She had returned.
The town of Rivenfall spread out before her.
Stone paved roads stretched in neat lines, wide enough for carts to pass comfortably. Lantern posts lined the streets, some already lit as dusk settled in. Wooden houses with sloped roofs stood shoulder to shoulder, their walls reinforced with stone at the base. A few taller buildings rose near the center of town, shops, inns, and what looked like a small guild hall with banners hanging loosely in the evening breeze.
The town was simple, but large and lively yet calm.
Adventurers passed by with tired expressions, merchants were closing their stalls, and the distant sound of a bell echoed, signaling the approach of night.
Femi didn't stop to look around.
She broke into a run.
Her breath came fast as she turned corner after corner, her bag bouncing against her side. Gojo stayed quiet sensing her urgency. The slime on her shoulder wobbled slightly but stayed put.
At the edge of the town, away from the busier streets stood a modest building made of pale wood and stone. Warm light glowed from its windows.
The daycare house.
Femi pushed the door open without knocking.
The door creaked loudly.
Inside, the room was quiet.
Only a single lantern lit the interior, casting soft shadows across the wooden floor. Most of the small beds were empty now, neatly arranged. Toys were stacked against the wall, and the air carried a faint scent of milk and herbs.
Near the center of the room, a young girl sat on a chair.
She looked to be in her mid teens, with long ash brown hair tied loosely behind her back. Her eyes were a soft hazel, slightly tired, and her simple dress was neat but worn from daily work. In her arms, she gently held a baby.
At the sound of the door, she jolted.
"A-Ah—!"
The baby stirred slightly.
"I'm sorry!" Femi blurted out immediately, rushing forward.
"I didn't mean to scare you! I'm really sorry, I'm late!"
The girl blinked, then let out a small breath of relief.
"O-Oh… it's you," she said quietly.
"You surprised me."
Femi bowed deeply.
"I really didn't mean to stay out this long. Something happened in the dungeon and—"
"It's okay," the girl interrupted gently looking down at the baby she's holding. "She's been calm just sleeping. Mrs. Gali will also be back soon to take her."
Femi finally looked at the baby.
She stepped closer, lowering her voice.
"She didn't cry… right?"
"No," the girl replied. "She was good."
Femi let out a long breath and thought.
'Thank goodness…I'm happy that she is healthy now...Mrs. Gali was really worried.'
She slowly stepped back.
"I'm really sorry, Sailt," she said softly.
Sailt smiled faintly. "It's fine. You always come back."
Sailt adjusted the baby slightly and looked up at her. "You look tired."
Femi smiled back and replied.
"Yeah… today was pretty hard day for me."
"Maybe a little too hard." Gojo said in a really small teasing voice.
Sailt's gaze drifted to Femi's side, then to her shoulder.
"…Um," she said carefully. "That sword… and that slime on you?"
Femi glanced down at Gojo and then at the slime only now remembering they were there. She answered casually.
"I found them in the dungeon."
"…That's it?" Sailt asked.
She nodded once and replied. "That's it."
Sailt didn't push further.
Femi turned away, her eyes landing on one of the small beds near the wall. Her steps slowed as she walked toward it. A faint pink blush appeared on her cheeks. She gently placed Gojo down beside the bed, settling him carefully before leaning forward.
There he was.
Her son slept peacefully, his tiny chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. Only a little amount of black hair covered the top of his head, soft and thin. He was wrapped in clean clothes, slightly oversized, the sleeves folded neatly so they wouldn't cover his hands.
A huge smile spread across Femi's face.
She carefully slid her arms beneath him and lifted him up and spoke in a soft gentle tone.
"Aara… mama is back…"
The baby stirred.
Slowly, his eyes opened. The moment he saw her face, his lips curved into a small smile. Femi pulled him close, hugging him tightly, pressing gentle kisses against his cheeks again and again.
A soft, happy sound escaped the baby's mouth.
The slime jumped slightly in response, wobbling in place.
From behind them, Sailt watched quietly, a warm smile forming on her face.
Aara's attention shifted. His eyes landed on the slime round with curiosity. Femi noticed and lowered herself, placing him gently back onto the bed. She carefully set the slime in front of him.
Aara looked at it for a moment before reaching out.
His small fingers touched the slime, and it reacted instantly, wobbling and shifting its shape. Aara's face lit up. He let out another happy sound, moving his hands again and again as the slime responded.
Femi straightened and walked back toward Sailt.
"Did everyone leave?" she asked.
Sailt nodded. "Yes. I'm the only one left. I have a holiday tomorrow, so they asked me to stay longer and I'll be paid more too."
Femi looked at her for a moment, then spoke quietly.
"You really work hard…"
Sailt shook her head lightly and smiled.
"That's nothing," she replied. "I'm nothing compared to you."
Sailt stood beside Femi, her gaze resting on the small figure sleeping on her own arms. The baby moved slightly, her tiny fingers curling and uncurling as she slept in Sailt arms. Sailt watched her for a moment longer, then slowly lifted her head.
"…I really look up to you ms. Femi."
Femi turned toward her, a little surprised by the sudden honesty in her voice.
Sailt gathered her courage and continued, her words coming out softly but clearly.
"You're strong. And brave. You go into dangerous places without hesitation, places most people are afraid to even think about. That's what I want to become someday."
Femi let out a small breath and shook her head gently. "You don't have to compare yourself with anyone," she said calmly.
"You're already amazing, you live on your own, earn your own money, study, and work hard every single day. That's not something everyone can do, Sailt."
Sailt lowered her eyes at those words. Her shoulders relaxed, and a shy smile appeared on her face. Even so she shook her head slightly.
"But you're still better." she replied.
"You risk your life going into dungeons, taking guild missions… all just to raise your son." Her hands clenched lightly.
"Doing all of that in such a young age as a single mom…" She paused, then spoke honestly.
"I'll always admire you."
Femi's expression softened a quiet warmth settled in her chest and a small smile appeared on her lips.
Before she could say anything, a sound echoed from outside. The clear noise of a carriage rolling to a stop broke the moment.
Sailt turned her head toward the window.
"…Mrs. Gali is finally here." she said.