“The one with tender red petals and thorns on their stem is good for treating cuts or burns on your skin. You can always mix it with water and leave it overnight to make a health potion for colds,” Adriel explained patiently as he pointed at each flower in front of him. "As for your stomach ache, even though it might be due to your stress, you can soothe the pain with a flower that has white or pink petals like this one."

Meyara just stood there, unblinking. Her mind was going elsewhere, to the point where she didn't even notice when Adriel stepped closer, holding a beautiful deep purple flower in his hand.

“And for this one, you probably know it very well because I always make sure you have it in every corner of your house.”

At first, what he said made Meyara stunned, because she had never known before that it was him who filled her house with flowers, not her mother. She could feel her cheeks heating up a little at the thought of the young man sneaking up every morning to do something no one else had ever done for her, but then she realized what Adriel said next.

“Since ancient times, the lilac has been known as a super flower, symbolizing breakthroughs of difficult times. It can also prevent bad luck.”

The black-haired girl who recently no longer needed a wooden stick to walk then sneered. She slapped Adriel's hand away without caring about the poor flower that fell to the ground. Her gaze was sharp as if she wanted to hurt Adriel with her eyes. “You just made that one up. I may have missed a lot while lying unconscious, but I still remember our herbology class with Warren, you know."

"No! I'm serious. Warren has only told us about the natural function of each flower, but never once told us about the hidden magic behind it. I discovered it myself." The young man picked up the fallen flower and rubbed the back of his neck clumsily. He looked embarrassed enough to boast himself even if it was only implicitly. "I want you to know that there is more to it than meets the eye. Even without our own magic, we can survive. This world has given us more than what we need.”

“Alright, that’s it. I’m done with your lecture.”

Meyara walked away quickly. Her jaw tightened slightly as she felt that her legs were still quite heavy, but she didn't want to show her difficulty and kept running. Of course Adriel caught up with her immediately, but at least he knew that the girl was sick of listening to his bullshit.

"Wait! Meyara! Listen to me!" For a moment, Adriel gripped Meyara so tightly that he was also shocked by it and immediately let go of his grip. “If you really want to get outside of Deterville, you need to remember every important thing so you don't get lost or helpless. Can't you see I'm just trying to help you here? I'm the only one supporting your every decision, you know that.”

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

The girl sighed at this. She turned her attention to the citizens of Deterville passing by, each bringing their own produce to sell in the village trading center. Or rather, bartering, as not many citizens had gold, silver, or even bronze coins to trade with.

Most of them were kind enough to step aside and talk to Meyara, but in an instant they backed away after the girl's unfriendly response. Grumbling about how Meyara was still arrogant after all the bad things that had happened to her, and how the news that was spreading seemed to be true. Somehow they all knew she would venture outside of Deterville only for her own selfish desires.

“Traveling outside the village is dangerous. Even before the plague, only certain merchants and nobles could do it, and not all of them could return safely." One of the residents lectured Meyara with the exact words spoken by Brenna, Meyara's mother. "Even though it's been a month since someone's last disappearance, it's still stupid to leave the village."

As expected Meyara was not happy to hear that and replied with words harsh enough to make the person gape in disbelief. A heated argument could have ensued had it not been for Adriel to step in and defuse the tension in the air. The young man really worked hard to ensure that Meyara would not destroy her own life further by ruining her relationship with everyone.

"What do they know about it?" the girl grunted after Adriel and herself moved away from the people who were looking at them questioningly. “As they say, only certain people can get out of here. Then how do they know what's waiting out there?”

"They're just worried about you," Adriel replied calmly. His long legs allow him to easily match Meyara's speed. “You know it yourself, there are monsters lurking in every frontier. Plus, your current state is slowing you—”

“You will also behave like my mother?” Meyara interrupted the young man's words. “You also think of me as a helpless girl just because I haven't regained my magic abilities?” she asked angrily. Her voice was laced with disappointment.

Adriel's mouth opened, ready to refute Meyara's words, but the girl quickly continued. “If you continue to behave like this, then I have no other choice but to go myself! Whatever happens is my responsibility. You can stay here and tell people that you have gone out of your way to help and advise me, but this impudent girl is so ungrateful! Happy?"

Meyara roughly took the lilac from Adriel's hand. Handed it to a child who happened to be passing by, and took the sweet potato from the child’s hand. She walked away squeezing the sweet potato in her hand. Making the veins on the back of her hand clearly visible.

Even though he was frowning at the sight, a faint smile appeared on Adriel's lips. He was a little surprised to see Meyara still remembering her hand muscle training even though she was angry. The young man took a deep breath before shouting. “If I were you, before I decide anything, I'd go see Warren! After all, he is the Chief, he knows everything!”

Meyara didn't say anything, but Adriel knew better that the girl heard him.

***