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The high priestess did not dodge the question and nodded. She said, “His childhood was a hard one too.”

She then turned to look at the cheetah man and asked, “I forgot to ask your name.”

The beast-man replied, “I am called Jabbar.”

Solaria nodded and gazed at the young girl beside him, and Jabbar caught her hint as he said, “This is Valerie. She was born to my sister. Unfortunately, she passed away during childbirth. We are a nomadic clan. The clan has cared for her for the past four years since birth. However, people think the child should be under those who specialize in care.”

Valerian had finished clearing the mural and had come to stand behind the high priestess. He asked the lady if these people could understand the language of beasts. Solaria nodded, and Valerian heard a few growling noises from his throat.

Jabbar was surprised. He nodded and nodded. He did not expect this young man to know his innate tongue. Valerian had just greeted him. The young man said, ‘Why do the people think she should live here than with her clan? You can reply in human language. Her grace will be able to understand it.’

Valerian was mindful of making signs with his hands to ensure the lady understood what he was saying. Jabbar nodded and said, “Well, truth be told, it was my decision. I am the clan head. I have been looking after the child for four years. She is naive and innocent. However, my tenure as a leader is about to end.

I have not been a very pleasing clan leader for the people. So, they might turn against me if I lack strength. I wish that she lives away from harm. You do not have to worry. She is a very sensible child and will not make trouble.”

.....

Solaria looked at the face of the young child, and her heart surged. She wanted to beckon the child to her side, but someone was faster than her. Valerian walked across the aisle and stood in front of Valerie. He opened his magic pouch and took out his collar chain.

The high priestess could tell what he was about to do. Valerian placed the chain on his habit and said, “I will do my penance later, Your Grace. I just needed to tell this little one she can speak using this.”

Jabbar was surprised. He belonged to a nomadic clan, and although he was the clan’s leader, he wore shabby clothes. How can he not know the value of a magical artifact? Nevertheless, he wanted to say something when Solaria raised her hand and told him not to interfere.

Valerian asked the little girl in the most gentle tone that he could muster, “Do you want to talk, Valerie?”

The child had silver eyes, matching Valerian, and nodded meekly. She was shy at first, but looking at someone who looked so similar to her appearance, she was curious. Valerian smiled at her and took the collar chain. Then he carefully tagged it to the collar of her dress.

Valerian asked in beast lingo, ‘If I am not wrong, the distincts all have the talent of using mana from birth, right?’

Jabbar nodded, and then Valerian asked him to tell Valerie to channel her mana inside the chain. The girl thought for a bit and then closed her eyes as she directed her mana through the collar chain. Valerian was close enough to notice some vibration from the artifact and told Jabbar to ask the girl to say something.

Jabbar nodded, and looking at the young child, he said, “Valerie, try to speak.”

“Why are you asking me to speak when you know my throat is bad?” the voice was sweet and gentle. They might have missed it if they were in a crowded place like the bazaar.

Valerian and Solaria smiled when they saw the young lady covering her mouth in shock. Jabbar had his eyes widened at this moment. He did not expect this actually to work. However, a sense of relief and joy accompanied the shock. He patted Valerie’s head and said, “When someone helps you, you ought to thank them.”

Valerie woke up from her daze and opened her mouth to say thank you, but no words came out. Valerian smiled and said, ‘You must direct your mana through the chains. No need to open your mouth. However, if you do not want to scare the people, you can move your lips slightly.’

Valerie understood and bowed as she said, “Thank you, sir.”

Valerian smiled and patted her head gently before he looked at Solaria and used his signs to convey his intention, ‘I will go to the eatery. It is time to serve the people. May Vita be praised.’

Solaria nodded and said, “Your penance is not necessary. Your action relieved someone of their pain and trouble. You did well. You may go and work. May Vita be praised.”

Valerian nodded and left the altar room. However, Valerie’s gaze was locked on his back. Solaria noticed this and asked, “Why do you keep looking at him?”

Valeria bowed and said, “He looks so much like me?”

Solaria smiled and said, “Then you can call him brother from now on.”

Surprised, the little girl asked, “Will he not mind?”

Solaria shook her head and assured her that he would not mind.

...

Valerian came to the eatery and got busy serving the people. After half an hour, when he was almost done, Valeria came inside accompanied by Solaria. The followers looked at her and became curious about her origins. The high priestess said, “This little one will be living with us from now on. You all need to look after her. Okay?”

The people nodded, and Valerie was given a plate of food. She did not make any fuss and ate the vegetarian porridge and bun served to her.

Valerian did not pay particular attention to the girl, but he could feel a gaze lingering at his back. He smiled faintly while he dealt with the rest of his chores. He thought that the child was just curious about him.

The day passed quickly, and Valerie had somewhat adapted to her new life. It was dinner time when Solaria looked at all the followers in the altar room to offer their prayers and said, “Junior Acolyte Valerian, you will be responsible for grooming Little Valerie. She needs to learn how to earn her keep. This may sound cruel, but only when good values are instilled at a young age will she grow into a good adult.”

Valerian was surprised, and so were the other people. They did not expect or understand why Solaria placed the child under the care of this young man. Valerian wanted to say something, but he fell short as a mature lady asked, “Your Grace, Valerian is a hardworking person, but he is young. Will it be appropriate for him to look after a child?”

Solaria nodded and said, “Trust me.”

Then she looked at Valerian and said, “Go and tuck in the young one.”

Valerian was helpless and nodded before he walked away, filled with self-doubt. Then, finally, a middle-aged man asked, “Your Grace, may I ask what is the reason backing this decision?”

Solaria smiled and said, “To bring out the best in a person, they must be put through tough times. Similarly, to bring out the mercy buried deep in a person’s heart, they must have a subject deserving of their mercy. Do not tell me that you have noticed nothing about him?”

The people nodded, and some revealed bitter smiles. One could not help but say, “He does everything himself. Never asks for help. Never speaks until spoken to. Instead, he silently does his duties and smiles when people greet him. He does not trust any of us completely.”

Solaria nodded and said, “I hope this child can soften the stone buried inside his chest. I hope she can take out the mercy inside him. Amen.”

The people nodded and folded their hands before saying, “Amen.”

...

Valerian found Valerie sitting outside the altar hall and asked, ‘Would you like to come along and sleep? It is getting late now.’

The girl stood up from the ground and nodded meekly. She was timid with Valerian. The young man smiled and asked her to follow him. Valerie walked behind him with her head bowed as she smiled faintly. Her footsteps were light, and she held her hands before her.

Soon they approached Valerian’s room, and the young man said, ‘I forgot to ask, Her Grace, about your room. So, tonight my bed is yours. Okay?’

Valerie nodded and followed him inside. She lay down on the bed, gazing at the coarse ceiling. Valerian asked, ‘Cannot sleep?’

Valeria replied, “Hmmm. Can you tell me a story? Leader always did.”

Valerian was surprised by this sudden question and looking at her face he could not get himself to say no. So, gulping a mouthful, he said, ‘Okay.’