As the training room shook from another shockwave—this time caused by Gloria's hammer smashing an elite spawn into the wall—Hesbeirn spoke up quietly.
"…Big sis. Are you sure we're really doing this?"
Erinnette didn't turn around. She kept watching Liana and Gloria fight, arms crossed and eyes sharp. But her voice came out firm and calm.
"Why not?"
She glanced over her shoulder.
"If not for Lord Garius's orders, I wouldn't even be here right now. You know that, Hesbeirn."
Her tone softened just slightly.
"You remember who saved us, don't you?"
Hesbeirn fell silent.
He didn't need to answer; the memories played too vividly in his head.
Years ago—
When Garius was still a young master, just a boy from a rising noble house, he found two battered slaves at a border auction. The crowd laughed when the boy stepped forward to bid. He didn't flinch.
He didn't buy them as tools or property.
He bought them as his people.
Not for what they could do—but for who they were.
