The moment I arrived at the work field, Mr. Hex walked over to me with a smile.
"Oh, Alex! How are you feeling?"
"I'm alright—just a little sore."
"Ah, I see. Then let's get going!"
Today, our group had been assigned to plow one of the newly harvested fields.
The sun was already climbing, and the soil was dry.
It was going to be another long day.
When lunchtime came, I sat with the others under the shaded shelter provided by the Labor Guild.
They also gave us a free meal—some bread, a bowl of soup, and clean water.
Mr. Hex slowly approached and sat down beside me.
"…Alex… do you remember the knight commander from yesterday?"
"Hmm… yes."
"His name is Lord Willson. He asked me to see if you're interested in joining the army."
"…No thanks."
I replied without hesitation.
If it had been any other job, I might've considered it. But a soldier? No.
Then Mr. Hex leaned in and lowered his voice.
"…I'm not sure we can trust him, but… he said there's going to be an invasion soon. The Kingdom of Eshmore is planning to strike this village. Willson was sent from the capital to scout and inspect the area."
What he said next made my blood boil.
"...Alex, the capital, wants to 'make a change' in this village after the invasion. Meaning... after this town is destroyed, the kingdom plans to take it back and rebuild it."
I nearly choked on my bread.
So that was their plan all along?
Let the town fall. Let the people die. And then sweep in to reclaim it?
This town may be full of slaves and peasants… but to the kingdom, we were nothing more than a small sacrifice.
My hatred toward the kingdom—and the aristocrats who ruled it—flared back to life.
It reminded me too much of the day my village was overrun by goblins…
And no one came to help.
"However… Willson wants to protect this village," Hex added.
I froze.
I couldn't believe what I'd just heard.
Willson?
A knight, probably from some noble family, wanted to protect this place?
I narrowed my eyes.
It sounded too good to be true.
"Anyway, you should think about it and let me know tomorrow," Hex said, patting my back as he stood to leave.
"And what about you, Mr. Hex?" I asked, watching him closely.
"I'm joining him," he replied with a grin.
==============
"I'm home!"
I arrived late, as usual.
Grandma was already setting out some food for me on the table.
Lis sat by the window, reading one of her books again. She really loved to read.
Then she noticed me.
"Big brother, welcome back!"
She looked up and greeted me with her usual warm smile.
"Ha! How's every—"
"Big brother, are you really feeling okay?"
She cut me off before I could finish. Her voice was full of worry—probably because of what happened yesterday.
"Yes, I'm fine! Really."
I smiled and gave a quick fist-pump to reassure her.
"…Brother's always working hard…"
Then I noticed something different in her expression.
There was a trace of hesitation, like she wanted to say something but didn't know how.
"Umm… is everything alright, Lis?"
I asked, slowly walking closer.
"You know what, brother?" she said, her eyes lighting up with excitement.
"I was able to use magic."
My eyes widened.
Magic?
That wasn't something just anyone could use. From what I knew, only those with noble blood could harness it. For commoners like us, it was nearly impossible.
"Amazing, Lis! What kind of magic?" I asked, barely hiding my excitement.
"It's healing magic," she said with a smile.
The joy that surged through me was indescribable.
Healing magic—one of the rarest and most respected. She could become a cleric… maybe even a priestess.
"I also learned how to compound herbs and make medicine,"
she added softly, pride glimmering in her voice.
"That's really amazing, Lis!" I said, admiration clear in my voice.
"Hehe… I just wanted to be a little useful to you and Grandma,"
she said quietly, glancing between the two of us with a shy smile.
But then her expression dimmed.
"You know, big brother…"
"…The head nun at the church nominated me to one of the academies in the capital."
"How did it go?"
"I got accepted," she whispered. "And… I received a sponsor from the church there."
"Wow… that sounds almost too good to be true! I'm so happy for you, Lis."
"…But brother, should I really accept it?"
Her voice trembled, tears welling up in her eyes.
"I don't want to be far away from you and Grandma..."
Before I could say a word, Grandma stepped over and gently wrapped her arms around Lis.
"Don't you worry about me," she said softly, brushing Lis's hair back.
"I'm already at this age… and you've got a long, bright future ahead of you."
At that moment, only one thought filled my heart:
Lis deserved that bright future. A peaceful life.
This town might not exist much longer.
But if she could leave…
If she could chase her dreams somewhere safe…
Then I'd do everything I could to make that happen.
"…They told me I could only bring one person with me…"
Lis's voice broke as tears spilled down her cheeks.
"In that case, Alex—"
"No."
I cut my grandma off before she could say another word.
"Grandma, please… I want you to go with her."
She turned to me, surprised.
"You've lived here your whole life," I said, my voice trembling.
"Even after Grandpa passed away, you stayed strong. You took care of us when we had nothing."
I smiled.
"I just want you to experience something beyond this village… even if just once."
"But what about you? You'll be all alone?"
Grandma asked gently, still holding Lis close.
"Don't worry!" I replied with a forced grin.
"I already quit working at the farm."
"...Are you coming with us?"
Lis asked quickly, eyes filled with hope.
I smiled softly and reached out to pat her head.
"Your big brother's… going to become a soldier."
"...Eh?"
Both she and Grandma froze.
"But why? I don't want you to—"
Lis stepped toward me, her voice cracking.
"It's the only way I can change my fate," I said quietly.
"The only way I can earn the right to leave this village on my own terms."
Working at the fields and paying taxes wasn't a choice.
But if I could make a name for myself on the battlefield…
Maybe, just maybe, I could finally break this chain.