Metts came back later that day carrying cloth and thread and dropping them off. He was relieved to see that his Master and his wife were on better terms. Fantastic! His bonus was secure! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were now guaranteed! Hurrah!

“Ugh.” Caroline complained, holding the scissors with shaking hands. “I’m so weak. I won’t be able to cut a straight line like this.”

“Let me do it for you then,” Thio offered.

“I don’t understand, my wounds are mostly healed up, why am I still so weak?”

“It’s from the curses.” He spoke while cutting the cloth. “Your body has always had a high recovery rate, so it heals no matter what. But your strength isn’t a given, it comes from training. You were weak when I found you, do you remember?”

She nodded.

“Well, the curses basically regressed your strength. Not to the level you had when you first arrived, but beyond that. You’ve basically got the strength of a baby right now.”

“Oh my God! How long will it take to get my strength back?”

“I don’t know. Sentra said she’d stop by at the end of the week and check your progression. From there, she can make an educated guess about the future. For now, I was told you must take things easy and not to push yourself too hard.”

Caroline flopped her body across the bed, despairing.

“It’s not like I have a choice. I can’t eat by myself. Or change. Or use the bathroom. Or bath. Oh god, how am I going to bath? How long has it been since I bathed? Do I stink? No…” She buried her face in the bed.

Thio chuckled, lightly patting her arm. “You don’t stink. But you’re also right. I can help you with all that for now, but let’s hope you can do it yourself before I go back to work…”

She lifted her head, “Wait… are you saying you’ll help me bathe?”

“Of course. I’ve already helped you with the bathroom.”

She grimaced.

“I would think bathing would be less disturbing of the two.” He said mildly surprised at her response.

“No…” Slumping farther into the bed, she shook her head. “The bathroom is just carrying and hiking up my skirt. Bathing is naked. NAKED.”

Honestly, she looked horrible. Really really awful. She hadn’t realized until the bandages came off how bad it was, but it was bad. Even though the bruises were healing, they were still extensive. Her hair had been cut off to get to a head wound. And she’d lost quite a bit of weight. She must look ghastly.

Thio was silent for a moment and then, clearing his throat, ventured, “I’m going to see you naked eventually, whether it’s bathing or some place else.”

Caroline very slowly turned her head and stared at him, wide eyed.

“You.. Do you actually WANT to see me naked?”

There was an awkward pause.

“I do.”

“I LOOK LIKE A GRAPE.” From all the bruising and being (almost) bald.

“A very cute grape.”

“…I don’t understand you at all.” She huffed.

“Now you know how I feel when you say I’m handsome.”

“Don’t compare your freakishly handsome face to me, a Human-Shaped-Grape, and act like it’s the same! I’m offended! Have some self respect! Jeez!”

He flopped over, abandoning the shirt he’d been cutting. Facing Caroline, he gave a beaming smile, and reached out to intertwine their fingers.

“That’s what I like about you.”

“Huh?” It was hard for her to concentrate when he smiled like that.

“You always think the best of me. It’s like… you see the positive in me, even when no one else does.”

“It’s not that hard to find the good in you. And… I don’t always… I mean, didn’t we just get into a fight?”

“We did, are you still angry?”

“No.”

“I like that too. You don’t hold a grudge.”

“That’s not true! When I saw that Princess—”

He pulled her hand, drawing her whole body closer. There noses almost touched.

“But it’s not the Princess you hate, it’s the fact that she was with me. Jealousy isn’t the same as a grudge. And anyway, all that proves is you loved me, even back then. Isn’t that so?”

“Er… well…” She started blushing. “That’s… I mean… That’s true but…”

“Do you know when I realized I loved you?”

“No.”

“When I received that shirt.”

“R-really?”

“Mm. If you hadn’t gotten jealous, I would have never gotten that shirt. Without it, it would have taken a lot longer for me to realize what I was feeling.”

“..and you call me positive…”

He chuckled. “Actually, I’ve liked you as a person for a while now too. Ever since you punched the hell out of that drunkard father of mine. I couldn’t do it, but he certainly deserved it.”

“I don’t see why you couldn’t! It’d probably have shut him up faster!”

“No, he would keep coming back… he sees mother in me, and hates me for it. He’s a hallowed man, empty except for bitterness and hatred. Even if I punched him, what would it have fixed? And being violent towards him would have only ruined my reputation. People would assume I was like him, and there was already enough of that going around as it was… but since you weren’t directly related to us, you could get away with it.”

“I see… well. I’m glad I could be of service to you then!” She chuckled.

“It was much appreciated.” He was quiet for a moment. “Why do you always punch first though? Thinking about it, that seems to be your go-to response.”

“I think it’s because someone taught me boxing before… before I came here. They were cool, uh, strong. I admired that, I think. So I just imitated what I saw at first and later got REALLY good at it.”

He gave an exasperated sigh, “So you weren’t even properly trained? I’d like to throttle the person who taught you boxing. The fool should have known better, given your predisposition.”

Caroline pouted. “I’m not as bad as you think. I don’t get into fights I can’t win.”

“But you do get into fights.”

“…huuuu…” She made a nonsensical sound, unable to refute the truth. Then she brightened and asked, “Do you know when I started loving you?”

“When?”

“I can’t pinpoint it to a specific time, so I’ve been thinking, maybe from the very beginning.”

He looked surprised.

“Really?”

“Yep! I’ve thought about it long and hard for years now. When I found you crying—”

“..ah.. I wish you’d forget that…” He muttered

“—I just kind of felt like I could trust you. No one else has ever given me the same impression.” She bit her lip, thinking. “I can give you excuses for why I like you, you helped me out when I had nothing, you’re fun to talk to, handsome, all kinds of things. But at the core of it, I’ve always looked at you as someone admirable, good, and kind. Even before I knew you well enough to make that judgement. I know it doesn’t make sense, but it’s true.”

She reached up, hand running gently across his face. His green eyes narrowed, ears burning, feeling both pleased and embarrassed.

“I think you esteem me a tad highly. I’m not quite that extraordinary a man. Especially back then, I was much more concerned about myself and my own life. You… well, I know this sounds bad but… you were someone who was in my way. You were an inconvenience. Initially, everything I did, I did for selfish reasons. I can’t say I was particularly good.”

She wrinkled her nose, “So what? You’re saying you got me clothes, got me a job, gave me a house, married me, and even gave me money out of pure selfishness? If that’s selfish, than I’m the Empress!”

“Well, but I…”

His forehead crinkled. Why did he do all that? He was a level headed person. His whole life he’d been that way. It’s why he’d stayed away from crime, learned to read, and studied magic. He was a careful, meticulous planner. The reason he cried at that rock was because his planning hadn’t worked and he’d been angry.

But for some reason, when it came to Caroline, he had a severe laps in judgment. Walking straight into town for everyone to see them had been extremely stupid. He should have circled around and taken her directly to the Church. Or even gone and got Father Richard directly. Once she was at the Church, the Father would have taken care of her and that would have been that. Yet he hadn’t done that at all.

He couldn’t claim emotional distress as the reason. Even when his mother had left him, he hadn’t been so foolish. He’d been devastated, yes, but he’d sat down and thought through what he could do. How he could survive. It was that very ability that got him where he was today.

So why—

“But you what?” Caroline interrupted his thoughts.

“Ah, I’ve changed my mind, perhaps you’re right. Perhaps I’m a good man like you say.” He conceded, unable to explain his own behavior enough to debate the point.

“Heh. Of course I’m right! When it comes to all your good points, I’m always 100% correct, every time!”

Ah… He thought affectionately while pulling her in for a hug, Does it really matter if it makes sense? I’m the most boring, predictable man on the planet and all she sees is a shining hero. When I’m with her, I feel like I could be one. And that’s enough for me.

They stayed like that for a time. When Thio went to move, he realized she’d fallen asleep. With no one looking, and no one to stop him, he gently kissed her on the head. Eventually he forced himself up, since food wouldn’t cook itself and lunch was nearing.

Caroline woke up later, mildly surprised at her sudden nap. When Thio came in with more soup for lunch, she despaired. It’s not that it tasted bad, but she couldn’t hold the spoon steady. It was so humiliating being spoon fed. She begged for food that wasn’t in a bowl and didn’t require a spoon. So Thio turned around and made some small sandwiches with a side of cut vegetables.

Though her grip was weak as a babes, she managed to eat on her own. Sandwiches, after all, didn’t need a steady hand for consumption.

After she was done, she enthusiastically tried sewing again. While she did, she asked Thio if it was possible to get her some things from home and to let everyone know she was alright.

Thinking this was a good idea (and one he should have thought to do earlier), Thio left Metts to help her and headed out.

——

Thio transported himself to Hillsdale. He stopped by the Church first.

Father Richard was cleaning the interior of the church. He had a worried look on his face, despite the fact that he was just sweeping. When he heard the door open, he looked up and immediately ran over.

“Thio, my son, there is strangest report concerning your wife—” Was the first thing that came out of the Priest’s mouth.

“Yes, Father. That’s what I’m hear to see you about.” And then he explained what had happened.

“Praise God!” The older man said with a hearty sigh of relief. “People were saying a dragon had kidnapped her! Of all the ridiculous things! So it was just you. I’m so relieved.”

“I’m sorry I left without letting anyone know.”

“Ah, no need to apologize. It was an emergency. I’m glad she’s on the mend. It’s a miracle she survived, the Doctor was not optimistic. I will have plenty to praise God tonight when I pray.”

“I’m thankful too. It was a close call.” Thio blushed slightly, coughing. “Er, Father, it seems only right that you should know… but Caroline, I love her. She loves me. We are really married now.”

The old man’s eyes lit up and he gave a belly laugh. “How wonderful! An answer to prayer, twice in one day!”

“Eh?”

“Did you not know? Caroline has liked you for quite some time now. She would sometimes talk to me about it.” He gave a parental smile. “I had thought… I had thought it would be nice if you two got together. It seemed quite a long shot, of course, but there was no harm in asking God for some divine intervention.”

“I see… then I’m grateful for that prayer being answered too.”

The Priest chuckled and then cleared his throat, “Well, since I did marry you two and I’m something like a surrogate parent, I must confess something. Just so that you’re prepared for it. When she first got here, I gave her some bad advice and I’ve never been able correct her from it.”

“What kind of bad advice?”

“You might not recall, but I told her if she’s to be kind, she must be kind all the way through, yes? Well, she took that and ran with it. Goodness, she will rush head long into helping a person without thinking of herself and the scraps she gets into for it...” He shook his head, looking worried. “The stronger she’s gotten, the less cautious she’s become too.”

“Ah.. That. Father, don’t blame yourself too much. I realize I have known her through letter and not in person for most of this time, but I’m fairly certain that’s just her natural predisposition.”

Father Richard sighed. “Perhaps, perhaps… it’s hard to tell with her. She is not from this country, and sometimes there is a disconnect between her sense of morality and ours. Be patient with her. Often times what seems obvious to us is not very obvious to her. Her ignorance will pop up in surprising places. She’s not a slow person, she simply doesn’t know what she doesn’t know.”

Thio thought back to their recent argument.

“I see. I’m glad you mentioned that. I had not really thought that deeply on the matter, but I’ve already come across what you’re talking about. I will endeavor to be more patient and understanding in the future.”

“Very good!” The Father patted him on his arm. “Despite the cultural gap, she’s a good woman. She’s done very well in this town. I dare say, she’s the primary motivator for most of the good changes that happened in this town the last few years.”

“Really?”

“Oh yes. If she sees a problem, she won’t wait for someone else to fix it. Goodness, the amount of times the Mayor, or Head Guard has gotten a visit from her… hohohoho! The Mayor in particular runs the other way when he sees her coming now. I quite enjoy the show. That man deserves to be brought down a peg or two.”

Thio’s eyebrows raised. “She’s actually visited the Mayor?”

“Oh yes, absolutely. Ever since she got her Handle, her reputation has skyrocketed. She could go just about anywhere she wanted in the southern region if she wanted.”

“Handle…” He frowned. “She never said she got a Handle, just level increase…”

“Ah…” The Priest chuckled and gave a mischievous smile. “She didn’t tell you either, I take it? Well, I found out through word of mouth so I understand. Apparently she didn’t like the Handle she got so she refuses to use it herself. Ha! Well, I’m telling you, even though she won’t: The Berserker Bear Claw.”

“…Berserker…”

“Bear Claw.”

Thio’s lips twitched. “Well, she does fight close combat…”

“She does.”

He then wrinkled his brow. “Hm? That name sounds familiar.”

“It should. It was given to her at the Capital two years ago, so it started there.”

Thio frowned, thinking harder, and then dropped his jaw.

“This is not, by any chance, the Berserker who one-hit killed five Tiger-Bears, is it?”

“I believe that was the source of the naming, yes.”

Tiger-Bears were incredibly strong monsters. They lacked intelligence, but made up for it with brute force. They took up residence in any wooded area that suited them and had no fear of humans, going so far as eating any stray person they found. They were a thorn in everyone’s side, so Adventurers were constantly called in to exterminate them. Killing them was no small task, requiring a team of people with a lot of brawn.

The story of the enraged Adventurer who went out, on their own, to hunt down Tiger-Bears was somewhat legendary in the Capital at this point. Thio had heard about it from Evans, who always seemed to have the latest gossip. When he’d originally heard it, Thio hadn’t actually believed the story. Especially since some versions of it said the Adventurer was a heartbroken woman.

Thio’s whole face stiffened as he tried not to laugh and groan at the same time. Now that he knew who the source of the story was, and the timing involved, it was absolutely believable.

“…that’s amazing.” He finally concluded aloud, somehow keeping a level voice.

“It is.”

“No wonder the Mayor runs at the sight of her!”

Father Richard gave a big belly laugh.

——

Next he went to the Guild.

The office was surprisingly full. Mariel and the Guildmaster were there, as well as other fellows Thio had never seen before.

When he opened the door, the bell ringing clearly, they all turned and stared at him with intense eyes. He couldn’t help feeling slightly threatened.

“Thio! You ass! Where have you been?!” Mariel pushed through the crowd and stomped over. “Where is Caroline?! There are ridiculous rumors going around about a dragon!”

“Caroline is safe!” Thio hurriedly assured her. “I brought her to the Capital for medical care. Her curses were removed. She’s currently resting at my house.”

“Oh thank God!” Mariel cried out in relief, with several other people joining her. “I couldn’t find you or her and her neighbors were saying the most ridiculous things!”

The Guildmaster spoke up. “We were about to go send a search party for her.”

As he was speaking, four large men crowded around Thio. They all wore thick leather armor, had bulging muscles, scars all over, and very square jaws.

“You said the curses were removed?” Asked the one who was probably an Archer.

“Er, yes.”

“Do you know when she’ll be back?” The next one asked, likely a Swordsman based on his weapons.

“I’m not sure, the Doctor hasn’t said yet.”

“Huuu hu… I’m so glad she’s safe!” Another one, possibly a Hunter, cried big ugly tears. “She saved our lives! She took the heaviest hits for us!”

“Uh…”

“What about the Dragon? Was there actually a Dragon involved?” Asked the last one, possibly a Beast Specialist based on his smell.

“That, yes, I called in a favor to have her flown to the Capital.”

“Oy, you lugs!” Mariel squeezed between two of them and started shoving. “Back up and let the man breath.” Then, somewhat apologetically, she said the Thio. “Sorry. These idiots are Caroline’s party mates. They were worried about her too. Except Douglas apparently, all HE cares about is the dragon.”

When she glared at Douglas, he had the sense to look abashed.

Thio glanced at the men. He had read about them in Caroline’s letters: Roy, Canny, Jack, and Douglas the III. Despite Caroline mentioning, offhandedly, that they were all muscle-heads, Thio had not thought she meant it literally.

But yes, they were all obviously muscle-heads.

These brawny guys had formed a party with a woman half their size and made her their leader. She’d lead them to death’s door and back for years, and yet they’d kept coming back for more. Should he feel sorry for them or praise them for their dedication?

“Anyway, bring these to Caroline.” Mariel handed a stack of decorated cloth to Thio, though when she’d had the time to grab them he didn’t know. At his confused expression, she explained. “They’re head scarves. I made them. I thought she might like to cover her head until the hair grows back properly.”

“Thank you.” Thio was genuinely touched. “I’m sure she’ll appreciate it. She was calling herself a Human-Shaped-Grape earlier.”

Mariel blinked and then laughed. “So she finally cares about her appearance? It must be you, she never cares with us.”

——

Next he went back to her, his, no, their house. Since she’d re-arranged things, it took him a while to find what she needed. While looking for her “street” clothes, he found her Guild outfit. Curious, he took the box down and snooped.

The brass knuckles just looked evil. Not only did they have the standard four spikes, they also had deadly knives protruding from the side. He could tell by looking they were enchanted to be extra lethal too. She must have treated them with extra care, because they practically sparkled. Yep, he could see how she got Berserker Bear Claw as a Handle with these.

But when he got to her armor, he frowned.

What is this junk? He thought. The leather had been repaired several times, rather than replaced. And the few metal parts were dented or deeply scratched. At one time this was probably good, base armor. But now it was just ratty.

“Surely this is an old set…” He said aloud and started to dig through every box in the room, a little frantically. After going through all of the obvious places and finding nothing, he looked under the bed. He was surprised to see a small locked chest.

It was all the way in the back, near the wall. Laying down on his side, he pulled it out. It was heavy for it’s size and it jingled.

A suspicion rose in his mind. He immediately cast an unlock spell on it (which was slightly illegal to do on a civilian’s property). Inside glittered.

It was stuffed with Silva and Nocks.

His face was blank as he stared at the outrageous amount of money inside the chest. Very carefully he closed and re-locked it.

So she had second-rate armor, lived in the slums, but a chest full of money.

What. The. Hell.