Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended

CHAPTER 187: Odd Vibes - Reunion with the Kaelmonts

Lefahne let out a weary sigh, her shoulders sagging as her eyes drifted over several of the store's shelves. Zurrel had done his best to repair the ones damaged in the recent skirmish, but—

"We need to replace all the jars and vials that were destroyed back then," she murmured. "Our inventory has been a mess ever since."

Zurrel paused his work and let out a sheepish smile. "Yeah... sorry about that."

"Honey, there's no need to apologize," Lefahne said with a warm smile. "If that man had gotten his way, we would've lost far more than just a few glassware. I'm just grateful we all made it through in one piece. Still, we need to restock but there's so much left to do in the garden."

"I'll go," Silvestia offered as she stepped into the room. "You're both swamped with work, so leave it to me."

Lefahne and Zurrel exchanged an uneasy glance.

"I'll go with her... if that's alright," Fay offered, matching Silvestia's radiant smile.

The couple shared another pensive look before Zurrel finally sighed in surrender. "Alright—"

"Yippee!" Silvestia cheered, practically bouncing.

"—But only if you promise to be extra careful," Zurrel added firmly. "That means no reckless adventures, understood?"

Lefahne met her daughter's sparkling gaze with a hint of concern. "Just be back in time for dinner, alright?" she urged, well aware of the girl's hopeless tendency to wander. "I love you."

"Love you too!" Silvestia replied absentmindedly, already dragging Fay along. "Love you, Dad!"

"I love you too, Sweetheart," Zurrel chuckled, slipping an arm around Lefahne's waist as they watched her go.

"...Are you sure this was a good idea?" she asked her husband in a hushed tone as the children existed though the front door.

"Trying to keep a free spirit like Silvie cooped up won't end well," Zurrel said. "You remember what happened to Father Loghan's daughter."

Lefahne shivered at the thought, then she remembered them interrogating their daughter not long after she had awoken from her coma. The awkward conversation quickly made it apparent that there were significant gaps in the girl's memory, particularly the one that had implored them to restrain her while she was unconscious.

Without thinking, she rested her head against her husband's shoulder, intertwining her fingers with his.

"They'll be fine," Zurrel murmured, squeezing her hand reassuringly. "Fay is with her, too."

"...Okay."

***

Silvestia weaved through the cobblestone thoroughfare, her laughter trailing behind her like a melody. Fay, who had her hand clutched tightly, struggled to match the girl's eager pace.

Without warning, Silvestia let go. She twirled ahead, spinning on her heels with a carefree grace, her iron-gray hair fanning out beneath the sunlight. A radiant smile lit up her face as she breathed in the crisp air, savoring the lively hum of the marketplace.

Fay slowed to a stop, watching her with admiration. There was something enchanting about Silvestia—the way the soft daylight caught in her periwinkle eyes, the way her dress billowed gently as she turned, the natural elegance she carried without effort.

Shaking herself from her reverie, Fay hurried after her and together, they weaved through the hustle and bustle of the organized chaos of people, bouncing from one stall to the next. Vendors greeted them warmly, immediately recognizing both girls and their connection to Lefahne and Zurrel.