A month ago, deep within a canyon in Bolivar.
The soldiers of the True Bolivarian Army silently wiped down their weapons. Though discipline in their ranks was generally loose, the gravity of their current mission left little room for levity. No one wore a smile.
Pancho, a key figure in the Bolivarian war faction, had been ambushed during a mission by the Singas Dynasty's forces—an army that had seemingly appeared out of nowhere. His troops were swiftly overwhelmed. The narrow canyon passage was now strewn with mangled limbs and spattered blood, and Pancho himself had been taken prisoner.
"Lieutenant Pugh, our spies have gathered intel. Enemy patrols are stationed along every major route through the canyon... The terrain favors defense and makes offense extremely difficult. It's going to be a hard fight."
Pugh Silva rubbed his frostbitten cheeks, then instinctively turned to glance at Rafaela, bundled tightly in a thick, fur-lined coat. Her cheeks were flushed red from the biting wind, and Pugh gently pulled her scarf up higher to shield her face.
Around him, most soldiers still stood firm, though the harsh cold was beginning to take its toll. Some, already worn thin by endless marching in snow and wind, were struggling to stay upright.
"Set up camp," he ordered. "Start the fires."
Lighting fires and cooking in such exposed terrain would produce smoke—an obvious signal to the enemy that the True Bolivarian forces had arrived. But Pugh wouldn't allow his troops to freeze to death in silence. He cared more about keeping his soldiers alive than about hiding from watchful eyes in the mountains above.
An hour later, inside one of the tents, Pugh sat with several officers, discussing the possible points of attack. Meanwhile, Rafaela, her hands and feet finally warmed, busied herself with simple tasks—serving tea, pouring water. She moved quietly between the men, passing out cups of hot tea with a bright, cheerful smile. Hardened soldiers couldn't help but feel their hearts soften in her presence.
There were often family members embedded within the army, but few were as gentle and well-mannered as Rafaela. Many of the soldiers, comparing her to their own unruly children, silently admitted she was in a different league altogether. A considerate, warm-hearted girl like her truly was the "precious daughter" of someone else's family.
By the end of the meeting, the plan was set: the assault would begin at dawn. Nearly a hundred captured Bolivarian soldiers were being held—including their primary objective, Pancho.
After the officers left, Pugh's confident demeanor began to fade, replaced by a shadow of unease. Something about this entire situation felt off. He knew Pancho well—cautious and methodical, never careless during missions. How had the Singas forces obtained such precise intelligence?
Only the highest-ranking officials had known the details of Pancho's mission. Pugh's lips tightened. He didn't want to dwell on the implications.
"Dad, have some hot water," Rafaela whispered, walking over with a steaming cup in her hands.
Pugh accepted it, and with a hint of pain in his eyes, gently stroked her cold-reddened cheek.
The soldiers of True Bolivar had no true home. In the endless cycle of missions and guerrilla campaigns, they wandered from place to place. It wasn't uncommon for families to travel with the army. The relaxed, open nature of the military allowed it. No one strictly forbade it.
"Go to bed early, Rafaela," Pugh said softly. "Tomorrow, you and the other women will remain stationed at the rear of the camp. If anything unusual happens, evacuate immediately. Understand?"
Rafaela rubbed her eyes, let out a small yawn, and nodded.
"…I wonder how Senomi and the others are doing these days," she murmured drowsily.
With that, she climbed into her little bed, wrapping herself up like a dumpling, only half her face peeking out. Before long, she had drifted into a deep sleep.
Pugh's expression shifted. He clenched his fist tightly.
How much longer must Rafaela live like this? Is her future bound to a military camp?
Pugh loved Bolivar deeply. If he had a son, he would've sent him to the front lines without hesitation—to fight alongside him, shoulder to shoulder. But he had a daughter, a sweet and gentle girl.
The battlefield was a harsh place for women, filled with danger and discomfort. Was this truly the life meant for Rafaela? Shouldn't she have the freedom to shape her own destiny? To laugh when she wished to laugh, to cry when she wished to cry?
---
When the smoke cleared, the True Bolivarian Army launched their final, ferocious assault.
The battlefield was drenched in blood. Soldiers collapsed one after another—struck down by Arts, crossbow bolts, or sheer exhaustion. And yet more kept charging forward, unwilling to retreat.
"…My old friend…"
Pugh, bleeding and weakened, supported himself as he staggered toward the cell where Pancho was held. His limbs were growing numb from the cold. Blood stained the corners of his mouth. A violent cough brought up a mouthful that splattered to the ground.
"Old Pugh!" Pancho slammed his fist against the dirt floor. Seeing his comrade like this filled him with grief and fury. He roared through gritted teeth, his voice hoarse and trembling. "there is a mole! There must be a mole! I'll have my revenge—revenge!"
"Seeing you so full of spirit… I'm relieved," Pugh murmured.
Just then, a gunshot rang out. A bullet shattered the iron lock on the prison door. Pancho burst free and rushed to Pugh's side, catching him before he could collapse completely.
"You'll be fine," he said firmly, supporting Pugh with trembling arms. "It's just a scratch. You'll be okay."
"Where the hell is the medic?!" Pancho barked furiously. "What are you doing?! Get over here, now!"
After the battle, the military doctors finally arrived. When they saw Pancho, his face livid, and Pugh, pale and barely conscious, their expressions turned grim. Without hesitation, they rushed in to assist.
As Pugh drifted into sleep, he thought he heard Rafaela crying. He wanted to tell her not to cry—to smile instead. She was beautiful when she smiled.
In his hazy thoughts, he saw a warm light again. That light reminded him of Sankta, his friend from Dossoles. Though much younger, Sankta had offered him true companionship: their long talks over drinks, his sincerity, and the kindness he showed toward his adopted sister.
---
When Pugh opened his eyes again, he saw the medics working urgently beside him, Rafaela weeping quietly at his side, the solemn faces of his comrades, and a Sankta man dressed as a messenger. But it wasn't Felix.
Now… it was time to deal with the aftermath.
Pugh struggled to get up. Seeing him suddenly regain his spirit, the soldiers around him turned pale, while Pancho clenched his fists tightly, his teeth gritted.
"Messenger," Pugh said, voice steady but weak, "can you deliver a message for me?"
The messenger nodded and stepped forward. "That is exactly my mission."
Pugh smiled. He gently raised his hand and stroked Rafaela's small head.
He hoped her future would be free of worry, full of laughter, and that she could live in a place bathed in sunlight.
With trembling lips, he finally voiced the words held deep in his heart. He held Rafaela's hand, guiding her toward the messenger. That warmth—his final hope—would now be passed into Felix's hands.
---
Felix tightened his grip on the letter, wrinkling the paper between his fingers.
He looked at Rafaela, who was sound asleep on the bed, and felt a wave of emotion—one he could only describe as responsibility. It was the same feeling he had when adopting Senomi and Mandragora, and when caring for Susie.
Old Pugh didn't want his daughter to be consumed by Bolivar's hatred. That's why he sent her here… and Felix would naturally ensure she had a bright future.
For now, Rafaela should settle in Trimount. However, her identity was sensitive. As a descendant of a true Bolivarian, she could easily become a target for those with hidden agendas in Columbia. She could obtain a false identity through the black market, but there was always a risk of exposure. It would be better to consult with Tin Man of the Maylander Foundation.
After finishing the day's work, Felix took one last glance at the still-sleeping Rafaela, gently closed the door, changed into his research attire, and headed toward the workshop. His and Snowsant's work was only just beginning.
---
Thirty minutes later, there was a faint movement from the water cup in Felix's dormitory. A miniature Muelsyse suddenly poked her head out, cautiously scanning the room. Noticing Felix was absent, she began to climb out—but stopped when she spotted someone asleep on the bed.
Mini Muelsyse transformed into her regular form. She carefully approached the bed and found a small, black-haired girl sleeping soundly. The child appeared to be having a nightmare—her forehead damp with sweat, her breathing fast and uneasy.
Seeing this, Muelsyse's heart ached. She was also curious about the little girl's identity. The child looked one or two years younger than senomi—a sweet Liberi girl. What was her connection to Felix? Was she another child he had rescued?
"Ah…"
Muelsyse noticed Rafaela stirring. The girl rubbed her eyes and looked at Muelsyse with innocent curiosity.
"Hello," Muelsyse greeted gently. "What's your name? Do you want some water?"
She handed Rafaela the water cup. Rafaela, already sitting up, smiled politely and accepted it. "Thank you… I want to find Brother Felix."
"Brother Felix is working right now," Muelsyse said with a warm smile. "Let's go find him together when he's finished, okay?" She reached into her pocket and pulled out a piece of candy, offering it to Rafaela. "My name is Muelsyse. You can call me Mumu… Would you like some candy?"
"Mumu… My name is Rafaela."
"Hey, that's such a sweet and pretty name. How about I call you Ella from now on?"
Rafaela placed the candy in her mouth, tasting the soft sweetness of orange. The corners of her lips gently curled upward into a small smile.
Not long after, through Muelsyse's gentle questioning and conversation, she quickly came to understand Rafaela's past and the reason she had come to Trimount. The kind-hearted elf couldn't hold back her tears. Seeing this, Rafaela became a little flustered, but soon turned around and began comforting Muelsyse instead.
Muelsyse now knew that Rafaela's future "father" or "brother" would be Felix, so she gave a brief explanation of Felix's current work and identity to help Rafaela understand. Rafaela, in turn, asked Muelsyse many questions—most of them about Felix, and others about Senomi, Mandragora, and Susie.
When the workday ended, Muelsyse reached out her hand to Rafaela with a smile. "Let's go see Felix together."
Rafaela hopped down from the chair, nodded, and gently took the water elf's hand. Her hand felt as cool as if it had just touched water.
---
"Snowsant, good work today. We'll need to finish another data report tomorrow." Felix removed his protective goggles and spoke to Snowsant, who was focused on the computer terminal beside him. "By the way, Yara told me this morning that Rhine Lab's touring exhibition has begun, starting from San Sophie City. We'll receive her briefing around mid-March."
As the director of Rhine Lab's Human Resources Department, Yara believed the touring exhibition would be an effective way to expand the organization's reputation and influence. This was the first time Rhine Lab had attempted such a large-scale public event. With her extensive network across various regions of Columbia, Yara was naturally involved throughout. She and several researchers were currently stationed in San Sophie for the exhibition.
"Really? That's great!"
Seeing how focused Snowsant remained, Felix smiled and said, "Go home early. Even though it's not as cold as before, it still gets dark pretty quickly. Don't keep your grandma waiting too long."
"What about you, Felix-senpai… I mean, Director?" Snowsant coughed lightly and quickly corrected herself.
"It's fine to call me 'Senpai' as usual. I'll head home once I finish this round of forging."
"Okay," Snowsant replied softly. After putting on her research coat—one of the newly updated uniforms from Rhine Lab that she really liked—she left quickly. To her, the new coat felt both stylish and durable, like a brand-new piece of clothing she treasured.
After Snowsant's departure, the workshop fell into a rare moment of silence. Felix continued with the basic forging operations. As the progress bar inched forward little by little, he suddenly heard the sound of a door opening.
Anyone entering or exiting the workshop needed to swipe their ID card. Besides Snowsant from the Mechanical Power Department, the only others with access were the general manager and the director.
Felix stood up and turned around.
"Hello~ Felix, I'm here with Ella."
Muelsyse led Rafaela by the hand into the workshop. Rafaela was instantly drawn in by the equipment and machines around her, her eyes filled with curiosity. Muelsyse brought her over to Felix and gently placed Rafaela's hand into his.
"Really now? We can't let Ella wait too long."
"You're Ella's brother now, aren't you?"
Felix gave a soft hum in response. "Senomi is already used to preparing your share of the food. Want to join us for dinner today?"
"Hmm… okay. Just wait a bit—I'll be finished with work soon. Let's meet at the gate later."
"Alright."
Amid Rafaela's astonished little gasp, the gentle Mumu transformed into a puddle of water and vanished before her eyes. Felix twitched at the corners of his mouth. He really should've told Muelsyse to dissolve her water clone in the pool instead—now he'd have to mop the floor.
Taking Rafaela's hand in his, he spoke softly, "Let's go home."
"Brother… okay."
Rafaela held onto Felix's hand, a faint smile blooming on her face.