A Motherly Warrior — Yulan

“Are you okay?” I asked. Behind me was the child I'd met the day before.

Her hair was combed neatly, the witch’s garments adorning her despite my warnings.

Well, she must have her own reasons for doing so. I’m glad she wasn’t hurt, though.

My gaze shifted over to her staff. The cage on top, which initially held the wish orb, was empty. I guess she decided to hide it away for the time being.

She looked much more energized than she had been last night. A lingering worry vanished. It’s good that she got some rest after the walk. I was afraid she’d be spooked out by a random woman roaming around the forest at night.

The child responded, “Yes. Thank you so much.”

“It’s nothing.” I shrugged it off with a smile, “Do find me if you need anything later on.”

That child. Meilin.

She resembles my daughter, Linhua. 

Seeing her stirred memories I thought I had buried long ago.

I returned to my seat and drank a mug of booze.

You must be wondering who Linhua is. Well, I’ll start from the very beginning. As you might know, my name is Yulan. Zhang Yulan. I was born and raised in Tian Cheng. Before the devastating attack, I lived near the imperial palace, being born into a noble family.

Those days were blissful; I played with my siblings, without a care in the world. The kingdom was secure, surrounded by large, sturdy walls. So we didn't have to worry about attacks.

Then, my sisters got married, with my eldest sister becoming a consort. I was proud of her for landing such a high-ranking position. However, the days became long and lonely until it was my time to be married as well.

Not long after, I became pregnant.

When I was younger, I was a girl who acted much like a boy. I had trained with my elder brothers and defeated them all. I dreamed of joining the army to fight for my country. But now I have ended up being a mother. The sudden change dispirited me.

I could still remember when I first saw Linhua’s smile. I held her in my arms, and my heart softened. My stern demeanor seemed to melt away.

Watching Linhua grow up, I began to become mellow, and I decided to bear another child. My husband and I were hoping for a son, but I had given birth to another girl. Since she was originally expected to be a boy, she was given the name Fengxin.

Despite being worried that my husband would dislike her for not being able to inherit, he loved Fengxin dearly, perhaps even more than Linhua. I was overjoyed to have such a wonderful family.

Just 10 years after Fengxin was born, the disaster struck. Our kingdom was torn into pieces, and my family was nowhere to be found. Sometimes I wish that I could be taken away by the monsters as well, so I could be with them again…

Fengxin had a bold personality compared to Linhua. She was energetic and outspoken, while Linhua was more reserved.

Meilin and Linhua shared many similar qualities. When I saw Meilin in the forest, I thought she was the spirit of Linhua returning to find me. If only that were possible…

Linhua had long, luxurious dark hair and loved poetry. She had my blue eyes, with an intense and sharp gaze. Intelligent is another word to describe her; her critical thinking skills are beyond impressive.

Her presence was strikingly similar to Meilin's. When I saw Meilin for the first time, a sense of protectiveness rose, as if I didn’t want to lose Linhua twice.

After the disaster, I roamed the ruined streets, the stench of smoke and decay heavy in the air, and broken buildings loomed like the skeletons of a lost kingdom. I was heartbroken at the time. Hate clouded my heart.

I struck monsters with every ounce of anger I carried, until scars scorched across my entire body.

I also had gotten into the habit of drinking alcohol. A drink that I enjoy on lonely nights.

I regret not visiting my siblings enough after I got married. Even if they did survive the attack, there was no way I could contact them now.

Currently, I am a renowned warrior of Becher, known for my ability to fight off monsters. Despite being a woman, I had earned the respect of the people. However, most Becherians view me as a cold and violent monster slayer with a mysterious past. They don’t dare talk to me, and would scatter away whenever I approach them.

Perhaps after the loss of my daughters, the kindness in my eyes has withered. An empty feeling in my heart lingered.

Even so, I protect the citizens of this town with the sword given to me by my father, the only thing I possess to remind me of my original identity.

After being in Becher for a few years, the people have accepted me as a Becherian, and I started to be more open with them. I had made a few drinking friends and took a young forest ranger under my wing.

That boy, he really is clumsy. Though I am not alone now, with companions, my heart still feels hollow.

After a few more drinks, I returned home.

On the table was a note left by the boy, Foster, saying, “I’m off to do my duties! See you at 5 pm!”

Five pm? My eyes darted to the clock—seven already.

That’s not good. I clutched my sword. Foster usually comes back earlier than the time he stated.

My brain fills with images of the worst scenarios possible:

Perhaps he got lost? Maybe his coworkers are bullying him. He might’ve tripped and hurt his leg so badly he can’t walk? Or he got eaten by a monster…

This is bad.

I’m such a careless caretaker.

I cannot afford to lose another child.