Wina continued, "I've informed Captain Tristan to take care of your slave status. In a few days, he'll come to the village to deliver your certificate and your identity as a commoner. You're free to explore the outside world."
It was supposed to be good news—something to celebrate—but Fian only furrowed his brow and gave a slow shake of his head.
"You don't want to leave?" Gara asked.
Fian nodded instead, eyes pleading.
That look reminded Gara of a stray puppy silently begging to be adopted.
He quickly added, "If you really want to stay here, then that's totally fine. Your room's already been built anyway, right?"
Fian nodded eagerly, a small smile appearing on his face. Wina didn't object either. She felt sorry for the boy.
And for some reason—one she couldn't quite explain—Fian still hadn't spoken a word. She worried that he would be bullied outside.
As long as his presence didn't cause trouble for Gara, she didn't mind letting him here.
...
