Volume 7 - CH 6

Chapter 6 – Salina Ashbelt

The next day, Eto’s group of four went to the kidnapped victim’s accommodation set up in the Knight’s facility. That was because they wanted to hear the requests of the victims for the support activity.

As Eto and his party entered the facility where the victims were, one of the female knights approached them and asked about their business. Apparently, of the twenty-eight people who returned to Veil from the southern fort, those who had a house in Veil had returned home by yesterday. Although Eto had heard about the plan of the Knights to send the victims home one after another, he was still surprised at the speed of the plan.

“This is, after all, just a temporary home for them. However, if the victims showed any signs of aftereffects, he/she will be asked to enter this building no.5 again.”

The female knight explained to Eto. When the victims return to their home, a Knight will be accompanying them to explain the incident and compensation to their families. Some families were angry at the Knights for not being able to stop the kidnapping, but fortunately, most said they were happy to be able to meet their families again and thanked the Knights for rescuing them.

“Then, the ones that remained here are the people who live in the towns and villages near Veil, right?”

“Yes, that’s right. There are six people in total.”

All six were women, who came from small villages scattered around towns and borders north of Veil. Apparently, they were kidnapped on their way to Veil for errands or in the city of Veil.

Needless to say, the Knights have contacted their families, however, they are not at a distance where they can come to see the victims soon. Also, it is difficult for the Knights to escort each of them and send them home until the situation within the Knight’s order has subsided.

Right now, the Knights residing in Veil are still facing the escape of the former Acting Lord, the battle at the southern fort, and the support and treatment for the victims. Adding to that, there are still a lot of people in the southern fort, so it is no wonder that the Knights don’t have enough manpower. It is also inevitable that the Knights couldn’t secure enough personnel to escort the victims to their home.

Besides, if the victims returned to their homes, which is in a village on the border and experience an aftereffect, they will not be able to return to Veil immediately. In that case, it may be better for them to stay in the Knight’s facility to have a consultation with a doctor until they feel more calm.

“In truth, we would like to send them to their families as soon as possible, but it has been postponed due to the situation of the Knights.”

The female Knight said with a painful expression. She said to Eto that she has seen many women suffering from crime.

“It’s not your fault. I think just having you here gives them a sense of security.”

After saying that and smiling at the female knight. If she pressed herself too hard, this female Knight may also be distressed, that’s what Eto thought. Because even on the journey from the royal capital to the Margrave, a male victim who became the consultation partner of a victim woman became depressed.

“I’ve seen a lot of women become victims of crimes, I just think it is too unfair for them, who don’t have to suffer, to receive such a treatment… To think that not only us, but Eto-dono even thinks of collaborating with doctors, pharmacists, and pastors, I think many people will be saved if this activity is realized.”

“Excuse me, but can I ask for your name?”

“Yes, I am Salina Ashbelt.”

To realize the support activity that Eto and his group are going to start, Knights who are responsible for cracking down on crime, medical professionals such as doctors and pharmacists, priest and pastors who can listen and guide the words of believers, and the cooperation of lords and officials who can set a budget and decide the appropriate support method was indispensable. That is why Eto thought that Salina, who empathizes with the victims, may be able to help them.

As Eto and his party were having lunch with the women who remained in the facility, the mother of a victim who returned home yesterday appeared, guided by a guard. The mother said she had a consultation about her daughter, so Eto’s party and Salina decided to move to another room to hear her story.

Upon settling in the room, the mother began to say that her daughter suddenly screamed late at night and jumped out of her bed. After that, she regained her composure at once, but the same thing happened many times until the morning.

“It is actually not uncommon for some victims of crime to suffer mental injuries and take such actions.” Salina said.

“No way… Is there any way to cure my daughter? If that continues, I’m afraid no one would take her as a bride. Please, I beg you, please help my daughter.”

The mother prayed to Salina and asked for help.

“Your daughter was just involved in a serious incident. It also hasn’t been long since she was rescued. For some people, the memory of such incidents will gradually fade, and such symptoms will also disappear gradually. Hence, I think it’s better for your daughter if we look at her condition for a while than doing something that might even hurt her more right now.”

“Then… does that mean you wouldn’t do anything….? That girl is suffering, you know?! Why won’t you do anything for her!”

After hearing what Salina said, the mother seemed to be hanging her head down for a while, but perhaps her emotions controlled her, so she began to ask for help in a strong tone. Tears flowing from her eyes, as her face is distorted in sorrow. The mother was so set off that she couldn’t breathe well.

Salina immediately walked up to the mother and gently grasped her quivering hands with both of her hands.

“If the condition of your daughter continues, please bring her to the Knights’ facility. We will have a doctor to see your daughter’s condition and give her some medicine. Still, you also have to pull yourself together first. Because the only one who can support your daughter is you, the one closest to her.”

Salina held the mother’s hand and continued to speak until the mother’s breathing calmed down and her quiver subsided. Then, the mother who had regained herself apologized for the disrespect and bowed before she returned to her home. And Salina was staring at her back until she disappeared from sight.