Chapter 618 - Travels (Part 1) (1/2)

A few days before Lith had to once again leave and resume his duty as the Ranger of the Kellar region, Zinya finally mustered enough courage to tell Kamila about her final decision.

”Kami, I could never thank you and Lith enough for what you did for me. The last week has been the happiest time of my life.” She said.

”This is just the beginning, Zin. There are still so many things that we have yet to do together. I'll not be home often, but I'll try my best to not make you feel lonely. I've already found a caregiver for you.” Kamila replied with a smile.

The daily expenses for the caregiver and Zinya would make it even harder for her to repay her debt, but she didn't mind at all. Kamila had planned everything and was ready to bear the consequences of her decision.

”Thank you, but I'd like to remain here.” Zinya blurted it out.

”What? Why?”

”You have your personal life and your career to worry about, Kami. I'm not a child and you can't take care of me forever. I'd rather live here as a housemaid than burden you more than I already did. I already spoke with Elina about it.

”The Verhens are nice people. They accepted a deal to provide me with food and accommodation in exchange for my work, and they will even teach me everything I need to know to stand up for myself. They are even willing to pay me once I'm done learning.

”I've also decided to file for divorce. If I stay at your house, Fallmug might come looking for me there. He will never think to look for me here. I don't know if I have the strength to face him yet, so this is the perfect solution.”

Kamila tried to convince Zinya to reconsider, but she was adamant about it. Kamila was sad at the idea that meeting her sister without Lith's help would take her quite some time. The closest Gate was in Derios, and to reach Lutia from there it would take her over one and a half hours.

Yet seeing her so happy and determined, filled her heart with joy.

'I did all I could to give Zin her freedom, if I force her to come with me, she would just exchange one cage for another. Here she'll be surrounded by people who don't take care of her because it's their job but because they want to.

'Also, she will be safe from Fallmug, since attacking a mage's family is plain suicide.' She thought.

'Zinya and I have tried visiting her children, but Zinya's in-law didn't even let us in. According to the law, she is just a disabled, incompetent mother who has run away from her home.

'To be able to claim any right over her children, she first needs to get a divorce and have the means to take care of them. I don't want to burden Lith with this matter as well.' Kamila thought while preparing to say her goodbyes.

”I'm really sorry, I knew nothing about this. It wasn't an elaborate scheme I devised from the very beginning to keep you and your home all to myself.” Lith said as a joke, yet for second Kamila almost fell for it.

”When will you be back?” She asked.

”I don't know. It could take weeks, maybe months. The silver lining is that now that you have exchanged your communication rune with Tista, she can help you reach Lutia whenever she is at home.” Lith said.

”That's not what I asked you, you silly. I miss you already.” She hugged him tightly. During those twenty days, they had lived together. The idea of waking up alone hurt her more than she had expected it would.

”Will you wait for me?” He asked returning her embrace.