"Hey…" Nolan spoke gently, crouching down to their height. "I think it's time to say goodbye. You can come visit them anytime you want. So—smile, okay? Like I said."

The little girl blinked up at him, confused.

"Em!" she blurted suddenly.

"Huh?" Nolan tilted his head. "Wait—I don't even know your name."

She touched her chest softly. "My name is Lily."

"Oh… Lily." A faint smile tugged at Nolan's lips. "That's actually a lovely name."

He stood and held out his hand.

"Come. Will you follow me?"

Lily hesitated but finally nodded.

"Alright," Nolan murmured, looking around as he led the way. "Is this the right path? I think so. Follow me."

They walked a few steps, the forest breeze brushing past them.

"Lily," Nolan asked slowly, "is there… anywhere you want to go? Your hometown, maybe? Do you have an uncle? Relatives?"

Lily lowered her head.

"Yes… I do. But… they don't like me. Or my mom."

"I see…" Nolan whispered. His eyes sharpened as he looked back at the graves. "Lily, what happened here… it wasn't random."

He clenched his fist.

"The bandits didn't want money. They didn't want supplies. They didn't even touch valuables. Your parents died with a gold watch and a ring still on their hands. If those bandits wanted wealth, they would have taken everything."

He paused, voice dropping.

"It was planned. Someone paid them. Someone who knew your family would pass through this area."

Lily's tiny body trembled.

"And if I take you to those relatives," Nolan continued, "they'll finish what the bandits started."

For a moment, Nolan silently weighed the world's laws against the sight of the trembling girl before him.

"…Maybe I could take you to an orphanage," he thought aloud. "Somewhere safe. Somewhere no one can reach you."

He looked down at Lily—her wide, uncertain eyes, her tear‑stained cheeks.

Then Nolan's expression softened.

He smiled.

"Come with me," he said, gently taking her hand.

"C‑Can you… carry me?" Lily whispered.

"Of course," Nolan answered.

He lifted her effortlessly into his arms. Lily clung to him, burying her face against his chest.

Without another word, Nolan bent his knees.

The air trembled around him—

—and he launched upward.

As Nolan flew upward, carrying Lily gently in his arms, the village below came into view, bathed in the golden afternoon sun. Streets buzzed with the quiet hum of daily life—children running, merchants calling out, the faint smell of baked bread and roasted meat drifting on the breeze.

He glanced down at the girl in his arms. Where should I take her? he thought. I can't just let her wander…

His mind immediately went to the orphanage. There are other children her age… even demi-humans like her. She can play, laugh, and be safe there. That has to be best.

Lily, seemingly tired from the ordeal, sniffled softly, her little nose twitching as she caught the aroma of food from the streets below. Her eyes widened when she saw a demi-human merchant, moving with a blur of speed, selling skewers that sizzled over open flames.

Nolan paused mid-step, keeping his hold steady. He didn't want her to be distracted—yet he noticed her stomach rumble softly. A small, embarrassed glance at him told him all he needed to know.

He smiled, crouching slightly. "Looks like someone's hungry, huh? We actually have some time to spare."

Her eyes lit up, and she nodded eagerly, a shy little smile forming. Nolan led her toward the stall. The demi-human vendor, a stocky fellow with fox-like ears, greeted them warmly as he handed over two skewers—one for each of them.

They found a quiet spot under a tree, where Nolan set Lily down carefully. The smell of grilled meat mingled with the crisp air as they both took a bite.

Lily's eyes sparkled. "Wow… this is really good!"

Nolan chuckled, enjoying the rare moment of peace. "Yeah… isn't it?" he said, smiling.

Lily kept smiling as she nibbled on her skewer, her little hands gripping it tightly. Nolan looked at her, quietly observing. Wow… this little girl is really strong, he thought.

Her appearance was deceptively delicate, the picture of innocence, yet behind that bright smile was someone who had endured so much. She had been through horrors most adults couldn't bear—losing her parents, being chased by bandits—but here she was, forcing herself to smile despite the weight on her tiny shoulders.

Good thing I stepped in and saved her… but even now, she's holding herself together. I'm not as strong as she is, not emotionally. This little girl… she's remarkable.

He let out a quiet sigh. "Are you done?" he asked gently. "How about we get something to drink… or maybe even eat a little more before we head to the orphanage?"

Lily's eyes lit up, her cheeks rosy. "Yes! I'd love to eat more!" she exclaimed, hopping lightly as Nolan led her down the bustling village streets.

They passed by a stall where a cheerful man grilled meat over an open flame, the scent smoky and irresistible. They each took a skewer, savoring the warm, juicy meat, and laughed together at the simple joy of the meal.

Next, they wandered to a small vendor selling freshly made rice balls, each bite soft, warm, and flavorful. Lily's eyes sparkled as she bit into one, and Nolan couldn't help but smile at her delight.

Finally, they bought a cup of sweet, fruity juice, the liquid cool and refreshing. Sitting on a low wooden bench beneath a shady tree, they clinked their cups together and laughed, the sound ringing like music through the air.

"Today is really fun," Lily said, her face glowing with genuine happiness. "This is the happiest I've ever been!"

Nolan tilted his head, smiling. "What do you mean? You've been through so much…"

Lily looked down at her juice, her small fingers tracing the rim of the cup. "Well… my family… we're royalty. I don't usually get to eat things like this. Mostly, I eat vegetables. They said it's to help me grow strong… to have a good stature when I'm older. But I always wanted to try this… and today, I did!" She smiled brightly, as if proud of this small rebellion against her usual life.

Nolan's heart softened. She really had fun… she really enjoyed this… he thought, feeling a rare warmth inside him.

"Well, that's good," he said gently, smiling back. "I'm glad you had fun, Lily."

As Lily leaned back, her small hands holding the cup, Nolan stood and stretched slightly. It was time. I think it's time I take her to the orphanage, he thought, already planning the next step in her path to safety.

"So please… come with me. I think it's time we leave," Nolan said gently, holding out his hand.

Lily looked up at him, her little hands trembling slightly as she clasped his. "Sure… I'm alright now," she whispered, her voice low but steady. For the first time since everything had happened, she seemed comfortable, safe in Nolan's presence.

"Good," Nolan replied with a faint smile. "Let's go."

As they walked through the village streets, Nolan guided her steadily. The sun was dipping toward the horizon, casting a warm golden glow on the cobblestone path. He kept a watchful eye on her, making sure she didn't stumble or get distracted by anything along the way.

Soon, they reached the gates of the orphanage. It was housed in an old but well-kept church, the stone walls weathered but solid. Children were laughing and running around in the courtyard, some chasing balls, others playing in small groups.

"Hey… lady, you can wait here if you want, or even go play with them," Nolan said softly, smiling down at her.

Lily hesitated, then shook her head. "No… I'll wait here," she said, clutching the small bag she had brought with her.

"Alright. I'll just be a moment," Nolan said as he walked up to the church doors.

The church interior was simple but calm. Sunlight filtered through stained-glass windows, casting colorful patterns across the wooden floor. A man knelt in prayer at the front, a rope loosely tied around his waist in a humble clerical manner. When Nolan entered, the man rose slowly and turned, revealing a kind, yet weary face.

"How can I help you?" the man asked politely.

Nolan knelt slightly to meet his gaze. "I want to leave this girl here. Her parents… they died. She's lovely, and I think this place might be perfect for her. There are other children here, including demi-humans, and she'll be safe, cared for… and can even have fun."

The man's expression softened, though worry shadowed his eyes. "It's not that we don't want her… but there's barely enough funding to keep this place running. We've been praying for a miracle. The main church in sindra stopped sending support… this little church survives mostly on what little donations come in."

Nolan's gaze didn't waver. "I understand. Then let me help. How much would it take to care for all orphans properly?"

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