88 The End of Childhood - Four (I)

"Sigh... Seri, how much coal does your family have left?"

In the Darkwater Forest, Rhiannon rubbed her hands wrapped in cotton gloves and asked through gritted teeth.

"Enough for four or five days."

Seraphina, with her bow drawn, showed no emotion as the sharp arrowhead pointed towards a spot in the forest.

"Ah, it's troublesome. Everyone's coal supply is running low."

Rhiannon frowned and said, "In this weather, we can't do without coal."

Seraphina was silent for a moment, then whispered:

"Haven't we always managed like this before?"

"Hm? Seri, you said that was before."

"..."

Seraphina didn't speak, and Rhiannon assumed she was focused on hunting, unsure of her thoughts.

In fact, no one knew what Seraphina was thinking; they only knew she was working hard for the village.