Chapter 38: Giving (6)

“Hey, kid. Who do you think you’re talking to, huh?”

Kaya’s voice cut through from behind Mili, dripping with disdain.

She sauntered to the table, twirling her curved dagger, planting herself firmly in front of the girl.

The scarred man froze, caught off guard by someone stepping in like this…

Kid?!

Who’s she calling a kid—!

Some little brat!

“I just want an answer!” He snapped back, swallowing his anger, glaring through gritted teeth.

“Oh?” Kaya sneered:

“Who do you think you are, talking to her like that?”

“What’s your son’s death got to do with her?”

“Nothing, that’s what. She owe you something?”

The man clenched his jaw: “She said she’d make the world better… she’s gotta take responsibility…”

“Responsibility?” Kaya’s mouth dropped in mock exaggeration, arms flailing toward him:

“You hit your head or what? She’s just a kid! Why’s she gotta answer for the world’s misery?”

The crowd murmured, some nodding, others shaking their heads.

“But she’s the Saintess! If she steps up, she’s gotta face the consequences!”

“Consequences?” Kaya stepped right up to him, looking down with contempt.

“Your son’s death is tragic, but who’s fault is that?”

She shook her head with a sigh, hands spread:

“Ugh, really! No brains at all. I hate dealing with types like you—waste of my time.”

Turning, she winked at Mili, whispering: “Little Saintess, for standing up for you, put in a good word with the queen, yeah?”

“…” Mili blinked innocently.

The scarred man trembled with rage, his prosthetic arm shaking.

“You…! You people don’t get the pain of losing someone!”

“Pain?” Kaya spun back, her smile vanishing: “I’ve seen more dead bodies than you’ve had meals, and you dare talk to me about pain?”

Her voice turned icy:

“Did she unleash those monsters? Did she tear down the defenses? Did she send the guards away?”

“No, right?”

“So why take it out on a little girl?”

“Want a fast pass to the White Night Queen?” Kaya raised her communicator to her ear.

The man froze at Seraphina’s title, mouth open, speechless.

“No…” He shook his head faintly.

“Scared now?” Kaya’s voice grew louder: “Tch, tch, tch.”

“Wanna avenge your son? Go after the monsters. Go after the damn Purification Church!”

“Picking on a girl trying to help—what kind of man are you?”

“I mention Seraphina, and you cower. Bullying the weak, huh?”

“…”

Not just him—the soldiers aiming and Evelyn’s lips twitched.

The barefoot really don’t fear the shod…

As Kaya stepped back to the table, arms crossed, smirking at his embarrassment, her waist sash was tugged from behind.

She turned to see Mili leaning over the table, whispering:

“That’s enough…”

“Hm?”

“He’s a veteran… and injured…”

“Hmph.” Kaya snorted at him: “Since the Saintess says so, I’ll let it slide.”

“I’m generous, and it’s a good day. Won’t stoop to your level.” She sheathed her dagger, flicking her nails for emphasis.

“You…!”

“You what?” Kaya stared him down:

“One last thing—”

“You better live up to that uniform you’re wearing.”

Her words stabbed deep.

The man fell silent, staring at his tattered military fatigues, stunned, unable to retort.

After a long pause, he looked at Mili, his eyes a mix of emotions.

“Forget it…” He shook his head, voice heavy with exhaustion, turning to leave.

“Wait.”

Mili’s soft voice stopped him.

He froze, back stiff.

“Um… take some food…” She pointed to a sack nearby.

“Everyone’s struggling, same as you…”

“…”

The man stood still.

After a moment, he waved a hand without turning: “I don’t need it.”

Kaya leaned on the table, rolling her eyes: “Whatever, his loss. I’ll take it…”

“Take it!” Mili stood, grabbing a sack and handing it to a soldier.

“Give it to him.”

The soldier glanced at Evelyn.

The adjutant nodded, holstering her gun, took the sack, and strode to the barricade, offering it to him.

The scarred man stared at the bag, shoulders trembling.

“Why…”

“Life goes on…” Mili shook her head.

“Losing someone hurts… I get it…”

He took the sack, said nothing, and limped off into the crowd.

Watching his fading figure, Mili felt a heavy weight.

“Tch—don’t overthink it. You’re too soft, you’ll get walked over,” Kaya sighed, patting her shoulder.

“But…” Mili sat back down. “He’s really hurting…”

“Fine, whatever makes you happy…” Kaya pouted:

“But you know, some people are like that—stubborn, soft inside, but too proud to admit it.”

“They’re everywhere. If you try to save them all, you’ll burn out first.”

Scattered applause broke out, swelling into a wave.

“The Saintess is so kind!”

“She doesn’t even hold a grudge against him!”

“That’s a true Saintess!”

Mili, flustered by the praise, managed an awkward smile.

“Alright, alright, no gawking! Keep moving!” Kaya clapped, calming the crowd. “Plenty of people still waiting!”

The lines reformed, and distribution resumed.

After that scene, the crowd’s attitude grew more respectful, even…

Awestruck.

Each person bowed deeply when receiving supplies, some offering local trinkets, making Mili squirm.

“No need, really…” she repeated, her cheeks aching from forced smiles.

Distribution continued all morning.

When the last sack was handed out, Mili was too exhausted to straighten her back.

“Rest up.” Kaya handed her a water bottle. “We’ve got more stops this afternoon.”

Mili gulped the water, realizing her voice was hoarse.

“M-more…?”

“Four?” Kaya counted on her fingers:

“Your adjutant’s off on other business. She told me, ‘Three in the slums, two in the outer district, one done this morning, hit the rest.’ Not my fault~”

“Let’s go, little Saintess!” Kaya patted her back.

“Strike while the iron’s hot! Your reputation’s peaking!”

“Wha—?!”

Mili nearly fainted.