Chapter 14: The Brave Man’s Original Aspiration

After much deliberation, Fratina couldn’t bring herself to abandon the girl.

Perhaps it was her Hero’s instincts, but she couldn’t leave her to fend for herself.

As for returning late and angering her master, Fratina had no choice.

She was prepared to face punishment.

So, she spoke up, “I’ll take you to the human outpost at the valley’s edge. The soldiers there can help you get home.”

“Okay, thank you, big sister.”

Lucia’s timid voice replied.

Since Fratina mistook her for a lost girl, Lucia decided to play along.

Hearing Lucia call her “sister,” Fratina’s mood lifted.

The girl’s voice was heavenly, far more pleasant than her master’s ambiguous, magically altered tone.

“The path ahead is rough. Should I carry you, or…?”

“Hm…”

Lucia tested her body, feeling she had enough energy, and said, “I can walk myself.”

For some reason, Fratina felt a twinge of disappointment but quickly adjusted her mindset.

“Then I’ll lead the way. Don’t fall behind.”

“Okay… okay.”

They walked for a while until Lucia began to pant, out of breath.

Fratina turned back. “Can you keep going? Don’t push yourself. I’m strong enough to carry you.”

Lucia inwardly rolled her eyes at Fratina’s words.

“Strong enough” was an understatement—Fratina’s physical prowess was peak human. She could probably lift a hippo, let alone a small girl like Lucia.

After all, she was the Hero.

“Well… then I’ll trouble you, sister.”

Lucia reached out, hooking her arms互通arms around Fratina’s shoulders and climbing onto her back.

Fratina felt a soft weight settle against her, and a faint, pleasant scent filled her senses. Despite both being women, she felt a bit flustered.

Regaining her composure, her sense of duty as a former Hero took over.

The journey was mostly silent, as neither was talkative, with only brief exchanges before quiet resumed.

As night deepened, Fratina carried Lucia to an outpost at the valley’s edge.

The soldiers there tensed at the sight of Fratina, aware of her status as Lucia’s servant, causing a stir.

Fratina didn’t approach but gently set Lucia down and said, “This girl got lost in the valley.”

A soldier immediately stepped forward, gripping his spear tightly, and shouted, “Fratina, stand back!”

She complied, stepping back, and the soldier quickly moved to shield Lucia, whispering, “Miss, you’re safe now. We’ll get you home. Stay away from that woman.”

Though hushed, Fratina overheard, and the words stung her heart.

Doing a good deed didn’t earn her praise—not with her tainted reputation.

Lucia, however, felt a surge of glee.

The humans were already shunning Fratina.

If she could ensure Fratina had no place among them, her plan would succeed.

Deliberately raising her voice, Lucia asked, “Why? This sister was so kind, bringing me back. She’s not a bad person—why can’t I be around her?”

The soldier, seeing her confusion, didn’t hold back. “Haven’t you heard? That’s the former Hero Fratina. She betrayed humanity to serve the evil dragon!”

Fratina’s cheeks flushed with humiliation.

She could handle criticism from those who knew her situation, but this girl had been unaware, and they had gotten along well.

She feared the girl would turn on her upon learning the truth.

As expected, Lucia feigned shock.

She had planned to twist the knife, hoping to deepen Fratina’s pain.

But seeing Fratina’s crestfallen look, she hesitated.

Instead, she shook her head. “I don’t care who she is. If it weren’t for her, I’d have been eaten by wolves in the valley.”

Fratina’s gloom lifted instantly, as if sunlight had pierced the clouds.

Looking at Lucia, she saw gratitude in the girl’s eyes.

In the darkness of her isolation, Lucia shone like a beacon.

This beautiful girl was like an angel.

To the soldiers’ surprise, Lucia stepped forward and gently hugged Fratina.

Tiptoeing, she whispered in her ear, “Thank you for saving me, Sister Fratina~”

Fratina’s face turned bright red.

Lucia stepped back behind the soldiers, waving lightly. “If we meet again, I’ll repay you, Sister Fratina.”

Overwhelmed with emotion, Fratina nodded.

Not all humans would dismiss her deeds because of her servitude.

With a wave goodbye, she turned back toward the forest, not wanting to delay Lucia’s return home.

On her way back, Fratina’s thoughts lingered on Lucia’s approach and embrace.

This was the reason she became a Hero—to make moments like that possible.