A real Minotaur? This is the first time I've seen one in person. It's scary.
"Hey! Didn't I tell you not to open your eyes no matter what happens?" Blaze exclaimed.
Ah!..sorry when you mentioned minotaur I was reflexively curious to see it
*GOOOAR!!!
"!!?... tsk..this is going to be a hassle," said Blaze, then ran away from the minotaur. But of course, the minotaur, who had already noticed Blaze's presence, didn't stay still and continued to launch its attacks.
"You wait here," said Blaze while putting me down behind the rubble.
"Listen, don't go anywhere and stay quiet. Don't let anyone find out," said Blaze while taking a sword from one of the corpses.
''I will defeat him. So wait here quietly,'' he said and ran away.
!?!..is he crazy?..with those chains and restraints?!.how did he defeat that!?.Just moving is already overwhelming..but..even if I help him what can I do?..I'm only a one year old child..I can't do anything..I'll only hinder him
....right.. i just need to wait and believe. Besides, bro blaze is the final villain, he can't possibly die here..surely..it will be okay...
..... *Blaze ..will really be okay right?...*
*BUAAAAGH!!!
!?!... BROTHER BLAZE!
I couldn't help myself. Seeing my brother fight so hard against such a big enemy even with his limited movement made me feel uncomfortable. I know I shouldn't have done anything.. I don't want to be a burden to my brother but...but!..
*How can I pretend not to see a child like him fighting to the death!* I thought as I ran out of hiding.
(master?!. What are you planning?. You can't do anything with your body right now)
*I know it*
(then?..do you think you can use love cheat?.it's useless. Love cheat can't be used on monsters. Not at your current level)
*I know*
(if you know then what are you trying to do now!?)
*I try everything I can do* *!?!..here..I thought it was here*
(oil?)
*When I got lost, I smelled oil that made me nauseous. Turns out there really was a lump of oil here.*
(then what are you going to do? With this oil?)
*I will defeat the minotaur*
(huh?)
If I'm not mistaken, minotaurs are weak against fire. If I could bring a minotaur here and burn this place down, Blaze would definitely have a chance. Besides, if it weren't for the necklace around Blaze's neck, he would have been able to defeat him easily. After all, his element is fire.
.... Blaze is fighting over there. It's not too far from here either. If I can lure him here, then set this place on fire with the lantern there. There'll definitely be a chance.
*deg!
!!?...what is this?...my heart hurts..
(You better do it quickly master. Otherwise your time will run out)
!?!...ah..is that so..no wonder I've been feeling strange since earlier..Ai so this is your doing huh..
"BAZE!" I shouted
''!?!.. YOU!.. why did you come out!'' exclaimed Blaze and of course because of that, the minotaur's attention was diverted to me and he immediately ran towards me quickly
*?!..he's coming!*
"STUPID GIRL!" Kak Blaze shouted, running straight towards me.
This is my chance
As fast as I could, I ran to the lantern and slammed it onto the floor, causing the fire to spread rapidly throughout the room, even encircling the minotaur.
*good..next is just blaze_*nervous!*
Ugh..my heart...can't it hold on for a little longer..
This is bad..my consciousness is starting to fade. If this continues, I will be swallowed by the fire. I can't, I can't faint here yet..
*GOOOAR!!. The terrifying roar that the minotaur gave right in front of me made my eyes fixated for a moment.. his big axe that swung towards me made my neck feel like it was being choked... it felt the same as when I jumped from the building that day... the scythe of the god of death was wrapped around my neck again
!?!...I'm going to die?
*SRAAAAK!!.. with one quick slash, Blaze immediately cut off the minotaur's hand and pulled me into his embrace.
"You really are a troublesome little sister, you know," said Blaze while hugging me tightly.
"I told you not to come out, you are stubborn. I will scold you hard later," he said, looking angry but his gaze remained focused on the minotaur.
...''sorry'' I said regretfully
It's not that I don't trust Blaze, I just don't want him to get hurt more seriously... Blaze is still a child, he shouldn't have to face a hard life like this...
*I'm sleepy...I can't maintain my consciousness any longer...I'm..tired..*
***
Blaze
(a while ago)
This is really annoying. This chain is a hassle. My movements are limited by this chain, if I make the slightest mistake I could fall easily. Plus, this sword is also of poor quality. If used carelessly, it will definitely break.
How can I deal with it...even though I have to get out of here immediately because Lia could be in danger.
Calm down...in fighting you have to stay focused blaze...observe your enemy well then look for an opening..
He's quite large for a minotaur, probably around 10 feet tall. His axe is also very large and powerful. One slash can level an entire place, but his movements aren't that fast. However, his endurance is quite high. If I can create an opening by exploiting his weaknesses.
''BAZE!'' Lia shouted, which immediately made me turn towards her.
THAT GIRL!. WHAT IS SHE DOING!?. DIDN'T I TELL HER TO HIDE!
*GROOOAAR!..
!?!.. this is bad. Her screams lured the minotaur over. Is he looking for death!
I quickly tried to run towards her. I couldn't let she die..not like this.
*BWOOOSH!!
!?!..fire!?...did she lure him here on purpose?..
*GROOOAR!
UKh!.. I won't let it!
*SRAAAK!..with the help of fire the minotaur's movements looked slower, so I took advantage of that to attack him and deal enough damage to cut off his hand.
But I'm sure that's still not enough..besides that Lia..
''!?!..lia?..oi..lia what's wrong?..wake up.why did you suddenly faint?'' I exclaimed in panic as soon as Lia suddenly lost consciousness.
Is it because of the smoke? Did he inhale too much smoke? Ugh.. if it's like this
*GROOOAR
!?!...he's still not defeated.. just cutting off one of his hands won't make him lose.
I have to retreat. I can't fight in my current condition,
''not when she's with me'' I thought as I looked at Lia who had fainted in my arms
*WHOOSH!
!?!..he attacked?!..bad..i don't have time to dodge. At least i have to protect lia_
*SRAAAAK!!!
!?!... before the minotaur's attack could hit us, suddenly the minotaur's head was shot by something and it died just like that.
???... what happened?
''arrow?'' I muttered when I saw the arrow that had just killed him.
Someone shot him
"But where from?" I thought while looking at the direction of the arrow's trajectory and what I found.
!?!..
I saw a black shadow in the darkness and not only that, he even had
''tail?''
*craak...
!?!..no it's not time to daydream. This building is going to collapse.
"Even though I don't know what just happened, I was saved," I said, then took Lia and got out of this place just before the building collapsed.
As soon as I stepped outside, I was immediately greeted by the cold air of a blizzard. Although it felt warm behind me from the fire, the blizzard was just ahead.
"Ah.. crazy.. if I go back I'll burn, if I go forward I'll freeze to death," I muttered.
If it's like this, how can I _
''HACHIM!''
Um!?..
''Lia? Are you okay?'' I asked while checking her condition and she looked very cold besides that..
''hot..does she have a fever?..''
Seriously..at a time like this..
"The fever is really high...what should I do?" I said in panic.
.... I took the robe that was near me and covered Lia as thick as I could then went out into the snowstorm. Besides, I had no other choice but to keep going.
''First of all I have to find shelter'' I muttered while hugging Lia tightly
"Hold on a little longer Lia, big brother will definitely save you," I muttered.
***
(Meanwhile)
''Woah..it's really snowing out there'' said a little girl with bright green hair and golden yellow eyes (Clora)
"That's right. This storm must be the worst," replied the adult man with long white hair and bright green eyes (Sacha).
''You two stop watching the storm, it's time to eat,'' said another man with reddish brown hair and black eyes wearing glasses (Kazuya).
"Come here quickly, the food will get cold," said Kazuya while serving the food he had just cooked on the dining table.
''Wow! What are we eating today?" asked Sacha who happily immediately ran over to Kazuya
''Today I made grilled fish and shrimp then_um?..clora what's wrong? Come here and eat'' said Kazuya when he saw the little girl still standing looking out the window
"That... I think I see someone there," said Clora while pointing towards the storm outside.
''Huh?..someone?..how could there be someone stupid enough to go through the storm_'' said Sacha who was cut off when he saw that there was indeed someone in the middle of the fierce snow storm.
''!?!..there really is someone. Plus it's a little kid!'' Sacha exclaimed and immediately ran outside.
''Oi!..Sacha!'' Kazuya shouted, which Sacha didn't hear because she had already run out.
***
(Meanwhile in the cold storm...)
Blaze
It's cold...I can barely feel my feet anymore...my skin feels like it's going to peel off right now...
''Ah..ah...at least Lia..'' I muttered while looking at my sister who looked increasingly pale
...Unlucky..
*thud
"If only...if only I could use my magic...I would definitely be able to warm you up," I muttered while hugging Lia tightly.
In the middle of this snow storm... where I no longer have the energy to move and can only lie on the cold pile of snow... I can only hug my little sister as tightly as I can in the hope of giving him a little warmth... even though my whole body is now almost freezing to death...
My consciousness felt like it was getting lower and lower.. my vision started to feel blurry.. and just before I completely lost consciousness I saw a small light coming closer.. I also heard a voice.. but.. I don't know what voice it was...
***
In the end I fell unconscious due to hypothermia. I don't remember what happened after that but when I came to.. I saw a wooden roof that felt foreign to me..
The air temperature also feels warm... my skin, which previously felt sore because of the cold, is slowly starting to improve.
"Um?...where is this?" I muttered while looking around me.
"Oh? You're awake. Thank goodness," said one of the men with glasses.
''eh?..!!! WHO!?'' I exclaimed, immediately jumping out of bed and keeping my distance from him.
"Wow...you have good reflexes, even though you almost froze to death earlier," he said.
"Seeing you like this, I think you're fine," he continued with a smile.
???...who is this man?. Is he the one who helped me?.
My chain fell off too. Was he the one who let it go?... if so...
''!?!.. the restraining collar hasn't been removed yet?'' I thought to myself when I realized that this annoying magic tool was still around my neck.
"Ah... about your Collar... I'm sorry but I can't take it off," said another man who suddenly came in.
''!?!..''
"Ahaha... don't be so cautious. We have no malicious intentions." He said.
"I'm Sacha. And this is my partner Kazuya," said Sacha.
''So you guys helped me..thank you..!?..no! wait!..what about my sister!?..where is she!?'' I exclaimed in panic when I saw that Lia wasn't with me
"Ah... your sister. Clora is currently looking after her. She has a pretty high fever," said Kazuya.
!?!.. hearing that I immediately ran to try to find Rosalia and when I opened one of the doors I saw a little girl looking after her
"Ah! Are you awake? Are you okay?" asked the girl.
"Yes...what about my sister?" I asked as I approached Lia's bed.
"She's fine. Her fever has also started to go down," he replied.
"Thank God..." I said while stroking Lia's cheek slowly
"Hmph...you really love your little sister, huh?" asked Sacha.
"The first thing you did after you woke up was look for her. I can tell she's very precious to you," he continued with a gentle smile.
"That's why I'm actually curious about why you were in the middle of a storm even though your little sister had a fever like that. And also about the chains and ties," Kazuya added.
''If you're better, can you explain it to us? Little villain?'' said Kazuya.
***
I hadn't intended to tell them anything, but I owed them my life, and until the storm subsided and Lia was healthy, I might be a nuisance to them. So I decided to tell them what had happened, even though I couldn't tell them that I was a noble from the Florin family.
''Can't believe you guys survived the minotaur attack?'' Sacha said with wide eyes in shock.
''plus your previous condition. Are you a monster?''
''Kazuya..don't say that''
"It's just... even though the chains on their hands and feet are already troublesome to fight, what's more, there are chains on their feet that hinder their movements. But they still managed to survive. Anyone who hears it will definitely not believe it, people will definitely believe it more if they say it's luck," said Kazuya.
"That's right," I said, which made them immediately look at me.
"I'm really lucky..." I said while gripping my pants tightly.
"If Lia doesn't light a fire and burn the place down, I definitely won't be able to survive," I said, annoyed to admit my weakness.
"I was so bad that my little sister had to save me," I said annoyed.
"No...no...you can survive and fight against the minotaur in that condition, that's already really great," said Sacha.
"But this is really unbelievable. Your little sister is only one year old, right? There's no way a one year old would think of burning that place down," said Kazuya.
"That's also true," Sacha added.
"Lia is... she's a bit of a unique child. Different from most babies... Lia is very smart..." I said.
.... ''ah.. is that so.. this is what they often call siscon. Proud of their younger siblings and consider them geniuses'' said Kazuya with a face of disbelief
*Brak!. ''I'm not lying!'' I exclaimed
"Lia is truly a unique child. Even now, I still can't explain it... but one thing I know. Lia is different from other babies," I said, trying to convince them.
"Yeah, yeah, let's just say that. Although I believe it was just luck," said Kazuya.
''ugh!..''
''Enough..enough..don't fight..um..your name was Blaze, right?.You must be exhausted after everything that happened. Rest here for a few days. Besides, your little sister also needs treatment here,'' said Sacha
"Don't worry, Kazuya is a great doctor. He will definitely cure your sister," he continued, patting my shoulder.
"It's just a normal fever. It will get better in a few days. I'll keep an eye on her," said Kazuya.
''...okay.. thank you.... please help me'' I said which they smiled back at me.
***
After that, three days passed, and I tried to help as much as I could while I was there. Surprisingly, Sacha turned out to be a former great knight. So, he offered me sword training. I was a bit hesitant at first, but...
"That restraining collar. I don't really know what sin you committed to get that cursed tool. But one thing is clear, that tool can't be removed unless you have the key or someone with a mana level of 100 who removes it," said Sacha, which clearly shocked me badly.
''Level 100!?!.. Don't joke!. How many people in this world can reach that high level!'' I exclaimed.
''That's why I said it was a cursed tool,'' he replied.
"... although I'm not so sure, but if you go to Candela and ask for the help of the great magician, maybe you can release him," he continued.
"But... isn't that great magician very difficult to meet... and moreover, he only comes out at important times?" I said
"That's right. And coincidentally, that important moment will arrive soon," said Sacha.
!?! ''soon?''
"Yes... it's the imperial princess's birthday soon, isn't it? She'll definitely appear there. But the problem is..." he said, becoming hesitant.
"I don't have much time..." I said, which was met with a faint smile from him.
"The empire is in the opposite direction from where I live. I want to bring Lia back home as soon as possible, but if I do that, I'll throw away my chance to meet the great magician. Is that what you mean?" I said, which was met with a nod.
''So what? If you don't go you might not be able to use magic anymore or it might take even longer.'' he said.
''If you're worried about your sister. I can just take her back home.''
''no'' I quickly refused
"I'm going home with Lia. I've decided to go home with her no matter what. Because I'm her older brother. I'll protect her until she's truly safe," I said.
''.....are you sure? You won't be able to use magic, you know''
''.... yes...'' I replied, already determined.
''moreover. The world is wide, right? Maybe I will meet a great magician on my journey later. Who knows,' I continued
"Ahaha... you're very positive, huh? Good... good," said Sacha, then ruffled my hair.
"But... if you can't use magic, it will be difficult to protect your sister, right? That's why I want to offer you something," he said.
''um??..what?''
***
That's why I accepted his offer to practice sword with him but
*BUAAKH!
*HOEK!.. *thud!!
''ugh...damn..it hurts'' I muttered, holding back the pain after losing the duel for the umpteenth time.
''Blaze.. your defense is weakening. Didn't I tell you to strengthen your stance?'' said Sacha
Damn..he is..even though his body looks like a woman but he is really strong. plus..he reminds me of brother Vered..a strong beautiful person, really annoying...
"Um? It's snowing again. That's enough for today," said Sacha.
"Come in and ask Kazuya to treat your wounds," he continued while rubbing my head and going inside.
"Yes..." I nodded then obeyed and went inside to meet Kazuya.
"Today you're battered too. Sacha is really merciless in teaching, huh?" Kazuya teased while treating me.
''noisy..next time I'll beat him '' I said while pouting
''ahahah..yeah..yeah..good luck'' he laughed
''By the way..how about Lia?'' I asked
''..mm..yeah..her fever has gone down, she's not in critical condition either, but... until now she hasn't woken up, I don't know either,'' he said while glancing at where Lia was sleeping.
It's been three days since the incident, and until now Lia hasn't even woken up yet... she said nothing was wrong, everything was fine, but why hasn't she woken up yet...
"Has the baby been sleeping all this time?" I asked while gently stroking Lia's cheek.
"No. Babies generally sleep longer than adults, but they'll wake up after a few hours due to hunger or discomfort. But your little sister was sound asleep. Like he was in a coma," Kazuya explained.
...lia..please wake up soon, if you don't wake up soon. I don't know what to say to the people at home.
***
Rosalia
This..where?..everything is burning by fire..like after a war...what happened?
I don't really understand what happened. I remember being in a criminal's place and fighting a minotaur after that.. I don't know what happened... when I opened my eyes I was in this strange place..
"So that's your choice..." said a voice that was familiar to me, and I immediately turned my head towards it and I was surprised by a figure that was familiar to me.
BLAZE!?
No..this is not the blaze I know. he is more mature, maybe in a few years he will be like this. The adult version of Blaze?!..but his appearance..he is badly injured and
!?!.ah!..what..what happened?
"Are you happy?" he asked, which I didn't really pay attention to because there was something else I was focused on, namely
I...stabbed Blaze with a sword?!
*Grep!.. suddenly blaze pulled me into his embrace which clearly made the sword stick deeper into his body, making him vomit blood..
!??!...
''If you're happy...that's enough for me..I love you..Lia'' said Blaze right before I heard his last breath
Blaze...
***
''BAZE!!'' I shouted, waking up from the nightmare.
My breath felt heavy, like I'd just run a marathon. My heart was pounding like it was going to explode...
What was that..don't tell me that's the ending of this story?...I did read it but..I just saw it in person..it was...so terrifying...
*and again..I killed Blaze* I thought while looking at my shaking hands
"I don't want to!" I shouted.
I don't want anything else..I don't want to see such horrible things again.
"Oh? You're finally awake," said one of the little girls who saw me just wake up.
''???...'' who's she?
''Blaze! Papa! Finally Lia woke up!'' the girl exclaimed and not long after that two strange men appeared and made me confused but among them suddenly someone ran quickly and hugged me tightly
''LIA!'' shouted Blaze while hugging me tightly.
''Thank goodness.. you're a troublesome kid!. You've been unconscious for 2 weeks. If you weren't my little sister, I would have left you!'' I exclaimed, looking very worried about me, even though his words were like that..
But wait a minute..what did he say?..how long was I unconscious???
***
Who would have thought I would be unconscious for 2 weeks... I know I feel very tired but isn't 2 weeks too much??
*can you explain this to me AI?* *I know you did something to my body, but who would have thought it would make me unconscious for that long. What did you actually do?*
(It's nothing special. I just strengthened your body for a while. You must have realized that your physical strength that day was not suitable for someone your age. You ran around for a long time, so I strengthened your body. But as a price, your mana was completely drained and during those 2 weeks your mana started to slowly replenish itself)
*So it's like you're in cash?*
(Correct)
Sigh... but who would have thought it would take two weeks? And in that relatively long time, Blaze used it to practice swordplay and help this family.
*but if you look at it from here, he's already like part of this family* I thought while watching Blaze from the window. I saw Blaze busy chopping wood with his axe.
*I'm glad he's out of the chains but why is the necklace still there?*
(the necklace that blaze wears can only be removed by the owner of the key or someone with a mana level of 100)
*HUH!?!..HOW CRAZY ARE THERE IN THIS WORLD THAT HIGH A LEVEL?!*
*and what's that, isn't that the max level?..is there really someone like that?*
(don't get me wrong master. 100 is not the max level)
*means someone can surpass it*
(yes..but people like that can be counted on one hand)
*huwaa..then that's the same as saying Blaze will never be able to use magic again in his life*
(... Mr. Blaze actually had a chance... but he turned it down)
*eh?...why refuse?*
(that's because_)
"What are you doing? Watching your brother work?" said the adult man wearing glasses.
Eh?..he if I'm not mistaken
(kazuya, mana level 35, light power)
That's right. He's the doctor who treated me.
"How are you feeling? Do you feel uncomfortable in any part?" he asked while touching my forehead.
''lia nda papa (lia fine) ''. ''lia cehat (im really good)'' I replied
"I see. Thank goodness. But don't move around too much yet. You're not fully recovered yet," he said.
"Do you want some warm milk?" he asked, to which I nodded in response.
"Be careful. Tell me if it's too hot for you," he said, handing me a small glass that was easy for me to hold.
''cangkyu (thank you)''
"Hey, this is surprising. It turns out you're already a good talker. When Blaze said you were special, I thought he was just exaggerating. But it seems you really are quite a genius," he said while patting my head.
''Your brother was really worried about you while you were unconscious. Every day he always asked when you would wake up... with an aura like he would kill me if you didn't wake up,'' he said.
...is it that bad?..even though at home Blaze isn't that close to me
''.... do you two live alone?'' asked Kazuya.
Eh?... ''no, papa..and vel macih ada (i still have papa and vered'' I said
''Hee..so there are still other siblings and a father huh..'' ''I see... I thought you were the only remaining member of his family,'' said Kazuya while looking at Blaze from behind the window.
"He refused to go to Candela and take off the necklace so he could take you home. Even though it was his chance to be free, he chose to stay with you. That's why I thought you were his only family member," he said, which clearly stunned me.
Blaze...why did he do something like that...don't tell me it's because of love cheating?...
Ugh...
''um?..hoo..it seems like his abilities have improved huh'' said Kazuya suddenly
''He really learns fast. In a few years he will be invincible.'' ''I heard that you are from the Achlys kingdom or known as the black kingdom because of the many black markets and other illegal trades there. And the children from that kingdom are trained by Sacha... I was wondering.. We are not training future criminals, right?'' said Kazuya which made me flinch
How is this..I can't say that they are really training a great villain in the future.
"But yeah..." said Kazuya who suddenly glanced at me.
"As long as we don't disturb his little brother, I don't think he will lose control," he continued with a mischievous smile.
''He really loves you, what a siscon ahaha'' he laughed
...what nonsense is he saying..blaze can't be_
''I love you..lia''
..... seriously... no.. no.. this must be the effect of love cheating... right.. it must be because of that..
...blaze..
***
Sasha
''Kazuya..have you seen the kids?'' I asked.
''Um?..I saw Clora go to Blaze's room earlier. Lia was also there with her,'' Kazuya replied.
"Eh? What's this? There's a children's gathering? So cute. I want to see it," I said curiously.
''Hey.. don't disturb their playtime''
"Just taking a peek," I said, then quietly peeked at what they were doing. And I was surprised by what I saw.
''Eto.. after saving the princess from the dragon, the prince and princess lived happily in their magnificent palace,'' said Blaze who was reading a bedtime story while Clora and Lia were already fast asleep when they heard it.
"It's finished," he said.
''huft...vered always does troublesome things like this?. come on...my throat is dry'' he said while putting a blanket on Clora and Lia
Kyaaa!!..so cute!!..blaze is really trying to be a good big brother...it's really adorable..
''Hmm... it turns out he can act sweet like this too,'' said Kazuya who was also peeking.
"Ehehe.. Clora seems very happy since Blaze and Lia came. I thought she might want to have siblings," I said.
''Don't talk nonsense. How can we possibly give Clora her sister?'' Kazuya said as he walked away.
"Hahaha, that's true too," I replied while following him.
"For now, just let him spend as much time as he wants with them, after all, soon they will leave too," said Kazuya while sitting on the sofa.
"Ah..that's right...Lia is also healthy, there's no reason for Blaze to stay here any longer." "What a shame, even though I still want to train that child. He can definitely become a great swordsman," I said disappointedly.
''...understand that..'' ''Sacha... do you think this is the right choice to teach Blaze sword techniques?. he_''
''Kazuya.. I know what you want to say'' I cut in
"That child has lost his chance to use magic. At least if he wants to survive in this cruel world, he needs another weapon. That's why I taught him sword fighting," I said.
"How he grows up in the future is his choice. I only teach him what I can. That's all," I said.
''...Oh, I see..''
"You're thinking too far, Kazuya. Blaze is a good kid. He won't become a criminal. Not if no one bothers him first," I said seriously.
"I also agree with you," Kazuya added.
''ehehe..''
!?!..this feeling?!..there is someone..no..monster?..
''Sacha?''
"Kazuya, stay here... there's something I want to check," I said then went out.
I felt a pressing aura like a wild animal as soon as I left the house. Amidst the snow and darkness of night, the aura of a wild animal was so thick.
"like a wolf stalking its prey," I muttered.
.... that's what it looks like... black continent creatures huh...
''Hey.. I'm not going to hurt you. So can you come out?'' I said.
''How about we talk first? Mr. Wolf_'' I offered as I turned around but immediately stopped when I saw who was behind me.
!?!...werewolf...but
STILL CHILDREN!?!
Oh my gosh what does this mean!?..so cute oh my gosh.., his black ears and wagging tail..so cute!!!. his glowing red eyes that seem to indicate he is a wild animal also look very beautiful...
"Eto...did you get lost all the way here, kid?" I asked.
Even though I don't know how the werewolf got here, he's still too cute for me to suspect.
''... you.. know Lia?'' he asked
Eh?..lia...???
"Um? I know her, why? Are you Lia's friend?" I asked, which he immediately shook his head in response.
"I'm not her friend," he replied quickly.
"Then do you have any business with Lia? If not, there's no way you'd keep lurking around here," I asked.
Even though I could faintly feel the aura since Lia and Blaze arrived, because it was too thin, I often ignored it.
"... this," he said while showing a key that looked old and rusty.
"key?" I asked confused.
''give this to the girl and tell her I don't need it,'' he said while looking at me seriously.
"Um? What kind of key is this?" I asked while taking the key.
''my cage key''
''Sorry?''
Cage key???..what does that mean??
''Lia gave this to me when she freed me. I want to return it,'' he said.
????...for what?..I don't understand more and more
''why do you want to return it?'' I asked
''... because I don't need her help,'' he said.
But you're already out of there...
"That's why I want to return this. I don't need it," he said.
Hmm.. I'm sure Lia doesn't need this key either.. and besides, she's already out of there, isn't that the same as Lia helping her??
"Then what are you going to do after this? Go back there?" I asked, which he shook his head in response.
"Everything there was burned down by fire, nothing was left," he said.
Then I don't understand even more..oh!..or maybe..
*grep
''!??"
"Sorry, but it seems I can't give this to Lia," I said while returning the key to him.
''You have to do it yourself.'' I said
''Why?..''
''Umm.. because if I were the one to return it, it would look weird, wouldn't it? Suddenly I have your key. That's weird, right?'' I said
''just say this is from me'' he replied
''should not!''
"!???''
"This is an important item, you have to return it with your own hands," I said with a smile.
''then.. next say ''thank you''' I said
''huh?''
"That's much better than saying you don't need help," I said, smiling softly at him.
''Thank you??'' he muttered while holding the key
''Correct.''
Hmph.. I don't know what this kid is thinking, but his tsundere side is similar to Kazuya's. The reason he brought the key was probably because he wanted to thank him for being freed, but he didn't know how to do it. Seeing him like that was quite cute, even though he was a werewolf.
''It's getting cold here. Do you want to come with me? You can meet Lia later,'' I offered.
''.... no, no need,'' he said then immediately turned around and disappeared quickly with the night breeze.
"Ah... he disappeared right away? That was fast," I muttered.
But I got an interesting show tonight..not bad either ehehe..
Um?..but if he said earlier that Lia was the one who freed him?.how did Lia do that?.he was still very small
mm.. maybe that girl is really a genius???.. developments in the times are really different huh.. my time must have passed a long time ago
***
Rosalia
The long winter will soon end in a few weeks. Because of the accumulated snow, we can't go back, and during that time we also spent time with Kazuya, Sacha, and Clora. Thanks to that, somehow they started to feel like a second family to me. Ah... there's no way this is the third one if you count the previous life too.
''Lia..look..I made a dragon'' said Clora while showing me her drawing.
''Wow..''
"What did Lia draw?" asked Clora while glancing at my drawing.
''um?..ah!..is this blaze!?'' she exclaimed with sparkling eyes
Amazing..he can tell even though the picture looks like a stick man like this.
''um'' I nodded
''Hey..cute..Lia, do you like drawing?'' Clora asked, which made me jump.
...''you'' I replied
Honestly, I hate it..after what happened in my previous life. I've become disgusted with pictures..it feels disgusting..
"Huh? You don't like it? Even though you're talented," said Clora, which made me even more uncomfortable.
"I'm not ," I said, then stood up and left Clora.
''eh?..lia?''
Disgusting... I don't want to hear it.. they say I'm talented when in fact I'm not.. that's disgusting.. I feel like throwing up... I thought I should never touch a canvas again.. even in this life..
''HEYYAAA!''
Hmm?
"Good job, Blaze. Your stance is getting stronger. But you still have a lot of gaps," said Sacha, who was teaching Blaze sword fighting.
They're still doing it huh... well... if Blaze decides to live without magic then it's a good decision so she can survive. Moreover...
*I still can't imagine the strongest villain in this story would live without magic just to take his sister home. Isn't this too ridiculous? The love cheat effect is really crazy*
(...master..I've always been curious, why do you always blame that skill if someone cares about you? Have you never thought that maybe he just really loves you)
*bullshit. On what basis should he love me. To him I'm just a person a_*
(aren't you family?)
!?!..
(for master maybe they are just strangers because you come from another world and just possessed their youngest sister's body but aren't you their family for them?)
...that....I never thought about it that way...
True..for me they are just strangers, but..for them I am their real little sister...maybe...
''I love you..lia''
!?!....*BLUSH...
he really loves me as his little sister..
(???...master, your face is red. do you have a fever again?)
*no, i'm fine*
(....okay. I will keep an eye on you so you don't go astray)
*Huh??*
*oh!, that's right..Ai..about the mission that time. How did it go?*
(inspect...)
(MISSION)
(free the caged dog)
(status: still ongoing)
(success reward: candy.)
(Failure: penalty)
*Huh?..still going on?.what does that mean?.didn't I already free him?!*
Did he choose to stay there? But if so, shouldn't his mission have failed? But his status is still ongoing. What does that mean?
*Are you sure this isn't broken?*
(Yes)
I don't understand at all... but..
If the status is still ongoing, it means there will be a chance to meet him again...mmm... he could be caught again, right?..um!..if I meet him again, I will free him from his cage again, I am the type who doesn't like to let quests gather dust.
***
Meanwhile, on a tree quite far from where Lia was, a small wolf continued to watch from a distance with its red eyes.
''.... I feel like he's talking about me..'' he muttered while glancing at the house where Lia was
''then.. next say 'thank you''
''.... thank you..'' '' I don't understand... strange human...''
''Your life is yours, do whatever you like''
....'' that boy is also strange..'' he muttered while tightly gripping the key he was carrying
***
''NOT ALLOWED!!'' Clora shouted
''clora..''
"Why do you want to go!? Aren't we already a family... but you want to go... I don't want that!" Clora exclaimed, immediately becoming hysterical when she heard that we would be returning soon.
Considering we've been gone for so long and spring is approaching, our departure date has already been set. That's why Blaze, Kazuya, and Sacha are currently discussing it, but...
Clora, who was eavesdropping on the conversation, became hysterical because she didn't want us to leave.
"Huwaaa...no...no...bro Blaze and Lia have to stay here," he cried.
..well.. I can probably understand her a little. After all, she's an only child here. Because Sacha and Kazuya's relationship didn't allow them to have children, Clora is the only child here. From the start, she must have been lonely because she didn't have any siblings, and since our arrival. Clora, who was still young, considered us her siblings. That's why she probably never thought that we would leave.
''Clora..listen..Blaze and Lia have to go back to their families..their families must really miss them now,'' said Kazuya, who tried to persuade Clora.
''But!..aren't we also family now?. I already consider Brother Blaze as my own brother. Lia is also like my own sister. Because of that..*sob...aren't we already family...'' he cried
...if things are like this, it will be difficult to convince Clora. After all, she's still small... whatever we say, she definitely won't believe it...
Now how about this...
''Clora..'' called Blaze as he approached Clora slowly then held her hand gently
''clora..you're right..we are family..but. there is also my family there waiting for us to come home..that's why we have to go back'' ''but I promise I will come again and play with you again'' said Kak Blaze
"Really? Promise?" Clora asked.
"Yes..I promise"
"Will Brother Blaze also read you another book when he comes back?"
"I will read as much as you want," he replied.
''...okay...because Blaze has promised. Blaze can't break it, okay?'' said Clora
"Of course... I swear on Florin's name," said Blaze while rubbing Clora's head.
''!?!..florin..'' Sacha muttered
Um?..what's with that expression on his face?...it seems like he was really shocked to hear Florin's name..
Ah..that's right..all this time we've been living here without revealing our real identities. Moreover, Florin's family are hired killers.
*Is it possible that he knows the real identity of Florin's family, that's why he's afraid to hear her name?*
(no..i don't think that's the reason)
*um?..then what?*
***
Blaze
"The prince returned to the kingdom and fulfilled his promise to pick up the princess and they lived happily ever after... the end," I said, having finished reading the bedtime story for Clora and Lia.
Who would have thought that at first I was lazy to do this... over time it became my new habit... after doing it, it turns out it's not that bad.
...''good night'' I said while putting a blanket on them both
''Are they asleep?'' asked Sacha who entered slowly
''yeah..just now''
"Thank you for calming Clora down. She will definitely be very lonely when you guys leave," said Sacha.
.... ''sorry, but I still have to go''
I have to go back anyway..
''I understand..don't worry..'' ''By the way Blaze..can we talk?'' asked Sacha
''um?..yeah'' I replied
***
''So?..what do you want to talk about?'' I asked
''Ah..about that...'' ''Actually, I just wanted to have a casual chat with you. Besides, you're leaving soon,'' said Sacha while making me tea.
''chatting?''
''That's right..'' ''...it's almost spring, who would have thought you've been here for more than a month..''
''hoo.. what does this mean?. do you want to reminisce with me tonight?'' I teased.
''ahaha..not a bad idea right?'' he laughed while pouring a cup of tea
''...Blaze...As your sword teacher, I'm honestly really surprised by your progress. You're very strong, you'll definitely get stronger in the future. You'll definitely surpass me in an instant.''
''No..I'm not that strong..'' I said
''you're being humble again_''
''no..it's not like that'' I said
''that's the truth.. I'm not strong enough..''
''....how strong do you really want to grow?'' asked Sacha
...how strong?...
''at least strong enough to protect Lia'' I replied
"I don't want to be the only one who continues to be protected by her," I continued
"Sorry?" asked Sacha, not understanding.
''...actually..I'm the one who is always protected by her..maybe you won't believe it but that's the truth..''
When I was in prison... when the minotaur incident happened... even when I heard the news of my mother's death... I was always saved by Lia...
"I don't want to be a cowardly older brother who hides under the protection of her younger sibling. That's why I want to be stronger," I said.
"...being protected by a baby who's not even 2 years old. Isn't that too ridiculous to even be a joke?" I said.
... ''it's true... it's so funny that my stomach hurts'' said Sacha while rubbing my head
''...it would be annoying, wouldn't it be...if we were the ones protected by our own younger siblings,' said Sacha
''yes?''
''...blaze... how is your mother?'' Sacha asked suddenly.
***
Sacha
"Is he sleeping?" asked Kazuya as soon as he saw me come out of Blaze's room.
''Yes..''
''How?. Did you have fun talking to him?'' asked Kazuya.
''ahaha..we were just talking normally''
''....you didn't tell him huh'' said Kazuya
''There's no harm in telling him. After all... he's your nephew, Sacha Earl Florin.''
.... ''no.. I was thrown out by that family a long time ago, now I don't deserve to use that name anymore.'' I said with a gentle smile.
"You're stubborn, huh? Even though you're blood related," said Kazuya.
''... so?. What's wrong with your sister?. Did something happen?'' asked Kazuya.
"I remember Lia saying she had a father and an older brother, but she didn't mention a mother. What happened to her?" Kazuya asked.
..... ''he said she was dead'' I said which immediately made Kazuya flinch
''dead?...she?''
''That's what Blaze said, he said he was kidnapped too when he ran away when he heard the news of her death,'' I replied.
''hard to believe...'' ''then what?.will you go with them to the eater_''
''no'' I interrupted
"I can't believe she's dead..." "We've been talking about my little sister. Do you think she'll die easily?" I asked, which Kazuya immediately shook his head in response.
'' of course not. "She's not a woman who will die easily," he replied
''That's right..'' ''They said she disappeared a few months after giving birth to Lia... something must have happened to her... someone must have held her somewhere and made a fake death report..'' I said
"...is that so? Are you going?" asked Kazuya.
''...yes..'' ''My cute little sister is waiting for me. I have to pick her up,'' I replied.
''Clora will definitely be lonely..''
''ahaha..i won't go straight away either..'' ''...i'll go after blaze leaves. i don't want him to realize we're blood related'' i said
''....you really insist huh...okay..'' ''but make sure you come home every month...if not...I'll go looking for you'' said Kazuya while looking at me seriously
''eh?...ah...okay..''
"Then I guess you guys should go shopping tomorrow," said Kazuya.
''shopping?''
"You three will be on a long journey. Get ready to gather supplies."
''Then...just think of this as the last vacation with them,'' Kazuya continued.
''..ah..right.. the kids will definitely be happy'' I replied