VIP System

Chapter 9 - The Awakening

As Leo opened his eyes, he instinctively looked to Amanda's side of the bed, but she wasn't there. A delicious aroma wafted through the air, making his stomach growl. "Is that soup?" he thought, his curiosity piqued. He turned his head towards the kitchen and saw Amanda cooking. A smile spread across his face as he began to get up.

The wooden floor creaked under his weight, catching Amanda's attention. Leo heard something clatter to the ground, and as he looked, he saw Amanda running towards him. She hugged him tightly, her relief palpable. "Oh, Leo, thank goodness you're okay," she whispered, her voice trembling.

He felt her chest pressing into him, making him blush. He was about to ask her to let go when he noticed something. "Was Amanda always this small?" he wondered. He glanced down at his hands and arms, noticing they seemed larger and more muscular. "Were my arms always this big?"

"Ahem." The sound of someone clearing their throat made Leo look up. It was Ranna, standing in the doorway, holding a tray of food. She placed it on the table and smiled at him. His eyes widened in surprise. "Why is the farm owner here?"

He gently grabbed Amanda's shoulders, trying to get her attention, but Ranna waved him off, indicating it was fine. "I'm glad you're awake, Leo," she said warmly. "You've been out for three months."

Leo couldn't believe it. He turned to Amanda, who loosened her hug and looked up at him with wet eyes, but her happiness was unmistakable. She nodded, confirming Ranna's words. Leo smiled back at her, feeling a mix of emotions he couldn't quite place.

Amanda quickly composed herself and returned to the kitchen to fetch the remaining food. They all sat down at the table, the clinking of utensils and the aroma of the meal filling the air.

As they ate, they talked about what had happened. Leo learned that he had collapsed suddenly, and Amanda had used her spells on him every day to keep him alive since he couldn't eat or wake up.

"I can't let you go, Leo," Amanda said softly, her eyes reflecting the depth of her care for him. "I had to do everything I could to keep you here."

Ranna leaned back in her chair, the wood creaking beneath her weight. "You know, Amanda wasn't able to work because of you," she began, her tone light but carrying an undercurrent of concern. "You're already three months late on the house payment, not to mention the food I always bring to you."

Leo's eyes widened in shock, and he opened his mouth to apologize, but Ranna burst into hearty laughter, slamming the table with her hand. Tears of mirth formed in her eyes as she calmed down. "I'm just messing with you, kid," she said, wiping away her tears. "But seriously, do you have money to pay me anyway?" She laughed again, clearly enjoying the lighthearted teasing.

Leo managed a chuckle, though his mind was already racing. He knew he needed to keep a good relationship with Ranna. She wasn't just an adventurer; she was a strong one and a farm owner is constantly importing goods to the capital. Her support would be invaluable. He glanced at Amanda, who was finishing her food. She noticed his gaze and responded with her warmest smile.

Standing up, Amanda said, "Leo, keep Ranna company, okay? I promised to work once you woke up."

Ranna smiled at her and said, "Good thing you remembered, Amanda. You owe me a hefty amount of coins." She laughed, clearly still in a playful mood, and Amanda laughed along before grabbing her tools and gloves and heading outside with a never-ending smile on her face.

As soon as Amanda was out of sight, Ranna's face turned serious. "Leo, I need to tell you something," she began, her tone grave. "I didn't mention this to Amanda because it would just make her nervous, but you need to know."