"Is... this the place?"

Fia looked at the old building in front of her with a tired, hopeful expression.

It had been five or six years since the White Horse City was destroyed by a disaster.

During that time, the entire southern region had plunged into chaos.

For someone without support like her, living through these days of war and turmoil was extremely difficult.

However, she had recently heard that a convent would be offering help to refugees.

She did not expect to find stable work here, she only wanted to rest for a few days and have a decent meal.

That would be enough for her.

But would she be able to receive that kind of treatment here?

Feeling a bit nervous, she rang the bell at the entrance, which made a "ding-ding" sound.

"Please wait a moment..."

From a distance, a gentle female voice came from the convent, which gave Fia a bit of relief.

After waiting a short while, a woman dressed in a simple nun’s habit hurried out.

"Sorry for the wait."

The nun, slightly embarrassed, removed the rusty lock from the door and warmly invited her inside.

"Ah... um... that's alright..."

The nun’s enthusiasm made Fia a bit uncomfortable.

She was just a refugee, and no one had ever welcomed her with such enthusiasm before.

"Well... I am... uh... hungry. Can I have something to eat here? But I don't have any money..."

She was embarrassed to ask clearly before entering.

"Don't worry, come in."

The young nun smiled kindly, and upon closer inspection, Fia noticed that the nun did not seem very old, maybe around 20 years old?

“Really? I really don’t have any money..."

The nun’s warm response surprised Fia.

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Even when she asked for help on the streets, rarely did anyone pay her much attention.

Now, even after explaining her situation, the nun didn’t look at her strangely.

The friendly treatment seemed almost surreal.

Seeing Fia’s look of disbelief, the young nun smiled with her hand covering her mouth. "Of course it's true. Why would I lie to you? If you need, you can stay here for a few days without paying."

"Eh?"

Fia found it hard to believe that there were still such kind people in a world like this.

"Well, don’t stand out there, come in."

Saying that, the young nun pulled Fia inside and locked the door, continuing, "However, we don’t have much good food here, don’t expect too much."

"It doesn’t matter, as long as there’s something to eat, I’m very happy. Thank you very much."

To express her gratitude, Fia bowed solemnly and then secretly decided that her time living here should not be in vain, and she should at least help with some cleaning tasks at the monastery to repay their kindness.

"Great, then come with me."

The young nun smiled casually and began to lead her.

Fia followed, observing everything inside the convent.

It was indeed a rather deteriorated convent.

Much of the vegetation had not been trimmed and looked very overgrown.

Although the convent was supposed to be a calm place, it seemed beyond tranquility, better described as desolate.

"It's so quiet here..."

Fia said, a bit uncomfortable.

"Yes." The young nun said indifferently, "To be honest, besides me, there are only two other nuns here. Some temporary residents are also staying here, and they must be asleep by now..."

Asleep?

Maybe it was a nap...

"Only three people?"

"Yes, and this convent is not small. It's very laborious for just the three of us to take care of everything. It’s really tiring."

The nun seemed to be complaining.

"Well, I can help with some simple cleaning tasks."

"Oh, that would be great, thank you very much..."

As the two continued to talk, Fia’s anxiety gradually disappeared without a trace.

Soon, they arrived at the place where guests could rest.

"Wait here a moment, I'll see if there’s anything to eat."

"Okay."

Fia didn’t wait long, and the young nun soon returned with two plates.

"Sorry, this is all the hot food we have left."

She brought a steaming mushroom soup and two pieces of black bread.

Feeling the delicious aroma of the hot food, Fia’s stomach growled, making her feel a bit embarrassed.

"It’s fine, I’m already satisfied with this."

Fia quickly thanked the nun.

For someone as hungry as she was, receiving such a meal was a great blessing, there was no reason to ask for more.

Taking a spoonful of soup, Fia was so happy that she nearly cried.

The delight of these simple foods when you are very hungry is indescribable.

She devoured all the food, still a bit longing for more, but didn’t ask for any.

Though with the nun’s kindness she would likely receive more food if she asked, Fia thought she shouldn’t be too demanding.

"How about it, do you want more?"

The nun asked with a smile.

"No need." Fia shook her head, "I’m very satisfied with this."

"I see..." The nun kept smiling. "So, do you want me to show you to meet the others, or to the place where you will stay?"

"Yes, please."

Fia followed the young nun through a narrow corridor until they reached an old wooden door.

The nun took a large key from her robe, unlocked the lock, and easily opened the heavy wooden door.

"This is the place."

The nun gestured for Fia to enter.

"Okay."

Fia nodded and walked through the door.

The interior was a bit dark and hard to see clearly; it felt like the stairs were continuously descending.

"Ah, yes, sister, my name is Fia. I haven’t asked your name yet."

"Oh, yes..."

The young nun still had that gentle smile on her face, but in such a dark and gloomy place, it seemed a little eerie.

"My name is Eileen."