Liel vividly remembered the moment when her world changed before her eyes.
She had been transported into the game Lost Memory 2.
The game was set in a dark fantasy world, known for its brutal and tragic storyline.
And in this world, she was assigned the role of a saint.
The saint played an important role, both to the players and the NPCs within the game.
She was born in the grand cathedral of the Holy Kingdom and was meant to deliver the will of the absolute god, leading the people around her.
However, there was one problem—Liel knew the game’s story all too well.
“This story… it’s the worst.”
Liel was growing weary of her role.
This world, being a dark fantasy, was filled with dark and tragic tales.
Betrayal, schemes, death, and despair were endless in this world, and as the saint, the things she had to do were overwhelming.
She had to persuade people in the name of the god, sacrifice herself, and endure constant pain.
“Why did I end up in this world…”
Liel resented her fate.
She knew all too well about the constant power struggles among the nobility of the Holy Kingdom, the brutal executions carried out by the inquisitors, and the corruption within the Holy Kingdom itself.
As the saint, she was supposed to fix all of that.
That was the original story of the game.
But Liel didn’t want to be tied to that role.
No one here was foolish enough to willingly walk into a thorny path filled with nothing but suffering and despair.
Then one day, Liel heard a rumor that was circulating within the Holy Kingdom.
“Saint, have you heard? There’s a ‘witch’ said to have appeared in a nearby village.”
“A witch…? Another innocent person… Ah, no. What exactly is that about?”
Liel was familiar with the way inquisitors hunted those they labeled as witches.
It was always brutal, and even if she tried to stop it, it would repeat endlessly.
But this time, the story seemed different.
“They say this witch… is very special.”
“Special?”
“They say she’s less of a witch and more of a being with mysterious powers. I’ve heard that she’s just a regular orphanage head, but people say that as you get closer to her, you feel more at peace.”
For a moment, Liel stopped in her tracks.
An orphanage head… but someone who brings peace to people’s hearts…?
That rumor was something completely new, not at all part of the game’s storyline.
A sudden spark of curiosity rose in Liel’s mind.
An unfamiliar figure who didn’t exist in the game’s world.
Who is she?
From that day on, Liel began to gather more information about the rumor.
There was a lot of debate inside the Holy Kingdom about the witch’s existence.
Some considered her a heretic, a dangerous being, while others simply saw her as a kind, innocent girl.
This was unusual.
Up until now, anyone who had been labeled a heretic in the Holy Kingdom was always seen as one, without exception.
But now, things were different.
The stubborn people of the Holy Kingdom were starting to change their tune.
This was the first time something so alien had appeared.
Interesting person…
Liel couldn’t suppress her rising curiosity.
Putting aside her role as the saint, she made a decision of her own.
It was the first ‘free’ decision she had made since being transported into this world.
“Alright. I need to see for myself what kind of person this orphanage head really is.”
Liel made up her mind to leave the Holy Kingdom.
She left a small note next to the Pope’s pillow.
“Grandfather, I’m going to Maru Village. Please don’t look for me.”
It was, in effect, a declaration of running away.
Afterwards, Liel embarked on a long journey, crossing mountains and rivers, until she finally arrived at the orphanage in Maru Village.
The beautiful, elegant clothes she had once worn were now tattered from the arduous journey.
Standing at the door, she knocked without hesitation and proudly introduced herself.
“Um, I’m an orphan. Can I stay here?”
The words she tossed out with a bright smile carried a small glimmer of hope.
“Yes, that’s right. But… who are you?”
It was none other than a little kid who opened the orphanage door.
Liel scanned her from head to toe.
A small build, fair skin, large eyes, and slightly messy hair.
Just by her appearance, she looked like a cute little kid.
‘Wait, can the orphanage head be this small?’
Liel couldn’t help but chuckle to herself.
She muttered quietly as she looked down at Eve.
“You’re cute…”
Eve froze for a moment after hearing that.
“Huh? What did you just say?”
Without showing any signs of embarrassment, Liel smiled brightly and answered.
“Oh, nothing! Me? I’m an orphan! So, can I stay here?”
The orphanage head widened her eyes in surprise.
“What? You’re suddenly asking if you can stay here…”
Liel cut her off with a big smile.
“Well, it’s obvious, right? This is an orphanage, and I’m an orphan, so it’s a perfect match, don’t you think?”
For a moment, the head seemed speechless from her bold attitude.
Now that she was full, Liel wasn’t hungry anymore.
It felt like she was going to survive after finally having a proper meal.
On top of that, this place was much warmer and cozier than the orphanage she had imagined.
I love it here!
“Liel, how about we talk a little?”
Eve led Liel into the sitting room with a warm smile.
As she followed behind, Liel began thinking about how to respond to the question.
‘I can’t say I’m from the Holy Nation. That would definitely cause some strange misunderstandings.’
I’m sure I heard that the inquisitors attacked the village last time.
So there was no need to reveal I’m from the Holy Nation and raise unnecessary suspicions.
Liel quickly pieced together her story in her head and sat down on the sofa, pretending nothing was wrong.
Across from her, Eve was sitting, and Harp quietly took her seat beside her.
“Well then, Liel. Can you tell me where you’re from and what situation you’re in?”
Eve asked in a calm and kind voice.
Liel smiled and gave the prepared answer she had planned.
“I’m from a very distant village. Not Gangnam… but from Namgang Village. It’s a really small village, so there aren’t many people. That’s why I thought this place would be better, so I came here!”
Eve nodded and showed interest in her words.
“You came from quite far. Then, you said you don’t have family… you came all the way here by yourself?”
Liel briefly lowered her head before smiling brightly again.
“Yes! I came alone. Actually, I was all alone there too. But this place looks warmer and better, so I thought I’d come here!”
Her story was perfect.
There was nothing that could raise suspicion, and emotionally, it was easy to empathize with.
But…
“I’ve never heard of such a village.”
Harp said in a soft voice.
Liel froze for a moment.
Harp’s calm yet sharp gaze felt like it was piercing right through her.
“Uh, um… it’s natural that you don’t know it. It’s really, really small!”
Liel quickly smiled and responded, but Harp still looked at her with a suspicious expression.
“But Liel, the journey from that village to here couldn’t have been easy. How did you find your way here?”
Liel hesitated for a moment, then once again pulled out the prepared answer.
“Well… I met a kind person on the road who told me about this place! That’s how I was able to come here!”
Harp was silent for a while, then tilted her head slightly and said.
“I see. There must have been a kind person around here. That’s a relief.”
Her tone seemed to carry the intent of not believing her words.
Liel let out a deep sigh inwardly and met Harp’s gaze.
‘This kid… not so easy, huh?’
Trying not to avoid Harp’s stare, Liel forced a smile.
Even Liel thought it was a very natural, childlike smile.
“Yes! They were really kind. Thanks to them, I was able to come here!”
Harp nodded, but her eyes were still filled with suspicion.
Eve, perhaps not noticing Harp’s expression, once again spoke to Liel with a warm face.
“Liel, it must have been really difficult to get here by yourself, but that’s impressive.”
“Yeah, that’s right…! It was really tough.”
“Our orphanage doesn’t take in new children anymore… but for one, it should be fine.”
“Does that mean…?!”
“You can stay here.”
“Ah! Thank you, Teacher! I’ll make sure I don’t cause trouble and will do my best!”
The moment Liel’s stay at the orphanage was confirmed, Harp let out a small sigh and turned her head.
Her gaze still seemed to be wary of Liel.
‘It’s not going to be easy to clear that kid’s doubts.’
Liel started mentally organizing how she should act moving forward, preparing herself for life at the orphanage.
“Nice to meet you, Liel.”
“Nice to meet you too, Teacher.”
Ah.
I really want to grab Teacher Eve’s cheek once.