______
Lucina
When the dark-skinned man with the dragon tattoo across his bare chest spoke decisively—
"I'll take her to the palace,"
—I merely nodded.
It was the most efficient and sensible solution. Nothing more needed to be said.
Karl, the man with wolf ears standing beside him, immediately bowed deeply toward the woman next to me. His posture was respectful, his voice sincere.
"Thank you, my Lady."
Soon after, the men departed to attend to their respective duties, their heavy footsteps fading into the distance. Silence settled in their wake, leaving just the two of us standing there.
I turned my attention fully to the woman beside me.
At first glance, I had assumed she was a member of the Wolf Tribe like Karl—but now that I looked closer, I realized I was wrong. Her ears were human. Her presence, fragile. She clasped her hands together nervously and offered a gentle bow.
"My name is Evelyn."
Before I could respond, she faltered.
"I… cough—cough."
Her body swayed slightly as she tried to steady herself. Her face had gone pale, and the small cough she tried to suppress only grew worse. It was clear—her condition was far from stable.
"We should go inside first," I said without hesitation.
I placed my hand lightly on her arm, careful not to startle her, and guided her toward the chambers. She offered no resistance—only relief.
---
Inside the Chambers
Once inside, I helped Evelyn sit down and made sure she was comfortable before speaking again.
"To start with," I explained gently, "I'm going to pour some of my holy power into your body. It should help restore your energy."
She looked at me with surprise, then gratitude.
"Is there anywhere that feels particularly sore?" I asked.
"No," she replied quickly, forcing a smile. "I'm fine."
But her drawn expression betrayed her words.
"In that case…" I murmured.
I reached out and rested my hand softly on her shoulder.
At once, my holy power responded to my will. A calm, luminous blue light flowed from my palm, enveloping her body like a gentle tide. I carefully controlled the flow, making sure it was soothing rather than overwhelming.
As the power worked, her breathing gradually steadied.
Earlier, she had mentioned having a weak constitution, and I found myself asking,
"Have you always been frail?"
"Yes," she answered quietly. "But… it feels like it's gotten worse since I became pregnant."
That explained everything.
Of course.
The Wolf Tribe were far from ordinary beings. Carrying a child of their blood would place an unimaginable burden on a human body.
I couldn't help but compare her situation to my own.
Ah…
I understood all too well what it meant to struggle simply to remain healthy. Even I could only endure because of my holy power. Without it, I might have collapsed long ago.
Realizing this, my chest tightened.
She must be suffering far more than she lets on.
I silently resolved to do everything I could for her.
---
Healing and Conversation
As the flow of power continued, Evelyn's color slowly returned. She relaxed, her shoulders easing for the first time.
After a moment, she spoke again, her voice hesitant.
"I heard… that you have a child as well, my Lady."
I looked at her in mild surprise and nodded.
"How did you feel," she asked softly, "when you found out you were pregnant?"
A gentle smile curved my lips.
"I was very happy," I replied honestly. "Our baby felt like the embodiment of our love."
Her eyes widened as I continued.
"Hakan frightened me at first," I admitted with a quiet laugh. "But once I understood who he truly was, I fell in love with him."
Now, I couldn't imagine my life without him.
"Oh my—!" Evelyn gasped. "I-Isn't that how we all feel?"
Her reaction made me laugh softly.
---
A New Friend
"You're right," she said, nodding eagerly. "Everyone from the Wolf Tribe is kind… but also very gruff."
Then, with a shy smile, she added, "It's been a while since I've heard such a sweet love story."
When she praised me for my kindness, I shook my head lightly.
"I only used the power I was given," I said humbly.
It's embarrassing when she praises me this much… I thought, warmth rising to my cheeks.
Suddenly, Evelyn lifted her arm and swung it playfully through the air.
"What are you talking about? Look at this!"
She laughed, eyes sparkling.
"I bet I could fight Karl right now and still win!"
I couldn't help but giggle.
"Thank you."
As we spoke, a sense of familiarity settled between us—unexpected, but comforting.
"I'm not sure if I should say this," I confessed, "but I feel like we're quite similar."
"R-really?" she asked, surprised.
"We both married into unfamiliar tribes," I continued, "but we get along well with our husbands."
Her expression softened, genuine happiness shining through.
"The truth is," she said quietly, "I was overjoyed when I found out I was pregnant with Karl's child."
After a brief pause, she gathered her courage.
"I came here because I heard the Queen of Kayar was human… and close to my age."
Her fingers tightened together.
"I was hoping we could become friends. Would that be okay?"
The word friends echoed warmly in my heart.
"Friends…" I repeated, smiling brightly.
"That sounds wonderful. I'd love to get to know you better."
---
The next day…
---
L
"I'll take her to the palace."
The dark-skinned man with the dragon tattoo across his chest spoke with calm certainty. I didn't hesitate—I simply nodded. It was the most reasonable course of action.
Karl, the man with wolf ears, turned toward the woman beside me and bowed deeply.
"Thank you, my Lady."
As Evelyn and I began to walk away, the two men remained behind. Their voices drifted faintly toward us.
"Well then," one of them said lightly, "shall we get down to business now that the lovely ladies are gone?"
"How can I help?" the other replied. "First—"
Their conversation faded as we moved farther away.
I shifted my attention fully to the woman walking beside me.
Only now did I truly notice it. I had assumed she was part of the Wolf Tribe like Karl—but she was human. Entirely human. The realization caught me by surprise.
She stopped and bowed politely.
"My name is Evelyn."
Before I could respond, her body trembled.
"I… cough—cough."
The sound was weak, strained, and unmistakably painful. Her complexion paled, and she pressed a hand lightly to her chest, clearly trying to endure it without complaint.
"We should go inside first," I said at once.
Taking her arm gently, I guided her toward the chambers, careful to slow my pace so she wouldn't strain herself.
The Healing Ritual
Once inside, I helped Evelyn sit and steadied my breathing.
"To start with," I explained softly, "I'm going to pour some of my holy power into your body. It should help you recover your energy."
She nodded obediently.
"Is there anywhere that's particularly sore?" I asked.
"No," she answered quickly. "I'm fine."
The words were polite—but her face betrayed the lie.
"In that case…" I murmured.
I placed my hand lightly on her shoulder.
At once, my holy power responded. A bright, flowing light poured from me, warm and gentle, wrapping around her like a protective veil. I focused intently, carefully controlling the flow so it wouldn't overwhelm her fragile body.
As her breathing slowly eased, I asked quietly,
"Have you always had a weak constitution?"
"Yes," she admitted. "But it feels like it's gotten worse since I became pregnant."
That explained everything.
Of course.
The Wolf Tribe were far from ordinary beings. Carrying a child of their blood would place an enormous burden on a human body.
It makes sense…
I swallowed, thinking of myself. Even I could barely endure pregnancy without relying constantly on my holy power.
Ah…
I was only able to hold out because of it.
Realizing that, the truth became painfully clear.
She must be suffering far more than I ever did.
A Conversation on Love and Motherhood
After a while, when her color had improved, Evelyn hesitated before speaking again.
"I heard you have a child as well, my Lady," she said softly.
"How did you feel… when you found out you were pregnant?"
I smiled before I could stop myself.
"I was very happy," I replied. "Our baby felt like the embodiment of our love."
Memories surfaced unbidden.
"Hakan frightened me at first," I confessed with a quiet laugh. "But once I understood who he truly was, I fell in love with him."
I spoke the words honestly, without hesitation.
"Now, I can't imagine living without him."
Evelyn's eyes widened.
"Oh my—! I-Isn't that how we all feel?"
Her reaction made me laugh softly.
"You're right," she said after a moment. "Everyone from the Wolf Tribe is kind… but also quite gruff."
Then she smiled wistfully. "It's been a while since I heard such a sweet love story."
When she praised me for my power, heat crept up my cheeks.
"I only used the power I possess," I replied modestly.
It's embarrassing when she praises me this much…
Suddenly, Evelyn lifted her arm and swung it experimentally.
"What are you talking about? Look at this!" she exclaimed, laughing.
"I bet I could fight Karl right now and still win."
I couldn't help but giggle.
"Thank you."
A strange warmth settled between us—familiar, comforting.
"I'm not sure if I should say this," I admitted, "but I feel like we're quite similar."
"R-really?" she asked, startled.
"We both married into unfamiliar tribes," I continued, "but we get along well with our husbands."
Her smile softened.
"The truth is… I was overjoyed when I found out I was pregnant with Karl's child."
Then she clasped her hands together, gathering her courage.
"I came here because I heard the Queen of Kayar was human… and close to my age."
Her voice wavered.
"I was hoping we could become friends. Would you be okay with that?"
The word friends echoed warmly in my heart.
"Friends…"
I beamed at her. "That sounds wonderful. I'd love to get to know you better."
The Next Day — The Holy Relic
The next day, I stood staring at a delicate golden cup resting in my hands.
I focused my holy power into it—again.
Nothing.
"Ugh… why isn't it working?" I groaned.
Sweat beaded on my forehead as the power slipped away the moment I tried to contain it.
"But—you can't just suddenly ask me to make a holy relic!" I cried tearfully toward Hakan.
"I need to fill this cup with my holy power, but it keeps spilling out the moment I try—WAAAH!"
Hakan immediately softened.
"I'm sorry," he said gently. "You don't need to overdo it."
He tried to reassure me.
"Even without a holy relic, the shifters have almost become extinct anyway—"
"No!" I interrupted firmly.
"We have to be ready just in case."
I clenched the cup tighter.
"If I can create a holy relic, it'll be a huge help in hunting down any surviving shifters."
Suddenly—
"Ma! Mama!"
I froze.
"Hm?" I turned toward the small voice.
My child was awake, reaching out with a tiny hand.
"What is it, little one?" I asked softly. "Do you want this?"
I held the golden cup closer.
It sparkled faintly as my child stared at it with intense focus.
Hakan tilted his head.
"Are you trying to copy me?" he murmured.
Then he glanced at me in surprise.
"She looks just like you when she's concentrating."
The moment my child's hand touched the cup—
A brilliant light erupted.
It was pure, radiant, and unmistakable.
"That light…" I whispered. "This is holy…"
The power that had slipped through my grasp was now perfectly contained.
Effortless.
"Huh?" I gasped. "Hakan—look! Doesn't it feel different from earlier?"
I tapped the gem set into the cup.
"It feels like there's holy power stored inside it now…"
"OH MY GOODNESS—" I exclaimed.
Hakan lifted our child effortlessly.
"She's a genius!"
My frustration vanished, replaced by renewed resolve.
"Alright," I declared, smiling.
"I'm not losing. I'll finish this holy relic today, Hakan."
Later that evening, Hakan returned to the chamber where my child and I slept.
As he stepped closer, I stirred.
"Mmm… is that you, Hakan?" I murmured sleepily.
"Are you hurt? I heard you went to where the shifters live…"
He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to my lips.
"I'll take her to the palace."
The man with the dragon tattoo spoke decisively. I didn't hesitate—I simply nodded. It was the most practical choice.
Karl, the man with wolf ears, turned toward the woman beside me and bowed deeply.
"Thank you, my Lady."
As Evelyn and I began to walk away, the two men lingered behind. Their voices drifted faintly toward us.
"Shall we get down to business now that the lovely ladies are gone?"
"How can I help?" Karl replied. "First—"
Their conversation faded as distance grew between us.
I shifted my attention fully to the woman walking beside me.
Only now did I realize my mistake. I had assumed she was a member of the Wolf Tribe like Karl—but she was human. Entirely human.
She stopped and offered a gentle bow.
"My name is Evelyn."
Before I could reply, her body trembled.
"I… cough—cough."
The sound was weak and strained. Her face paled, and she pressed a hand to her chest as though trying to endure it silently.
"We should go inside first," I said immediately.
Taking her arm gently, I guided her away, slowing my steps to match her unsteady pace.
The Healing Ritual
Once inside and settled, I spoke softly so as not to startle her.
"To start with, I'm going to pour some of my holy power into your body. It should help you recover your energy."
She nodded obediently.
"Is there anywhere that's particularly sore?" I asked.
"No," Evelyn replied. "I'm fine."
The words were polite—but her expression betrayed her.
"In that case…" I murmured.
I placed my hand gently on her shoulder. At once, my holy power responded, flowing from me in a calm, luminous stream. I focused carefully, ensuring it soothed rather than overwhelmed her fragile body.
As her breathing steadied, I asked quietly,
"Have you always had a weak constitution?"
"Yes," she admitted. "But it feels like it's gotten worse since I became pregnant."
That explained everything.
Of course.
The Wolf Tribe were far from ordinary beings. Carrying a child of their blood would place an unbearable burden on a human body.
It makes sense…
I thought of myself. Even I had barely endured pregnancy without relying constantly on my holy power.
Ah…
I was only able to hold out because of it.
The truth settled heavily in my chest.
She must be suffering far more than I ever did.
A Conversation on Love and Motherhood
After a while, when her color had returned, Evelyn hesitated before speaking again.
"I heard you have a child as well, my Lady," she said softly.
"How did you feel when you found out you were pregnant?"
I smiled before I could stop myself.
"I was very happy," I replied. "Our baby felt like the embodiment of our love."
Memories surfaced naturally.
"Hakan frightened me at first," I confessed with a quiet laugh. "But once I understood who he truly was, I fell in love with him."
I spoke honestly, without hesitation.
"Now, I can't imagine living without him."
Evelyn's eyes widened.
"Oh my! I-Isn't that how we all feel?"
Her reaction made me laugh softly.
"You're right," she said after a moment. "Everyone from the Wolf Tribe is kind… but also quite gruff."
Then she smiled warmly. "It's been a while since I heard such a sweet love story."
When she praised my power, warmth crept into my cheeks.
"I only used the power I possess," I replied modestly.
It's embarrassing when she praises me this much…
Suddenly, she lifted her arm and swung it playfully.
"What are you talking about? Look at this!" she exclaimed with a laugh.
"I bet I could fight Karl right now and still win."
I giggled.
"Thank you."
A comforting sense of familiarity settled between us.
"I'm not sure if I should say this," I admitted, "but I feel like we're quite similar."
"R-really?" she asked.
"We both married into unfamiliar tribes," I continued, "but we get along well with our husbands."
Her smile softened.
"The truth is… I was overjoyed when I found out I was pregnant with Karl's child."
After a brief pause, she gathered her courage.
"I came here because I heard the Queen of Kayar was human… and close to my age."
Her voice wavered.
"I was hoping we could become friends. Would you be okay with that?"
The word friends echoed warmly in my heart.
"Friends…"
I beamed at her. "That sounds wonderful. I'd love to get to know you better."
THE NEXT DAY
I stood staring at a delicate golden cup, struggling to infuse it with my holy power.
"Ugh… why isn't it working?" I groaned.
The power slipped away every time I tried to contain it.
"But—you can't just suddenly ask me to make a holy relic!" I cried tearfully toward Hakan.
"I need to fill this cup with my holy power, but it keeps spilling out the moment I try—WAAAH!"
Hakan immediately softened.
"I'm sorry," he said gently. "You don't need to overdo it."
He tried to reassure me.
"Even without a holy relic, the shifters have almost become extinct anyway—"
"No!" I interrupted firmly.
"We have to be ready just in case."
I clenched the cup tighter.
"If I can create a holy relic, it'll be a huge help in hunting down any surviving shifters."
Suddenly—
"Ma! Mama!"
I froze.
"Hm?" I turned toward the small voice.
Our child was awake, reaching out with a tiny hand.
"What is it, little one?" I asked softly. "Do you want this?"
I held the golden cup closer.
It sparkled faintly as she stared at it with intense focus.
Hakan tilted his head.
"Are you trying to copy me?"
Then he glanced at me, surprised.
"She looks just like you when she's concentrating."
The moment her hand touched the cup—
A brilliant light burst forth.
"That light…" I whispered. "This is holy power."
Hakan nodded in awe.
"It's not fully developed yet, but she seems to have holy power too."
I stared at the cup in disbelief.
"Huh? Hakan, look—doesn't it feel different from earlier?"
I tapped the gem embedded in it.
"It feels like there's holy power stored inside now…"
"OH MY GOODNESS…"
Hakan scooped her up.
"She's a genius!"
My frustration vanished, replaced by renewed resolve.
"Alright," I declared, smiling.
"I'm not losing. I'll finish this holy relic today, Hakan."
Part III: A Name for Hope
Later that evening, Hakan returned to the room where my child and I were resting.
As he approached, I stirred.
"Mmm… is that you, Hakan?" I murmured sleepily.
"Are you hurt? I heard you went to where the shifters live."
He leaned down and kissed me gently.
"I'm fine, thanks to you," he said softly.
"There were a few shifters left, but the holy relic worked perfectly."
When he tried to thank me, I shook my head.
"Don't thank me."
He looked at our sleeping child.
"It's all thanks to her."
After a pause, he spoke again.
"I think it's time we gave her a name."
"Oh?" I asked softly. "Did you have one in mind?"
He nodded.
"I've thought about it for a while. How about Martha?"
"In the Kayar language," he explained, "it means hope."
I smiled, holding our baby close.
"Martha… what a lovely name. And true to her name, she really has been a beacon of hope for us."
Hakan lay down beside us.
"Martha's getting sleepy. We should rest too."
I sighed contentedly.
"Hmm… I think I'd sleep easier in your arms."
He chuckled softly and patted me gently.