Chương 57: COURSE OF ACTION: PART IV
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When the sun still hadn't risen, the girl was wide awake as she needed to go and inspect the village. Esme would help her up to dress, as she finds it awake from time to time. She has been living in the Northern Region for quite some time and has gotten used to doing things on her own.
"My Lady, it's quite chilly, it's best you wear this around your neck."
"Hmm, thank you." Athena received a scarf which Esme personally hand made for her.
"Your welcome, Master Lirius is waiting for you downstairs."
"Ah, I better hurry then."
"No worries, Master Lirius is having tea in the reception room while waiting for you."
"I see."
Athena realized that having people around the house was indeed a good idea. Since, there are people to help them around.
"Lirius, did I keep you waiting?"
"No, it's fine." Lirius took the final sip of his tea as he thanked Greyford for it. "Shall we?"
"Hmm, let's go."
The two of them walked to the village with Fuji. It was a normal routine for them to bless the village every Sunday. At the same time, they'll be able to visit the church and pray as well.
"Hmm, we should hurry up before prayer day."
"Don't worry, it's not necessary to really pray for the church. One can pray at home…"
"You say as if you pray."
"I may look like the type of person who doesn't pray, but I do believe in God. I believe he is the reason as to why we are here, why we live such a life, and why we are faced with so many trials in life."
"Does that mean, you pray, then?"
"Well, I don't, but like I said, I do believe in God."
Athena giggled as she found what Lirius mentioned funny. As they were heading to the village, she noticed a big change this couple of weeks.
"What are you thinking?" Lirius asked since the girl had turned quiet and looked serious.
"When I arrived here, there were only three houses that had a proper roof. After the repair, we have a dozen of houses, now, there are more than one could even imagine. The village has indeed improved a lot and with this, we will surely bring hope to everyone."
Lirius looked around and indeed there have been a lot of new built houses. Since there were more people wishing to reside in the village, they have to construct more houses to house everyone. It was not a problem since they were slowly enjoying money.
"However, it may still take a while for us to repay you."
"Don't worry about that, I don't even have any use for that money."
Athena has been quite curious how much money Lirius actually has. Since, she never asked nor does she want to know the location of the hidden vault since she fears her heart might not be able to comprehend the mass treasure hidden beneath the house.
...It may be hard to believe, but one would really believe that the manor is just a small noble manor. But, its size is almost as big as my home back in Argenlès. What is even more amazing, is the fact, in Lirius study, there is a path which leads to the underground portion of the house. He has invited me once to check it out, but I didn't want to. Since he said, most of the treasures are hidden there. If someday someone dares threaten my life and ask about the treasure, I can easily say I don't know.
Thanks to Lirius, we are slowly constructing the water system which I designed into a big fountain. The elemental stone will be placed in the center as I'll be asking Lirius to cast magic around the fountain preventing anyone from stealing the stone.
Greyford has gained some connection with the black market. However, we have not yet found the right elemental stone. As you know, they are quite rare and expensive since the one I want is something quite extravagant. Since I trust Lirius being a talented Alchemist, I'm sure he'll be able to inscribe rune symbols on the elemental stone without it breaking.
"But don't worry, hopefully the next harvest will be able to pay a third of what we borrowed.���
"Like I said, it is not a problem."
"Lirius, it may not be a problem to you, but it will be a problem for the village."
"Why is that?"
"Since, they'll rely and think they don't need to worry, since everything will be given to them. I want them to think that nothing comes for free. That, what we have now, we have to pay for it. As you know, I asked the Chief to save some money as well. The money will be used as the village emergency funds."
"Is that why you are donating to the church as well?"
"Yes, since the church will need funds as well to continue the projects they are doing. Since we are helping the village already, the church can do more charity works elsewhere."
"Fine, but don't over do it."
"I know, I know, don't worry too much."
Athena and Lirius visited each house as the girl blessed the whole area. Since she was unable to use aerial blessing yet, she had no choice but to visit each house.
"I wonder when I'll be able to do everything in one go?" Athena sighs exhausted from only blessing a couple of houses.
"Who knows, but you have greatly improved. Before, it would only take three houses and you'll be out of breath. This time, it took almost ten houses before you were exhausted and in need of a potion."
"Hmm, I need more training."
"How do you plan to do that?"
"Hmm, I'm thinking…"
"Anyways, you can try by going to the forest."
"But, the creatures there are far more powerful than I am."
Lirius took the bottle and returned it in his bag, "Don't worry, I'll be watching you. And, Serfred and the knights need training as well."
"You're right, but, I think that's not the only reason why I'm so behind."
"Don't worry, will be able to cure it soon."
As soon as they were done with their routine, they went to visit the church. There were already some villagers who have arrived and started praying.
"Father Roland, how are you?"
"I'm good, why don't you both go ahead. We have already started."
Athena went to the front with Lirius as they seated and started praying.
'Dear God, if you are indeed listening to my prayer. I want to thank you, for not taking my life again. I mean, there are so many people after this person's life yet, you continue to bless me and live on. However, I still wonder why you let me have such a frail body with such horrible history. Anyways, don't worry… I'll try my best to make sure I'll get to live my life as an old granny and have many children and grandchildren. So, please, continue to bless me and those I love. I hope, that one day, you'll answer all my prayers. But if you can't, just tell me one thing. Why am I here, and did I really die already? How are my parents?'
"Here."
Athena opened her eyes and noticed the handkerchief Lirius handed over to her. She did not realize her tears were rolling down as big as rain drops. "Thank you."
"Don't worry, I promise I'll always be here for you. So, don't cry… I don't like seeing you in tears."
"Lirius, thank you. For giving me a third chance in life."
Third?
Lirius looked puzzled, if she had almost died, shouldn't it be the second chance. As he thought about it, he almost forgot the fact the girl's life was always being threatened. 'Now it made sense.'
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