When we finally left the capital, Anna checked the map and made sure we picked the correct route to Ebric.

The journey should take about a week, two days have already passed.

"Come on, stay still!"

We had porridge for breakfast and i'm trying to get Ava to eat hers while she's sitting on my lap, but it's proving to be difficult.

For some reason, she's in a particularly excitable mood and won't stop squirming around.

"Nya! Nya!"

"Ava, you're spilling your food everywhere!"

"Nya, haha!"

"Anna do something or i'm not feeding her!"

"I can't, i'm steering the wagon!"

Anna is starting to get a little frustrated too, Eric's absence already proving to be a difficult transition.

She wants to reach Ebric as soon as possible, which means we can't waste too much time standing around, only stopping to prepare food and sleep.

"Mom!"

"Ah, fine! I'm only going to tell you this once so listen carefully! Lightly grab her scruff, it'll calm her down and make it easier to get her attention."

I listen to her instructions and decide to try it.

Since Ava's so small, i only use my thumb and index finger to lightly pinch her neck.

"Nya?"

As if a miracle, she immediately relaxes and quiets down.

The skin on her neck is stretchy and doesn't seem to cause her pain, so i pick up the spoon and bring it to her mouth.

She fixates on it and gives it a few sniffs before eating it.

I sigh in relive and feed her the rest of her breakfast.

Afterwards, as soon as i release my grip she returns to her previous state and resumes jumping around the carriage with a smile on her face.

Anna reaches out to grab my shoulder and makes me look at her.

She's blushing and looks extremely embarrassed.

"I-I'll only say this once too so make sure to remember it! Beast-folk only use this to rear their young, but it's also a special place so don't do it to any beast-girls you happen to meet!"

She let's go of me and turns her attention back on the road.

"Huh, why?"

"I-It's a sensitive topic! You'll learn when your older! Understand?"

"Ugh, fine, whatever."

In truth i have no idea what she meant.

Seems to me it's a major weak spot, an easy way to subdue a beast-folk should i ever find myself facing one in battle.

Three days later we encounter a rundown sign, indicating we have reached the border of Ebric.

I've also noticed that the road quality has also worsened the further away we travel from Mercia.

Anna steers the wagon and stops at the edge of the road.

She gets off and makes her way to the back of the wagon, rummaging through the sacks we brought from Mercia.

She procures a map and unravels it on the wagon floor.

"We're now inside Ebric's borders. This road leads to the capital, but we'll be stopping at these two villages and a town on the way to see if they have any churches i can apply to."

"Sounds fine by me. I'm more interested on what i'll be doing once we reach the capital."

"We'll discuss that once we're there. I just wanted to make sure you're aware."

I give her a nod and take my seat on the wagon.

Few hours pass and we arrive at the first village which seems to be a farming village, focusing on growing crops.

Compared to ours it looks bland and gloomy.

Must be because of the weather, it's fall after all, but i can't help but to feel something being "off".

We eventually find a church in the middle of the village.

Rather small but i guess beggars can't be choosers.

Anna parks the wagon and turns to me.

"We'll try our luck with this one. Alex, keep yourself hidden, we don't want them to think i'll be bringing two children."

"Sure."

I answer her and lay low on the wagon, pulling up my hood.

She picks Ava up and i watch her walk to towards the main entrance.

A few knocks on the door and she waits, but no one seems to answer.

She tries again, waiting to hear something.

She's about to leave when someone opens it, startling her slightly.

A middle-aged priestess peeks through the crack, not opening the door all the way.

"What do you want?"

The woman asks rudely, speaking to Anna as if she were a nuisance.

"Uh, Hello. Um, my name is Anna Helmund and this is my daughter Ava. We left our home because of the war and we're wondering if we could seek refuge in your church until the war is over. I'm willing to work of course! I have experience working at a church as a healer."

She sets Ava down and clasps her hands in prayer.

Her hands glow golden when she utters a silent prayer, while also trying to keep her struggling face hidden, wanting to impress.

The woman isn't impressed however and slams the door shut.

"Go beg somewhere else or i'll call the guards."

Anna hears her threat from behind the door.

She picks Ava up and comes back to the wagon.

"No luck?"

I ask and lean against the wagon edge.

"I don't really mind. She was rude anyway."

We continue our journey past the first village, resting the following night between it and the second village we're going to.

To Anna's surprise, the second village didn't have a church for some reason.

Like the first one, this one seems to be a farming village too, but instead focuses on livestock.

Left with no other choice but to continue our journey, we spend another night between the second and the town.

The capital is getting closer everyday and i'm starting feel impatient.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

When we arrive at the town, i immediately notice the start contrast between it and the first village.

This one reminds me heavily of Luton.

In the middle of it is a more sizable church which also looks a bit nicer, not that i particularly know what constitutes as "nice".

"Okay, the same as before, you stay hidden while me and Ava go to the church."

I hide myself in the wagon and watch them approach the front door next to the main entrance.

Anna knocks and this time, she doesn't have to wait long until someone opens it.

A young priestess about Anna's age opens the door.

"H-Hello, how may i help you?"

The priestess greets her with a slight worry on her face.

Anna explains our situation to the priestess and demonstrates her healing magic.

They talk some more, the priestess bows to her apologetically.

"I'm sorry, we'd love to have you but we don't have enough funds to hire more healers. Maybe you could try the capital? I have a friend who works at one of the two churches there. If you want i can write you a letter of recommendation, which you can then give to her. Is that okay?"

Anna ponders for a moment before looking at the priestess with a deterministic look.

"I'd appreciate that. Thank you so much."

Anna smiles at her, tears forming in the corners of her eyes.

"No problem. Just wait here a moment."

She closes the door and Anna walks over to a nearby bench to wait with Ava.

After a short while, the priestess returns with a letter.

She and Anna exchange a few words, before they make their way back to the wagon.

"A success, i take it?"

I comment and lay on the wagon with my hands behind my head.

"Whew, yes. There's two churches in the capital and one of them may be able to employ me. Now the questions is what you'll be doing."

"Hmm, maybe there's a place where people can go to advertise available jobs?"

"Do you mean a job exchange? There might be one in the capital."

She clarifies and flicks the reins.

When we approach the gates, Anna pulls up her hood to cover her ears and curls her tail beneath her dress to keep it hidden.

"What're you doing?"

I question her from the back of the wagon.

"The shopkeeper in Mercia told me that some people in Ebric don't view races other than human in high regard. Be a dear and cover Ava's ears."

I rummage around the wagon for Ava's cloak until i find it.

"Ava, come here."

She crawls up to me and i wrap the cloak around her, then pull the hood over her head.

"Are we playing hide-and-seek, big brother?"

She peeks from under her hood and smiles at me gingerly.

"Eh, kinda. Just try to stay hidden."

"Okay!"

She crawls around before disappearing beneath a blanket.

"So, what now? Are we going to the church first or the job exchange?"

I inquire as we pass the gate and enter the city.

"I want to go to the church as soon as possible. The letter of recommendation isn't a guarantee, so if they end up not being able to hire me, we can look through the job exchange together."

I give her a nod and look around the city as we ride through it.

Ebric doesn't hold a candle to Mercia, the difference between them is immense.

It's much smaller in size and isn't split into different districts like Mercia is.

The walls surrounding the city look old and basic, but seem to get the job done in terms of defense.

It also doesn't possess any of the glamour Mercia does, the houses where the commonfolk live look simple and are made from a mixture of stone and wood.

the buildings closer to the center, where the castle is located, look a little nicer.

However, people also live outside the walls.

Their houses, just like their inhabitants look the worst, further indicating the discrepancy in wealth.

In essence, Ebric embodies the picture of a typical medieval kingdom, albeit boring and unimpressive.

"You said there are two churches, do you know which one to go to?"

"Yes, the priestess in the town marked the letter with a seal which should appear on the church gate."

She hands me the letter and i inspect the simple seal.

We suddenly stop and she snatches the letter off my hands.

"We're here, hide..."

Before she can finish her sentence i already hide myself beneath the blanket, eliciting a light chuckle from her.

Ava sits up and rubs her eye, seems like she was taking a nap under it.

"Come on Ava."

Anna calls her and she crawls to her embrace.

The church bells begin to ring, catching Anna's attention.

"Oh, it must be the afternoon service."

She remarks and I look to my side and see the main gate being opened by two priestesses.

Only few people enter the church, so i take it this isn't an official, mandatory gathering.

"We'll be going then, this shouldn't take long."

Anna says and i watch her walk up to the two priestesses, handing one of them the letter

I watch them talk for a moment before they lead her and Ava inside the church.

Since there isn't a reason to hide anymore, i decide to hop off the wagon and stretch my legs.

"Hnng, ahh~, Now then, i guess i have some time to look around."

I say out loud to myself and begin walking around, staying close to the wagon just in case.

Taking a good look at the church, it's definitely bigger and better maintained than the two previous ones we encountered.

The buildings surrounding the church are a mix of residences and businesses, a typical urban environment whose streets i'll be getting to know soon.

Cobblestone streets, people mingling about, a guard here and there, nothing really stands out in this city.

Not that i mind, but i admit i feel a little nervous about living in a city for a year or two, especially by myself.

I know it was my decision which i don't regret but still.

A group of laughing children run past me, catching my attention but i bear them no mind.

I look back to the church and see Anna and Ava step outside, meeting her back at the wagon.

"Well? Did you get it?"

I ask, leaning against the cart as she places Ava on it.

"You could say that. They're unable to hire me here, but there's another town with a church which is looking for a healer."

I notice her looking worried.

"So what's the problem?"

"Didn't you hear me? It's in another town, we'll be so far apart. I won't be able to see you as often."

I raise my eyebrow at her.

"See each other? I assumed we'd have no contact during our stay here?"

"Huh!? What kind kind of mother do you think i am! There's no way i'd leave you to fend for yourself!"

She scolds me and pinches my cheek.

"Ow, ow! But Eric said...!"

"I know what Eric said, but i'm your mother! What i say goes! I need to keep an eye on you!"

She lets go off me and i rub my cheek in pain.

"Ugh, so are you going to reject the offer then?"

"I don't know, i guess i have to."

"And dismiss everything we planned with him? Don't you trust him or what?"

Hearing this surprises her.

"Alex, i-"

"What about Ava? Are you sure you want to take care of her in a city we don't know? A church could guarantee her safety. isn't that the whole point?"

"But what about you?"

"You don't have to worry about me, i can protect myself just fine. Besides, i have my sword and my training."

She falls silent for a moment, her eyes closed, head resting on her hand.

Then, she reaches out to gently grab my shoulders and leans closer, looking at me with eyes that could pierce my soul.

"Are you absolutely sure Alex? Just a yes or no answer is fine."

The intensity of her gaze makes it hard keep eye contact, but i take a deep breath and tell her my answer.

"Yes."

She lets go off me and gets on the wagon.

"Alright then, if that's your choice then i won't argue with it. Come on, let's find a job exchange."

I give her a nod and hop on.

Riding around and asking for directions from a guard, we manage to find a job exchange building.

Not too impressive and we almost rode past it because it blends in so well with the surrounding buildings.

We park nearby and head inside, revealing that it's a rather lively place filled with people trying to find employment or hire workers for their needs.

I see lots of people occupying nearby tables, hearing various keywords such as "contract length" and "salary".

The people themselves all look different, sharply dressed men discussing with burly laborers for example.

There's quite a bit of commotion at the back of the building, where there's a large crowd in front of a vast notice board filled with flyers offering various job opportunities.

"Titux & Associates: Mineral Extraction Corporation is hiring 50 laborers! Sign here!"

A man standing on a raised platform next to the board addresses the crowd loudly and many seem eager to sign up.

"Next please!"

A female clerk from a nearby counter beckons to us.

"Ah, yes!"

Anna grabs my hand and we walk up to the woman.

"Hello, how may i help you?"

The clerk asks from behind the counter.

"Hello, i'd like to register my son as available hire."

"Name and age please."

Jeez, no hesitation, i guess the concept of child labor laws doesn't exist yet.

"Alex Helmund and 7."

The clerk writes the information down and speaks again.

"Would you like to have his name registered as a passive application?"

"What does that mean?"

Anna asks her.

"If a hiree is unable to find suitable jobs from the notice board, they can register their name as passively seeking employment. This means the job seeker doesn't have to be physically present here while looking for work. Instead, they can return at a later date to check if any potential employers have left them an offer. However, be warned that this process can take some time. I'd advise checking in at least once a day."

"Hmm, what do you want to do Alex?"

"I guess i'll check the board first and if there isn't anything suitable i'll just register for the passive thing."

The clerk hears this and hands Anna the registration form.

"If you find a job offer you want then bring it here along with this form."

Anna thanks the clerk, then hands me the piece of paper and we head outside to our wagon.

Outside, Anna gathers some things into a sack while fasten Stella's bag on my shoulder and strap my sword on my back.

"We don't have any money left so you'll be left without accommodations. These should last you for a day or two so try to stay close to the job exchange."

I take the sack from her and throw it over my shoulder.

"So this'll be a goodbye then? For now at least."

Instead of answering, she leans down and hugs me firmly while tears form in her eyes.

"Ugh, you're staining my clothes..."

"Sniff, shut up and let your mom hug you."

Suddenly Ava emerges from the wagon and looks down at us.

"Mommy, why are you crying?"

Anna gets up and lifts Ava down.

"Sniff, Alex will stay here while we go to the church, so it's time say goodbye."

Ava panics and clings to my clothes tightly.

"Why? Why are you leaving?!"

I lean down and she hugs me, burying her head into my neck.

I can't really think of an answer that'll satisfy her, so i just pet her head while she cries.

"I just have to, okay?"

"but you can't leave big bro! Not like we left daddy! Waah!"

"Shh, it's okay Ava, it's okay."

Anna tries to soothe her, then lifts her up before setting her down in the wagon, then turns back to me.

"Be a good boy and stay out of trouble, you hear me? I'll send you letters, okay?"

She requests and kisses my cheek.

"I love you."

"Sure."

With that she gets on the wagon and looks at me for the final time.

For a moment we look each other in the eye, neither of us speaking a word.

Then, she flicks the reigns and begin riding away.

I see Ava looking back at me, still crying and waving.

"Bye big bro! I'll miss you!"

I hear her say as they disappear behind a corner.

Goodbyes are filled with tears, yet i was the only one not crying.

It should be a somber moment, yet i feel like a giant weight has been lifted off me.

I think in a few years, Eric will return from the war and seek Anna and Ava.

They'll try to find me next, but i'll probably have gone somewhere else.

After they give up, they'll go back home or move to a new one, and in about, say, five years, they'll have forgotten about me.

I don't really belong in this family, they're better off without me.

I'm just a ma... a fighter from another world, pursuing, perhaps a foolish goal.

Despite that i have no attachments holding me back.

I'm free and it's time to take another step in my journey towards greater strength.