Chapter 47: This One’s Right

Y walked quietly through the depths of the Fairy Forest.

As he ventured further, the air grew lighter, shimmering faintly—

he had entered Freya’s domain.

Freya sat at the center with Kozue and Lecht, as was their custom.

Suddenly, a group of tiny fairies swarmed around him.

Fairy: “Are you really going?”

Another: “Will you be okay?”

Third: “Please don’t go…”

Before he could answer, a calm voice intervened.

Kozue: “Girls, give him some space.”

Y looked at them gently.

Y: “It’s all right. What do you mean?”

One of the fairies fluttered closer.

Fairy: “We heard you’re going into the Abyss.”

Y: “That’s true.”

Another fairy: “No… that’s too dangerous!”

Y: “I know.”

Third fairy: “Then why go at all?”

Kozue stepped forward.

Kozue: “Forgive me, Y. They kept asking about you… I was the one who told them.”

Freya smiled faintly.

Freya: “Seems they’ve grown quite fond of you.”

Y: “I don’t recall doing anything to deserve admiration.”

Kozue: “It’s your spirit.”

Y: “My spirit?”

Kozue: “Fairies can sense the nature of a soul. Yours… is very much like Freya’s.”

Lecht: “In fact, you’re the only person—other than Freya—who attracts so many fairies at once.”

Y: “I appreciate your concern. I’ll try to take better care of myself.”

Freya: “Sit with us. We have tea.”

Y sat down and took a sip. His eyes caught a small wound on Lecht’s hand.

Y: “Back from a mission?”

Lecht: “Yes. I raided a district owned by a noble family and freed a few elves. There’s still a long way to go.”

Y: “Have you noticed any movement from the demons?”

Kozue: “Their activity seems to have vanished since the celebration in Mond.”

Y: “Same for the sorcerers.”

Freya: “Then it’s just as we thought—demons and sorcerers are planning to cooperate soon.”

Lecht: “I’d bet their main objective right now is finding anything about you. You’re still a complete mystery to them.”

Y: “Glad to hear that.”

Kozue: “By the way, why not bring someone with you? Battles would be easier.”

Y: “We’re talking about Lucarion and Soldan. They’ll hesitate a thousand times before deciding anything. I want them focused entirely on me—not on someone else in my place.”

Lecht: “The more people surround Y, the more cautious they’ll become. They’ll try to isolate you no matter what.”

Y: “Especially since they still suspect I have no magic.”

Kozue: “Now that I think about it… that was a foolish assumption.”

Freya: “So—what’s your gamble this time?”

Y: “I was sealed.”

Freya’s gaze lifted.

Freya: “Sealed?”

Lecht: “I heard you went on a mission to a snowy mountain.”

Y: “Yes… and after that—”

———

Lecht: “A Black Knight… but not human.”

Y: “My guess—it was an experiment to replicate the real Black Knight, or perhaps a curse of some kind. We learned that someone named Albedo is connected to the laboratory.”

Lecht: “Albedo… He’s the current overseer among the Hunters—and also the curator of the oldest known library.”

Y: “My instincts tell me he’s not an ordinary man.”

Kozue: “Your instincts are rarely wrong. Lecht, when did you first hear of Albedo?”

Lecht: “A very long time ago…”

Y: “We’re not talking about a normal span of years, are we?”

Freya: “The first time I heard of him was five hundred years ago.”

Y: “Five hundred? Is he an elf?”

Lecht: “No… human—or at least, he appears to be.”

Y: “That means he’s immortal. How do you fight someone like that?”

Lecht: “I don’t know. Fighting an immortal—even a weak one—would drain you endlessly.”

Y: “Makes sense. I don’t know how to seal one either. By the way… how does someone gain immortality?”

Kozue: “It’s not simple. You must pay a tremendous price. In time, you’ll realize immortality is a curse, not a gift.”

Lecht: “In short—there are immortals, but finding them is no easy task.”

Y: “Understood. Then I’ll prepare for my next move. Thanks for the insight.”

Freya: “Are you… enjoying yourself?”

Y: “Enjoying myself…”

Freya: “A difficult question?”

Y: “A little. Since I arrived, I’ve moved from one problem to another. Yet… I’m quite satisfied with this world.”

Lecht: “Anna said this world suits you better.”

Freya: “Lara said the same.”

Y: “And I agree with both. Time to get back to work. See you later.”

Freya: “Take care of yourself.”

Y: “A favor, Lecht. Can you deliver these blueprints and this letter to Thuram? You’ll find him near Mond, beside a palace under construction.”

Lecht: “What’s inside?”

Y: “House plans.”

Lecht: “Speaking of letters, there’s one for you—from Kraidon. He wants to meet in Mond in two weeks.”

Y: “Two weeks, understood.”

Y left the circle.

—

Kozue: “He’s doing so many things at once… I’m starting to forget the original plan.”

Lecht: “I’ll head to Mond now. I don’t want to delay his projects.”

Freya: “Take care, both of you…”

———

Outside Mond —

In front of a palace still under construction, Lecht approached Gale, who was seated beside Thoram.

Gale: “Lord Lecht, how can we help you?”

Lecht: “I have something for Thoram… from Y.”

He handed him a set of blueprints and a letter.

Thoram: “That man never gets tired of designing weapons…”

(He unrolled the papers—then paused.)

“Wait… these aren’t weapon blueprints. They’re house plans.”

He unfolded the letter, scanned it quickly, and said quietly:

Thoram: “I see. I’ll take care of it.”

Thoram stood and walked toward the construction site.

A dwarf’s voice boomed through the air.

Engineer: “Move faster!

Why is that pillar tilted?!”

Thoram approached, watching for a moment.

Thoram: “As expected… a job worthy of the finest builders.”

The dwarf turned sharply.

Dwarf: “I prefer the term engineer, not builder.”

Thoram: “Seems you’re in a good mood today, Arkan.”

Arkan: “What do you want, Thoram?”

Thoram: “Walk with me for a bit.”

———

After a while, Thoram handed him a scroll.

Thoram: “Here—take a look at these plans.”

Arkan unrolled it as they walked. His eyes flicked over the designs, then narrowed.

Arkan: “You expect me to build all these houses?”

Without slowing down, he added curtly:

Arkan: “Just so you remember, I’m only overseeing the palace construction because you asked for help. I have no intention of building homes for humans.”

Thoram: “Who said you’re the one building them?”

He pointed ahead.

Thoram: “Look there.”

Arkan followed his gaze—and fell silent.

At the end of the road, a man worked alone.

The ground wasn’t chaotic with scattered materials; it was neatly outlined—white chalk lines marking precise measurements.

Above them rose a wooden framework, every beam in perfect place, as if the structure had stepped out of the blueprint itself.

As they watched, the man lifted a beam taller than himself, set one end carefully, and pushed it upright with his shoulder until it locked in place. No imbalance, no struggle—only the creak of wood settling exactly where it belonged.

Within moments, emptiness became form.

A stone base turned into a wall; another wall joined it; a corner defined the beginnings of a new home.

Arkan stopped, staring.

Arkan: “Who is that? …He’s got some skill.”

Thoram: “That’s Y—the man the palace is being built for.”

Arkan turned sharply.

Arkan: “So he’s the one who made you return to weapon forging.”

Thoram: “He sent me a letter. Said he wanted to build several homes and needed an expert to guide him.”

Arkan: “What’s his goal?”

Thoram: “He said he asked a friend to relocate a village from the far north to this place.”

Arkan frowned.

Arkan: “A friend’s request… He clearly knows a bit about construction. Trying to do it himself, then.”

Thoram: “He wants fifteen houses in less than two weeks.”

Arkan froze.

Arkan: “Fifteen? In two weeks? I’d like to see him try. He clearly doesn’t know how hard building is.”

He turned and left.

———

Later that night, Arkan returned to the site.

Arkan (muttering): “He must’ve given up by now…”

But he froze.

Y was still working—same rhythm, same precision, as if time itself hadn’t passed.

Thoram (behind him): “I knew you’d come back.”

Arkan: “I admit, I’m surprised. That Y… has an extraordinary will.”

Then, quieter:

Arkan: “Why me?”

Thoram: “He said he wants the buildings to match the craftsmanship of our kingdom’s pillars.”

Arkan slowly raised his eyes.

Arkan: “Anyone who can create pillars of that quality… can build anything.”

Thoram: “And he won’t stop until all fifteen are done.”

He gestured toward the nearest house.

Thoram: “Let’s take a look.”

Y was gathering stones for another foundation as they approached.

They stopped before the nearly finished home.

Thoram: “Impressive work. For a first attempt, it’s precise.”

He turned to Arkan.

Thoram: “Well, engineer—what do you think?”

Arkan circled the house, tapping the walls, measuring with his eyes.

After a long silence, he said flatly:

Arkan: “He still lacks experience.”

Then, coldly:

Arkan: “He should start over.”

Y: “From scratch? What’s wrong with it?”

Arkan: “The structure’s off by a few centimeters.”

Y: “Then I’ll start over.”

Arkan raised a brow.

Arkan: “Now? Rest first. Continue tomorrow.”

Y: “I’ll rest… after I’m done building.”

Arkan: “Why build this alone anyway?”

Y: “I don’t think I need help. Besides, I already told them—I’ll build the village myself.”

Y tore down the structure and began again.

Y: “By the way, thank you for working on the palace. I wanted a place for my team to live in the coming years.”

Worker: “So the palace is for his team, not for himself?”

Thoram: “That’s right. Even the weapons and equipment we make—are for them.

He’s trying to prepare everything before… he disappears.”

Arkan: “Disappears? What do you mean?”

Thoram: “It’s a long story.”

———

Thoram: “That’s why I work with him. He’s someone worth respecting.”

Arkan: “Do you even hear yourself, Thoram? How deeply have you thought this through?”

Thoram: “It’s been clear from the start, brother. We’re standing at the edge of a new era—and I want you to take part in it, even just a little.”

Arkan stepped toward Y.

Arkan: “Tell me, what if everything we’ve built ends up in vain? What if your plan was wrong from the beginning? How will you take responsibility?”

Y: “The real question is—how will we take responsibility?

It’s true the idea was mine, but I never forced anyone.

Thoram forged his weapon of his own will.

L and Ash joined me of their own accord.

The kingdoms cooperate willingly.

And you’re here by choice too.

It’s because of everyone that we’ve come this far.”

Thoram unrolled a large blueprint before Arkan.

Arkan’s eyes widened.

Arkan: “This… this is a kingdom. Beautiful, isn’t it?”

Thoram: “Beauty doesn’t matter—it’s perfect.

The layout, the roads, the walls—everything placed exactly right.”

Thoram: “Y drew the plan. I made the adjustments.

But it means nothing without someone to lead the project.”

Y: “That’s why I’m searching for the Grand Architect.”

He extended his hand.

Y: “Tell me—are you the one we’ve been looking for?”

Arkan looked at the hand, then smiled faintly.

Arkan: “You’ve found him. I am Arkan, the Grand Architect. I’ll turn your vision into reality.”

Suddenly, a massive transparent cube materialized around the site.

Arkan: “Use this house as your reference, Y.”

Building materials began to levitate and assemble—the destroyed house rebuilt before their eyes.

Y: “Is this your magic?”

Arkan: “Yes. My magic creates a ‘construction zone’—a simulation of the entire process.”

Y: “What about large-scale projects?”

Arkan: “I wish I could. If I could build castles this way, I’d be rich by now. But there are limits:

First, my mana isn’t enough for large structures—only segments.

Second, I need every material on hand.

Third, I must know the design by heart.

Those are the conditions.”

Y: “Understood.”

He smiled.

Y: “Mind holding my weapon for a moment?”

Arkan: “Of course.”

Thoram: “Now we’ve got two great engineers.”

Arkan: “What do you mean?”

Y: “The spirit field—a space within the soul.”

Arkan: “I’m curious. What kind of magic do you wield?”

Y: “One you’re already familiar with.”

Before their eyes, a transparent cube appeared beside them—and within seconds, a new house took shape.

Arkan: “That’s my magic!”

Thoram: “Exactly. The secret lies in Y’s weapon—it absorbs magic upon contact, letting him replicate abilities.”

Arkan: “Can you use any magic, then?”

Y: “Not from nothing. It depends on my understanding.

The deeper I comprehend a magic, the better I can use it.

But there are some I can’t copy—like Leona’s.

Her magic lies in her eyes; she can see auras and the flow of power.”

Arkan: “So the more complex the magic, the harder it is to replicate.”

Y: “Exactly. Anyway—I’ll keep building. See you later.”

Arkan: “I see now why you respect him, Thoram.”

Thoram: “Welcome aboard, brother.”

⸻

Day One

Y stood by the first foundation.

He set one stone, then another.

Arkan walked behind him, paused, and said softly:

“—The tilt… here.”

Y didn’t ask why.

He tore the row down and remeasured.

⸻

Day Two

The first walls rose.

Arkan tapped a beam with his staff.

“—The gap between supports is too wide.”

Y removed the beam and adjusted it—silently.

⸻

Day Three

They began the roof.

“—The drainage angle’s off.”

Y climbed down, dismantled half the roof, and changed the slope by a single degree.

⸻

Day Four

Three houses nearly complete.

“—The doorway’s too low.”

Y demolished the frame and rebuilt it higher.

⸻

Day Five

“—The wall will hold… but only for ten years.”

Y stared, then knocked it down and rebuilt it thicker.

⸻

Day Six

The wooden floor was silent.

Arkan stepped on it.

“—It’ll creak in winter.”

Y pried up the planks and replaced them.

⸻

Day Seven

The process repeated—measure, correct, rebuild.

No one counted houses anymore.

Arkan: “Don’t you ever tire?”

Y: “I do… and I keep going.”

⸻

Day Eight

Arkan stood before one house for a long time.

Said nothing.

Y waited.

Finally—

Arkan: “This one’s right.”

Y didn’t change a thing.

⸻

Day Nine

Fourteen frames stood tall.

Arkan: “The last roof.”

Y climbed, fixed the beam, tightened it—then again.

⸻

Day Ten

Y and Arkan stood in the center of the finished village.

Arkan looked around at the homes—silent, proud.

From behind, a familiar voice:

“Well done… time to celebrate.”

Thoram stood there, holding a wooden chest.

The three sat around a simple table.

Y: “Thank you for your guidance.”

Arkan: “You’re a fast learner.

What takes months for a novice, you finished in days.”

Y: “All that’s left is moving the people in.”

Thoram: “Take this box—I’ve made what you asked for.”

Y: “I have one last request. Can you forge a weapon similar to mine?”

Thoram: “Similar in design, not in power, I assume?”

Y: “Exactly.”

Thoram: “Then that’s easy.”

Y: “Then everything’s ready. See you back in Mond.”

Arkan (smiling): “He truly never stops.”

Suddenly, a voice echoed—

“Y!”

Y turned. Diona came running, leaping toward him.

Diona: “Welcome back! I missed you!”

Y: “I missed you too, Diona.”

He lifted her onto his shoulder.

Lauma: “You seem well, Y.”

Y: “You too, Lauma.”

Diona: “I heard you’ve been building houses here!”

Y: “Just finished. How about a trip?”

Diona’s eyes sparkled.

Diona: “A trip? Of course!”

Y: “Go tell Lara to get ready.”

Diona: “What about Liz?”

Y: “Everyone’s welcome.”

Diona: “I’ll gather them now!”

She jumped down, beaming.

Diona: “I’ll tell them right away!”

—

Lauma: “She knew you were close to Mond. Couldn’t wait for you to return, could she?”

Y: “I told her she could do what she wanted—as long as she stayed near me.

How’s Mond these days?”

Lauma: “Peaceful… except for one thing.

Two weeks ago, a message arrived for Jean.”

Y: “From the Hunters’ Guild? She mentioned someone from the organization was coming.”

Lauma: “That’s right—but strangely, the meeting point was outside Mond’s borders.”

Y: “A trap…”

Lauma: “That’s what Jean thought too. She brought a tracker and made a plan with Sarah, in case something went wrong. But suddenly… we lost contact.”

Y: “…”

Lauma: “We launched a rescue and found her.”

Y: “How is she now?”

Lauma: “Safe—resting at home. The one she was waiting for… arrived as well.”

Y: “Thanks for telling me, Lauma. Leave the rest to me.”

Lauma: “I’ll head home, then. Mother—Lara—says, Don’t forget to eat and rest a little.”

Y: “Understood. And take this box to her—tell her to keep it safe for me.”

He said it with a faint smile, then walked away.

———

Inside Mondstadt — in Jean’s home…

Jean sat in her room, her body wrapped in bandages.

Before her stood a man in his early thirties — neat brown hair, elegant clothes, and a single monocle hanging from a delicate silver chain that swayed gently with each movement.

Man (calmly): I warned you not to respond to any requests sent your way, Jean.

Jean: I know… I’m sorry. It was a mistake.

Man: I’m glad you’re safe, though I didn’t expect someone would go so far as to use my name and seal to lure you out of Mond.

Jean: Even though I was cautious, they were prepared for almost everything.

There was a knock on the door.

Jean: Come in.

The door opened — and Y walked in.

Jean: Y! When did you arrive?

(She tried to stand.)

Man: Jean, take it easy.

Jean: Let me introduce you — this is Mr. Silva, the only person who supports me inside the Hunters’ Guild.

Silva: A pleasure to meet you.

Jean: And this… is Y.

Silva studied Y for a moment before saying quietly,

Silva: You’re not a hunter, are you? …And yet, the air pressure changed the moment you entered.

Y: That’s right.

Jean: Thank you for saving my father, Y. I never thought we’d meet again — on a battlefield, of all places.

Y looked at her calmly.

Y: What happened?

———

Jean: Two weeks ago… outside Mond’s borders.

I was riding my horse toward the meeting point — when, out of nowhere, a rain of arrows fell.

My horse was hit instantly.

I jumped off at the last moment and drew my sword,

only to find myself surrounded by a large group of bandits.

They cast an anti-magic field and closed in from all sides.

I fought nonstop.

For every one I struck down, two more took his place.

The battle dragged on for over an hour.

I fought, and fought, and fought…

Until exhaustion weighed on my breath,

and blood soaked through my armor.

Then… I heard a voice calling my name from above.

I looked up —

and saw a massive white falcon breaking through the clouds.

A shadow leapt down from its back.

That shadow… was my father.

Daniel.

He fell from the sky, iron staff in hand,

and with a single blow shattered the anti-magic circle.

I looked at him —

the man I’d spent years longing to see again.

I said nothing,

but my eyes said everything.

It was…

the happiest moment of my life.

Daniel: We’ve come to support you, Jean.

He stood by my side.

I smiled… and together, we charged.

Darkness surrounded us.

I unleashed a sweeping strike, cutting down many of them —

and from the sky, icy arrows rained, finishing the rest.

“Was it Y who saved you?” I asked as I fought.

My father deflected a magical blast and replied,

Daniel: Yes… he’s the main reason I’m here now.

We fought side by side —

protecting each other.

And after the last of the bandits fell,

father and daughter reunited after years of separation…

and embraced.

———

Jean: That’s what happened.

Y: That reminds me of the time you fought players in the previous world.

Jean (smiling faintly): You still remember that? I used to love fighting players.

By the way, my father has joined the Hunters’ Guild as a trainer for beginners.

Y: Not a bad idea.

Y: And those who tried to kill you… were they from the Hunters’ Guild?

Silva: I should first explain how Jean became the Guildmaster of Mond’s Hunters.

Jean: As you know, when I first arrived in Mond, it wasn’t what it is today — and the same goes for the Guild.

The former Guildmaster was corrupt — smuggling funds, involved in all kinds of shady dealings.

So King Regon decided to replace him.

Y: Replace him… meaning he had to inform the central organization?

Jean: Correct. But the King wanted to keep his authority as Mond’s true ruler a secret.

Silva: That’s when he contacted me. We arranged for Jean to become Guildmaster under the guise of being the former leader’s deputy.

Y: So you took command — while also searching for your father.

Jean: The previous Guildmaster had many contacts. Some approached me to continue his work.

Y: And you refused.

Silva: Because of her integrity, she became a target.

They used my signature seal to lure her out of Mond — which is why we suspect insiders from the Guild itself.

Y: Is Lunaria here?

Jean: Yes.

Y: What will you do now?

Silva: You’ve achieved your goal. There’s no reason to stay in this position anymore.

Jean looked at Y.

Jean: What do you think, Y?

What’s the better choice — for your sake?

Y: My sake?

Jean: I’ve already fulfilled my dream of reuniting with my father.

Now… it’s our turn to support you.

Y: Are you asking me to become selfish?

Jean: Then let’s change the question —

What’s best for Mond?

Should I resign… or continue as Guildmaster?

Y: Continue.

Jean: Then I will.

Y: I’ll visit the Hunters’ Kingdom myself.

Jean: Then I can finally rest without worry.

Y: Is your injury serious?

Jean: Don’t worry — just exhaustion. Lara told me not to do anything for a full day. I wouldn’t dare upset her.

Y: No one wants that. Rest now… I’ll handle everything else.

Jean: Understood.

Y left the room.

Silva glanced at Jean and said,

Silva: You took his advice rather quickly. You two seem close.

Jean: He treats everyone the same way.

He doesn’t care whether you’re human… or beast.

And besides, it’s the best decision right now.

Silva: By the way — how did Mond change so drastically in such a short time?

Jean: Because of Y.

He appeared only about six months ago.

Silva: To achieve all this in half a year… remarkable.

Jean: For us, Y’s arrival is the greatest thing that’s ever happened.

———

Y returned to Lara’s house and opened the door.

Diona was waiting.

Diona: Y’s back!

Y: I am.

A large wolf padded toward him, growling softly.

Y: Good to see you too, brother.

He stepped inside the living room — Leona, Lara, and ‏Merath sat on the sofa, while L quietly read in the back.

Lara: Welcome home.

Y: Where are Ash and Asuna?

L: Asuna’s with the girls — she’s training to defeat you.

Lara: As for Ash… she’s asleep in your room. Asuna kept asking her for training advice.

Diona: Liz refused to come — said she’s busy at the restaurant.

Y: How are our comrades doing, Leona?

Leona: Shinbi and Daniel joined the Hunters’ Guild. Shinbi seems to have found some old friends here.

Y: Soran and Robin, right?

Leona: Yes. As for Nevara, Solar, and Frostia — I introduced them to Rosari.

‏Merath: Sir Y—

Y: No need for “sir.” We’re all equals here.

‏Merath: Thank you… for everything you’ve done for me and my daughters. How can we repay you?

Y: You don’t owe me anything. Just… stay a bit longer, if you can.

‏Merath: If that’s what you wish, we will.

Y: Sorry, Diona, but we’ll have to postpone our trip for a while.

Diona: Why?

Y: I want Jean to rest a few days first — then we’ll go.

Footsteps echoed from the stairs — Ash descended, half-asleep.

Ash: Lara, could you make me something to eat? I’m starving.

Lara: Food’s ready.

Everyone sat at the table.

Ash walked slowly to her seat, right beside Y.

Y: Morning, Ash.

Ash: Morning, Y. Thanks for the food.

(She began eating.)

Diona: She doesn’t even notice.

L: She’s always like this when she doesn’t get enough sleep.

Ash: What are you talking about…?

Lara: Look at who’s sitting next to you.

Ash turned, blinked —

Ash: It’s Y. What’s the big deal— Y?! When did you get home?!

Everyone burst into laughter.

———

Y: You seem exhausted, Ash.

Ash: After freeing Asuna’s magic, she kept asking me to train her.

I tried explaining, but she learns better through combat.

Y: She’s working hard.

‏Merath: She said her goal is to defeat you someday.

Y: I’m looking forward to that.

Y: By the way — where’s Anna?

L: With Sarah, at the Hunters’ Guild.

Y: Covering for Jean’s absence, huh?

Lara (smiling): That’s our Anna.

Ash: So what’s next for you, Y?

Y: I’m thinking of heading to the Hunters’ Kingdom.

L: Does this have to do with the Black Knight?

Y: Yes. I’m looking for a human named Albedo — seems he has a history stretching back five hundred years.

Leona: Is he immortal?

Y: We’ll find out soon enough.

Diona: Lunaria said she’s leaving for our kingdom tomorrow.

Y: Diona, can you tell her to delay her trip a few days if possible?

Diona: I’ll go now!

(She dashed out of the house.)

———

In Jean’s room…

The door opened quietly — Daniel stepped in.

Daniel: I’m back.

Silva: Mr. Daniel, welcome home.

Daniel: Thank you, Mr. Silva, for taking care of my daughter.

He looked at Jean, fast asleep, her face serene.

Daniel: When did she fall asleep?

Silva: Not long ago.

Daniel: She looks truly at peace.

Silva: I kept urging her to rest, but it was useless…

Then that young man Y appeared — and with just a few words, all her fears vanished.

Daniel: That makes sense.

Silva: I’ve known Jean for over a year — and this is the first time I’ve seen her sleep so peacefully.

Daniel: What did he say to her?

Silva: Just one line —

“Rest now… I’ll take care of them.”

Daniel smiled faintly.

Daniel: Then we don’t need to worry anymore.

Silva: Jean said the same thing.

I wonder… what gives them such faith in that young man?

Daniel: You know we come from another world, don’t you?

Silva: Yes — Jean told me.

Daniel: Then it’ll be easier for you to understand what I’m about to say.

———

Years ago…

When Jean was born, her body was extremely weak.

She suffered from a severe heart condition — she could barely walk.

She spent her entire childhood in hospitals.

Her mother and I worked day and night to afford treatment.

At first, life was still good — we were happy.

But that happiness didn’t last.

When Jean turned twelve, her condition worsened suddenly.

We needed an enormous amount of money for surgery.

We worked without rest —

until news reached me that my wife had collapsed from exhaustion… and passed away.

Jean found out by accident. Her condition deteriorated even further.

The hospital refused to treat her without payment.

I was desperate — to the point I considered stealing.

Then I heard about a hospital that treated patients free of charge.

I transferred Jean immediately.

The operation began… I watched from behind the glass.

Then I saw her heart monitor flatline.

I couldn’t believe it.

I didn’t wait for confirmation.

I left the country on the next flight out.

———

A year later…

One rainy night, I stood on a hotel rooftop.

I walked to the edge, ready to end it all.

The sound of rain mixed with a voice behind me:

“Quite a way to end things.”

I turned.

A young man stood there.

Daniel: My life ended with my daughter’s.

Then I heard it —

“Dad…”

I froze.

That voice… I thought I’d never hear again.

It was Jean.

The young man held out a phone to me.

Jean (through the phone): Dad… is that you?

I lifted it to my ear, trembling.

Daniel: Jean…?

Jean: I called to tell you I’m healed.

Lara helped me recover.

Thank you for working so hard to save me.

The phone slipped from my hands.

I looked at the young man, shocked.

Daniel: How…?

He sat on the ledge and said,

Young man: The one who operated on your daughter was my older sister — Lara.

She and her team saved her life.

The surgery succeeded.

Daniel: But I saw her heartbeat stop!

Young man: There are cases where a patient’s heart stops… and starts again.

He added,

Young man: My sister asked me to find you.

I’ve been watching you for a while.

Come with me.

He led me to a car, opened a case full of money.

Young man: This is for you and your daughter. No strings attached.

Daniel: I’m sorry… I can’t accept it.

I want to make my daughter happy with my own hands.

Young man: Then how about working for me?

You’ll earn a salary — and my sister will look after your daughter until you’re ready.

Daniel: I accept.

———

From that day on, I spoke to Jean every day by phone.

One day, I visited the hospital to thank the doctor myself.

Daniel: Thank you for saving my daughter.

Lara: No need to thank me. I’m just doing my job.

You should thank Y.

Daniel: Y?

Lara: He’s my younger brother.

He’s the one who found you.

He’s the hospital’s director.

He decided that no patient should pay.

He funded Jean’s care — and visited her often.

———

Back to the present — in Jean’s room…

Jean: Lara was my first real friend.

My body was too weak for most activities — so Y introduced me to the world of games.

It became my favorite hobby.

Lara and Y… such kind people.

I heard from Lara that Y built hospitals and other projects — all to honor the memory of his adoptive father.

He credited every achievement to him.

Daniel: Jean and I were supposed to reunite before we came to this world —

but fate separated us once again.

Jean: And fate brought us back together… thanks to Y.

Even in this world… he never abandoned us.