Thank you for reading on ! We provide free access to all our stories, but maintaining this platform requires ongoing costs. To keep the site running and continue offering free content, we display advertisements. You can close the ads anytime, or upgrade to premium membership ($5/month) for an ad-free reading experience while supporting our mission. You can also earn premium for free by completing simple tasks. We truly appreciate your understanding and support!Welcome to Casa É. Maya and Cassian met with Barto in the dining room. Afterward, they both headed toward the entrance. "Take care," Cassian said to Maya. "You too," she replied, a hint of worry in her voice. Barto joined them, ready to assist. "You're my sister; you don't have to decide alone," he said, extending his hand to help Maya climb. As they prepared to leave, Maya felt a familiar nervousness. "Are you sure you want to travel using a teleportation scroll?" Barto asked. "Yes, I want to get there as soon as possible. I don't have much time," Maya insisted.noveldramaBarto didn't ask any more questions. He unfurled the scroll, and in an instant, they were outside Farell. Maya took a moment to absorb the view of her hometown. It was so familiar, yet it stirred a sense of nostalgia within her. "Maya, are you happy?" Barto asked, noticing her contemplative expression. She nodded, feeling the magic of the teleportation still tingling in her limbs. "I'm good," she assured him, though a wave of nausea washed over her. It was nothing she couldn't handle. Barto continued down the path, leading them toward the guild tavern."I have a few jugs of wine set aside," he said, pulling Maya close as they walked. "Pequefia, you see her here? I believe she never saw you again," he added, glancing at Wallas. "I'm glad to see you, Wallas. Do you know where my priest is?" Maya asked. "If he hasn't come, do you want me to send someone to look for him?" Wallas offered. "No, I'll go. Thanks," she replied. Wallas nodded. "You have to go back and tell me what you find out." As they entered Casa É, Maya took a moment to admire the beautiful rose garden her father had lovingly tended.Despite their wealth, he never wanted to move to a bigger place. This house was perfect-large enough to feel comfortable but small enough to maintain intimacy. Maya approached the door and grabbed the key that hung beside it. "I thought the key would be lost," she mused. "I wanted to hide it, but my father always left it here," Barto said with a warm smile. She opened the door and rushed into the house, seeking her priest. "Maya!" he exclaimed, his eyes lighting up as she burst into the room. "When did you return?" "I came back to see you.How has my father been?" she asked, concern etching her features. "He's been worried. You don't look well; you've lost weight. Has he not been treating you right?" he asked, his voice filled with concern. "I suppose my father has treated me well," she replied, forcing a smile. "Are you truly happy here?" "If I were, I couldn't be happier. You made the right choice," he assured her. Barto entered the room, noticing Maya sitting in her father's old clothes, a gift she cherished even as a child. "You're still wearing those?" he teased. "I'm happy to be back," Maya said, her voice brightening."I thought you would never return." "I was only gone for a few days," she replied. "It felt like an eternity. I had to manage everything alone," Barto said, a hint of frustration in his tone. "You should complain less. You know I'm always here to help," she said, trying to lighten the mood. "I'm just tired, Maya. I don't have time to tend to my garden," he admitted. "You've done an excellent job with it; it's beautiful," Maya complimented, noticing the vibrant blooms. Barto looked at her, a mix of pride and annoyance in his gaze. "It's been a long time since the three of us were together.Let's have a good meal," he suggested, ignoring the unspoken tension. Maya had come to talk to her priest, but she also wanted to share how much she had missed him. She approached him, her heart heavy with unspoken words. "Why did Maya come?" Barto's priest asked, sensing the weight of her presence. "I believe I needed to see you," she murmured. Barto's gaze shifted as he sensed the seriousness of the moment. "How did things go while I was away?" he asked. "I received information about the kingdom of Laios.The borders are closed, and there are reports of monsters devouring humans," she explained, her voice steady. "Laios has been invaded. This is a significant problem; we share borders with them. The monsters could invade us," Barto said, his brow furrowing with concern. "Yes, that's why there are several people keeping watch. I waited for you to return to face this threat," the priest added. "You should go and help your sister. She has good cooking," Barto said, trying to lighten the mood. "Don't worry, Father. I don't think I'll bother her.I enjoy having her at home," Maya replied, a soft smile gracing her lips. Maya was in the kitchen when Barto appeared. "What are you planning, Maya?" he asked, eyeing her preparations. "I'm making tenderloin, Daddy's favorite," she said, her voice filled with determination. Despite her cooking skills being less than stellar, she remembered her father's compliments. "This is how I tortured them with my food countless times," she joked. Barto handed her the knife. "It shouldn't be too hard for you. You should rest," he said, concern lacing his tone. "I'm fine.I want to prepare his favorite meal. I won't be defeated by this," she declared, her spirit unyielding. "Then let's cook. It's been a long time since I've done this," she added, a hint of nostalgia in her voice. Barto knew he would get bored watching her, but perhaps this was the time to enjoy family, laughter, and the warmth of home. As the day wore on, Maya found herself in her priest's office, where she often spent her time reading. "Papa, may I come in?" she asked softly. "Of course," he replied, gesturing for her to sit beside him."There's something I want to tell you," she began, her heart racing as she prepared to share her thoughts.