The air was filled with the aroma of food, the rich scent of meat mixed with a hint of garlic, a slightly salty fragrance that made one's mouth water. In the kitchen, a woman wearing a simple apron stood in front of an old stone stove, gently lifting a spoon to taste a bit of the hot soup.

  "Mom! Uncle! We're home!"

  A clear male voice, accompanied by the sound of the door opening, broke the silence in the kitchen. Aiko put down the spoon, patted the water off her apron, and walked to the entrance with a gentle smile to greet them. "Welcome back! How was school today?" She crouched down, reaching out to hug her child, her smile filled with a mother's unique affection.

  However, when she saw Tetsuya carrying her sister Miyo on his back, her eyebrows immediately furrowed slightly. "Huh? What happened? Why are you carrying Miyo-chan?"

  "Miyo twisted her ankle during PE class."

  Miyo, who was still sleepy, rubbed her eyes at the sound of the conversation, stretched, and said softly, "Brother, put me down!"

  Tetsuya carefully placed her on the ground, and Miyo immediately rushed into Aiko's arms, calling out affectionately, "Mommy~ I'm home~"

  Aiko stroked her little head, saying softly, "Be good, let Mommy see your foot."

  Miyo obediently pulled down her sock, revealing the red swelling on her ankle. Aiko looked at it, wincing with concern. "It's not too bad, luckily it was treated well... Hmm?" She leaned closer to sniff, her tone suddenly changing, "What's that smell?"

  Tetsuya pointed towards the kitchen, "The stove must have burned something."

  "Ah! Oh no!" Aiko exclaimed, rushing into the kitchen to turn off the stove, patting her chest in relief. Turning back to Miyo, she said, "Sit down and rest, I'll treat you later." Then she turned to Tetsuya, "Go set the table, hurry."

  "Got it~" Tetsuya went to help obediently, but stopped halfway to ask, "Mom, where's Uncle? I don't see him."

  Aiko wiped her hands, glancing out the window. "Isshin went to chop wood, he should be back soon."

  As soon as she finished speaking, a loud bang! came from outside, and the floor vibrated slightly.

  "Makino! Isshin!"

  Aiko's voice was like thunder, and she rushed to the door, her brows furrowed, glaring at the man outside.

  Standing outside was a one-armed man, Makino Isshin. He smiled broadly, waving his hand, "I'm back!" In the next second, a ladle from Aiko came flying at him, hitting him hard on the head.

  "You idiot! You want to scare someone to death?! Can't you put things down gently?! Are you trying to demolish the house?!"

  Isshin bent over in pain, yelling, "Ouch... ouch!" He rubbed his head, seeing the vegetables he had just dropped slowly falling. He reflexively reached out to catch them, but the freshly cooked vegetables were scalding hot, making him jump up, "Wah! It's hot!"

  Aiko, seeing his disheveled appearance, calmed down, her tone softening.

  "Forget it, I won't hold it against you this time."

  "You're so generous, Aiko!"

  Seeing that Aiko wasn't angry anymore, Isshin smiled, "Tetsuya and Miyo-chan are so lucky to have you as their mother."

  "Praising me won't get you anything."

  Aiko said, but the corners of her mouth couldn't help but turn up slightly, a hint of pride flashing in her eyes. She returned to the kitchen gracefully to continue preparing dinner.

  "Also, I'll treat your injury later."

  Isshin waved his hand casually, his tone indifferent, "Don't bother, it's just a scratch. I'm used to getting hurt, it'll be fine in a bit."

  "Huh?!" Aiko's eyes widened, her brows furrowed slightly.

  Isshin smiled brightly, changing his tune, "Then I'll trouble you."

  Aiko glanced at him helplessly, then returned to her usual tone, "Isshin, help me bring these dishes to the table. And be careful, don't make such a racket."

  "Yes, ma'am! I'll be right there!" Isshin stood up straight, replying dramatically, as if receiving a military order.

  Aiko shook her head, a smile still playing on her lips.

  "Miyo-chan, give Uncle a hug!"

  Miyo, who had been sitting quietly at the table with her hands on her knees, turned her head when Isshin called her, and was immediately scooped up into his arms, but she quickly frowned.

  "Ouch, ouch... Uncle, your beard is prickly, let me go!"

  Isshin laughed, rubbing his rough chin, "Sorry, Miyo-chan, I'll shave it cleaner next time."

  He was quickly pushed away, and he couldn't help but look at the warm and cozy home, his lips curling into a smile.

  Aiko and Isshin skillfully placed the dishes on the table, the aroma wafting out, making everyone's mouths water.

  "I'll help too," Tetsuya said, about to get up.

  "I want to help too!" Miyo chimed in from her chair, her voice excited.

  However, before she could move, a large hand gently landed on her head, followed by a gentle ruffling.

  "You sit still, the kitchen is dangerous, we'll take care of it," Tetsuya said softly.

  Miyo pouted, somewhat unwilling, but eventually remained seated obediently, her arms crossed, her toes gently swinging under the chair, as if expressing her silent protest.

  Soon, all the dishes were laid out on the table, and the candlelight illuminated the warm delicacies, filling the room with a homely atmosphere.

  Aiko sat beside Miyo, gently patting her hand, her voice soft, "Miyo-chan, show Mommy your foot."

  Miyo obediently pulled up her trouser leg, revealing the fair skin of her calf, but at her ankle, there was a faint redness.

  "Huh? Miyo-chan, how did this happen?"

  Isshin, who had just picked up his chopsticks, stopped, immediately put down his bowl, walked quickly to Miyo's side, and looked down at her ankle.

  "I bumped into something during PE class when I was learning wooden sword..." Miyo said softly, a little embarrassed.

  Isshin looked closely for a moment, gently rubbing his chin, "It's okay, it's not too serious, it should be fine in a day or two. But... do you like wooden swords? Do you want Uncle to teach you?"

  Tetsuya's eyebrows furrowed slightly, while Miyo looked up, thought for a moment, and smiled, "I think it's quite interesting! Okay!"

  "Haha, good! Uncle will start teaching you tomorrow morning," Isshin laughed heartily, patting her shoulder.

  At this moment, Aiko gently clasped her hands together, her fingertips interlaced, and whispered a gentle incantation, "Mother of the earth, have mercy on the people of the world—Healing."

  A faint golden light appeared in her palms, a light that seemed to carry maternal tenderness, slowly enveloping Miyo's ankle. The warm magic gently permeated, like a spring breeze caressing the earth, gentle yet irresistible.

  Isshin watched as the slight redness on Miyo's ankle disappeared without a trace as the faint golden light flowed gently.

  He couldn't help but frown, his tone a little helpless, "Aiko, it's really just a small injury, there's no need to use healing magic..."

  Aiko still felt the lingering magic in her palms, she gently closed her eyes, adjusted her breathing, and then looked up, her gaze falling gently on Miyo.

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  "It's just a little mental energy, it's nothing," her voice was soft but firm. "I don't want Miyo-chan to endure even the slightest pain."

  She reached out, gently stroking the stray hair on Miyo's forehead, her eyes filled with a mother's unique tenderness.

  "Not even for a second."

  The words were so soft that they were almost a whisper, but they conveyed deep love, as if in her eyes, even the slightest pain should not exist for Miyo.

  Isshin looked at her, sighed, and said nothing more.

  Miyo reached out to touch her ankle, feeling no more pain, and exclaimed in surprise, "Mommy, I always think healing magic is so amazing! I want to be a healer too!"

  Aiko paused slightly, as if she hadn't expected to hear such words.

  "Huh?" She looked up, startled.

  "It's not something you can learn just because you want to."

  Isshin smiled, ruffling Miyo's hair, his tone serious, "Your mommy has a special talent, not everyone can master healing magic."

  "And the seemingly magical healing magic isn't something that comes from nothing," his tone was unusually serious.

  "No! No! I want to be like Mommy!" Miyo said anxiously, hugging Aiko's arm, pleading.

  Aiko smiled gently, asking softly, "Hmm... even if it means being separated from Mommy?"

  Miyo immediately shook her head, hugging Aiko tightly, "No... don't want to be separated from Mommy."

  Isshin approached, gently stroking Miyo's head, saying earnestly, "There are very few people who can heal magic, and once people find out, they will be taken to serve in the army. You are our precious treasure, we won't let you take that risk."

  Aiko gently stroked the girl's silver-white hair, her fingertips tracing the soft strands, her voice gentle, "Be good, let's eat first, the food won't be tasty if it gets cold."

  Miyo nodded gently, obediently picking up her chopsticks.

  "Eat more, you'll grow taller faster!" Tetsuya said with a smile, helping her pick some vegetables, his tone filled with fondness.

  The family sat together, the atmosphere at the dining table warm and harmonious. Miyo happily shared her recent discovery – she had learned how to "see" magic, those colors that intertwined like beams of light in her eyes.

  The warm light illuminated her focused expression, and the atmosphere in the house was warm enough to dispel any cold.

  But in that instant, a faint trace of sadness flashed across Aiko's face.

  Although everyone else was immersed in the cheerful conversation, no one noticed this subtle change, but Isshin did.

  003-2 Forgetting and Guilt, Unfamiliar Names and Faces

  After dinner, the lights in the hall were still soft, and the aroma of food still lingered in the air.

  Miyo pulled Aiko's hand, shaking it gently, "Mommy, let's go take a bath!"

  Aiko smiled, stroking her head, "Wait a moment, Mommy will go get the change of clothes."

  "Then... how about I go turn on the water first?"

  Miyo's voice carried a hint of anticipation.

  This sentence made Aiko pause slightly.

  – This was the first time Miyo had volunteered to help with something like this.

  Perhaps for ordinary people, this was just a trivial matter, but for Miyo, who was blind, it meant that she wanted to try, to take a step forward.

  Aiko didn't answer immediately, and as she was thinking, Tetsuya's voice rang out first, "The bathroom floor is slippery, what if you fall? Let Mom go with you."

  Hearing this, Miyo's cheerful expression instantly fell, and she clenched the hem of her clothes tightly, as if splashed with cold water.

  "Okay, then I'll trouble Miyo-chan, but be careful," Aiko's gentle voice broke the silence.

  Miyo looked up suddenly, revealing a bright smile, "Yes, yes! I'll be careful!"

  With that, she turned around lightly, walking towards the bathroom, her steps carrying a hint of undisguised joy.

  "Mom!" Tetsuya frowned, as if disagreeing with her decision.

  Aiko just smiled gently, "It's okay, don't worry."

  Tetsuya looked at her smile, and finally sighed, "I'll help clear the dishes..." With that, he turned and walked towards the kitchen.

  Aiko walked slowly towards the room, preparing to get the change of clothes and towels.

  But Isshin's figure appeared silently in front of her.

  She paused slightly, looking up at the one-armed man, his sharp yet somewhat gentle eyes staring straight at her.

  "Aiko, during dinner just now, your expression... why were you so sad?"

  His tone wasn't heavy, but it carried an undeniable concern.

  Aiko paused slightly, then turned around, saying lightly, "You're thinking too much, aren't you? I wasn't."

  With that, she continued to walk forward, trying to pass him.

  But Isshin's left hand gently grabbed her wrist as she brushed past him.

  "Do you think you can fool me?"

  His voice wasn't accusatory, but it conveyed a certainty, as if all her disguises were transparent to him.

  Aiko's eyes widened slightly, and after a few seconds of silence, she sighed softly.

  "I just feel... it would be nice if Tetsuya and Miyo-chan's father was here too."

  Her voice was very soft, as if afraid that once the words were spoken, even she couldn't bear the weight.

  Isshin was silent for a moment, then said calmly, "But your brother, he's gone."

  Aiko's eyelashes trembled slightly, and she gently shook off Isshin's hand, saying softly, "...Yes, I know."

  Her fingers trembled slightly, as if hesitating, and finally she spoke slowly, "But to me, that person's existence... is too unfamiliar."

  "I don't remember anything."

  Her voice carried a hint of bitterness, like self-deprecation, or helplessness, "His name, his appearance, what kind of person he was, I can't remember anything, like he never existed."

  She lowered her head, a bitter smile on her lips, her voice trembling slightly, "What kind of wife am I?"

  "...Aiko, this is not something you can control."

  "You wouldn't understand this feeling."

  Her voice was low, as if carrying a trace of suppressed emotion.

  Then, she turned and left, her back appearing particularly lonely in the soft light.

  "Aiko..."

  Isshin stood still, watching her back, his lips moved slightly, but he ultimately said nothing more.

  003-3 Protection, Is It Love, or an Invisible Shackle

  Tetsuya, having finished washing the dishes, returned to the living room.

  The warm candlelight reflected on the walls, the flames flickering slightly, making the shadows in the room appear soft and serene.

  Isshin sat in a chair, holding a cup of hot tea in his left hand, the aroma of the tea gently lingering in the air. His expression was a little tired, but his eyes were thoughtful, as if he was pondering something.

  Tetsuya approached and sat down by the dining table, his brows slightly furrowed, his tone a little dissatisfied, "Uncle, why did you offer to teach Miyo wooden sword just now? Even though she says she can 'see' magic now, her eyes still can't really see things, she'll get hurt easily."

  His tone carried a hint of questioning, his eyes filled with worry.

  Isshin didn't respond immediately, but put down his teacup and said calmly, "It's best not to let Miyo-chan hear these words."

  "Huh...?"

  Tetsuya's eyes widened slightly, clearly not expecting this response.

  "I'm just worried about her, what's wrong with that? She just got hurt today!"

  Isshin's gaze fell quietly on him, his tone unhurried, "I know you love your sister very much, but have you ever thought about what Miyo-chan thinks?"

  Tetsuya paused slightly, saying nothing.

  Isshin continued, "You always want to do this and that for her, want to protect her, don't want her to get hurt, because she can't see, so subconsciously you feel that this world is too dangerous for her."

  Tetsuya frowned, "I... I don't understand."

  Isshin sighed softly, his tone a little gentler than before, "What about Miyo-chan, who is always being protected? Have you ever thought about how she sees herself? Does she feel that she can't help because she's blind? Or even, does she think she's a burden?"

  "Impossible...! I've never thought that way!" Tetsuya's eyes widened, his tone carrying a hint of shock and resistance.

  "Of course you haven't thought that way," Isshin looked at him calmly, "But what about her? Are you really sure she hasn't thought that way?"

  This sentence left Tetsuya speechless.

  "I understand your worries, but you should pay more attention to Miyo's feelings, right? Now that she can see magic, although I don't know what that means to her, but the feeling she gives me is—"

  Isshin paused, his tone particularly gentle, "She wants to be treated like a 'normal person'."

  Tetsuya lowered his eyes slightly, his hands clenched into fists, as if trying to digest these words.

  "Think about it carefully."

  Isshin said nothing more, getting up to leave.

  But just as he turned around, Tetsuya suddenly spoke, "Uncle, there's one more thing I want to ask you."

  Isshin stopped, turning to look at him, "What is it?"

  Tetsuya looked up, his eyes carrying a hint of anticipation, "After dinner tomorrow, do you have time to teach me how to build a small wooden house?"

  Isshin raised an eyebrow slightly, his eyes carrying a hint of inquiry, "Huh? Why do you suddenly ask that?"

  "Because I want to build a secret base for Hinano as her birthday present."

  Isshin was stunned for a moment, then smiled, his hearty laughter making the teacup in his hand tremble slightly.

  "Hahaha! For Hinano?"

  He laughed, raising his hand to pat Tetsuya's back, the force crisp and cheerful.

  "Ouch! Ouch, ouch! Why did you do that suddenly!" Tetsuya jumped up in pain, clutching his back.

  Isshin said confidently, "Haha, this is encouragement! Okay, no need to wait until tomorrow, let's go now, I'll teach you right away!"

  Isshin said, before Tetsuya could react, he grabbed him and led him out of the house.

  "Hey... don't pull! I'll fall!" Tetsuya was pulled along, following Isshin unsteadily, a helpless expression on his face, but the joy of being valued was impossible to hide.

  003-4 Growth and Protection

  In the bathroom, the wooden door closed gently, and steam filled the air, the warm yellow light shining on the wooden walls, making the entire bathroom appear particularly warm. Aiko and Miyo soaked together in the bathtub, the steam enveloping them, the scene exuding a warm intimacy.

  Miyo leaned against one side of the tub, her small body immersed in the warm water, her silver-white hair slightly damp against her shoulders. She held the edge of the tub with both hands, a smug smile on her face.

  Aiko scooped up a spoonful of warm water, sprinkling it gently on Miyo's shoulders, the water droplets sliding down her fair skin, reflecting a faint light.

  "Miyo-chan helped turn on the water in the bathroom first today, so we could take a bath so quickly," she smiled gently, her tone full of praise and tenderness.

  Hearing this, Miyo raised her head proudly, her silver ponytail swaying, her voice full of joy, "Hehe, Miyo was amazing today! At school, even the teacher said I have talent for wooden sword!"

  Her small hands clenched into fists, her tone revealing an undisguised joy and pride.

  Hearing this, Aiko couldn't help but gently stroke her head, the hair under her palm soft and delicate, like flowing silk.

  "So amazing!" She smiled slightly, then asked gently, "By the way, I heard you're going to learn wooden sword from Isshin tomorrow, right?"

  Miyo nodded vigorously, the corners of her mouth turning up involuntarily, "Yes, yes! Uncle Isshin said he'll teach me!"

  "Then you have to work hard," Aiko's tone was still gentle, but then, her voice paused slightly, as if thinking about something.

  Miyo felt her hesitation, tilting her head to ask, "Hmm? What's wrong?"

  Aiko gently reached out her hands, stroking Miyo's cheeks, the warmth of her palms spreading.

  "But... Mommy hopes you promise me one thing—"

  Miyo paused, feeling the warmth of her palms, her expression becoming a little more serious, "What is it?"

  Aiko's eyes were soft and deep, she said gently, "Never push yourself too hard. Mommy doesn't want you to work too hard, understand?"

  Her voice was soft, but it conveyed incomparable sincerity and tenderness, like a soft thread, wrapped around Miyo's heart.

  Miyo was stunned, as if she hadn't expected her to say that.

  After a few seconds, her small hands slowly covered Aiko's palms, and then she nodded vigorously, "Yes, yes, I know! Don't worry, Mommy, I will!"

  Her smile was still bright, like the stars twinkling in the night sky, and Aiko gently hugged her, feeling her body temperature and quietly growing strength in the warm water.

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