CH 29

Episode 29

Since Persis didn’t allow us to stay overnight, Floa and I had to return home.

It was early evening when we arrived at the train station. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Floa came with our luggage, his hands full.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Instead of Floa, I went to the station attendant and received two tickets before boarding the train. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Once again, it was a second-class compartment, not first-class.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“The atmosphere on the morning train and the evening train is quite different, isn’t it?”

“I suppose it’s because they head towards different destinations.”

“The atmosphere changes depending on where you’re going, right?”

“That’s right.”

While Floa placed the luggage on the rack, I took a seat by the window. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Unlike when we arrived, there were other passengers in the two seats facing me.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

In the aisle seat, there was a man wearing a burgundy-colored hat covering his face and sleeping, while in the window seat, there was a woman wearing a hat pulled down low and reading a newspaper. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.They seemed like a couple.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

I alternated my gaze between the man and the woman before looking out the window. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.It was gradually getting dark outside.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Floa sat next to me, and finally, the train started moving.

We hadn’t had much time to enjoy ourselves, so I felt a bit regretful about leaving already. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.I thought I should plan a more leisurely schedule and come back again.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Suddenly, I had the thought of wanting to come back to the Beach later and meet that boy.

Come to think of it, I didn’t ask for his name. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.I even gave him a shell, but I should have asked for his name at least.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Floa, next time, let’s get permission to stay overnight and come back here.”

“Sure, anytime.”

He responded as if it were obvious.

Growl-growl. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.The belly button started ringing. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.The owner of the watch was, of course, me.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Are you hungry?”

“Yes, I’m hungry.”

“Would you like a sandwich and milk?”

“Do you have them?”

“The train attendants are selling them.”

Upon hearing that, I leaned my face to the side and looked down the aisle. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Just as Floa mentioned, two train attendants were pushing a serving cart from the end of the aisle, selling sandwiches and milk to the passengers.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Since I had never experienced buying and eating something on a train before, excitement welled up within me along with the thought of choosing from the menu.

“We have sandwiches and milk for sale. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.We offer chicken sandwiches, egg mayo sandwiches, ham and cheese sandwiches, and beef sandwiches, a total of four options.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“If you would like to make a purchase, please raise your hand.”

The menu options were simple, and they weren’t bad, but the word that captivated my heart was “chicken sandwich.”

When I told Floa that I wanted to have a chicken sandwich, he said he would buy it for me.

However, right in front of me, wouldn’t you know it, the chicken sandwiches started selling like hotcakes.

“Please give me two chicken sandwiches and three bottles of milk.”

“I’ll take one beef sandwich and three chicken sandwiches.”

“Please give me two each chicken and egg mayo sandwiches.”

Thanks to that, before the flight attendants could come to us, the chicken sandwiches were completely sold out.

I suddenly felt gloomy and dropped my hand, resting my forehead on the table.

“They’re all sold out… I wanted to have a chicken sandwich…”

“I’ll go get them right away.”

As Floa tried to get up, I weakly held onto him.

“Are you trying to take it away by force? Just forget it and sit down. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Let’s just eat something else, well…”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

I thought maybe I made a mistake by choosing the seat in front, as I wanted it so badly.

Unlucky, just unlucky.

“Should I have the egg mayo sandwich…”

I was mumbling to myself when it happened.

Knock, knock.

“Hey, kid.”

The woman sitting in front of me knocked on the table and called out to me. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.I looked up and gazed at her, meeting her bright blue eyes.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Did she call me?

I pointed at myself and asked.

“Me…?”

“Yeah. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Aren’t you the only kid here?”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

The woman showed a sweet smile and handed me something. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.It was only then that I noticed, the newspaper she had in her hand disappeared without a trace, and in its place was a chicken sandwich.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Do you want to eat this?”

A strand of light blue hair, slightly hanging from the woman’s navy blue beret, brushed against her cheek.

“I bought this before you came. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.I bought a lot, so would you like to have one, little sister?”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

The woman gave me a playful smile. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.It seemed like there was a halo of light around her.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

At that moment, I felt like I had witnessed an angel.

***

“Nyum nyum nyum-”

Thanks to the angelic lady in the front seat, I was able to eat the sandwich I wanted. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.She also handed me milk and another sandwich.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“You got some on your face.”

She kindly wiped the sauce off my mouth.

“Take your time. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Eat slowly. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.If you feel choked, drink some milk.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

With my mouth full of sandwich, I nodded instead of answering.

There’s no angel like her!

After wiping off all the sauce, the lady smiled contentedly as she watched me enjoy the food. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.I wondered if my mom would have taken care of me and looked at me warmly if she were here.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

With a sandwich in my right hand and milk in my left, I ate non-stop. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.The lady told me to eat slowly once again and introduced herself.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“I’m Iris. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.What’s your name, little one?”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

I swallowed the food in my mouth and replied, “May Flotina!”

Iris murmured my name with a meaningful expression.

“May… You’re the descendant of Pasebea.”

It was strange to be called the descendant of Pasebea when I was not even Persis’s son, but it was true, so I nodded.

“That’s right.”

As I took another bite of the sandwich, I suddenly realized that her name was the same as one of the names of the three imperial guardians.

No way…?

When I raised my head, I noticed that Iris’s gaze was on Floa. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.The way Iris looked at Floa resembled the look she gave to someone familiar.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“If You are the guardian of the family, make sure to feed him well. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.He’s at a growing age, so he should be nourished without any shortcomings.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Upon hearing this, my eyes widened. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.I hadn’t even introduced Floa, but she knew that he was a guardian.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

When going out, Floa casts a mental barrier spell to ensure that no one can recognize him as Floa and to prevent any troublesome incidents.

But even so, if she knows Floa’s true identity, does that mean she is truly the person I think she is? Usually, magic doesn’t work on someone with greater magical power than oneself.

Floa spoke as if it was bothersome.

“… I’m not being underfed.”

“Of course.”

I looked back and forth between the two of them.

“But how do you two know each other?”

The answer came from Iris’s mouth.

“The guardians have an annual meeting. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.To ensure that each guardian’s duties are carried out without interference, we gather once a year to coordinate our protective domains.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Since Floa became Plotina’s guardian a long time ago, it meant that their relationship had been established for a very long time.

“Hmm…”

Just then, a man who had been sleeping with his face covered by a cap stretched and woke up.

“Are we almost there?”

The man asked straightforwardly, and Iris replied.

“Yeah, we’ll arrive soon, so wake up.”

The man lowered the cap that had covered his face and placed it on the table, revealing red hair and yellow irises.

The man spoke as he looked at Floa in front of him.

“So, you’re Floa. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.I thought it was a dream when they said Floa, but it really is Floa. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.What’s the occasion? You rarely go out.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“We’re on a trip. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.The person I have to protect wanted to go on a trip.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Then, everyone’s attention turned to me.

A cool-looking man extended his hand to me for a handshake and greeted me.

“Nice to meet you. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.I’m Cassius.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

From Iris to Cassius. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.I wondered if he might be the same name, but he was still the 3rd guardian of the empire.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

One of the guardians of the Empire greeted me…!

If they see me well, they might put me in the ranks of the Guardian Knights!

I proudly shook his hand.

“I’m May Plotina. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Nice to meet you, too.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

As I smiled brightly, Cassius’s mouth curled up in a small smile. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.It was a face that looked at a child with affection.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Floa, you’re lucky. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Protecting May must be enjoyable because she’s so adorable.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Floa immediately acknowledged without hesitation.

“It is enjoyable. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Enough to want to protect her for a lifetime.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

He smiled gently at me.

As I held hands with Cassius, Iris also reached out her hand to me.

“Shake hands with me too, May.”

“Sure!”

I extended my empty left hand and shook hands with Iris. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Finally, I ended up shaking hands with both hands, crossing my arms.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Iris found my hand cute.

“Your hand is small and soft.”

While she was playing with my hand, I asked her.

“By any chance, is Hestia also on this train?”

Hestia, is one of the three guardians of the Empire. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Since I had met Iris and Cassius, I became curious to see Hestia in person as well.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“No. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Hestia usually goes around with her knights. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.She cherishes them like her own children. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Well, it’s not like we don’t cherish the knights ourselves.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“I see.”

It was the first time I heard that Hestia cherished her knights like her own children. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Considering that I had only encountered the Three Great Imperial Gods through books, it was somewhat expected.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

The train slowed down as it entered the platform. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.As it came to a complete stop and the doors opened, the announcement from the crew could be heard.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“This station is Paint Park Station. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Those who wish to disembark, please take all your belongings with you.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Cassius and Iris finally let go of my hand.

“We have to go now.”

“You’re getting off at this station?”

As I expressed my disappointment, Iris also looked disappointed.

Yeah. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.But I’ll visit you if I have the time, knowing where you live. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Is that okay?”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Cassius stood up from his seat, took out a bag from the shelf, and said.

“I’ll come too.”

“Yes! Come anytime!”

“See you later.”

“Make sure to come and hang out!”

Iris and Cassius waved their hands to me and went out of the train. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.I couldn’t help but watch the place where they left, feeling regretful for not having a few more words of conversation.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Outside the train doors, I saw people going their separate ways.

I really hope they come to visit. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.They were such nice people…read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

It was a moment when I wished for them to come and visit.

Someone entered my field of vision.

Platinum hair. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Short hair. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Expressionless face.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

The man, with sharp scars that seemed to have been inflicted by something, had a lazy eye, unable to fully open one eye.

“!”

As our eyes met, I found myself looking ahead without even realizing it.

What…? Why did I flinch?

Was I scared of that person? Because of his lazy eye?

Is that why I can’t turn my head right now?

I couldn’t fully grasp the reason. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.I couldn’t muster the courage to turn my eyes back and confirm him.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“The doors are closing.”

With the announcement from the crew, the train doors closed, and soon the train departed towards the next station.