After the meal was over, I turned to Gérald, eager to learn more about his past and his experience in the imperial city. To my surprise, however, the old man looked completely drained, his heavy eyelids betraying his exhaustion.

"Forgive me, Griffith," he said in a weary voice. "I’m afraid I won’t make for much of a conversationalist tonight. My years of serving the Empire have taken their toll, and I could really use some rest."

I gave him an understanding smile, placing a reassuring hand on his arm.

"Don’t worry, my friend," I said gently. "Your hospitality and the insights you’ve shared have already taught me so much. Rest well—you’ve earned it."

Gérald nodded gratefully before excusing himself and retreating to bed. His wife approached me soon after, an apologetic look on her face.

"I’m so sorry, Griffith, but we don’t have an extra bed for you tonight," she said, her tone genuinely regretful. "Our house is small, and we’re already struggling to fit our own family."

I raised a hand to reassure her, not wanting her to feel bad.

"Please, don’t worry," I replied warmly. "I’ll be perfectly fine on the floor with just a blanket."

At that moment, their daughter Mira, whom I hadn’t noticed nearby, stepped forward with a kind smile.

"In that case, let me get you a warm blanket," she offered softly.

Touched by her thoughtfulness, I thanked her sincerely. A few moments later, I settled down on the floor of their humble home, a woolen blanket wrapped tightly around me.

As the rest of the family drifted off to sleep, one by one, I found myself unable to do the same. My mind was restless, replaying Gérald’s revelations about the imperial city and the oppressive grip it held over this region.

Suddenly, I realized Mira wasn’t in the house. Curious, I rose quietly, careful not to disturb anyone, and stepped outside into the cool night air.

I found her sitting on a bench, her gaze fixed on the full moon. Her face, bathed in soft silver light, held a thoughtful, almost melancholic expression.

I approached her cautiously, not wanting to startle her.

"Good evening, Mira," I said softly. "I didn’t expect to find you awake at this hour."

She turned her head toward me, her bright eyes reflecting a deep sadness.

"Good evening, Griffith," she replied quietly. "I couldn’t sleep. Too many thoughts weighing on my mind."

I sat down beside her, my expression filled with compassion.

"What’s troubling you, Mira?" I asked gently, encouraging her to share.

She looked away, her features clouded with sorrow.

"It’s… it’s this injustice, this poverty we’re forced to live in," she murmured, her voice trembling. "My father told me everything—how the Empire seized control of our land and enslaved our people."

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Her hands clenched into fists, frustration etched into her delicate features.

"We’ve worked so hard, generation after generation, to build this modest life. And yet, it’s all been taken from us," she continued, tears glistening in the corners of her eyes. "We’re not even allowed to live freely in our own homeland."

I placed a comforting hand on her arm, my heart aching to see so much pain in her gaze.

"I can only imagine how painful that must be," I said softly, my voice heavy with empathy. "You and your people have endured so much."

Mira nodded slowly, wiping away her tears with an angry swipe of her hand.

"Yes, it’s unbearable," she sighed. "But what hurts the most is seeing my father and so many others accept this as their reality. They’ve given up hope for freedom."

She looked up at me then, her eyes alight with fierce determination.

"But not me, Griffith," she said firmly. "I refuse to accept this life of slavery. I want to fight back, to reclaim what’s been stolen from us!"

I was struck by the strength of her resolve. Mira wasn’t just beautiful; she was also incredibly brave, willing to stand against the forces that oppressed her people.

"Your determination is truly inspiring, Mira," I told her sincerely. "And I promise you, I’ll do everything I can to help you and your people regain your freedom."

She gave me a grateful smile before turning her gaze back to the moon.

"Thank you, Griffith," she whispered. "Knowing that someone is willing to stand with us gives me so much hope."

We sat there in silence for a long while, soaking in the quiet of the night. Slowly, the fatigue from my journey began to catch up with me, and my eyelids grew heavy.

When I woke the next morning, Mira was gone. Concerned, I quickly got up and looked for her, surprised not to see her working in the fields as she had been the day before. Worried, I hurried to find Gérald and his wife, who were already busy in the modest kitchen.

"Good morning, Griffith," Gérald’s wife greeted me warmly. "Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, thank you again for your hospitality," I replied politely. "But tell me—do you know where Mira is?"

Gérald’s face darkened slightly at the question.

"My daughter left early this morning," he explained with a weary sigh. "She often slips away like that to be alone and think."

I frowned, uneasy.

"Think? About what?" I asked, hoping for more clarity.

Gérald sighed deeply, meeting my gaze with tired eyes.

"About our situation, I suppose," he said quietly. "Mira has always struggled to accept the Empire’s oppression. Unlike us, she hasn’t lost hope for freedom."

His wife nodded sadly, placing a comforting hand on his arm.

"Our daughter is full of passion and determination," she said softly. "But sadly, her dreams of rebellion weigh on her more than they help her."

I lowered my gaze, pained to hear this. Mira carried this burden alone, refusing to give in to despair, and that broke my heart.

"I just hope she doesn’t do anything reckless," Gérald sighed. "I understand her pain, but I don’t want her to put herself in danger."

I placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, a wave of determination washing over me.

"Don’t worry, my friend," I said firmly. "I’ll find her and make sure she’s safe."

Gérald gave me a faint smile, and his wife looked at me with gratitude in her eyes.

"Thank you, Griffith," she murmured. "You truly are a good man."

Without wasting another moment, I set out to search for Mira, determined to find her and help ease her burdens.

This young woman had awakened in me a deep desire for justice and freedom, one I could no longer ignore. Whatever it took, I would do everything in my power to help her break the chains of oppression that weighed so heavily on her people.