Chapter 18: Bree's Promise

Chapter 18: Bree's Promise

Rolling around a few more times, she finally settled down and probed the new items with her skill.

At least it didn't fail this time, she thought with an eyeroll.

Her father's gift was quite straightforward. A good bow that also helped boost her strength so she had a better chance to draw it fully. Of course, with her stats, she really didn't need such a boost. But it didn't hurt either.

[ Compact Iron Bow: Grade 2 ]

Physique +12 while aiming.

The box of arrows that came along with the bow only showed 'Arrows', which she didn't really mind. It actually made her glad because she would feel bad about missing or breaking them if even the arrows were precious. She was still learning, after all.

It's good enough if she doesn't miss the target entirely, let alone hit the bulls-eye.

[ Magic Pencil: Grade 3 ]

Can use spirit power as ink.

Can change to any desired color.

A bright smile lit up Evelyn's face as she carefully put her gifts on the table before collapsing back on the bed with a happy sigh. Just thinking about trying them out tomorrow filled her with excitement. Right now, however, even she felt exhausted from the long day.

Within moments, she entered a deep sleep.

Not long later, Bree peeked into her room and saw the girl sleeping blissfully, her long pink hair spread all over the bed, and her four limbs spread in four different directions.

Smiling gently, she closed the door before nodding to her sister. Although Isabella was quite tired as well and would normally have fallen asleep by now, there were some things she felt the need to hear from Bree.

Of course, there was no need for her to actually ask, because her little puppy couldn't help but yap everything she knew to her anyway. All she had to do was be there to listen.

And as expected, Bree really started talking not long after the two of them entered the master bedroom.

But her sister's tone contained a level of worry that unsettled the young mother. "Sister Bella, your daughter is really special I'm worried."

Still, Isabella pretended to be calm. "What's there to be worried about? Didn't you already know it was going to be like this when you came home with a blessed spirit egg for her?"

Bree's eyes flitted from side to side, as if unsure how to explain things clearly.

"No, no that's not it. I've seen plenty of children with the same physique, but I've never felt so calm around them.

At first, I thought it was just because she was so closely related to me, and because I loved her, but after spending the whole day holding her close, I can guarantee that... that's not just it. There's something else."

Isabella bit her lip, having a bad feeling. "Well, what is it then, what do you want to say?"

Bree ran a hand through her long golden hair fretfully, feeling some frustration in her heart. She really wished there was some device that could confirm her guesses, but there was no such thing.

The dampness on her shoulder from her sister's tears caused Bree's heart to constrict with pain.

"Don't worry, sister Bella. This little puppy of yours has grown up, and become a good dog that can protect you. Don't you believe me?"

Isabella couldn't help but choke with laughter. Her mood lightening up a little. "Ahhh you're becoming more witty, at least. But, little puppy, promise me one thing"

Her sister nodded. "Anything."

"If it comes down to it, and things get bad take my little baby and run away."

The blonde's eyes were sharp, although Isabella couldn't see it in their embrace, but she could feel the sharp inhalation of her sister. There was a feeling of both disappointment and relief, knowing that she would never give her up.

"I won't let that happen. You know it."

But she still couldn't help but plead. It's alright if the two of them, husband and wife, really couldn't make it. Maybe it was just fated to be so. But their little baby hadn't seen enough. How could she be brought in harm's way?

"Just promise me."

"No. This is one promise I cannot make to you. Because I cannot keep it. I I know I won't be able to run away from you."

Bree's voice was shaking, but Isabella could still feel the firm determination within.

"Bree please"

The blonde's eyes were red now, and she looked ready to cry. "No matter how scared you are, sister I've always loved you so much. Always done everything you asked. I've lived my entire life just for you. You're my whole world. Can't you allow me this little bit of selfishness? Just this once?"

Isabella felt a little regretful, feeling that she had really pushed her little sister too far. She was already trying her best, and as her older sister, how could she make things worse?

"I-I'm sorry, I must have gone out of my mind. What am I thinking, we're going to all be alright, what's with this gloomy attitude?!"

Bree smiled, although there were already tears rolling down her smooth cheeks.

"Right? It's not like you, so cheer up. Won't you ruin your daughter's beautiful dreams if she sees you like this?"

Isabella wiped her sister's tears with her sleeves, feeling distressed. Look, she made her little puppy cry again. And this time she wasn't even cute, just pitiful. Pitiful enough to make her heart hurt. Just how could she make it up to her?

Well, Isabella had her own way of doing things. Even her apologies were a form of bullying.

"No way ahem, anyway, little puppy, I'm very angry that you have rejected my request! How are you going to make up?"

Bree's tearful eyes were wide in disbelief. "You're still stuck on that?!"

Her older sister rubbed her nose, embarrassed. "Well, I'll let you off this time, if you make me another promise?"

The blonde girl gulped nervously.

"W-What is it?"