Rain and Rave sat close to each other. Both have swollen bumps on their heads. However, Rain had an additional bump on his cheek, while Rave had numerous bite marks on his arm.

One lady and one young person stood with their hands on their hips and exclaimed simultaneously, “Boys are crazy! Both of you touch hands and do proper apologize.”

Like obedient children, Rain and Rave turned towards each other, extended their hands, shook them, and then nodded at a forty-five-degree angle, saying, “Mr. Rave, Mr. Rain, I apologize.” They synchronized their movements perfectly.

Meanwhile, Twain and Throy Sat on the floor with knees, knocking ground with their hands, trying to hold their laughter but failing miserably. “Bwah ha ha ha ha... I’m a-apologize... Bwah ha ha ha ha.”

Rave interrupted, “Tsk, I will smack both of you later—”

But Madam Iva stared at Rave, causing him to instinctively bow at a forty-five-degree angle. “I apologize to you, Madam,” he quickly said.

Twain & Throy, hands on their stomach, bended their body, tears streaming down their faces. laughter louder. “Bawh ha ha ha,”

While Ivara attended to Rain’s head, applying various herbs, she asked, “Brother, are you okay?”

Rain responded with a wry smile, “I’m okay, Ivara, but this is a bit much.”

However, Ivara continued to patch his head with more herbs, insisting, “Brother, just sit down and listen to me, okay? Brother don’t know anything.”

The green herbal water soaked Rain’s face, and he warily agreed with her.

Madam Iva sighed, saying, “Raising so many children at the same time is really hard,” and then handed out bowls of soup to everyone. “Everyone, eat while it’s still hot.”

“Thank you.” “Thank you, mother.” “Thank you, Madam.”

Everyone took a bowl, and as Rain reached for his bowl, Ivara quickly grabbed it. “Brother, sit down and be obedient. I will feed you,” she said.

Rave tried to intervene, saying, “Rarity, give me the soup. I’ll help Rockman—” but he stopped when he saw her glaring at him with dangerous red triangular eyes, baring her beautiful white fangs. Believe or not, Rave also heard a growl from her. Are you a dog instead of a bird?

Rain also began to sweat, noticing the gathering of golden mana around Ivara. He glanced at Rave and sent him a silent message with his eyes, ‘do not make her angry anymore, Red Thug. She will explode and we all will become dust under her sun.’

Rave understood and responded with a subtle nod, signaling his agreement. ‘Good luck, Rockman,’ he thought, and then turned his head away, refusing to engage in any further conversation.

‘nooooo, don’t leave me alone, friend,’ Rain silently pleaded.

Ivara added more extra herbs to the Rain bowl, causing it to turned green. She held a full spoon of it towards Rain’s mouth.

“Ivara, can you please add a little ChupaChupa for brother, please?” Rain smiled wryly, sweat beaded on his forehead.

“No, brother. I know that sweetness doesn’t help with healing. It will rise little bad guy in body that makes you getting well slower.” She slowly pushed the spoon into his mouth.

Rain quickly looked around for help, but everyone avoided his gaze. Only Madam looked at him with pity in her eyes. It’s all good herbs. I’ve already checked them. They heal the body gracefully.

A tear formed in the corner of Rain’s eye, agreed to eat it gently. Yum... Yum... Yum...

“It’s good, right, brother? Can you feel the remedy working inside?”

“Yum... Yum... Yes, I can feel it.”

“Ah, as I told you, it is good for your health,” another full spoon come.

He obediently ate, “Yum... Yum... Yum...”

“Good boy, good boy” Ivara smiled widely.

Tears fell down, “Yum... Yum... Yum...”

Couple hours passed, and all the bowls were empty. Once everyone regained their senses and the environment stabilized, they relaxed and went to sleep in the tent. Only a few people remained on guard duty.

Madam sat in front of Rain and held out her hands. “Lifted of sorrow, holy and youthful, life still remains, Lite Remedy.” Golden-colored particles of mana flew out of her hands and into Rain’s body.

Rain raised an eyebrow, amazed by Madam’s skill, but quickly regained control of his senses. “Thank you, Madam,” Rain said gratefully. He then extended his hand and touched some of the lingering mana, transferred it to Ivara’s hand, who was now drowsy and rested her head on his shoulder. The golden light grew a little brighter, slowly healing Ivara’s wrist wound. “Are you also on the Holy side?”

Madam Iva continued sending her mana. After a moment, she looked at Rain and said, “Don’t worry, son. I used to be a part of the Holy order, but that was a long time ago.” She moved on to the next wound. “You don’t seem too surprised.”

Rain scratched his own face and replied, “I only found out recently, after witnessing your archery skills. They reminded me of a priestess’s bow or something similar, so I guessed that you were one of them. But Madam, you’re much smarter in many ways.”

“Um... My story is an ordinary one, just toke mission, got injury, learned some truth, found a love, then retire.” She controlled the mana flowing to Rain’s other hand. “But you know, I’m truly surprised. You seem to know so much about the Holy order and even have a Saint Badge. Saint Blue River must truly trust you. How did you get it? Are you her rumored secret child?” Madam directed her question to Rain.

Rain holding his own hand and replied, “Nah, Madam, are you kidding me? I’ve already told you that I’m eighteen, and she’s only in her early twenties. As for the Saint badge, believe it or not, I traded it with her for some mushroom soup. It’s the best dish with premium ingredients that can only be found in the End Land. She even smiled and thanked me when she took the soup.” Rain smiled brightly.

Madam Iva’s eyes widened, wanting to say something, but when she saw Rain’s smile, she simply smiled back and asked, “I believe you... So, are you going tonight? Is your mission finished?” Ivara was already asleep on Rain’s shoulder. “She’ll be sad if you leave without telling her,” Madam Iva added.

Rain also glanced at Ivara, gently caressing her head. “Not today. I also have to help stabilize the city. If the center doesn’t send any priests or priestess, I’ll do the job myself... and I’ve already promised her that I’ll teach her how to make candy and sweet desserts.”

Ivara sleep-talk “Sweet~”

Madam Iva lifted the corner of her mouth and clapped her own hands. “Wow, that’s great! My kid is amazing, already knowing how to trick a man!”

Rain looked at her with a half eyelids and replied, “Madam, your though out.”

“Cough, cough, I’m sorry, but I’m telling the truth. She didn’t talk much before she met you. Her words in a mouth are countable, and I thought it was because she had trauma from losing her parents. Even on the day of the accident, she didn’t cry at all... she only dug in the dirt to look for her father and mother. Rave and everyone else have been helping her for these past five years, slowly helping her stand up. But with you, it’s truly different. Let me think... how should I say it?” Madam Iva tilted her head slightly. “It’s like a bird seeing the light of morning after a night storm. Her eyes shine brightly, wanting to fly and catch her own morning sun.”

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

Rain circled his thumbs. “Madam, you’re exaggerating. She’s always been lovely like this,” Rain said.

Madam Iva covered her mouth, teasingly looking at him. “Boy, don’t be shy. I’ve seen everything. You really take care of her. How can a boy do such girlish things like making flower crowns, playing with marbles in the river, and braiding her hair... and even daring to talk to her about those lost things.”

Rain simply smiled sadly. His eyes lowered. “I know she was just a little kid when the accident happened, but she’s smart, always smart. She knew, but she kept it to herself. Probably... Her parents said something to her like as ‘Don’t cry child, coin is just flipped, it will turn back someday.’ or maybe save her life with smiled. She just needs the truth, someone that she can trust, and gave her a shoulder to cry on.”

Madam gently rubbed her face while Ivara smiled slightly. “Son, what you did was brave and extraordinary. We were afraid to tell her, fearing it would break her heart into pieces. The day you spoke to her, she cried like the first rain in the rainy season... that’s why she sees you as someone truly special.” Madam looked at Rain with determination. “This is serious, so please answer me truthfully... did you know her before?”

Rain was shocked by Madam’s question. Without saying a word, he slowly nodded his head and touched Ivara’s hand, causing a little golden light to shine.

Madam was slightly astonished by Rain’s actions. “So she really is the holy child... Is this your mission? Are you going to take her with you?”

Rain shook his head. “Madam, I don’t know. I’m not part of the Holy Tower that has a mission to find her. Everything depends on her decision. If she wants to go, I’ll say yes. If she doesn’t, I’ll say no.”

Madam lifted her lips slightly. “Son, if you speak like that, you will definitely lose. Be obedient big dog and ending up married with her, definitely.”

Rain took aback, “W-what are you talking abo-”

Madam touched Rain’s shoulder and smiled. “Just wait a little longer. When she grows up to be fifteen, she will become a beautiful young lady, no-no that is not perfectly right. If she stayed with you, in the power of youth and love, it will only be a year. She will become a beauty lady.”

Rain listened carefully and nodded. “I knew she would be beautiful...” His face quickly turned serious. “No, no, that’s not the point-”

Madam teased him further. “Ho~ you have sharp eyes, even predicting how pretty she will be. Son, tell me, do you like my daughter?”

Rain listened carefully and nodded. “Yes, but not like that-”

Madam tapped Rain’s shoulder again, her smile widening. “Maybe I should start preparing a wedding dress sooner than I thought.” She looked up at the sky, held her hands, and prayed like a priestess. “Oh, Mother Moon, this little star wishes for you to grant a wish for this couple-”

“Madam! We’re not in a church. Please don’t do that marriage thing. Please do not call her and please listen to me,” Rain interrupted, feeling flustered.

Madam untied her fingers. “Okay, okay, let me listen first.”

Rain let out a sigh and drawled. “She’s just a child. As you said, she will grow up and become a young lady, and eventually be a beautiful lady. When that time comes, she will decide her own fate. I’m just one page in her book...” Rain looked down, a sad smile on his face. “I don’t know, Are because she is descendants of a merchant family. Maybe comparing her to a precious bird isn’t wrong at all. She rises and shines every day, knowing exactly what people need. She’s always ready to take care of others and help them, even me also get an effect of her kindness But when that time comes... Yes, when that time comes, when she cherished and admired into many hearts of people, her light will shine and protect our entire continent. She will heal the sorrows and ease the pain. Many people respect her and expect her to find someone who values her equally, right?”

Madam Iva’s mouth opened wide. She thought for a moment and then said, “Rain... But you know, that doesn’t mean we have to choose what people expect us to be. You know this better than anyone, don’t you?”

Rain suddenly felt a pain in his heart, as if a pin had pricked it. “But... but what if it goes wrong?”

Madam Iva gently touched Rain’s face. “I can see that you care for her through your actions, but I never realized that your vision of her in your mind was so highly regarded, so far away. Once again, son, you know my daughter. She is promising once, right?”

A warm sensation spread through Rain’s body as Madam Iva’s hand slowly covered him. His heart began to calm, and he nodded slowly. “Yes, she is...”

Madam Iva smiled softly. “Then you should ask for her opinion first.” She gently turned Rain’s face to the right.

Ivara slowly lifted her head from Rain’s shoulder, her hair falling around her with a gentle momentum. She turned her head to look at Rain, her face and ears turning red like the feathers of a crimson parrot. Her wide eyes reflected the lingering light, and tears began to gather. She covered her mouth with her hands, unable to speak.

Rain tilted his head slightly and offered a warm smile. “Sorry to have woken you...”

Ivara shook her head, tears streaming down her face. She looked into Rain’s eyes, her trembling body resembling a frightened bird. She glanced at her mother, hoping for some guidance in this situation, but all she saw was a smile, no words of help. Her heart raced faster as she tried to gather her thoughts, but they fluttered and flew randomly.

Rain spoke up, “Don’t worry about it. I was just rambling-”

Two tiny hands swiftly closed Rain’s mouth. “Stop talking more! B-Brother... B-Brother knows nothing,” a tear fell. “Nothing... B-Brother knows nothing... This is not fair... why does Brother know me more than myself? Why can only I know Brother so little? Why does Brother take care of me like a real sister? Even Ravie doesn’t do this, I don’t know at all.” Another tear fell. “Even our father’s words, the ones he often said... How can this be?” Ivara slowly put her hand down.

Rain held it with one hand while the other touched her tear. It didn’t turn into water but remained in a crystal ball, glowing with a little golden light. All the tears suddenly lingered in the air, floating as if there was no gravity. “Are you sure, really selecting me?”

A flash of pictures rushed in front of Ivara, a man with sloppy short hair sitting on his chair, his desk covered in books with only a little space for his current reading book. The sound of children chattering, the smell of lit candles, black ink, and freshly picked flowers filled her senses. Blue eyes looked at her through his glasses. He took his glasses off, and said ‘Are you sure, really selecting me?’ Ivara’s crystal tears fell and floated in the air. Ivara’s mouth slowly spoke, “R-Ri-a... Ria... Whatever place Ria will go... Ria will go with Brother.” Ivara rushed to hug Madam Iva, burying her face in her body, a little sound of sobbing escaping her.

Madam patted her back while teasingly looking at Rain. “Don’t make the girl cry a third time, okay?”

Rain gave a wry smile.

Madam Iva stood up. “Okay, it’s time. Let your brother get some rest. Vara, go with Mother, okay?” Ivara hugged Madam tighter. “I know he has insomnia, but he also needs rest. Just let him be alone with the crackling fire.” Ivara nodded and moved her head out from Madam’s body. Her face and ears were still red as she waved at Rain with her small hand.

Rain waved back, “Goodnight.”

Mother and daughter left, but his silent night didn’t come. From time to time, people would come to greet him. The Black Knight and Radnor visited him, updating him on the situation. It would take more time to purify the land, and the contributions from the boon would be given to the people in the refugee camp, who helped with this incident in three days. People and knights who were also released from the curse came to thank him. But it didn’t last long. Finally, only the sound of crickets and crackling fire remained as he sat alone by the campfire.

Crackle, crackle.

Morning came, but a cloud still hung over the sky, allowing only a faint glimmer of light to penetrate the heavy cloud cover. The light touched Rain’s hands.

He reached into his sachet and pulled out a cube-shaped rock with a vein of minerals running through it. It was the same cube that was once been part of the dark tower, but now it had transformed into a bright crystal with golden veins. When it caught the light, it radiated a beautiful purple and gold glow.

Rain playfully rotated the stone, causing the scattered light to dance on the floor. “It’s so beautiful... Mother, we have truly brought it back, and it has completely purified and returned to its original state. Look, it shines as brightly as it did when it was home,” Rain said. The stone’s light even caused a tiny flower to bloom when it touched it.

Pretty sound voice from the back “What is that beautiful stone?”

“It’s just a magic stone that can make flowers bloom, Ria. You should rest more and not worry about the morning chores. I will take care of them,” Rain replied, still flipping the tiny stone and pointing to a nearby flower to make it bloom.

Flop! She sat nearby. “Um, I know, running all night also has made me fatigue.” She extended her hand to the left and asked, “Can I see it? That stone is so pretty, and it has such lovely magic.”

Rain instinctively handed her the stone, but when looked followed that hand to her eyes. Even in his colorless vision, he differently sure remembers this color of eyes. It shone sky blue that shade with green of water sea. Moreover, when touched with stone light, it reflected and sparkled beautifully, Rain mount open wide. Don’t believe in his front picture.

“This stone is magnificent. Where did you get it? Can I have it or trade it for Rocky?” Aria’s long hair cascaded down, shining slightly as it caught the light from the stone. Flowers in the surrounding area began slowly bloom.

Rain slowly moved his mouth, “... Yes?... Aria?” The light from the stone also reflected on his face.

Aria turned her head to look at Rain. Their eyes met. “Yes, it’s me, and you are... Rain... Right?”

image [https://i.imgur.com/T3LKTfd.jpeg]