Chapter 96

Her head was already complicated. At this point there are so many things to think about and so many things to organize, she didn’t want to get caught up in useless things.

‘But…….’

Herietta’s complexion darkened. As she looked into the terrified boy’s black eyes, she thought of her younger brother, who always followed her. Hugo, who went to Bangola, must have been very afraid and had a hard time adapting to the surrounding environment.

“Hey, kid.”

Herietta, who could not bear to turn away from the boy who reminded her of Hugo, had no choice but to talk to him. The boy, who was scanning the store with his wide eyes, turned his head to look at her. The two eyes met.

“Would you like to come over here?”

Herietta beckoned and called out to the boy.

“Don’t worry about it. Sister is not a suspicious person.”

When the boy did not readily approach and looked at her warily, Herietta quickly defended herself. She quickly regretted it though. Isn’t she a suspicious person herself? Could there be anything more suspicious than this?

“I just needed someone to talk to because I was bored sitting alone. You don’t have to worry.”

“…….”

“It’s true. If you want, I’ll share some of these snacks here.”

Hearing Herietta’s words, the boy’s gaze turned to the snacks in front of her. It tasted rather bland, as if almost no seasoning was added. But she still thought it was worth eating thanks to the crispy texture. It wasn’t a very expensive meal, but it was unlikely that a child born into an ordinary commoner’s family would often taste it.

The boy, who had been hesitating while rolling his eyes here and there, quietly stood up from his spot, perhaps enchanted by her words about sharing the snack. He hesitated and came slowly, very slowly, to the table where she was sitting.

“Now, sit here.”

Herietta offered him a seat across from her. The boy, who had been watching her, cautiously sat down on the chair. She pushed the plate of snacks in front of him.

“What’s your name?”

Herietta, who was watching the boy pick up a snack with his small hand, asked insinuatingly.

“…… Lucas.”

“Lucas? Wow, that’s a cool name! It suits you perfectly!”

Herietta feigned exaggerated admiration. Lucas, who had been munching on the snack, gulped down what was in his mouth.

“What about Sister?”

“Me?”

Herietta pointed her finger at her and he nodded. Herietta’s eyes narrowed.

“My name is Ciela.”

She spat out a pseudonym, which she had prepared beforehand. Mackenzie’s eldest daughter, Herietta Mackenzie, was said to be missing from Brimdel, so she had to be cautious of everything. Of course, now that Brimdel has been destroyed, she doubted what the meaning of these actions would be.

“Lucas, are you here alone?”

“I came with my dad.”

“Dad? Then where is your dad?”

Hearing Herietta’s question, Lucas pointed his finger toward the kitchen of the shop. Through the half-open door, she could see the chef preparing the food.

“Then what about your mom?”

“I don’t have a mom.”

‘Ah. Therefore…….’

Only then did Herietta understand why Lucas was sitting here alone. Lucas was too young to be home alone all day. So, did he come here every day following his father on the way to work?

Herietta felt sorry for the boy that was sitting in front of her. He was the son of the chef, so he wouldn’t go hungry, but he was very small.

She opened her mouth slightly as she watched the snack in his hand get smaller and smaller.

“Lucas. Can Sister tell you a funny story?”

“Story?”

“Yes. A story about a girl called Lynn, a wizard, and the magic flower she grew.”

Lucas’ expression brightened at Herietta’s words. Regardless of nationality, all children seemed to like stories about magic. She smiled at him as he nodded vigorously and expressed his willingness to.

“Once upon a time there lived a girl named Lynn in a village.”

Herietta, who moved to be next to Lucas, started talking.

“Lynn was a little girl about this tall, maybe like Lucas. She was just your age. Little Lynn lived on a round hill with lots of green grass. Her cottage, where she lives, was very popular in town, and this is why.”

Herietta gently continued her story. sometimes quietly. sometimes dramatically.

Herietta’s effort to change her expression and voice to match the flow of the story made Lucas seem immersed in the story. He listened to her story with both hands propped up on his face with his mouth open, as if he had forgotten to eat the snack.

Around the time the story reached its climax.

Ring-ling~

The shop door opened and a clear bell rang. The eyes of the people sitting in the store naturally turned toward the door. Herietta, who was talking to Lucas, also unconsciously turned her head and glanced at the same place.

Three people entered the store. All of them were tall, sturdy adults. They were clad in gray cloaks, and the hoods attached to their cloaks were pulled, so their faces could not be seen. However, is it because of their physique that is very large and sturdy even for an adult? Even without saying a word, an indescribable sense of intimidation flowed from them. Their appearance instantly quieted the noisy shop.

‘Are they travelers?’

It was a common outfit for travelers traveling long distances. Drops of water trickled down from the cloaks they were wearing. The long brown boots, down to just below the knee, were also a little wet.

“…….”

The person standing on the right of the crowd whispered something to the person in the middle, probably feeling the attention focused on them. There was no sound of conversation, but it was clear that they were debating whether to stay here or go somewhere else.

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