Chapter 7: Eight Years Later

Maria, the priest’s daughter. To the simple folk of Sette Town, Pastor Lynn suddenly having an eight-year-old daughter wasn’t too shocking. In fact, once they saw Maria, they were nothing but warm and welcoming. That was because Pastor Lynn had helped them countless times. Sickness, injury, disputes, labor, taxes—without his presence in Sette, these clever but scrappy townsfolk wouldn’t live nearly as well. Maria estimated that Lynn's local reputation had reached near-worship levels. Thanks to his favor, she quickly earned the friendship and trust of the villagers. Lynn’s wife was a kind, gentle woman named Ruth. Just as her name suggested, she radiated warmth to everyone around her. Though Lynn hadn’t told her much, Ruth opened her heart and embraced Maria anyway. In fact, after hugging Maria tightly and nearly suffocating her in her bosom while pulling out hand-sewn clothes with enthusiasm, Maria instinctively sensed that her future life would be... lively. And so, Maria settled peacefully in the Southwind County town of Sette. Yet, she never forgot the world’s grim future. Once the public release began, disasters both natural and man-made would follow. Her starting point was this peaceful, remote, and self-sustaining town. The path in [Fractured] was steep and cruel: the downfall of the [Kindling Gods], the civil wars of the [Feast of Kings], and the madness of [Nightmare Bloodplague]. Everything ahead was terrifying. In quiet moments when pressure became unbearable, Maria softly recited prayers from her past life to ease her mind. "The long night is coming, and I shall stand watch till the end. I am the blade that guards civilization. I am the flame that carries on the will. Tonight, and every night after." Time flew by. Eight years passed in a blink. Maria had grown from a young girl into a graceful, refined teenager. She often wore a black habit and helped Pastor Lynn tend to the townsfolk. Most of the time, she treated the sick. Sometimes she settled disputes. "Patients" included not just people but also vital livestock: oxen, sheep, chickens, ducks, and even orchard trees. Maria's ability to learn was exceptional. After a year of shadowing Pastor Lynn, she was trusted to handle most treatments solo. She gradually earned the villagers' respect not through Pastor Lynn’s reputation, but by her own merit. Her beauty and humility made her easy to like. This was part of [Fractured]'s hidden stat system—her high charm stat was doing work. Though the villagers affectionately called her Sister Maria, she wasn’t officially part of the [Radiant Church]. She had her own plans. Maria had no intention of formally joining the faith, much to Lynn’s mild disappointment. Still, Maria seemed to enjoy the role. "Grandma Susan, there’s no need to worry anymore. Just avoid cold water, and you’ll be fine." Maria gently placed the old woman’s hand back under her blanket. After politely declining food and coin offered in gratitude, she walked back toward the chapel with her medicine box. Under the clear sunlight, her figure exuded warmth and grace. "Sister Maria!" "Back from rounds? Come rest a bit!" "Sister Maria, give my regards to the pastor!" "Hey! My lady saint, do you need a knight to guard you? Ranger Harlock is at your service~~" That last teasing voice earned a round of chuckles from the villagers. Maria smiled gently, amused by the farmer’s son playing ranger. Her smile stunned the street into two seconds of silence. Several young men blushed and quickly looked away—only to sneak glances again. This life... was truly beautiful. Maria had so thoroughly immersed herself in this world that she sometimes forgot it was still [Fractured]. Watching steam engines spread, telegraphs being strung up, and smokestack ships sail downriver, she didn’t feel like a player anymore. Maybe... this wasn’t such a bad life after all. "Mariaaaa!!" Just as she neared the chapel square, a small figure ran up joyfully and flung herself at her. Maria caught her with a smile full of affection. Felia, the pastor’s daughter. Not adopted, but biological. Shortly after Maria arrived, Ruth had gotten pregnant. Yet neither Ruth nor Lynn ever gave Maria less love or care. In fact, they worried she might feel replaced. Thankfully, that fear never came true. Maria adored her little sister. With platinum hair like their father and clear blue eyes like their mother, Felia had been raised mostly by Maria. Their bond was deep and unbreakable. "Felia, don’t trouble your sister." Ruth called gently from the chapel door, her face pale. Not the healthy kind of fair—the same bloodless pallor as Maria. "It’s fine, Mother." Maria twirled her sister and affectionately pinched her nose, drawing giggles. "Heehee, Sister’s chest is so soft~" Felia nuzzled in. She always envied Maria’s freedom to go out on her own. "Mother, you should go inside and rest," Maria said, concerned by the towel draped over Ruth’s shoulders. "Yes, I will." Ruth’s health had never recovered after Felia’s birth. Despite Lynn’s efforts and constant prayers to the Sovereign, her condition never improved. But at least... it never worsened either. And that, for now, was enough.