Chapter 10: Guest

The first light of morning began to break over the horizon.

Nur found himself sharing a small room in Kayle's family's cozy cottage. There wasn't enough space for separate rooms, so they had to make do.

The morning sunlight crept into the room through the balcony entrance on the second floor.

Birds chirped lively outside.

One flew in through the open balcony, looked around, and fluttered out again.

Another landed on the windowsill near the bed, tilting its head as it observed the two lying there. A moment later, it took off.

"…Nur… bro… Brother Nur!"

A voice called out.

"Wake up! It's almost noon!"

Nur opened his eyes.

In front of him, Kayle's silhouette stood against the morning light. His vision was still blurry.

"…Good morning."

"Good morning! How are you feeling now?"

Nur sat up, rubbing his temple. Last night's sleep was much better than the night before.

…How long did I sleep this time! What's the hour? I can't just lie here forever. I need to be more productive, he thought.

"Should I bring the food here? Grandma already prepared it."

"No, I'll come down. You don't have to worry."

Outside, behind the cottage, Nur stood in front of a small well staring at his reflection of the crystal clear water. It was filled to the brim. It seems

He splashed the cool water onto his face, washing away his exhaustion.

In times of emergency—like when their regular water supply got cut off—this well was their backup. Convenient.

Feeling refreshed, he joined Kayle for a humble breakfast.

…

As soon as breakfast was over, Kayle rushed to the entrance, quickly slipping on his shoes.

Tap. Tap.

He tapped the tip of his shoe against the ground to adjust the fit, then called out from outside,

"Brother Nur! Hurry up, or I'm gonna leave you behind!"

Inside, Nur was busy helping Kayle's grandmother back to bed and cleaning the dishes Kayle had left in his rush. He felt he had to pitch in to repay their hospitality.

"Hello there, Kai!" a familiar voice called.

Kayle turned around, surprised and pleased. "Mr. Smith! Ah, you're finally here!"

"Hahaha! Boy, it's been a while since we've seen each other—and all you're gonna say is that?" Mr. Smith replied cheerfully.

"Heeeh! Has it really been that long?" Kayle teased. "Isn't it always around this time that our water supply acts up, and you come to fix it?"

"Yeah, yeah, but you don't have to put it that way," Mr. Smith sighed good-naturedly. "You know, you could act more like a kid—say, 'Hello, Uncle Rek!' Maybe even give me a hug or two. Hahaha!"

He chuckled, mimicking a child's voice.

"…You're such a tease, Mr. Smith," Kayle grinned. "Rather than 'Uncle,' how about 'Old Man' instead? Heh heh heh."

Mr. Smith's expression stiffened for a split second, his eyes twitching as if he regretted his earlier words. "Heh… No, Mr. Smith is fine."

"I'm just joking, Uncle! Hahaha!" Kayle laughed.

"You sure are something, Kayle, aren't ya? You remind me of myself when I was your age!" Mr. Smith said warmly.

Kayle shot him a sideways glance. "Heeeh, so even Uncle Rek was a child once!"

Before Mr. Smith could reply, his gaze shifted to the doorway where Nur now stood, tapping his boots to adjust the fit.

"Kayle, let's go—" Nur said as he stepped outside.

"Oh? You got a visitor, Kai?" Mr. Smith asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah," Kayle replied casually.

"Let me introduce you!" Kayle announced proudly. "This is Mr. Nur. I found him yesterday and brought him here."

Mr. Smith's eyes widened as he processed Kayle's words.

Found him? And brought him here?

He thought, a hint of disbelief crossing his face—what is he, a stray puppy? His gaze lingered on Nur, a mix of concern and amusement swirling in his eyes.

Nur's expression darkened slightly as he heard the remark, thinking to himself, What's this twerp talking about? I'm no stray puppy for you to 'find and take.'

"And also, this is—" Kayle began, only to be cut off by Mr. Smith.

"Hello there, visitor!" Mr. Smith interjected, stepping forward with his hand extended for a handshake. "I'm Rek—but most people just call me Smith, since I'm the main craftsman around here."

Nur shook his hand and replied, "You can call me Nur."

"Ha ha ha… You seem like an unenergetic fella, aren't you, Nur?" Mr. Smith teased.

"…I guess so," Nur replied, a little overwhelmed by the exuberant man before him.

As Nur's gaze wandered past Mr. Smith, he noticed a man standing behind him—a man dressed in a blue robe with a golden lining and a crisp white shirt underneath. Anyone who saw him would think he was either a scholar or a doctor.

Nur couldn't help but glare at the mysterious figure.

"Who is this?" Kayle asked, noticing Nur's glare.

"Ah, I almost forgot," Mr. Smith said, clearing his throat. "This is Leynard—Doctor Leynard. He was sent here by the village chief to check on your grandmother's health."

"Sent by Uncle Fern?" Kayle brightened up and smiled, then quickly added, "Thank you very much, Uncle Rek, for showing him the way!"

Mr. Smith rubbed his nose, feeling accomplished.

"If your small talk is over, can we move on? I don't have all day!" Dr. Leynard said, his expression grim as he pulled down his hood, revealing his face. He wore glasses, and his annoyance was clear.

"Yeah, sorry! I just got caught up in the reunion mood, hahaha," Kayle chuckled. "Okay then, we shouldn't take up too much of Dr. Leynard's time. Kayle, show him to your grandmother."

"Yes, I'll go tell Grandma," Kayle said, practically bouncing as he headed inside. "Mr. Doctor, please, you can enter too."

As Dr. Leynard walked past Nur, their glares locked for a moment. Nur remained rooted in place, his eyes following Leynard as he entered the house, giving Mr. Smith a side-eye.

"…?" Mr. Smith looked confused. "Why don't you come help me, young man?" he asked, wanting to make a good impression on the new face in the village.

"…Okay," Nur muttered reluctantly.

They had already dug out the space for the pipe, and Mr. Smith had begun to work. Nur was just standing there, holding the tools Mr. Smith had given him.

Why did he give me all these when he could just shove them into those big pockets of his pants?

Mr. Smith, bald with a red cloth stained with grease wrapped around his forehead, wore a simple tank top and baggy pants filled with pockets for his tools. Despite being in his forties, he still radiated the energy of youth, his presence giving the impression that he could easily pass for someone in his early thirties.

Nur felt a noise rumbling from inside the house, and then another presence approached them. The sound of footsteps on grass grew nearer.

"Hello, guys! How's the work going?"

It was Kayle, walking toward them.

As he came closer, he asked, "Do you need any help?"

"What are you doing here?!" Nur snapped, his voice sharp.

"Huh?"

"Shouldn't you be with them?!"

"Ah, Doctor Leynard told me to stay outside. He didn't want anyone disturbing him while checking on Grandma!"

Without hesitation, Nur pressed the tools into Kayle's hands. "Hold this!"

As he walked away nonchalantly.

…