Claim Your Love

Chapter Nineteen

Within the realm of dreams, a vision of my beloved father materialized before me, and an overwhelming surge of emotions seized my heart. From the depths of my being, a cry escaped my lips, carrying with it the weight of my longing and regret.

"I yearn to be myself once more... I apologize for my shortcomings," I whispered, my voice laden with sorrow and remorse, as my father turned his gaze towards me. In an instant, he enveloped me in his warm embrace, offering solace in the face of my pain.

"Let your tears flow freely, my dear," he murmured gently, his voice a balm to my wounded soul. "Finally, you have been granted the chance you so desperately seek."

Perplexed by his mention of a chance, I mustered the strength to inquire further, my voice trembling with vulnerability. Father, with a tender touch, wiped away my tears and offered words of reassurance.

"Though I may no longer be present, know that I am immensely proud of you, my precious daughter," he affirmed, his voice filled with love and pride.

As the echoes of his words lingered in the air, a chorus of cries reached my ears, jolting me from the depths of slumber. With a start, I sat upright, and there stood Hestia, her gaze fixated upon me. In an instant, she enveloped me in a tight embrace, a testament to the depth of her concern. The ache in my heart intensified, and a coughing fit wracked my frail form, causing droplets of blood to stain my lips. Hastily, Hestia came to my aid, sensing the approaching footsteps and swiftly covering my body with a flowing red robe, shielding me from the piercing gaze of Helios.

As the door slammed shut behind him, Helios fixed his gaze upon me, his eyes filled with a mixture of anger and concern. His voice, laced with frustration, cut through the air, demanding answers from me.

"Are you truly so foolish?" he questioned, his tone tinged with exasperation. Recognizing the danger that loomed in his presence, Hestia acted swiftly, shielding me from his wrath with the protective embrace of the crimson robe.

"It matters not who strikes you first before me!" he exclaimed, his voice dripping with venomous disdain.

Startled by the sudden turn of events, Marcello leaned against the doorway, a wry smile gracing his lips as he interjected with a hint of sarcasm, his words laced with congratulations.

"Congratulations, Lucian! The entire village now regards you as their savior, thanks to your near-death experience," he remarked, a glint of amusement dancing in his eyes.

Summoning a fragile smile, I responded through stifled coughs, feigning gratitude in the face of their words. "I am grateful for their regard," I managed to utter, my voice strained.

In the midst of this tense exchange, the sound of hurried footsteps resonated in the distance. Zephyr, his countenance etched with concern, rushed towards me, his arms enveloping me in a tight embrace.

"I was consumed by worry for your well-being!" he declared, his voice filled with genuine care and relief.

"Be mindful not to squeeze her too tightly!" Helios retorted, his voice sharp with irritation. "Only my hands have the privilege of such suffocation!"

As the two left, Helios reached out and touched my chest, but thankfully, the tight bandage protected me from his touch. In an attempt to lighten the heavy atmosphere, a playful retort escaped my lips.

"Why are you groping me?" I jested, a feeble attempt at humor.

“You don't even have boobs,” With an eye roll and a dismissive comment about my lack of feminine attributes, Helios withdrew his touch, his gaze shifting to the enigmatic magic that emanated from my heart. Of course I don't have one now because of the tight bandage to cover my femininity. “I was just wondering why there's such weird magic from your heart.. I was planning to heal you but this thing in your heart- What did you just defeat inside that place?,”

Puzzled, he expressed his intention to heal me, but his plans were halted by the mysterious force residing within my wounded core.

"Unveiling the nature of that peculiar magic within your heart will remain a secret, known to none," I responded, a knowing smile gracing my lips.

Suddenly, the clamor outside drew our attention. Eager to investigate, despite the pain that wracked my body, I stood with Hestia's support. As we emerged into the open, a crowd of villagers stood before us, their fervor held in check by the vigilant knights.

Desperate to catch a glimpse of me, their gratitude poured forth in a torrent of words and gestures. Overwhelmed by their appreciation, I accepted their heartfelt thanks, their tears mingling with my own.

Amongst the gratitude, a couple stepped forward, bearing a precious gift—a pack of coffee beans. Their tearful expressions spoke volumes, and I received their offering with open arms, humbled by their gratitude.

Upon returning to the village, my gaze fell upon a child with ebony locks and azure eyes, his longing gaze fixed upon an ice cream cart. A smile graced my lips as I approached him, extending an offer of sweet solace"Do you desire an ice cream?" I asked, my voice warm and gentle. The child remained silent, his eyes filled with longing.

"For a mere two sel, madam," the vendor replied.

Reflecting upon the seven velliar I possessed, I reached into my pocket, only to discover a letter nestled within.

"Congratulations on finding the children.

But alas, it is time for me to depart. With a flick of my wrist, a mischievous glint in my eyes, I let my magic weave its way into your pocket, deftly snatching the Seven velliar. Thanks for such a great deal! Now i shall disappear with my magic leaving with the shadows of trust,”

Its words revealed a mischievous act, as someone had playfully relieved me of my velliar. Chuckling softly, I marveled at the oddity of it all, knowing that I had Hestia by my side. Clutching a basket brimming with provisions, she approached me, cradling her child in her arms.

"May I borrow four sel?" I inquired, and with a resigned sigh, she handed over the coins. "No need to borrow, my master," she said, her voice filled with unwavering loyalty.

With the child's gaze fixed upon the ice cream, I fulfilled his unspoken wish, handing him a frozen delight. As we sat together, we embarked upon a conversation, forging a connection.

"I aspire to be a knight someday," he proclaimed, his voice brimming with youthful enthusiasm. "Just like the legendary Four Swords!"

A smile tugged at the corners of my lips upon hearing his fervent declaration. "You have the potential to become one," I encouraged him, a glimmer of hope in my eyes.

"But swords are so expensive!" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with disappointment. Sensing his longing, I reached for a sword at my side, one that was far from the grandeur of the Pyro Dukedom's sword, which remained safely guarded within its domain.

"Take this," I offered, presenting him with the humble weapon. "It may not be as grand, but it carries the spirit of a knight."

Wide-eyed and filled with awe, the child hesitated. "Are you certain?" he asked, his voice filled with disbelief.

"I willingly bestow this sword upon you," I assured him, a sense of pride swelling within me. "Train diligently, and when you become the greatest knight, remember that our paths may cross again."

With a gentle pat on his head, I whispered, "I eagerly await that day." A radiant smile illuminated his face as he clutched the sword, his dreams taking flight in that very moment.