Noticing the clear longing reflected deep within the little boy’s eyes, Finihiya shifted her gaze to the skewer of meat in her hand, then smiled as she offered it to the boy.
“Do you want to eat this?”
Like pounding garlic, the little boy nodded vigorously.
After taking the skewer, he happily turned and ran into the alley beside them.
Only then did she notice a younger beastman girl standing at the entrance of the alley.
The boy held the steaming skewer out to the girl, letting her take a bite first.
Judging by their fluffy dog ears and the closeness between them, they were likely siblings.
Watching this scene before her, a faint sense of melancholy rose in Finihiya’s heart.
Just as she was about to get up and leave, the vendor’s voice came from beside her.
Unlike his earlier warm tone, his voice was now serious and earnest.
“Miss, it might be a bit meddlesome of me to say this, but I want to remind you—it’s better not to invite trouble like this.”
“Trouble?”
“This time you were just lucky. There are many kids like these around here. If they see you handing out food like this, they’ll all crowd over to ask for some.”
Finihiya remained silent, not responding to the vendor’s earnest advice, instead tilting her head again toward the narrow, hidden alley.
Though she had guessed from the boy’s clothes, she still asked the vendor.
“Where are their parents?”
“Parents?” The vendor scratched the back of his thick hand, the long mane on his neck swaying as he spoke, “Most of them are dead, or they’ve been abandoned. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be gathered there.”
Hearing this, the light in Finihiya’s eyes dimmed noticeably.
“Isn’t there an orphanage or any place that takes them in?”
“No.” The vendor’s tone suddenly grew colder. “We just ended the chaotic Dark Era. Everyone’s been fighting just to survive.”
He paused briefly, then handed her something.
When she looked up in confusion, the vendor passed her a freshly grilled skewer, seemingly indicating she should take it.
“Hm?”
Puzzled by the vendor’s action, she tilted her head in question.
“You gave the other kid that skewer just now. Consider this one on me.”
He pushed the skewer forward a little more—the savory juices nearly dripping onto her hood.
Carefully raising both hands, she accepted it and politely nodded.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Try a bite—I’m confident in my grilling skills.”
She lowered her gaze to the skewer, the rich aroma filling the air.
After a moment’s hesitation, Finihiya parted her cherry lips and took a small bite.
The tender juices immediately stimulated her taste buds.
After chewing slowly, she swallowed the morsel.
“It’s delicious.”
She wasn’t flattering him; the meat was perfectly grilled, and the spices were well balanced.
“I actually have quite a bit of confidence in my grilled skewers.”
“Hehe~”
“What, Miss, don’t believe me?”
“No~” Fearing the vendor might misunderstand, she quickly shook her head and explained, “I don’t mean to be disrespectful. It’s just that something interesting suddenly came to mind.”
After chatting casually for a while and finishing the skewer, the sky beyond had gradually taken on a pale purple hue.
Seeing that it was getting late, she said her goodbyes.
“I should get going.”
“Oh, be careful on your way.”
Placing her hands in front of her stomach, she bowed slightly toward the vendor, then turned and headed out of the market.
(“Parents?”)
(“Most of them are dead, or abandoned. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be gathered there.”)
***
Her footsteps slowed as she stepped on the rough stone slabs at the market’s exit.
Just as she was about to leave, the vendor’s earlier words echoed suddenly in her mind.
Finihiya gradually slowed her pace and finally stopped.
She turned her body slightly, gazing at the alley now shrouded in gloom.
From deep within her heart, a strange black bubble seemed to rise from a distant past, churning noisily.
After a moment’s hesitation, she helplessly dropped her shoulders.
Retracing her steps, Finihiya walked slowly back toward the alley’s entrance.
Just as she was about to enter, a sharp warning rang in her ears.
“Don’t go in there!”
Hearing the familiar voice, she tilted her head to look.
The half-beastman vendor wore an even sterner expression than before.
“That place is dangerous. It’s where vagrants and criminals hide. If you recklessly go in there, losing your belongings would be the best outcome. You might even get kidnapped and sold in the black market.”
“Thank you for your concern.”
Listening to the vendor’s sincere and serious warning, Finihiya bowed politely once more. “I just want to take a quick look.”
She understood what he meant.
In such a secluded, run-down alley, the security would naturally be poor. She had seriously considered these dangers.
Though due to her magical affinity, she still hadn’t learned any combat spells, High Priest Doloff was also worried about this.
That’s why he had prepared quite a few magical trinkets for her self-defense.
So, she did have ways to protect herself.
In theory, as long as she didn’t encounter powerful mages or warriors, dealing with a few ordinary thieves was within her capability.
“Miss!!!”
After she fully stepped into the alley, the vendor’s anxious and helpless voice called out from behind.
Silently apologizing in her heart, she stepped forward into the dimly lit alley.
The narrow alley was thick with the stench of rot and dampness.
Dilapidated buildings pressed together chaotically.
The street resembled a ruin, the walls on either side cracked and crumbling.
Above, ropes stretched between buildings like spiderwebs, hung with tattered white and brown clothes.
Clack, clack, clack.
The crisp sound of her heels striking the stone pavement echoed sharply.
A little further in, children appeared in her line of sight—about seven or eight years old.
These children showed various reactions to her arrival.
Some curious, some scrutinizing, others wary…
A mixture of complex gazes briefly landed on her, but none dared approach or speak.
Most of the children looked pale and sickly, their limbs as thin and fragile as dry branches.
Seeing this heartbreaking scene stirred a pang of pity deep within Finihiya.
Besides the young children, there were also many adults with unfriendly expressions in the alley.
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