Chapter 155: With Ancestor (1)
"Are you able to walk?"
"Yes....."
A skinny man who looked to be on the verge of old age was taking steps. He looked precarious, carefully placing his dirt-covered feet on ankles so thin they seemed ready to snap. The moment he stepped out of the underground prison, the merchant staggered and collapsed again. Soldiers rushed over to help him up.
"I-I'm alright....."
A week had passed since Ann left for the coast. The merchant had finally regained his health and was taking the first step toward a new life. The soldiers applauded, and a knight supported him. His body still beaten to a pulp, the merchant took one difficult step at a time.
The reason for the merchant's disheveled appearance was that he had survived three weeks of starvation by lapping up the rotten sewage water that flowed through the underground prison. If I hadn't treated him with Heal, he would have died from an infectious disease in a few days. It would have been better if I had beaten him to death. Letting him starve was out of the question.
"Ah, th-thank you."
Someone once said that a trial that brings you to the brink of death changes a person. The merchant had overcome the ordeal of near-starvation and transformed into a stronger, gentler person. His smile was full of love, and his speech held not a trace of hatred. He wore a refreshed expression, like a monk who had completed his penance.
"There was a mistake, and I apologize that the punishment was somewhat excessive. Regarding this case....."