Episode 3

POV Riese

My name is Riese, a 15-year-old. I live in Molly Village within the domain of Baron Vine. You could say I'm diligent and hardworking. I began living alone with my younger sibling when I was 11, after our parents died in an accident while on their way to sell their hunt in the city. It seems they were attacked by a group of bandits mid-journey. My sibling was not yet a year old at the time, so they probably don't remember it.

To provide for the two of us, I often took risks to gather vegetables or even forage for mushrooms to eat. The state provides some support, but it's never enough. Despite this, we've managed to survive so far. I usually venture into the woods with my peer Anna. She's a beautiful girl with long, wavy hair. The village leader's daughter, she's humble and willing to help me. Due to my shy nature, I don't have many friends in the village, but Anna is a close one.

"Riese, why are you taking so long?"

"Wait a moment, Anna."

Anna was calling out, lightly chiding me.

"What are you up to?"

"Oh, sorry. I overslept and was late preparing food for Alice. Shall we go then?"

"Alright, let's."

Anna and I went into the forest until it was nearly evening. As usual, we foraged for vegetables and mushrooms. The Death Forest is legendary for its danger.

"I think we should head back soon; it's getting dark," said Anna.

"Yes, we've found quite a bounty of mushrooms and vegetables today."

On the way back, we saw plumes of black smoke rising from the direction of our village. Anna and I hurried back home.

"Anna! Riese! Thank God you're both okay!"

"Mother, what's happened to our village?" Anna asked, panicked.

"The village is under attack by a horde of goblins. The men are fighting them off, Riese, and I've made sure Alice is safe indoors."

Goblins are short, child-sized creatures with elongated faces, fierce expressions, and green skin.

"Thank you so much, Auntie," I said, relieved to hear Alice is safe.

"DANGER! THERE'S ANOTHER ATTACK, THIS TIME BY KOBOLDS!"

It was Anna's father, the village leader, shouting.

"What should we do?" Anna's mother asked in a panic.

"We must scatter. Each villager should find their own way. We can't stay together, or we'll be easy targets for the kobolds."

Kobolds are like werewolves but with dog heads and sharp teeth. They prefer to attack in groups, so dispersing seemed like the best defense as they'd likely go after the goblin horde first. After a brief deliberation, the men agreed the women should scatter first, and the men would follow after holding the goblins at bay.

"Riese, let's stick together. My mother and I are going to Baron Vine, where her family lives."

"That's right, Riese! Come with us!"

"No, Anna, Auntie. We must split up, or the men's efforts will be in vain. I'll take Alice to the Death Forest—it's dangerous, which might make it the safest place now. I've been there often."

I'm sorry, Anna, Auntie. I don't want to endanger you. It's the best choice. With tears in my eyes, I took Alice into the forest. I saw Anna crying as well, but still, we were best friends.

*****

"Are we safe now?"

I scouted the Death Forest. Packed with monsters and wild animals, safety seemed likely at its edges.

Suddenly, we spotted two goblins not far from us, perhaps about 200 meters. Maybe I was unlucky, but they turned and saw Alice and me.

"Alice, get on my back."

Alice, though scared, managed to climb up.

I ran deeper into the forest. This was not the time to worry about its peril. The priority was saving Alice.

After running as hard as I could, I fell with Alice in tow. Thankfully, goblins aren't swift runners, so we were lucky. I used water magic to quench Alice's and my thirst. Having run heedlessly, I lost my bearings. I decided to continue deeper into the forest until, exhausted and disoriented, Alice, who is only 5, fainted.

I carried her until I collapsed from fatigue and at the height of despair…

****

"Hey, are you alright?"

"Please... help us..."

That voice was like an oasis in the desert. Without hesitation, I sought help and then fainted.

POV Alice

Hi, Alice is Alice. Alice's age is 5 years now. Alice is cheerful and loved in the village. Maybe it's the villagers' doing, so Alice hardly misses Mom and Dad. Alice knows they went to a faraway place, hard to visit. Alice hopes to meet them someday and make them happy.

Awakening, Alice found herself in a not-so-big cloth house. Although small, it seemed nicer than ours.

When Alice woke up, big sister was already awake, and we met the man who sister said saved us. An adult male with an ordinary face but very neat. Though a stranger, he appeared very friendly to us.

Alice liked him because he was so kind to her and sister.

The man also shared food we'd never tasted before – he called it noodles. They looked like worms but tasted delicious; Alice wanted more but was too shy to ask.

At this man's place, we didn't need to go far to relieve ourselves because of the portable toilet he provided. It was comfortable; Alice never liked the dark.

For breakfast, the man gave us the most delicious food. Alice didn't feel the usual hardness of bread and meat from the village. Is this man an angel sent by God?

It seemed odd that this man didn't know much yet possessed things others didn't. But despite this, Alice liked him a lot.

After a discussion between big sister and the man, it seems we were allowed to keep staying here?

"Yaaayyy to stay together!"

Alice was very happy. The man was so nice. Is this what it feels like to have a Dad? Alice was overjoyed.

Alice hoped to stay together forever.

With this man's presence, Alice felt safe and happy. Thank you, God, Alice relished this life. Big sister seemed happy too.

POV Riese

The man treated us kindly. I pondered what I could do in return.

I must not be a burden to him. I must strive to be independent.

(Come on, Riese! You can do this!)

That's how I cheered myself up inside.

But wait, I should also ask what he plans to do next. We should probably leave the forest and find the nearest town.