Volume 1 Chapter 3
by Need_More_SleepChapter 3: Poor Child
Eve was certain that the pill in her hand was poison, the kind that would kill a person within 3 seconds after ingestion.
It was generally used for hunting large magical beasts, even magical beasts as tall as a person wouldn’t last more than a few minutes after consuming just one such pill.
This was a brand new box of pills, not even opened yet.
However, looking at the pill’s packaging, it seemed to have been in her pocket for a long time, appearing somewhat wrinkled, like traces formed from being soaked in sweat…
In other words, this box of poison had been hidden in her pocket, and might have even been secretly held in her palm for some time.
Looking at the clothes this girl was wearing, it was a rather uncommon velvet dress.
Eve was well aware of this girl’s difficult circumstances, while this dress wasn’t expensive, it would have been enough to drain all her savings.
Because she had no source of income, and was also quite young.
From what Eve knew, this girl survived on academy scholarships, work-study programs, and occasional assistance from Eve.
Buying a decent dress like this would probably mean she couldn’t eat a proper meal for a month.
Eve found it strange, as this girl wasn’t a vain child. She was usually well-behaved and sensible, frugal and economical.
She would try to split even a copper coin in two before spending it, and she was also very ambitious, knowing that although she lived in poverty now, as long as she studied hard, there would be a day when she could climb to the top.
Eve also admired her character, which was why she would actively assist and take care of her.
Could it be that in the two years they hadn’t seen each other, this girl had gone astray?
“In any case, this dangerous poison should be properly put away. It would be terrible if someone accidentally consumed it.”
As Eve carefully wiped away the dirt on Leah’s body, she noticed that her arms and some places that weren’t usually visible had many obvious bruises.
The injuries, both old and new, with almost-healed scars and the newest marks, appeared to span quite a time range, at least several months.
She must have been bullied…
Before Eve was reported as a witch by that ungrateful child, because of Eve’s protection as a church Cardinal Deacon, people around Leah didn’t dare to bully the poor little thing too brazenly.
It wasn’t out of conscience, those spoiled children at the Church Academy bullying the weak was commonplace. They didn’t dare to harm the unsupported Leah only because they feared Eve behind her, that respected church Cardinal Deacon.
But now things were different, Eve had been condemned as a witch and executed by hanging.
And Leah, having lost her support, naturally became the target of storm-like revenge from those who had previously looked down on her.
Leah’s own personality was also very timid, if it wasn’t for Eve’s persuasion, convincing her not to waste her talent, she might have planned to live off begging for her entire life…
No father, no mother, no support, enduring contempt every day, struggling on the poverty line for life, and perhaps the best outcome might just be someone taking a liking to her face, taking her in with the promise of food only to turn her into a slave…
But now, how much better could Leah’s situation be?
If Eve could protect this young girl for life, that would be fine, but Eve had been condemned as a witch and executed by hanging. Leah, who had once received Eve’s help, how much contempt must she now endure?
Thinking of this, Eve couldn’t help but sigh, feeling regret for this little girl’s pitiful experience.
At this moment, Leah’s frail body was curled up on the dilapidated wooden bed, her body involuntarily trembling slightly, her expression also appearing very painful.
Eve couldn’t bear to see her like this, and gently stroked her wrist that seemed to be nothing but skin and bones.
That slightly bony feeling made Eve feel terrified, it was hard to imagine how thin this girl was. At just over 10 years old, her weight probably wasn’t even 25 kilograms.
Long-term malnutrition and mental stress, along with the marks of beating and abuse on her body, must have tortured her to the point where living was worse than death.
“Poor child.”
Eve’s warm palm gently caressed Leah’s delicate little face. Whether it was because she sensed Eve’s presence or not, Leah, who had been involuntarily trembling, actually became calm.
Her mouth was also making weak murmurs…
Eve leaned close to her mouth, and with great effort finally heard what she was saying.
The poor little girl was repeatedly calling “mama” and another unclear name.
Eve really couldn’t understand what Leah was mumbling, but just as she was about to give up, she clearly heard this girl call her name…
And understood the true purpose of why this child had dug up her grave.
“Eve… mama, I’m coming to see you soon, coming soon.”
“You’re not a witch, you’re the only person who’s ever been good to me in this life, you’re my dearest mama…”
“I’m so scared… I miss you so much, so much…”