Little Knight

Theodoras was trying to make sense of what had happened. He pinched himself, checked his clothes, and realized everything was spotless. He was stunned. "It's because of the source stones in Keykhösrev's rings," Lily said with admiration. "That man is truly full of magical treasures. From his armor to his accessories, he's like a walking treasure chest!" Theodoras nodded, "We really owe Mr. Keykhösrev a lot," he said. "Also, he asked me to catch some fish, and I messed that up too." He tried to stand, but lost his balance and fell. This surprised Theodoras because, despite having no wounds, he felt utterly exhausted. The horn on his forehead had also vanished as his mana depleted.

"Are you okay, Theodoras?" Lily asked with concern. "You need to be careful when standing. Your magical energy is almost completely drained, so keeping your balance will be tough. According to Keykhösrev, you encountered a monster called a False Tree. You're lucky to be alive. False Trees drain your mana, then sap your life force entirely, killing you and even using your corpse as fertilizer. Be more careful next time you wander in the forest. I couldn't handle losing you a second time." Lily's voice trembled. Her eyes welled up as she mentioned Amy; she was grieving for her sibling, but there was nothing she could do. Theodoras felt a chill run down his spine as he listened. The experience had been truly terrifying. If he'd known how dangerous it was, he might have lost focus and died. Lily's mention of Amy made him even more uneasy. "Lily, I know telling you not to grieve won't help," Theodoras said. "But please don't let this make you give up on life. Amy's blood won't be spilled in vain, I promise. You saved my life, and in return, I'll do everything I can to be of use to you." There was deep conviction in Theodoras's voice, but also a hint of hesitation. Were these words the fleeting enthusiasm of a child, or a lifelong resolve? It was unclear.

Hearing Theodoras's words, Lily burst into laughter. Tears streamed down her face as she laughed, the sunlight illuminating her. "Theodoras, that was so sweet and a bit funny," she said. "Thank you, though. But I don't need a sword—I need a companion. If you'd like to be my companion, I'd gladly accept." Theodoras's eyes widened, and he was deeply moved. Being seen as an equal by someone like Lily filled him with pride, but it also made him uncomfortable—it was far outside his comfort zone. "Lily, are you sure?" he said. "Accepting someone like me as a companion… it's too much. I'm not even an ordinary villager; I'm just the lowliest slave. You're a noble. I can't ask that of you." For the first time, Theodoras had openly revealed his inferiority complex.

Lily was saddened by his words but also frustrated. "Theodoras, stop this nonsense!" she said firmly. "It doesn't matter if you're a noble or a slave. What matters is what you think, what you want to become, your efforts, your heart. You could be a noble and a vile pig, or a slave and as noble as a lion. The choice is always yours. It'll be hard, of course, but never see yourself as lesser. Because you have a spirit nobler than many nobles." Lily's voice was filled with conviction, her words sincere.

Theodoras fell silent for a moment. His heart raced, and his eyes glistened with moisture. He stared at the grass beneath his feet. The surroundings were quiet. A gentle breeze suddenly blew, rustling their hair and the grass. The orange light of the setting sun bathed their faces. Theodoras looked up at Lily. She was sitting on the grass, extending her hand to him. "Come on, Theo, make your choice," she said.

Theodoras gazed at Lily, unsure of what to say. Words caught in his throat. The fear of disappointing her and the conflict within him made him hesitate. After a brief pause, he took her hand and smiled brightly. "Lily, I'll do my best not to let you down," he said.

Lily helped Theodoras to his feet. At that moment, Keykhösrev suddenly appeared beside them. He'd been there all along, but neither had sensed his presence. "Young people these days are so sentimental," Keykhösrev said, smiling at Theodoras. "Theodoras, you almost brought tears to my eyes! Those were fine words, just like a human knight!" Keykhösrev's laughter grated on Lily's ears. Her brows furrowed, and her face flushed; she wasn't pleased with his teasing. Theodoras, embarrassed, covered his face with his hands, wishing he could bury his head in the sand like an ostrich. Together, they spent the evening by the lake.