It was almost sunset when they returned to the outskirts of the village. Serfred and Tycho observes Athena whilst she inspects the different empty lands. They did not ask why she was checking the land and just patiently waited for her.
As they reached the village, it surprised the villagers to see them bring two whole deer and some other animals with them. It made them wonder why they have gathered so much food.
Diana's house.
Diana was surprised to see the amount of food they had gathered. She was expecting them to bring a rabbit at most, but two whole deer were just too much.
Tycho explained to the girl what happened and Diana couldn't believe it. The man even said that she should be thanking the girl since she did all the work.
Serfred and Tycho started skinning the animals whilst Diana prepared the ingredients to cook the food.
Athena went to their room to rest for a bit since she stayed in the forest for too long and was feeling well.
Serfred was done with his task and checked on Diana of Athena's whereabouts. "Diana, have you seen Lady Tina?"
"Hmm, I saw her heading to our room. I guess she went to get some rest."
Serfred didn't bother to check and instead help Diana with her work. It was a lot to cook and if she does it alone, it might take some time.
After a few hours…
Athena finally woke up and smelled delicious food Diana was preparing. She fixed herself up and walked out of the room to check.
"Diana, are you alright?"
"I'm fine, no worries." she smiled whilst continuing to stir on the enormous pot of soup. The girl was covered in sweat since she had made two pots of food already.
"So, you're planning to feed the entire village." Tycho said, as he tried to hide the tears in his eyes as he felt grateful for what the girl was doing. Diana went closer to him as she tried to comfort him.
"I know you were worried about everything, but trust me, Tina is true to her words. I hope you can trust her as well." Diana stated as she continued to comfort the man. She understood why the man was hesitant to help at first, since it had been a long time since someone offered to help the village. And those who made a promise to help never returned.
Athena left the two alone as she went to the back of the house. She wanted to check if the seedlings were still fine. Since she was unsure if her magic really worked, it's been bothering her if they are still alive.
Seeing the seedlings still firm on the ground, she sighs in relief, please to confirm that she was indeed able to restore the land.
Serfred who decided to follow Athena from behind was surprised to see the fresh growing seedlings on the ground, "Did you do this?"
Athena did not answer the man, but gave him a reassuring smile. She went closer to inspect the seedling instead of explaining herself.
How is this even possible?
Isn't she a Healer?
How is she able to use Elementalist magic as well and restore the lands?
Is she by chance an Alchemist then, but only Divine Healers can restore broken parts?
Serfred mind was boggled with so many unanswered questions. He couldn't understand what type of magic ability the girl possesses. He put his curiosity aside for now and asked the girl something else.
"May I at least know, what do you plan next?"
It was kind of an obvious answer, but it seems Serfred wished to hear it from the girl. So she did not hesitate and informed him of her plans. "First, we need to feed the people. Once the people gain their strength, then will proceed with the next plan."
Athena sighed as she realized things are quite impossible for her to do alone. 'This won't be easy. The amount of food we gather is good until tomorrow. The day after that we need to gather more food again because there are quite a lot of people in the village'
She could only think of one solution for the problem. But, she was unsure if they would cooperate with her. 'Guess there no harm in trying.'
What she plans was to assign the feeding to the church. Since they'll have more supplies and equipment to prepare the food at the same time distribute it to the villagers.
Once the villagers gained their strength, her next plan was to assign some man to work with Tycho. Most of the houses are at the stage of collapse. Restoring the house is her utmost priority at this moment since it won't be long till winter. Plus, even during midsummer the Northern Region is much colder than the rest of the region.
If the people continue to live in the streets, it won't be long till all of them die.
What's next was training the people the ability to fend for themselves. Which is where Serfred comes in.
However, she is unsure if the villagers will be willing to listen to her. She was an outsider to them and she's keeping her identity from them as well.
But, if by chance the villagers do agree to follow her. Then, they won't have any problem in gathering supplies anymore. Since they'll be more people with her when they go hunting.
At the same time, if she is unable to accompany them. Serfred can take the lead and go with them. Since there are more of them, the chances they'll get into danger are less.
Serfred notice how deep in thought the girl was. He wondered how he could share her burden as her knight. But, he has still gained his magic as well, which means, right now, he is just an ordinary knight.
"My Lady, I promise, I'll do whatever it takes to help you achieve your plan."
Athena was surprised by Serfed's declaration, she only smiled which took Serfred aback.