Albrecht scratched the back of his neck, a faint blush rising to his cheeks as he glanced at her. His thoughts raced.

Albrecht: (…She’s… damn cute—even when she’s crying like that. Ugh, what a jerk I am. First day, and I already scared the poor lass? Angel Miguel’s definitely gonna be mad at me for this…)

With a sigh, he bent down and picked up the broken door.

Albrecht: Guess I’ve got a door to fix—again. You’re probably just hungry, my dearest shorty. Once you’ve had some breakfast, you’ll feel better in no time.

He gave her a small smile.

Albrecht: This room’s yours now… and don’t argue. I’d rather give you my own space than have you sleep on the cold ground floor. You’re the only one I’ve ever offered that to."

He looked at her with a softened expression while continued picking door pieces on floor. 

Albrecht: I waited by that bed for you to wake up. Earlier, I carried your newly-born, bare self all the way here—like a swaddled baby. Thankfully, that kind woman you met outside was kind enough to lend you some of her spare clothes and shoes.

As he hoisted the damaged wood, his expression shifted—focused. The young woman, still wiping away tears, blushed and surprised.

Albrecht: *Lifts damaged door* I’ll take care of you, just as they once cared for me. When I was ten, the Pious royals took me in—gave me food, shelter, and a place to belong. Back then, I never imagined kindness like that existed... that someone could give comfort and joy simply because they cared.

Suddenly, the mysterious woman felt it again—a strange glitching sensation in her mind and the world around her, just like before.

Her vision blurred, pulling her into fragments of a forgotten past… a life that existed long before the era of Ashen Grace, before this mysterious world. Then, quietly, she whispered.

Mysterious Woman: No one ever cared about me.