Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended

CHAPTER 164: Rekindled - Among Those Who Care

The wind nipped at Fay's cheeks as she moved through the close-knit village. All around her, the villagers went about their daily routines: women watched over children while washing clothes by the mill, tended to their gardens and tranquilids, or prepared their wares for the market.

The men, for their part, worked the fields or labored in trades such as carpentry and pottery. But what united them all was the warmth and sincerity in their actions. Fay called out, offering cheerful greetings, and returned the warm smiles and waves of everyone she passed.

"Fay, dear, you always seem to arrive just when I need you," an elderly woman remarked with a warm smile as she spotted the girl approaching her porch. "My arthritis has been especially bothersome today," she added with a soft wince while rubbing her hand, then her eyes twinkled, taking in Fay's new outfit. "And I must say, those clothes suit you perfectly. You look absolutely lovely."

"Do you really think so?" Fay asked, her voice bright with excitement as she twirled, the fabric of her dress spinning gracefully around her.

"Of course," the woman affirmed, her eyes gleaming with affection. "You truly look like an angel."

As opposed to the bare feet and rags that Fay wore before, the girl now stood wrapped in a beige, fleece-lined poncho cloak. Unlike the long cloaks she had once known, this one tapered gracefully at her waist, allowing her to move with ease. Beneath the hooded poncho, a white dress with delicate layers of ruffles peeked out. Her legs were adorned with cozy, cream-colored leg warmers tied with petite red ribbons, perfectly complementing her red shoes.

Fay's cheeks flushed pink. "Thank you," she murmured. "Oh, here's the ointment you ordered," she said, coming to a stop in front of the woman's rocking chair. "Lefahne wanted me to mention that extra Soothecap Mushroom has been added to the salve to help with your inflammation and swelling. She also included more Lunarfrost Lily to ease the pain, but... she did stress that you should try to exercise regularly to lose a little weight."

The elderly woman accepted the salve with a sheepish smile, then offered a basket of freshly baked treats. "I made a batch of my nan's famous cookies," she said proudly. "They're the best in all of Lunarel!"

Fay smiled innocently as she accepted the gift. "Lefahne also mentioned that, in the event you try bribing us with sweets, I should tell you it doesn't change the fact that you need to exercise."

The woman's eyes widened in surprise, followed by a sheepish cough as she muttered under her breath, "Lefahne, that vixen."

Fay giggled at her response.

Then the woman cleared her throat. "This old body's been worked to the bone over the years, but I'll give it my best. Thank you, Fay."

With a warm smile, Fay waved as she turned to leave, the basket of cookies gently cradled in her arms. "I'll see you next time, Mrs. Ashbi—and thanks again for the cookies!"

***

"Hang in there just a bit longer, boy," a middle-aged man uttered softly as he tenderly ran his hand through the fur of his loyal canine companion. "I'm sure she'll be here any minute now."

The Bearhound whined weakly.

"Mr. McLean!" Fay called from a distance.

"Speak of the devil."

Breathless, Fay rushed into the man's yard, a vial of green potion already extended in her hand. "I'm so sorry for the delay," she apologized, glancing down at the hound too weak to even lift its head. "I should've come here first before stopping by Mrs. Ashbi's."

McLean nodded as he quickly poured the liquid into a wooden bowl. "Her place is on the way here," he replied, his voice steady despite the urgency. "And I know she's been suffering for quite some time. She deserves some relief."