As we stepped further into the town hall, the comforting scent of fresh bread and herbs mingled with the warmth of laughter and chatter. The vibrant interior was alive with a sense of community; tables were arranged neatly around the room, and groups of the townsfolk were gathered, exchanging cheerful words over fragrant tea.

At the center of it all was a scene that drew our attention—a group of children laughing and swarming around a woman draped in a cream-colored cloak. Her hood was pulled back just enough to reveal black hair that shimmered like the night sky in the soft glow of the room’s lanterns.

“Come on, Miss Ellie!” one of the children exclaimed, tugging at her hand. “Play with us a little longer!”

The woman—Ellie, I presumed—laughed gently, the sound as light and warm as the sun breaking through clouds. Her radiant orange eyes, like the vibrant hues of dawn, sparkled with a genuine kindness that was captivating. Her presence exuded a quiet elegance that seemed at odds with the simple village setting, yet she blended effortlessly into the warmth of the community.

Otome leaned into me slightly, her voice low. “She doesn’t seem like your average townsperson.”

“No,” I murmured back. “Definitely not.”

As if sensing our presence, Elli’s gaze shifted toward us. Her smile softened, and she held up a hand to calm the children clamoring for her attention. “All right, little ones,” she said gently, her voice soothing yet firm. “Why don’t you all go outside and play for a while? I need to speak with these people.”

The children groaned in protest but ultimately listened, darting out of the hall in a flurry of giggles and playful shoves. Once the room had quieted, Elli turned her full attention to us, her eyes briefly sweeping over Otome with a hint of concern.

“You’re injured, Follow me.” She began to lead us to a room in the town hall. “I’ve never seen you in this town before. Are you travelers?”

“Yes, me and my sister were traveling when we ran into some bandit’s who ended up wounding my sister.”

Ellie’s gaze lingered on Otome for a moment longer before she nodded. “Then you’ve had quite the ordeal. Come, this way.” Her tone was warm, carrying an air of quiet authority that demanded respect without being overbearing.

She turned and began walking toward a door at the far end of the hall, her black hair catching the soft light as it shifted with her movements. Otome and I exchanged a quick glance. I gave her a subtle wink, silently urging her to follow my lead, and she nodded faintly, though her exhaustion was evident in her eyes.

The room Ellie led us to was modest but cozy, with a wooden table, a few chairs, and a cabinet lined with jars and vials. A basin of water and clean pieces of cloth were neatly set to one side. Ellie gestured for Otome to sit on one of the chairs while she retrieved a pair of gloves, which were likely imported from a entwick country, from the cabinet.

“You’ve been through a lot,” Ellie said as she slipped on gloves with practiced ease. “Bandits, you said?”

“Yes,” I replied smoothly, stepping forward to assist Otome as she eased into the chair. “My sister and I tried to fight them off, but one of them managed to land a lucky hit on her.”

Otome glanced at me but wisely chose not to add anything, letting me handle the explanation.

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Elli’s orange eyes flickered with a glimmer of skepticism, though her kind expression never wavered. “It’s fortunate you made it here in one piece. The roads near the border can be treacherous, especially at night.”

“Are you this town’s resident doctor?” Otome asked, her tone laced with curiosity.

“I do what I can for the people here,” Elli replied, sidestepping the question. Her gaze briefly met Otome’s before returning to her work. “The March of Luminastra prides itself on its hospitality, but times are hard, even for us. You’re lucky to have arrived when you did.”

“Why’s that?” I asked, folding my arms as I studied her.

Elli’s faint smile lingered, though there was a shadow of something deeper behind her serene demeanor. “Miss Elysia, the lady of this march, is visiting the town tomorrow. She rarely makes public appearances—ever since she vanished for a month—but her presence always lifts the spirits of the people. Perhaps you’ll have the chance to meet her.”

I exchanged a quick glance with Otome, the weight of Elli’s words settling between us. “She disappeared for a month?” I asked, keeping my tone casual despite my rising interest.

“No one knows where she went,” Elli replied, her voice tinged with a quiet frustration. “The Marquess and Marchioness have kept the details shrouded in secrecy. Since then, her ladyship has seldom left her estate. Tomorrow’s visit is… rare.”

Before I could respond, Elli knelt beside Otome and began unwrapping the makeshift bandages with deliberate care. The faint scent of herbs lingered in the air as she examined the wound, her practiced hands steady despite the severity of the injury.

“The rectus femoris and vastus medialis are both badly cut,” Elli murmured, her voice analytical yet soft. “The damage is severe, but not irreparable.”

Otome winced as Elli gently probed the wound, her brow furrowing with concern. “You’re lucky the bleeding slowed on its own. Without immediate treatment, this could have led to permanent damage—or worse.”

“I’ve been through worse,” Otome muttered, though the pain in her voice betrayed her bravado.

Elli’s lips tightened into a determined line. “Perhaps, but that doesn’t mean you should endure this any longer. Hold still; this might feel strange but won’t hurt.”

Without waiting for a response, Elli raised her hand, her palm glowing with a soft, radiant light. The air seemed to hum with energy, a soothing warmth that wrapped around us like a protective cocoon. Elli pressed her glowing hand gently against Otome’s thigh, directly over the injury.

I watched in silent awe as fine, golden strands of light wove through the torn muscle fibers, intertwining them like threads in an intricate tapestry. Elli’s orange eyes glowed faintly, their brilliance reminiscent of a dawn breaking through the horizon, her focus unwavering. Slowly, the muscle began to reattach, knitting itself together with almost hypnotic precision.

Otome’s breathing hitched, her wide eyes fixed on the mending wound. “What… what are you doing?” she asked, her voice caught between amazement and disbelief.

“I’m a Sorcera,” Elli replied calmly, her voice steady as the glow in her hand intensified. “One of my abilities allows me to guide the body’s natural healing process, accelerating it to restore function and structure. The muscles are reattaching, and the skin will regenerate shortly. You’ll need rest for a full recovery, but you’ll be walking again soon.”

As the light dimmed, the wound was no longer a gaping tear. Instead, it was a faint scar, fresh yet seemingly weeks old. Elli sat back with a quiet sigh, fatigue briefly flickering across her composed features.

Otome flexed her leg cautiously, her disbelief written across her face. “I… I can’t believe it. You fixed it so fast…”

“Don’t push yourself,” Elli interrupted, her tone gentle but firm. “The internal tissue needs time to strengthen, even if it feels fine now. Walking is possible, but avoid running or carrying anything heavy for at least a day.”

Otome glanced at me, her fingers brushing over the now-healed area. “You’ve got impressive medical skills,” I said, aiming to lighten the mood.

Elli stood, brushing her hands against her cloak as she looked between us. “I did only what was necessary. You should both stay and rest a while longer before continuing on your journey. I’ll bring some food and water shortly.”

Without another word, Elli left the room, her presence as composed and efficient as her actions had been.

“I owe her one,” Otome muttered, her voice quieter now as she tentatively stretched her leg.

“We should buy some food and supplies and then head back to everyone else,” I said.