Chapter 1

Chapter 01: Life on Hard Mode

I think I was drifting about in a warm and gentle place. However, an unbelievable sound came from my throat when seeing that I had suddenly appeared in a bright place from a dark, narrow and painful place.

"Ugyaa ugyaa."

"Congratulations. It's a girl!"

What's this? My eyes, which tried to understand the situation despite my surprise, couldn't see very well, and my limbs felt heavy. But, human-like figures were moving around in the bright space.

Soon, my surroundings became very noisy, and then quiet. Before long, I heard someone sobbing while something wiped my face, scrubbed my body and my body was covered by something like a cloth.

"What should we tell the Master......?"

"We can only tell him the truth......"

Then,

"Please wait! If you enter the delivery room, Claire-sama will-!"

"Shut up! Are you trying to order me!?"

Along with the shouting, the door opened with a bang, and it seemed like someone had entered the room.

"Where's Claire?!"

"As soon...... as she gave birth......"

"How can this be......? Claire......"

It sounded as if that someone had collapsed on the floor.

"Master, this is the child that Claire-sama gave her life to give birth to. She's an adorable little girl."

After those words, someone lifted me up.

"Claire's...... daughter......"

There was a sign that the man, who had said that, had drawn closer. I tried to open my eyes in order to look around. However, I've been incredibly sleepy since a while ago. But still, the shadow of a person was reflected in the eyes which I desperately tried to open.

"Oh, she doesn't just have blonde hair, but also the violet eyes of the Marquis House......"

Amidst the surprised voices being raised, the man, who I was peeking at, added, "It would have been better if at least the colour was similar to Claire's."

"Master! It's precious to have two people with violet eyes in the same generation! You mustn't say such things!"

"Enough! Because it's Claire's daughter, it's fine just to find her a wet nurse and raise her enough so that she doesn't die," the man declared as if it no longer concerned him.

It seems that I've been born as a baby. I thought as I was about to fall asleep.

"If you weren't born, then Claire wouldn't have died," only the man's mutter remained in my memory as I was dozing off.

After that, the only thing I felt when I woke up was a fierce hunger. As I entrusted myself to my instincts and cried, somebody came and put a warm breast in my mouth. Then, my diapers were changed and they bathed me with warm water while the sun was still out. From the second time onwards, someone would come to feed me milk at fixed times, regardless of whether I was hungry or not and changed my diapers.

When this rhythm settled down, I also got used to having a baby's body and reached the point where I could think about various things.

This is one of those, the so-called, reincarnated into a baby things. Being a book lover, I often used to read books with such dreamy premises.

When I traced my memories, I had a feeling that I died on a hospital bed, although I wasn't certain. Tracing back further, I felt a warm feeling swell up from within me. A gentle husband and cute children. The children, who looked as if they would cry in bed, were already at the age to have had grandchildren. That's right, my life ended a bit too early, but I'm sure that I died happily.

So, why have I turned into a baby? Moreover, in a state where I still had my memories, thought in an adult-like way and understood language?

I was made to drink milk and my diapers were changed again. That person would always hold me and sway me around for a little as she looked into my eyes, which were starting to see a little more clearly, and spoke to me.

"You poor thing. Not only did your mum die, but you're also being neglected by your dad. Even though he said that he would find a wet nurse to look after you, he didn't even look. Assigning a commoner like me to you; I really don't get nobles."

However, even this cuddling time doesn't last very long.

"Martha, how long does it take you to breastfeed? We're already short-handed!" Because someone, who appears to be her colleague, immediately calls her away.

"I really should be holding you and talking to you more. I have no idea what the people in this mansion are thinking."

Even so, Martha, who had said that and tried to stay with me as long as possible, was a really good person.

During my spare time, I tried recalling and thinking about events that have happened until now.

What I learnt from the commotion that had happened after my birth, was that my mum in this world had passed away when I was born. That's why I was being neglected by my father. Apparently, I was born into a Marquis House. The room, which I saw when I became able to see clearly, was a very dreary, but spacious room. Although, I still didn't understand what kind of existence a Marquis was in this world.

Blonde hair and violet eyes. Someone had said that there were two people with violet eyes, so I probably have an older brother or sister, but I still haven't met them yet. My face, like a baby's, still couldn't move well yet, but I still smiled cynically. If someone had seen this, then they would surely think it was eerie.

The people who I have met are, the person who breastfeeds me and the person who bathes me. My father hasn't come to see me even once.

Ah, there's one more person. I'll think about it later.

They must've thought that it was fine as long as they fed me and kept me clean, but babies aren't supposed to be raised that way. Babies needed to be talked to a lot, needed to be hugged a lot, and sometimes soak in the sun instead of the dim light coming from the windows.

Comfort them when they cry and be happy when they laugh. That was how babies grow up to be humans.

Neglecting a child wasn't normal even for nobles. Everyone is afraid that if they do something for me, they would be reprimanded; probably because father neglects me, so no one tries to do anything.

However, now that I've been reborn, I don't plan on living in misery. If no one is going to raise me, then I have no choice but to raise myself. For now, let's move the body, which doesn't listen to me, a lot and cry a lot.

Because that's what a baby does. I, who had decided that, lost to sleepiness and fell asleep without doing anything. What a blunder.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 2

Chapter 02: I Won't Give Up

The next time I wake up, I began doing things a baby would do. First of all, is to cry.

"Ngya, ngya, fugyaa."

It's hard. It feels a bit weak. Once more.

"Gya, ngyaa, gyaa!"

Alright, it's nice and powerful. There was no clock, but I was tired from crying for about five minutes, so I took a break. Even so, this was really a hopeless house since no one came even though the baby was crying.

Now then, it's time to practice moving my limbs. I had a blanket on top of me, but it'll work out somehow. Now, right hand. Huh, my left hand is moving. Now, left hand. Huh, my leg moved twice. I see, so babies still can't move as they'd like to, I thought as I desperately tried to move my limbs and the blankets slipped off me; I became exhausted and fell asleep.

I couldn't have things go my way with my baby life; since I would eat my own fist for some reason when I tried to move my hand and I would grab things which came into contact with my hands which made my clothes into a mess.

I would look up at the ceiling and laugh even if no one was watching me and I would cry loudly even if no one came. Still, the only people that came into my room were my wet nurse, the person who cleaned my room and the person who bathed me. Three months have probably passed.

How do I know this, you say? Because my neck had settled, and even though I still couldn't roll around in bed yet, I could move to my left and right. I gradually became able to move my limbs like I wanted to, so I could move around on top of the bed by kicking the mattress. Well, I couldn't move back to where I was, so I remained in that miserable state until somebody came.

In order to increase my expressions, I laughed and talked to the person who gave me milk, the person who bathed me and the person who changed the sheets and cleaned. Such a lovable baby.

I became very close to Martha who fed me milk.

"You're such an adorable baby. You're able to smile and laugh so much even though you've been left alone."

Then, she would carry me while walking around the room, so I could see outside the window sometimes. The outside of the window was really green, and looked like a well-cared for garden with a large lawn.

Martha, who held and comforted me, was a good person who properly answered my silly gibberish, probably because she'd raised many children before.

Although, I couldn't see eye to eye with the person who bathed me. Rather, I made them angry at me a lot.

"She's a fussy kid, so very different from the clever Luke-sama," I have been told that by the person who bathed me; so I learnt that my older brother's name is Luke.

"It's your fault that Claire-sama died. Master and Luke-sama are so pitiful," she would say as she scrubbed me. I'll cry, you know? A baby's skin is delicate, after all.

"You, stop it. We're the ones who hurt and angered him."

"'Cause, even Master and Luke-sama don't even come to see her."

"Luke-sama is at the academy."

"He's here in the same Royal Capital as her, so he could come home if he wanted to. He was so attached to Claire-sama after all. I bet he doesn't want to see her."

Hmm, I see. So my brother goes to school. Which means he's a lot older than me. I moved my body with all my strength while soaking in the warm water and the water splashed.

"For crying out loud, I'm all wet! This evil brat!"

A three month old baby isn't an evil brat or anything. Adults are the ones who are spiteful.

Well, the truth was that I soaked her on purpose. It serves you right. This baby is a little malicious. She declared to the smiling me, "You're a creepy kid!"

However, she had to take care of me, so she dressed me and then left. Hah, I'm tired.

Good children slept at night, but I can't sleep for a long time while I'm still a baby. Nevertheless, Martha, who came here at a relatively early time, wasn't here at night. She probably also has her own life after all.

Therefore, I often woke up at night because I was hungry and my diaper felt gross. Babies couldn't live regularly like this. But, I didn't cry or make a fuss at night; because I was originally an adult. I won't bother people at night.

And as I laid quietly awake at night, I realised; someone had opened the door and was entering the room.

Only a dim light entered the room from outside the window. The family head had said to 'let me live' so there shouldn't be anyone who would do something to me. Still, the shadow approached me, who was frozen from tension; they picked me up and said, "Leila-sama."

Leila. That's my name. Even Martha didn't call my name.

"Aou," my voice just came out.

"Leila-sama, you're awake. Then please show your beautiful eyes to Sebas," he said as he took me to the window.

"Oh, it's indeed the Marquis' violet," the person who had said that and smiled sadly was a man who was still wearing his uniform even though it was probably midnight; he was a middle-age man with slick grey hair. I talked to him, "Eeouu."

"Leila-sama, Leila-sama," the man rocked me gently and called my name as if he was singing. Leila. It was nice to be called by name.

"The Madam, Claire-sama, said that if her child was a girl, then her name would be Leila; and if he's a boy, then his name would be Relm. That's why you're Leila."

He slowly walked around the room.

"These slightly low eyebrows, beautiful eye shape, and small nose are just like Claire-sama's except she had brown hair and eyes. So why does no one notice this?" He asked himself and patted me on the back. I see, so mum had brown eyes, I thought as I fell asleep comfortably. While in a stupor, I feel like Sebas had said, "I wish he would quickly realise that he will lose a precious treasure if he becomes lost in grief," but I can't be sure.

I wasn't always awake at night, but Sebas would always be there when I am. I realised that the reason why I was always neatly tucked inside the blankets was because Sebas always visited me.

Sebas would always tell me what kind of people my mum, father and brother are. Mum was the second wife, and the first wife divorced father three years after she gave birth to my brother because they weren't happy together. When I heard that, I thought, of course they would get divorced, because of his bad personality.

Then, he married mum for love. Mum was a gentle and playful person and she always teased father. Brother also loved her, so he was very attached to her.

Brother didn't want to come home to a mansion without mum, so he would stay in the dormitory, even on weekends.

The people in this mansion tried not to interact with me as much as possible because those two were mourning so much.

In other words, it was close to neglect, and it was pointless to talk about this to the baby in question, but it was fine if that made Sebas feel at ease. I thought it would be fine for him to keep talking about these things because I could feel affection towards my mother, and I could feel that I was loved.

Besides, it made me happy to hear about my mother who I would never be able to meet in this world.

"Aai."

"Eeou."

"Daau."

Sebas smiled gently at me, who was actively replying to him.

If Martha and Sebas wasn't here, then a normal baby might have grown up being unable to laugh because of the lack of affection. But, I was well-loved when I had died, and even now I'm living in good health, while supplementing my lack of affection with my own love.

I was finally reborn into another life, so I won't give up on this life.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 3

Chapter 03: Meeting Brother

Has it been nearly six months? How do I know, you say? Actually, because I can roll in bed now. The range of my movements was only on the bed, but it was interesting to be able to move freely. My right leg is moved with a jerk, and then I put force in my hand at the end. See? I, who had rolled around, lifted my face from the bed and smiled towards the space which had no one in it.

No, there was someone in the space which I thought had no one in it. I met the gaze of the boy who was there. The boy had his eyes widened in surprise.

"Daau," I spontaneously raised my voice in surprise. The boy was startled, and he gripped his hands; then he left the room. Mmm. Looking back, he has silky blonde hair and violet eyes. He looked around 10 years old. I don't know the standard of western features, but I wonder if he is a relatively handsome boy.

Yup, that's probably my brother.

I lowered my face which had been raised up, rolled over once to return to my original position and looked up at the ceiling. It was still chilly when I was born, but now I sweat if I move vigorously. My clothes also became thinner, and the other day, people made a fuss because I got heat rash when I bathed.

That is to say, it's summer. Summer meant summer holidays, and students come home in the summer holidays.

He didn't want to come home, and when he did his sister was there. He probably wanted to take a peek at that sister. It was regrettable that I was grinning broadly at our first meeting, but my brother, who entered without knocking, was the one at fault.

At any rate, does blonde hair and violet eyes look like that? I've never looked in the mirror before, so I don't know my own appearance. My arms were tender, and my legs felt muscular because I moved them too much even though I was a baby. Also, I've only seen my glossy hair from the edge of my eyes.

If I look a bit like him, then I might be a beauty. I thought as I rolled over again.

From then on, I began to eat baby food, and at the same time, Martha started coming here less. I felt lonely, but on the other hand, my brother started to come here. He would open the door and stare at me. I was a little wary at first, so we continued to confront each other without meeting each other's eyes, but it didn't seem like I had to worry about him doing something to me, so I talked like normal while rolling around and then practised sitting up by rolling.

Yes, I was finally able to sit with some help. It was really convenient for when I was made to eat baby food.

My next goal was to sit on my own. I was rolling around for the time being, and something poked my cheeks.

"Uurt."

I moved my eyes and saw that my brother was poking my cheeks with his finger.

"Eei."

Stop it. I wanted to say, but my brother continued to push at my cheeks with his finger while remaining expressionless. It's soft, isn't it? But, you know.

"urt, uurt."

I brushed away brother's finger with my hand. I'm telling you it hurts! Then this time, he pinched both my cheeks. It's squishy.

"uurt, uurt."

I'm telling you you're pinching too hard. Stop it.

"Uur."

He pinched my cheeks harder, and it started to hurt.

"Gyaa."

I was sad that he wouldn't stop no matter how many times I told him to, and finally, tears started dripping from my eyes.

"Agyaa, gyaai!"

He was startled that I was bawling and looked at my cheeks which had become red, "Sorry, I didn't mean to do that," he said and ran off.

Even if he hadn't done that on purpose, what hurts, hurts. I kept on crying, even though I knew that nobody would come. I didn't know that my brother was all shook up in the corridor because he could hear me cry.

However, he kept on coming here without having learnt his lesson. It was like he had nothing else to do.

"Da!"

He wasn't wary of a baby for long, and my cheeks would be pinched again if I let my guard down.

"Uur."

S, to, p. But, the way he touched me this time didn't hurt. I looked up at him in wonder, "I practised with Sebas," he said softly.

Oooh, he hadn't hurt me on purpose. Then, that's fine. I became happy and flapped my arms and legs; then I rolled and showed him that I could sit. Yes, I can sit on my own now.

My triumphant expression must have been interesting because brother held his stomach and laughed, "Fu, haha."

Then, he said, "Say, can I hold you?'

"Daau."

I refused. First, you had to be close. You can't just suddenly hold a baby. Moreover, a 10-year-old boy would definitely drop a baby if they were to carry one. I definitely don't want him to hold me. But, brother didn't understand my unpleasant expression.

"Up you go."

No, stop it! I resisted in vain as hands grabbed me from under my armpits and tightly lifted me up. Then, he lifted me over the crib fence.

I was held by my brother only by the armpits; it was really unstable and uncomfortable. It was painful not to be supported at my butt.

"Something feels wrong."

"Dau."

"Should I sit down?"

"Daau."

It'll be better than now. My brother sat down on the ground where he was and collapsed on his back. I fell face down onto my brother's thin chest.

"Ooww~."

"Daau."

You reap what you sow. Brother continued to hold me as he softly rubbed my back.

"You're warm."

"Dau."

It is hot after all.

"You're soft."

"Dau."

I am a baby. Brother is thin but firm. Are you eating properly? I reached out and patted brother's cheek.

Brother put his hands on top of mine and pressed it firmly against his cheeks.

"Kaa-sama1)."

"Aai."

"Your warmth is the same as Kaa-sama's."

"Eei."

I'm sure it's not the same. But mother probably caressed brother's cheeks gently like this, and she probably hugged him too.

"It's not your fault."

"Aau."

Yes. It's troublesome to be blamed for mother's death. Because-.

"I have memories of Kaa-sama. But you don't have any memories of her."

Yes, the person who is actually hurting is me.

"Niini."

"Eh?"

"Niini."

No matter how many memories I have from my previous life, I was still really lonely. I wanted someone to hold me more, talk to me more, love me and tell me I'm cute.

"Leila."

You knew it. Brother nervously called my name. Then, let's answer him.

"Aai. Niini."

"Leila."

"Niiini."

We hugged each other tightly. No. Brother was pressing his arms around me tightly. No, stop, something's going to come out!

"Luke-sama? Ah!"

Sebas happened to walk by until he saw that I was making a commotion.

He lectured brother on how to treat a baby. I was left on the floor, forgotten by the two. This is...... a chance!

*ROLL ROLL ROLL*. On the wide floor that wasn't the crib. I can roll everywhere. *ROLL ROLL*.

"Do you understand? A baby is, ah, Leila-sama!"

"Ah, Leila!"

I was quickly captured.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 4

Chapter 04: Brother and I

It probably didn't take a week for me to get along with brother.

Brother came to visit me as if making up for the time we spent apart. I mean, he's always in my room.

First, he brought in a small table, chair and sofa; and the room, which was bare with only a crib in it, became a little cosier. Brother welcomed me.

My brother wasn't annoying. When he comes in the mornings, he holds me as long as I wasn't asleep and let me on the floor. Because I was put on the floor, it now had carpet on it and was a lot cleaner than before.

And while brother was studying, I could roll on the floor to my heart's content. Sometimes, I would sit and take a rest. Then, when my brother took a break from studying, he would put me on his knee and hug me tightly.

"Leila."

"Niini, Aai."

And he was thrilled at being called 'Niini'. He would bring picture books that he'd read when he was younger, and the two of us would lie on our stomachs as he read me the book.

We also have lunch and snacks together. But, I was still drinking Martha's milk, so I accompanied him while eating my baby food. Brother would feed me baby food with a spoon while he was eating his meal. At first, he would put too much food on the spoon, and he would thrust the spoon too deep in my mouth, and I would often yell out in anger, "Uurts!"

But recently, he has gotten better at feeding me. However, that was only during the day. Brother had meals with father in the morning and evening, and father who worked at the Royal Castle in the afternoon, was also home at night, so brother didn't carelessly approach my room.

We continued to spend pleasant days like this until one day, as I was sitting on brother's lap and we were reading a picture book together; he suddenly froze.

"Luke, what are you doing over there?" I had heard this voice once before half a year ago.

"Otou-sama......"

"What are you doing?" That person repeated his question.

"I was reading a book to Leila."

"Leila?"

The person called father finally lowered his eyes to look at me. He had cold eyes with beautiful long blonde hair which was tied in a ponytail at the back. His eyes were the same violet as brother's.

I'm sure that father, who was looking at me, was thinking the same thing as me.

"Claire's......" he muttered, and he looked at me with even colder eyes. But, I averted his gaze. I'm just going to say this, but I didn't lose.

"Daai."

It couldn't be helped that my voice was lower than usual. To father, I may have been the cause of mother's death. But, that wasn't true. If I had to say it, then it was the responsibility of father who made mother, who didn't have a healthy body, pregnant with a baby.

I thought calmly. Moreover, someone who avoids his duties as a parent and hasn't come to see his daughter even once. I pondered. If he's a Marquis, then he must have money. He can acquire things that he wants to have and escape in just the right places. I have memories of my previous life, so I know that one couldn't live without working hard. I'll just be a parasite here until then.

"Daau. Niini."

I don't care about father anymore, so would you read the book already? I hit the book as I looked up at brother.

"That's right, Leila," Brother nodded.

"Otou-sama, what do you want? If it's nothing, I'd like to read this book to Leila," he said.

Father, without saying a word about me, said, "Do whatever you want as long as you've finished with your studies," and left.

At that time, a young maid named Hannah muttered, "It's his daughter, so why?"

This person seemed to be the exclusive maid attached to me since brother started coming to my room. I don't know what to make of this situation since she was next to me day and night even though I've been left alone until now, but Sebas was happy that brother was interested in me and quickly assigned this maid to me. Apparently, she was a newly hired maid referred here by relatives. Thus, she didn't understand how I was being treated at this mansion until now.

There were a lot of butlers in a Marquis' mansion, but Sebas seemed to be in charge of personnel. The Marquis had declared that he had no interest in me, so I wasn't assigned any servants.

"It's an open secret that Luke-sama loves his little sister," as usual, I felt why are they saying this to a baby?

I'm not interested in my father in this world. But, there was no reason for him to step up now since he had said, "If you weren't born," and left me alone for more than six months. It was fine as long as I worked a lot and paid for my own education.

"Leila. Leila, you have me."

"Aai, Niini."

Brother hugged me and the picture book. I'm telling you something's going to come out. Help, Sebas!

During brother's summer holidays, I was able to stand up. It probably wasn't that fast since it has been eight months since I was born. And, I wasn't just able to roll; I was finally able to crawl. My actions have increased quite a lot.

Although, I still wasn't allowed out of my room yet. Brother and Sebas were happy that I was able to crawl and stand up. When Martha's milking was reduced to twice a day, brother's summer holiday ended and he went back to the academy.

"Leila probably doesn't know that I'll be leaving for school. What should I do if she feels abandoned again because I'll suddenly disappear tomorrow?"

Brother was all shaken up and looked as if he would cry. I smiled and shook my head to the left and right.

"Niini, Daau."

I know. Don't worry. Then I patted his cheeks.

"Leila put up with it for a little."

Yup, yup. Until the winter holidays, right? I wonder if I'll be able to walk by then.

"I'll come back on the weekends, okay?"

So fast! On the weekends?! I couldn't help but retort in my mind. I looked at Hannah, and she explained it, "There are 10 days in a week, and two of them are holidays. So, err, he'll be back after Leila-sama goes nightie-night for eight times."

I see, so a week is 10 days. But, even if you do your best to explain this, a baby can't understand how long eight days are. I smiled.

"Ah, Leila-sama, that expression."

What is it?

"You sometimes smile like an adult. It seems like you know everything."

Ooh, Hannah. Are you pretty sharp?"

"Even if you make that kind of face, my Leila is so cute."

Without realising, my brother became a sis-con.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 5

Chapter 05: Father and I

Now then, since I could stand up now, my bed was changed to a considerably lower one. One which was safe for me even if I were to fall down from it. Although it was common to have high fences on beds for babies, I moved around a lot, so I quickly learnt how to climb down the bed.

The chair and table that brother used along with the picture books and toys he brought here were left as they were, so I wasn't bored even if brother wasn't here; and it was a bit gloomy, because Hannah was always by my side with a severe expression on her face, but I wasn't lonely.

She read the book that brother read for me several times, and I began learning words little by little. Although I have been reincarnated, this didn't seem to be a world with magic, and the general knowledge I had didn't seem useful in this world. The only things I could do was train my body and build up my knowledge.

However, it became a little unsatisfying for me to just be in my room now that I was able to stand and crawl. I wanted to move in a much wider place. A chance came to me when I wished that.

One day when I woke up from my nap, there was nobody in the room. Recently, Hannah would usually be in the room with me, but it seemed like she had to do something elsewhere. The windows were opened because it was hot, but the wind which was stroking my cheeks felt different than usual. Perhaps, I thought and looked at the door; I saw that it was opened slightly. My chance is here!

I hyped my sleepy self up, carefully got off the low bed and waited on the floor.

I wormed my way across the floor, put my head through the gap in the door and forcefully crawled out of the room. It was dangerous, so good kids shouldn't copy this, but I managed to safely get out of the door. I sat down once and looked around. It was just a corridor, but it was wide enough for a maid to push a cart past me. It seemed like I would collide with her somehow if I go right, so let's go left. But still, it was wide.

I found out later that my room was at the end of the East Wing, and mother's room was close by. It seemed that people rarely tended to this place after mother died and it became a somewhat desolate place.

So why did Sebas, brother and father show up here? Sebas came to this wing a lot because he was worried about me, brother became curious about me when he came to mother's room to calm down, and father came here during quiet times when no one was around so that he could chase after memories of mother.

You've never thought about seeing your baby even just for a little, did you? Honestly.

By chance, it seemed like I was crawling towards the middle of the wing and I would sit down occasionally to rest; then a pair of expensive leather shoes entered my field of vision. It seemed like I've crawled towards someone while in a daze.

But, the owner of those shoes didn't say a word.

Right, I'll pretend I didn't see them.

I changed my direction a little and proceeded past the owner of the leather shoes.

"Wait," they suddenly called out to me, and I carelessly stopped for a moment; but since I'm a baby, I don't understand the meaning of 'wait'. Yup, I felt like I was acting like father, but let's ignore this feeling. I resumed crawling at a fast pace.

"I said wait."

I can't hear you because I'm a baby. I pretended not to hear him and continued crawling. Ooh, are those stairs over there? I can manage to get down from a low bed, so I should be able to handle the stairs soon.

"Wait!" This time, the voice shouted from above me. At the same time, my back was pulled with a jerk.

"Daau."

"I told you to wait, didn't I? Did you not hear me, you?"

It seemed like he'd grabbed my clothes from the back. I tried to move my arms and legs just to be sure. I'm not running anywhere.

"Daau."

I want him to release me, but I also didn't want to be civil towards him.

"Daai, daau, eei, aa," I continued to state my displeasure.

"What the heck do you want to do?"

"Eei."

I want to walk! He won't leave me alone, would he? Then, he continued to grab the back of my clothes and lifted me up with a jerk. It was like he was holding a kitten. Hah? It hurts, you know.

"Uurts!"

"You......"

This might be the first time I've seen him this close. This person had long blonde hair tied in a ponytail after all, and he had almond eyes with light violet pupils. I quickly averted my gaze, relaxed and sighed.

"Claire......"

What about mother?

"Like this, Claire also always made a face that said, 'you're hopeless,' at me...... Always......"

Isn't it because you're a really troublesome guy?

"Daai," I replied to him.

Father was startled and realised something; he gently put me on the ground between his legs so that I wouldn't run away. Hey, if you don't want me to run away then shouldn't you hold me or something?

"Someone-!" Servants suddenly appeared from out of nowhere when father said that.

"This is, she's here."

Can't you just call me Leila?

Father lowered his eyes to look at me, and at the same time, the servants also lowered their eyes towards me.

"Ah, she looked like she was going to fall down the stairs so I captured, er, caught, no, restrained her. So, take her back to her room."

At that moment, Hannah quickly ran towards us while wiping her hands on her apron.

"Leila-sama!"

"Did you take your eyes off her?"

"I'm sorry. Ojou-sama takes a lot of naps, so I was helping out in the kitchen."

Hannah paled and bowed. What are you angry about? You don't even come to visit me, to begin with, and I've always spent my days with nearly no one except Martha.

I got a little angry and hit father's legs.

"Dai, daii, maa."

"Leila-sama, thank you very much."

"You said thanks, but what's she saying?"

Father looked puzzled at Hannah's words and Sebas approached and explained, "She is telling you not to be angry at Hannah."

"Ridiculous. She's only saying dah."

"You can somehow understand what she is saying from the way she speaks and her expressions. Now, Leila-sama, come here."

Sebas held me up. Hah, good grief.

Then, the servants, who had gathered here, began to cause a commotion. They stared at the Master standing at the top of the stairs; and beside him, a baby with his hair colour and eyes. No matter how you look at us, we are parent and child.

"Dau daau."

I want to play outside a little more. Towards me, who was saying that father coldly stated, "Take her back to her room."

"Daai," I said and looked away and sighed. What a good for nothing adult, you are.

"Claire......"

"Leila-sama really has the colours of the Marquis House, but she looks exactly like Clair-sama," Sebas replied to father's murmur while coaxing me. I know that Sebas has always wanted to say this to father.

"Fuu, dai, eei."

I gave father a sideways glance and abruptly laughed while shaking my head.

"Claire also, and then......"

Father really is a pain in the ass.

"Ok, take her back to her room."

In the end, I was taken back to my room.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 6

Chapter 06: A Strange Relationship

Since then, Hannah rarely took her eyes off of me, and I also lost my chance to get out of the room. One night, I noticed that the door was opened. Is it Sebas? Recently, he's gotten better at not sneaking in at night, so he comes during noon now, I thought. But no one came in.

The door's not closing, was it opened by the wind? If so, then this is my chance to sneak out. I quickly got out of bed and speedily slipped out of the door. There was no one in the corridor at night, but that was fine.

"You're here."

Woah! I was about to jump in surprise. The person who was outside my door was father.

"You looked like you were going to slip out, and I thought that you would definitely come out if the door was left open. Ah, hey, wait!"

It seemed that father had finally said something, but there was no need to listen to him brag about snaring his daughter. Because he could have entered the room if he wanted to see me.

I started crawling while ignoring father. My goal was the stairs. I'm going down the stairs today! I'm already bored with staying in my room.

"Where are you going? Why are you sneaking out of your room in the first place?"

To explore, dur. Explore. I pretended not to know what he was talking about and continued to crawl.

"Why are you ignoring me?"

I stopped crawling. Why are you ignoring me, you say?

"Da, daai."

"Wh-what?"

If you hate being ignored then why are you ignoring me? Why do you care about me now even though you've been ignoring me?

"Dai, agya, to, deeu."

"What are you saying?"

I was getting extremely irritated at father who was standing up and looking down on me. I'm a baby, you know! The adult should be the one who tries hard to understand me!

I grabbed father's leg, and he flinched for a second, but he knew that I would be hurt if he moved; so he stood there quietly, baffled at the situation. I held onto him and stood up. Father widened his eyes in surprise.

"So you can stand?"

Of course, I can stand. Since a while ago. Fumu. It's pretty nice to use someone else's legs to help myself stand. I hit father's leg while in anger.

*HIT HIT*

"Why are you hitting me? What is it you really want?"

The one who doesn't know what they want is you, isn't it father? But, I suddenly staggered, when I took my hands off his legs to hit him.

"Watch out!"

Father's hands moved out immediately to hold me up.

"I honestly don't know what you're trying to do. Listen, babies are well-behaved-......" 1)

"Aai."

I'm ashamed, but father is too, huh? My feet dangled uneasily in the air because he was supporting me by the armpits while hoisting me in front of his eyes.

"Eeu."

My feet are dangling. Ah, this is amusing.

"Aau."

My feet are swaying. It felt ridiculous, and I laughed.

"You."

Oh, I'm in the middle of being captured by father.

"I'm sure Sebas did this."

Father awkwardly pulled me closer to him and hugged me.

"Dau."

Splendid. It's an excellent way to hold someone for a beginner. I put my head on father's chest and shook my hands happily.

"So I pass?"

"Dau."

"Do you want to go down the stairs?"

"Aai."

Apparently, father walked around with me in his arms until I fell asleep.

"Lately, Leila-sama doesn't wake up much in the mornings."

Hannah complained to Sebas. He looked at me with an all-knowing look on his face and said, "There will probably be times like that. But, she'll probably learn to wake up properly during this time, so it's fine."

I wonder what he likes about it. Father started coming here every day. And for some reason, he never entered my room; instead, he opened the door and waited for me to come out. And once I got tired from crawling around, he would gently pick me up and wander around the mansion.

That was all there was to our relationship. Why doesn't he come in the day time? It's strange.

Then, the weekend came around, and brother came home.

"I can only be with her on the weekend, so let her sleep on my bed."

"Your bed is high, Luke-sama, so it's dangerous for Leila-sama to sleep there."

"I'll sleep on the sofa."

"Your body won't be able to rest that way."

For some reason, brother's love for me keeps increasing.

"I heard that Luke is home."

"Otou-sama."

"It's nearly time for you to practice your magic circulation, but what are you doing?"

It was rare for father to show up during the day. There was tension in the room and brother hugged me tightly on his knees as if he was protecting me. It's okay because I've become friends with father. Slightly. Probably. I tapped brother's knees.

Father saw that and frowned.

"Well, fine. I'll ask you later during dinner."

"Ok," brother replied and hugged me again.

I didn't know father well, but I also didn't understand the relationship between father and brother. They would eat together when they were home, but they didn't look to be on good terms. And, I heard an unbelievable thing.

"Neei, dau, nyo, eeou?"

What is magic circulation? Is there magic in this world?

"It's fine, Lei. Even if Otou-sama is cold, I'll protect you."

"Daai, too, Niini."

No, he's not cold anymore, so what's magic circulation? My body and mouth still don't move well even if I know what I want to do and say in my mind. There was a limit to how frustrated I can feel. At that time, Sebas winked at me. Leave it to me, you say? What are you on about?

"Lei."

Before I knew it, he started calling me Lei, and I gave up and let brother hug me.

That night, the door opened with a creak again. I moved as quickly as I could as a baby and went out the door.

He's here. Father. But it was his trait not to reach out to me here. I wanted to move freely in this wide corridor. The baby who crawls as quickly as she could to the stairs and the man who stares at her as she does this; that was father and I., And recently, I've been giving the stairs a try. I stepped down the stairs one foot at a time. When I get tired, father would carry me, and we would walk. That was our current custom.

He also carried me today too when I got tired halfway down the stairs, and a voice called out to him from below, "Otou-sama."

It's brother!

"Niini!"

I happily stretched out my hands, but father held onto me tightly.

"Lei, Otou-sama, what are you two doing at this time?"

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 7

Chapter 07: Father, Brother and I

"Daau, kyu, nyu, doon." I explained that I was having a night stroll, but brother didn't understand me.

"This... She looked as if she wanted to go out, so I'm watching over her," father answered.

"Then I'll take her out for walks during the day, not at night like this. And you're both alone together," brother insisted. He stared at me sadly. Me? No. He was looking at father who was holding me.

I remembered. When father had first held me, he'd probably never held a baby before. I'm sure he said that he saw how Sebas held a baby once.

Doesn't that mean that most likely, brother had never been held by father when he was a baby?

So, brother must be sad at both: his beloved sister, meaning me, was being taken away by his father and his father being taken away by his sister.

Father was going to say something, so I tapped his mouth. No matter what you say, brother will only be sad.

"What?"

"Daai, Niini."

"Do you want to go to Luke?"

"Aai."

Father stopped whatever he wanted to say and walked down the stairs. Being held by father, I could look down at brother. Brother, who was looking up a little, looked sad after all.

I stretched my hands out to brother. Father looked as if he didn't want to part with me for a second, but handed me to brother. Brother didn't drop me anymore. He held onto me firmly and put his face next to mine.

Next, I reached out to father.

"What?"

This time, I tapped father's outstretched hands that seemed to say, "You want to go over here now?"

"Niini, Niini, Daau."

Then, I clung on brother's neck.

"Are you telling me to hug Luke too?"

"Ee."

Father timidly reached out to him. Brother froze in surprise, but father didn't mind.

"Come to think of it, I've never hugged you like this before," father muttered as he put his arms around brother and me.

"No one ever hugged me when I was little either. Claire was the first one to do so."

Are nobles like that? Or is it just this House?

"I was hugged by women before, but no one embraced me."

Oi! Is that something you say to a newborn and a 10-year-old? Father looked at brother and I, who were frozen, and trembled.

"I get Luke, but why are you frozen too?"

No, cause-.

"Sometimes, you make the same face as Claire, and I wonder if you're her reincarnation. Even though I know you're not."

"Me too."

Brother agreed with father's mutter.

"Lei's just like Okaa-sama. I feel like she looks at me gently like Okaa-sama did. But, she's much more mischievous than her. She also makes weird faces sometimes, and I don't know what she's thinking."

You sound like you're saying something horrible. I'm going to protest.

"Daau."

Luke hugged me tighter.

"And she understands my words like this. I love her so, so much."

Father hugged Luke tightly.

"I don't know if I love her as much as you," father murmured.

"Even if I love her that would be the end of it if she died. I wouldn't mourn her so much if I hadn't loved Claire."

"Otou-sama, that's-," brother tried to refute.

"I was the one who made this child. Every night, I think that if I hadn't loved her, then she would still be alive. I regret this little thing and avoid doing my job. But when I suddenly see her, there's a strange living creature there."

It's about me? Huh? Strange living creature? I'm a cute baby, you know?

"Even though she can't even walk yet, she looks at me with the same, 'you're hopeless' face that Claire used to use. 'You're still lacking as a person. I'll teach you everything one by one,' the same face as Claire who told me these things."

I know, I get it. But what do you want to accomplish by telling this to Luke and I?

"My empty, anguished feelings are being buried when I look at this creature. This small, peculiar creature."

"Then Otou-sama, you don't have to sneak around at night just to see her. Can't you just keep her close to you whenever you're in the mansion?"

"Even in the daytime?"

"Why are you walking around with her at night in the first place? It's not good for a baby to stay up late at night."

"So it's not good?"

Brother and I sighed at the same time.

"You're Lei's father, so it's okay to keep her close by."

"Father."

Why is father saying it like it's a foreign word to him?

"Daau."

"What?"

"Niini, Niini."

"...... Are you saying that I'm Luke's father?"

"Aai."

He understood me. Father took a deep breath, sighed and hugged Luke and me again.

"I'll go see you in the daytime from now on."

The season is autumn. It has been 10 months since I was born.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 8

Chapter 08: Magic Stone, Sebas and I

What happened since then, you say? Father didn't have enough time. So as always, he would never see me in the mornings, but would always come to see me after he'd returned home from work. From after dinner until I slept, he would always keep me by his side, no matter what he did.

He would even take me to his office when he was busy. I would try to walk along the desk, climb the sofa and read the documents that had fallen down onto the floor while father was organising some difficult documents.

I tried to read them to amuse myself as if I had been given an easy book to read, but I could only read the easy words. I could feel father looking at me while I was doing this with his sharp eyes, which felt slightly gentler.

Brother would join us when he came home for the weekends. Father still had a lot of work to do on holidays; there were times when he would go out in decent clothes and times when he would ride the horse somewhere, but he would usually spend time with us when he was home.

When we laid down and read picture books, he would also lie down and read his documents. I wonder if his job is stressful. I wonder what his job is. It's a mystery.

"The sight a small person sees is interesting. Do you look at the world like this, Luke and Leila?" Father said in admiration as he looked around everywhere while lying down.

"I don't see it like this. Only Leila does."

"Naai, Niinii. Swame."

"Leila is saying you're the same."

"Cheeky kid," brother said, and he pinched my cheeks, so I tried to get up. My brother caught me and father held brother down; it was entertaining during the holidays.

When I was about to turn one, brother's holidays didn't consist of just playing, his magic circulation training had also started. It only looked to me as if he was sitting down and closing his eyes to concentrate. And I've never seen the thing called magic. Why does he have to practice magic circulation in a world with no magic?

"As you know, amongst the four Marquis Houses, our Albans House and Stan's Lisburn House sustain this kingdom's barrier. Luke, your power is big enough, but if you continue to channel your big power as it is, then your life will be shortened. You have to be able to effectively channel your magic into the magic stone without waste," father always repeated this to brother. I finally learnt my surname, and I also discovered that there were other nobles in this world.

"It's rare to have two people with violet eyes in the same generation. I also feel that Leila has a large amount of magic power. It would become so much easier if you two worked together."

I was quite surprised when I heard this. Apparently, I had magic power too. That power was channelled into a magic stone. Something that brother, father and I have but Hannah and Sebas didn't. I had the chance to find out about this surprisingly early.

One day, Hannah was doing something to the light in the room. This was the first time I'd seen her do this.

"Anna. Whaht?"

Hannah took something out of the light which was situated in a high place and showed it to me. It was slightly red and looked like a small crystal.

"This is a magic stone for light. The power is fading in this, so I have to get someone to channel more magic into this; so we can use it again."

"Mwagic?"

"Yes."

I was able to speak a little now. Are magic stones like batteries? And that means that father has magic.

"Tosyama, duo?" 1)

Hannah giggled at my question.

"Master uses all his magic for the barrier. Even we can fill things with a little magic, but we usually collect the stones and bring them to a magic shop," Hannah said; then she let me hold the magic stone that I was so interested in and went back up again to install the new magic stone. The new stone was a deep violet.

I sat down and studied the magic stone which I had been entrusted with. The tiny, small stone that could fit in a baby's hand was clear. I wondered how one channelled their magic into the stone as I held it firmly; then suddenly, magic began to flow from my body into the magic stone as if a switch had been flipped. It felt as if something warm was being gushed out from within. When I got lightheaded, I felt as if the colour was drained from my face. It stopped as soon as it began.

The stone changed into a dark violet.

It felt similar to being lightheaded, but my condition wasn't bad. Which meant that it was probably the magic that was flowing through me before. I softly grasped the magic stone, and it repelled my magic as if saying it didn't need anymore. I could understand how magic felt a bit better if I could hold more magic stones.

"Leila-sama? Do you like the magic stone? Hyaah!"

Was hyaah an unattractive scream for a 15-year-old? I shook my head apologetically.

"Anna, no."

"It's not the time for you to be saying no! Do you feel bad-, eer, let's go to Sebas!" Hannah said as she picked me up with the magic stone and took me to where Sebas was. Isn't it better for her to confiscate the magic stone?

"I apologise. I thought that Leila-sama wouldn't eat the magic stone even if I gave it to her because she's smart......" Hannah explained to Sebas.

Rude, much? I've never been so careless as to put something in my mouth before, you know? And that's not the problem. Hannah is really disappointing sometimes. Sebas made me sit on a chair; then he kneeled down, grabbed my hands, looked into my eyes, touched my neck and then put me down and let me walk a little.

"Hmm, she's not cold. She doesn't have a fever either. Her complexion is normal, and she's walking normally."

Then he picked me up while looking relieved.

"Leila-sama, do you have any idea what you've done?"

I accidentally channelled my magic, but what should I say? I shook my hands.

"Poof, sumfing, 'ear."

"Something suddenly came out of your hand, didn't it?"

"Aai."

"Hmm."

Sebas frowned and instructed Hannah, "At any rate, you mustn't let anything magic stone related near Leila-sama. It could harm her health depending on the situation."

"Okay."

Hannah looks like she's going to cry. Well, it can't be helped.

"Leila-sama?"

"Ai."

"It is not the time to think that Hannah can't be helped."

"Uoah."

Dammit. Why does it seem like Sebas knows what I'm thinking? The target turned to me.

"Why do you think Master is training Luke-sama so hard when he's smart? If it's just about channelling magic, then anyone with magic can do it. But, you could shorten your life if you channel all your magic into a magic stone that isn't compatible with you."

"Sebas-sama, even if you telling something like that to Leila-sama-," Hannah tried to intervene.

"No, Leila-sama can understand me. She has a lot of magic power. But, do you understand how much Luke-sama and Master would mourn for you if the worst case were to happen?"

I hung my head in shame. They were already mourning this much from losing mother, how much more would they mourn if they were to lose me too?

But, wait. What if it's just one magic stone? What if I got father or Sebas to watch me while I did it?

"It's hopeless even if you look at me with eyes like that. You can start when you're 10. That is final."

Tsk. I clung to Sebas and rubbed my head against his chest.

"Gahh. You're not allowed!"

My strategy failed. I think I heard Sebas mutter, "That was a close one." I'll endure a little for now about magic.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 9

Chapter 09: Father's Friends

Although Sebas had said that I couldn't start my magic training until I was 10, this incident was a good chance for to me to realise that I had magic.

It was as if there were two of me overlapping with each other and it felt strange as if the other me was flowing out and fading away. That was probably because I shouldn't let it flow out too much. I thought as I watched brother's training and I discovered that some kind of power was indeed surrounding brother.

Is it spinning? In other words, that might be the flow being controlled. Perhaps, it's like pulling out thin threads from chunks of wool that were like yarn.

I get the image. For now, I'll wait until I turn 10.

Why was I born with my memories? Why wasn't I reincarnated in Japan? Those questions arose in my mind.

When I was still a baby, I thought I was reincarnated to save the body and mind of Leila. But now it's different. I wonder if I was called here because there's something I must do. To channel my power into the barrier?

"Lei looks serious. Lei, what's wrong?"

"Aai, emm, Lei, deo."

I couldn't say what I must do with a baby's mouth.

"Do you want to train your magic circulation too? You can't. Otou-sama."

"Hmm, you should give up on this until you're 10."

I sighed. I knew he would say the same thing as Sebas. It's not like I'm a Hero who has something they must do just because I was reincarnated. The only thing I have to do now that I've been reborn is to enjoy life to the fullest. That's enough. I answered obediently, "Aai."

"Good girl."

The two smiled gently at my reply.

Sebas, who happened to pass by, gently looked at this scene.

Come to think of it, Hannah is my caretaker, so she's always with me. Sebas told me that he had hired her because she was close to me in age at 15 and because she took care of her younger brothers and sisters, so she had experience.

Her dark blonde hair was tied in a high ponytail at the back of her head, and she had dark blue eyes; an energetic and cute kid. She would come to my room when I woke up, took care of all my needs from changing my clothes to feeding me and she would watch over me so that I wouldn't do anything crazy; she looked as if she had fun working.

Martha doesn't come anymore. I didn't need to be given milk anymore at the age of one, so she went back to her regular servant work. Hannah told me this when I looked lonely.

"Even so, I heard that she was able to build a small house because she received a lot of allowance for feeding you milk."

"Aai."

I'm glad. If Martha hadn't been here, then I might have grown up really lonely, even if I did have an adult mind.

When I turned one, I could walk around, so my range of activities increased by a little. I was still faster when I crawled, but this meant that I could go to more places.

I, who was born in January, was able to walk after a year and after spring came, I was able to walk steadily. When the weather was nice out, my daily routine was to take walks outside with Hannah. I had already stopped wearing baby clothes and diapers and tottered around the garden in an easy-to-move-in dress.

I actually wanted to walk briskly, but I couldn't ignore my development phase. It wasn't like I wanted to be superwoman, so I was enjoying my baby life.

"Our Leila-sama is really an angel," a maid said to Hannah.

"Of course. Her sheer blonde hair was so puffy that day, it was quite cute, right? Her light violet eyes are just like the night sky, and she tries so hard to move her small arms and legs. Besides, when she's cheeky it's just ugh," Hannah replied with great vigour.

Yes, they had neglected me so much before, but I now advanced to being the sister that is cherished by her brother and in the process, became father's beloved daughter. Apparently, I became the idol who brought light back into the gloomy Marquis House.

"Even so, I wonder why they aren't celebrating her one year debut," Hannah said curiosity.

Woah. A debut, is it? I pricked my ears to listen.

"I heard rumours like, 'It seems like he doesn't want to show anyone his important daughter' and 'Is the Lady that beautiful?'."

"Well!"

"People also seem to be saying that he doesn't recognise her as a daughter because he's been neglecting her so much."

Apparently, maids knew a lot about the rumour mills. I thought it was amusing because a one-year-old baby couldn't possibly be a beautiful lady. It was true that I was neglected, so I guess the rumours from my first six months are still going around.

"Yeah. Master was a little cold when I first came here, but now he's really fond of her."

"I know, right? I'm sure he doesn't want to do her debut because she's just too important to him. Aah."

I raised my face when I heard 'aah' and saw father walking towards us.

"Tousyama!"

I hobbled, but did my best to walk towards him and father walked quickly towards us and scooped me up.

"Lei, I'm home."

"Wew-ome ome."

Father raised me up and hugged me tightly.

"Hey, oi. You really Dean? Are you sure you're not something that's wearing Dean's skin?"

"Shut up. You're saying insulting things for someone who'd just decided to follow me home."

"So this is your rumoured daughter? Show her to me."

"I won't. She'll get pregnant if she sees someone from the Lisburn House."

"You're kidding me."

Apparently, we have a guest. They seem pretty close.

"Lei."

"Niini."

Brother is with them too. Then I have to go to brother. Brother is the best after all. Father put me down, and I clung to brother's waist.

"Lei, I'm home."

"Wew-ome ome."

"Were you a good girl?"

"Aai."

I can talk smoothly like this now.

"So this is the sister that Luke is so proud of."

"Ay!"

A boy whose voice was breaking spoke. When I quietly separated from brother's legs, I saw a boy with black hair, who was still a child yet in the process of becoming an adult, and he was looking down at me. His eyes were so blue that they could have been mistaken for a summer sky.

"Ooh, you're exactly like Luke. So this is the Marquis' cherished child?"

I tilted my head in doubt. It was said that it was enough for one child to be born with violet eyes each generation, but there were two of us. Well, put badly, our house had a spare. But, it wasn't to the point that I could be called a cherished child. The boy stretched his hands out to me.

"You coming?"

"Nah."

I clung to brother.

"Lei......" Brother sounded as if he was troubled, but he is definitely happy.

"How about it? Want to give her to my House?"

"I refuse. Lei won't be a bride to anyone."

What are these fathers saying behind us? It sounds like something a doting father would say.

"Lei, let's go play over there."

"I guess I'll come too."

"Aai."

I'll go anywhere with brother.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 10

Chapter 10: If You Can Live Freely (Otou-sama's POV)

"I know why you don't want her to debut. It's because she'll be targeted, right?" Stan looked at Lei, but his words irritated me.

"I'd get engagement proposals from everywhere. Do you think I would let other people get ahold of our violet eyes? Hmph."

"But, do you think that the Albans House is in good hands because you have Luke, who is known for being brilliant? Actually, there are some who think that a dispute would happen because two people have inherited this trait. And, there are some who would like the possibility of having light violet eyes in their lineage, even if it's just small possibility."

I clicked my tongue. Everyone in Kingdom had a massive celebration on a child's first birthday. For nobles, this celebration became the child's debut into noble society. But Leila didn't have a debut for her birthday. Why? Because of the incident that had happened just before her first birthday.

We, nobles, have magic power from the time we are born, but it was very unstable when we are small; our magic grew more extensive and more stable the older we get.

Therefore, it wasn't possible to start practising because it was challenging to handle magic until one was 10.

But, Sebas had been waiting for me when I came back from the castle at this time.

"Leila-sama put magic into the magic stones used for light," he informed me.

"Lei what-! Is she alright?!" I asked because I felt like the blood was draining from my face. Although the magic stones that were used for light were small, it absorbed quite a bit of magic. Even children who start their magic circulation training start learning with half-used magic stones used for lights. Some people collapse if they use empty magic stones.

"She is fine. And, please have a look at this."

What Sebas had presented to me was a magic stone which had been splendidly filled with magic.

"Lei filled this up by herself?"

"Yes. And she looked as if she could fill another 2 or 3 stones."

"Impossible!"

If people knew that she also had this much power on top of being cute then greedy people would definitely flock around her. I heard that lower ranking nobles were getting kidnapped lately so I made my decision.

"I'm cancelling her debut."

"Is this okay with you? It's better for her not to have contact with the outside as much as possible."

Sebas also nodded. She's my beloved daughter. I decided that there was no need to show her to others just before her first birthday.

Nevertheless, Stan's point was sickening.

"Assuming that-"

"What would you do if the violet eyes get out if she becomes a bride? Instead of wealth and status, she'd be forced into a lifetime of servitude. Also, I'm sure that you, as a noble, know why we high-ranking nobles are so short-lived."

"So you're saying we should do something that will benefit our houses?"

"So we're getting a tiny share of that?"

My first wife was like that. We only got married to balance our family status, and not because we liked each other. She got a stable position after Luke was born, even if she was a neglectful mother. We ended up getting divorced because we didn't get along. Even so, she won't experience any difficulty for the rest of her life.

"Forget about Diana. Her marriage wouldn't have gone well no matter who she married."

"I haven't thought about her until now. On a different subject, what happened to your father's bastard?"

Stan shook his head. Stan, from the Lisburn House, was one of my few best friends from the academy, but he had a nasty family situation.

"This wasn't something he should have confessed on his deathbed."

He shrugged his shoulders as if it were a hassle. About two years ago just before his father died, he finally confessed that he had an illegitimate child with the summery-blue eyes of the Lisburn House.

"We haven't found him yet. Maybe he's already left Kingdom since we haven't found any clues to his whereabouts."

"Don't tell me... To Frontier!?"

Stan nodded slowly, "There are multiple reasons why we suspect this. It's called Frontier, but it's divided into many different regions, and their population is several times greater than ours."

"But-."

"Oh trust me, I've heard that it's tough to live here in Kingdom. But, they're able to produce magic stones in Frontier because of the lifestyle needed to live there and one could even argue that they could maintain the barrier."

I understood even if he didn't say it.

In this world, besides humans and normal living things, there are amorphous creatures known as Hollows. These creatures have hindered human prosperity since time immemorial. They can take the form of any race, but they mostly prefer humans. However, they think and live differently from humans and can maintain their appearance by sucking the life out of any other living thing.

Their bodies didn't have meat even if you cut it up. They can only be slashed by a special metal, and their corpses shrink into magic stones. Energy was produced when people channelled their magic power into the stones, and it was used to power things.

Humans and Hollows have begrudgingly coexisted for a long time as pesky neighbours, even if the Hollows occasionally killed humans because they made life more convenient. However, at one point in time, the Hollows began to gradually increase their numbers and became a threat to humanity. Thus, humans developed a barrier to keep away the Hollows.

That barrier used the magic stones obtained from the Hollow's corpses. They had an unpleasant relationship, but about 100 years after the development of the small barrier, humans finally succeeded in creating a barrier that covered the whole kingdom. However, even a tiny barrier needed a large amount of magic power.

"But that needs a large amount of magic power. Only the Royal Family, the Four Marquis Houses and those of noble rank have that much power."

"What's wrong?"

"Well, it's about those who can't enter the barrier and can only live on the outer edge of it. Also, how we still have to keep killing Hollows if we want to maintain the city's facilities."

It was a never-ending conflict. In addition to creating the barrier, the magic stones were too deeply ingrained in our lives. We didn't just kill Hollows to protect ourselves, but also to live. That was how deep it went.

"I've never heard of Hollows having feelings or making communities. That is just a moving phenomenon. This has been clearly explained."

"I guess so."

At any rate, we, who live in the barrier, have never seen Hollows before.

Women and children, whom we should protect, and engineers lived inside the barrier and those with the power to hunt Hollows fought outside of the barrier. Then the world changed, and those who could maintain the barrier became the privileged and those without were chased out to the outer edges.

"History is interpreted favourably for those in power. I still doubt whether people should be given preferential treatment because they have magic power, but I also think it's just as foolish to assume that this was alright in the olden days, Dean."

"I know."

I know. But there was no reason to believe that one would be happy just because they're bound to the Royal Capital to protect the barrier.

"If possible, I want Luke and Lei to live their lives freely."

"This country won't ever let them go. Not my kids, nor my brother."

Stan looked up at the sky which was covered by the invisible barrier.

"He'll be happier if we don't find him."

"He's a lot younger than your father's grandson, Gille. Your father was really loose with women."

"I've been taking care of everything as his son. But the one who inherited the Lisburn's eyes is still missing."

"His mother was probably smart."

"She might have been. She did get away from my father after all."

Stan and I watched our sons as they played with Lei in the garden. I've never had any attachments to life since I was born into a Marquis House. But now, I wish this scene would last forever.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 11

Chapter 11: Hannah and I

The fathers seem to be deepening their friendship, but a baby had baby things to do: pluck grass, dig dirt and chase after bugs.

"Whoaa! Were we like this when we were 1?"

"I don't remember. But I feel like Lei's different from other babies."

I looked at brother and his friend while still holding the grass and suddenly laughed. You don't get it. You don't get it at all do you, boys?

"Niini, dith ish inporthanth. Nd, I can theww ish grash from thouching."

Brother's friend widened his eyes in surprise as he listened to me.

"Inporthanth? Huh? Important? Dirt is important, and you can tell it's grass from touching it. Is that what you're saying?"

Yes. I nodded earnestly. It was important to touch and verify everything when you are small. By no means was I extremely interested in dirt, grass and bugs since I've been reincarnated and turned into a kid again.

Brother's friend crouched down and looked at me in the eyes.

"Hey, I'm Gilbert. Lei, Gilbert."

"Gill?"

"Close! But, alright you can call me Gill. Gill."

"Gill."

"Good."

Gilbert rubbed my head. I'm wobbling, I'm shaking, you know!

"Hey Gill, I never said you could call her Lei."

"Stingy, you're so selfish."

"Of course. She's my cute little sister."

I freaked out and called brother's name.

"Niini, Niini."

"What is it, Lei?"

Brother picked me up. These people always pick me up when they have the chance to. Don't be too sure of yourself!

"Nu, waww."

"Only for a little. Like really, just a little."

Argh. Thus, in addition to brother, Gill also came over to play whenever they had a day off from the academy.

This happened when I was a year and three months old. It was already spring. One night, I woke up because I heard the door open quietly. Oh, that's unusual. Father doesn't come here much at night anymore.

Hannah came in quietly while I was still in a daze.

"Hannah."

"Shh, Leila-sama. Let's use our quiet voices since it's night time."

"Aai."

Hannah quickly changed my clothes. She put a warm, winter hat on my head and also put a poncho on me. It was my favourite one with two big pockets.

"Hannah, nightie-night? Whay chu cwrng cwothes?"

"So you don't get cold. It's still cold at night," she said as she picked me up with her jacket and patted me on the back. Hannah seemed relieved and closed her eyes.

"Leila-sama, you can go nightie-night."

I felt like I shouldn't fall asleep, but I was so drowsy at midnight and fell asleep.

Hannah went out into the hallway without making a sound and peeked from left to right; then she quickly rushed outside through the servant's entrance. The Marquis had hired people to guard the gate and back entrance when Leila turned one. But, there were many ways to sneak out of this massive mansion. Hannah had investigated this beforehand.

No one noticed them. Hannah walked across the Marquis' big backyard with Leila in her arms. Then she poked her head out from a gap between the hedges and looked from left to right. Soon after, a carriage came towards them even though it was late at night. A man jumped off from the carriage as it moved and rushed towards them.

"The baby?"

"I have her."

"Ok, get on."

"No, I was only told to hand her over here."

"You're causing a fuss over trivial things. You'll get caught too if you get noisy here. Hurry up and get on."

Then, the man forcibly shoved Hannah into the carriage which had come up next to them.

Hannah cowered in fright, and the man got on. The carriage continued to move towards the entertainment district as if it had never stopped. It was close to midnight, but the area was still crowded with people drinking and those going to brothels.

The wagon stopped where it wouldn't stand out. The man got out of the wagon and dragged Hannah, who still didn't know what was going on, with him. They entered a specific tavern through the backdoor.

"Th-the promise-."

"Shut up."

Hannah said frantically, and the man replied coldly. Then the man asked the man at the tavern, "Did you prepare the thick coat for the woman? What about the Rug Dragon?"

"Yuh, two. One has a basket. But you taking this chick with you? Huh? What the hell, you have a baby too? Riding for a long time will be rough on the kid."

"My parents are sick. I want them to see my wife and kid while they're still healthy. Is the dragon properly trained?"

"Of course. But they're not comfortable. Even if you're in a rush, carry your baby carefully."

"I know."

Hannah, who had no idea what was going on, was forced to wear a thick coat and put onto a speed type dragon. When she came to, she was swaying with Leila in the darkness outside of the Royal Capital. Luckily, Leila was sound asleep even though she was swaying.

"Even though I was only told to give Ojou-sama to an outsider......" Hannah's mutter disappeared into the dark night.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 12

Chapter 12: The Prairie and I

I woke up because even though I was warm, I felt uncomfortable and claustrophobic. I was being held by someone, but I was shaking a lot more than usual.

"Niini?" I muttered reflexively, but Hannah's voice was the one that replied to me.

"Leila-sama."

"Hannah?"

"Leila-sama, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry!"

When I looked up, Hannah's face was a mess of tears and snot. I wanted to wipe her face, but I had to do something about this uncomfortable feeling first. Why is it shaking so much even though Hannah is sitting down? She had me under her arms, but I squirmed around and stood on top of the seat.

"Woah......"

It was dawn, and a vast prairie spread out before my eyes. A high mountain stood to my far right, and early spring greenery mixed with dead grass were fluttering in the wind to my left. And the rhythmic running in front of us took my breath away.

"Rawpta."

"No, Leila-sama. This is called a Rug Dragon. It is a fast and docile dragon like the one Master often takes for rides," Hannah answered truthfully after she wiped her tears and snot. I felt refreshed because I'd just woken up. I can't believe that the thing father rides is a dragon, not a horse...... Dragons, like I'd first imagined, looked like raptors. The dragon in front of me had a saddle on it, and a man was riding it.

Then what are we riding? I slowly looked to my side, and there was a dragon head to my right. The dragon was looking at the dragon in front of it and chasing after it.

"Dwagon......"

"It's a docile dragon. It's fine. Don't worry. But, Leila-sama, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry......"

Tears were flowing from Hannah's beautiful dark blue eyes. I'll think about why Hannah is crying later. The dragon that Hannah and I were sitting on didn't have a saddle; instead, there were box-shaped baskets attached on both sides of the dragon. The basket seemed light, but it was shaped adequately like a chair and Hannah could sit steadily on it. The other basket probably contained things like water and food.

Before long, the sun rose completely, and I could see a town in front of us. The dragon in front of us stopped at the town, and our dragon came to a halt beside it. The man lightly descended from the dragon in front and took out a bucket full of water from the other basket and watered the dragons along with feeding them some kind of lump.

Then, he came towards us, fiddled with something next to Hannah and the side of the basket quickly opened as if it was a door.

"Get down," even though he had said that Hannah looked as if she was frozen and didn't get off. The man clicked his tongue and pulled her down. I came tumbling down with her.

"Hannah, waww," I patted Hannah's arm and asked her to let me go. She hugged me tightly for a second but loosened her grip shortly after.

I got down onto the prairie. The withered grass was taller than me; a baby couldn't see anything after getting off the dragon. Boring.

"You're a brave brat," the man muttered as he looked at me. He sat down in front of us with a thud and took out a flask, bread and dried meat from his bag.

"Eat."

Hannah shook her head.

"We still have 2 days left, 3 if something goes wrong. You won't have any energy if you don't eat."

I reached for the bread and flask when I heard that. The flask was heavy, but Hannah opened it for me and fed me water.

"Hannah, dwink."

"Leila-sama."

"No dwink, dwop."

"...... Ok."

Hannah obediently took the flask and drank a little.

The bread was hard and dry, it was tough, but I managed to eat it while drinking water. I put the extra bread and dried meat into my poncho pocket. I thought that ponchos made for children didn't need pockets, but it was unexpectedly useful.

The man saw me do this and raised his eyebrow, but he began cleaning up without saying anything. I said, "Waith."

"Newd dat."

Hannah hadn't had enough water, so I wanted to make her drink some while we were riding the dragon. I pointed at the flask. The man silently handed the flask to Hannah, and she timidly took it.

"We're changing dragons in the next town. We're a married couple going to meet their sick parents with their child. You know what's gonna happen if you say too much or cause a fuss, don'tcha? Got it?"

The man reminded Hannah when we were finished and put us in the dragon basket again. Hannah still looked down, probably because she was afraid of being threatened. Well, of course, it's scary.

I finally have time. I can finally think. I accidentally fell asleep and the person who took me yesterday was Hannah. Basically, I was kidnapped. So why is Hannah also being threatened? All I know is I will be taken to a place that takes 2-3 days to get to on a dragon.

Hannah is being threatened, but the merchandise is probably me. They won't kill me even if I cause trouble.

It doesn't matter how I was treated like when I was a newborn, the current me is cherished by my family. Father is definitely looking for me. But, if he doesn't notice soon...... I stared at the dragon's back. I couldn't feel anyone chasing after us.

All I can do now was get information out of Hannah, not trouble her, and protect this helpless baby body of mine as much as possible.

I decided this while being put on Hannah's knees inside of the basket on top of the dragon which had started moving.

I've never been out of the mansion before now, so I honestly didn't know. Leila, soon to be one and four months old. It seems like I've really been reincarnated into a different world.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 13

Chapter 13: The Dragon and I

Even if I thought of different things to escape from reality, the dragon continued to run in rhythm, and I got further away from father and brother.

"Hannah."

"What is it?"

"Why dwagon forrow."

"Oh, that's-,"

I decided to ask Hannah a lot of questions when she calmed down. In fact, the dragon we were riding didn't have a rein or anything. But it was properly following the dragon in front of us. There are more important things to talk about than this, you say? Kids should ask about what they're interested in first.

"Rug Dragons live in groups. If there's more than two, then one of them would be the leader, and the others will follow the leader."

"Hoo."

So they had such a trait. So it's useless to try to make dragons rampage and divert the course by drawing their attention. But then, a girl and baby didn't have enough power to make that happen anyway.

"Fowwo fwom fah ushe dwagon?"

"From far away? Although we use dragons, we usually use a dragon carriage named Dab Dragon. They have four legs and travel at a more relaxing pace. Rug Dragons are the fastest dragons, and they're used by people who like speed and those who need to rush somewhere," Hannah responded honestly like always.

This meant that the people at the mansion wouldn't be able to catch up with us if they didn't give chase straight away. This is terrible. While we're resting, I could only stall for time by going to the toilet for a long time or by throwing a tantrum.

But if I went with my plan and he confiscated our food or rushed us, then it would be pointless.

I immediately realised why we'd stopped in front of town; it was so he could quickly change the dragons. I was really excited to see the town outside of the mansion for the first time. It was early in the morning, but there were local farmers everywhere, selling spring vegetables and fruits that had made it past the winter.

"Fresh fruits from Frontier!" I couldn't help but look towards the voice that had said that.

"It takes 10 days to get to Frontier! No way 's fresh!"

"Damn right!"

Laughter spread throughout the area. There were stalls for those who went to work early in the morning. It smells good. I spontaneously said, "Dere, wanth."

"Leila-sama, you can't. Stall food is dirty."

It's not dirty. The man won't buy it for me anyway. We would stand out if we ate in town and it would take time to eat. So the man quickly changed dragons and rushed us. I was tired from being hugged and shaken, but Hannah, who wasn't used to travelling, was also tired.

That day, we also had unsavoury bread and water for lunch, and he prevented my plan to extend the break by immediately putting us onto the dragon. I was dozing off in the afternoon sun, and Hannah began muttering to herself while in a daze, "I wonder if Matthew got the medicine. Why did he take me too? Why did I do this to Leila-sama......? But Matthew's medicine...... And if I go against Remington, then mum's work......"

I listened to Hannah even though I was dozing off. Matthew. Mum. Hannah never talked about her family in front of me. But she was used to taking care of kids, could understand what I say and took me seriously.

"Matthew...... Mum."

I clung gently to Hannah who was holding me, and she hugged me closer without thinking as she swayed. I hope we can both get some sleep since we've been wobbling on this dragon for more than half a day already. The dragon was still running when I woke up after sleeping. Hannah looked as if she was asleep.

I recalled what I had heard last night. It seems like someone is threatening Hannah about her mum's work and her brother's medicine. Is Remington a surname?

I recently learnt that my surname is Albans. Leila Albans. Brother is Luke Albans. Father is Dean Albans. Our family has the magic power to support the barrier.

I have too little information. I had no choice but to do what I could, but a baby's body couldn't do much. It was dusk before long, and the dragons stopped along the road where I could see the town from beyond.

"We will nap and eat here. Then, I'll change dragons in the next town."

We had been shaking the whole day, but the man had also been riding the dragon for an entire day. He was indeed tired. Hannah and I ate our food obediently, and when we went to go to the toilet, the dragons got in our way.

"Gwo wee-wee?" I can't be embarrassed about this. I complained to the dragon, but it still got in my way.

"Seems like you've been recognised as one of its group. I've heard that this occasionally happens. It's probably telling you that it's dangerous so don't go far," the man chuckled.

It's not funny. What're you going to do if I leak?

"I'll go over there, so finish your business."

I was desperate and could only do just this. I was in a bad mood because I had the unusual experience of finishing my business while being watched by a dragon. Even though they let Hannah go off to do her thing! But, the man took out a blanket out of his bag without care, so we also laid down and slept a little.

"Wake up," Hannah and I were woken up by the man. My body felt heavy, but it was still better than sleeping inside of the basket.

"The small one's lively. Good," he said as he put us into the basket once again and headed to the next town.

The second town was bigger and livelier than the first. I thought people would be sleeping, but it didn't seem to be midnight yet. The man once again headed to a tavern and knocked on the backdoor four times.

"You're finally here? You're late!"

"It's the girls. I gotta let them rest a little."

"F-fine. But the Kingdom guards are starting to move soon. You don't have time to rest from here on."

The men were discussing something while looking at us. The man who brought us here looked at us and said, "I'm done here. This guy's gonna take you next."

"Ya."

I let go of the hand that was holding Hannah's. It was a full day for a baby to be trapped on a swaying dragon. I've reached my limit. I can't even go toilet freely.

I turned around and started walking briskly. Let's head to a place with lots of people. They'll probably help me if I tell them I'm lost.

But I was caught straight away. It seems like I wasn't walking briskly.

"Weren't you a good girl?"

"How do I put this? She doesn't try to run, cry or make a fuss."

I tried to flap around, but it was pointless. If running away was useless, then I want them to improve their treatment of me.

"Den, dat wanth."

"What?"

"Yummy wanth."

I'm bored of just bread and water.

"You, how dare you act selfishly while being kidnapped."

"Maeth! Sweeth!"

"Ha, Haha," the man finally laughed.

"Got it. I'll give it to you. You put these guys on the dragon already," he said to the man who was replacing him and disappeared into the bustling streets. He gave us a drink that was wrapped in leaves while we were sitting in the basket and put something in my poncho pocket.

"Be happy," he said and disappeared into the busy streets without looking back. What are you saying now? You kidnapped me! The dragons began to move.

"Hannah, opwen."

Inside the wrap was minced meat wrapped in fried flour seasoned with salty-sweet spice. I gave half to Hannah and ate it. The dragon continued to run. Where the heck are we going?

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 14

Chapter 14: Lei's Gone! (Otou-sama's P.O.V)

"Have you not left yet?!" I yelled at the Captain of the guard even though I knew it was hopeless.

"I have narrowed it down to three suspicious dragons that departed from town last night, but it's unclear which one carried Leila-sama. It's pointless to split the guards into all three directions right now. Please wait a little longer."

He was right. I knew this. Leila was gone, and so was Hannah. We didn't realise that they had been kidnapped until late morning. It was Hannah's job to wake Leila up in the morning, and it was also her job to bring food to Leila's room. The people in the kitchen noticed that Hannah hadn't come to get Leila's food when things had finally calmed down.

And now, it is already the afternoon.

I was working at the castle, but I immediately called the guards when I got word from the mansion and instructed them to investigate this matter.

This surrounding area was just called Kingdom. The guards were an elite force in the Kingdom Army, who protected nobles and held power to maintain the barrier.

I don't know what they usually do, but I held the right to command the whole guard in matters involving nobles.

They were capable guards for us nobles, and they also monitored any dangerous people.

Then, a messenger suddenly rushed in and whispered into the Captain's ears. The Captain nodded and immediately walked to where I was. He said, "It appears that Leila-sama has been taken to Lazuli in the south. The purpose of the kidnappers are still unclear, but they'll probably continue south towards Frontier. I will send pursuers their way," and turned away from me.

"Wait!" The Captain turned around looking somewhat annoyed when I stopped him.

"I'll go too."

"I'm sorry, but this is a race against time. You will only drag us down if you don't have the right training."

"I'm sure you know that I'm quite capable of riding a dragon."

I rode the Rug Dragon as a hobby, and the army didn't suit me. The Captain and I eyed each other for a while.

"Relatives are motivated by personal feelings. If you can't follow commands, then you're out. Is that clear?"

"Okay. I'll be ready shortly."

"Then, we'll wait for you in front of the castle. We'll leave if you don't make it on time."

This time, the Captain turned around and left. Rug Dragons were robust so I could get them to carry a considerable amount of weight, but I had to be as light as possible. It took three days to get to Frontier at the fastest speed, and I considered that we would be changing dragons and replenishing our supplies half-way, so I quickly packed for one person.

"Otou-sama!"

"Luke, I'll definitely bring Lei back. As the eldest son of the Albans House, protect it while I'm gone."

"I will!"

I tightly hugged my son, who I had no interest in six months ago. I will bring back Lei, who taught us the meaning of family and happiness.

I jumped onto the Rug Dragon that had been prepared in front of the mansion and headed towards the castle.

"Hmm, so you made it on time..." The Captain said regretfully. I nodded silently. There were about 10 guards gathered here.

"This may seem few to you, but we don't have evidence that this is an organised crime. It seems like this was done by a small group. Even if their numbers exceed what we expect, my elite group of guards can handle them. And, I wanted to prioritise mobility above all else."

I nodded silently again.

"They have a girl and baby with them. It's possible to catch up with them even if we ride a Rug Dragon. Now then, let's go!" Upon the Captain's shout, all the Rug Dragons simultaneously began to run.

We went at a fixed speed without taking any breaks until we reached Lazuli. The place that we had arrived at was the garrisons. We descended from the dragons and took a break while we let them rest. In the meantime, the Captain confirmed the information he had gotten from the members who went into town to gather information. It was frustrating, but the Captain was quite competent.

I controlled myself from wanting to stand up straight away when the Captain came to report, "It appears that a party fitting our descriptions came to the dragon shop early this morning. Apparently, they told everyone that they were going to visit the man's sick parents, but his wife is young, and she looked exhausted and frightened. For human trafficking, this Kingdom has no laws for it in Frontier. They're probably taking the shortest route to Frontier."

"Human trafficking......"

It was just a prediction, but I heard those words clearly and flinched.

"Leila-sama has the same appearance as Milord. You might think that the colour of your House is very prominent, but it's easy to hide and nurture someone, especially if they're women. She could be bought by someone at Frontier, or by someone in Kingdom."

I stood up in anger and drew closer to the Captain.

"That's why we're resting here."

"What did you say?"

I froze because of the Captain's unexpected words.

"We won't last if we don't rest for a few hours. Of course, I have already sent a small number of us ahead."

I sat down after a few moments of silence.

"We'll rest for three hours and leave in four."

Anyway, I had no choice but to obey this man for now.

We stopped at each garrison to swap our dragons and replenish our supplies. We were confident that we were drawing closer to the scum who had kidnapped Lei.

I was exhausted from travelling for a long time, and on the third day, we were just hours away from the border.

"We won't rest here so we can catch up to them at once. We'll leave you behind if you lag."

This Captain was always calm. Thanks to him I was able to remain calm.

"Okay. Let's go," I said and quietly got onto the dragon. The guards and I had ran this far with the last of our strength. We will finally catch up to them in half a day. If we don't catch up to them, then I wouldn't be able to get my beloved Lei back. It was a race against time.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 15

Chapter 15: Before the Barrier

This was the third day since I was kidnapped that night. This was also the third person who was guiding us. The third man seemed to be in a big rush and didn't even let us have enough time to rest. Hannah and I were so groggy from having to ride on the dragons for hours that we almost dropped from exhaustion after we were let down for lunch.

At that time, the dragons who were running quietly cried out, "Kyyee."

We became aware of our surroundings again when we heard the cry for the first time, and the dragon in front of us slowed down when it heard this.

"Oi, what're you doing!? We're nearly at Frontier! It's just a little more." The man said, but the dragons slowly dropped their pace and stopped. The man quickly got off the dragon and sped towards us.

"You guys, what'd you do!" Having said that, he should be able to see that Hannah was in no position to do anything since she didn't have any energy left in her. He looked at me, but there was no way a baby could do anything. The dragon softly pushed his head onto the man's back.

"What?"

"Kyyee." The dragon shook its back.

"...... Are you telling me to let them have a break?"

"Kyyee."

Dragons shared their feelings. Once I was recognised as part of their group, I was cherished by them even if the dragons were switched. In short, I couldn't go far away from them to go toilet. The dragon concluded that it was dangerous for me, a baby of their group, to move any further than this.

"...... It's really just a little bit further."

The man looked ahead. He had made the dragons weave through the forest edge, and the mountains that were far off in the distance to our right was getting closer. In front of our eyes were trees and prairie. The man looked like he knew where the edge of the barrier was even if he couldn't see it.

I wasn't in any condition to stand, and Hannah just laid on the ground as if she'd fallen out of the basket.

"Bwanket."

"What'd you say?"

"Hannah, bwanket, give."

"Tsk," the man clicked his tongue and gave Hannah a blanket. I let Hannah sleep and laid down with her on the blanket. The dragons lowered their heads in worry. Just a little, let us rest for a little.

"Oi, wake up!" I think I was only asleep for a second. The man didn't just speak, he also shook Hannah awake and shoved us back into the basket.

"Our pursuers are coming," he muttered as he frantically made the dragons run. Pursuers. I stood up on Hannah's lap, got her to hold me and looked over her shoulders. I couldn't tell for sure, but I did feel like shadows were coming towards us.

The man said that we'll be at Frontier soon. What is Frontier? What would happen to us when we get to Frontier? The shadows chasing us were definitely getting closer.

"A little more, just a little," the man's loud voice could be heard from where we were. But, I was watching the pursuers while clinging onto Hannah. Fast. Are those black clothes an army uniform? Amongst them, I saw a person in grey. His bright hair could have been mistaken for grey because of his grey clothes.

"Otosyama~!"

"Lei!"

I couldn't help but yell, and father replied to me. He came! He really came!

"Target discovered! Surround them from the front!" The unit spread out after hearing those words. They were probably trying to stop the dragon in front of us.

"Woaaaaah~."

The man pushed on even though he was being surrounded. And father's dragon drew next to mine. My eyes met with father's, and I stretched my hands out towards him even though he couldn't reach me. Just a little more, just a little bit. Then, the unit sandwiched the man in front of us, and he fell off the dragon. But, instead of slowing down, the dragon continued running on.

"Kyyee!" Our dragon suddenly quickened his pace. Father wasn't able to keep up and was left behind.

"Otousyama!"

"Lei!"

The dragon passed the dumbfounded men in black with us still riding on him. Then, the atmosphere around us changed.

"So this is the barrier?"

I turned around and saw that father was being held back by the dragons and men in black.

"Let me go. Why!? Lei! Lei!"

"Otousyama! Otousyama!"

But, the dragon didn't stop, even though father had finally came to get me. All I could do was stare at father in a daze. The dragon ran until it was dark and then finally stopped. Fortunately, since the man had been in a rush, he'd forgotten to lock the basket. The basket opened with a light push from Hannah.

We staggered down from the dragon, and cuddled together.

"Leila-sama, what should we do?" Hannah was so exhausted that she was relying on a one-year-old child.

"Bacw. Dwagon wide."

If they won't come to us, then we had to go to them. But how do I turn the dragon around without a rein?

"Hannah. Can chu wide dwagon?"

"I can't. I'm fine being in the basket, but I've never ridden anything this big before......"

"Bacw shith?"

"Leila-sama, I can't. I can't sit there!"

Is that so? Then, will the dragon follow us if we start walking?

"Kyyee."

Yes. Don't go far. He stopped me. I'm stuck. Well, this is the only thing I can do for now.

"Hannah. Wather, bwead, bwing outh."

"Okay."

Hannah went to the opposite basket and fiddled with it.

"Leila-sama, it's impossible. It's locked."

"Shthone. Hith with shthone. Big."

Hannah looked for a big stone around us and hit the lock. The dragon looked displeased.

"It opened!"

"Bwing outh. Wather. Bwead."

Hannah prepared some feed and water for the dragon and quickly took out our bread and water. She finally began to move steadily. Then, we both sat down and ate. We didn't know what was going to happen, so we each held the flask and drank our fill. I put a small piece of bread into my pocket.

"Ah."

"Leila-sama?"

There was a paper wrap in my pocket. The first man had put it into my pocket. I opened it and saw a pretty piece of candy inside. So candy exists in this world too.

"Hannah, ave wan."

"Oh, my!"

Hannah took a piece of candy from me while looking as if she was going to cry. Then, we both put it into our mouths, and it melted immediately. We couldn't move unless the dragon moved. Then, it happened when we were getting ready to sleep. Our long, long, day had yet to end.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 16

Chapter 16: Hannah

"I'm sure they were running this way," when it got dark, we heard the sounds of rustling and a person's voice. Hannah hugged me straight away and made herself smaller.

But, "Kyyee," the dragon cried. Another member of their group must be there.

"I heard a Rug Dragon. This way!"

I could feel several people approaching us.

"They're here!"

When I reluctantly opened my eyes, I saw Rug Dragons and three men standing before us.

"I never heard anything about a baby, but this girl must be here to take care of her. Well, whatever. There are lots of people who can help us at Frontier. Oi!"

Just because you're calling out to us, doesn't mean we'll reply.

"The hell? Can't they speak?"

The men quickly approached us.

"Oi, show me your faces."

"No."

"Oh, you spoke," the man said in satisfaction as he grabbed my jaw and lifted it up to the light.

"This is stunning. I've never seen it before."

"Brighth."

"Oops, sorry."

I put my face back into Hannah's chest.

"Rick got caught? Oh well, the guard won't come here. The deal was a success. Now, follow us both of you."

"No. Go ome."

"Hah?" The man raised his voice.

"Le-Leila-sama. Let's listen to them, okay?" Hannah quickly stopped me. Then, we were put on the dragon again even though we'd just gotten off it.

"Kyyee."

Even the dragon was tired.

"Kyyee!"

No, they were just happy that their group had increased.

The men were excited that the deal was a success even though one of their comrades had gotten caught.

"But seriously, this is the first time I've seen the pale violet eyes of one of the Four Marquis Houses."

"What? You've seen the other three?"

"Nah."

"'Course not," they laughed.

"It's time for the Hollows to become active. Let's go," a man said. Then, they left the forest and headed for the prairie. At that time, I heard a harsh, whirring sound. I hazily thought about the sound since I was exhausted. It was like the sound of turning on your computer, yes, your computer.

Even though there were no computers in this world.

I thought idly, and then I heard the panic in the man's voice, "It's the Hollows. The Hollows are here!"

"Hurry! We can still shake them off!"

Hollow? What's a Hollow? The dragons started running at full speed, and we couldn't talk. Isn't this too hard for a baby?

"Shyt, we can't shake them off!"

"There's 3 of them! The hunters can take 3 of them on right?!"

"The problem is we ain't hunters!"

"Dammit!"

The men stopped the dragons and dragged us out of the basket.

"This is a big job, but there's nothing we can do. The meeting place is still too far off," he said. Then, he removed the dagger from his waist belt and started hacking at the dragon's side.

"Kyee!" Surprised, the dragon warded off the attack with his front paws.

"You're the decoy!" He shouted as he got onto his own dragon and ran. Then, as if lured by those actions, the sound along with a shadow passed us.

"Tsk, the dragon's not doing what I want it to. Woah, why is the Hollow coming this way! We left you some prey over there!"

"Calm down. You got the rhodolite sword don't you?"

"O-oh yeah. Woah, wait!"

"Kyyee!"

I didn't know what was happening and could only hear the sound of their voices echoing in the night. The voice along with the clattering sounds of them equipping something soon became muffled as if it was being wrapped by something and eventually disappeared.

"Hollow. So they really do exist," Hannah stood frozen on the spot. She muttered while watching them and trembling.

"Hannah."

"Leila-sama. Leila-sama."

Hannah hugged me.

"I made excuses for myself. I told myself that this was for my brother and that Leila-sama would be treated well no matter where you go because your eyes are precious. But I wouldn't be able to see the light of day since I've done something that my mother and brother would be ashamed of."

"Hannah."

"Leila-sama, I'm so sorry. I'm really sorry."

We heard the sound again. Hannah hugged me lovingly again and then put me on the ground with my face down.

"Hannah?"

"Shh."

Then she rolled herself up and covered me.

"Kyyee."

The dragon, who was running around before covered in blood, came back to us. He licked Hannah and I, sat near us and hid us between his legs. It was like he was warming an egg.

"Hannah."

"No. You have to stay quiet no matter what happens. Ah, Leila-sama, I was happy to be able to work beside you."

"Hannah!"

"Shh."

We heard the whirring sound again. The dragon and Hannah lost their strength. My drowsiness exceeded my fear, and I fell asleep before long.

"Well, well, did she cross into Frontier? Or did she get kidnapped?"

"She probably got kidnapped, right? She's young and blonde. She'd probably sell for a lot in the black market."

"But why's she so close to the forest? Did she get killed by the Hollows? What a waste."

I woke up when I heard people talking and it was already bright out.

"Well, if the Hollows were here, then they were here. We'd still get money. Alright, let's collect the load."

What should I do? What to do. But my body won't move. Babies probably won't be able to escape even if they could move.

"Ah, ah, even though she was so young."

"She's probably older than you!"

"Just leave everything except for the valuables. And hold on to anything that can ID her."

"Alright."

The voice belonged to someone who was still only just a boy, and he sounded about brother's age.

"Niini," at the same time that I'd muttered this, the dragon was taken away, and Hannah was pulled out. It's bright.

"This! A kid, no, a baby?! Bart! Come here!"

"What is it, Alistair? You're noisy."

"Look here."

"The heck! There's a kid. How tragic......"

It looked as if they were praying for me. No, I'm alive. I'm alive, you know?! I managed to move my body.

"Kyyee!"

The dragon approached us.

"The heck. A Rug Dragon came."

"Kyyee."

The dragon pushed my body. Stand up, he was saying. I felt that he was telling me that I'd be killed if I don't stand up. But, I can't. *ROLL* The Rug Dragon rolled me over.

"Bwight," my mouth moved.

"She's alive...... She's alive!"

"A person and a dragon. Was she protected by both of them? No, now's not the time for this. Alistair, can you wake her up?"

"Yeah. Oi, you!"

Don't shake me, I'm awake!

"Wather."

"Wather? Water?!"

He held me and gave me some water from the flask.

"Phuu."

I could finally move my body. I rubbed the crusty substance off my eyelashes. I don't want to look, but there's something I have to see. I opened my eyes. The people around me gasped in surprise.

"Violet eyes......"

"That means she was kidnapped."

Who cares about that? Hannah.

"Hannah," someone moved at the sound of my voice and hid something. But even if they could hide her face, they couldn't hide the uniform worn by those who worked at a Marquis House.

"Hannah."

Even if I reach out to her.

"Hannah."

Even if I call her in a loud voice.

Hannah will never reply to me anymore.

"Woah, wwwaaaaa, aaah!"

Hannah was the one who had committed a crime even if it was for the sake of her brother and mother. But what other choices did a 15-year-old girl have? If these violet eyes are so important, then why did my family neglect me at first? Why was I kidnapped? And why did I have to lose someone important to me?

"Waaaaaan, wwaaaaa."

My mind wasn't that of a child, but that was why I could cry tears that I couldn't as an adult. My tears kept pouring out.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 17

Chapter 17: Alistair and I (← Got Past the Worst)

"Hey, I feel sorry for her. But what're we gonna do with her?"

"We should return her to Kingdom, but if we go now, they'll think we're the kidnappers."

"Then do you think the Frontier garrison here would really give her back if we gave her to them?"

"No, they'll probably resell her."

What country is this? I was drained from crying, and I heard their voices while I was dawdling.

"Why don't we abandon her?"

What did you say?! Then let me be resold!

"Stop joking, Bart."

"Haha. Well, they're the same eyes as yours, Alistair."

"Shut up."

The boy who said shut up was the boy from before. I rubbed my face that was sullied by my tears and snot with my sleeves. The boy from before approached me. This boy then squatted down in front of me and looked me in my eyes.

Black hair and midsummer-blue eyes. He looked around the same age as brother. I was familiar with those eyes.

"Gill?"

"Gill? Nope, I'm Alistair."

"Awishthair."

"Nope, but whatever. You are?"

"Leila."

"So you're Lily."

"Leila."

"Oh, Leila."

That's fine. But, what is this boy going to say? I shut my mouth and looked straight at the boy named Alistair.

"You were kidnapped. This isn't Kingdom, where you live. We're in Wester at Frontier," he told me slowly. Kingdom. Wester. I've never heard those words before.

"What're you saying to a baby?" I heard a teasing voice near us.

"I want to give you back, but it's hard."

I nodded. The boy looked relieved, but the teasing voice spoke again, "There's no way she could understand that."

"You can find your own way home when you grow up. So-," the boy told me slowly, word-by-word.

"You can do this one of two ways. Firstly, you could get bought by a rich guy and become his bride. Even if you were bought, you'd probably live a good life."

I looked at him in surprise as I continued to listen.

"Second is to come with me. It won't be an easy life, but you can choose your own fate."

"That's what I said to Alistair at first," the man, who was listening, proudly put his hand on his chin.

"But, babies can't understand what we say, now can they?"

But Alistair ignored him and said this to me, "If you want to be bought by the rich, then just stay as you are. If you want to come with us, then take my hand."

Then, he held his right hand out to me. It seems like I can survive no matter which road I take. But, I want to go back to where brother and father are. So, to do that-.

I took the boy's hand. The boy picked me up and turned me around to face everyone. He's so strong.

"I, apprentice hunter Alistair, will look after this kid! If you've got any complaints, come out to the front!" The boy's high voice vibrated through the prairie. The sounds of feet stomping on the early spring ground sounded through the area. Apparently, this meant that they had no objections.

"It's gonna be tough to earn enough money to feed both of you," the man named Bart said.

"Until recently, I earnt enough to feed mum and I. I'll manage. But still, help me!"

"Haha. You never hesitate to rely on others. Now, it looks like our chance to earn money is here," Bart, who was teasing Alistair, looked behind him and said.

*WHIRR*

"It acquired a taste for us. Human-type and Rug Dragon-type. They're probably the Hollows from last night. Put the chibi in the back. If possible, keep her eyes shut as well," Bart said, so I was carried to the back, and my poncho hood was put down over my face.

"We're Hollow hunters. Don't worry. Close your eyes," Alistair whispered and ran towards the sound. There were five men. They got off their Rug Dragons and held their sword out. I sat down with my poncho hat on and firmly kept my eyes opened. What is it that the man doesn't want me to see? What are Hollows? I have to find out what they are.

Under the morning rays, the men confront 10 things. It seemed as if the men and Rug Dragons were walking firmly on the ground. The whirring sound happened whenever they shook a little. And amongst them was Hannah.

"Hannah."

Those eyes won't look at me anymore.

"Hannah."

That face will no longer smile at me. The swords hoisted by the men were white like pottery and shimmered in a tint of red. The men faced the Hollows shaped like humans and Rug Dragons without hesitation.

When they slashed the Hollows, a black haze would appear from within the gaps. It gathered in together, became small and finally disappeared.

"Hannah."

The one wearing Hannah's appearance also disappeared. The men picked up something from the place where the black haze had faded and came back.

"Did you see it?"

Alistair looked at me with his eyes wide open.

"Hannah."

"Did you say Hannah?'

"Ish gone."

The boy quietly rubbed my head. The men looked at us awkwardly.

"Our aim wasn't to hunt this time, but the extra income is always welcomed. Let's go home."

But, the men's Rug Dragons didn't have space to fit excess luggage.

"It's no use. We have to pack our stuff and put her on top."

So, I was put in the luggage basket on top of the vegetables and clothes; and taken back to where they lived.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 18

Chapter 18: Leila! (Otou-sama's POV)

"Leila, Leila. Why!? Why did you stop me?!"

I was just about to catch up to her. She was within my reach. It would have been fine if Leila's Rug Dragon had stopped. Didn't they catch the man leading them?

Five guards surrounded me. It looks like I can break out of here if I just brush past them a little. When I prepared myself and was about to spur the dragon, the Captain came up from the side and struck the dragon.

"What're you doing?!"

"Sorry."

The Captain grabbed my shaking body and dragged me off the dragon.

I was dragged off the dragon. A Marquis. By the guard who is supposed to protect me.

"I'm sure you know very well that the guard cannot cross beyond the barrier. That's not all."

The Captain bound my hands behind me and said quietly, "Other nobles can pass to the other side, but the Four Marquis cannot leave Kingdom."

"Uo, wah!"

It was shameful for an adult man over 30 to scream. However, the Captain didn't let go of my arms even if I shouted or rampaged, and no one from the guard chased after Leila.

What's the point of being a Marquis when I can't even chase after my precious daughter? Is Kingdom a region I have to protect that much?

"Don't forget. If we lose you, then the next person in line for the Albans is the 10-year-old Luke-sama."

I was startled. Luke. He had just started learning magic circulation, so his life will definitely be shortened if he was made to maintain the barrier. I can't. I can't lose Luke, he's the precious Albans heir. No, even if he wasn't the heir, I can't lose him since he's so dear to me.

I stopped struggling, and the Captain finally let me go.

"Captain, the target," a guard came to report the information. Target. Not Leila.

"They ran along Walsall. From this course, we can assume that he was going to cross the barrier and meet up with his comrades along the forest."

"What did his comrades look like?"

"I couldn't see."

"Did the dragons not stop?"

"Not from what I could see. They're supposed to obey the dragon in front, but it kept running as if it were running away from us."

Running away. Was it because we were chasing it? Ridiculous.

"Milord, when a Rug Dragon rampages alone, it is to protect its companions. My guess is that it thought that it had to protect Leila-sama and the maid from us."

"Why didn't you stop Leila's dragon?"

The Captain put his hand to his head for a moment as if he was tired and answered, "When there are two dragons or more, you have to stop the head, or else the other dragons will keep on following it. It is unlikely for a dragon to act independently like this one did. If we stopped Leila-sama's dragon, then the criminal would have escaped past the barrier."

"What is this rescue party for? Was it put together to stop the criminal?!"

"No."

The Captain looked down.

"It's our fault for thinking that we could have secured them both."

"So you never thought that you'd lose anyone."

He was under no obligation to answer my mutter.

"If I had to choose, then I would choose you Milord."

It's like that.

"Aaah!" My cries were absorbed by the prairie.

Luke, sorry. I couldn't bring Leila back.

That day, we forced ourselves and moved our weary bodies to Kaylie, a border town of Wester. Apparently, they hadn't heard about our situation here, and I was immediately taken to the garrisons when I wore a mantle with a hood.

Apparently, they didn't take me for a criminal. Thus, I was going to return to the Royal Capital, Gadestar, after resting at their dormitory for a night. I was only allowed to be away from the Royal Capital for 10 days.

I'm going home. Weren't they wrong to arrest me?

Nevertheless, my body, which had been tensed for three days straight, wanted rest and I slept soundly until morning.

The next day before I went back to the Royal Capital, I was invited by the Captain to visit the border with a guard.

"So this is the border?"

I was dumbfounded. There were no walls or fences. I couldn't tell where the border was and the only thing there was a plaza.

"Take a good look at those people," I was told, so I observed the people who were walking towards the plaza. This was the boundary between two countries, even if the border couldn't be seen. Most of the people crossing over were merchants pulling on Rug Dragons.

The merchants seemed to be holding something that looked like credentials in their hand. They showed it to the official in the hut and received permission to cross over. However, people who didn't have much luggage weren't checked.

Also, I realised that some people stopped walking for a second. They seemed surprised for a moment before walking again. This was the same for the merchants and everyone else.

"That's the barrier."

"Yes, Milord. You can't see it, but the barrier is there, and only those with magic can feel it."

There were indeed a lot of people who crossed the border without feeling anything. Anger swelled up from within me. Why did I have to give up on Leila when you can't even see the border and people are crossing over freely?

"Of course, people are free to cross the border. But Frontier people cannot stay in Kingdom."

"Why not?"

"People who don't have Kingdom IDs cannot stay in inns, nor can they do business or work here. In short, everything is restricted within Kingdom. Especially the border town."

So why are so many people crossing over?

"They are making day trips. Business that can't be done through stores aren't controlled. Conversely, people who have Kingdom IDs are free to enter and exit Frontier."

Of course, they are.

"It is becoming increasingly difficult for merchants from Frontier to do business within Kingdom. Therefore, there are very few who actively trade with those from Frontier."

A sense of privilege?

"They are free to escape into Kingdom if Hollows appear near the border. But, it would be difficult for them to live here."

"Why are you showing me this?"

"Why?"

The Captain gazed at the sky.

"You know that there are guards on the other side, don't you?"

There was indeed a group with weapons and uniforms on the other side of the plaza, even though they looked sloppy.

"That is the Wester Border Patrol."

"Are they like the guards here?"

"No, they are not."

He firmly denied.

"In cases when important people get kidnapped like this, the border guards should be informed. But, if we contact them-."

"If we contact them-?"

"They'd happily search out for the culprits while thinking about who they'll be selling, those bastards."

"No way!"

"That's why I hid you. They'll be suspicious about what is happening if a Marquis were to show up at the border."

"Leila would be in danger......"

"Even if she is safe. I'll tell you honestly. We can only get talented villagers to look for her," Captain flat-out said. We won't do anything. He was also implying this.

I felt like he was also saying, if you feel like you're trapped in a cage and have free time to think about why you're here, then find a realistic way to solve this.

"You-"

"What is it, Milord?"

"What's your name?"

"Excuse me?"

The Captain was taken aback by my question, and then he began to laugh, "Ha, hahaha. I feel great that I can boast about the Four Marquis Houses."

It was the first time I've seen him show such emotions. The Captain corrected his posture.

"I'm sure I introduced myself when we first met, but I'll do it again. Graces Remington, the captain of the Special Forces."

Remington. He is also part of the Four Marquis Houses but has no magic. I see.

"We're going back to the Royal Capital."

"That goes without saying."

Reorganise and search for Leila.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 19

Chapter 19: Even Babies Sulk

I, who thought that I would continue to sway as we travelled since we were on Rug Dragons, was confused while we continued in a slow and rhythmic pace. The Rug Dragons, which I had ridden until yesterday, had probably ran at an unreasonable speed since the people that had kidnapped me had to make their escape.

Despite that, the dragons had protected me. This reminded me of Hannah, so I sealed this memory at the back of my mind. What can you do now?

I took out the bread, which had become hard, from my poncho pocket. Come to think of it, I've received water, but I haven't had breakfast. People get pessimistic when they're hungry.

They had placed the water flask where I could reach for it. I began eating the small, hardened bread. *CHEW CHEW.* However, it was hard to eat it without water. On second thought, there was no one to open the flask for me. Too bad. *CHEW CHEW*

I put the rest of the bread into my pocket, took the flask with both hands and looked up. There were a lot of gazes on me.

Apparently, they were watching me eat the bread. You should have stopped me! Or at least given me a new piece of bread! I got annoyed. I raised the flask to the person closest to me, "Wather. Opawn."

"Alright, we're stopping for a bit!" That person called out to everyone else. Alistair came rushing back from the front.

"Did something happen to the Chibi?"

"She wants to drink water. Well, she's probably hungry. She was nibbling on stale bread."

Shouldn't you have done something if you could tell that the bread was stale?

"Bart! Can I feed her some food?!"

"Sure. We're already late anyway."

"Thanks."

Alistair was short, but he opened the basket and pulled me off the dragon with a jerk. He's strong, unlike brother.

"This is the only thing we have that can be eaten straight away," he said. He tore the long bread until it was the size of a hand, and served it with cheese. Then, he opened the flask. Cheese! I nibbled on the cheese since I'd only had bread and water for the last three days. For some reason, everyone was holding their breaths while they watched me eat and drink. Alright, I ate a little more bread, so I'm satisfied. I returned the leftover cheese and put the bread in my pocket. Alistair raised his eyebrow.

"I'll give you more whenever you want, so take that out."

"Nu."

I knew that he would give me more if I asked for it, but I've become a little wild during these three days.

"Whose princess are you? Why are you so greedy with food?" A nearby man muttered. I'm not greedy. It's crisis management. And even if I was a princess, a one-year-old doesn't eat any type of food in particular. I pretended that I hadn't heard those words and stood up.

"Cheeshe thhanw. Wide."

"Upsy daisy."

Giving thanks is important. Alistair was dumbfounded by my actions for a second and then quickly lifted me into the basket.

"Strange kid. She's creepy," the man, who said I was greedy for food, muttered. I'm alright with being weird. If I hadn't been strange and selfish, then I would have been dejected all the way here.

As the dragons began moving again, I moved the luggage behind me as much as I could and made a snug space. It wasn't noon yet, but I was tired. So, all I could do was sleep.

(Alistair's POV)

"She's asleep," the man, who called Leila a strange kid, muttered. The town we were heading to was called Lentforce. Even though it was located at Frontier, it was located west of the Royal Capital. But, it was impossible to travel to the Royal Capital from here because the steep Walsall Mountains divided the two. Kingdom probably didn't even know that this town existed.

"What's wrong, Mill?"

I got off my dragon.

"Think the baby's asleep."

"Ah, Leila? She's a strange kid, right?"

"So you think so too."

"Yeah."

Lentforce was a big town, and there were many children there. I became a hunter when I was really young, so I interacted with adults, but I also had a lot of chances to mingle with little kids. But, how do I put this, "She's too calm, like an adult?"

"That's it! Even grown-up women would be more frightened in situations like this, right?"

She had cried when she found out that the person who had accompanied her died but do babies understand death?

"Alistair, are you alright with taking this baby in?" Mill said anxiously as he looked at the baby.

"Even if you say that, would one of you take her in?"

"That's......" Mill's was at a loss for words. My comrades at Lentforce weren't the type to dispose of children. However, her light violet eyes were proof of nobility. They didn't want to bring that type of trouble onto themselves.

"I wasn't raised by my father, but I was at Kingdom until I was eight. So, I do know a little about how people with magic are treated. I'm not cold enough to abandon my brethren."

I had to move around a lot in Kingdom because of my eyes. Leila's purple eyes are without a doubt, a symbol of one of the four Marquis Houses. I reflexively placed my hands on my eyes. My eyes too. They're summer-blue.

Mother moved me from one place to another as if she was afraid of something. Mother was good at lacing, so we never had trouble getting food on the table, but we moved as soon as someone found out about my eyes.

"I don't have a dad?" I had asked mum once.

She properly explained to me without looking down on me for being small: my father was a noble, that mum didn't think that he was happy even though he was a noble, therefore she didn't want to give me to his family. But, she didn't tell me why he couldn't be happy.

And so, I got used to living while hiding my eyes. Even if people treated me kindly, they would always change once they found out what my eye colour was.

I dared to reveal my eye colours where I'm living now and made my high magic power my selling point to live. Mum had passed away, but I was living much freer than I did in Kingdom. I don't know how Leila will live from now on, but at least she'll be able to live freely. Probably.

I remembered how warm she was when I held her. In the end, it might have been me who was seeking that warmth.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 20

Chapter 20: When Leila Woke Up, There Was –

Apparently, I have a fever. I wasn't on top of the Rug Dragon the next time I opened my eyes but in a dark tent. I was really thirsty.

"Wa-wather."

I feel like I've been saying nothing but water lately. I felt someone get up next to me at the sound of my voice.

"Chibi, you're up?"

This boy is,

"Awishthair."

"That's right, you remembered. How's your fever?" He replied and put his forehead to mine. The boy was a little warmer.

"Mm, looks like your fever's gone," he laughed in relief. Then, he opened the flask, held me up and fed me water.

"Your fever wouldn't go down for two days, so we had to camp by the river. It seemed like you were stuck in a nightmare."

Was I? I couldn't remember anything during my fever.

"You kept saying, Hannah, Niini and Otousyan. Your family cared about you a lot."

That's right, Hannah's not here anymore. And I may not be able to see brother and father straight away. At that time, the entrance of the tent opened, and the person named Bart peeked inside.

"How's the chibisuke?" He instinctively shut his mouth. What happened? Then, Alistair awkwardly, but firmly held me.

"You don't seem to realise this, but you're crying," Alistair whispered. Are his clothes wet with my tears?

"You can cry out loud. You don't have to hold back."

I was neglected straight after I was born, but after that, I was really happy. Are brother and father mourning my loss? Is father still hugging brother even though I'm not there anymore?

I didn't cry like I did when Hannah passed away. However, the back of my chest felt so painful that it was difficult to breathe. My tears continued to soak Alistair's clothes.

"Uo, uooah."

I had just woken up, but I was tired from crying, so I leaned against Alistair's chest.

"Do you think you can eat?"

I shook my head. I have no appetite. I only did my best to eat while riding the dragons. Bart, who had been peeking in, disappeared before long.

"I don't have much of an appetite right now either, but you won't have any strength if you don't eat," Alistair said. I looked at his face and saw that he was pale. Was it because he was nursing me? No, it's not. Alistair is like brother and Gill. It must be because his magic power is overlapping on top of him as if they are one.

And it was fading now.

"Mawgic. Nyai"

Alistair was startled.

"Chibi, do you know about it?"

"Withthwe."

"I have to. One of the reasons why they take me out on hunts even though I'm so small is because of the barrier."

"Bawwier."

I was shocked. Isn't the barrier something the fathers maintain? No, wait. A barrier used for hunting.

"Shmaww bawwier."

"That's right, Chibi. If we can make barriers big enough to sleep in, then our hunt will be safer and more efficient. But, most of the tools used for personal barriers are really old, so it eats up a lot of magic. So I need to diligently supply it with magic. But, I don't normally use this much magic power."

Alistair looked a little troubled.

"You don't understand me even if I say this."

I do. Alistair filled the tool with magic power at fixed intervals to create a small barrier. But, they had to make camp because I had caught a fever, so he had to use more magic than usual.

"Eath."

Then, it was better to force him to recover his stamina. At this time, the man who had called me greedy showed up.

"I brought dinner."

"Thanks, Mill."

Alistair received two portions of something that looked like hot soup, along with bread and cheese.

"You like cheese, right?"

"Cheeshe"

I like it. Did you remember this?

"I don't know if you can understand me, but sorry for saying something nasty. You're going through something hard and were calling for your dad this whole time, but I didn't realise this," he said as he looked down. Then he quickly left after he'd handed over all the food.

"Mill says whatever comes to mind, but he's a good guy."

Honestly, I feel like I can forgive him since he gave me food. Alistair helped me eat the soup with a spoon while ripping the bread into small pieces. We ate together, and our food disappeared in no time.

"We ate more than I thought we would."

"Ai."

I felt a bit better after eating.

"Hey, you ready?"

"Bart, yeah, it's fine."

"Sorry about this. It's already night, and we have to camp again tonight."

"Oh, the barrier? Sure, I'll come out," Alistair lightly accepted and got out of the tent.

"Awishthair. Lei too."

Alistair's stare seemed to say 'you've just recovered from your fever', but he didn't want me to stay inside forever. He held me and took me outside.

"Sup."

"How's the Chibi?"

"She alright now?"

The men called out to us as soon as we stepped outside. I was confused, and Alistair said, "Everyone was worried about you." I thought I was a nuisance. I thought they took me with them because they had no choice. Well, it was probably true. Even so, they cherished small kids. There were kind people here too. I stopped sulking and felt like my heart was opening up to them.

"Thhanwsh," I couldn't help but say, and laughed.

"Ugh."

"Woah."

"You-."

Everyone worried about me because I let out a weird voice.

"You're all hopeless," Alistair scoffed.

"What's with you guys? Whatever. Alistair, I'll leave it to you."

"Ok."

Alistair nodded at Bart. Bart held a small box the same size as a music box in both hands. Alistair received the magic stone and sat cross-legged on the ground. That was probably the tool they used to create the barrier.

I looked at Alistair's hands.

"Big."

"Oi, Chibi. You've seen a magic stone before? You were definitely raised in Kingdom," Mill said casually.

"Idiot, magic stones are precious in Kingdom, there's no way they'll let a kid touch it," someone got angry. But it was five times bigger than the magic stone used for light that I've seen and was big enough to fit in a young boy's hands. It was clear like a crystal. It should have been violet, but the colour was almost gone.

Dangerous. A warning bell sounded in my mind. What did father say to brother? Remember it. I recalled father's voice.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 21

Chapter 21: Barrier Box

What did father say to brother? I recalled what father had said, "Listen, Luke, your power is large enough, but if you continue to channel your large power as it is, then your life will be shortened. You have to be able to effectively channel your magic into the magic stone without waste."

Alistair's magic began to move and was rapidly being sucked by the magic stone. The stone became slightly reddish, but it continued to pull in his magic.

I took my eyes off Alistair and watched the men around me. None of them seemed to think there was anything wrong with him. This is bad.

I got closer to Alistair.

"What is it, Chibi? It's dangerous," Mill said in a carefree manner, but I had to do this. I swung my hand and slapped Alistair's hand. The magic stone fell on the ground.

"Wh-what are you doing?! This isn't a game!" Mill pulled me back. You can pull me and get angry at me.

But, look.

"Alistair. Hey, what's wrong?" Alistair fell forward as Bart called out to him. Bart quickly went to help him.

"Alistair! He fainted! What's wrong?"

"Magwic, none."

"What?"

Nothing can be done even if you say 'what?' I repeated myself, "Awishthair, magwic. No mwore."

He had a little left, but if he continued to channel his magic into the stone then it would be all gone. If that happens then his life would be shortened. The thing that father repeated to brother so many times until he got tired of hearing it was probably about this.

"But nothing like this has happened until now...... Did he use too much?!"

He probably did.

"Oh well, it seems like we relied on the barrier a little too much. Mill, take Alistair to the tent. We'll take turns guarding the camp in twos. It's gonna be a dangerous night," Bart quickly instructed. Then, he picked up the fallen stone.

*WHIRR*. I looked up.

*WHIRR*. Although a bit late, everyone looked in the same direction.

"It's already here. Tsk! They only come out in large numbers at a time like this! There's a lot of them, but it's our win as long as they don't touch our bodies!"

Bart looked at me in surprise.

"You, chibi, you probably don't understand what I'm saying, but we don't have the power to protect you and Alistair. Go into the tent, be quiet and cover yourselves with a blanket," he said as he took the sword from his hip and started running towards the Hollows. The three remaining men followed after him. They were probably taking the fight away from Alistair and I.

I couldn't see it clearly, but there were about 10 Hollows. 10 Hollows against 4 people. I don't know how strong they are, but I knew one thing clearly. If they die, then Alistair and I will die too.

I picked up the magic stone that was at my feet. It completely covered both my hands. I sat down beside the box. I put the stone down and picked the box up. There didn't seem to be a switch on it. When I opened the box, I saw a hole big enough to fit the magic stone. There wasn't any switch inside either.

"Puth thhe shthone in. Cwoshe thhe wid. Thurn thhe wey."

I did that one at a time and then the air around me changed with a ding, and then it immediately disappeared. The barrier was activated with a simple procedure, but there just wasn't enough magic.

"I haf to put magwic in."

If you don't put enough magic inside the stone, then the barrier probably won't activate.

*WHIRR*. The sound got closer. I looked up and saw four people. They were all fine, but they were gradually coming towards me.

Can I do it? I know how magic circulation works and I also know how to use it. I've only done this once before and it was on a small stone. But, if I don't do this then I'll die anyway. So-.

I put the small box down at my feet with the lid open and held the magic stone with both hands. I can tell that my magic and the stone were vibrating.

I don't want to die. Control it. I breathed in and out, then began channelling my magic into the magic stone. I desperately tried to suppress my magic that was trying to rush into the magic stone. Effectively, without waste. Make the stream thinner and constant.

If I knew this was going to happen, then I should have trained my magic circulation in secret at night like the babies in reincarnation stories. Even if that meant Sebas and father would scold me for it. I started freaking out when I thought about how angry they would be if they found out.

The magic stone got a lot darker. It's probably alright if I stop soon.

I smiled for the first time in a long time feeling accomplished and then frowned. This isn't good. I don't know how to stop. When I was lighting the light magic stone, I felt it repel my magic when it got full.

If it comes to it then I'll just throw it away. If it comes to it? I'm talking about when I become sluggish. In other words, right now. I'm so sluggish that I can barely hold onto the stone.

*WHIRR*. I heard the sound nearby. I sluggishly lifted my face and a few Hollows were swaying my way.

"Chibi! Why are you still outside?! Go into the tent!" I heard Bart's voice. Then, I felt the stone repel my magic.

Quickly, hurry up! *WHIRR*. The Hollows split into two groups; one headed towards me while the other headed towards the tent. Quickly!

I put the stone gently into the box with my hands trembling, closed the lid and turned the key. *DING*. The quality of the change around me couldn't be compared to before. The Hollows within my reach flew back as if they were being pushed by the barrier. The Hollows near the tent also flew back.

I don't know how long it will last, but at least we won't die right now.

"Woah, what the hell! The Hollows flew over there! Don't tell me-."

I showed the small box to Bart. He'll probably understand with this.

"The barrier?!"

I nodded.

"Go back to your tents. The barrier's back up!"

"How!?"

"Don't think about it! Go back to your tents!"

That was all I remembered. Apparently I collapsed with the small box in my hands when the men came back into the barrier. My fever just went down, isn't this too hard on my body? That was the first thing I thought when I woke up.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 22

Chapter 22: The Little Ones (Bart's P.O.V)

"Look at this."

I finished dinner and showed the three sitting around the bonfire, inside the barrier box.

"Oi! I've never seen the stone with such a dark colour before."

"The best Alistair could do was turn it a deep pink."

Everyone said in amazement.

"There was almost no colour left when I gave it to Alistair today," I muttered while recalling that time.

"Even when he collapsed, the colour was only a little bit darker."

Everyone sunk into silence and then Mill spoke, "Did the little chibi do that?"

"I can't think of any other explanation."

"But you know, that means that she channelled magic into the stone by herself and activated it by herself."

"Yup."

Didn't she pick it up and show it to me?

"Say, doesn't this mean that we picked up another person who could use their magic freely? We're so lucky!" Mill said cheerfully.

Is he dumb? Mill had dark brown eyes and light brown hair, his build was average. But, he had a good personality and was actually good at hunting.

However, the remaining two looked at Mill incredulously when he spoke like that.

"Wh-what?"

"Listen, I really don't want to use Alistair's power. He's only 10. He doesn't like relying on people, so I let him work by channelling his magic. The chibi is still only just a baby! Are you saying you want to make her work!?"

"But-..."

"No buts!"

Mill sulked.

This guy, really.

"Say, why did the two chibis faint?"

"'Cause they used too much magic."

"Oh."

Do you finally understand!? I thought in exasperation. He had understood, but sometimes Mill's speech and conduct would annoy me.

We are all childhood friends. We all came from the slums, but we all became apprentice hunters and worked hard in different hunter parties. Finally at 15, we were able to make a party with the four of us.

After that, we became pretty famous hunters because we were good at hunting together. We were so good at working together that a girl once rejected me with, "Since you work so well together, why don't you go back to your party?" Haa. Well, it's all good now.

"We're great hunters. We lived too selfishly, so we decided to take an orphan in and that's why Alistair is with us now, right? And yet, since when have we been spoiled by Alistair?"

"There's only the four of us, so it's hard to guard at night. We just happened to have Alistair and the old barrier box with us, so he used it," the person who had replied to me was Kyaro. He had long light brown hair. He had a complex because his face was a bit cuter than a girl's and he was short. So, he grew out his bangs to hide his face and green eyes. Even though it doesn't make sense for him to do this.

Stop glaring at me!

"It won't benefit Alistair if we don't practice how to hunt without a barrier. You're just jealous because he has the barrier box and can use it," Kyaro said and our other comrade, Clyde, nodded in agreement. He had black hair and dark brown eyes and was huge. And, he was a man of few words.

"Well, our town is protected by the barrier, so I won't say anything to Alistair, but I don't know what would happen in other towns," Mill said while looking at the tent where Alistair was sleeping.

That's right. The town where we live, Lentforce, was located on the other side of Walsall Mountains, west of the Royal Capital. It was impossible to travel to the Royal Capital because the Walsall Mountains were steep, but it was a fortunate town that was located on the edge of Kingdom's barrier. It was also located close to the Rhodolite mines.

To put it simply, the people inside Kingdom's barrier didn't consider Lentforce as part of Kingdom. But then again, we don't recognise Kingdom as our own kingdom either.

People might think that we would prosper, but that wasn't true. Food and things that made our life easier, all came from Kingdom and our town was on the other side of the mountain range. It took three weeks to get here on Rug Dragons along the border, and a lot of Hollows appeared along the mountain ranges, so goods were expensive.

However, as a town along the border, we had few crimes which involved magic users, because they didn't know how to take the people they'd be kidnapping into other towns.

Alistair and his mother, Nora, came to our town as if they were escaping from something. They could have hired a guard but they didn't have any money. They could have sold the barrier box that they had for a high price, but then they would have been involved in a crime if they weren't secretive while selling at Frontier.

They managed to get to Lentforce from the border in one month by riding two Rug Dragons. We met them at the edge of town when they were exhausted and helped them out.

Nora looked like a gentle person with brown hair and eyes, but she was prepared to die as she carried her child here. Someone who was older than us, no, age didn't matter. She was a strong person with a marketable skill in lacing and would have been welcomed at Lentforce.

But, they were attacked by Hollows on the way to Lentforce because they were late in activating the barrier. Nora became weak, and because of that she passed away and left Alistair. However, he was a strong child and he probably would have done anything to survive even if we hadn't helped him. Even so, the four of us knew that there was a limit to what one could do at the age of 10.

"Alistair probably knows more about the meaning of eye colours than us. But he was still prepared to do that. The kid that Alistair took in is also like our kid. That okay with you?"

"Yup."

"Yeah."

Kyaro and Clyde agreed with me. Mill hadn't replied yet. What's he even thinking about? Stop it, it's not like you're thinking about anything good.

"Hey, Bart."

See.

"Don't you think it's heroic for us to raise a baby? The girls will probably go crazy over us in town, huh?"

"They won't. Seriously, you. Hey, Kyaro, Clyde. Oi?"

Why are you guys being restless and fixing your hair? We're not in town. Hmph.

The Hollows were loitering outside of the invisible barrier. I suddenly found it funny that we might be in this situation because we were idiots living in the harsh Frontier. The kids are sleeping for now. The hard Frontier life is waiting for them tomorrow.

"We might get popular."

You're ruining it Mill.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 23

Chapter 23: Wait for Me

I woke up because of the bright light, even though the room should've been dark until Hannah came because the curtains weren't drawn.

Oh yes. Hannah is-.

"Noth home."

I was inside the tent. I tried to move, and something started to squirm beside me.

"Awishthair," when I whispered that, the squirming lump beside me got up energetically. I feel like the same things keep repeating. But, I'm glad. Alistair's magic had recovered considerably.He's alright.

"Everyone is-! The Hollows are-! The Chibi-!" He shouted, so I replied, "Aai."

Then, I was immediately hugged.

"Chibi!"

"Awishthair, shquishh."

What would I do if he forgot my name overnight? Anyway, it's been bothering me since yesterday, but why are you calling me chibi? I call you by your name! And, something is, something is going to come out!

"Hey, you're awake? Hey, Alistair! Chibi's gonna faint!"

"...... -ishthair."

Every last one of them. Alistair quickly let me go. The person who spoke was him.

"Barth."

"...... You remembered it. Whatever. If you're up, then come eat."

Food! It's food!

"...... Oh, your eyes are shining. Alistair, if you're okay with it then take her to the river to wash her face."

"Ok."

The tent was low, which was fine with me, but Alistair had to crawl out. I still felt sluggish. Alistair rotated his shoulders and clicked them in an unchildish-like way.

"Chibi, no, Lei, do you feel tired too?"

"Ai."

Probably because we both used our magic to its limit. If this had been a story, then our magic power would have increased quite a bit, but the reality was that our lives were in danger. I'll be careful. And I have to tell Alistair to be careful too somehow. If I don't then, he'll overdo it again.

I shivered when I recalled what had happened yesterday. The Hollows had nearly got to me. Alistair and I would have been killed had I not activated the barrier box. I knew why they relied on the barrier box, and I could also understand how strong the hunters were since they had fought off the Hollows even though they couldn't make a barrier.

I want to go wash my face at the river, but there was something I had to do first.

"Kyyee."

I had to have a showdown with this dragon. I stood firmly with my legs set apart in front of him. The dragon gently pressed the edge of his mouth onto me. He didn't want to let me go to the toilet alone.

"What? You want to wee? You can do over there."

I glared at Bart. I may be small, but how can he say that to a lady!

"Oh, ah, sorry. Him, huh? Hey, you. It's fine. I'm here, ain't I? It's safe, so let her go alone."

"Kyyyee," the dragon puffed at Bart's words. 'Why should I listen to a human?' It was probably saying.

Alistair smiled wryly beside him and reached for the dragon's nose, "I'll follow her half-way. This is fine, right?" He said, and the dragon moved out of the way as if to say, 'Fine then'. And I was finally able to go to the toilet properly because Alistair was with me. Do dragons like small things? Or is Alistair also recognised as part of the group because he's small?

"Chibi."

"Awishthair."

"Sup, Lei. I'm Mill. I made some soup this morning."

"Miww, thhanwsh."

The men had already eaten and the only portions left were for Alistair and me.

"Mill, thanks. It's rare for you to make soup in the morning."

"Because I always make simple food in the mornings. But you two fainted yesterday. I wanted you guys to have your fill of nutrients. Here!"

When Alistair thanked the person named Mill, he laughed shyly. His brown eyes were gentle. To me, they were all adults, but they were younger than father. How old is father? The spoon stopped.

"Come on Lei. Drink." Alistair saw this and urged.

"Aai."

In the meantime, small and big people were roughly packing up the tents and putting them onto the luggage dragon. There were five Rug Dragons for riding and two for luggage. The luggage was rearranged and set up so that I could sit in it perfectly.

When the big person picked me up and put me into the luggage that was shaped like a chair, a band was crossed loosely on me. It was like a seatbelt. Then, he stood back and nodded in satisfaction. It seemed like he approved. It was somewhat comfortable having my body fixed in one place.

"I'm Kyaro. This big guy's Clyde," the small one did the introductions.

"Awishthair. Shmaww man Wyaro. Bwig man Cwyde."

"Don't call me small! You're smaller than me, aren't you!" Kyaro, who promptly retorted, had pretty green eyes. Clyde patted Kyaro's shoulders.

"You trying to comfort me? Hah!?"

Bart spoke as if this was a regular occurrence, "Let's go. We'll proceed slowly while watching Chibi. We'll try not to stop at any other towns before we get to Lentforce. We've been living it high lately."

Bart grinned.

"We'll be using this barrier box," he looked at me as he said.

"This is for your transportation and living costs. I received the payment in advance."

"Just be honest and say we're going to take care of her," Kyaro said in shock. The others laughed as they watched. I nodded firmly and looked back.

Father and brother are probably there. Don't forget me. I'll definitely return.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 24

Chapter 24: When I Returned to the Royal Capital... (Otou-sama's POV)

When I returned to the Royal Capital, I went to the guard's headquarters and then went home. Sadly, I couldn't bring Lei back with me even though Luke and the other people in the mansion are looking forward to seeing her. I rode the Rug Dragon that I had gotten from Lazuli, and couldn't control my gloomy feelings.

But the aura inside of the mansion was more depressing than I'd expected. The barn boy who had taken my dragon and the people who greeted me at the entrance all looked grave.

"Jude, did everyone already receive information about the search for Lei?"

"Yes. The guards reported it. But that information was only relayed to Luke-sama and a portion of the staff."

"Then why is the mansion so depressing?"

"That's-......"

Jude is the head butler. He mainly manages the accounts and my social life. Sebas manages the estate. Where's Sebas?

"Otou-sama!"

"Luke!"

Luke ran down from the second floor. Poor thing, his face looked terrible as if he had been completely worn out these past few days. His magic flow had also stagnated.

I opened up my arms and hugged Luke as he came running.

"Luke, Luke, it was useless. She was within my reach, but I couldn't bring her back."

"So Lei really is gone! But I couldn't believe what the guards had reported! I didn't want to believe it until I heard it from Otou-sama!"

"I'm so sorry, Luke."

"Waaah!"

Luke was always calm and quiet, but he was weeping like a typical 11-year-old child. My heart hurt just like when I was forced to let Lei go. My lips began to tremble.

However, my miserable self had already wept too much at that time. I had no more tears to shed even for myself.

I hugged him until he calmed down and continued to rub his back.

"Master," there was a movement where the servants were, and Jude called me quietly.

"What?"

"A guard is here. Guards were investigating the mansion while you were chasing Leila-sama. I have the report."

"So you know who the culprit is?"

"That's-," Jude hesitated, but then he stated clearly, "The suspicion is on Sebas."

"What did you say?"

At the same time, Luke jumped in my arms. It seems like Luke knows about this.

"Where's Sebas?"

"He's-."

This was the third time. I got irritated.

"Jude!"

"Sebas is currently missing."

"What did you say?!"

Didn't he just get caught by the criminals? Even now, I don't think that he's the culprit.

"Furthermore, his things are gone, everything that had monetary value including his savings."

"What?!"

"The guards can give you a detailed report, but Sebas was the one who hired Hannah. We have enough workers here. But Sebas concluded that the servants here were too bias against Leila-sama."

"I know about that. But why is he a suspect?"

"The guards concluded that Sebas had intended to kidnap Leila-sama from the start, and that's why he'd hired new personnel."

I see. I get the situation now. Jude didn't want to believe this either, but he was compelled to.

"When did Sebas disappear?"

"On the day Master went to chase after Leila-sama, people saw him going to Hannah's parents' house while looking very pale. Then, the next day, he said that he needed to rest because he was in shock. Just like that......"

"He was gone?"

"Yes."

Luke grabbed my clothes while still in my arms and looked up at me.

"Sebas didn't do it! Sebas definitely didn't do it!"

"But, Luke-sama. The truth is that Hannah did kidnap Leila-sama," Jude reprimanded Luke. The heir of a Marquis must always remain calm. I was also told this while growing up.

"Fine. I'll speak with the guard."

I crouched down and looked into Luke's eyes.

"Luke, can you stop crying and arguing?"

Luke was startled, he rubbed his eyes with his sleeves even though he probably had a handkerchief in his pocket. For some reason, that gesture reminded me of Lei, and my heart ached.

"Luke will also be present while I talk to the guard."

"But, Luke-sama is still-."

"Luke has the right to know."

"Very well."

His eyes and nose were still red, but he had straightened himself out and was completely different from the crying mess from just minutes ago. I didn't intend to keep him away from the truth just because he was young.

"Luke, take my hand."

"Yes, Otou-sama."

"Jude, got to my office once you've calmed down a little."

"Understood."

I saw Jude leave from the corner of my eyes after I instructed him to prepare a light meal and snacks; then I held Luke's hand as we headed to the office. I wanted to change, but I can do that later.

"I heard that Hannah kidnapped Lei," Luke murmured.

"Lei was certainly with Hannah."

"Why? Why did she take Lei?"

"First, calm down and listen to the guard. We'll think about it after that."

I squeezed Luke's hands which were now too big to be held. I felt like I would be unable to stay in this mansion any longer if I didn't do this because it was too big with just the both of us.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 25

Chapter 25: What Needs to Be Done (Otou-sama's POV)

"Master, the guard is here."

"Enter," after I said this, Jude opened the door and the guard entered the room.

"Sorry to bother you."

The person who had entered was around the same age as Grace Remington.

"I am Harold Molesey, the captain of the 2nd Guard Unit."

"Dean Albans and my son Luke Albans."

Luke and Harold lightly bowed their heads at each other. The 2nd Guard Unit was in charge of the Royal Capital. So this man also didn't have the magic of the Four Marquises.

"I want to talk about Ojou-sama and about how the Special Forces weren't able to catch up with her."

"We did catch up with them, you must have heard that we caught the criminal who was leading them, right? Don't say anything else about that." I snapped. At the very end, the guards failed to catch Leila because of their oversight. They didn't have any right to speak of it as if it were someone else's problem.

"Well then, the culprit who kidnapped Leila-sama is without a doubt, the maid Hannah. But judging from how her things are still here and the testimonies from her colleagues, she had no intention of leaving the mansion. She was only supposed to hand Leila-sama to the criminals."

"I see."

"Also, it seems like the gardener is also a traitor. He also disappeared the night when Leila-sama was taken. His things are completely gone."

Hannah should be the only new hire. If there were others, then they were the ones who replaced others when I got married to Claire.

"And?"

"And the common factor is the butler named Sebas."

"Why do you think that?"

"He was in charge of the personnel, went missing after the day of the incident, all his possessions are gone, and-."

"And?"

"I think that he ran away with Hannah's family."

"I see."

Luke seemed like he wanted to say something and I stopped him with my hand. Don't talk back. Luke was surprised and nodded.

"Are you certain that he ran away with her family?"

"Well, the maid's mother works at Marquis Remington's mansion. Sebas should also be a former servant at the Remington mansion. He immediately went to see her the day after the incident, so they certainly know each other."

"Hannah was hired based on Sebas's recommendation. It's not weird even if he did know her parents."

"But both Hannah's family and Sebas disappeared on that night, so it's impossible to insist that he is innocent."

Something's bothering me.

"What about Remington."

"He has nothing to do with this incident. We were allowed to talk to the servants, but further investigation was denied."

Even I would refuse. But why did Hannah kidnap Lei? She'd disappeared, but they would've caught her if they found her.

"The motive?"

"Her colleagues say that Hannah has money problems. Apparently her brother is suffering from a nasty disease."

"And how does that connect to the kidnapping?"

"Perhaps, they offered to give her brother medicine in exchange for her help."

"Sebas did that?"

"Indeed."

"Then what is Sebas's motive?"

"That's-......"

Molesey wiped sweat that wasn't even coming out from his forehead. Even if the circumstances were there, they didn't have a reason. That's probably what it is. Molesey averted his gaze as if he couldn't say.

"We think it's because he was unsatisfied with the way your child was being treated."

I stopped Luke again. I know. It's about what happened before.

"I see. So which criminal organisation is connected to this?"

"That's, mm, we're not sure yet."

"I see."

I put my hands on my desk and placed my chin on it.

"And the investigation from now on?"

"Hah, we are tracking down Sebas and Hannah's family."

"And the perpetrator and organisation behind this?"

"All we know is that they got Leila-sama out of the border."

"So that's finished?"

"At least the 2nd Unit will be searching in the Royal Capital."

They decided to put the liability on Sebas because he's disappeared and end the investigation. There's nothing they could do since he's gone. The kidnapping case will never be solved like this. I see.

"Do you know where Sebas was headed?"

"Three people fitting their description is travelling to the east, so we're focusing our investigation there."

"Is your unit doing the investigating?"

"No, the 3rd Unit."

"I see. Alright, thank you for your cooperation."

"You're welcome. Then, I'll be off."

Molesey left the room while wiping his sweat.

"Otou-sama! Sebas doesn't have any complaints towards you! He thinks about our family more than anyone!" Luke said as soon as Molesey left the room.

"I know. I know."

Sebas cares about Luke and Lei more than anyone. Perhaps, even me. He must have a reason.

"Let's go to Lei's room."

I left the room together with Luke and we headed towards Lei's room. I stopped myself from opening the door. Whenever I opened the door a little, a mischief Lei would come crawling out from within.

"Otou-sama."

"Sorry."

When I opened the door, the room was still left as it was; it was like Lei had gone outside to play. I looked at Luke and nodded, then we searched the room.

"When Lei hadn't started walking yet, she would often roll around in this room. I would sit on the desk and she would roll beside me."

"Yeah, the three of us would lie down and read picture books together. When we laid down, Sebas would look at us happily...... Luke!"

"Yes!"

We probably looked foolish doing this, but we got down onto the floor, and looked around the room.

"Otou-sama! Under Lei's bed!"

"This!?"

Something white was stuck under the bed. I grabbed it with shaking hands and saw that it was, indeed, Sebas's scribbling. His writing was methodical and beautiful even though he was scribbling.

"Otou-sama! What is it?"

"Oh...... As I thought-."

I read it out loud for Luke, "Hannah's brother doesn't have a nasty disease. She was tricked by someone. At this rate, her family will be blamed and executed and nothing will be solved. Lei-sama will be most sad when she returns and learns of this. I will do what needs to be done."

Luke shut his eyes and gripped his hands. I thought for a while, what needs to be done.

"Luke."

"Yes?"

"Sebas feared that Hannah's family would be executed so he took them away. He threw everything away. For Lei. So that Lei wouldn't be sad."

"I know!"

"The culprit is someone else. What is their purpose? Why are the guards not cooperating with us? I don't care if I have to throw everything away to get Lei back. But, what is the most suitable solution?"

What must I do?

"If the best thing for me to do is to throw everything away right now and search for Lei, then I will. But, that's not it, right Otou-sama?"

"Yeah."

"Then, I will also think about what I must do as Sebas is doing. Lei will return. I will think about what I should do when she does return."

"Yes, that's right. Luke!"

I hugged Luke tightly while still holding Sebas's letter.

We'll find Lei. In the meantime I have to do what I can. Isn't that right, Sebas?

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 26 - Green Prairie

Chapter 26: Green Prairie

I thought that the days I spent riding the dragons would be dreary, but it wasn't. The view of the green prairie and forests looked fascinating. Especially since I had spent all my time in my room at the mansion and the garden.

But why did these men come to the border town when it took three days to get here from Lentforce?

I understood that they were going home from the border town and met me after they'd stopped for the night as they ran along Walsall Mountain Range.

"We went to sell magic stones," Mill told me. Mill and I didn't tell each other what we wanted to, but I gained a lot of information from him because he was talkative. Hollows don't come out during the day, so I thought it would be boring.

"It's nice to have someone to talk to."

"Ai."

He lined up his Rug Dragon with mine and talked about whatever he could think of. Apparently, it was better if I give some kind of reply. So, what happened to Alistair who had picked me up?

He was following Bart who was at the front. While looking in Bart's direction, he rode without saying anything and learned about things he should be careful of while on the move and to look for landmarks on the mountains. Kyaro and Clyde were also keeping their ranks while staying vigilant of our back and sides; they weren't letting their guard down at all.

"Miww, Awishthair, oway?" I wanted to ask Mill if it was alright for him not to act like Alistair.

"Oh, Alistair? He's a good guy. His mum, Nora, passed away and he's been on his own since last year, but he works hard and supports himself."

I wasn't asking about something so heavy.

"Miww, guard oway?" I wonder if he'll get it with this.

"Guard? The others are doing it, so I don't have to."

He understood me, but he's a bit disappointing.

"We usually only go to the north and south of Lentforce, so it's exciting to go this far."

"I shee."

But this excitement put your life in danger yesterday, you know?

"We finally got a barrier box, so we got reckless and camped along the mountain range. That was really dangerous. Haha."

"Ith'sh noth funny."

Alistair glanced at us as Mill chuckled happily.

"But we usually stay in inns. At least, that's what we did until we got to the border town, Kaylie."

"Reawwy? Howwow don'th appear in thown?"

Don't they appear anywhere at night?

"The entrances and windows in town are lined with Rhodolite which the Hollows hate. Hollows show up in town, but they don't really go into houses."

"I shee."

I nodded with a serious look on my face and Mill grinned in satisfaction. Isn't it lunch soon? Bart's dragon started slowing down.

"Oi, Isn't it a bit too early for lunch? What's wrong?" When the dragons stopped completely, Mill got off his dragon and said.

"I told you this morning, didn't I? We're going to split into two groups here, and Kyaro and Clyde are going to go to town. The four of us will wait outside of town. You even said that we can take it easy today because we're getting food from town."

"Oh yeah, I did."

Mill scratched his head as if he'd forgotten this. In the meantime, Alistair quickly opened my basket, removed the band and carried me off the dragon.

"We were running for a long time, are you alright?"

"Ai."

Then, he carefully patted my body from head to toe.

"Whath?"

"Nothing, I was just seeing if you can move properly."

"Chu can'th theww thhath by paththing me."

"O-oh."

I walked briskly and waved my hands. Bart nodded when he saw me do this.

"You can totter. Looks like you're ok."

I glared at Bart.

"Wh-what?"

"I'm noth thoththering."

"Yeah, yeah. Briskly. You're walking briskly."

"Ai."

That's fine. Alistair pressed his lips together and trembled. What is he holding back?

"You can waugh."

"Ku, haha. Chibi, you're not childish at all. It's so funny."

"Ith'sh Lei."

"J-just like that. Le-lei. Haha."

Good grief! I folded my arms, but it was only me putting my arms across my chest.

"Pfft."

Yes, yes, go ahead and laugh.

"A-anyway, you, Lei, we'll need to buy you some clothes."

"Wothsh."

When the laughter subsided, Kyaro spoke. I wondered if I would have nothing else to wear for another week. I had a fever and got really sweaty, so my clothes were filthy.

"What should I buy?"

"Thhath Wyaro."

I sighed. Was this something you asked a one-year-old?

"Kyaro, Lei's probably just over a year old right?"

Alistair turned around to look at me as if he was looking for confirmation. I nodded. He confirmed this with me as if it was the most natural thing to do, but babies usually don't know how old they are.

"I want you to buy clothes that are a bit bigger. She has a coat, so buy two of everything else. If possible, buy used clothes."

"Oh, alright. Also, does she need a rattle?"

A rattle! You're asking this now?!

"Nah, Lei probably doesn't need one. She'll probably want a book instead...... Book?"

I made a face that said, "Books are good," but it seemed that Alistair was joking and he looked mixed.

"Well, real nobles might just be like Lei. Our common senses are different. I'm sure of it," he grumbled, but that's probably a misunderstanding.

"Buy some food that are easy to eat. I have a feeling that she's a glutton."

"Alright."

"Also-,"

Bart spoke over Alistair, "It's fine. Don't let people know that we have a baby with us. Make it seem like we're buying a gift for a relative."

"I said alright. I'm not Mill," Kyaro replied, then he and Clyde rode their dragons and ran towards the town in the distance.

"Now then, we should rest a bit."

Bart stretched. But, this isn't the time to be stretching. Well, I guess he can stretch.

"Awishthair."

"What is it, Lei?" Although he replied, he walked off, picked up something and came back.

"Lei, here."

"Whath?"

Alistair had pulled out some thick grass stalks, teared it to the length of his palm and blew on it, "Puff."

"Woaaah."

"Puff, puff."

"Thhere'sh a shound."

"It's interesting, right?"

Then, he gave me the stalk. I blew on it. *PUFF* There's no sound.

"Try harder."

"Ai."

I breathed in.

"*PUFF*"

It sang!

"See!? It's interesting, right?"

"Ai!"

No, no, whatever. I carefully put the stalk into my poncho pocket.

"What's wrong? I can make it for you again, so you don't need to put it away."

I'm happy for his kindness, but it's not that.

"Awishthair. Magic practhice."

"Magic? Practice?"

"Ai."

Alistair has to train his magic. He has the same power as brother, and he has to use it then he needs to cherish his life. This is non-negotiable.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 27 - Happiness

Chapter 27: Happiness

Alistair shook his head.

"Magic is something certain people have, and they can make money by filling magic stones at a magic shop. There's no need to practice."

We were resting in a place with a good view, so Bart and Mill were staying vigilant while listening to our conversation with interest.

I can't believe that it isn't considered important in town even though father had warned brother about his magic so many times. Do people in town not collapse when they used up their magic?

"No magwic, cowwashpe."

"A lot of people collapse."

Bart and Mill nodded. So they do. I was struck with emptiness.

"But I'll get better if I just rest like yesterday."

"No."

"No? What do you mean?" Bart said

"Wife shhorthened."

"Your life shortens? I've never heard that before."

"No, wait."

Bart reacted to Mill's words.

"People with high magic power have short life spans. I thought this was normal, but is it because they used their magic too much?"

I didn't know that, but it's possible.

"Wife shhorthened. Withhouth washthe, effecthivewy, channew magic intho magic shthone. Otousyama shaid."

Phew. I remembered this and tried to connect my words, but it was difficult for a one-year-old infant.

"Annoying."

Alistair looked away.

"Otousyama? Did your dad say this Lei?"

"Ai. Niini, practhice. Awoth," I did my best to appeal to Bart.

"If even the nobles are practising, then Alistair should do it too. Are you alright with dying early?" Bart asked Alistair since he understood what I was saying.

"I'm-!" Alistair raised his voice and was startled.

"I'll work hard because I want to live. But, I don't know if I want to live for a long time," he said and turned away.

"Mum said that nobles aren't happy. If I listened to people who are unhappy and did what they say, then I wouldn't be happy now would I?"

Nobles aren't happy. Really? Well, it's true that father didn't seem happy at first. But it doesn't seem like he thinks it's okay to throw away your life away since he teaches brother how to circulate his magic so diligently. Isn't he enjoying life?

"Lei happy."

"You! Didn't you get kidnapped because you're a noble?!"

Alistair bent down and grabbed my shoulders. It hurts a little.

"If you weren't a noble! Then you would be with your dad and mum, and maybe your brother too. And everyone could have lived a normal life!" Alistair said as he looked pained.

I see. So Alistair thinks that he could be happy if he weren't a noble?

I lived happily in my last life, but I didn't expect to live happily in this life. I should live because I was born, and since I'm alive, I want to live happily. So I'm living as I want even though I'm just a baby. I don't have any complains or regrets.

But, that's right. A 10-year-old who has been alone and is desperately trying to live, wouldn't know if they're happy or not. I called Alistair's name, "Awishthair."

"What?"

"Aai."

Then, I held out my hands.

"Howd."

"Hold you? Fine."

Alistair heaved and held me firmly.

"What? Are you lonely?"

"Ai."

I'm not lonely. No, it's not like I'm not lonely, but that's not it. When times are hard, or when they're feeling lonely, brother and father also hug me like this and calm down, don't they?

"Bwird."

I pointed to the sky.

"They're flying."

"Two."

"There are two. I wonder if they're flying back to the forest."

"Bacw."

Then, we looked around. Now then, has he calmed down?

"Awishthair, down."

Alistair hesitated a little and put me down. I stared into Alistair's eyes.

"Awishthair, Magic practhice."

"You-."

Alistair opened his eyes as if he'd given up and then he started laughing as if saying, 'fine'.

"Bart, Mill."

"It's fine. We still have time," Bart, who had been watching over us, said in relief.

"Barth, Miww, do?"

"Us? We don't have magic, ya know?"

"We don't have a drop of noble blood in us. Haha."

They laughed, but it was strange.

To begin with, I haven't really met anyone without magic. Hannah, Sebas, and all the people who work in the mansion were all clad in a thin magic layer. The people who kidnapped me were wrapped in a clear layer.

If I had to say it, maybe, I feel like I didn't see magic around the rascals, who we met when Hannah and I had strayed. But that's all. Bart, Mill, Kyaro and Clyde all have magic. They didn't have as much as Alistair or brother, but they have more than Hannah did. Do they not know this?

Well, whatever. First is Alistair.

I can't instruct him on how to grasp the magic in his body like father does when he teaches brother, so I can only do it my own way.

First, I sat down while facing him.

"Gib me hand."

"Like this?"

I held Alistair's outstretched hand. His hand was big, so I could only hold onto one finger.

"Like this, right?"

"Ai."

Alistair laughed as he held my hands. This is good. I tried to feel my magic and sent it to Alistair. Opposite of when it was sucked by the magic stone, I pushed it.

"Woah?"

"What is it? What is it?"

Alistair spoke in surprise, and the two, who were watching us in amusement, began to make a fuss. I nearly laughed as well. Calm down, stay calm.

"Thath'sh magic."

"I always draw it out, but it's back."

"Magic noth drawn. Inshide chu."

"Inside me." Alistair said.

"One more time," he closed his eyes. I sent my magic.

"Mm."

"From hanh tho shhouwder. From shhouwder tho opposhithe hand. From hanh tho shhouwder. From shhouwder to shthomach. From shthomach tho feeth."

"Mm, mm."

Bart and Mill weren't guarding, they held their breath as they watched us.

"No good. It disappears halfway."

"Again."

"Ok. Mm, mm."

Alistair opened his eyes while groaning.

"Ah, not again. It disappeared somewhere in my stomach."

"Thath'sh why practhice."

"I see. So you can't get it straight away?"

"Ai."

Huh? So why can I do it straight away? I'm sure it's because I'm an adult inside.

"Alright, it's just like being a Hunter! If you can't do it then practice. Right?"

"Ai!"

It seems like a fire was lit in him because he couldn't do it. I'm glad he's feeling motivated.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 28 - Magic Stone

Chapter 28: Magic Stone

Today's training finished there. But, Alistair would sometimes become conscious of his magic, and Bart warned him, "Stop doing that while moving! You should know when to concentrate and when not to as a Hunter!" What about Mill? I looked at Mill who was casually riding on his dragon.

"Miww pay aththenthion."

"Me? If you become like me, then you'll be able to tell, so it's fine."

Apparently, he knows when to pay attention and when not to. Really? We rode on the dragons until night and camped by a small river that day. After dinner, Alistair drew some water into a bucket and carried it to the tent.

"Lei, wipe your body with this and change into your new clothes."

"Ai."

But the water in spring is cold.

"Like this and-."

Alistair put a small magic stone into a box, locked it and threw it in the bucket. A few seconds later steam started rising from the bucket.

"Wow."

"Is this your first time seeing this? Now the water's just perfect."

He let me stand in the bucket and quickly wiped my body as to not let any wind get into the tent. He also washed my hair, so it felt nice. My new clothes were stiff and felt terrible, but at least they were clean.

"I'll clean the clothes you were wearing and sell them except for your jacket. It's better if people don't know your identity."

"Ai."

I remained silent because it was impossible for me to explain that selling it will leave traces. It might be better for them to leave traces of me. I only saw the magic stones used for light at the mansion, but it seemed like they had many uses.

When I was preparing to go to bed, we sensed the Hollow's presence with a WHIRR. Alistair and I looked in the same direction at the same time while in the tent.

"So you do get it. Hunters have to be attuned to this sound."

Oh really?

"We're going to use the barrier to hunt them. The inside of the barrier should be okay, so stay inside the tent Lei. Got it?" He said and ran out of the tent with a small sword. I secretly chased after him and left the tent. Stay in the tent? I'm glad I didn't agree with it.

This is a rare opportunity. I'll see Hollows when I get the chance so I can live in this world where they exist.

Two people stayed in the barrier while the other three stayed close to the barrier as they fought and hunted Hollows. From the looks of it, the Hollows did come from the mountains. From a distance, it just looked like there was a fluctuation in the air, but the WHIRR sound felt as if it was approaching me until a specific range.

Alistair felt the presence of the Hollows faster than anyone and reacted very fast. But 10-year-old's didn't have any stamia, so his movements gradually grew sluggish.

"Alistair, go back."

"But-."

"Go back."

Bart calmly made a decision and removed Alistair from the front lines. Alistair looked frustrated, but he stayed alert while keeping his eyes on the hunt. And the Hollows who came one after another decreased.

"There's no end to them. Let's stop here for today. Mill, you're the first lookout."

"Aite. Next is Kyaro?"

"Alright. Then Clyde and Bart."

They still had a person on the lookout even though they had the barrier. Bart turned towards the tent and looked at me. His expression seemed to say 'Oh boy'.

"Oi, Chibi."

"Ith'sh Lei."

"Alistair, she went out of the tent."

"Aah."

I tried to make a face that said, 'You're even saying that?'

"Lei!"

"Sowwie."

I was caught straight away.

"Well, it might be less scary for her if she sees them instead of staying inside the tent. Also-."

"Also?"

Bart looked at me, who was going to be scolded, and mediated between us. Bart was the one who told on me in the first place!

"Isn't it better if she stays where we can see her? She'll still be in the barrier."

"But-."

I think it's better that way. I looked at Alistair seriously. I puffed my cheeks, and my golden hair which had just been wash was silky.

"Ugh, Lei. That's unfair."

The cuteness of a baby isn't unfair. Thus, I received the right to watch everyone hunt Hollows in a place where they could see me.

"Awe dere magic shthonesh you don'th need?" I asked Bart the next day at lunch.

"Magic stones we don't need? There's none we don't need, but we have a lot," he said as he took out magic stones for the barrier box, portable stove and portable lamp. He also brought out magic stones that weren't in use from a bag on the dragon.

"We got all these magic stones from the Hollows we hunted after we left Kaylie. They're freshly harvested."

The magic stones were different sizes, but I could tell that they were tightly stuffed with magic because they were dark purple. There were two stones which looked about as big as the one used in the barrier box.

"They rarely drop the big ones. They're probably shells from Hollows who have taken a lot of lives. This might be painful for you, but it's a great harvest for us. This sells for a ridiculous amount."

So he's saying that this was from the Hollow who attacked us.

"And, this magic stone is so small that it can only be used as light."

It was about the tip of an adult's pinky, but because it had been removed from the lamp, the colour was thinner from use. It was much smaller than the magic stones we used for light at home.

"Although some adjustments have been made, the magic tools are made according to the size of the magic stone, so they're quite expensive. Even if you become a hunter, it takes a lot of effort to gather camping equipment."

I see, so it's custom-made? Perhaps, all the lights at the Marquis House are custom-made. It's a bit scary, so let's stop thinking about it.

"What's more, all the magic tool artisans have magic, so they're in Kingdom."

"How did chu mawe?"

How did they get it made if the artisans stay in Kingdom?

"The magic stones are sold to Kingdom, and magic tools are made to match those stones. Then, it's returned to Frontier again."

"Price geth expenshive."

"That's right~. I wish there were more magic tool artisans in Frontier."

"Wan comes, thhen get."

"You can't even kidnap them. Most of the artisans live in the Royal Capital, and they have heavy restrictions placed on them so they can't leave."

"No widnap," When I, who had been kidnapped, said that, Bart gently patted my head.

"You're right. Kidnapping isn't good. Wouldn't it be best if they come here voluntarily?"

While he explained things to me, I received the smallest and thinnest stone. I'm going to use this for Alistair's training!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 29 - Magic is-

Chapter 29: Magic is-

"This magic stone? If it's only this big, then I can fill it in no time."

"No, noth fashth. Shwow and thhin, channew."

Alistair didn't understand me even though I wanted him to practice channelling his magic into this magic stone. He probably supplied it thoughtlessly with magic because he has a lot of magic power.

"Thhin, reduce, shwowwy. Practhice."

"I really can't understand what Lei is saying anymore."

Alistair scratched his head. Well, of course. I didn't know how to get Alistair to understand. I grasped the magic stone and was at a loss. Then suddenly, Mill took the magic stone from me.

"Mill?"

Alistair gaped at Mill and Mill said, "That thing. The point is she's telling you to channel your magic, thinly and slowly," as he tosses the magic stone and caught it.

"Mill, you understand what Lei's saying?"

"Hmm? I don't."

So you don't? Everyone slumped.

"But ya know Alistair, I kinda know what you're doing. Lei's saying that you shouldn't fill it up all at once just because you can, isn't she?"

"Ai!"

That's right!

"So, just fill it slowly with magic even if it's this little, right?"

"Ai!"

Great.

"See look."

Mill cupped his hands and gently placed the magic stone on his palms. Huh?

"Miww, magic."

"Hmmm?"

Mill's magic moved. It flowed thinly and quietly into the magic stone. The magic stone slowly changed to purple.

"Like this?"

"Yuh!"

Mill, wow. But you said you don't have magic!

"Well, I didn't realise it was magic until I saw Alistair practice. Haha."

It's not funny! Bart, Kyaro and Clyde, who had been watching this, came towards us.

"Huh, you have magic?"

"This is news to me!"

"No, even I didn't know," Mill said blankly.

Bart tilted his head in contemplation and suddenly said as if he'd just realised, "Perhaps, it's the Hollows'-."

"Yeah, it's that!"

What?!

"Oh, that?"

"The hunt?"

It's not fair that only you four know! I stomped.

"Why're you stomping?"

I glared at Bart.

"Oh, ohh, ah. Are you annoyed?"

Fine. Bart looked at Alistair and I and said, "You know, when we hunt, we open our senses so we can quickly feel for the Hollows presence, right?"

Alistair opened his eyes wide and laughed, "Haha."

"Yes! It's like melting yourself little by little and spreading it out in the air like stretching a thread."

"Dat!"

"So it's that?!"

My voice and Alistair's overlapped. Alistair must have been delighted because he picked me up and twirled me around. My eyes are rolling, they're spinning.

"Chibi's eyes are rolling, you know?"

"...... Ith'sh Lei."

I sat down.

"Thwead. Thin wiwe a thwead."

"I got it! Ah, but the magic stone's already filled......"

"I'll bring all the empty ones here!" The four began running off in different directions after Alistair said that. They gathered all the magic stones together just like before. They even brought the barrier magic stone.

"Ewerywon, do."

"Ookayyy!"

Alistair took the magic stone out of the barrier box. What is he doing?

"Awishthair," I called out to him in worry.

And he laughed and replied, "It's fine. I'm used to filling this up. In short, I should make my magic as thin as a thread like when we're hunting so that the stone doesn't suck all my magic, right?"

I watched excitedly as they all tried to channel their magic into the magic stones. I was ready to knock the magic stone out of their hands if they channelled too much magic.

"Whoa," Bart raised his voice, so I turned around.

"Whath?"

"I'm getting repelled by the stone."

"Don'th need more magic."

"I see. It's full."

"Ai. Chu did greath."

"Haha, I did?"

Bart collapsed onto the prairie.

"Huh?!"

"Whath?"

This time it was Clyde.

"Hm, it stopped halfway."

I looked at him and saw that his magic was considerably thinner.

"No magic, dangeroush."

"Hm, this is my limit. I'll be careful."

"Ai."

Clyde also collapsed.

"Alright!"

"Whath?"

This time it was Kyaro.

"I just filled it up. My magic's probably almost gone."

"Ai. Shthop there."

"Ok."

Now, just Alistair and Mill.

"Mm, ermm."

"Awishthair."

"It's okay. I did it. I got it. Mm. How is it?"

He still has a lot of magic.

"Ai."

"Did I pass?"

"Aai."

Alistair also fell onto the prairie with a thud. Huh, what about Mill?

"Miww? Do?"

"Hmm~?"

He was his usual blank self, but he wasn't holding a magic stone, his magic was-.

"Coming outh a withthwe."

"Yup. We need one person to stay on the lookout at a time like this."

I was surprised and looked around. I see, just because it's noon doesn't mean that Hollows won't come out. And yet, everyone's magic is thin.

"It's fine, that's why we're in a party," Mill said in a laid-back voice.

"It's my turn to keep watch. That's what it means."

"I'm still alright."

"It's me and Alistair's turn to keep watch. Don't worry about it."

"...... Ai."

Then, I'll also be on the lookout. I won't keep my magic inside, I'll spread it out.

I sat next to Alistair.

"Sit here."

Alistair put me between his legs. Outside, spread my magic out......

"It's time for your nap, Chibi."

"...... Ith'sh...... Lei."

"Lei."

"...... Niini."

The spring sun was warm.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 30 - Journey

Chapter 30: Journey

(Alistair's POV)

"Niini, huh?"

"What's wrong Alistair?"

"She-," I adjusted Lei's head as she slept, "sometimes calls out Niini and Otousyama, but she's never called out for her mum before."

"Come to think of it, that's true. Otousyan, Niini and Hannah, huh."

"Hannah's the dead kid. She was wearing a maid uniform."

"Oh, that was really sad."

In Frontier, Hollows took the lives of those who were careless. Children and young women are told that they can't go outside at night. It was the same in Lentforce, even though it was located in the barrier and was guarded during night. People who worked at night were the exception.

People weren't allowed to go out at night in Lentforce because it was barely in the barrier. Not many people knew this, but the barrier would sometimes weaken, and the position would move. People in the middle of Kingdom probably didn't notice this either.

So the people in Lentforce didn't place too much trust in the barrier. Women and children wouldn't even dream of going out at night. Did Lei and Hannah not know this? Or did they know this and were left in a helpless situation?

"Lei said she's happy."

"Yeah. You can tell just by looking at her. Even though something terrible happened to her, she still believes in adults and acts as if it's obvious to follow what she says."

"She even made us train our magic."

"She's a weird kid."

"But, she probably doesn't have a mum......"

I gently stroked Lei's wind-tangled hair.

(Lei POV)

I was finally in a place I've never been before, so I wanted to see the towns too instead of staying in the prairie all the time. But Bart and his crew were very famous hunters even though they were young, and they would probably meet their fellow hunters in town.

"They've got a kid with them."

"She's got violet eyes."

It was possible that those rumours would spread.

"We're not going to hide you in Trentforce, but we don't want to get involved in any trouble. So just play in the prairie."

Thus, I always stayed in the prairie. They usually took turns to go into town; group one was Kyaro and Clyde, and group two was Mill, Bart and Alistair. But when Alistair went to town, he would bring back small sweets and unusual food, so it was fascinating.

"Hey, why are you buying weli nuts? Why do you know that Lei likes them?"

"They don't sell this much at Kingdom," Alistair answered Kyaro who was complaining. He was annoyed that I liked the weli nut that Alistair had bought. Kyaro and Clyde looked like they were thinking of unusual food to buy me, but they could only come up with sweets. Alistair had warned them not to buy too many sweets, so they just bought common things like cheese and dried meat.

Of course, it made me happy compared to bread and water.

"I want to buy something that would make Lei be more like 'Amazing' or 'Wow!'~," Kyaro scratched his head. On the other hand, Alistair only had his mother and himself, so he was used to going out shopping and doing housework since he was little. He also came to Frontier from Kingdom, so he remembered what food would be weird and delicious, so he bought them. Weli nuts, which were like sweet chestnuts, were also one of those food.

"Half of Walsall Mountains is located in Kingdom, so why don't they have weli nuts?"

"The person at the shop said that they can't be grown if you're not by the sea."

"No way!"

Kyaro looked disappointed.

"Lei wiwsh cheeshe."

"Oh, Lei's worrying about me. Yup. I'll buy it for you again."

"Ai."

But cheese and dried meat have a lot of salt, so don't buy too much.

Then, they sold the small magic stones in town and bought cheap empty magic stones. Like that, everyone would practice filling the magic stones after lunch. Apparently, it was interesting, and it was great since they could sell the full magic stones. Of course, I practiced too.

Everyone improved really fast once they realised that it was the same as sensing Hollows during hunts. Improving didn't mean that they stopped channelling their magic until it was almost gone. Like Mill had done the other day, one or two people would always leave some of their magic and stand on lookout. The rest, including myself, used all our magic and took naps.

Maybe it'll be better for brother to practice spreading his magic out of his body instead of just rotating inside, I thought as I remembered the magic circulation practice at home.

Even so, when I watched everyone hunt Hollows at night, I realised that it was impossible. No way would someone spread their magic out if they didn't need to. WHIRR, when the Hollows appeared, something disgusting vibrated through my body. Nevertheless, they improved their abilities while remaining vigilant and tried to sense the Hollows as quickly as possible even if it felt gross because their life depended on it.

That was what a hunter in Frontier was.

The truth is I don't know how much magic it took to shorten one's life. But the young men were reckless, and they would channel their magic until it was almost depleted, so I ended up learning how to discern the subtle magic changes to stop them. I slapped the magic stones out of all of their hands many times while cautioning them, "No!"

Unexpectedly, I found out that their magic power had increased every time they had almost depleted it and recovered. However, it seemed like I was the only one to notice this.

They all concluded,

"I feel like my magic power has increased."

"No way it has. You're just making it thin and using it effectively like Lei said."

"I guess so."

"Hahaha."

So, I thought that it wasn't necessary to tell them.

It was supposed to take us three weeks to get to Lentforce, but we ended up taking a month. The beginnings of spring changed into spring, and I, who had become a little tan, was finally able to step into a town with people.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 31 - Luke's Feelings (Otou-sama's POV)

Chapter 31: Luke's Feelings (Otou-sama's POV)

"The Academy contacted me and reported that Luke-sama has fainted again," Jude reported as soon as I got back home.

"Seriously? Did he practice his magic again?"

"He did. He's also pushing himself and practising his sword at the same time."

"Luke......"

Two months have already passed since Lei got kidnapped. The magic stones that the Four Marquises were in charge of were usually filled once every five days. It is said that the barrier wouldn't hold if more than 10 days past, even though we have enough magic for it. I had barely made it back to the Royal Capital last time, so even if I wanted to make my move, I couldn't because there were guards everywhere.

The only things I could do was hire someone to search for Lei all the way until Wester and secretly search for the culprits who had kidnapped Lei. I also focused on the magic stone business that I had. Lei is in Frontier. The only thing that connects Kingdom and Frontier are the magic stones.

The Four Marquises didn't have anything they particularly had to do except to fill magic stones and aid in politics. Incidentally, they also didn't have fiefs. The fiefs were distributed and entrusted to those who had statuses up to Earl. The Royal family and Four Marquis Houses live lavishly by collecting tax revenue from those fiefs.

There were some who used that as funds for commerce like my Albans House, but that was due to our ancestor's quick eye for opportunity. Also, they had stated that we should be free to do what we want with our money because we are bound to this Kingdom and the Royal Capital. I inherited this business without care, but I'm grateful for it now.

"I'll try to talk to Luke."

"Please do so."

Jude bowed. I felt terrible for Jude since he was managing everything now that Sebas was gone. But I still didn't feel like hiring a new butler. Mainly because of trust.

The weekend came quickly, so I went to get Luke.

"Otou-sama!"

My precious son lit up when he saw me. He used to be so expressionless. But, I knew that his face was thin and worn out for a growing boy. He's probably pushing himself.

"Otou-sama, you're one to talk."

"About what?"

"You've gotten skinnier, and your clothes are a little big for you now."

"Hmph, it's fine for adults. You're still growing."

We quarrelled about foolish things while joking and being serious.

"But how many times have you fainted now? Luke, if you don't grow up healthily, then Lei would worry and cry when she gets back."

"And she'll probably say, 'Ninii, no!'"

Luke was smiling, but his lips trembled, "But Lei's still a baby. I don't know if she'll remember us even if she does come back." That's right, a baby's memory doesn't last for long. She'll forget about us even if we're only apart for a few months. This also made me feel uneasy.

"Please, she's our Lei. She's smart. She's that small, but she's independent, energetic, and talkative and she loves us so much, doesn't she?"

"Yes, yes. Therefore-,"

Luke looked up.

"The Marquises and Lords learn the same thing. They learn how to channel their magic into the magic stones without fainting. So, they don't get taught how to maliciously circulate their magic and increase their magic power."

"Increase magic power...... Luke, you already have enough magic for someone from the Albans House. It rivaled that of mine when I was your age. What are you aiming for?

"Freedom, Otou-sama. I'm aiming for freedom."

Luke said freedom.

"The problem is we can't leave the Royal Capital for more than 10 days. If I can't escape from my duty as a Marquis, then I should at least increase how much magic I have so that I can fill it every 15 or 20 days. If I can fill enough for a whole month, then I can go look for her myself in Frontier!"

"Luke."

"The only method written in the academy and Royal Palace to achieve this is by releasing your magic until you have barely any left. How much is barely any left? Just a little more, I feel like I can understand it if I try a few more times!"

He's only 11, I can't believe he's thought about it that much.

"When I turn 18, I won't be able to leave Kingdom like you Otou-sama. I only have a little over six years. I don't think we can get Lei back right away. If so, then I need to get stronger before I turn 18 and search for her. And even if I turn 18, I have to be strong enough so that I can go out to the border to look for her."

"So you're saying you're going to be reckless?"

"...... Yes."

How promising.

"Even if you say that, if you harm your health and shortened your life, you won't be able to protect Lei when she comes back now can you?"

"...... I know."

Luke looked down in shame. He knows this, but he can't sit around and do nothing. Isn't there anything I can do for him so that he doesn't harm his health? Perhaps...

"Luke, it's nearly summer holidays."

"Yes, it is."

Luke looked at me questioningly.

"Shall we go to Claire's fief for summer?"

"Okaa-sama's?"

My mind was swirling around hectically. Increasing magic was dangerous. Luke was struggling with how to do this. He'll become reckless if I leave him to do this on his own. So I should help him.

"Claire's fief borders Frontier's Farland. I've only been there a few times."

Claire was from an Earl house, but she never attended the academy because her body was frail. So, I met her when I went to the northern fief on a whim. It was when I stayed at Earl Neville's mansion in the north. I went back to take her as my bride, and once again to return her body to her family after she'd passed away.

The Four Marquises couldn't leave Kingdom. But, there wasn't a rule stating that they couldn't leave before 18.

"If we go to Wester, then they'll be on alert and obstruct us. But if we go in the opposite direction to Farland, then we can say that we're visiting your mother. Listen, Luke. Go to Frontier after you've talked to Earl Neville."

"Can I?"

Luke's eyes sparkled.

"What are Hollows? I believe that we should see the true appearances of Hollows at least once because we're bound by the magic stones. If Otou-sama proposes this-!"

"I have some good negotiation materials in my collection. I'll make up more if I need them. I'll be going back to the Royal Capital, but I'll ask him if you could stay there for the summer holidays. I'm sure the heir there also practices the sword. You should learn from him if an opportunity shows itself."

"I will!"

Luke's real mother is Diana, and her house's fief was Lazuli right next to the Royal Capital. But, it was bad to go south now. And, she didn't contact Luke even at a time like this.

"Listen. For that reason, don't push yourself and it's also important to build up your physique. Do you understand?"

"I do!"

I think we both know without me saying, that we might not find Lei until then and it might become a long battle for Luke until he reaches adulthood if we were unlucky. So we should think about what's ahead and do what we can. Luke and I were one.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 32 - To the Northern Fief (Otou-sama's POV)

Chapter 32: To the Northern Fief (Otou-sama's POV)

When I contacted Earl Neville, he happily agreed. This was the house where Claire was raised. They are simple folk and love people. That was how it was at that fief. However, he couldn't decide whether or not to give permission on the task I wanted Luke to do.

Furthermore, I couldn't receive permission easily from the supervision department to visit Earl Neville's fief. The supervision department is responsible for the management of the barrier. That is to say, they always monitor the magic stones to ensure that it still has enough magic power, and manage when it needs to be refilled.

"Marquis Albans, the memory of you going out last time without permission, and returning just barely before the 10 days were over, is still fresh in my mind. And you want to leave the Royal Capital again for 10 days? I can't let you do that."

That was the supervision department's view.

"Is this really something you should be saying to me? I made it back here in 10 days despite my daughter being kidnapped."

"All I can say is that I'm sorry about that. What we want to say is that you should keep in mind about protecting the people as part of the Four Marquises."

"That's why I submitted a report stating that I would return in 10 days."

"Furthermore, you want to take the Lisburn heir with you. We would be at a loss if something were to happen to both heirs."

"I see. So you wouldn't worry so much if we had reserved heirs. I'm tired of listening to you!"

My sarcasm got through to him, and he fell silent. This blasted stubborn old man.

"Receiving permission is only a formality. You don't have any reason to hold me back as long as I don't violate the pact of the Four Marquises. If you overly manage us like this, then I might just thoughtlessly stay for more than 10 days."

"You can't be serious!?"

"Alright?"

The first people to be troubled, if something were to happen to the Four Marquises, is the supervision department.

"I'll be back in 10 days. I already submitted the report for this. You're the one who is stopping me with meaningless reasons. Now, what will you do?"

The supervision department gave in.

On the first day of the summer holiday, Gill Lisburn, who is three years older than Luke, will also be going to the north. I'm finally leaving to go to Earl Neville's mansion in the north.

"It's not a good idea for people to see him pandering at the Albans House. He'll be treated as a problem child in the Royal Capital," I said.

And Stan muttered, "Who cares, it'll probably be a difficult experience for Gill. I don't want him to regret not going to Frontier like I do. They probably won't be rebuked since they're not 18 yet. I'm so ashamed of myself for not thinking about my little brother, even though we've never met, until this happened to Lei."

"And you probably want to do something since Gill also adores Lei."

"I'm sure it'll be dangerous. Sorry."

"It's fine."

It took 3 days to get to Earl Neville's mansion and 2 days from there to Frontier. I'll be stopping for the night and then taking the 3-day journey back to the Royal Capital. It'll be an exhausting trip.

"Then, I'll be off."

"Good luck!"

Stan and the servants saw us off as we headed towards the north.

"Two sets forwards, and three sets back! Spread out."

Of course, the guards were with us. Nice way of putting it was, the supervision department is monitoring us.

"Remington, you have bad luck."

"Call me, Graces. And it's my job."

The dragon carriage was too slow, so we were using Rug Dragons to get to the north. Gill was on a dragon and Luke was in the basket. We were exhausted, but we reached Earl Neville's place in 3 days, just as planned.

"Dean! It's been a while. I haven't seen Luke since the wedding, do you still remember me?"

"I do. You had gentle brown hair and eyes. You said『Let's get along』as you smiled like mother."

"Claire had already given up on having children, so she was delighted to have a little boy."

"I really loved her."

The Earl greeted as he hugged Luke tightly and spoke. This was Luke's grandfather even though they weren't connected by blood.

"I asked you something so shameless even though we've just lost Claire and I couldn't even protect Leila."

"I won't say it's fine. I should have at least gone to see Leila. Fate did such an evil thing after you've finally healed from losing Claire."

I lowered my head.

"I don't know him, but I'm hiring an excellent hunter through a merchant. I want you to show the two Marquis heirs how people fight with Hollows while protecting them. Dean, that's a challenging request."

"I am sorry. They can't go out of Kingdom once they become adults. I want them to experience what it is that they're protecting their people from."

"But still, it's dangerous. Are you really giving the Hunter that?"

"If I didn't offer a reward, then there wouldn't be any hunters. Right?"

"That's true."

That, in other words, it wasn't publicly forbidden to take barrier boxes out of Kingdom. But, people would question whether it would be fine for them to just protect themselves inside the barrier.

However, it was expensive. No matter how much he earned, it was too much for a Hunter to afford, or so I've heard. The barrier boxes required large magic stones which were difficult to obtain. One of the reasons for this was because there weren't many artisans who could make these boxes. And there were few around who could fill the magic stones used in the barrier boxes.

But, my magic stone business has a lot of magic tool masters. It was easy to get them to make something even if it were expensive. That was my bait.

"I'll leave the children in your care. I want to head to the border after we've rested for the night."

"You've already made plans, and you have guards with you."

"They're just observing. Seems like I'm a problematic child," I said mockingly, and Earl Neville placed his hand on my shoulder.

"Listen, Dean. You've never caused any problems and continued your duty by maintaining the barrier. The ones who are in the wrong are the ones who kidnapped Lei and the ones who aren't doing anything about it. You're not giving up on Leila, and you're doing your best for my grandchildren."

"......, I am."

I was moved to tears and lowered my head. Can I not succeed if my tears don't fall? This is Claire's father, the woman who taught me how to be human.

"Now then, Luke and the other guests should rest now. Of course, the guards are welcomed too."

"Thank you."

It'll be another exhausting day tomorrow.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 33 - : Outside the Barrier (Otou-sama's POV)

Chapter 33: Outside the Barrier (Otou-sama's POV)

Even though people say that boys are energetic, the 11-year-old Luke and 14-year-old Gill seemed tired. They quickly went to their rooms and fell asleep.

Even if the person himself wanted this, I wondered if it was alright to let them do something so harsh. But, both Luke and I wanted a motive to change.

We left early in the morning and arrived 2 days after in the afternoon. It was nearly time for the sun to set.

Earl Neville came along even though he was old, "Don't look down on someone who lives in Frontier!" He said. So, we were late and the merchant, who looked bitter, changed his attitude. The Four Marquises' title didn't mean anything near Frontier, and it was amusing.

"I chose this place because this is the north of Wellington Mountains and Hollows come out a lot here. The Hollows will appear just before the barrier. Therefore, there aren't any towns with people around here. Even Hunters would lose their lives here if they're not careful."

The merchant confirmed with Earl Neville if this was really alright. Merchants in the Royal Capital would think about the dangers to the Four Marquises' and probably wouldn't accept the request normally.

"Hey, you." This rude man was looking after Luke and Gill today. He's probably over 30. He was a little younger than me and had messy black hair and brown eyes. There were about ten hunters. The hunters usually group themselves in groups of 5 or 6, and there were two groups. He seemed to be the leader of the older party.

"What?"

"Do you really have the barrier box?"

I nodded at the person who was carrying my luggage, and they gently took a small box out. It was the size of two adult palms and made a barrier about three metres in radius. When I opened the box and showed him the magic stone, he gulped.

"What proof do you have to show that it works?"

"I don't need to fool you when my son's life is at stake," I said quietly. The man looked at Luke and Gill for the first time and raised his eyebrow.

"You're actually one of the Four Marquises."

Even though you were probably assessing me before. I got irritated, but I held it in. The man that I was entrusting them to was this stupid, but if he is said to be excellent, then no other hunters can compare.

Luke and the others were waiting outside the barrier for the Hollows in a place where I could see them. 200 metres away, the Wellington Mountains rose high in the sky shaded by the sun. There was a small table and two chairs prepared for Luke and Gill. The barrier box was then placed on the table and used as a base to hunt the Hollows.

Before leaving Kingdom's barrier, the man gave Luke and Gill a brief lecture.

"Look, this is a Rhodolite sword. I prepared some for you boys just in case. It may look blunt, but you can't cut through Hollows without this."

"Okay."

"If the barrier's real, then we'll use that as a base. Listen to what I say and don't move out of the barrier. Alright?"

"Okay."

"Then, let's go."

I also went with them up until the barrier. But, someone grabbed my shoulders.

"Graces."

"If you go any further, you'll leave the barrier."

This guy. Luke and Gill nodded at me and walked away. Then, they stopped after 10 steps.

"As expected of magic users. This is the border of the barrier."

"The air's changed."

"It's rare for someone to feel that. People usually just feel something tingling. You would have become a great hunter if you lived in Frontier."

The man lightly chattered and guided Luke and Gill to the place where the table was while remaining vigilant. The barrier box had been given to Luke, and he placed it on the table before turning the key.

"Woah," we heard the men's voices from here too. Luke and Gill shook their heads. Apparently, the barrier was working correctly. The men walked about and checked the confines of the three-metre barrier. There were 12 people inside the barrier, but the three-metre radius was unexpectedly wide. The relief within them spread.

"Milord, here."

Graces must have gotten tired of holding me back because a chair was brought to me. I sat down and watched what was happening.

Then, Luke glanced backwards at the men who were making a fuss then he and Gill looked towards the mountain. I also looked where Luke was. It was like looking off into the distance on a hot day.

Then, the men finally noticed it. The Hollows were already close to the barrier by now.

*WHIRR* I could feel their presence strongly even from within the barrier. It was an unpleasant presence. They trembled but held onto their form. Are they people? Or forest beasts?

The leader of the Hunters calmed the others down when they began to panic. *WHIRR* The Hollows bounced back from the barrier. I could tell the men were relieved. At first, there were only 5, but more gradually appeared from the forest. *WHIRR* A noticeably big one appeared, and Graces stepped out in front of me.

"It's fine. So the Kingdom's barrier is for that?"

"But-."

"We came here to see that. What did we come here for?"

Graces stepped back. A shaky figure of a person was 10 steps away from me, and it was bounced back when it extended its hands towards the barrier. It gradually increased in numbers.

"That's a Hollow."

"They don't have any emotions or culture. They're just a natural phenomenon that absorbs human life." I accepted Graces's words because the Hollows looked so much like a human's.

"Oh, the hunters have begun their hunt," I looked at Luke when I heard this. The hunters confirmed the barrier's scope and then swung their swords in turn. It was quite different from a human fight. They were swinging their swords diagonally. Then, the Hollows quivered and disappeared.

"Then, the magic stones drop where they were."

They were hunting in good rhythm, then the younger group gradually headed out to hunt as well. The leader said something, but I couldn't hear him. Luke and Gill stared at the scene.

The younger party gradually lured the Hollows, and the other party also proceeded forward.

"Not good. At this rate, everyone will leave the barrier," Graces whispered, and I agreed with him.

Then, the young man furthest away, who was battling a Hollow, tripped over something and tumbled. Graces stepped forward and stopped. The Hollows gathered at the man who had fallen, and his comrades started striking at the Hollows, which rendered the barrier useless.

"Things aren't looking good for that fallen man if things continue like this." Surprisingly, when Graces became talkative, the comrades of the men stopped slashing at the Hollows and returned to the barrier. Are they abandoning him? No.

One of the men grabbed the barrier box in front of Luke and began running towards the man who had fallen. Luke and Gill were dumbfounded. The leader was screaming. Time seemed to flow slowly, the Hollows moved towards Luke and Gill, who was now outside the barrier.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 34 - Grasped (Otou-sama's POV)

Chapter 34: Grasped (Otou-sama's POV)

The five men who took the barrier box fit nicely inside.

On the other side, the leader, who had been left behind, swung his sword around as he yelled at Luke and Gille to run into the barrier. The other five remaining men also swung their swords around frantically to protect Luke and Gill. Choosing this party was right.

I sat down and crossed my legs. Luke.

"Albans! You! How can you remain so calm?!"

"You say that, but you won't let me go on the other side of the barrier, now will you?"

"But-!"

I ignored the noisy Graces and watched Luke. He was calm. He took a box that was larger than his palm from his jacket and turned the key. *WHIRR* the Hollows flew back. The Hunters looked at the scene as if they couldn't believe their eyes.

"This is the latest model barrier box. It's half the size of the previous ones and creates the same barrier."

"You-!"

"Luke won't lose. Of course."

He put the barrier onto the table, stood and drew out his Rhodolite sword. Gill, who was next to him, did the same.

"That can't be! Don't tell me they're going to fight!?" At the same time Graces had muttered that Luke walked up to the edge of the barrier and slashed the Hollow which looked like a human. He calmly watched as it became a magic stone and fell. Next was Gill. One person stayed within the barrier as they took turns to calmly slash at the Hollows.

They didn't learn sword skills at school for show. Until this summer holiday, they had been training to attack Hollows.

Seeing that, the party inside of the barrier also started to slash at the Hollows. Before long, the Hollows began disappearing from our sights.

Luke picked up the barrier box and moved the barrier. Everyone started picking up the magic stones. After they'd finished, they walked towards Kingdom's barrier as if they were following Luke, who held onto the barrier box. Then the Hollows near Kingdom's barrier flew back, and they made it safely back inside.

Luke stood in front of me and looked completely different from before he'd left the barrier. He was full of confidence, and so was Gill.

"Otou-sama, I get it. I get it now."

"Did you seize it?"

"Yes!"

"Good!"

I stood up and spread my arms out. Luke jumped into my arms. His body was shaking a little, but I don't know if he was terrified or excited.

"Outside, Otou-sama," I understood what he was saying with just that one word. It was the same feeling I felt even while watching from within the barrier.

"I also felt it. It felt like a presence that shook from the outside. You have to open up your senses to seize it. That is the key to manipulating magic."

"Yes."

I hugged Luke, and when I let him go, I hugged Gill.

"You did a great protecting Luke."

"I didn't do anything. And-," Gill smiled broadly while looking slightly embarrassed and took a barrier box out from his pocket.

"I have this."

Graces looked up at the sky. It was a barrier box.

"So you're saying everything would have worked out?"

"I learnt that I can't protect anything if I'm not prepared."

The Hunters looked at them in amazement.

"What the heck? You learnt something that took hunters years to learn in just one go? Is this who the Four Marquises are? Is this the power of Kingdom?"

"You don't have to be amazed. Take that barrier box and bring your crew back. I think having the barrier box for a night is more than enough for them."

"Are you going to forgive them? They didn't just expose your son to danger, but us too," the Hunter said, and I shrugged.

"My request was for you to take my son and his friend with you, even if it's dangerous. I didn't demand that you lose your lives over this task. Hunters have their own rules, so you guys deal with it yourself. But, the reward will only to go to the hunters here. You can go gather the magic stones. It'll probably be useful. The agreement with those guys ends today. The barrier box is only for your party."

"We're just glad we didn't die, but okay," the Leader spat towards the other party outside of the barrier. He took the barrier box from Luke and went to get the younger party.

"Now then, let's rest for the rest of the day."

"No, wait. Wait!"

"What?"

It was the merchant.

"I've never seen a small barrier box like the ones Luke-sama and Gill-sama are carrying."

"Of course you wouldn't. This is new."

"Business would become much easier at Frontier with that. Could you possibly give it to me?"

"Hmm," I thought.

"I can give you the one we have right now. But, even if it's small, the price would still be the same as a normal barrier box, and you would also need the same magic stone. I don't think it'll benefit you."

"The advantage is that I could hold it secretly like Luke-sama did before! And you don't know much about trade if you're selling it for the same price as the other barrier boxes!" The merchant said as if he was screaming. Annoying.

"I don't expect to sell a lot. But you shouldn't be reluctant to be flexible when it's a trade you can't refuse. That's a freebie as thanks for this. Now, let me rest."

The guards will be splitting into two groups tomorrow so that they could guard me and then Luke and Gill respectively.

"Graces."

"Yes?"

I feel like Graces is becoming more and more rude towards me.

"You go with Luke."

"No, I'll stay with you."

"Please. I want to leave my son to you."

"You-!"

Graces covered his face with his hands.

"Is it too bright?"

"No!"

Do people get angry more quickly when they come to Frontier? I'll remember this.

"I'll make the adjustments."

"Thanks."

Luke, learn what you've grasped. I'll do what I have to do at the Royal Capital.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 35 - Lentforce

Chapter 35: Lentforce

When we approached the town, it wasn't much different from the prairie. This was obviously farmland for wheat and beans. People were working in the fields, and there were Rug Dragons next to them. Some people noticed Bart and his crew and put their hands on their hips as they watched us while some waved.

When we passed this peaceful place, I saw a town in the distance. There were two large, simple but sturdy buildings in front of the town. Just before the buildings, the air around us changed with a squeal.

I looked at Alistair who was running next to me, and he said, "It's the barrier. We've entered Kingdom's barrier." Father and brother are in this barrier, but I couldn't reach them because a large mountain range was in my way.

The party split into two lines and stopped in front of a large building. Bart turned around and joked as he spread his arms out, "Welcome to Lentforce Lei."

The place that Bart had proudly pointed to was more prosperous than I'd thought it would be. Even though I was born into this world, I've only seen the entertainment district at night while I was being kidnapped, so I didn't know how big Lentforce was. But when we passed the small lookout hut, there was a big and empty plaza. Beyond the plaza, there were firm wooden houses. They had wooden frames and white walls. The houses gave off a clear and bright impression. I saw a lot of people on the broad road.

There was a forest near the other side of the houses. I could tell that this town was made as though it were clinging to the forest.

"Sup, Bart. You're back late. Brendel was going crazy with worry. Did you deliver the goods?"

"Brendel is? He should know he doesn't have to worry about us."

"Even if Dusk is a great party, you rarely go all the way to Kaylie and back. That's why he's worried!"

"I know. I'll go see him when I get back in town. Did anything happen while we were gone?"

"The barrier got really weak about a month ago, and we had to stay on guard. But that's all. It went back to normal straight away."

"That's good."

The guard who came out of the lookout building spoke with Bart, but their conversation ended quickly.

"Now, let's go home. Then report to the magic stone store," he said as he straddled the Rug Dragon he'd just received.

"Kyee," the Rug Dragon was the only one who'd replied. The guard watched the line move, and suddenly raised his voice in surprise, "Bart, you! What is with this luggage?! It looks just like a child!?"

"Mm? We picked her up."

"Hah?! Oi, tell me more."

"Sorry, we're in a rush!"

Bart urged the dragon to run, and we entered town. Everyone got off the Rug Dragon once we got into town and pulled on the reigns as they walked. The dragons would follow even if their reigns weren't being pulled, but that was the rule in town.

"Bart!"

"Kyaro!"

People called out to them checking if they were safe as we walked through town. Hardly anyone noticed me as I was snuggling in the basket with the luggage.

"Alistair!"

Ooh, even Alistair is getting called. The owner of the voice sounded like he was the same age as Alistair. As I looked at Alistair who was pulling the reins of my dragon while walking, he looked slightly disgusted.

"Alistair! Talk to me. Oh come on, look at your friend." The boy who had said that and was out of breath, wasn't as good looking as brother, but he looked better than Alistair and had dark blonde hair.

"Ray."

"You were gone for a long time. I miss you! I haven't seen you in over a month!" The boy chirped. His eyes sparkled happily as he stared at Alistair.

"You're not being fair Ray!" This time, a girl came running towards us.

She looked a bit smaller than the boy named Ray. Her long blonde hair blew in the wind, and she looked like Ray, so they must be siblings.

"Honestly, guys who just play have too much time on their hands." A slightly dirty boy appeared from the alley had said. Black hair was sticking out from the hat he wore.

"Alistair, tell me about it later."

"Alright," Alistair normally replied this time.

"Me too. Come to my house later. I'll be waiting with snacks!"

"Sorry, but I have work to do," Alistair refused. Kids also have different relationships with other kids, I thought as I listened to them and, "What's that?" the girl suddenly said.

"What is it, Amy?"

"In the basket!"

"Basket?"

What should I do? I had my poncho hood covering my head so that I wouldn't stand out and was sitting still like an ornament. I didn't think anyone would notice me.

"Bye, see you later," Alistair said, as he briskly walked away from the others as if he was in a rush. I stayed still like an ornament, but I accidentally met the eyes of the boy who'd come out from the alley. He opened his eyes in surprise, but he was smart enough to keep his mouth shut. But I felt like his gaze followed mine.

No one followed us to the house. Bart headed to an old house a short distance from the town centre.

Kyaro opened the door first and immediately went in. "It's dusty," he said as he opened the windows and did something. The others seem to be having fun as they took the luggage off the Rug Dragon. I was finally let out of the basket.

"Lei, go into the house now. Oh."

"Kyee."

Bart quickly tried to get me into the house, but was stopped by the dragon.

"Kyee."

And the dragon pushed me in another direction as it tried to guide me somewhere else.

"Don't tell me you're gonna take her to the pasture?"

"Kyee," the dragon cried as if it were obvious. Bart scratched his head.

"Fine. Clyde, take Lei with you when you go and return the dragons. Then when Alistair arrives at the pasture, he can somehow convince the dragons to let Lei return with him. We have to sort our luggage and go visit Brendel first."

"Aite," Clyde put me back into the basket.

"Bart, wait. I can go with them, but I can't persuade the Rug Dragons," Alistair whined at the problematic order.

"Well, listen. Is there anyone else amongst us that could ask the Rug Dragons?"

"...... No."

"See. Go. If you don't then Lei will live at the pasture."

I don't want that. Even so, I was careless because the other dragons hadn't taken care of me lately. Damn Rug Dragons!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 36 - Lei at the Pasture

Chapter 36: Lei at the Pasture

Clyde led four dragons while Alistair led two through the south side of town. There were hardly any people around. Luckily, no one saw us.

"Rug Dragons live in flocks. We leave them at the pasture if we don't need them and only borrow them when we do," Alistair explained.

"Every town has a group that manages the pastures, it's convenient since you don't have to return the Rug Dragon to the same town."

"Aai."

We reached the pasture while talking. There was no fence, but a lot of Rug Dragons were resting in the vast meadow. There was a small hut in front and a large warehouse which seemed to house fodder for the dragons.

"Now, let's call the manager."

"Kyee."

"Hey!" When Clyde tried to call the manager, the Rug Dragon called out to its group in a loud voice. At that moment, the earth trembled as the dragons gathered together. The dragon shook the basket I was sitting on as it ran towards the group. They were saying, "Let her down."

"What if you accidentally step on her?" Even Clyde was perplexed by the number of dragons that gathered. But, we won't get anywhere like this.

"Puth me down," I said, and Alistair took me out of the basket. But, instead of putting me on the ground he held onto me. In the meantime, Clyde removed the basket from the dragon.

"Kyee." The dragon, who was wearing the basket, pushed Alistair and I as if saying, "Let's go."

"No."

"Kyee." It sounded as if the dragon was replying, "Why?" to Alistair.

"We have to go home."

"Kyee."

I wonder if this is fine.

"She'll eat properly. She was fine during the trip, wasn't she?"

The dragon stared at Clyde, then at Alistair and snorted, "Fine." I was finally set free.

"I'm surprised that a Rug Dragon would get this attached to a person."

"Oh, Mr Manager. We're here to return the dragons we used to go to Kaylie. They came back on their own," Alistair said as he put me down.

"Oh, it's fine. I saw them walking here before you got surrounded by the dragons," the manager nodded and looked at me and asked, "Anyway, what's with this chibi?"

Clyde and Alistair didn't say anything.

"I'm Lei," I wanted to stay quiet, but I lost to the pressure and told him who I was.

"We picked her up near Kaylie. It looked like she was involved in some kind of incident and was all alone at the prairie."

"I see. Where are your parents?" The manager crouched down and looked at my face.

"You, this is-," then he stood up in surprise and looked at Clyde and Alistair.

"She can't speak properly because she's small. I don't know what happened, but we thought that she would be better off with us than the border guards, so we took her with us. It's a pain to take her back to Kaylie," Clyde spoke a lot for a change.

"But you guys are already targeted because of Alistair."

Who's targeting Alistair?

"The capital is far west of Kaylie and far from here. It takes two months for a roundtrip. They don't have any right to interfere with Alistair, and it's probably too far for them to come here. And Lei is tiny and is still only one. Even if they think she could be used for something, we won't just hand her over." This is the most Clyde has ever spoken.

"Lentforce is a good town. But, be careful."

"We will."

"Still, the Rug Dragons adopted her."

"Adopted?"

The manager had said a word that he wasn't used to hearing.

"These dragons will usually make a loose group. If something happens to the group, then they will make a new group with the remaining dragons. Young dragons do this a lot."

"So they adopted her?"

"But, sometimes that would be applied to the babies of other animals and humans."

"So that's why they're taking care of Lei."

I see.

"But other animals can't eat the same food as Rug Dragons, so they mostly die in the end. If the dragons had taken her, then she might have died.*

That's scary.

I was separated from father because a Rug Dragon cherished me. But he had protected me from the Hollows by covering me with his body. They didn't let me go toilet, but they were always looking out for me.

"Kyee."

It sounded as if it was saying, "Take care of yourself." Thank you, Rug Dragon.

"Let's go, Lei."

"Aai."

I walked while holding Alistair's hand. *PLOD PLOD* The town shouldn't be far. *PLOD PLOD*

"Hey, Alistair."

"I know."

I tried my best to walk, and the two talked about something, then Clyde picked me up.

"No. I waww."

I was in the basket this whole time. I want to walk a little.

"Say, Lei. You want to see our house as quickly as possible right?"

I do, but...

"We won't even reach there by night time if you continue to totter." I glared at Alistair as he talked to me from the side.

"I'm noth thoththering!"

"Yes, ok. Mm, plodding?"

That's fine.

"Hey, Lei. It's old, but it's a big house."

"Aai."

I was looking forward to seeing my new house, and I enjoyed being in a higher place than when I was held by Alistair.

"Hmm. Since I'm tall. Here you go."

"Aaiighh~."

He lifted me to the top of his head. Alistair watched me as I shrieked in joy and muttered, "I'll be tall soon too." But when you get bigger, I will too. Too bad.

When we entered town, I saw a few people who hadn't been there before. One of them noticed Clyde. It was a young woman.

"Oh my, Clyde. Long time no see."

"Ah, yeah," Clyde replied a bit curtly. His body got a little stiff. When I looked up, I saw that he wasn't angry or hated her, he was just nervous.

"Oh my. A baby? Don't tell me she's yours?"

"She's not! We picked her up while we were working."

"You did a good thing. Amazing."

That person grasped her hands over her chest.

"A-amazing?"

"Cause isn't it a really nice thing to do? You look nice holding a baby."

"N-n-nice?"

It is indeed heart-warming to see an adult holding a small kid.

"Come to my general store later with the kid. I'll pick some things for her."

"Ok."

"I have to tell everyone! Cya."

"Yup, cya."

The woman acted like an enthusiastic salesperson who'd just found a good customer. Clyde spoke softly, "Was she just all over me?"

"Nuupe," I answered straight away. Clyde looked at me in dissatisfaction.

"What? The mood was great. I have to tell Kyaro and Mill."

"Cwyde, maybe."

"Maybe? What's that supposed to mean?"

So naïve people who are easy to deceive also exist in this world.

"We never understand what Lei says. Let's go." Alistair said not caring if she was hitting on Clyde or not. Clyde finally moved. I think they're all handsome, so why is no one hitting on them?

"He doesn't understand woman," Alistair looked sideways and pointed out in a whisper.

"What is it, Alistair?"

"Nothing.

The 11-year-old understood.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 37 - (Lei's) New House

Chapter 37: (Lei's) New House

The house for the four of them, no... the five of them including Alistair, was indeed big.

"It used to be a magic tool shop. See," Kyaro pointed after we'd entered the house. It certainly did look like a shop; there was a counter that looked like it belonged in a bar, behind that were several shelves, and below that were some shelves with locks on them. Also, there was another door, and there were some counters in front of the counter at the back, and I could see that goods were supposed to be put there.

Currently, everyone's belongings were tossed messily in a corner.

"And at the back of the shop is, up you go," Kyaro carefully placed me on the counter. My body was definitely that of an infant because I got excited when I sat in high places.

"Lei likes high places," Clyde bragged.

"Really?! I'll put her on my shoulders next time."

"Wyaro shmaww."

"Stupid. Being short has its perks for being-. Hey Lei!"

He got a little angry. Kyaro hopped near the counter, then he went inside and held me on his left before opening the door.

"Woah!"

"Right? It's a little dirty, but we'll clean it later so you can play here."

This was probably the workshop. In the square room that was as big as 33m2, there were built-in shelves, miscellaneous tools packed away, and tables and chairs near the back. The moonlight shone through the window, illuminating the whole room.

"Dushthy."

"Haha. Well, we don't really use this room at all. We'll need to clean it first."

"Ai."

It's incredibly dusty.

"Next is the quarters."

"Aai."

We went out from the counter, and this time, he opened the door next to the counter.

"Here's the dining room."

"Wow, ah, aai."

"What's wrong?"

Kyaro looked at me, which was in his arms. There is a big table, and it has a kitchen. In other words, this is a big dining room. But,

"Dirthy."

"Huh, really?"

"Oiw shthicwy."

"But we do wash the bowls."

It became like this because you're only washing the bowls. This needs cleaning. And yet, Mill is sorting out the ingredients that were left over from our journey. Are the ingredients going to be alright?

"We'll prepare a chair for you."

"Ai."

"Say, Lei, don't you want to walk?" Alistair fidgeted as he said. I looked at the floor. It was sticky.

"Don'th wanna."

"Cause, don't you wanna walk upstairs? The bedrooms are on the 2nd floor."

"I'ww go!"

I had Kyaro put me down in front of the stairs.

"Alistair, don't worry. I won't take your Lei," Kyaro said while laughing.

"I-it's not like that. But, Lei likes walking. Right?"

"Wiwe wawwing."

"See?"

Actually, I also like to be carried, but I can't say that now can I? But a test was waiting for me.

The stairs were dirty. I can't walk up there with my hands.

"Lei, what's wrong?"

"Handsh wiww geth dirthy. Cawwy."

"Oh well, fine."

Alistair held me while smiling and continued up the stairs while Kyaro giggled behind us. It can't be helped. It's still hard for me to climb up the stairs without using my hand.

After we'd climbed the wide stairs, there were several doors on both side of the hallway.

Alistair explains while putting me down, "Before the shop closed down, they had a lot of employees and apprentices, so they made a lot of rooms for them. So we still have a lot of rooms left even if we have our own rooms."

Then it'll probably be okay for me to have my own room.

"This is my room." The room Alistair pointed at was right next to the stairs. When he opened the door, I saw a snug room with wooden pillars and ceilings with white mortars on the walls. He had a simple bed, a small writing desk and a chair. The room looked big only because he had very little belongings.

"Lei, you can stay with me, alright?"

I've been sleeping alone since I was born. I was also alone in the day time. I don't mind sleeping in a room alone.

"Lei shweep awone awwaysh." So I don't mind sleeping alone, was what I was trying to say. But Alistair bent down and hugged me.

"It's okay. I'm here with you now, so you're not alone," he said.

"If you get tired of Alistair, then you have me."

"Me too."

Kyaro and Clyde, who were peeking in the entrance, said.

"Clean your rooms before you guys say that."

"Shyt."

"I don't want to be told that."

The room filled with laughter because of Alistair's rebuttal. Alistair might be the one who's lonely when he's by himself. I guess I can stay with him until I get a bit bigger.

"Let's make a small bed."

"Yeah. Let's try making one during our breaks."

Huh? That's it? Alistair turned around and said, "Can I help?" I wonder how his posture is when he sleeps. Boys move a lot in their sleep. While I was worried, Bart said, "Hey, our food's here."

"Food!"

"It's food!"

Kyaro and Clyde shouted as they ran down to the first floor. Alistair and I looked at each other and laughed. This time, I slowly walked down the stairs without holding his hand.

"Should we put in hand railings?"

"We should."

That was also Kyaro and Clyde. I looked at them curiously, and Kyaro pointed at himself and said, "We're carpenters." Huh? Don't you guys hunt Hollows?

"Eberywon hunther."

"Oh, Lei's smart," Bart grinned.

"But you know, you can't be a hunter when you get older. Hunters earn a lot, but there's no guarantee it will last you your whole life. That's why a lot of hunters have other jobs when they're not hunting. And they continue to do that job when they retire from hunting. By the way, I work at a magic stone shop," Bart said shyly. So that's why Kyaro and Clyde are the carpenters, huh.

"Bwed."

"Yeah, we're going to make it for you," Kyaro said, and Clyde nodded. Then what about Mill?

"Me? I help out at a restaurant. I'm a chef."

So that's why he was in charge of the cooking while we were travelling. Then Alistair?

"I haven't decided yet, but I'm helping at Brendel's magic stone shop."

I see.

"Lei?"

Then what about me? An awkward silence filled the room. I wonder what I should do from tomorrow on.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 38 - Take Lei with or Not

Chapter 38: Take Lei with or Not

"Mm, what shall we do with her tomorrow?" Bart looked indecisive, and Alistair fidgeted.

"Lei ish good. Shiththing. Niwe and shithiww."

"You were certainly well behaved while we were travelling."

Bart thought.

"I, I'll take her since I can bring her to work with me."

"But, you know. I'm at Brendel's too, so I'll feel better if she was with me."

Doesn't this world have something like a nursery school?

"Widsh gathher?"

"Gathher? Oh, gather? The kids get together in the afternoon, so infants stay at home until then. Most kids help out at home and some even work as apprentices like Alistair. So they don't really go out before then."

Bart looked a little troubled, but then he said as if moving on, "Hey, let's eat first. We didn't have much choice in what we ate during our journey, after all." Then he opened the parcel with Mill.

The soft looking bread was cut by Mill with a knife. The meat was still steaming and looked like it had been scraped from a bigger piece of meat. Vegetables that looked like eggplant, and were larger than Alistair's palm, was covered in sauce. There was also mashed potatoes.

I've eaten the mashed potato thing at home. But I haven't been allowed to eat a lot of meat yet. My vegetables always get smashed into something soft so I couldn't tell what it used to be. I'm so happy that I get to eat all this.

Mill chopped the eggplants and meat into smaller pieces. He put a slice of thin bread onto a plate and along with the eggplants, meat and mashed potatoes before putting it in front of me. By the way, I'm sitting on top of Clyde's legs.

"We'll need to make her a chair before we make the bed."

"Can't we just borrow a chair?"

"We can probably find one somewhere. Let's go look for one tomorrow."

I was given the smallest fork as they talked, and I stabbed the meat first. The meat stuck well onto the fork. Uh oh. I only have my front teeth for now, but I bit hard onto the small piece of meat. I don't know what kind of meat this is, but the umami is brought out really well, and it's tasty.

"Thashthy."

Everyone relaxed. The potato was soft and easy to pick up with a fork. The eggplant also went with the sauce and was tasty. The bread quickly disappeared.

"What about seconds?"

"Don'th newd. Thhanwsh."

My tummy was full.

"Hmm, when I think about it, I think it's better if we cook for Lei."

"We've been eating at a lot at restaurants until now."

"Shyt! We have to clean."

Isn't it normal for a chef to be clean? Did it become this dirty because you guys don't cook?

"Lei hewp cwean."

"Oh yeah. Alright, let's get cleaning."

After that, Alistair bathed me in a bucket; apparently people don't normally take baths in this world. Alistair watched me until I fell asleep after that, but since I haven't slept in a bed in so long, I fell asleep straight away.

☆ ☆ ☆

(Bart's POV)

"Hey, what are we really going to do with Lei tomorrow?" Kyaro asked me a little sternly.

"I said I'll-."

"Alistair, shut up."

"Well, I think it's best if Alistair and I take her with us to Brendel's."

"Then what're you worried about?"

I, who was sitting with my arms crossed, unfolded them and put them onto the table.

"I don't know if we should hide her or not. And Brendel keeps a lot of small things at his shop, so I was worried that babies might want to play with them."

"So that's what you're worried about," Kyaro said as if he were shocked.

"You can't hide her even if you try. It was the same for Alistair. It's better if you just tell him about her from the start."

Everyone else nodded too.

"And carpentry is much more dangerous. At least you work inside with magic stones."

"Being a chef is also dangerous even though it's an inside job. And lots of different people come to the restaurant."

"We can't leave her at home alone."

It's already been decided. The four looked at me.

"Alright, fine. But, you know-."

"What now?"

"I went to report to Brendel today, and I also sold the magic stones we got."

'And?' Everyone's faces seemed to say. Hunters hunt Hollows and sell magic stones. This was common practice.

"We had so many magic stones, and they were all of good quality. We earned a few years' worth of pay."

"Wow."

"Brendel knows about Alistair's barrier box. But he knew that wasn't how we got the magic stones and he questioned me for a long time. I thought it was better if he knew, so I also told him about Lei."

"Isn't that fine?"

"I got really depressed when I thought about the people who would appear because they would want Alistair and Lei."

"The arseholes from the fief capital?"

"Yeah."

Alistair hung his head down. The mayor was stopping them right now, but they think it's a waste for such a strong magic user to stay in Lentforce since it's already protected by the barrier and had the nerve to tell us to send Alistair to the fief capital.

"They'll probably tell us to send Alistair or Lei to the fief capital since they're both strong magic users."

"Or they'll try to make us send both of them, huh."

"I'm-." Alistair lifted his face.

"If mum and I had headed to the fief capital and they'd helped us out, then I would have repaid their kindness. But, we came to Lentforce instead, and the people here took care of us. I don't want to go to the fief capital just to fill magic stones day in and out. I don't even know anyone there!"

Mill patted Alistair's shoulders.

"We won't make you go there. You said it didn't you? Even in Kingdom, it's better if people don't do jobs relating to filling magic stones until they're 18. They're barely allowed to fill magic stones even when they turn 10. It's no good to push yourself." Surprisingly, Mill remembered such an important thing.

"But it's scary for them to say that they want you. I'm-. What's the fief capital trying to do?" Mill was right. That's why the mayor also couldn't agree with them.

"That's why I'm worried. A lot of people come into the magic stone stop, and I don't want them to find out that Lei can fill magic stones."

"You're right."

"We have to get Lei to act like a normal baby."

"Pfft." Kyaro started laughing at my words.

"What?"

"Cause-."

Kyaro laughed for a while before speaking again, "Cause we all know that Lei's not a normal baby."

"Yeah."

What did I say? It just came out. Kyaro was still acting strange.

"It's not enough to get Lei to act like a normal baby."

"What?"

"If we ask Lei to act like a baby, and she does it. What kinda baby is that? Even Mill probably can't do that."

"I can," Mill grinned and joked back. Kyaro looked serious.

"She wasn't selfish at all while we were travelling. She says what she needs to. She didn't cry at all except for when we'd first met her. And yet, she cries for her father and brother in her sleep. That's like an adult doing their best to keep it in isn't it?"

"I guess so."

Mill put both his hands behind his head and bent back. Oi, you're gonna fall. *BANG* Oh boy.

"Ouch."

See.

"But she's cute," Alistair grumbled.

"She tried very hard to be on her best behaviour, but she always surprises me. She pouted when we first met her and told me to hug her. She does act selfish sometimes like when she wants to walk."

"She won't push herself and she doesn't let us push ourselves either," Kyaro continued Alistair's words.

"She knows that we'll make more trouble for ourselves if we don't take it easy."

Lei's a weird baby.

"I want us to be together even if she's a weird baby. I want to treasure her."

"Yeah," Mill replied in a carefree way as he laid on the ground. I put his chair back.

"I know. I know. I'll be honest. Even I think Lei's cute."

"Me too."

"Same."

"M-e-t-o-o."

The last one was Mill. Gees.

"I won't hide Lei. But I also won't tell people that she can fill magic stones. And I'll protect her as best as I can. That's fine, right?"

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 39 - Lei's Request

Chapter 39: Lei's Request

When I woke up the next morning, I was sleeping on Alistair's bed. He wasn't there but the warmth he'd left still lingered next to me.

"Yosh."

This isn't the sound of me getting up, it's the sound of me getting down from the bed. I had a low bed at the mansion so I could get down easily, but Alistair's bed was for an adult, and it was a bit high for me.

But, infants have their own way of doing things. If I carefully stretch my legs off the bed, then I'll be able to get down somehow without falling. And the door was opened a little, probably for when I woke up, so I left the room.

I heard everyone talking in the dining room. Looks like I can climb down stairs if I put my hands on the wall. Now then.

"Awishthair!"

"Ah, Lei? Mornin'."

Alistair ran up the stairs, held my hand and slowly guided me down the stairs. I tried my best to not do anything dangerous. Everyone greeted me, as I was handed my breakfast. I chewed on the thin slice of bread that I'd received right away.

"Lei, you're coming with Alistair and I to the magic stone shop," Bart said seriously.

"Aai."

"So, I want you to promise me something."

"Whath?"

I wonder what he wants me to promise.

"Don't let anyone find out that you can channel magic into magic stones."

Why? Even though it can bring in more money.

"Having magic means you're of use. People can probably tell straight away that you're related to the Four Marquises in Kingdom because of your hair and eyes. And arseholes will come looking for you just because they think they can take advantage of your hair and eyes. I'm asking you to do this so you don't add more value to yourself. I'm trying to say that if you don't want to get kidnapped again, then do what I say. Okay?"

"Aai."

Kyaro burst into laughter near us.

"There ain't any babies who could understand that. Lei act more like a baby."

"Ai."

Everyone probably dealt with it like this because they knew I'm a little weird for a baby. Thanks.

But there's something I would like to ask when we go to town. Alistair said when we'd first met that I would have to marry someone or follow them. That was the only thing he'd told me at that time. But I think there's still something I can do since I've seen how town is like.

"Lei hash a requeshth."

"What is it?" Bart looked at me in surprise. He probably thinks that I don't have anything I want to do.

"Lei wanth tho conthacth Otousyama."

"Conthacth? Oh, contact?"

Bart made a face that said he never even thought about that.

"Contact, mm. Letters aren't reliable. There is a messenger, but they'll have to travel to Kaylie. Then they could probably give the letter to a Kingdom merchant, but it'll cost. But Lei, you don't know your surname or address, right?"

A one-year-old baby doesn't know their surname. So that's probably why he won't ask me it. I shouldn't announce it heedlessly. But I already trusted these young men.

"I wnow my shurname."

Bart widened his eyes in surprise.

"No way. I don't want to ask, but just say it once."

"Lei Awbansh."

I heard someone gulp. Kingdom's Four Marquises is famous after all.

"D-don't tell me your pop's name is..."

"Dween Awbansh."

This time, everyone went silent.

"I can't believe we have two kids from the Four Marquis' lines. Just how high is their fertility rate? This house-..." Kyaro muttered while everyone was silent. Alistair bit his lips and looked down. Ah, so Alistair was also born into the Four Marquis Houses after all.

"Giww Lishburn," Alistair lifted his face in surprise when I said this.

"Giww ish wiwe Awishthair. Shame cowour."

"You said Gill first. Is he someone you know?"

I nodded.

"Niini's fwiend. Otousyama's fwiend."

But, Mill cracked up laughing while everyone was being serious.

"Ha, so funny. I've never heard 'fertility rate' before. Fertility rate. Hahaha."

"Miww."

He's so useless. But everyone's calmed down thanks to him.

"Well, Alistair has his reasons for not wanting to go back to Kingdom. Lei wants to go back. You can't achieve your goals together. Anyway, there's nothing we can do. There's nothing we can do now, so I'll talk with the mayor about this later. Is that fine?"

"Ai. Pwease."

Would it have been better if I'd told them this sooner? Like when I'd first met them? But I didn't have room to tell them then. I wasn't sure if I could trust them or not anyway.

"It's fine, Lei."

Bart stood up and patted my head. They probably got what I wanted to say.

"I do think about what could have happened if we went to Kaylie at that time. But if we had taken you there as hunters, then we would've been framed for kidnapping, and you probably wouldn't be able to get back to Kingdom. The border guards do whatever they want in Kaylie."

Is Kingdom and Frontier that divided?

"Now, I'm sure the mayor will contact us. Until then, live a proper life in Lentforce."

"Aai."

It's time to go to the magic stone shop.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 40 - Lei's Day

Chapter 40: Lei's Day

Everyone left the house together and headed to their respective workplaces. I didn't hold onto Alistair's hands and so I plodded. I immediately went out onto the wide road.

"Wow."

It was the same road that I'd walked through yesterday, but there were more people here now because it was morning. They all looked like they were rushing to their workplaces. Some people looked like they were taking their kids to work, so there were a lot of kids around too.

"Oh, my, is that a new kid?"

"Yep, we picked her up."

"Haha. Again? Hang in there."

People spoke to Bart and Alistair like this. Everyone seemed surprised for a second when they saw my eyes and hair, but then they seemed to have understood something after they turned to Alistair. They'd probably exerted all of their surprise on Alistair when they found out he was a part of the Four Marquis. I'm relieved.

*CLANG CLANG* the bells rang from the mountains, and people started speeding up. Apparently, that was the signal to start work in the morning.

Alistair also explained this to me before picking me up and running. But we immediately stopped in front of a big shop. The shop was equipped with double doors and people were already lining up in front.

"Sorry."

Alistair and Bart broke off into a side alley and entered the shop through the back door.

"I guessed you'd be tired. You're working today right after coming back only yesterday. Oh?" The teasing voice was cut off in a questioning way.

"Brendel, this is the kid I told you about yesterday. The one we picked up."

"I picked her up, so I'm taking care of her. Her name's Lei," Alistair said as if he was interrupting Bart's explanation.

"I see. Alistair did?"

"Yeah."

Alistair gently put me down.

"I'm Lei," I looked up and greeted. The person named Brendel opened his eyes in surprise for a moment before gently saying, "I'm Brendel. We have a lot of small things here. Can you be good?"

"Ai."

"Good kid."

Then, he patted my head. He has brown hair and eyes. Maybe in his 50s? His hands are big and rough. Brendel put the hand that he'd patted me with on his chin.

"But where should I put you?"

"Dere." I pointed at a corner of the workshop that was connected to the shop.

"Oh, there's a lot of woodchips there. Are you sure there's alright?"

"Thhath vawuabwe."

Apparently, they placed wood chips there to make boxes for magic tools. It looks interesting.

"Well, we'll have to put her somewhere, so I guess there's fine. Lei, that's fine right?"

"Ai."

Brendel seemed worried, but there's nothing I can do about that. I was itching to go where the woodchips were.

"Then, let's start working."

I moved towards the woodchips at the same time those words were spoken. Brendel's voice called after me, "Aww, she's tottering."

"Noth thoththering!"

"Oops, sorry."

Argh, everyone. But those woodchips are like a treasure trove for an infant.

"Wan, thwo."

There's probably a lot. First, I'll divide the pieces of wood by size and shape. I piled the wood, the bigger ones on top and the smaller ones at the bottom.

"Now, dwone!"

It was a huge success. I'd stacked them up so high. Alright!

"Ooh." I heard a lot of voices from the shop. I turned around and put my hands to my hips.

"Do worw."

"She got angry."

"Oh, no."

The workers laughed as they went back to work. I feel like Alistair was looking at me in jealousy. But I got bored after stacking three towers of wood.

Let's take a little walk. The workshop was similar to Bart's house; there were several tables and chairs to work on, and there were boxes on the shelves at the back.

I peeked into a box that I could see and saw a small box the same size as the one used to warm water, a light blue glowing slate, a pale red glowing slate, and various others of different sizes lined up neatly in the box. There was also something that looked like furry moss and something that looked like magnet powder. I can't touch them, but I was excited nevertheless.

I looked around for a while, but it still wasn't lunch time. Brendel and another worker were dealing with customers. Some customers brought their magic tool boxes with them and consulted with the workers and some took out valuable magic stones out from bags and exchanged them with other magic stones of the same size.

I was approaching the counter.

There were colourful slates and various sized magic stones placed neatly inside of a box on the counter.

"Hey, you. Don't be naughty."

"Ai."

I only looked around because I was told that by a worker. But when I got closer to the next counter, it was too high and I couldn't see the top of the counter. I looked around and found a box, so I climbed on top. When I stood up, I could barely see Brendel's hands. That box looks like the one Alistair uses when he heats water.

Brendel opened the top half of the box where the magic stone would be placed. Black sand like the magnet powder I saw before filled this compartment, along with a blue slate and a small red slate. He took the blue slate out, then a blue plate of the same size out from under the counter and exchanged them.

He put the top half back together and turned the switch on and off.

"The slates were broken. You have a magic stone already, so do you want to replace the slate?"

"I don't really need hot water since it's summer, but I'll get it replaced anyway."

"Aite. It's just a small slate, so that'll be 3000 Gil."

"That's expensive."

"That's the way it is. The box will still last for a few years."

"Here."

"Thanks."

Like that. I see. Do the slates connect the magic stone and heating material and make it work?

"Ah, Lei. It's dangerous!"

Ah, Alistair found me. I got off the box.

"Did you get bored?"

"Ai."

"It's almost lunchtime. Just hang in there for a bit."

"Aai."

Fine. I'll go clean the blocks. I sadly returned to the woodchips. It's surprisingly difficult to do nothing.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 41 - Second Half of Lei's Day

Chapter 41: Second Half of Lei's Day

Lunchtime came right away after that. Employees usually went home to eat lunch. Alistair had ran out to buy three portions, or rather, 2.5 portions of food and we ate that.

He'd brought a few thin pancake-like things, steamed meat slices and pickled vegetables. The meat and vegetables were put in the pastry between two slices, and we ate them. When we'd finished eating, "Yosh, we brought it," Kyaro and Clyde came carrying a large frame.

"It's for when Lei takes naps. We took apart some things that weren't being used and made this."

"We've already put the bigger one in Alistair's room," Kyaro said, and they put the small bed in the corner of the workshop, and set the mattress.

"They're really good at their job."

Bart laughed.

"A bed's nice, but let's do that?"

"Huh?"

"The thing Lei made."

And, it was decided that I would build blocks with Alistair for the rest of lunchtime. Of course, I would get sleepy if I did that after eating. I got onto the bed and slept. When I woke up, it was already time to go home.

"Lei."

"Ai," I replied to Alistair's voice and rubbed my eyes because I'd just woken up.

"Come on, it's time to hunt."

"Aai."

He picked me up while I was still on the bed.

"Wait!" Brendel said.

"What is it?" Bart replied questioningly.

"Don't tell me you're gonna take this kid with you on your hunt?"

There were no more customers at this time, and the other workers were on their break, so it was just Brendel and us.

"Yeah, that's the plan."

"Idiot!"

Brendel looked angry.

"Why do you need to take a baby out of the barrier?"

"But Lei was right next to us when we hunted during our journey."

"That's-," Brendel said before looking around restlessly.

"Well, the people in this town won't say it, but they know you have a barrier box. While that may be true, you still shouldn't take her."

"I'm scared she'll be kidnapped if we left her in town."

"Leave her here."

"Nope."

Brendel and Bart glared at each other.

"Brendel, you said it yesterday didn't you? Some suspicious guys came to this town before we came back. They probably came from Kaylie to look for something."

"That's why you should leave her here."

"No, can do."

"Bart, I'm strong. You know this, right?"

"I know you used to be a hunter. But, I don't want you to get hurt when powerful guys come, regardless of if she gets made into a commodity or not."

"Tsk."

I'm okay with going hunting or staying here, but I don't know what will happen once something dangerous happens.

"Lei, let's go."

"Aai."

In the end, Brendel didn't force Bart to leave me here, so I went hunting with Alistair and the crew. I was put in the basket of one happy Rug Dragon.

We left town and headed north. Even though we'd left the barrier, barely any Hollows appeared at this time.

"Aite, let's go over there," Bart announced.

"If we want to be safe, then we should stay right outside the barrier, but we have a barrier box. You got it, Lei?"

"Aai."

I held onto the barrier box that had been entrusted to me as I sat in the basket. My job was to switch it on once I received the signal. That was all.

We chatted while waiting for the sun to set. Then, Alistair and I faced the forest instinctively.

Everyone turned towards the forest in surprise, and finally, a swaying shadow appeared one after the other with a *WHIRR*.

"Lei, barrier."

"Ai."

*CLICK* The barrier wrapped around the five dragons and me. Bart and the others left the barrier. They were going to fight as if they didn't have a barrier, but there weren't as many Hollows as there were when we were travelling.

There were always two people fighting. The others watched their surroundings, picked up magic stones as soon as they dropped and quickly returned their attention to the two fighting. Awhile after we'd started hunting the Hollows, the moment came when the Hollows moved far away, and none approached. At that moment, Bart said, "Withdraw," and everyone ran towards the barrier. Then they immediately got on the dragons, and the dragons ran towards town. The Rug Dragons were faster than the Hollows. We entered the town barrier before they could catch up to us, so I switched off the barrier box. Next, to me, Kyaro and Clyde talked about today's results.

"Mm, things should work out if Lei behaves herself."

"It was easier since we didn't have to protect the dragons."

"Alright, let's go," Bart said, and every one replied, "Ok."

That was my first day at Lentforce.

The next morning, I was caught by an anxious Brendel.

"Hey, Emi, check this kid out for me."

"Gotcha."

Brendel's wife was waiting for me. She carried me to their house, but it didn't feel uncomfortable being held by her. She was soft.

"Your name's Lei, right?"

"Ith'sh Leila," I said trying to be cool. Wife-san looked gently and said, "So it's Leila? That's a pretty name. Can I call you, Lei?"

"Ai. Emi-syan."

"Haha. You can just call me, Emi."

"Emi."

We talked as she checked my head, behind my ears, under my chin, my neck and my palms.

"Hmm, everything looks fine. Your clothes are clean. Your cheeks are puffy. You look fine." She said in relief, then she asked me with a serious look, "Are you afraid to sleep at night because you were taken on a hunt?"

"I'm noth shcared. Withh Awishthair."

"I see."

She looked relieved and went to get a stuffed animal in the shape of a Rug Dragon, "You can have this," she said as she gave it to me. Rug Dragons are brown, but this one was pink. I couldn't believe she gave me a stuff animal, but that was fine by me. The Rug Dragon was big enough to fit into a one-year-old infant's hands, and for some reason, it became something that I couldn't separate from and was always by my side.

Thus, my life started smoothly in this town.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 42 - Lei's Study of Magic

Chapter 42: Lei's Study of Magic

I woke up in the morning and ate breakfast. I then go to the magic stone shop. Afterwards, I would eat lunch, and then take a nap. When I wake up, I go on hunts with the others. When we get back, we either ate at a restaurant or bought food to take home and then I would sleep for the night. During the last two days of the week, we would clean the first floor, which hadn't been cleaned in forever. That was my daily routine.

The most exciting thing about my routine was whenever I'd receive a broken magic tool. Brendel had given me one because I was watching the counter so intently.

"This is a magic tool for light."

The magic tool he'd given me was a large mesh basket crammed with moss and the box that came with it. I should've seen portable lights while we were travelling, but I didn't notice at all because I was only looking at the magic stones.

"This moss lights up when you heat it up. Watch," he said as he took a box that wasn't broken with moss in it and turned the key. The moss started lighting up with a click.

"That's how it works. When you attach a blue slate with a magic stone, it ignites the magic stone. That heat passes through the moss, which we use for light, and sand, which emits a lot of heat, and we can easily adjust the heat and light."

"Aai."

The other workers saw this and laughed.

"Bart and Alistair both talk to Lei as if she's an adult. And now old man Brendel's treating her like one too."

"Uh huh. Honestly."

Brendel had bent down while he was explaining all that to me, and when he stood up, he tilted his head as if he'd just realised what had happened.

"Lei was listening properly, unlike you guys."

"Ahh, we got caught."

Brendel watched and laughed as the workers rushed back to the counters and said, "You'll be fine, you can take the broken slate to play with. And this box too. But you can't eat it, ok?" before giving me the small box with the broken slate.

The box is just a box. But, when the key is clicked, the thin red slate shifts and the light blue slate and the magic stone come into direct contact. Then the magic in the magic stone flows into the blue slate and goes into the moss and sand. It was a simple mechanism. Anyone can probably make it if they know how it works.

"Yeah, like that. Even I can make it," Bart said as if it was nothing.

"Buth there are onwy arthishansh in wingdom."

I'm sure that's what Bart said.

"Yup, that's right. Well, anyone can make simple tools for heat and light if they know how to make it. But simple mechanisms don't work for more complicated tools."

What do you mean?

"Like the barrier box."

Bart got the barrier box from Alistair and brought it back here, he opened up the top half of the box where the magic stone would be placed and showed it to me.

"This is also made in the same way, but the slates are different," Bart pointed at the slates that were there.

"The barrier isn't generated by heat. There's a trick to this slate, but I have no idea what it is."

So it's like that?

"Wemme shee thhe wight magic thoowsh."

"You want to see the box, not the magic stones? Well, alright," Bart said, then he went to the second floor to get the light magic tool box from his room, and the light magic tool made for travelling. He came back and put them next to each other.

"This is the one I made, and this is made by Kingdom's artisans."

I see. I turned the key on the one Bart made. *CLICK*

"Brighth."

"Obviously," he said as if he was shocked. I put up with that and tried to channel my magic. I noticed that the magic in the magic stone was only flowing out a little. *CLICK* Ahh, that was really bright.

Next, I turned on the light magic tool made for travelling. The box and basket were small. *CLICK* Huh?

"Thhe mawic ish differenth."

"Different?"

The magic was amplified through the blue slate, and the magic quality changed. This was the key.

It didn't matter even if I said I understood it. This was just an interest of mine.

"Are you satisfied?"

"Aai! Thhanwsh."

"Hm. Ask me if there's something you don't understand."

"Aai."

Everyone is kind.

But could magic be changed? That question remained in my mind. From the next day, I pretended to look at the magic tool box I'd gotten, and thought about magic. Bart told me that I shouldn't let people know that I can fill magic stones, but he didn't stop me from practicing magic.

Magic is channelled into magic stones and used to create heat and light, but what would happen if I use magic directly without channelling it into a magic stone?

I waited until no one was watching me and channelled my magic directly into the basket.

*BOWA*

I quickly looked at the counter and no one seemed to have noticed this.

"Ith with up..."

I can use the magic tools if I channel magic directly into it. Of course, I can create heat if I channel magic into the sand. But nothing would happen even if I said this could be done. Using magic stones is far easier. This is just for fun.

But once I'd found out how interesting this was, I got really curious about the barrier box. I removed the magic stone without permission and channelled my magic into the box. I was able to secretly confirm that a barrier was created. But why is there a change in the blue slate?

I thought and suddenly noticed. If the slates are altered, then wouldn't I be able to do that too? I can feel the flow of magic, after all.

I don't know why I thought that. But I have to try it now that I've thought of it.

I observed the barrier whenever the barrier box was used during hunts. It really is similar to projecting a thin layer of magic out of the body. But ordinary magic didn't repel Hollows. I changed my magic quality to resemble that of a barrier so that it could repel the WHIRR vibrations. Every day I changed it little by little.

When I was finally able to change the quality of my magic to match that of the barrier, three weeks had already passed since I came to Lentforce.

And then finally, the mayor had summoned Bart and his crew, even though it seemed he was avoiding them for some reason.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 43 - Messenger

Chapter 43: Messenger

The mayor summoned us to Brendel's shop.

Several dodgy people had entered Lentforce before us, but ended up doing nothing that would become troublesome yet; so everyone, especially Bart, relaxed a little.

The mayor's messenger watched as I played with the blocks at the back of the shop while explaining something to Bart and Brendel. Alistair desperately tried to listen in but failed.

Finally, Bart nodded and walked towards me. He crouched down in front of me, and smiled.

"Lei, good news. We heard from your dad."

"Otousyama!"

I stood up.

"Apparently, after he'd lost you at the border, he sent messengers all over the place. They never believed that you would be in Lentforce, but came here anyways just to be sure. Then they heard about an infant with violet eyes."

"This place may be Frontier, but he searched the whole of Wester. And he still sent a messenger from Kingdom to each town. The Four Marquises sure are powerful. Oi." Brendel was impressed and put a hand on his chin.

"Kaylie might be at the centre, but who knows how many towns there are from the east, west, and north of the town."

Nearly three months have passed since I've been kidnapped. It probably wasn't much time if they were searching for me all over the place. But, if father will thoroughly go through with what he has to do, then that makes me happy.

"How did you know that it's really a messenger sent by her dad?"

Alistair was standing behind Bart, but he had his face turned away as he was gripping his side.

"When mum and I ran away from Kingdom, they didn't chase after us anymore after we'd passed the border. Mum said that there's no such thing as nobles in Frontier."

"Alistair." Bart stood up and tightly squeezed Alistair's shoulders.

"Calm down. Anyway, we'll follow him to the border town. We won't just give them Lei."

I only got here last month. It took them more than 1.5 times longer to get me here. But still, they're going to travel with me again just to see me off.

"Baaarthhh..." When I tried to thank him, Bart looked towards the counter.

"Oh, Brendel! I'll be taking the magic stones to Kaylie."

"Yeah, that'll be a great help. Having a lot of magic stones in stock is always good. Luckily, I'd just procured a lot of magic stones from you guys."

"Baaarthhh..."

I'm not impressed anymore. He cheekily took on a job while he was at it! Bart turned towards my way again and smiled.

"So don't worry."

"Aai. Fanwsh."

"Let's go to the mayor's place today instead of hunting."

"Aai."

I was so restless that day; I didn't know whether I'd actually napped before being woken up and taken to the mayor's place.

Trentforce is a town that was built along the west side of the Wellington Mountain Range 1) that runs from the south to the north. The entrance to the town is on the south side and the mayor's mansion is on the north side of town. It was a bit far from the centre of town so everyone took turns carrying me.

"Thhe thown'sh edge."

"Yup. Frontier buildings are made so that Hollows can't enter. But the mayor's house was built even stronger than normal houses and his house is big as well. This way his house would be on the edge of town so that Hunters are able to evacuate there when needed."

"Amawing."

"He sure is. The mayor also has a large barrier box."

"Wow."

The person who becomes the mayor of a town in Frontier must protect their town properly.

"So I think it'll be fine," Bart said in a voice so quietly that I barely heard him.

Then we reached a large plaza when there were no more residential houses around and the mayor's mansion was standing in the background. I, who had the image of father's mansion in mind, couldn't help but say, "Shmaww."

No it was amazing. It is big compared to the town houses. But I couldn't even see where father's mansion ended whenever I played in the garden so I couldn't help but say that.

"This is the first time I've thought of Lei as an Ojou-sama," Kyaro muttered. That's rude. I'm normally overflowing with grace.

"You're right. She even snuck bread into her pockets the first time we meet."

"She even did that with the dried meat."

Unfortunately, the blame goes to when I first met them. Those were really hard times. But, I was able to relax thanks to the words of Mill and Bart, so I was able to enter the mayor's mansion calmly. A person who looked like a butler appeared when the door was knocked. It was a middle aged man, the same one who had come to Brendel's shop.

That person looked at me for a moment and then said in amazement, "It's fine if only Bart and Ojou-san came. Why are you all here? Even Alistair came." He was completely different from our butler. He was friendly.

"We're all a party including Alistair and Lei. Everyone's going to be listening in because we're going to be deciding something important," Bart shrugged and claimed.

"Anyway, the messenger is waiting for you. It doesn't matter what the circumstances are in town," the butler said as he guided us to the parlour. He knocked at the door and announced our arrival, "I have brought our guests."

"Enter," he opened the door for us when he heard that reply and urged us to enter. Maybe it's someone I know. My heart was pounding.

When I entered the room, there was a low table and sofa at the back with two people sitting with their backs faced towards us. They stood up when we'd entered. Apparently the person at the back was the mayor.

"Ooh, so this is Leila-sama!" I, who had been focused on the mayor, turned to the messenger who'd said this. I don't know him. I froze a little and Bart asked in a whisper, "Lei?"

I clung to Bart's shirt.

"Don'th wnow him."

"I see," that was all he said as he put more power into the hands that were holding me.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 44 - Waiting Properly

Chapter 44: Waiting Properly

Of course, I'm not familiar with everyone who works in father's mansion, and he probably won't send them to search for me. But I did think that it would have been fine for him to at least send Sebas.

The messenger quickly approached me and stared into my eyes.

"Her eyes are a beautiful violet."

"They are."

The mayor and messenger nodded, then the messenger turned to face the mayor. The mayor slowly sat down on the other side of the sofa and looked at me in interest. I feel like I've seen his dark blonde hair and green eyes somewhere before. Oh yeah, when I first arrived in Lentforce, I saw the blonde siblings.

"I'm certain that this is the missing Leila-sama."

"Then, you must take her back home at once."

The messenger tried to take me from Bart's arms after he'd spoken to the mayor. I clung to Bart.

"Wait," Bart continued to hold me as he stopped the messenger with his hand.

"What's with you?" The messenger made a face that showed he'd only just noticed Bart. "So you're the hunters who have been taking care of Leila-sama? Thanks. Marquis Albans will probably thank you again, but take this for now," then he signalled at a corner of the room. The servant at the corner of the room approached with a small bag. Kyaro received the bag instead of Bart and looked inside.

"10 gold coins?" Kyaro scoffed. One gold is about 100,000 Gil; approximately 1 million yen.

"They think we're cheap."

"Wh-." One of the messengers got angry, but the other stopped him.

"We spent all of it during the search, so we don't have much on hand now. I'm sure you'll be thanked again, so would you accept this for now?"

"Thanked, huh."

Kyaro threw the bag of gold into the air, the coins clinked together before he caught it. As if the sounds were a signal, Bart continued to hold me as he took one step forward. Mill, Kyaro, Clyde and Alistair lined up next to him in that order.

"If you want to give your thanks, then state your name first," Mill was the one who'd said this.

"Then show us proof that you're a messenger sent by Lei's pops."

"You should properly ask us how we found Lei, why she's with us, and how she's doing."

They took turns to speak and then finally, Alistair stepped forward. The messenger widened his eyes in surprise when he saw Alistair's eye colours.

"Summery-blue. Why?"

But Alistair ignored him and said, "And you don't even know if Lei wants to return or not."

"Stupid. What would a baby know?" The messenger muttered, but the two messengers straightened up, put their heels together and looked at us.

"I am Thomas Remington."

"Harold Remington."

They stated their names before one of them took an envelope from his pocket. He then took four sheets of paper out from the envelope and showed it to Bart.

"Remingthon," I muttered. Remington. Hannah had said that name.

"This person, as the formal messenger has full authority to retrieve my daughter, Leila Albans. Dean Albans."

Bart slowly read the letter, and it was signed by someone that seemed to be father.

"I heard from the mayor that the excellent hunters of this town had rescued someone that looked like Leila-sama at the border. It looks like you've treated her well. We've decided not to ask you about the circumstances behind how you got her." This behaviour was appropriate for a messenger.

"Remington should be a part of the Four Marquises. So why are you two acting as messengers?" Bart asked quietly.

"Even if we're a part of the Four Marquises, there are only a handful of people who have the powers to support the barrier. Our last name may be Remington, but we are but nobles. We usually guard VIPs, but we've been chosen as the messengers this time because it was concluded that having a noble title would probably be better for this search."

There aren't any flaws in his words, but something's been bothering me. What is it?

"Mayor," Bart called the mayor.

"To be honest, I've never seen the signature of the Four Marquises before, so I can't guarantee that these messengers are real. However, I also can't say that they are fake. But, don't you think that the child should be brought home?" The mayor said, and he shrugged his shoulders as if he was disinterested. The messenger held out his hands to me when he heard this.

"Now Leila-sama, your father is waiting for you in Kingdom. Let's go back."

"Kingwom," I muttered, and the messenger raised an eyebrow.

"Ooh, she's a smart one. That's right. He's waiting for you in the capital, Gardestar. Now come," he said as he extended his hands towards me. Sebas was the one who would always pick me up with outstretched hands like this at the mansion.

Bart probably had no choice as he loosened his hands on me.

*WHACK*

I smacked his hands away, and the messenger withdrew his hands in surprise.

"Leila-sama, what're you doing?"

"No."

"No?" The messenger looked puzzled.

His body was clad in magic power even though it wasn't as radiant as Hannah and Sebas, who hugged me, nor was it as radiant as father's or brother's. Bart and Mill are the same.

But I understood something when I first arrived in this town. Few people had magic in Frontier. Therefore, it was rare for someone to have enough magic to fill magic stones, and it was even rarer to find those who could feel the presence of Hollows. That's why hunters were so valuable.

And there was a big difference between Kingdom and Frontier.

The messenger, who had reached out to me, barely had any magic. It was strange for him to have no magic even though he was at the end of the noble ladder.

"No mawgic, noth nobwe," when I muttered this, Bart held onto me again and stepped back.

"What is this baby saying?" The messenger was confused.

"Won'th go with."

That's what I meant. The messenger was greatly perplexed as he looked at the mayor.

"As this person said earlier."

The mayor looked at Alistair.

"Sorry messengers. We can't force her to go with you if she doesn't want to."

"But we came all this way!"

"I guess it's hopeless. I'll have to come back with something that this baby can understand."

That's right. I want you to bring Sebas if you can't bring father. My body has been slanted since Bart started holding me. Kyaro and Clyde stepped forward.

"Don't tell me you want to forcefully take her?" The messenger relaxed when he heard what Bart said. I said to the messenger, "Teww Otousyama. Lei ish fine and waithing for him."

"You don't recognise us as messengers. That's it, right? You might never be able to return if you miss this chance."

Maybe. These messengers might actually be messengers. This might be a chance. But-.

"Otousyama wiww definithewy come picw up Lei."

If these messengers are real and they report this properly, then father will definitely come and pick me up.

"Lei wiww waith here."

The messenger bit his lips and said, "I can't force her to come with me if she says that. We came here for no reason." Only the mayor looked down. The messenger snatched the bag of gold from Kyaro's hands and stomped out of the parlour.

"They did confirm that Lei's alright, so they didn't come here for no reason," only Alistair's mutter resounded throughout the room.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 45 - Cherish Kids

Chapter 45: Cherish Kids

"Dwon."

"You've had enough?"

I got Bart to put me down because he'd been holding me this whole time. Then I was snatched by Alistair and held once more.

"Lei!"

Alistair hugged me tightly.

"Dwon," he finally put me down when I said that.

"So that's Albans' daughter?" I turned towards the voice and saw the mayor looking at me in interest.

"I'm Leiwa Awbansh."

I probably don't have to hide anymore. Mayor asked me after I introduced myself, "Why didn't you follow them?"

"No magwic. Noth person from Wingdom."

The mayor, who asked an infant why she didn't follow the men, had a strange expression. Even so, he looked at me in amazement and said, "You-."

"I'm Lei." I reminded him and the mayor corrected himself, "Lei, do you know about magic?"

"I wnow."

Magic isn't visible but I can feel it.

"For example, do I have magic?"

"Yesh."

"How about this person?" He pointed at the person who had shown us here.

"A withthwe."

I looked at Bart and his crew, "Yesh."

I looked at Alistair, "A woth."

"Oh gee."

The mayor put his hand on his neck and looked up at the ceiling. Then, he adjusted his position and leaned forward.

"Then-,"

At that moment the door suddenly opened with a bang.

"Father! The guests have left, right?!"

"Where's Alistair? He came, right?!"

A blonde brother and sister came flying in. The mayor looked up at the ceiling again. The person, who guided us, shook his head helplessly.

"You guys, the guests are-,"

"Bart and his crew aren't guests."

"Ah, there he is!"

The two of them were like a wild storm as they interrupted their father. The brother asked Bart, "Bart, it's fine for Alistair to come play right?!"

"It's up to Alistair," Bart smiled wryly and replied as if he was used to this.

"Alistair, come on!"

"No, I'm-," Alistair tried to refuse because he didn't want to go but, "Building blocks is really popular in town right now."

"Building blocks..."

Yes, it seems like he's interested. Alistair likes to build blocks. Or to be more precise, he liked woodwork. He was good at assembling boxes, but he also liked to make different shapes with building blocks.

"Hey."

Alistair, you're hopeless. I looked at Alistair warmly because he was tempted by the building blocks.

"Hey."

I have to listen to this conversation with Bart.

"Hey, you can hear me right?

The brother went to Alistair and for some reason the sister was coming to me.

"... Whath?" I replied reluctantly.

"Come here." She stretched out her hands. What is it?

"Come with us."

What's with this annoying kid? I looked at Bart for help, "Baarthh."

"It's fine. You can go with them," With Bart's permission, Alistair and I were kidnapped by the kids who were like twin tornadoes and were forced to play with them. We were talking about the messenger being fake right? So why does it seem like I've come here to play?

☆　☆　☆ (Bart's POV)

"The only defect of the ironclad mayor, huh."

"Hey, hey. Isn't it weird to say that one's own children are defects?"

The mayor shrugged at my words and spread his arms out.

"It's a defect if you don't cherish your kids, right mayor?" I condemned him severely.

"Why did those dodgy arseholes want to take Lei away?"

"They weren't trying to take her away. And it's obvious that I, a mere mayor, wouldn't know what the signature of one of the Four Marquises would look like."

I certainly saw that he wanted to dismiss them a few times because they were annoying.

"I've also been told to hand Alistair over."

"The fief capital is still saying that?"

Alistair has certainly refused them before. The mayor intertwined his hands together and put them on his chin while still seated as he said nonchalantly, "I heard a rumour that they're trying to activate the old barrier box again."

"Old barrier box... The legend?!"

It was a fairy-tale that everyone who lived in Frontier knew of. It is said that each town had a barrier box that spanned their whole town before Kingdom was established.

Come to think of it, the barrier boxes for individual use got bigger and they progressed to making barriers big enough to cover an entire kingdom, so it was more suitable to have bigger barrier boxes. But even if someone does have a box that big, there's no one in Frontier that has enough magic power to activate it.

"So that's why they want Alistair?!" Kyaro shouted. Like Alistair had said, they only wanted him for his magic, so there was no way we could send him there.

"Regardless of whether the messengers are real or fake, the fief capital will soon receive information about Lei. No, they might already have information on her. So now it's Lei's turn."

Kyaro crossed his arms.

"If the messengers are real, then the best thing we can do is give her back to her pops." Mills is right. It doesn't seem like Alistair wants to give her back, but it's best for kids to be raised by their parents.

"I know that Alistair and Leila are important to you guys. They are as equally important to you as my children and this town is to me. If it's concluded that they mean harm, then that's as far as it goes," the mayor said calmly. It can't be helped.

"But, about those messengers-."

"What about them?" The mayor continued quietly, "It's not just the two of them. There's actually five of them staying at the inn. I've heard that they have more people in the next town."

According to the mayor, there were people scattered around various cities looking for Lei.

"If they're putting in this much effort, then does that mean they're real?" Kyaro asked in confusion.

"Leila said they're not. She said they didn't have any magic and that they weren't nobles."

"That's it!" The mayor stood up. "I forgot about it because the children stormed in, but what is that infant? She's completely different from my children when they were younger. I mean, it wouldn't be strange for her to forget about her parents because she's been separated from them for three months, but she hasn't!"

The crew and I looked at each other. She is a strange baby, but it was fine since she's cute.

"Alistair's smart too. The Four Marquis Houses are like that, right?" Mill said as if he didn't care.

"But she decided that she wouldn't go with them because she didn't know if they were real or not. Is there an infant like that in this world?"

"What can you do about it since she exists? Thanks to that, your children weren't given to a weird group and stigmatised, so isn't it fine?" I said flatly. The mayor was about 15 years older than me, but it's true that he didn't take any honourable actions this time.

The mayor didn't say anything and sat back down onto the sofa. Then he sighed and spoke again, "I'm curious about her, but fine. I wanted to tell you that it's dangerous outside of town, so do you want to leave Alistair and Leila here for the time being?"

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 46 - I'm a Child

Chapter 46: I'm a Child

(Still Bart's POV)

"The danger doesn't change even if she stays here right?"

"I know you guys are strong. But, they have too many people. What will you do if they surround you outside of town?"

Indeed, I hadn't thought of that.

"At least we have some servants here, and there are people around. Why don't you just leave her here when you go out for hunts?"

We discussed this with each other.

"I don't know whether Alistair would agree with this."

"I guess it's safer if Leila stays here."

"Can we even trust the mayor?"

"I can hear you," the mayor said.

"Joking. But it really would be difficult to defend Lei if a large number of people surround us while we're dealing with Hollows."

"So it'll be fine if we just leave her here when we go on hunts?"

We've made our decision.

"Amy will be happy."

"So that's what you wanted!"

The mayor is also a disappointing man.

☆　☆　☆ (Lei's POV)

The room we were taken to was a large sunny room where we could see a wide prairie on the other side. Alistair must have been here before because he looked like he knew we were going to come here, but it was a really nice room for us children.

"Everyone will gather in this room if something happens, but normally it's just our playroom," the sister explained.

"Anyway, Alistair. See there?" The brother said before dragging Alistair into a corner where a box was placed.

"Ray, this!" Alistair said in surprise. I tried to go over there too.

"Woah."

There were a number of small boxes in the corner and building blocks were all neatly packed inside the boxes like how they were sold in Japan.

"He asked an artisan to make it because people were playing with it in town. Trentforce is a town full of woodworkers you know, also they're able to sell it to rich kids if they make it into sets like this."

Apparently these were building block prototypes. The boys, whose eyes were sparkling with excitement, took everything out of the boxes and began playing with the blocks. I just watched them without doing anything, but these blocks weren't enough for building blocks.

"Noth enough."

"Lei?"

"Noth enough shhapesh. Thriangwe, recthangwe." I put my hands on the diagonal blocks to show them.

"Becwom thriangwe."

"So we can make slopes and stuff if they're diagonal?!"

"Oh, it's true. Lei, you're amazing!" They said in excitement. They started eagerly building something.

"Hey," it was the sister who said this.

"Aai."

"My name's Amy."

"Emi-shan."

"That's the magic store's Mrs. I'm Amy."

"Eimyy. Lei."

I introduced myself. Of course.

"Lei. You're cute."

Amy hugged me. It hurts, it really hurts. Something, something's going to come out. You have to let me go before that happens.

"I wanted a little sister," she said as she held my hands and took me to a corner of the room. Well, I don't hate being cherished. Then, she took a small box from the shelf, opened it and showed it to me.

"See?"

I don't know what you want even if you say 'see'. The clothes, which a small doll would wear, were folded neatly inside. There were two holes in the sleeves for arms to pass through.

Amy gently took something from under the clothes.

"Thhish."

I grabbed the pouch that hung from my shoulders with both hands and put it near what Amy was holding.

"Right?"

"Ai!"

It was a worn-out red rug dragon doll. We match.

"Most of the kids in this town receive a Rug Dragon from Emy. She put a string on it so you wouldn't lose it."

"Sthring!"

I thought it was because I couldn't fit it into my pockets, but it was so I wouldn't lose it.

"So, we're going to change the rug dragon's clothes."

"Fuwa."

So, Amy and I had fun changing the clothes on the rug dragons while the boys played with the building blocks.

"HEEEY, Alistair, Lei," I heard Bart's voice when the sun was setting a little and it was getting darker. Alistair quickly stood up and put his hands on his hair, "I, I noticed that it was getting dark. But I thought it would be fine," he made up excuses. He was so enthusiastic when he was building those blocks. Kyaro and Clyde looked to the side as they grinned so that we couldn't see it and Bart smiled wryly.

"Hey, looks like you have something interesting there," Mill said as he picked up the scattered blocks.

"Lei said that it would be fine if we made that into triangles."

"Triangles?" Kyaro and Clyde jumped at Alistair's voice.

"Shhave angwesh."

"Angles? It's probably better to not make them sharp since kids are going to play with them... Hey, Ray?"

"What?"

Kyaro called out as he showed Ray the blocks, "Can you explain this to your dad? It'll probably sell well."

"I know!"

So as we went home, I was told that I wouldn't be going hunting with them and would instead be staying at the mayor's mansion because there were suspicious people around.

"What will you do Alistair?"

"I'm-! I'll be going on hunts but, I'm worried about Lei so I'll also stay at the mayor's place every now and again."

"Oh yeah, the mayor was happy about the triangle blocks, so he's been getting them produced. He told me to bring the kids in town to play at his house."

"I-it's like a job."

"You can do what you want."

Bart's voice was filled with warmth while the corners of Alistair's mouth turned up a little. It was a difficult day because I found out that the news about father coming to bring me back was fake but, "Noth bad."

"What'd you say?"

"Nothhing."

It was a fun day.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 47 - The Boy Named Noah

Chapter 47: The Boy Named Noah

My days started to change slightly after that event. My days remained the same in the mornings and afternoons, but when it was time for Bart and his crew to go hunt, they would take me to the mayor's mansion instead. Alistair wasn't always with me; he would come with me only two days out of the week.

"You've earned enough to eat, right? Can't you just slack off a little?" Even if Alistair was told this, it seemed that there was something that he had to save money for no matter what, so he would go out on hunts even though he would sometimes spend time with me.

The children, who heard that the mayor's mansion was now opened to the public, began to gather there at night. The first kid who came to the mansion was the black haired kid I'd met when I first got to town.

He always wore a hat even though it was summer and his appearance wasn't very neat. The first time he brought two children with him, and the next just one. He slowly brought more children with him each time he visited, but he would always watch them play as he leant against the wall. He's a mysterious boy.

Nevertheless, he would be a little happy when Alistair came to the mansion instead of going on hunts and the three of them, including the mayor's son Ray, would build blocks together. Only at those times would Alistair and the black haired boy smile like kids their age.

"They can't kidnap Lei when there are a lot of children around."

"Hah, are you planning to make all the kids in town her shield?"

"Nope, I'm trying to protect all the children in town at the same time."

The mayor and Bart had such a disturbing conversation.

Speaking of which, I was dragged along by the mayor's daughter, Amy, and introduced to the other girls in town. The girls were pretty big because there weren't many who were as young as me and their parents didn't let them out of their sights.

"Lei's rug dragon is pink. Why is mine green!?"

"Mine's blue!"

They would argue over trivial things like that, but fights never broke out. The girls would take out their rug dragons, change the clothes on their rug dragons, have tea and walk around the garden sometimes. My days were filled with fun.

Still, everyone went back before nightfall. Work would also finish by then, and it was normal for people to enter their homes before Hollows came out at night.

But right now I was being taken care of by hunters. Once everyone goes home, I'm by myself. Of course, the mayor would feed me, Amy and Ray would try to stay with me for as long as they could, and if I so wished, I could take baths there; they even told me that it would be alright for me to stay the night.

But I didn't want to depend on them. I actually wanted to go to work with Bart and Alistair. My real home is in Kingdom, but my family in Lentforce is Bart and his crew.

I guess two weeks had passed since I've started living like this. It was night time, and most of the town children had gone home; the only ones left were: Ray, Amy, me and the black haired boy.

"Noah, you're not going home?" Ray asked questioningly since Noah was still here even though he always went home at this time.

"Yeah. There's something I want to try today."

"What? This is rare."

Ray and Amy were like rich children, and there were some things that they didn't understand, but they were really helpful because they were the mayor's children. Both Alistair and the black haired boy named Noah weren't good with the helpful side of Ray.

So I've never seen them get along because they want to. But what does he want to do?

"I want to see a Hollow."

"That's-!" Ray stepped back a little because he was surprised.

"I have no magic, so I can't be a hunter. I'm not an apprentice, so they won't take me out of town just because I'm interested in seeing Hollows."

"That's because it's dangerous!"

"Yeah. I know. That's why I don't have a dad."

"Noah..."

Apparently, his situation is complicated.

"This is just inside the barrier. They don't usually come here, but a lot of kids have been coming here lately, right? I thought this place would be safe and I could probably see a Hollow here."

"Well, I've certainly seen Hollows before when I went close to the grounds. But the Kingdom barrier isn't stable. You don't have magic Noah, so you might step out of the barrier without realising that it's unstable."

"Still, no one will take me out of the barrier. Alistair is already an apprentice hunter and is able to step outside even though we're the same age!"

Noah, who was usually aloof, had exposed all his feelings bare. Ray looked at him painfully and finally looked as if he'd made up his mind.

"Okay."

"Ray!"

"I'll look for someone to go with you. So don't go off on your own."

"Thanks, Ray!"

Ray went to the playroom to call someone.

"You're so lucky. You get taken out on hunts even though you're so small," these were the first words Noah said to me.

"It's not like Lei goes because she wants to. She has to go because she has no parents," Amy answered for me.

"They don't take me along with them even if I have no parents," nothing can be done even if he says that.

"Noah, they said it would be fine if you're only watching. The two of them will go with you."

"Thanks!"

"Amy, Lei, you two stay here," Ray said as he and Noah followed two adults to the garden.

"Eimyy."

"Boys are hopeless." Amy shrugged.

"There's nothing good about seeing Hollows. They're just beings that take on the shapes of humans and living things while sway towards the barriers."

"Eimyy. Hab chu sheen?"

"Yeah. I was shown those things when I was smaller."

We talked as we waited, but they didn't return so Amy, and I got restless.

"Shall we go check it out a little? We can just look for Ray and Noah without going near the edge of the barrier."

"Aai."

Amy and I held hands as we quietly walked towards the garden. Children usually played in this garden and it was maintained well. However, there was a large prairie before the mansion and with the trees around it was extremely dark at night.

On the right side of the prairie was Wellington Mountains. Near that, just on the edge of the barrier were Ray, Noah and the two men.

*WHIRR* I sensed the presence of the Hollows, which I couldn't sense when I was inside the house, and saw that they were swaying towards here from the mountains. The adults pointed at the Hollows as they spoke to Ray and Noah, who had both stepped backwards instinctively. They're probably talking about what Hollows are and how to be careful of them.

The Hollows started gathering in front of the barrier where the four were standing, probably because they sensed humans around. But some of them separated from the group and started loitering around.

"They're not interesting after all. The only thing that's eerie about them is that they sway around, right?"

"Ai."

"Let's go back?"

"Aai."

It happened then.

Someone suddenly grabbed me from behind and covered my mouth with their hands. I glimpsed at Amy and saw that she, too, was being held by an adult and they had their hands over her mouth. We couldn't talk as we were quietly being carried away. Notice us! But the four people who were enticed by the Hollows didn't turn around to look at us.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 48 - Isn't This Life Too Difficult?

Chapter 48: Isn't This Life Too Difficult?

As soon as the people who kidnapped me went out of the barrier, I saw that some Hollows started swaying towards us from the group.

"Tsk, the Hollows reactions are faster than I thought they would be."

"Go to where the grove is! Hurry!"

I widened my eyes in surprised. I know these voices.

"It took us two weeks just to wait for a chance to snatch her. Why did they protect her this much when she's not even important to this town?"

It's the fake messenger.

"We can shake off the Hollows as long as we can get onto the Rug Dragons. Hurry up!"

The Hollows weren't near us yet and there were two unrestrained Rug Dragons hidden under the shadows of the trees.

"What about her?!"

"The mayor's daughter!? I took her along because I thought she would make a lot of noise, but she's a burden. Just leave her here."

Idiots! If you leave her here then the Hollows would get her before help arrives.

This is bad. I started struggling with all I had. Amy was also struggling. As a result, "Argh," the man threw Amy near the grove. I was dumbfounded. The person who kidnapped me was still holding onto me as he tried to get onto the Rug Dragon, but as soon as he let go off my mouth, "Eimyy. Yeww woudwy."

"Lei!" This isn't the time to be calling out to me.

"Yeww."

"Brat, ah, ouch! She bit me!"

I bit the hand that was trying to shut me up and yelled, "KYAA!" Amy also yelled.

"Tsk. The people at the mansion noticed us! Go!"

"KYAA! YAA! Rug Drawgon! Hewp! Drawgon!"

The Rug Dragons were close to us. The other person was already on the other dragon, but the dragon reacted violently after it heard my voice so it took all the man's strength to stay on.

"Drawgon! Hewp!"

"Kyee!"

The dragon, who had no one on it, kept trying to touch me because he was anxious, so the man, who was holding me, couldn't really get on.

"Hurry! The Hollows are nearly here! Fark! I'm leaving first!"

"Wait!"

One person left and the other man turned around, "WAAH," he shouted as he threw me.

"Tsk," he clicked his tongue as he forcibly pulled the Rug Dragon, got on and ran away from the Hollows.

"Kyee!" The only thing that was heard was the Rug Dragon's worried cry.

"Uoah."

"Lei!"

I somehow managed to get up and hugged Amy. It seemed like she was fine.

"Amy! Lei!" I heard a voice from the mansion. The distance between the edge of the barrier and here was about 50 meters.

"Let me go! I'm going to save Amy!"

"You can't Ray! We can't do anything if there's no hunters around! Hurry! Hurry and get the hunters!"

"Let go! You have a Rhodolite sword right there! The Hollows are nearly on them!"

"We can't do anything with our strength against that many Hollows!"

I raised my head at Ray's voice and the Hollows were already approaching the grove.

"Eiimy, chu go."

Will we make it if we run? Amy hugged me as her body shook.

"Imposhshibwe. Can'th run. Ith'ww cathch up."

What if I run too?

"Lei wnowsh. Buth reawwy thoththering."

It doesn't matter if I run or walk.

I looked up at the sky from Amy's shoulders as she hugged me. It's already night and the hunters have already gone out on their hunts.

Help won't come.

"Fiwe."

I have no choice but to do what I can.

"Eimyy, thouch properwy."

"Lei?"

"Properwy. Yup."

Amy didn't see the Hollows. She was sitting down properly and wasn't kneeling down.

"Thhen-."

I also sat down as if Amy was holding me.

"Lei?"

"Don'th move."

I closed my eyes. Spread my magic out, so that it would cover Amy and I. Then, I changed the quality of the magic to be the same as a barrier.

*WHIRR*

"KYAA!"

"Don'th move."

The barrier shifted.

I felt the Hollows near us. We would touch them if we reach our hands out. My magic will run out if I stretch the barrier too far. Bart and Alistair will come and get us. I have to keep the barrier up until they come.

"It's scary."

"Don'th move eben if chu're shcared. Lei magwic."

"Lei," Amy hugged me tightly. That's fine too.

It was a barrier created from my magic. Whenever the Hollows hit the barrier the *WHIRR* vibrations directly resounded. There are animals from the forest in front of us. Is that a rabbit? There's also something that looks like a wild boar. And of course there are humans too. They are all Hollows.

"Evans-san..."

"Eimyy?"

"I know, I know this person. Help, help us Evans-san!"

"Don'th move," I yelled to stop Amy who was trying to stand up.

"But Lei-."

"Who'sh Evansh."

"Noah's dad. Noah's-."

"Oh yeh, Noah doeshn'th hab a dad."

"He was, attacked by Hollows, and passed away..."

He was attacked by this Hollow. They copied the image of the beings they attacked. That's what Hollows are.

"Dad! Dad!" I heard Noah's voice.

"It's not! That's a Hollow!"

*WHIRR* the barrier shook. It was hard to maintain the barrier while talking. I feel like this Hollow is strong.

"Eimyy. Quieth."

Amy nodded weakly.

*WHIRR WHIRR* the barrier shook and we were surrounded by Hollows. If I let my guard down then the magic will change and it'll just become normal magic.

"Huwwy, quicwwy, Barth, Awishthair."

"Lei! Amy!"

Am I hearing things? I feel like I heard Alistair calling us from far away.

"Huwwy, quicwwy."

The Hollows presence is getting thinner?

"Barth, Awishthair."

The person named Evans shifted diagonally from his shoulders and disappeared. Behind him I saw, "Barth, Awishthair..."

I wasn't imagining things.

"Lei! You did well!"

"Now, come here!"

"Eimmy?"

"She's fine."

Amy disappeared from behind me without me noticing and was being hugged by the mayor. I'm glad. Even so-.

"Thoo hard for a babwy."

I fell on my back.

"Lei!"

Someone caught me. I'm sure it's Alistair. But, I'm tired.

"Lei..."

Let me rest a little, k?

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 49 - The Sky Isn't Blue

Chapter 49: The Sky Isn't Blue

Even if I'd collapsed, it wasn't like I'd fainted; I was sitting down so I just fell on my back. Unfortunately, the sky was still dark so it wasn't refreshing at all.

I was woken up by Alistair hugging me.

"Lei! Why did you do something so reckless?!|

"I hab no chwoice."

"Bubu." Alistair glared in the direction of the voice.

"My bad. But I found it funny that only Lei would say she had no choice but to do something in a tough situation," Kyaro was holding his stomach as he laughed.

"Kyaro, if it wasn't Lei then the both of them might have d-died. Don't laugh at something like this!"

"Sorry, my bad." Kyaro kept a serious face.

"Anyway, let's return to the barrier," in accordance with Bart's instructions and under his watchful eye, everyone carefully walked the 50 meters to go back to the mayor's mansion.

"Amy!" Ray rushed towards Amy who was being held by their father.

"You're okay!"

"Nii-sama! Lei protected us."

"Lei did?" Ray looked at me weirdly, but he seemed to be more worried about Amy's safety and didn't say anything.

Noah, who was also outside, flared up at Bart, "Dad... He was far away and I couldn't see him properly but my dad was there! I'm sure that was my dad! Why did you point your sword at him?! Why did my dad disappear?!"

Bart didn't say anything and just stared at him. Alistair gave me to Mill and approached Noah. Noah noticed this and as soon as he said, "Hey, Alistair. Hunters are supposed to protect my dad right?" Alistair slapped him with all he had. Alistair faced Noah, who had fallen down, and yelled with his red face, "You're an idiot! Hunters do need magic, but there are some who become hunters even though they don't have magic. Why didn't anyone take you out of the barrier? That's because you're an idiot who didn't know that his dad had become a Hollow!"

Noah stayed on the ground as he glared at Alistair and argued, "People leave their bodies even if Hollows kill them, right? But my dad's body wasn't left behind. I believed he was still alive until that moment Bart slashed him with his sword."

"Wake up! That's not your dad! It was a Hollow!" Alistair yelled as if he was crying.

"If you hesitate to turn your sword towards them then someone else will be killed by Hollows! Even hunters die! If Bart hadn't done what he did then Lei and Amy might have died!"

"That's-..."

"Why is Lei outside of the barrier in the first place!? We wouldn't have made it if we hadn't been hunting close to this place!"

Noah and Ray looked down when they heard Alistair.

"Be-because of you guys-!"

"Alistair, calm down," Mill tapped Alistair's shoulder.

"We won't know what happened if we don't ask them about it. Shouldn't we let Lei and Amy rest while we ask them about it?"

"... Fine." Alistair looked down and gripped his hand.

"Lei said that your dad isn't there anymore Noah. If she hadn't told me this, then I would have approached the Hollow thinking it was Evans-san, and I would probably have died," Amy said in a small voice.

"It looked like Evans-san, but it wasn't him."

"Everyone-."

"If it had been your dad, then he wouldn't have disappeared from one slash."

Alistair turned his back on Noah who was still on the ground. Pitiful, is the only word to describe Noah right now, but I had to say something.

"Barth."

"What is it Lei?"

"Thhe person who came for me."

"Came for you?"

"Kiwdnawpped Lei."

The adults looked at each other.

"Woive thhe shame."

Bart looked towards the prairie as if he could see everything.

"No good. It's dangerous to look for them at night," he shook his head. The two men, who were protecting Ray and Noah, snorted as if they were making fun of him.

"Fools. We, the escorts, couldn't even tell who the offenders were and you believe a baby?!"

"Shut up! Why do you think Amy survived in that situation? She survived thanks to Lei," Bart replied coldly.

"You guys would have died yourselves if you'd gone out there since you ain't hunters. Respect her. But don't think that the mayor's daughter survived just by luck alone." Bart didn't say anything else, probably because he was tired, and looked at me gently as I leaned against Mill's chest.

"Now, Lei. Can you stay awake for a little longer? We have to ask you what happened straight away."

"Ai," when he heard my reply, the mayor shook Amy, who he held with great importance.

"Amy's too tired."

"You're making a one-year-old infant stay up but you're letting your daughter sleep? I want to listen to what she has to say after we get into the safety of the mansion."

Amy was the one who answered Bart's sarcasm, "I'm, fine. I'm the one who took Lei out. I'll tell you everything," she said firmly even though it seemed like she was going to cry.

"Amy, you're amazing," Amy nodded when Bart said this. She got out of the mayor's arms and stood up firmly.

"Miww down."

"You're alright?"

"Ai."

When Mill put me down, I walked up to Amy and put out my hand. We held hands. Amy was someone whom I overcame a dangerous situation with.

"Let's go inside?"

"Ai."

Amy was actually just collateral. They wanted to kidnap me and had just taken her along with them because she was there, that was why they wanted to leave her behind. The adults were probably blaming themselves. But it all came down to me because none of this would have happened if 'Leila wasn't here with her violet eyes'.

Then would it be better if I wasn't here? Is that what father had first said? It would be better if I wasn't here.

"No."

"Leo?"

"The onesh who are wrong are thhe bad guysh."

It isn't bad because I was born. The guys who want to use me are the bad ones. I snorted, grabbed Amy's hand and gallantly walked towards the mansion.

Bart said something to everyone behind us, "It's pointless for us to argue amongst ourselves. Look at those two. They get along really well even though they faced something dangerous... She's tottering along."

"Noth thoththering."

"Yeah, my bad. You're walking briskly. Yep, briskly."

That's fine.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.Chapter 50 - Dad's Magic Stone (Bart's POV)

Chapter 50: Dad's Magic Stone (Bart's POV)

Amy was calmer than I thought she would be and explained the kidnapping in place of Ray, who was protecting Noah without saying anything, and Noah, who still couldn't understand what had happened to his dad.

No matter how much Ray protected him; Ray, Noah and the servants, who had easily given them permission, all held some responsibility for this. I hope that they will reflect on this. However, it is important to see what Hollows are from a safe place. If they can reflect on this, then I won't blame them for anything.

Amy, who had gone outside with Lei, cried and apologised, but she was just as guilty as Noah and Ray. If Lei had been kidnapped and they were dragged along, then they would have probably become victims.

Amy was tired from crying and had fallen asleep, Lei had told us the most important thing about the culprits and that Amy was nearly thrown away because the kidnappers hadn't meant to drag her along before quickly falling asleep.

"Right now, Noah and Ray should get some rest. But, you need to understand that your reckless actions have gotten others involved as well."

"Yes."

"... Fine."

Ray obediently listened to me, while Noah replied in a dissatisfied way. I managed to stop Alistair from getting up. I sighed and took out a rough magic stone from the pouch on my waist.

"Bart, what's that?"

"Oh, the magic stone from the Hollow that attacked Lei and Amy."

Hollow dropped magic stones of various sizes. It is said that the difference in size indicated how long a Hollow has lived, or in other words, how much life it had absorbed. Everyone had their eyes glued on the magic stone and the mayor took it into his hands, "I rarely see magic stones this big. Isn't this the same size as the magic used for the barrier box at my house?"

It was certainly big and what I wanted to show.

"Noah."

"Yes?"

"This is the magic stone from the Hollow that took your pop's life."

"Uh..."

Noah looked at the magic stone which the mayor had gently placed on the table with eyes that showed he didn't understand what was going on.

"It wasn't just Evans. I don't know how many lives it absorbed for the magic stone to be this large. But, perhaps, Evans was the last life it claimed, or maybe it absorbed smaller life forms after Evans. That's why it took on the form of Evans. That's how it is."

Noah looked at Alistair as if confirming this, and Alistair nodded while stating, "I certainly saw your dad becoming this magic stone." Noah stared at the magic stone.

"This is for you," I said and the mayor was surprised, "Idiot. The money you can get from this can last you for a few years." Well, but my crew are calm, you know? We understand each other even if we don't say things out loud. It's because of this that the ladies give us cold shoulders and say, "Isn't it nice that you understand each other so well?" No, that doesn't matter.

"Well, it'll last for about 2 years?"

Noah gulped and I told him quietly, "This is definitely Evan's memento. But, don't keep it for more than one or two days."

"Why? Why is my dad's life in there?"

"What do you think Evans regretted the most when he died?"

"... I don't know."

"I'm sure he regretted that he couldn't support your mum and you."

"Mum."

Noah's mother worked hard even though her husband had passed away. Noah as well. But, their life surely won't be easy in the future.

"Sell it. Do you think that Evans would want the life of you and the other kids to be threatened just because you think he might be alive?"

"No."

"That's right. Evans was a good guy."

"He was."

Noah finally picked up the magic stone.

"He's not here anymore?"

He held the magic stone with both hands are tears ran down his face.

"Hide it, bring it home and have a proper talk with your mum. Tell her about what you did and how I told you to sell that."

"Ok," I looked at Noah who had meekly agreed and Mill stood up, "I'll take you home."

"Me too."

Alistair stood up while looking sideways. He had been angry, but I could tell that Noah was an important friend to him.

Noah looked calm, but Mill pointed at the magic stone and he obediently let Mill send him home. He quietly lowered his head, put the magic stone into his pocket and followed after Mill and Alistair. Ray also left to go back to his room.

"Now then."

I looked at the mayor. Now it's just us.

"Sorry. I honestly didn't think that the kidnappers would be at the mansion, much less coming from outside while the Hollows are out."

The mayor gracefully lowered his head.

"It was the right choice to hunt near here, we were still worried about her even though we left her with you," Kyaro said in satisfaction.

"We were blaming you before mayor, but they would have certainly came at us in greater number if we had taken her out with us. I don't regret leaving her here, but I feel bad that Amy got involved in this," I also lowered my head.

"Well, that was also because of Ray and Noah, so don't worry about it."

"Yeah, there's no point in apologising. Lei said that the people who took her are the messengers."

"She did, but can you believe her?'

"Yes," Clyde said strongly. Kyaro nodded and continued, "Can you stop looking down on Lei just because she's an infant? Anyway mayor, I heard a lot of time had passed since Lei and Amy were kidnapped. Our Rug Dragons wouldn't remain calm, so we rushed back because we thought something had happened to Lei, but it took us a while."

Kyaro planned in his head as he thought about what had happened in order.

"Apparently. I was informed and was arranging the Hunters, but I think they were surrounded by Hollows in 10 minutes. Honestly, I'd already given up."

The mayor rubbed his arms as he recalled the fear he felt when Lei and Amy were surrounded by Hollows.

"It wouldn't help even if I think about how the two survived under those circumstances. Did you give her Alistair's barrier box?"

"Nope," I denied it straight away.

"But when I went to save them, the Hollows were definitely being repelled from Lei and Amy. Honestly, I'm not sure about this, but Lei must have made her own barrier."

Kyaro and Clyde closed their eyes and folded their arms. The two who were there. They had probably expected this.

"Ha, haha, a person made a barrier? No way..." The mayor shook his head as if he couldn't believe this. But the hands that were rubbing his arms started to shake.

"Everyone would want her if she has that power. A mere mayor can't stop them."

Even a mere hunter can't stop them. I whispered in my mind.

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