--AN: Sorry all, I was having some writer's block, and as it is late, I decided to post a side chapter instead of not posting anything. Please enjoy.--
"Crie-Creige thank you! I, Kana, will always remember this!" Kana knew it was not good to stay any longer. She was truly grateful towards the young man. He helped her without caring for his own safety. After saying her thanks, Kana dragged her mother away along with Ceilie and Lysairth's maid.
Lysairth was still shaking even after they had gotten into the car. She refused to let Kana go as if she was afraid Kana would disappear at any second. While she was happy that Kana was willing to be so brave and self sacrificing, she was frightened as well. If the young man did not show up, her new daughter might have been dragged off or killed right in front of her. She couldn't bear to lose her daughter a second time.
"Mama?" Kana looked up at Lysairth with eyes full of concern.
It was only when Lysairth saw the look in Kana's eyes that she finally began to calm down. She knew she had to hold it together for her new daughter. She forced a smile and patted Kana on the head. "Mama is fine. But Kana, never do what you did again. If you were taken away or hurt in any way, I… I do not know how I would live with myself…"
"But…" Kana wanted to say that for someone like her, it was not worth worrying about what happened to her, but before she could say such words, Lysairth put her finger on Kana's lips, keeping her from talking.
Lysairth looked at Kana with gentle eyes as she sternly said: "Never do that again. You are now my precious daughter. You must let me as your mother protect you."
Ceilie, who was quiet this entire time suddenly spoke up and said: "Young Miss, Mistress is right. You should let her protect you. You are still young so let those who are older than you stand in the front and protect you from the bad things in the world."
"But… I am nothing but a…" Kana's eyes began to well up with tears. She was still not used to being treated so well. But at the same time, she wanted to protect her new mother as well. But before she could finish her words once again, she felt a sharp pain on top of her head.
"Never say you are anything but my daughter! You are now Kana Williams. Your past doesn't matter. Only the future does!" Lysairth yelled. It was her first time yelling at Kana, but she wanted Kana to realize she was no longer just a street rat. She was now the daughter of Lysairth and Pepelt Williams.
Kana rubbed the top of her head and looked at Lysairth. Although she had spoken sternly, her eyes were filled with love and care. Kana lowered her head and nodded slightly. She understood she shouldn't do such things or say such things anymore but… if this happened again, she would still stand in front of her new mother.
No matter how much she would get scolded for it or what happened to her, in the end, she would still do it. In order to repay this woman who pulled her out of poverty and of a life that may have led to her either selling herself, addicted to some kind of drug, or worse of all, dead. She would have had a hard life until the day she finally died. But because of Lysairth's kindness, she was pulled from the streets and now had a warm house, hot food, and the most important thing of all, the love that she thought she would never feel again.
When they got home, Pepelt had already learned of everything. He had Lysairth and Kana go off and rest while he went to his office. Standing there with her hands behind her back was Kiliffia. On her cheek was a small red smudge. Next to her was Ceilie and Lysairth's maid. "You three did good. But next time, there is no need to hold back. Mr. Burksley will be here soon to talk about how he will compensate for what his wife did today. Although she was punished severely, this is only for her actions, and compensation is still needed."
"Master, you should have seen it. The young miss was willing to give up everything in order to protect Mistress." Ceilie spoke up. She was truly touched by Kana's bravery.
"She is a good girl who knows how to show loyalty to those who treat her well. I just hope she does not do that again. Ceilie, Kiliffia, I will leave it to the two of you to keep her from doing such dangerous things again. Soon she will be going to school, as you two will be joining her. You must protect her well. Do not let her get bullied. She is the type who will endure in order to not trouble us." Pepelt already understood Kana's personality very well. She was self sacrificing, thinking her life was nothing compared to those who helped her. She was a kind hearted girl who would do anything to repay them back. But he did not wish to be paid back. He just wanted Kana to grow up happy and healthy.
"We will do our best to protect the young miss." Kiliffia and Ceilie both said while they saluted Pepelt.
"Good. Mary, you need to also step up from now on. If those bitches from the other families try to bully my wife, feel free to slap them to the ground." Pepelt said to Mary, she was Lysairth's maid.
"Master, I will properly protect Mistress." Mary had been waiting for such orders for a long time. She always hated holding back when these rich, stuck up, snobby ladies would bad mouth her Mistress.
"Alright, you three can leave, and Kiliffia, go wash your face. You still have that pig's blood on your cheek." Pepelt pointed to the red smudge on Kiliffia's cheeks.. It was indeed pig's blood from a loud mouth pig who squealed as if she was dying as Kiliffia gave her some discipline.