Night had fallen, blanketing the four-bedroom mansion in a calm and comforting silence. Outside, the wind whispered softly through the trees, brushing against the windows like a quiet lullaby. Inside, the gentle crackle of the fireplace filled the room with life, its orange glow painting the walls in flickering warmth. The air carried the rich aroma of a beef stew simmering slowly on the stove, mingled with the scent of herbs and freshly baked bread.
Shawn sat across from Lina in the spacious dining area, his posture slightly hesitant at first but gradually easing as the warmth of the fire seeped into his bones. He lifted the spoon to his lips, tasting the stew, and for a long moment he simply savored it. Each bite was rich, full of flavor, and strangely comforting—a reminder that for the first time in what felt like ages, he was safe.
"This is… really good," Shawn said softly, almost as if afraid to break the peaceful quiet. His voice carried a hint of disbelief, as though he couldn't quite accept that this simple meal was real. "I haven't had food like this in… I don't know how long."
Lina smiled faintly, resting her chin in her hand as she watched him eat. The expression in her eyes was tender, a mix of quiet pride and something deeper—perhaps relief that he could finally rest. "You should eat well," she said gently. "Tomorrow is going to be a busy day. And after this, you need to rest. I've prepared a room for you on the ground floor, near the kitchen. No stairs, no hassle."
Shawn nodded, though the exhaustion that clung to him made even that small motion feel heavy. "Thanks… Lina," he murmured, his words barely above a whisper.
"I'll take care of everything," she promised softly. "Tomorrow, I'll go to the main town and try to help you, I swear it."
The rest of the evening passed in peaceful quiet. Shawn's mind, once restless and burdened by fear, began to settle as he felt the gentle rhythm of safety surrounding him. When he finally lay down on the bed she had prepared, the soft sheets seemed to wrap around him like a shield from the world outside. The faint crackling of the fire in the next room lulled him further, and soon his breathing slowed. For the first time since he had awakened in this strange world, he let himself fall into a deep, dreamless sleep, untouched by fear or uncertainty.
Morning arrived slowly, sunlight spilling through the curtains in golden streaks that danced across the floor. Shawn stirred, his mind hazy but calm. The heaviness of exhaustion had not fully faded, but there was a lightness in his chest that had not been there before—a quiet sense of hope.
When he made his way to the kitchen, the scent of freshly baked bread and warm tea greeted him. Lina was already there, her movements quiet and efficient as she arranged breakfast on the table: soft eggs, buttered bread, and steaming tea that filled the room with a soothing fragrance.
"Good morning," she greeted with a small smile.
"Good morning," Shawn replied, still a little shy but more at ease than before. He took a seat and ate slowly, savoring the food in silence.
After breakfast, Lina mentioned that it would be good for him to clean up before they went into town. When she offered to help him shower, Shawn's cheeks turned slightly red. "I… I can do it myself," he said, his voice uncertain.
Lina's tone was gentle, reassuring. "You've been through a lot. It'll help you relax. Don't worry, I'll only assist where necessary."
Reluctantly, Shawn agreed. At first, he felt awkward, vulnerable, but the warmth of the water cascading over him eased his tension. The careful way Lina helped—never rushed, never intrusive—made him feel safe rather than embarrassed. The warmth of the water, the scent of clean soap, and the rhythm of the moment washed away some of the fear he had carried since waking up on that desolate shore.
When they were done, Lina handed him a fresh set of clothes, soft and neatly folded. "These should fit," she said. He ran his fingers over the fabric, feeling the clean texture beneath his hands.
Their home stood only a few kilometers from Raze Town, about four by Lina's estimate. Still, she had arranged a carriage pulled by beasts to make the trip easier. The sound of the creatures' hooves echoed softly as they moved, their energy steady and powerful. Shawn, though unable to see them, could sense their strength through the vibrations in the ground and the soft huff of their breath.
The ride took around twenty minutes, and soon, the distant hum of Raze Town grew louder. The air seemed to change—brighter, more alive. Even without sight, Shawn could feel it: the thrum of life, the constant movement of people, the chatter that filled the streets.
Merchants called out to passersby, their voices rising in waves. Children's laughter rang out somewhere nearby, light and carefree. The scent of freshly baked goods mingled with the aroma of herbs, roasted meat, and spices that drifted through the air. Shawn tilted his head slightly, trying to absorb it all, feeling the rhythm of the town's heartbeat.
"Ah, Lina!" a cheerful voice called out from the crowd. "Good to see you again!"
Several people approached, their footsteps quick and familiar. Shawn could sense the warmth and respect in their presence, the subtle way their voices softened when they spoke to her. Lina's reputation clearly carried weight here; she wasn't just known—she was trusted.
She guided him gently through the crowd until they reached a large two-story building. "We have arrived at my hospital," she said quietly.
Even without seeing, Shawn could feel the energy within the building—vivid, strong, and full of motion. People moved with purpose, voices overlapped in quiet conversation, and the faint hum of healing energy filled the air. Lina greeted her staff as they passed, her voice a balance of kindness and authority.
Eventually, she led Shawn into her office, where the atmosphere was quieter and calm. He found the chair with her help and sat down, running his hands over the smooth wood. The faint scent of parchment and herbs lingered in the air.
"Tell me about yourself," Lina said, her tone gentle yet direct.
Shawn hesitated, searching for the right words. "I… I can't remember much," he began, his voice uncertain. "I just woke up… floating on the sea. I realized I was blind, and… everything else is gone. Then the pirates rescued me, and we sailed for a while before reaching the forest. The rest… you already know."
His words trembled slightly, not from fear, but from the weight of everything left unsaid.
Lina nodded slowly. Her expression was calm but filled with understanding. "You've been through a lot, haven't you?" she said quietly.
Shawn swallowed hard, choosing his silence carefully. There were things she could not know—about the reincarnation, the strange body he now lived in, the legacy of the Starborn heir that still lingered within him. For now, it was safer this way.
He didn't know this world, not truly. He didn't know its rules, its people, or the dangers that lurked behind every kindness. What he did know was that the peace he felt here was fragile, a small flicker of safety in a vast, uncertain world. And deep inside, he understood one thing clearly—if the enemies from his past ever discovered that he still lived, they would not hesitate to strike again.
For now, silence was survival.