"How could this be..."

Luya stood by the window, watching birds sadly chirping on the branches. She stomped her foot, feeling sorry for their misfortune.

But she had no way to help them now. This helplessness made the girl return to her bed, dejected.

Next time I meet that girl, I'll teach her a lesson! She must understand life's value!

Her mind was filled with that girl's image—no pleasant memory for Luya.

Clenching her tiny fists, Luya made up her mind.

Just then...

A faint sound came from outside the door. Luya tiptoed over, quietly pulling it open a crack. Her azure eyes peered through the gap.

Outside, two people argued.

One wore a pure white dress. With her back to Luya, only long, flowing golden hair was visible. Her voice was crisp but impatient. It was Shirin, who had saved her earlier.

"Sam, how many times must I say it? Your wounds aren't healed. You can't leave the hospital!"

"But the supply station is on the brink! I can't waste time here!"

Arguing with Shirin was a tall, burly man with a brownish-yellow beard. He had a gruff voice and wide, glaring eyes—quite frightening. But Shirin wasn't fazed. She even snorted.

"Just because of a slime?"

"That's no ordinary slime! It's a very special one!"

"Special or not, it's still a slime. Alright, Mr. Hunter defeated by a slime, go back to bed!" Shirin's voice grew impatient.

"No, I must guard the supply station!"

Sam glared at Shirin and strode forward.

Shirin blocked his path.

"Move, or I'll knock you flying," Sam threatened.

"Go ahead and try," Shirin replied with disdain.

Provoked, Sam charged like a tank. But Shirin tapped her toes, spun lightly, and slipped behind him. Her hand struck his neck like a blade.

"Thud!"

Sam's massive body collapsed instantly, twitching on the floor.

"Alright, stay put and behave."

Shirin clapped her hands as if it were nothing. She grabbed Sam's leg and dragged him away, disappearing around the hallway corner...

Luya gaped in shock.

After a moment, slow footsteps echoed. Luya snapped awake, shut the door, and hurried back to bed. She pulled the covers tight, trembling.

That big sister was truly terrifying!

If that bear-like man fell so easily, what chance did her small frame have?

"Creak—"

The door slowly opened. Luya squeezed her eyes shut, listening to approaching footsteps.

"Huh, already asleep?"

A soft mutter reached her ears.

Shirin stood by the bed, observing quietly. Then she turned to leave. But—

"I'm here! Oh, Mom~~~ You're here~~~"

A lively voice came from the doorway. It sounded familiar. Luya realized—it was that bad kid who stole bird eggs earlier!

"Nevia, coming to see this child?"

So her name is Nevia?

"Yes, she woke up. I came to check."

"Really? But she seems asleep now..."

"Eh? She was awake just now. Hey, wake u—mmph!" Nevia's voice cut off into muffled sobs. Someone covered her mouth.

"Don't disturb the patient's rest."

"Mmph—mmph—"

"Stop shouting, and I'll let go."

—Nod, nod.

"Wah, but I just saw her awake! I wanted to invite her to eat bird eggs!" Nevia whispered, pouting unhappily.

What?

Luya had planned to keep pretending, but she couldn't hold back. She opened her eyes.

"No!"

"Eh?" x2

Shirin and Nevia both turned to her.

"Um..." Luya lowered her head shyly under their gaze. "Bullying little animals is... wrong."

"Hmm?" Shirin looked at Nevia in confusion. "What bad thing did you do?"

"Wah, no way!" Nevia bit her lip, looking wronged.

Luya glanced between them. Shirin looked delicate—not as scary as imagined. Though still hesitant, Luya found her voice.

Gathering courage, she pointed at Nevia.

"I saw her steal the little birds' eggs!"

Shirin and Nevia froze, exchanging glances. Shirin pulled Nevia aside to whisper.

"Shirin sister, what's wrong with taking bird eggs?"

"Nothing, I guess."

"Then did she break them?"

Shirin paused, then nodded slightly. "Harvey did say that. Her brain has issues; she lost past memories..."

"Oh, poor thing. What to do?"

"Hmm..."

"How about this? I must've forgotten how delicious bird eggs are. I'll take her to taste them! She'll understand!"

"Not bad! For now, let's go along with her."

"I know, she's a patient."

"So, like this... and that..."

They returned to Luya. Shirin put on a reproachful look. "Nevia, how could you? Bullying animals is bad behavior."

"I know I was wrong, Shirin sister~" Nevia admitted.

"Then return the eggs to the birds. Luya, let's go together." Nevia smiled brightly, holding out her hand.

So she's not that bad after all...

Luya nodded, her eyes crinkling slightly with joy.

"Thank you for the invitation, Miss Nevia."

She gently took Nevia's hand.

But though she'd agreed to go with Nevia to return the eggs... first—

"Luya, let me remove your bandages. And change clothes—you can't go out in that hospital gown. Someone might send you back!" Shirin reminded her. Luya wore a blue-and-white striped gown, bandages on her head. Going out like that would make her look like an escaped troublemaker.

Changing was necessary.