Later on, we stood outside the cave when a silhouette of a man slowly approached us. It was Gabriel.
I stared at him and noticed something… something I couldn't quite explain.
"What happened in there, Mr. Gabriel?" Loras asked, his curiosity matching my own.
Gabriel sighed before answering.
"Oh, nothing. I thought someone was there, so I checked… Guess some non-existent being has its eyes on us," he said with a laugh.
The others laughed along with him.
I didn't. I kept my eyes on Gabriel, a quiet suspicion lingering in my chest.
Then our eyes met, and he gave me a soft smile.
"Alright, everyone—let's fix your home before the sun sets!" Gabriel called out, his voice almost cheerful.
Loras grabbed my shoulder and gently guided me back.
Behind us, Gabriel followed, his gaze wandering as he looked around cautiously.
Later that night, after the long battle, the village chief decided to hold a celebration for Gabriel.
I sat in the corner, watching from afar, my thoughts drifting to my sister…
Then, suddenly—
"Hey."
Gabriel sat across from me, a beer in his hand.
"Something wrong, kiddo?"
I stared at him for a moment before answering.
"Nothing… just lost in thought."
Gabriel chuckled and gave my shoulder a light tap.
"'Nothing, just lost in thought…' Kid, you sound like a grandpa."
"So, what is it? What's on your mind?" he asked before gulping down the rest of his beer.
I sighed.
"My sister… I don't know how I can stay this calm when I don't even know where my siblings are."
"Oh… sorry about that, kiddo. Just believe they're fine… I'm sure they'll be," he said, then stood up, leaving me alone once again.
The next day, Loras knocked on the door.
"Sir Jean, are you awake?" he asked calmly.
"Yes, I am," I replied.
"Very well. Please pack your things… Mr. Gabriel is waiting for you."
Mr. Gabriel? What could he possibly want?
"Alright… coming!" I called out.
I heard Loras' footsteps slowly fade down the corridor.
Minutes later, I stood up and stepped outside.
The chief and Gabriel were waiting there.
The village chief looked in my direction and smiled.
"Young Jean, Mr. Gabriel will take care of you from now on… We wouldn't be able to protect you if Envy attacks again."
I stared at their faces, studying their reactions.
"Mr. Gabriel has also decided that he'll help you find your siblings."
"That's right, kiddo. Now stop pacing around and move your butt—your siblings are waiting," Gabriel said, teasing as always.
I was speechless, but I slowly started to walk forward.
Then, out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of a silhouette—staring straight at my soul.
"Sir Jean, please take this…"
I was distracted by Loras, who was handing me a short blade.
"Oh… thanks, I guess," I muttered, taking it slowly, and then continued toward Gabriel's carriage.
As I sat down, I glanced back at the corner—but there was nothing.
"Are you ready for your adventure, kiddo?" Gabriel asked as he guided the carriage forward.
I didn't respond. Instead, I kept my eyes fixed on that corner—the corner that slowly drifted farther and farther away from me.
To be continued…