Chapter 227 Aleshia's Story
Aleshia spoke in a deep and solemn tone as she shared her story, drawing from her current experiences and fragmented memories. "I'm afraid I have amnesia and only remember bits and pieces of my past. Because of this, I'm not familiar with things that you all might know. I often drift in and out of awareness, which makes it difficult for me to remember details about different countries, local events, and people. The witch hat I have here helps me recall things and offers protection when I'm not fully aware." Aleshia patted the hat, emphasizing her belief in its significance.
The group appeared to have varying levels of interest in her story. Aleshia sensed that her account was still too vague, and Ren confirmed her suspicion, reasoning it out. "So you're saying you're an amnesiac? You don't remember much, yet you can read and do magic? I suppose that makes sense if you've traveled to different places and learned those skills, even if you've forgotten where you acquired them. Is your amnesia the reason you chose to accompany the first stranger who caught your attention?" She playfully winked before continuing, "Also, you mentioned the forest—does that mean you've been traveling through forests often lately?"
Aleshia made a sudden movement, indicating that Ren's prodding was correct. Ren noticed this and smiled in satisfaction at finally eliciting a reaction, believing she had struck true. "I'll take that reaction as a yes. You don't react much, do you?" she asked, curious. "Is there a reason for that, or were you just born this way?" She probed even deeper.
Aleshia decided to tell more, wanting to show goodwill since they were relatively close to each other. "I wasn't born this way, at least I don't think so. I believe this lack of reaction is likely something new for me. Honestly, I just don't know how to change my facial expressions at all."
"Mhmm," Ren murmured, intrigued. The other two, who hadn't been paying much attention, also joined in, sensing something interesting was happening. "So, are we all hungry?" Ren asked, seemingly out of nowhere. At that moment, her belly growled in agreement.
It was then that Aleshia realized Ren had never actually eaten the food she had picked; instead, she had been storing it in the pouch she carried. Realizing what Ren had been doing, Aleshia felt a twinge of guilt for not considering this earlier and for not doing the same. In that moment, she decided to give Ren some of the fish she had stockpiled. She also considered providing the camp with some of the stored fish to eat.