The old woman, seemingly aware that Atia would be leaving, muttered something in their language. Although Atia couldn’t understand the words, it felt like she was offering a blessing.

“Is she wishing me a safe journey?”

Atia interpreted in her own way and smiled.

“Thank you. I’ll remember.”

Atia hugged the old woman, causing a slightly surprised expression on her face.

“If I ever fall ill, I’ll definitely come back. Promise.”

After releasing the hug, Atia looked into the old woman’s eyes and made a pledge.

Gazing into her deep and transparent black eyes, the old woman, as if reading Atia’s heart, smiled silently and nodded.

Thanks to Atia’s care throughout the night, the tribe’s bodies were no longer as weak as before. The man who had always seemed frail regained vitality, and the young child who couldn’t walk properly started running through the forest paths.

The tribe, grateful for Atia’s help, regarded her even more like a deity.

“Heya Dionadeiya… (Our savior…)”

“Dionaderi Turnaia Tukara Laidias. (It seems the savior desires a wider land.)”

Although their faces showed regret at Atia’s impending departure, the tribe decided to follow the will of the gods.

They didn’t oppose what the gods intended.

As a token of gratitude for healing them, the tribe brought Atia items like clothes made of animal skins and a box filled with rare fruits.

Atia laughed heartily and clapped her hands.

“No, why are you bringing all this stuff like crazy?”

Although Atia tried to refuse, the tribe seemed to hope that she would accept.

“Well… if you really insist.”

Atia instructed the knights to receive the items the tribe offered.

The tribe escorted Atia and her party to the place where they would board the ship.

The distant 4th pier had half of the original crew, Owen, and the crew from the ship Atia had come with.

As Kesha and Hari were on a different ship, Atia decided to board that one.

Kesha and Hari, seeing Atia, rushed out.

“Madam!”

Seeing Atia and Cascus return safely, Kesha, who had been waiting anxiously, collapsed as if the strength in her legs gave out.

“I waited without sleeping. Worried about what might have happened… I followed Madam’s instructions and waited here.”

“Thank goodness everyone is safe.”

Hugging Kesha and Hari simultaneously, Atia breathed a sigh of relief.

“Let’s go quickly. The currents might change again.”

Pointing towards the ship, Atia told the crew.

At that moment, someone noticeable appeared among the tribe.

Through the experienced eyes of the old woman, Atia’s face was reflected.

Even in Atia’s eyes, she could see her.

‘No, she didn’t have to come all the way here.’

Atia expressed her gratitude to the old woman, who had come this far to find her, with a smile. Then, bowing her head, she raised the bone necklace around her neck, conveying her gratitude once again.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes.”
Atia and her party boarded the ship. After raising the anchor, the ship swiftly slid into the sea, propelled by the wind. The tribe watched Atia until the ship completely disappeared. Atia, too, observed them from a distance. When they became blurry in her sight, she finally sank down in front of the mast.

“Phew, I need a break.”

“Fortunately. Truly.”

Seeing Atia leaning against the mast, Zen let out a sigh of relief and chuckled.

“It seems like she’s having a dream.”

Zen continued to act as if he couldn’t believe it. Cascus sat next to Atia, who was resting against the mast, and spoke to Zen, who was wiping his neck.

“After experiencing all that, aren’t you tired?”

“Haha. I’m strangely energetic, probably because I’m deeply immersed in anesthesia. And I have to guard this ship where my lord is. Go take a nap and come back.”

“You must have slept really well.”

“Ahem, I’m sorry… I couldn’t have imagined there would be such a thing as anesthesia needles.”

Zen laughed awkwardly and shrugged his shoulders.

Kesha and Hari, who were watching from the side, wanted to ask Atia many questions, but seeing that she seemed tired, they held back.

Cascus lifted Atia, who was seated in front of the mast.

“?”

Atia, who had been groaning, shifted her gaze to look at Cascus.

“There’s a resting area below. Rest there instead of here.”

Cascus led Atia towards the room located beneath the deck. Carefully placing Atia on the bedding, Cascus covered her with a blanket.

“Your Excellency, sleep as well.”

“When you fall asleep.”

“Alright. Somehow, I feel like I’ll fall asleep first. Even if you hear me snoring, don’t say anything.”

“Don’t worry and sleep well.”

Cascus replied with a teasing smile.

“Shall I massage you until you fall asleep?”

“…Sure. But I think I’ll fall asleep before that.”

Even though she resisted, as soon as her head hit the pillow, it seemed like she would fall asleep.

Atia’s voice gradually faded.

“Good… night.”

Closing her eyes, Atia bid farewell.