After talking to Luka, Adam was exhausted, so he decided to rest.
When he finally woke, morning had already arrived.
Adam stirred awake to a gentle hand shaking him. Slowly pulling himself from a peaceful dream, he lifted his head and rubbed his eyes. To his left stood a beautiful woman in a simple tunic. She had black hair, black eyes, and a striking face — but that wasn't the most noticeable thing. His gaze drifted lower, landing on two massive peaks.Wow, those are big. But wait… who is this woman?
He felt dazed by her kindness and gentle tone, as if warmth radiated from her presence.
"Hello, dear. I didn't get to meet my new son yesterday because my stubborn husband insisted you needed rest. My name is Celest White, and I'm now your mother. And your name is Adam, right?"
Adam nodded.
She smiled warmly, melting his nerves."I welcome you into the family." She pulled him into a gentle, warm embrace.
"Oh, you're such a cute thing," she said before letting go.
"I got you some new clothes, and noticed you looked dirty, so I've prepared a small bath for you." She pointed to a barrel filled with water in the corner of the tent. "Do you need help?"
Adam shook his head quickly, declining.
"All right. Once you're done, put on your clothes and come out. I'll be waiting," Celest said with another smile before leaving.
Well, she's kind, Adam thought, feeling refreshed as he pushed himself up. His bare feet touched the thick grass.
Time for a barrel bath!
He stripped off his ripped clothes, tossed them aside, and climbed into the barrel.
"Aaa, cold," Adam said, sinking into the water.
He wasted no time—dunking his head and scrubbing quickly. When finished, he climbed out and eyed the clean clothes nearby: a simple black tunic, brown leather pants, and worn but usable boots.
Grabbing the tunic, he paused."Wait, I was never given a towel!" he exclaimed.
Outside, Celest patiently waited. Hearing his shout, she immediately worried.
Did he hurt himself? Is he okay?
"Adam, are you oka—" she called, brushing aside the tent flap.
She found a naked little boy clutching a tunic.
Startled by her voice, Adam spun around in fear.
No, don't tell me she's right behind me.
He slowly turned to see Celest standing at the entrance, their eyes meeting.
Flushing, Adam clutched the tunic tightly to cover himself.
"Adam, are you okay, sweetie?" Celest asked, touched by his embarrassment.
Too flustered to speak, Adam simply nodded.
"All right then, sorry for barging in—you worried me," she said, turning away.
What's her deal? I'm naked, and she barged in because she thought I was hurt? No! She just wanted to see me naked. What a shameless woman.
Outside, Celest smiled despite the murmurs and laughter from onlookers. Rumors spread that the Duke had adopted the woods boy, enraging nobles but inspiring a few with kindness.
Some whispered, "Adopting a random woods boy? How low has the duke fallen?"
Others sneered, "If a woods kid can be the successor, I could do that too."
But Celest blocked it out, focusing on the boy who shouldn't have survived — Adam.
Using his tunic to dry it slightly, Adam dressed and approached the tent exit. The moment he stepped out, Celest wrapped him in a warm hug.
"Sorry, sweetie, I didn't mean to barge in," she said.
Adam thought, I think she means well, and she can't understand me… so it makes sense she thought I was screaming.
He gently patted Celest's unwrapped arm. "It's okay," he said softly.
Celest blinked, her arms loosening just a little. She pulled back enough to see Adam's face, searching his expression. Even though she didn't understand Adams words, looking at his face there was no anger there—just a tired sort of understanding.
"…Breakfast," she said softly, smiling faintly before turning toward the hallway and beckoning him. "Let's go eat."
Adam nodded.
Celest guided Adam through the uneven forest, holding his hand gently as they walked toward a small campfire. The air was cool, leaves rustled softly underfoot, and distant flames crackled. Above, the two pale moons Adam had seen the day before were gone, replaced by the soft golden light of the rising sun filtering through treetops, warming the forest in patches.
As they walked, they passed other small camps scattered between the trees — shelters made from branches, canvas, and tattered cloth. People stirred quietly: tending fires, wrapped in blankets, preparing for the day. No one spoke loudly. The entire area moved with quiet order, as if noise could bring danger.
Eventually, they reached a larger fire. A handful of people sat on cut tree trunks in a loose circle. Their worn clothes and tired eyes showed the weight of survival, but there was calm in their routine. The fire crackled steadily, sending faint smoke that smelled of wood and damp earth. Over the flames hung a soot-darkened cauldron, thick brown stew simmering inside. The scent drifted to Adam — oats and boiled herbs, nothing more. Simple, but nourishing. In a place where most plants were poisonous, even plain stew was a small victory.
Hearing footsteps, some people looked up to see Duchess Celest and the small boy holding her hand.
Adam's worn boots, faded black tunic, and brown leather pants marked him as someone rugged and lived-in.
Some scowled, others looked on with sympathy, assuming he barely survived the woods.
Adam ignored the stares. He was used to being disliked.
Seems some things don't change… but at least I've met two kind people. His gaze met Celest's steady hand holding his.
Adam found a spot on a log and sat, uncomfortable but grateful for the rest.
"Adam, I'm going to get us some food. Just sit here, okay?" Celest said.
Adam nodded.
Left alone, he noticed the strange, lingering looks.
Wow, everyone's staring at me.
He fidgeted but stayed quiet.
Soon, Celest returned with two wooden bowls. She ladled thick stew into each and smiled.
"It doesn't look appetizing," she chuckled, "but it tastes better than it looks. Oats and some herbs from our country."
Before eating, Adam repeated the word quietly: "Овёс… oats."
So Овёс means oats. It's a start — I need to learn their language.
He took a cautious bite. It wasn't as bad as expected, just bland and earthy — like boiled dirt and herbs. Still, warm and filling.
After finishing, he lightly tapped Celest's shoulder.
She turned, smiling. "You're done already? You must have been hungry. I'll wash the bowl—come with me."
Adam nodded.
The walk back was less pleasant; more people were awake, and suspicious glances followed him.
At the tent, Celest stopped and asked, "Adam, would you like to learn some magic?"