Two things arose when I changed my tune. First, my nickna of Alt the rciful Sinner shifted as swiftly as it appeared. Those that challenged now refer to as Alt the Cruel Sinner. Second, the children beca timid around after my display of violence.
"You guys want so cookies?" [Solace]
"I-I’m okay sir..." [Tyrnius]
"M- too..." [Misa]
These days, I’ve been keeping the kids at my cabin. Wait, that sounded wrong. Let explain. Usually I’d send them on their way, but I found wounds of all kinds on them after defeating Ordwight. The thing I found more strange was that Misa’s body held more injuries.
("Brusies, cuts, and... so kind of curse?") [Solace]
Clear as day, there was so kind of brand on their backs. It was an insignia in the image of a hooded man. I could sense it bearing a curse inside it, one that was directly tied to their very lives.
("...I don’t think I sensed this on their last visit. It must be sothing Ordwight did.") [Solace]
Drawing upon my knowledge of fantasy stories, I could only assu it was a slaving brand. I figured it was a bit of a touchy subject for now, so I tried being as hospitable as possible while treating their wounds.
"What would you guys like to eat today?" [Solace]
"A-anything is fine with ..." [Tyrnius]
Misa nodded along with him.
("...They must be afraid of .") [Solace]
It kind of hurt to see them react like that to .
("It’s whatever. As long as I can heal them is all that matters.") [Solace]
Either way, I can’t just leave the situation like this.
("I think it’s ti I resolve this...") [Solace]
After a little deliberation, I confronted the children.
"Kids, let’s have a talk." [Solace]
I sat them down at a makeshift table with small chairs that had extra long legs I carved just for them. I could see them shifting with nervousness as I sat across from them.
"Let say this first: I will not harm you. Either of you. This, I promise." [Solace]
Misa eased up upon hearing that, but Tyrnius was a bit harder to convince. His cautious look remained.
("It still doesn’t change about what I have to do.") [Solace]
I explained to them about the curse and how it was connected to their life. I also let them know that I didn’t know what effects it had and asked them if they knew anything about it. This led to Misa tearing up and anger spreading on Tyrnius’ face.
"They hit us." [Tyrnius]
"I see." [Solace]
It may be cruel to keep pushing. However, I felt like I needed to know.
"How did they hit you?" [Solace]
"Punching, kicking, and any stuff here." [Tyrnius]
"Any stuff?" [Solace]
Tyrnius made a demonstration of grabbing a book.
"Sotis this." [Tyrnius]
He put the book down and picked up a cup.
"Sotis this too." [Tyrnius]
I nodded.
"That’s enough. I understand. You may sit down again." [Solace]
It was a bit hard to understand it with how a child explains things. Even so, I managed to piece it together. What Tyrnius ant was that any object lying around was used as a tool of abuse.
"Can you explain why Misa has more injuries than you?" [Solace]
Just that sentence made Misa sob. I could see Tyrnius’ fingers grip the table’s surface with rage.
"...They called her a forsaken. They said hitting a forsaken gives them good luck. When I tried stopping them, they hit only a little. They said I was lucky I had golden hair." [Tyrnius]
"I see..." [Solace]
I didn’t continue to press it, yet Tyrnius continued.
"When hitting Misa, they said that waiting until she was ripe would be better. ...What does that an, sir?" [Tyrnius]
I inhaled deeply when listening.
"It’s not sothing to worry about anymore." [Solace]
Judging by Tyrnius’ description, I’m able to make a few assumptions. One: Disgusting a thought it may be, I realized they were waiting for Misa to grow before assaulting her. Two: She was beaten more because of her black hair. It made fear for Fina back at tus. Three: Specifically golden hair like Wilharrow’s gives status.
"...Is being a forsaken bad, sir...?" [Misa]
"No." [Solace]
An imdiate answer. One so fast and resolute it surprised even myself.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Skipping the rest of the long winded talk, l can summarize it to trying to comfort and justify the children. I also got the information that the insignias on them were slave brands, received from a legitimate trader.
("So slavery is legalized in this world...") [Solace]
I wasn’t that surprised at that one. Have you seen human history?
("The problem is how do I remove this curse from them?") [Solace]
I think it was possible with |Unbound Mortal|. It’s just that they’ll die if I ss up.
("How should I go about this...?") [Solace]
As I pondered, my thoughts were interrupted by Tyrnius slamming the table.
"S-sir! I have a request!" [Tyrnius]
"Request? When did that enter your dictionary?" [Solace]
Noticing the determination in his eyes, I cleared my throat to sweep my previous words under the rug.
"Ask away." [Solace]
"Please! Make stronger!" [Tyrnius]
I shook my head.
"I’m not exactly qualified enough to take in students." [Solace]
I wasn’t exactly confident in my strength considering the average opponent I faced was around Jukhan level.
Tyrnius slamd his head onto the table in response.
"Please! I’m begging you!" [Tyrnius]
("Where did he learn to do this?") [Solace]
What is he, like, ten? Eleven? Maybe even twelve years old?
"You would have to stay with for a while. What about your parents? Wouldn’t they be worried?" [Solace]
"Never t them." [Tyrnius]
Holy shit that was blunt.
"If you’ve never t them, who takes care of you guys?" [Solace]
"Granny." [Misa]
I pointed at Misa.
"Nice callout. So, wouldn’t granny be worried?" [Solace]
"Granny’s dead." [Tyrnius]
Damn, kids really have no filter.
"Ooookay, so I’m going to assu you guys live by yourselves?" [Solace]
They nodded.
("Fuuuuuuuck...") [Solace]
I leaned back into my chair with a sigh.
("I’m too young to be a father, bruh...") [Solace]
Without a guardian, sothing like Ordwight could happen to these children again. Do I send them off or keep them here?
("Oh, who am I kidding. I don’t want to live with a guilty conscience.") [Solace]
"Before I answer, I have to ask... Misa, will you be joining your brother too?" [Solace]
"Where he goes, I go." [Misa]
Two disciples it is.
"In that case, before I accept you two as my disciples, there is one ritual you both must do." [Solace]
"A... ritual?" [Tyrnius]
"What’s a ritual?" [Misa]
Tyrnius leaned in to whisper to her.
"It’s a special thing soone does. Like dipping a cookie in milk before eating it." [Tyrnius]
...Does he seriously think dipping a cookie into milk is a ritual?
"In any case, it’s pretty simple. Are you guys ready?" [Solace]
The two nodded anxiously.
"All you need to do now is... kowtow to two hundred and thirty tis." [Solace]
Reviews
All reviews (0)