chapter 19 - Night Blossom

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They disembarked from the carriage. The meadow air felt fresh and clean. Roldan and Finn began setting up the tent, while Lena and Mira prepared a small bonfire and a simple dinner. Alex helped gather some firewood, enjoying the sensation of the earth beneath his feet and the faint scent of damp grass. After dinner, as the moon slowly rose, casting its silvery light over the Aethelbloom plains, the white flowers glowed brighter. The entire meadow appeared scattered with jewels, creating an unreal sight.

Alex sat near the bonfire, feeling a warmth that contrasted with the cold moonlight. "Young Master won't go to sleep right away?" asked Mira.

Alex shook his head. "No. I want to train for a bit. It's a habit. Consistency is key, isn't it?" He smiled faintly. Lena handed him a bottle of water. "Be careful, Young Master. In a place like this... sometimes unexpected things happen." Alex nodded.

He bid them farewell, then walked away from the bonfire's light, into the shimmering flower field. He looked for a spacious enough spot to perform his stretching exercises and basic sword forms.

The moon shone brighter, making the flowers seem to dance in the light. The atmosphere was silent, only the gentle rustle of the wind among the petals. Alex took a deep breath, feeling the clean air fill his lungs. He started with light stretches, moving every joint. After that, he took his initial stance, imagining his wooden sword in hand. He began to swing, the basic forms taught by Master Orvin flowing smoothly, precise and measured. He felt an itch if he didn't train for even one day. His body was a tool, his mind a compass, and consistency was the fuel that kept him sharp. In a cheerful monologue in his head, Alex thought,

'This world is indeed full of surprises. I thought my life would be full of wars and strategies like Master Lugen or magical explosions like Elaira. But in reality, even amidst a dangerous task like this, I can still find beauty like these Night Light Flowers. This is another side of the world that I must learn.'

As he was swinging his leg for a roundhouse kick, his eyes caught something among the shimmering white flowers. A dark mass, unmoving. Curiosity urged him closer. The closer he got, the clearer the shape became. It was someone.

A small child.

Alex quickened his pace. The child lay unconscious among the flowers, their body curled up like a fallen dry leaf. Their face was delicate, covered in dust and a bit of mud, with messy short black hair. Their robe was dirty, muddy and torn, making it difficult to determine if it was a boy or a girl. Their age, Alex estimated, was around 10 years old—not much different from his own.

Alex's heart beat faster. These were the 'unexpected things' Lena had meant. He knelt beside the child, touching their neck. Their breathing was shallow, but present. Alex observed his surroundings, searching for signs of danger, traces of battle, or anything that could explain the child's condition. However, there was nothing, only a peaceful, glowing flower field. A mystery. Carefully, Alex lifted the small body into his arms. The child was light, as light as a feather, and their body was cold as ice. There was a strange sensation that crept over Alex as he carried them—a subtle resonance, like when he successfully united magic elements. But he ignored it, focusing on the urgent need.

He hurried back towards the bonfire's light. "Roldan! Lena! Mira! Finn!" he shouted, his voice louder than he realized.

His small team was surprised to see him return carrying a small body. Worried expressions were clearly visible on Lena and Mira's faces. "Young Master! What's wrong?" asked Lena, rushing closer.

"I found this child in the flower field," Alex replied, slightly out of breath. "They're injured and unconscious. We need to help them immediately. Lena, Mira, please prepare warm water and towels. They need to be cleaned and checked for serious injuries right away." Lena and Mira nodded quickly, their faces turning serious. Roldan got up from his tent to check on the child.

"No visible external injuries, Young Master," he said. "But they're very dirty. And very cold." Finn could only stare with wide eyes, occasionally peeking from behind Roldan's shoulder. Alex handed the child to Lena, who gently carried them towards the tent. "I'll continue my training for a bit," Alex said. "I'll be right back."

He returned to the flower field, finding a spot a little further away. Although worry crept in, he knew he needed to maintain his routine. Orvin would slap him if he skipped training just for this. Consistency. That was the core of everything. He completed the rest of his training with a slightly divided mind, occasionally glancing towards the tent, wondering about the child's condition. His training felt faster than usual, his energy fueled by a mixture of anxiety and curiosity.

When he finally completed his last sword swing and felt his body warm enough, he returned to the campsite. The aroma of warm soup wafted through the air. He heard whispering from inside the tent, followed by Mira's soft chuckle. His curiosity grew. Alex stepped into the tent.

Inside, the atmosphere was warm and comfortable. The small bonfire outside cast a soft glow that permeated the tent fabric. Lena was spoon-feeding the child he had just found. The child was now clean. Their short black hair, which had been tangled and dirty, now looked soft and neat. Their delicate face, which had been covered in dust, now appeared stunning, like flawless porcelain.

The child's eyes, which had been closed, were now wide open, sparkling with a very beautiful gleam—deep purple eyes, like the purest amethyst, reflecting the bonfire's light. Their lips were pink, slightly swollen from eating too fast. And Alex... Alex gasped.

The child he found in the mysterious flower field, the child he thought might be a boy or a girl because of their dirtiness, was now clearly a girl. An extraordinarily beautiful little girl. But what amazed Alex the most, and slightly surprised him, was the scene before him. The girl, with puffed cheeks, was devouring their food supplies ravenously. She held the soup bowl with both hands, slurping incessantly, her eyes sparkling as if she had found treasure. Some bread crumbs clung to the corners of her lips, and she didn't seem to care at all.

Even when Lena spoon-fed her, she opened her mouth wide without hesitation, as if she hadn't eaten for days. This was not the sacred scene he had imagined earlier. This was... somewhat comical. But, somehow, the sight made Alex unable to suppress a smile. This child, who came from nowhere, in a mysterious way, was now enjoying food in the most innocent and honest way. An unexpected beginning to a journey full of mystery.