Morning.
The warm sunlight slipped through the gap in the curtains and touched my skin, still slightly sore. Though Elfea had healed my wounds with her magic, my body still carried a faint ache—like a quiet reminder that I had nearly lost my life yesterday.
But that pain slowly faded from my mind as I realized Elfea was still asleep on my chest. Her breathing was steady, her expression peaceful, and her soft silver hair spread across me like strands of moonlight. I watched her for a moment, a small smile forming on my lips. So close… so calm… and for some reason, my heart felt warm because of it.
Slowly, I lifted my hand and gently touched her shoulder.
"Elfea... Elfea, wake up. It's morning," I whispered softly, careful not to startle her.
She stirred slightly, her eyelids fluttering open. Her brown eyes met mine, and I felt my heart skip a beat.
"Oh… morning, Rey," she murmured, her voice raspy with sleep.
She sat up beside me almost immediately, her gaze scanning me as if searching for any lingering injuries.
"Rey, are you… feeling any better?" she asked, worriedly, her voice trembling slightly.
I chuckled, trying to reassure her.
"I'm fine, Elfea. Still a little sore, but I think I just need food," I replied casually.
But instead of looking relieved, Elfea suddenly pulled my hair.
"Ow! Ow! That hurts, Elfea!" I yelped reflexively, tensing up.
"That's your punishment, Rey!" she huffed, puffing out her cheeks—her angry expression looked so cute I nearly laughed again.
Finally, she let go and stood up from the bed.
"Come on, let's go downstairs. Parcival's probably made breakfast already," she said with her usual commanding tone.
I could only nod, throwing on my shirt and following her lead.
We descended the stairs slowly. My steps still felt a bit heavy, but I tried not to show it. However, the warm mood quickly vanished when we reached the ground floor.
Parcival, the man who had been helping us at this inn, stood with arms crossed. His gaze was sharp as a hawk's, his brows furrowed in frustration. I could feel the tension radiating from him… and I knew this wasn't a good sign.
"Hey, kid! Get over here!" he barked loudly.
I swallowed hard. So much for a peaceful morning.
I walked over to Parcival, still a little unsteady. As soon as I reached him, he spoke with a sharp tone.
"I told you not to enter that tournament!" he snapped. "Look at you now, covered in wounds! Your arms, your shoulders, even your legs—you barely look human!"
I lowered my head. His voice was harsh, but I knew it came from worry. His anger was a form of care, even if he'd never admit it.
"I know… You were worried, Parcival. But… this is all I could do," I said quietly, barely above a whisper.
He went silent, staring hard at me.
"I'm sorry, Parcival. I went too far in that fight. I… even feel like I'm not human anymore. And… I killed a man."
The words were heavy on my tongue. My chest felt tight. As I bowed my head, the face of the man I had cut down in the arena flashed once more in my mind.
But Parcival's voice brought me back.
"Raise your head, Rey," he said, his tone softer than before. "That tournament… yes, it's kill or be killed. But—"
He stopped abruptly. As if he was about to say something but changed his mind.
I looked up at him, curious. "But what, Parcival?" I asked gently.
He turned away.
"Forget it… You'll find out soon enough… when you return to the village."
His tone shifted. No longer angry—heavier now. Like there was a weight behind his words, a secret he wasn't ready to share. I felt there was something much bigger behind that tournament. But he clearly didn't want to discuss it yet.
"Lusi! Is breakfast ready?!" he shouted, changing the subject.
Soon, Lusi emerged from the kitchen, carrying a large platter piled with food. The rich aroma instantly filled the room, hitting my empty stomach like a punch.
"Uwahhh… that smells amazing," I murmured, swallowing hard.
Beside me, Elfea looked like she was losing control. Her eyes widened, locked onto the platter like a lion spotting prey.
"Easy there, Elfea," I said, holding back a laugh.
"Hmph."
She turned her head away with a haughty expression that looked more pouty than proud. Seriously… this food monster.
Lusi gracefully placed the platter in the middle of the table. On it was a whole roasted chicken—massive in size. The skin was golden, glistening with melted butter and herbs. Its savory, slightly sweet scent filled the air, making it almost unbearable to wait.
"Eat up before Elfea turns into a starving lion," Lusi joked with a light chuckle.
"I heard that," Elfea shot her a glare, cheeks slightly flushed.
I laughed as I clutched my grumbling stomach. "If she transforms, we'll be the ones on the menu."
Parcival sat down last, taking out his carved spoon—he always ate with it, saying it was a gift from his wife in their younger days.
"Eat. You need your strength, Rey. And Elfea, don't scratch anyone just to get a chicken wing," Parcival added with his usual dry wit beneath the gruffness.
We began digging in. I carved a piece of the chicken breast and placed it on my plate. The meat was tender, the flavor rich and soaked into the bone, with a smoky depth from the fire. Just one bite, and it felt like I could face the world again with hope.
"This… is insane," I mumbled with a mouthful. "Lusi, you're a savior of mankind."
"Just another day, Rey," she replied smoothly, spooning roasted potatoes onto my plate.
Elfea quickly snatched a thigh and chewed it with gusto.
"So good…" she muttered, her eyes sparkling like a child's first taste of candy.
I looked at her and smiled. "You're eating like there's no tomorrow."
"Say that again and I'll throw this chicken bone at your face."
"You've already thrown spells. Bones are hardly a surprise anymore," I replied with a laugh.
The table filled with chatter, laughter, and the crisp sound of cutting into roasted meat. For a brief moment, I forgot the pain in my body, the bloody arena, and just enjoyed this—warm, familiar, and full of flavor.
Yet, in the middle of all that cheer, I caught a glimpse of Parcival's expression changing. He stayed quiet. His eyes occasionally drifted toward me—like a man weighing whether it was time to reveal the truth he held.
I gripped my cup a little tighter.
Something waits for me in the village.
Something he isn't ready to tell me yet.
But for now… I just want to enjoy my meal.
Before the day challenges the peace I've only just begun to reclaim.