Chapter 39: Ch 39: An Ordinary Day
"Let me carry those crates of herbs for you. You have been on your feet all morning."
"Absolutely not! You are still recovering, Raidan. You need to rest in bed."
"I am completely fine now, Naida. The pain is completely gone. Please, let me help you with the patients."
"Fine... Buy I will only allow it if you promise to listen to my conditions."
"Anything. Just name it."
"You must sit down the moment you feel tired, drink the herbal tea I made every two hours, and put your own health first. If you push yourself even a little bit, I will banish you back to your room."
"I promise. I will take perfect care of myself, as long as I can stay here and help you."
"Alright then, Mr. Gray. You can start by sorting the vials on that table. Just remember my conditions!"
In this whole conversation, she acted like the adult here, which he very much liked.
For the next few hours, she attended to dozens of patients, and each and every one of them was poor and homeless.
In the afternoon, when it was time to wrap things up, Naida stretched her arms.
The day had been tiring, but there was someone more tired than she was.
Raidan was sleeping on the bench like a sack of rice.
Seeing his sleeping face, she let out a soft smile.
She then hesitantly touched his face with her warm fingers, a gentle expression on her face.
Suddenly, she paused.
’Am I doing the right thing?’
’Why does my heart beat so fast whenever I am near you?’
’Why do I feel so safe around you?’
At that moment, Raidan stirred awake.
She hurriedly pulled her hand to her side, slightly flustered.
Raidan was obviously aware of what she had done, but he chose not to expose her.
"Are you done?" he asked.
She replied with a nod. "Yes, I am wrapping things up for today. I usually close in the evening, but today I urgently need some herbs from the forest."
"The forest sounds dangerous... Should I accompany you?" he offered, looking concerned.
Her heart warmed, but she refused. "No, Grandpa usually accompanies me there. And you are still recovering."
Raidan stood up straight immediately, as if to show he was not weak anymore.
"Look, I am absolutely fine. You should stop worrying about me already. Besides, I do not see that old bag of bones anywhere."
"Who are you calling a bag of bones?" the angry scowl came from the other compartment.
Raidan quickly shut his mouth.
"Naida, take the brat with you. I have to go to the Sun God’s Shrine today. They said they are handing out free blessings today."
Naida’s eyes lit up.
"Oh really? Then make sure to use it yourself, Grandpa. You need it more than anyone else."
"Haha, you care about me so much, sweetie. I will do as you said, cough!" the old man replied.
Raidan noted the information in his mind. His origins showed the Sun God’s Shrine. If he wanted to know more about it, he should go there.
But not today. Not when he was not strong enough. After what happened yesterday, he did not want to tread near them in the slightest.
Afterward, they headed toward the City gates, side by side.
Raidan was not worried about Uncle Michael getting by in the meantime. Since there was enough food and the corrupt commander had been taken care of, there should not be any more problems.
Besides, it was just for a day. What bad could happen?
Setting that worry aside, he noticed a lot of people respectfully greeting Naida on the way.
"Good afternoon, Miss Naida! Thank you for the medicine yesterday!" said a fruit vendor, bowing.
"May the heavens bless you, Lady Naida!"
"You are very welcome, please make sure to drink plenty of water and rest!"
The people of the western district were naturally grateful to their benefactor.
Raidan watched the entire exchange, completely captivated by her saintly grace.
"You are like a local celebrity around here, huh. I have never seen people look at someone with so much genuine respect and love. But then again, they have every right to."
Naida blushed, "Oh, please. I am just doing my job, Raidan. Anyone in my position would do the same."
"I doubt that. In a cruel place like the City of Gods Vanir, someone as selfless and kind as you is rarer than any magical artifact. You truly are amazing, Naida."
Her face grew even redder. She quickly looked down at her shoes to hide her flustered expression, though a happy smile refused to leave her pink lips.
She had received a lot of compliments in her life, but none of them had made her react like this.
One the way, they suddenly crossed path with her grandfather.
He glared at Raidan.
"Brat, if you harm my granddaughter, or even let anyone harm her, I will take your life. Remember that well."
The old man warned seriously before leaving for the Shrine.
Naida looked at Raidan’s face apologetically.
"Hey, no worries. I did not mind him at all. Let us leave before it gets late," replied Raidan.
After a while, they crossed the western gate that led to the Volkan Forest, known for containing various special herbs and some unique magical beasts residing within.
Since the distance was not far, they walked just like the other adventurers.
The closer they got, the bigger and more towering the forest became.
Since it had just barely passed the afternoon, there was sufficient light inside the forest.
After taking his first step, Raidan felt a chilly aura wash over him.
But he maintained a perfectly alert position, his hand touching the hilt of his sword.
"If you are wondering why I came here in the evening instead of the morning, it is because I was delayed while doing your treatment," she said, simultaneously looking around for her required herbs.
"I understand that perfectly. So it is my responsibility to protect you."
"Responsibility? Sure."
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