Chp 21: The Festival of Fading Hope

After months, I was finally able to recover. From that day, I had been unable to hit someone, even if I wanted to, because it felt like I was killing them. Even in spars, I struggled. But now, I have finally recovered.

However, I'm sure I will never be able to kill anyone. Just thinking about it makes me want to puke, and I start trembling.

Today, Ash and the others invited me to a nearby village to enjoy a festival. At first, I refused, saying I wanted to practice, but they insisted. They even said they wouldn't go if I didn't. I could see how excited they were about the festival, having talked about it all day yesterday at the training ground. I didn't want to ruin their fun, so I decided to go with them.

I asked Commander Auther for permission. He agreed, saying, "Resting is good, but taking more rest than necessary will make you lazy. Go for today but come back tomorrow. I want to see you in training."

Auther then looked at me seriously and asked, "Are you alright?"

I knew he was worried about what happened last time.

"I've recovered from it, so you don't have to worry," I assured him. "I'll take my leave now, Commander Auther."

With that, we departed—Ash, Baran, Levy, and I—toward the village. It wasn't too far from Sun Fortress, just 23 km. We reached quickly with the help of horses. Since I didn't know how to ride one, I sat behind Ash.

I should learn how to ride a horse once I return from the festival. It will be useful in the future.

As we traveled, I admired the beautiful scenery and breathed in the fresh air. I thought to myself, coming here was a good decision. I feel refreshed. After months of continuous training, this change felt nice.

Upon reaching the village, I was surprised—it was bigger than I had expected, though not very developed. The streets were decorated beautifully for the festival, reminding me of my childhood.

I remember when I went to a festival with my parents when I was eight. It was fun.

Mom… Dad… I miss you.

"Hey, Grey! Over here!" Ash called. "We'll be staying the night at my uncle's place."

An old man stepped out of the house and asked, "How many of you?"

"Four," Ash replied.

"Then two rooms—two people in each," the old man said.

After settling in, we rested for a while until nightfall. I was woken up by the sounds of children laughing and people talking outside. One thing was clear—everyone was happy.

Will I be able to protect their happiness when the time comes?

Will I have the courage? Or will I fail?

I clenched my fist tightly.

No, I will protect them, even if I have to sacrifice myself.

Then, a thought crossed my mind.

How have I become like this? I used to be a lazy person who stayed home, living off my dead parents' money. But after coming to this world, I've changed. I want to protect these people. I don't want it to be the second time I fail to protect my loved ones.

Just then, Baran called out, "What are you doing, Grey? Let's go enjoy the festival!"

Levy and Ash were already waiting. I was about to respond when, without thinking, I muttered, "Friends..."

They looked at me, surprised. I felt embarrassed, but they laughed.

"Of course, we're friends! What are you saying?" Ash grinned. "We've been together for months now!"

After that, we joined the festival. Since I was still a minor, I declined to drink alcohol, but we had fun visiting different stalls. Eventually, we all sat near the town hall, where a bonfire was lit, and people were dancing and celebrating.

"I'm feeling sleepy. I'll head back first," I told them.

The roads were empty as everyone was at the festival's center. The silence felt refreshing. I gazed up at the stars.

Today was a fun day. I'll remember it.

Just then, a scream echoed from a nearby alley.

I rushed towards the sound and saw a horrifying sight—ten armed men were holding a woman and several children hostage. Three villagers lay dead on the ground, likely having tried to fight back.

The woman looked at me with desperate, tear-filled eyes. "Please… help us!" she cried.

I immediately understood the situation and stepped forward. "Release them. I am a knight."

One of the bandits scoffed, stepping forward. "This kid thinks he's a knight?" He laughed mockingly.

I grabbed his neck and punched him, knocking him unconscious. Then, I took his sword. The other bandits realized I wasn't just a kid and charged at me. I didn't have the courage to kill them, so I used the back of my sword to knock them out. They were weak, so it wasn't difficult.

Only three remained.

One of them suddenly grabbed the woman by the hair and pressed a sword to her neck. "If you move any closer, I'll kill her!" he threatened.

I froze. What should I do? Should I attack? If I do, the woman might die. But if I do nothing, the child might die.

The bandit shouted, "Drop your sword, or I'll kill her!"

My eyes met the woman's. She was crying, silently pleading for help.

I gritted my teeth and threw my sword to the ground.

Suddenly, one of the bandits I had knocked down sneaked behind me and slammed something against my head. Pain exploded in my skull, and I collapsed to the ground, barely conscious.

I could hear their voices.

"Should we kill him, sir?"

"No. If he really is a knight, other knights will come looking for us. Killing a knight is a death sentence."

"Then what do we do?"

"Take him with us to our hideout. We'll figure it out later."