the author's!)

He laughed as well, and we chatted for a long time. We shared stories about our lives and became closer in the process. The sun was about to appear when we were almost finished chatting.

After we shook hands to seal the deal of our partnership, and he paid the boss. We got up to go to the camp. But before, he turned around and looked at me, who was following behind him.

"Hey, Ezel... Why did you save me? You could have your life ruined, or even die, you know?"He asked me with a grave face. As saving someone without benefits is a foreign idea in this place.

I thought about it for a while and decided on the best way to express the feeling I felt at the time.

"Your aura... I could feel an Aura of Care coming from you, which is something I've never seen before in my life... I thought that someone like you deserved to live, even if it cost my life."I said while putting my hand over my heart. I thought that all the feelings I've felt for him could be briefed into that phrase.

What I said put a look of shock on his face, he then said loudly.

"Y-you... you are a Heaven-Born?! That explains everything! Hahahahahahaha!"He said while putting his hands over my shoulders and laughing hysterically.

I didn't know what a Heaven-Born was at the time... But I could feel that it could get me closer to that man...

So I think it really is a heaven-sent gift...