After some time, Rawin finally regained consciousness inside the White Greever Tree. Everyone was stunned—the hero had awakened at last.
"Where… am I?" Rawin murmured in confusion.
"Ra-Rawin!! I was so worried about you!" Firsa cried as she rushed forward and hugged him tightly.
"It wasn't just your teacher. We were all worried about you," said Merinel gently.
"Yes, we've missed you so much, senior," Arde added.
"Lady Firsa, Elder Merinel, everyone… what exactly happened?" Rawin asked, still disoriented.
"Let me explain everything from the beginning," Darvish said, then recounted what they had witnessed at the scene: Lord Warsen apologizing to the villagers, and how Rawin had been brought to the White Greever Tree.
"I see… so that's what happened," Rawin said with a nod.
"If that's the case, allow me to excuse myself. I need to inform Lord Warsen and the other elders that you've awakened," Darvish said, bowing slightly before walking away.
Rawin lowered his head. "I'm sorry for making all of you worry."
"It's all right. This is also our failure as elders… for letting an outsider risk his life to protect our village," Merinel replied with regret.
"Please don't say that, Elder Merinel. It was my decision—and Valien's—to do what we did," Rawin said firmly.
"Thank you, Rawin," Merinel said softly.
"Of course, Elder Merinel. Oh, by the way… has Valien woken up?" Rawin asked.
"Yes, he has, but the moment he did, he insisted on training again," Firsa replied.
"That sounds exactly like him," Rawin chuckled.
"Rawin… are you sure your body has completely recovered?" Firsa asked, still worried.
"Don't worry, Lady Firsa. I'm perfectly fine now," Rawin assured her.
"If you say so…" she answered, though her expression showed lingering concern.
A short while later, Warsen, Kaelith, Margel, and Valien returned.
"Well, well. It seems our hero has finally awakened," Margel said with a grin.
"Hey, buddy. Looks like you're doing better," Valien followed.
"Hm. Better than before, I'd say," Kaelith added.
"Elders… and Valien—weren't you supposed to be training?" Rawin asked.
"In my opinion, it would be rude to train while my friend has just woken up," Valien declared proudly.
"Or maybe you're just trying to show off," Rawin teased.
"What!? Of course not!" Valien protested, glancing around suspiciously.
"So, Rawin… is your body truly recovered?" Warsen asked with genuine concern.
"Yes, Lord Warsen. I've completely returned to normal," Rawin replied.
"In that case, allow me—on behalf of the elders and all the villagers—to apologize. For allowing an outsider like you to risk your life… we cannot forgive ourselves," Warsen said, bowing deeply.
Everyone in the room gasped, Rawin included.
"Lord Warsen, please raise your head. It was my decision, so it's all right," Rawin said hurriedly.
"Even so, letting an outsider be endangered for our sake is unforgivable. So tell me, Rawin—what is it that you desire? I will grant anything within my power," Warsen said solemnly.
"In that case… may I have the bow I used during the battle with the Ancient Glossy Beast?" Rawin asked.
"The bow, hmm… very well. Anything else?" Warsen asked.
"Since I'll be continuing my journey soon, may I ask for a bit of money for the road?" Rawin added.
"Of course. Are you planning to leave in the near future, Rawin?" Warsen asked.
"It seems so. I've lived in this village for almost six months… I should resume my journey at the start of the new year," Rawin answered.
"I see. In that case, since the festival for the goddess Elvaria will be held in a few days, I will arrange an official ceremony in the village square. I hope you will attend, so the villagers may bid you farewell," Warsen said.
"Of course, Lord Warsen. I'll be there," Rawin replied.
"Good. I've said my apology and granted your requests, so I won't disturb your precious reunion any longer." Warsen said as he glanced subtly at Firsa. "I'll take my leave now."
"Oh—thank you for visiting, Lord Warsen," Rawin said.
The other elders, noticing the atmosphere, also prepared to leave.
"Rawin, we must go and mourn our subordinates who died in the incident. So we'll be taking our leave as well," Merinel said gently.
"I'm truly sorry… I can't join you yet," Rawin said with regret.
"It's all right. You can do it whenever you're ready, Rawin," Merinel replied.
"Thank you, Elder Merinel," Rawin said as they departed.
Only Valien, Firsa, and the young hunters remained.
"So it's just us now. Feels a bit lonely, doesn't it?" Valien said.
Understanding what Lord Warsen had implied earlier, the young hunters quickly made an excuse.
"Rawin, something urgent came up, so we'll have to go," Arde said.
"Oh? All right," Rawin replied.
"Sorry we can't stay longer," Arde added.
"It's fine. I'll be up and about in a few days anyway," Rawin said.
"In that case, we'll be waiting for you," Arde said.
"Yes, of course."
They departed—with Elvi grabbing Valien by the collar.
"Hey! You're coming with us," Elvi said.
"W-wait! Why am I being dragged!? H-hey! See you later, my friend!" Valien called out dramatically.
"What's with them…?" Rawin muttered in confusion.
"So… it's just the two of us now," Firsa said shyly.
"A-ah… seems that way," Rawin answered, equally flustered.
"But… are you really going to leave, Rawin?" Firsa asked, her voice tinged with sadness.
"Yes. That has been my goal since the beginning, Lady Firsa," Rawin replied.
"I hope you find what you're searching for, Rawin…" she said softly.
Rawin smiled. "And when I return… may I taste your cooking again, Lady Firsa?"
"Yes. You're always welcome here, anytime you wish," Firsa answered with a gentle smile.
"That would be wonderful," Rawin said.
They continued talking late into the night, sharing laughter and unforgettable moments together.