Chapter 642

Ronan's bag, along with the large sack he carried, was filled with gifts from the villagers for Melina. The people in the mountains were simple and straightforward. Sure, they'd argue for days over someone taking a corner of their land. They'd fight over spots to dry their grain or squabble endlessly over trivial matters. But they were also remarkably kind. They had offered a meal to the five-year-old Melina living alone, unable to stand the thought of her going hungry. They had jumped into a pond to save her when she'd fallen in while doing laundry. They had watched that same child grow up, cheering her on as she left the mountains for a better life, proud and tearful as they bid her farewell. And they had entrusted a neighbor to carry eggs and vegetables over great distances just to give her a taste of home. Melina's eyes turned red as she said softly, "Thank you, Ron. And thank everyone back home for me. How is everyone?" "Everyone's doing well," Ronan replied with a s