?Greta's shoulders slumped as she watched her sisters' expressions shift through various emotions as Orion recounted everything that had occurred in the Healers' Association workshop earlier in the day.
"I find it hard to believe that everything you've just said happened today," Anara said, a hint of disbelief in her voice.
She couldn't shake that incredulity at the idea that everything had occurred within a single day.
The rest of the women also nodded in agreement with Anara's words. They could have understood if this had occurred over a week or even a month; however, for all these events to have occurred within a single day was...
Nevertheless, they now understood why Orion's mood had been so heavily affected when he had returned home. In fact, they were all aware that they wouldn't even have the inclination to speak or be bothered by anyone if they had been in his shoes.
Yet, despite his mood, Orion had done his best to pretend nothing was amiss so he could shield them from feeling the same way and preserve the mood and atmosphere at home.
Orion nodded. "I know it sounds unbelievable, but everything I've just mentioned occurred today," he replied, sighing for the umpteenth time.
Suddenly, a voice reverberated through the main room.
"ORION!!" Celeste screamed at the top of her lungs, rising from her seat and darting towards Orion.
She crashed into him, wrapping her arms tightly around him, burying her head in his chest.
"Sniff... As your mother, I couldn't tell that this was what was weighing heavily on you! Sniff... I'm such a bad mother!" Celeste added, tears streaming down her cheeks as she held Orion in a protective embrace.
Greta's hands clenched into fists as she observed the scene unfold. "Ouch!" she exclaimed, feeling a sharp pain in her side as though someone had just pinched her.
She immediately turned her head to see who it was.
The culprit was none other than Lyra.
As Greta stared at her, Lyra withdrew her hands and fixed her with a dignified gaze.
"I understand that you were acting in what you thought was the best interest of our household, but I'm warning you, Greta, never attempt to hide a secret again. If you do, I promise I won't forgive you," Lyra said, her voice laced with a cold, icy tone.
Derry, who sat beside Lyra, nodded in agreement. "Though I don't always agree with Lyra, she's right this time. Even if you believe we may be unable to find a solution, you should never keep such an issue from us again. You know what kind of man Orion is—a confident, brave individual who would do anything to protect and care for his family."
"I'm sure you, of all people who have been with him for the longest time, have noticed and understood that he is also a selfish man; A selfish man willing to bear whatever burdens he encounters and go as far as he can, stopping at nothing until he discovers the solution himself. Haven't we all witnessed him save a race from a proclaimed god? Haven't we seen him single-handedly lead them out of their prison right through the dead forest towards the Village without a single death recorded?"
"Haven't we seen him build these cities from the ground up with unconventional ideas and work to achieve them every day through sleepless nights, their time and time again; achievements that none of our minds could ever hope to grasp, let alone physically achieve?"
"Are all those feats something a young man his age should even be capable of achieving? Or have you become so numb to his accomplishments that you now perceive them as ordinary?" Derry's voice trembled as she tightly gripped her attire, continuing to speak.
"You know, because I've lived with people staring at me with disgust my entire life. I wouldn't even survive without Ingrid's and the others' help. We all live in poverty, always worrying about securing enough Kalna fruits. I used to doubt why the Village Chief cherished Orion and took care of him to such an extent, overlooking certain things just for his sake. Then, I realized that the answer I needed was already right before my eyes."
"No wonder the Caretakers allowed us to live on the farm for such an extended period. Even the warriors regard him with such esteem that the two Stronghold Leaders consider him a friend and close companion. Although he might have taken Fifi along during that time, we all understood that it was because she was more than capable of handling the task. At that time, it was also because we couldn't handle the issue that Orion kept everything a secret."
"He only shared bits and pieces, several unimportant events, to prevent us from worrying. And suppose it weren't for Fifi, Crystalia, Maya, Elysia, and Merida, who each provided more context. In that case, we might not have been able to hear and understand everything that occurred during his journey to the mountain," Derry added, her body shivering as she found it more challenging to maintain her composure.
Several drops of tears rolled down her cheeks, forming a stream that poured down her face as she continued to speak.
"Though I agree that I'm always mischievous at times, have you ever wondered why I'm always playful when I'm around him? It's because the things he's decided to keep hidden away from us always slip out of his mouth, and we laugh it off or ignore it like nothing happened. Seeing the relief it brings to his shoulders and his satisfied expression are always some of my favourite things to look forward to."
"So, Greta, what would happen if he continues ? Have you ever thought about a day when Orion encounters an injury far greater than your healing abilities, and because of that, he would rather hide it away from you than inform you about it?"
As Derry spoke, Greta's body trembled, no longer stable at this moment, her expression paling as she repeatedly processed Derry's words, repeating every question, especially the last one.