The Most Satisfied Reincarnate

After a few moments of anticipation, Desmond returned, a grand spectacle accompanying him. A large hovering slab of meat floated gracefully beside him. With a mere thought, he effortlessly sliced the meat into numerous succulent portions. In a dazzling display of power, the surrounding energy erupted into flames, birthing a bonfire on the ground.

A small stone fence encircled the blaze, guarding its ethereal glow.

Inside the cavern, bathed in the flickering light of the bonfire, Desmond deftly roasted the meat using his formidable magical abilities. Shelty reclined upon a bed formed entirely of water, a feat that defied the laws of nature. Upon closer inspection, the gentle pressure from the water beneath her caused her body to hover weightlessly, free from discomfort.

The bed itself hovered gracefully in mid-air, supported by a swirling water cyclone that perpetually danced between the ground and the bed, defying gravity's grasp. The natural chill of the water yielded to the warming embrace of the bonfire, transforming the cold liquid into a soothing warmth that caressed Shelty's weary body.

This arrangement surpassed the discomfort of resting upon the unforgiving ground or any hard surface.

The entrance to the cave stood fortified, sealed by a solid rock barrier. Its purpose was to protect the duo from the perils that lurked outside, warding off menacing beasts and any other dangers that may pose a threat. The cave itself was rather modest, devoid of any intricate passageways or deeper chambers. All that remained within its confines was a rugged stone wall and a compacted earthen floor.

Scattered across the rocky ground were remnants of battle, the remains of conquered creatures. The severed wing of a bat lay among the ashes, while the scattered feet of a centipede adorned the rocky wall, testaments to Desmond's prowess in slaying these creatures before embarking on their hunt for sustenance.

Desmond approached Shelty's side, his gaze scanning her weakened form. Activating his healing spell, he directed the luminous white energy that enveloped him, transforming it into a vibrant shade of green. This verdant energy melded with Shelty's body, seamlessly integrating like a sphere sinking into water.

Slowly but surely, the telltale blue marks on her stomach began to fade, and her pale skin regained its healthy hue.

Curiosity tugging at him, Desmond inquired, "What exactly happened to you?" His gaze traversed her body, noting the pronounced cheekbones and the overall signs of malnutrition and vitamin deficiency. Apart from the fading blue marks on her stomach, no visible wounds marred her delicate frame.

Meanwhile, as Desmond tended to her physical well-being, Shelty's consciousness embarked on a strange journey within the depths of her mind. She found herself wandering through an otherworldly forest, populated by beings with elongated ears and ethereal countenances akin to fairies.

These denizens displayed an extraordinary level of respect and deference, treating Shelty as if she were their revered idol or esteemed superior.

Suddenly, a warm sensation enveloped Shelty's body, causing the dream world to gradually shift into a more familiar setting. Scenes materialized before her eyes: serving tea to her young master, engaging in joyous conversations with her fellow senior maids within the comforting walls of Desmond's mansion.

However, these memories crumbled abruptly, replaced by the grim horrors of war. Shelty bore witness to the agonizing demise of her loved ones, her senior maids falling victim to a barrage of arrows, some foaming at the mouth due to poisonous attacks.

The visions shifted once more, depicting a frantic flight spurred by her lady and lord's urgent command to relay a vital message to her young master. Pursued relentlessly by a band

of menacing bandits, Shelty sought refuge, concealing herself amidst the shadows. In a sudden twist of fate, an ogre materialized out of thin air, obliterating the pursuers in a swift and brutal fashion. However, the once-friendly villagers who had welcomed Shelty with open arms underwent a grotesque transformation, morphing into monstrous beings right before her eyes.

Despite her weary state, Shelty pressed on, her feet bleeding and her body pushed beyond its limits. She ran relentlessly, even as her vision blurred and exhaustion threatened to consume her. It was only upon receiving a message from her young master that a glimmer of hope ignited within her, momentarily eclipsing the pain and weariness, bathing her in a comforting warmth.

Her young master was the sole beacon of hope on which she could depend, the person she relied on with unwavering trust. Observing Shelty's expressions from pained grimaces to the silent tears that escaped her eyes, Desmond recognized the toll her arduous journey had taken on her.

He glanced at her tattered clothes and disheveled appearance, a clear indication of the suffering she had endured to reach his side.

"You are safe now," Desmond whispered tenderly as his hand caressed her hair. With each gentle stroke, the lines etched on his face softened, his expression mirroring the same warmth he held when looking at his sister. He gently wiped away her tears, his touch evoking a flicker of happiness that graced her lips.

As time passed, Shelty's physical state gradually returned to its peak. She opened her dark blue eyes, widening as she gazed at the rocky ceiling. The jagged curves and darkness perplexed her, causing her head to tilt in confusion. However, when she felt a soft sensation against her back, her eyes narrowed, and without hesitation, she sprung up.

To her surprise, it was her young master, sleeping with his face nestled against a seemingly hard wooden pillow. The fire on the bonfire had dwindled, casting a dim glow that offered a glimpse of the encompassing darkness. "Young master..." she softly muttered, a weak smile gracing her face. Her body had been healed, and her attire had been replaced.

With only one person present, it was evident that her young master had been the one to attend to her needs, a realization that brought a blush to her cheeks. Unable to resist, she instinctively covered her chest with both hands, stealing shy glances at her young master through her fingers.

He remained in slumber, his body unmoving as he leaned against the partially constructed chair that resembled a deckchair.

This was the first time Shelty had witnessed her young master in peaceful repose. The more she gazed upon his face, the more captivated she became. Unable to resist the impulse, she gently caressed his hair, whispering his name softly, "Young master, young master..."

Unexpectedly, tears began to stream down her face, and she found herself sobbing uncontrollably. She embraced his body tightly, perching herself on his lap, her legs locking around his back as she rested her head upon his shoulder. The pain she had endured and the sorrowful memories that resurfaced swirled in her mind.

Seeking solace, she clung to him like a panda, her tears dampening his form as she eventually succumbed to exhaustion, falling into a deep slumber that carried her through the night.

In the dead of night, as the eerie chorus of beasts filled the air, Shelty's cries acted as a siren call, drawing numerous weaker creatures to the mouth of the cave. The beasts rammed their bodies against the sealed entrance, creating a cacophony of noise that dislodged a few specks of dust from the ceiling.

However, these disturbances did not disturb the inhabitants of the cave, as they slumbered peacefully, their snores echoing through the stillness—a testament to their undisturbed rest. One individual was drained from a night of tears, while the other had exhausted himself battling a group of Flying Lizards while simultaneously maintaining a continuous spell.