"Sir, can you really cure my strange illness? I really want to go outside and play. I do not want to stay in this big empty room every day. I want to run around and play freely with my friends."
Ever since she fell sick, she could not bear sunlight. Every time she went out, she had to wear thick layers of clothing to block it, and even then she could not stay outside for long or else she would feel dizzy and tired.
Her body was weaker than other children her age.
Just walking a short distance outside would leave her breathless and unable to move.
Her father had hired many famous doctors over the years, but none of them could figure out what illness she had... let alone cure it.
As the years passed, her body just kept growing more fragile.
Now, after hearing Doctor Hock say that Amon might be able to cure her, she could not help feeling hopeful.
After all, every doctor before this had only shaken their heads after examining her. Amon was the only one who had spoken with such certainty.
...
"Of course I can. Do not worry, little Kaya. My jars are very mysterious. As long as you buy one, there will definitely be something inside that can cure your illness."
Amon answered firmly.
"Really? That is wonderful... I am so happy."
Hearing Amon state it without any hesitation, Kaya's eyes curved into bright crescents.
If her body had enough strength, she probably would have jumped up from excitement.
It was understandable. For a child, being unable to play outside like other kids and being trapped in this silent, empty house was its own kind of torment.
...
"Then... can I open it myself? I want to open my own jar. I want to hold my own fate in my hands. Is that all right?"
Kaya spoke as she carefully made her way down the stairs.
"Of course it is."
"That is great. Merry, bring the Berries. Kaya wants to open it herself."
Having received Amon's promise, Kaya was overjoyed.
"Master?"
"Do as she wishes."
Kaya's father nodded and told Merry to bring out the Berries.
He was very fond of his precious daughter. For something as small as opening a jar, there was no way he would say no.
...
"Mr. Amon, please sit for a while and have some tea. Merry will be back soon."
After sending the butler off for the money, Kaya's father invited Amon to sit.
"Yes, please sit down. Standing is tiring. I feel tired just standing for a little while."
Kaya also urged Amon to sit, but her words made everyone's heart ache again.
"Very well. Thank you, Kaya."
Amon nodded and took a seat.
...
"Here, I will pour tea for you."
She gripped the small teapot with both hands, mustering all her strength to lift it and carefully pouring tea into Amon's cup, her little face tensed in concentration.
"I can pour it myself. Kaya, you should sit and rest. Do not tire yourself."
Seeing her struggle with the pot, Amon immediately stood up to take it from her.
Before he could reach it, Kaya shook her head.
"No. You are a guest, sir, how can I let you pour your own tea? Do not worry, I am not tired."
"Look, it is done. Please drink it while it is still hot. If it gets cold, it will not be good for your body."
After filling the cup, Kaya wiped the sweat from her forehead and urged Amon to drink.
Her words made Amon's chest tighten again.
...
"All right then, I will drink it."
"Mr. Amon, is it good? I grew these tea leaves myself. When I have the strength, I go out to water them. I like tea, but I cannot stay outside for long, so Father usually helps water them for me."
"So these were grown by you, Kaya. No wonder they taste so good."
Amon smiled after tasting the tea.
To be honest, the tea itself was ordinary, but that did not matter. What mattered was the heart behind it.
"Really? Thank you, sir. If my illness is cured this time, I will grow lots and lots of good tea. I want to become a tea master, and in the future, I will let you drink delicious tea every day."
Being praised, Kaya's cheeks flushed, and joy shone on her face.
"Then I will be counting on you. When that time comes, I will be sure to drink Kaya's tea every day."
Amon laughed softly, encouraging her.
"Thank you, Mr. Amon. Kaya has not been this happy in a very long time."
Her father looked at his little daughter, who was smiling so brightly she almost forgot herself, and turned to Amon with gratitude.
"Thank you for that."
"You are very welcome. Kaya is a lovely child, and I believe she will get better."
He had only just met her, but Amon already liked this gentle, sweet girl.
Now he truly hoped the jar could produce something that would help her.
...
By the time Amon finished his tea, Merry had returned, carrying a small chest of Berries.
"Master, the Berries are here."
"Sir, will this be enough?"
Kaya's father took the chest and opened it in front of Amon.
"No need for that much. One hundred thousand Berries is enough."
Amon counted out one hundred thousand Berries, returned the rest, and then summoned his jars, asking Kaya to choose one.
"Little Kaya, which one do you want? I will take it down for you."
Kaya stared at the rows of jars that appeared as if from nowhere. She walked closer, studied them, and even tapped on a few gently.
At last, she pointed at a pink one.
"This one... the pink one."
"Pink, huh? All right. Here, Kaya, this is the hammer for opening jars. It is a bit heavy. Do you think you can hold it?"
Amon handed her the pink jar, then brought out the small mallet.
It had some weight to it, and Amon was worried that she would not be able to lift it.
"I will try... ah, it is so heavy."
Kaya tried to lift the mallet, only to find that she could barely hold it steady.
"How about this, I will help you. Let us hold the hammer together and open the jar, all right?"
Together, they raised the wooden mallet. And with a light swing, the pink jar shattered...
Three items clinked as they tumbled out onto the floor.
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