Chapter 19: Eve’s Worries

Watching Luo Ling grow more silent and gloomy each day, Eve’s heart was filled with worry.

She knew what was troubling Luo Ling.

The villagers’ distance, the sting of rumors, the pressure of being a “Hero”—all weighed on him like mountains.

She tried to share his burden, tried to cheer him up, but as an ordinary Herbalist, what could she really do?

She had tried talking to the villagers, telling them Luo Ling was still the same person and wouldn’t harm anyone.

But the villagers just smiled, saying “yes, yes, yes,” while suspicion lingered in their eyes.

Once, a child in the village fell ill with a stubborn fever, and even the old doctor was at a loss.

The child’s parents were frantic.

Someone suggested, “Should we ask Eve? Sometimes her herbs work well.”

Others whispered,

“Eve and that… Luo Ling are very close…”

When Eve heard, she didn’t hesitate.

She slung her medicine box over her shoulder and went at once.

She examined the child carefully, prepared medicine, brewed it, and watched over the child all night.

By morning, the fever had finally broken, and the child’s condition improved.

The child’s parents were overwhelmed with gratitude, their eyes now filled with thanks and warmth toward Eve.

Eve took the chance to say,

“Luo Ling is truly a good person. He just… isn’t good at expressing himself. He would never hurt anyone.”

The parents were silent for a moment, then nodded.

“We know, Eve. Thank you. We… we were just a little scared.”

Eve understood that for everyone to put aside their prejudices, it would take time.

But she didn’t give up.

She cared for the villagers with even more dedication, greeted everyone more warmly, and through her actions, slowly cleared Luo Ling’s name.

At the same time, she was thinking about the prophecy Samuel left before departing.

“When the world truly needs you, when those around you are threatened by darkness…”

She didn’t know what “darkness” meant, but she knew if the day ever came when Luo Ling or the Village were threatened, she wouldn’t stand by and do nothing.

She began to go through her collection of old herb manuals and notes.

These notes had been passed down from her late teacher, filled with records of rare herbs, remedies, and even fragments about ancient magic and rituals.

She’d always treated them as medical books, but now, she hoped to find clues about “darkness” and “power” within them.

Maybe she couldn’t fight like Luo Ling, but she could protect the ones she cared about in her own way.

She discovered that some herbs could be refined into potions with special effects—not just for healing, but for temporarily boosting strength, treating wounds, or even creating mist.

She began to study these quietly, working in the herb garden by day and reading notes under the lamp at night, experimenting with mixing and blending.

Luo Ling noticed the change in Eve.

She was busier, often reading late into the night, her brow more serious.

“Eve, what have you been working on lately?”

One night, Luo Ling couldn’t help but ask.

Eve looked up and smiled at him.

“It’s nothing. Just reading old notes, trying to learn more. Who knows when it might come in handy?”

She didn’t explain in detail, but Luo Ling saw the determination—and the faint worry—in her eyes.

He knew Eve was worried for him, and for the uncertain future they faced.

Warmth and pain filled his heart.

He reached out and pulled Eve into his arms.

“Don’t worry, Eve,”

He said softly, his voice a little hoarse.

“No matter what happens, I’ll protect you. I won’t let anyone hurt you, or let that ‘darkness’ near you. If… if it really can’t be avoided, I’ll leave this place for somewhere no one knows me. We can start over.”

He had made up his mind.

If being a “Hero” ever brought danger to Eve or destroyed their peaceful life, he would give up everything and run away with her.

It didn’t matter where, as long as they were together.

Eve leaned into his embrace, listening to the steady beat of his heart, her eyes growing moist.

She knew Luo Ling meant every word.

“Alright.”

She answered softly.

“No matter where you go, I’ll follow you.”