BRAND NEW WORLD

"So, when are we going back home?" Rima teased, her tone laced with mischief, a sly smile tugging at her lips.

"I don't know either. It's just… I feel like I have to return," I answered quietly.

"Oh? Did you receive a vision or some divine insight?" she taunted again.

There's no way I could tell her—that this came from memories not my own. More precisely… something clinging to me, etched within my soul.

"Something like that…" I replied with a bitter smile.

Rima sighed, her gaze locking more intently onto mine. "But you're not in a rush, are you?"

"No. Why? What's wrong?"

"As you know, ever since I became an S-ranked adventurer, I've been constantly invited here and there to give counsel. This time, the summons concerns my discussions with the royal court of Nuzantra."

My ears perked up. "You mean about the Forbidden Lands?"

"Exactly." Her lips curled into a cunning smile. "That's why it's better if we go straight to the one who requested it. And besides, it isn't a stranger—it's someone you know as well."

I frowned. "Someone I know? Who?"

Rima only chuckled. "Oh, you'll find out soon enough." Her smile grew even more irritating.

Ugh… you're insufferable, Rim.

"Oh, and," she added lightly, "since this will be a long journey, don't forget to let your children know."

Right… I mustn't forget that.

Two Days Later

The warmth of the sun brushed against my skin as I walked the bustling streets of Nuzantra. The creak of wagon wheels, the shouts of merchants bargaining, and the steady rhythm of countless footsteps blended into the city's midday orchestra. After a night of reflection, I had finally resolved to tell them.

This morning, I had sent word for us to gather at the family's favorite restaurant for lunch. Now, my steps carried me there.

The building loomed large—two stories, elegant and refined. As soon as I stepped inside, the aroma of rich dishes enveloped me. Well-dressed waiteresses hurried about, yet the air was subdued—few patrons sat within. Of course. A place like this is only frequented by the upper circle, I mused.

Rania had said they'd reserved a spot on the second floor. I climbed the stairs and spotted Radhimar waving from the corner. They were all waiting for me.

"Oh, am I late?" I asked with a smile.

"No, Mother. We just arrived as well," Rania replied.

But their faces… far too serious.

"So, what is it you wanted to talk about, Mother?" Radhimar asked stiffly. Bartasz and Rania both wore equally tense expressions.

"Why do you all look so serious?" I arched a brow.

They exchanged glances, and then Rania spoke. "Because whenever you call us together like this… It's always for something big."

Bartasz nodded quickly. "Yeah. Mom never does this unless it's important."

I stifled a laugh. Am I really like that?

Drawing a breath, I asked at last, "Have you ever been to the elf village?"

Their eyes widened instantly. Silence. Then, they stared at one another, as if holding a conversation without words.

"Don't tell me…" Rania's voice trailed off, unfinished.

"Yes," I said firmly. "I've decided to return to the elf village."

"WHAT?!" they shouted in unison, bolting upright so quickly their chairs screeched across the floor. Their faces went pale, eyes wide in shock, as though they had just seen a ghost.

Other patrons turned, whispering. Embarrassed, Rania quickly glanced around, and the onlookers averted their eyes. Awkwardly, my children sat back down.

"Mother… what's going on? Is something serious happening?" Rania's voice trembled.

"Rania's right. Are you truly all right, Mother?" Radhimar leaned forward, his tone filled with worry.

"Yeah, Mom. Why the sudden decision?" Bartasz asked, his fingers drumming nervously against the table.

I exhaled softly, trying to ease their fears. "There's nothing wrong. It's just… It's been far too long since I've been there." (Of course, I could never tell them this is because of fragmented memories that aren't truly mine.)

Again, their eyes met, silent as if bound by telepathy. Are they really speaking mind-to-mind? I wondered.

"When will you go?" Radhimar finally asked.

"I don't know yet. I'll be going with Rima, but I must wait for her to finish her matters first. She said once we go, it won't be a short trip. It will take quite some time."

"I see…" Rania gave a strained smile. "I thought it was something more dire."

"Yes, I thought something had happened to you," Radhimar added.

"Glad to know Mom's okay," Bartasz chimed in, smiling faintly—though the smile was lined with unease.

We finished our meal, disguising the tension with lighter conversation. Once it ended, they each returned to their work, while I headed toward the guild.

But as I left…

"This is serious! We'll talk about it later," Rania's voice rang in telepathy.

"Yeah, this is definitely serious!" Radhimar and Bartasz agreed at once.

Back to Luna

The guild was quiet that afternoon. Only the staff at the reception desk bustled about.

"Good afternoon, Miss Luna," Wynda greeted warmly.

"Good afternoon, Wynda."

"You don't usually come by at this hour. Did something happen?" she leaned forward, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.

"Nothing happened. I just had lunch with my children, so I thought I'd stop by."

"Oh, I see. Will you be taking a quest today?" she asked with a faint smile.

I walked over to the request board. The papers were packed tightly, some already taken. Almost all were merchant escort requests.

"Why are most of the quests escorts to other cities or kingdoms?" I asked, glancing back.

"Because autumn is here," Wynda explained. "The villages on the outskirts need supplies to endure the winter. So merchants are busy, and escorts are in demand."

I nodded slowly. "I see. But not today, thank you."

After bidding her farewell, I left the guild. With a light incantation, my body rose into the sky, floating as I flew back toward Lake Dewata.

Below, the forest had turned to shades of amber and gold. Leaves swirled in the breeze, the once-green grass now blanketed in orange.

I came to this world in spring… and now it's already autumn. That means half a year has passed. Only half a year… yet it feels like a lifetime.

At home, I spent the afternoon reading. That night, I dined with Lusserina—just the two of us, since Rima was away.

"Hmm… while waiting for Rima, what should I do?" I murmured, gazing over the calm waters of Lake Dewata from the back terrace.

"Is something troubling you, my Lady?" Lusserina asked softly.

"Ah, no. I'm just wondering what I should do in the meantime," I replied, resting my chin on my hand.

"In that case… why not pay a visit to Master Rama?" she suggested.

I blinked. "Rama? Why him?"

"Didn't you plan to build a larger house? Master Rama is a merchant. He likely has the resources or connections that could help."

The thought lit a spark within me. My eyes widened, and a smile spread across my face.

"That's a great idea!"

The Next Day

At the ninth toll of the bell, a white magic circle bloomed beneath me. Light wrapped around my body, and in a blink, I vanished.

Elsewhere, another circle flared, and I emerged, stepping through the city gate into the bustling marketplace.

Before me rose the towering headquarters of the Lemurian Trading Company. People streamed in and out, wagons lined the streets, and merchants haggled as deals were struck.

I was staring at the building when a cheerful voice called out to me.

"Great-grandmother!"

Turning, I found Rasha running up to me.

"Hello, Rasha. How are you?" I greeted.

"I'm fine. What about you, Great-grandmother? Are you here to see Father?"

Ugh… I'll never get used to being called that, I thought wryly.

"Yes. I need to speak with Rama. Is he in?"

"He is, Grandma. Come on, I'll take you."

Rasha guided me through the halls, and after a few minutes, we arrived at a room.

Knock, knock, knock! "Father, I brought a guest," Rasha called.

"Who is it?" Rama's voice answered from inside.

"Great-grandmother."

A sudden commotion stirred behind the door. Rasha slid it open, revealing Rama and Raisya inside. Both froze, their faces pale and panicked—like children caught red-handed.

"G-Grandmother! W-what a surprise visit…" Rama stammered.

"Ah… how are you, Grandmother?" Raisya forced a strained smile, clearly hiding something.

I narrowed my eyes. "Did I just interrupt a secret conversation?"

"N-no, of course not! Right, Raisya?" Rama's words stumbled, sweat beading at his temple.

I leaned toward Rasha, whispering, "Is he always this easy to read?"

Rasha could only sigh and shake his head.

"Well, if I'm intruding, I'll come back another time," I said dryly.

"N-no! Please, have a seat, Grandmother." Rama scrambled, forcing a laugh. "I'll get some drinks," he added hastily before bolting from the room, leaving me alone with Raisya.

The silence thickened. Raisya kept her gaze lowered, fingers twisting in her lap.

"So…" I prompted, my tone teasing.

It seems there's no hiding it from her, Raisya thought grimly.

She drew a long breath and finally looked at me with grave eyes.

"A month after you defeated the bandit leader and his gang in Movento, the kingdom held a public execution. The square was packed—peasants, nobles, everyone came to witness it. Everything was going smoothly until…" Her voice faltered.

"Until…?" I urged.

"Until the bandit leader's beheading," she whispered.

Lightning seemed to crash into my chest. My breath seized, my body drained of strength. My chair scraped sharply as I nearly collapsed backward—Rama, having returned, rushed to catch me.

"Grandmother!" he cried.

For a long moment, the room was silent.

I-I… killed another player like me! Was he truly beyond redemption? Could he not have been given a second chance?

The face of the demon man flashed in my mind, and my chest clenched painfully, as though pierced by a blade.

"Are you all right, Grandmother?" Raisya asked, her voice trembling with worry.

I forced a deep breath, steadying myself.

"I… I'm fine. Please, continue."

"…Very well." Raisya nodded faintly.

"When the executioner's guillotine fell on the bandit leader, his head would not sever. No matter how many times they tried, it remained attached. The square erupted into chaos—executioners flustered, nobles panicking, the crowd screaming. To avoid further disgrace, the kingdom postponed the bandit leader's execution and instead carried out the deaths of his underlings."

I froze. Slowly, light crept back into my eyes—a fragile flame of hope.

The Punishment Collar… the one I placed on him. It only reduces stats to ten percent. It doesn't affect passive skills, nor does it lower HP or MP. That means… he might still be alive.

Relief washed through me, as though a boulder had been lifted from my chest. Yet beneath that relief… a lingering shadow of guilt remained.

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