Chapter 28: She didn't abandon you

"Fine, I'll take it."

Ray said, reaching for his pocket.

"But I won't take it for free."

Before he could pull out any money, Madoc grabbed his hand.

"Your father did more than enough for us."

Madoc said.

"If I accepted money from you, it would feel like betraying his kindness."

"Taking this for free would mean betraying my own morals."

Madoc sighed.

"Ray, I don't want money."

Ray pulled out the remaining coins he had in his pocket and placed them in Madoc's hand.

"Then take this as repayment for keeping my father's sword safe."

"But,R—"

"No buts."

Ray stood up, gripping the sword firmly. Just as he turned to leave, Madoc hurried to fetch something. He returned with a sheath and held it out.

"At least take this, Young Ray. I can't accept free money."

Ray sighed, shaking his head.

"You're stubborn, old dwarf."

Madoc chuckled, patting Ray's back.

"Your father used to call me that too."

Then, with a deep bow, Madoc lowered his head. Ray hesitated for a moment before offering a small bow in return. Without another word, he left the tent, hiding the sword beneath his coat.

——————————————————

Ray walked through the bustling market streets.

"Southwest. Downtown. Erdten slum."

He muttered, his red eyes gleaming with bloodlust. He moved with purpose, heading toward the southwestern region of Frhosien. This part of the city was far less developed than the northern districts or the central kingdom.

"Gilobert."

Pulling his hood lower to conceal his hair, Ray reached for a black cloth hanging on a drying rack. He wrapped it around his face, leaving only his piercing red eyes visible. It was part of a head covering, folded just right.

He scanned the slum, searching for a tavern he vaguely remembered. As he walked through the filthy streets, something caught his attention. A glimmer of silver hair, shining faintly under the dim moonlight.

"That might be her."

Ray glanced around. No one seemed to be watching him. He slipped into the alley. Darkness swallowed him as he followed the girl, his footsteps silent.

They moved through narrow passages between rundown buildings. Muffled screams of women and rhythmic clapping sounds echoed from within.....Those weren't claps.

After weaving through the passage, they emerged into a crowded, dirty marketplace. Trash littered the streets, and some goods were stacked carelessly against piles of filth. The stench was overwhelming, but the people moved on as if they were numb to it.

Under the flickering light of the market stalls, Ray got a clear look at the girl. It was her—the same girl who had pickpocketed him earlier. She slipped into another alley, this one mostly straight.

"If she turns back, it'll be harder to stay hidden."

Ray thought as he followed. The girl suddenly took a sharp left turn. Ray followed suit.

Then—

A flash of metal.

Ray barely had time to react. The girl had spun around, her blade slicing straight for his eyes. Ray's reflexes kicked in. He caught the blade mid-swing, his grip firm.

The girl immediately reached for her smoke bombs, just like last time. But Ray was faster, he grabbed both her wrists and pinned her down.

"Don't resist."

He said, his voice calm but firm. The girl froze. She didn't struggle, simply accepting her fate. Silent tears welled in her eyes, her face contorted with disgust.

"Don't worry… I don't mean you any harm,"

Ray assured her. She didn't believe him. Her silent sobs continued.

"Siena, listen closely."

The girl's eyes widened in shock.

"HOW DO YOU KNOW MY REAL NAME?! ANS—"

She started shouting, but Ray clamped his hand over her mouth before she could finish.

"I'll answer every single question."

He said.

"But first, calm down."

Slowly, he released her. Siena immediately crawled back, putting distance between them.

"THAT BASTARD GIL—"

She started again, voice rising in anger. Ray covered her mouth for a second time.

"Lower your voice."

He warned.

"Shouting will only make things worse. And… you still have things to learn about your mother."

Siena's hands trembled as she gripped Ray's wrist and forced it down.

"W-What…? How…?"

She stammered, disbelief in her tear-filled eyes.

"Listen, Siena."

Ray unwrapped the cloth from his face, revealing himself. Siena gasped.

"Y-You're the same guy from earlier today…"

"Affirmative,"

Ray confirmed, kneeling before her.

"And I'm here about your mother."

Siena's expression darkened.

"I don't want to hear anything about that woman."

She paused, her eyes filled with bitterness before she screamed,

"HOW COULD A MOTHER ABANDON HER DAU—"

Ray silenced her again.

"She didn't abandon you."

A long pause.

"Your Mother, died saving you."

Siena's breath hitched.

"W-What do you… mean…?"

Ray exhaled, his voice softer now.

"I found a fragment of her story deep within the Frhosien dungeon."

His hand rested gently on her shoulder. Siena broke, tears streamed down her face as she sobbed uncontrollably.

After Siena calmed down, Ray explained everything he had learned from the story fragment. As the truth unraveled, Siena broke down once more.

"M…M…Mother…"

She sobbed, her voice cracking. Overcome with grief, she suddenly started slapping herself.

Ray gently caught her wrists, stopping her self-inflicted pain. He held her hands against her chest, his grip firm yet comforting.

"Your mother won't rest in peace if you hurt yourself."

He said softly. Siena sobbed harder, her body trembling. Ray allowed her a moment before speaking again. Then, he smiled slightly and made an offer.

"Siena, I have a proposal for you."

She looked up at him, wary of what he might ask.

"I'll help you avenge your mother."

Ray said, raising his right index finger.

"But after that, you must start a better life—no more pickpocketing."

Siena hesitated.

"I don't have a choice… Pickpocketing is all I have."

Ray nodded.

"I know a place where you can live properly. Will you trust me?"

She clenched her fists.

"…If you promise to avenge my mother."

Ray's eyes darkened.

"Show me the way to Gilobert."

——————————————————

They walked through another narrow alley, the dim moonlight casting long shadows.

Siena led the way.

"I still don't get it… Why are you helping me?"

Ray walked behind her, lost in thought.

"Not sure…..Pity?"

But even as he said it, he questioned himself. Was it really pity...

"Was I someone who helped others before I lost my memories?"

Ray wondered.

"I still have millions of questions."

Siena's voice pulled him back.

"S-Sorry for pickpocketing you today…"

Her tone was laced with guilt.

"You had your reasons."

——————————————————

They stopped behind a tavern. Its wooden exterior was old but sturdy.

"This is the place…"

Siena whispered. Ray ran a hand over the wooden wall, smirking.

"Tredch wood. That would make things easier."

He pulled out the black cloth, masking his face once more, leaving only his eyes exposed. Then, he removed his coat and handed it to Siena.

"Stay at a distance,"

He ordered.

"Wear this, you don't have anything warm on."

She held the coat tightly, then whispered,

"Please… don't let that man survive."

Ray didn't respond. He simply stepped forward.

——————————————————

The sign above the entrance read Frostlove Brothel. The moment Ray stepped inside, the stench of beer and sweat hit him.

The interior was nothing like the decayed version he had seen in the story fragment. Instead of broken furniture, everything was well-maintained. Red and black-themed decor gave the place a grim elegance.

Ray walked up to the counter. Behind it stood a familiar face—her.

The same mage woman from the story fragments. Her eyes were lifeless. Ray's gaze flickered to her neck—bruises and scars.

She barely acknowledged him as she spoke, her voice devoid of life.

"A reservation, please."

Ray said. The woman silently picked up a camera and a reservation list.

"We must take your signature and photo to confirm the reservation."

She said mechanically. Ray didn't hesitate. He couldn't afford to make himself suspicious. He pulled down his mask.