Conveniently Forget

Agatha jolted upright, her breath ragged as she frantically scanned her surroundings, wiping sweat from her brow and clutching a dagger tightly. Darkness surrounded her, fueling her panic until she remembered where she was—safe in a comfortable setting. It was just a dream. Another haunting dream.

No one could count how many times Agatha had relived that night in her dreams over the past sixteen years. Time hadn't dulled the pain. It was as fresh as ever. They say time heals wounds, but for Agatha, the pain remained raw. If time were the remedy, the pain should have faded by now.

Acceptance, she realized, was the key to healing heartache, not time. But how could she accept the deaths of her loved ones, especially knowing they were murdered? Betrayed by those they trusted most. How could she ever come to terms with such a cruel reality?

It seemed futile to dwell on the irretrievable past, so Agatha threw herself into daily work instead of wallowing in sadness.

"Aggie, Aggie…" Aiden's cheerful voice interrupted her thoughts as he ran toward her, proudly displaying his new clothes. "They fit perfectly, and the fabric is so soft, look!"

Agatha's heart warmed at Aiden's wide smile as he twirled to show off his new shirt.

"Where did you get those?" Agatha asked, genuinely puzzled.

"Sir Leonel gave me this shirt, and also…" Aiden proudly showed off his new shoes. They were black and intricately designed. "Sir Liam gave me these!"

While Agatha was happy to see Aiden happy, she couldn't shake off her worries about the gifts they were receiving. After Aiden finished showcasing his new belongings, he hurried off to thank Liam and Leonel once again.

Agatha sighed as she lay back on the bed, shaking her head. She had to finish washing the dishes before they left later on.

During their one week of stay, Aiden had grown close to Liam and Leonel. He still interacted with other knights, but Liam and Leonel seemed to be his constant companions. Agatha couldn't help but feel concerned as they seemed to shower Aiden with new things almost every day.

Agatha initially didn't decline the clothes because she knew Aiden needed them. However, as time passed, the gifts grew more extravagant, including toys and even a mini-sword. Agatha's unease grew with each new item, sensing that there was more beneath the surface than met the eye. Their mission was to kill Nysander, but she couldn't fathom why they were being showered with gifts. It left her feeling confused and wary.

With no Galleons to pay for their stay or the items being given to Aiden, Agatha's anxiety mounted. Her thoughts were interrupted when a hand appeared before her, holding a bundled object. Looking up, she met Liam's bright face.

Agatha regarded him with confusion, noting his soft facial features that gave him a regal air, yet his physique spoke of a warrior ready for battle. She tried to act normal, though she couldn't help feeling shy and awkward around him. Their interactions had been minimal in the few days they'd been there, limited to necessary conversations.

Agatha had been avoiding Liam for a few days, feeling uncomfortable around him, especially after he suddenly embraced her during a conversation and spoke about protecting them.

As Liam's hand remained outstretched with the bundled object, Agatha sighed and finally took it from him. Liam watched her closely as she held it, his expression unreadable.

With confusion, Agatha asked, "What am I supposed to do with this?"

Liam's face showed mild irritation at the question. "I don't know, maybe try opening it? Who knows…" he replied sarcastically.

Agatha raised an eyebrow in surprise as she realized it was a dress. While not overly sophisticated, its design was attention-grabbing, indicating it must have cost a significant amount of Galleons.

"What should I do with it?" she asked. "Should I wash it?" She sniffed the dress, noting it was new.

Liam's eyes narrowed, his lips forming a strict line. "You can just throw it away," he said curtly as he walked away.

Agatha felt a surge of frustration at Liam's suggestion to simply throw away the dress. To him, it might have been an insignificant expense, but for someone like her who had limited resources, wasting Galleons was not an option.

As she finished cleaning the kitchen, her thoughts drifted back to the clothes in the room. They were all clearly meant for females. Agatha speculated that perhaps Liam had bought them for other women, who didn't like the clothes, leading him to want to dispose of them.

Her expression turned somber. Agatha reflected on how some people, especially those who were affluent, could be so wasteful and unappreciative. She had encountered similar attitudes in some ladies she had met at Albus Hotspot.

Curiosity tugged at her, and she decided to try on the dress that Liam wanted to discard. As she looked at herself in the mirror, a sense of surprise and admiration washed over her. The dress fit her small frame perfectly, and its soft fabric felt luxurious against her skin. Among the various colors and designs, she chose the yellow one for its subtle elegance, noting that it looked expensive and unlike anything she had ever worn before.

After adjusting her hair and taking a basket along with herbal medicine, Agatha checked the room once more to ensure she hadn't missed anything important.

Agatha found Aiden engrossed in a board game with Leonel in the living room, their concentration palpable in the silent ambiance. Liam was patiently explaining the game's rules to Aiden, balancing the task with occasional glances at a paper in his hand—a detailed map, likely related to their search for Nysander's whereabouts.

Leonel briefly glanced at Agatha before refocusing on the game, a man of few words except when necessary, much like Liam's other companions. Agatha wondered how they had managed to bond with Aiden, given his reserved nature and preference for solitude.

Approaching Aiden, Agatha wiped his sweaty forehead and gently called him to join her. Aiden, respectful as always, complied and walked with Agatha towards the waiting door.

As they prepared to leave, Liam caught up with them and inquired calmly, "Where are you two off to?" His curious gaze fell on Agatha, searching for an explanation.

Agatha, surprised that Leonel hadn't informed Liam, gestured towards him and asked, "Didn't Leonel mention it to you?"

Liam glanced at Leonel, who remained focused on the game, oblivious to the conversation unfolding around him. "Tell me what's going on," Liam prompted, turning his attention back to Agatha, his curiosity piqued.

Agatha said, "We're temporarily leaving—"

"I thought we've already talked about this?" Liam interrupted, clearly irritated, and walked past Aiden and Agatha to block the door with his imposing figure, preventing their exit.

"It won't take long…" Agatha responded firmly, her grip on Aiden tightening.

Liam's expression hardened. "Where are you going?" he asked, teeth clenched.

"I thought we're not prisoners here?" Agatha retorted, attempting to guilt-trip Liam.

Liam smirked slightly. "Have we ever treated you as such?"

Agatha sighed in frustration. "Then are we not allowed to go out?"

Liam sighed heavily, rubbing his neck. "I didn't mean to imply you can't go out, but I wish you would consider that it's dangerous outside. We still have no idea where that Ravager is hiding. He could attack at any moment, and Aiden could be harmed."

Agatha bit her lip, acknowledging Liam's valid concern. However, she couldn't simply stay idle. It had been days since they were being fed and housed without paying a single Galleon. Despite her efforts in cleaning, washing, and cooking, it wasn't enough to repay everything they were being provided. Plus, she couldn't leave Aiden alone in an unfamiliar place with people they still didn't fully trust, regardless of their seemingly good intentions.

Agatha stood her ground, her voice firm. "I understand the risks, and I won't put Aiden in danger. I just really need to find work so I can pay you back."

Liam's frustration was palpable, his expression now contorted with anger. Throughout their days here, Agatha had noticed Liam's short fuse and impatience.

"Why do you need to look for a job? And why do you need to pay us?" Liam scoffed, incredulous. "Is that what I asked of you?"

Agatha rolled her eyes, trying to keep her composure. She knew Liam was capable, but not everything in life was free.

"We may be poor, but I don't want to owe anyone," Agatha explained.

Liam sighed heavily. "And what will you accept? Don't tell me you'll go back to that hotspot?"

Agatha raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "So what's the problem if I go back there? I've been working there for years, and the arrangement has worked out fine."

Liam's reaction was explosive. "Are you kidding me?" he shouted, his face turning red with anger. Agatha noticed Leonel glancing at Liam, clearly surprised by the outburst.

"You won't go back there," Liam declared firmly, his tone furious.

But Agatha was just as furious. "I won't be indebted to anyone, Liam. I've been cooped up inside for days. It's better for Aiden to get out sometimes."

Agatha hesitated, her gaze shifting between Aiden and Liam. Aiden's condition was a concern, his pallor and weariness apparent.

Liam observed Agatha for a moment, his expression thoughtful, before he sighed. "Do you really want to go out?" He directed his question to Aiden.

Aiden nodded slightly, looking unsure.

Liam took a deep breath before turning to Agatha. "Alright, we'll go out," he relented. "But you won't work."

Agatha's eyebrows furrowed in confusion at Liam's sudden change of heart. She reached out to stop him as he moved to leave, grabbing his arm. "Wait a minute," she said, halting Liam. "What do you mean 'we'? We'll go out and not work?"

Liam seemed to roll his eyes before stepping outside and taking Aiden's arm. Before they disappeared from view, Liam turned back to Agatha with a mischievous grin. "I did mention wanting to take you out, didn't I?" His tone held a hint of teasing. "Or did you conveniently forget, Agatha?"