Chapter Text
"The children are very greatful for the food! Thank you, miss Lilly!"
"The-there's no need to thank me! I was simply fulfilling my duties!" I bowed my head to the old nun. "I-I just wish I could do more for them!"
"It's alright, dear. You've already done plenty. Please, allow us to show you our gratitude and let you rest the night!"
I shook my head. "I-I appreciate your offer, but I already have prior arrangements."
"That quite alright, then, but be sure to stop by for a visit the next time you're in town. The children would love to see you again."
I nodded. "I-I will be sure to. Please, take care." I bowed my head to the nun.
She bowed back in returned. "And to you as we- oh!"
A small child, about the age of 6, pushed her way past the nun, holding a large apple. It was one of the fruits I collected for the church.
I was currently in the town of Twinka, one that resides in Baur near the border of the Empire. I was on my way to make arrangements for the pope's visit to the Empire when I happened upon this town. There were more monsters than usual this time of year around the outskirts of the town, and it had been affecting everyone here.
Twinka often procured their food from the surrounding farms, but with the sudden rise of monsters, many of the farmers hadn't been able to harvest their crops as usual. Because the new government still had some growing pains, they hadn't been able to mobilize a force to clear out the monsters as of yet.
Unable to ignore their plight, I helped to eradicate the monsters from the area and even helped harvest some of the food for the farmers. They thanked me by letting me keep some of the food I had harvested. I prepared what I would need for the rest of my journey before donating the rest to the church.
The local church relies on the area's agriculture for much of its food. Often, the farmers had an excess greater than they could sell, so they donated much of what they couldn't sell to the church. The fruit and vegetables were often bruised or scraped, but that didn't mean they were bad - people just prefer pretty looking produce when they buy it.
The fruit the little girl was holding was one of the more perfect-looking ones the farmers gave to me, and that I had in turn given to the church.
"Beatrice, mind your manners!" The old nun scolded the girl. "We don't push people like that!"
Beatrice bowed her head to the nun. "I'm sorry, sister Mary!" Then, she held the apple up to me. "Thank you very much!"
I smiled at her as I took the apple from her hands. "W-why, thank you! You're such a sweet girl!"
She giggled before running back into the church.
I turned back to the old nun and bowed my head. "I-I must be leaving now. Farewell, and take care!"
"You as well, dear." She bowed back at me before heading back into the church.
I turned to the road and headed towards the Empire. It was about mid-day by now, so I should still be able to make it to the next town by sundown.
"STOP THOSE HORSES!"
I turned as someone yelled to see 3 horses running down the road. They looked like they had probably been pulling a stagecoach, as their broken harnesses flapped in the wind behind them.
I moved to stop them, but then I noticed there was an old man who fell on the ground right in their path! I didn't have time to stop all 3, so instead I grabbed the man and moved him to the side of the road as quickly as I could. "A-are you alright?"
"No..."
He started turning his head. Something felt off..
"But..."
He looked up to me.
"I think I will be..."
He looked at me in the eyes.
His cold, red eyes.
Oh...I see...I was careless...