The owner of the farm slowly approached us, his presence commanding. Mid-40s, broad-shouldered, and with the body of a seasoned warrior — likely retired.
"May I help you?" he asked, his voice calm but firm.
I studied him silently. He looks like he could still take down anyone who tried to attack him… a true warrior.
Hyun Woo stepped forward. "Hello. We just arrived in this city. Our previous home was attacked by monsters, and we don't have anywhere to stay. May we rest here for a little while? We'll pay once we earn some money — maybe tomorrow."
The owner's eyes swept over us. They look noble… yet their clothes are tattered from battle. Especially that girl… His gaze lingered on Minji, whose beautiful face seemed almost regal, like a princess.
Just then, the owner's wife appeared. "Honey, is there a problem?"
He answered, "They want to stay here for a while."
"Oh, really?" she said, stepping closer. "Actually, our place isn't very big, but you all can stay here if needed."
The owner hesitated. "But…"
"Do you think they look like robbers?" she asked softly. "Look at their faces… there's something noble about them. Especially these two girls." She slowly approached Minji and Sona. "I have a place for you to stay."
The owner sighed. "Alright… come in."
As we entered, the farmhouse revealed itself to be surprisingly large, made mostly of wood but with spacious rooms.
Clara, the owner's wife, spoke first. "I'm Clara, and this is Julius, my husband. Hello. Just rest here — I'll get something for you to eat."
"Where are you from?" she asked kindly.
Minji glanced at Hyun Woo, while Marco looked at him, clueless. Hyun Woo explained softly, crafting a story. "We're from Korea. Our home was attacked by monsters — called Ogres. Many people died in the battle. Only we survived."
Clara's face softened, her eyes reflecting sorrow. "At such a young age… you've experienced so much already."
Minji forced a sad expression. "Fortunately, we survived. We've been wandering the forest for a month, and finally, we found your place."
Hyun Woo added, voice tinged with sadness, "We don't have enough money to rent a place, and after hours of searching, we're truly thankful for your help."
Julius soon returned carrying food — steak and chicken. "I'm sorry you've all gone through so much. Just eat for now and take some rest. You can use the other room to sleep."
Clara added softly, "Honey, I still have a question…"
Julius shook his head gently. "Let them take some rest."
Clara looked sad, slowly standing. "Okay… see you tomorrow."
The night deepened — it was already 10 or 12 midnight. Julius and Clara retired to their room, but Clara lingered.
"Honey, I want to talk to them more," she whispered.
"It's too late," Julius replied.
Clara shook her head. "Do you believe them? They say they took down an Ogre."
Julius sighed. "If the Ogre attacked, it would have caused many casualties. Especially if the boss joined. But… I think they can really handle it — especially that boy with the sword and shield. He's an expert."
Clara's eyes widened in shock. "Expert? At such a young age?"
Julius nodded, his expression serious and concerned. "I still remember everything from earlier — the way he moved, how prepared he was for every situation. It seems all of them are gifted… and that boy, in particular, is extraordinary."
Clara looked down thoughtfully, a mixture of worry and awe on her face.
Clara nodded, her expression thoughtful as she finally let the farmhouse fall silent.
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