"Bed time story!!" shouted Hans while holding a picture book that has a green dragon and a white bird on the cover. The title said: The Scale and The Feather.
"Yes! Bedtime story!" shouted Ina.
"Bedtime stowreeey~!!" the others sang excitedly.The Matron chuckled and took the book from Hans' hands.
"Ventusien tonight? You must be loving this story so much, don't you Hans?" The Matron kindly said.
Hans grinned and nodded, his pale blonde hair swayed as his head moved.
"Do any of you wants one more story?" The Matron asked as she went to the small shelf beside one of the kid's bed.
"No thank you, Mama. I think that one is fine," one of the girls said.
"You can read anything for me, Mother. I just want to go to sleep," Amy said, already lying on her bed and putting her head on the pillow.
One of the girls looked at her and smiled knowingly. "Yeah, and dream about Brother Jai~"
Amy looked at her and threw her pillow at h
Kent's eyes flickered open slowly. The familiar gray cobblestone wall that looked very well smoothened immediately appeared in front of him.'Why do my body feels tired?' Kent suddenly thought.He groaned softly before turning his body to the other side, overlooking his room. His back was tired, his hands were tired, his feet were tired... It was as if his whole body’s tired.“Maybe I’m too old…” Kent muttered to himself. “I’m not exactly as spirited as my fellow Matilda.”Abbott Kent groaned again as he got up. He then looked at the tall grandfather clock in the right wall, right beside the couches, and saw that it was a quarter to eight. He slept quite well and he woke up like usual around these hours, but he felt more tired today.It made him slightly afraid and sad that any of these days, his fragile back would give away. He would have to find a replacement soon. He wasn’t actually pry for his ag
A loud shriek pierced the sky as a spreading white lightning exploded with an indignation bang."Ah!" Jai gasped, bending his body over as he was out of breath."One more time, Jai," Teacher Sora said calmly while fanning himself slowly. His long white hair and long white beard swayed lightly from the gentle breeze.Jai gulped and raised his index finger towards the older man."One (heave) minute..." Jai choked out, before he caught his breath again.Teacher Sora hummed briefly. "Very well. You look like you need a breather," the teacher said with a small smile.Jai, with those droplets of sweat flowing from his face and down to his chin and neck, silently thanked him in his heart. Because he couldn't afford to say anything right now."Finally, some calm..." Mac whispered.Someone chuckled from his side. Acertain blue haired young man who was dressed in a firm robe and looked like a wandering scholar."His noise is supposed t
"What can you tell me?" Teacher Sora asked while sitting on the rock Jai was previously standing on.The thunder elemer was currently on the ground, his arms and legs were spread open while he tried regaining his breath."Can you just," Jai gulped, and then he sighed. "Give me a breather? One more time?"Teacher Sora smiled his usual kind smile, and while still fanning himself that was not sweating at all, not like Jai."I gave you, didn't I? Why do you want one more time?" Teacher Sora asked calmly.Jai looked at him, his eyes frowning deeply. He knew the older man could clearly see how tired he was, but it was as if he didn't care if Jai was tired. But he gave Jai some rest which means that man wasn't actually heartless.The older man was still smiling like a he knew very well about everything. Jai felt that if there was ever a big riot which results in the explosion, this man would just look at the blast while muttering calmly, "Oh, an expl
A loud wail could be heard echoing from the halls of the Flame Wing.A monk then came running into the Abbott's room."Abbott Kent?! What happened?!" the middle aged monk asked in panic.In the Abbott's room, the middle bookshelf was already facing slightly to the side, and a small empty small space could be seen behind it. There was a stone pedestal with a glass cover on it, but nothing seems to be inside the glass cover."It's gone..." the Abbott whispered, still terrified.The Abbott was kneeling on the ground while looking at that small room. His hands were covering his lips as he tried hard not to scream one more time.Teacher Sora was beside the Abbott, along with Serio. And they tried calming the Abbott who looked about to go insane."Abbott Kent, please calm down... " Serio said, kneeling on the ground beside the Abbott and patting the poor man's shoulder."Serio, it's gone... How can this happen...?" the Abbott muttered, his eye
"Brother Jai!" greeted one of the children. It was Ina. She saw a glimpse of blue and her eyes instantly darted to Jai who had his scarf on and was walking towards their table.It got the others' attention immediately and the others also greeted him in equal excitement."Brother Jai!!" they greeted in unison.Jai chuckled and stopped by their table. "Good morning, kids.""It's noon, Brother Jai! Not morning~" Hans corrected him.Jai faked a surprise look. "Oh really? It's noon already?"The kids nodded their heads."It's lunch time now, Brother Jai," Amy told him. Then she extended her hand that was holding a scone with sugar for topping. "Have some scones!"Jai scratched his head and chuckled helplessly. "I guess I lost track of time while training."Ina climbed down her seat between Piko and Amy, and ran towards him. She
A knock came to Ruhan’s door. Jai and Darrion didn’t have to wait long for Ruhan to open the door.The brunette was looking fresh with his slightly wet hair and fresh clothes.Ruhan smiled when he saw Jai and Darrion. “Hi, guys!”“Hi, Ruhan,” both Jai and Darrion greeted back.“Hey, we’re going to the kids after taking a bath. Wanna come?” Darrion asked with a smile.“Oh, you are? Are the kids still in the mausoleum? I heard from Sister Azalea that they’re supposed to be going back to their village today,” Ruhan said.Jai didn’t know who this Sister Azalea is, but he guessed she must be one of the nuns who helped taking care for the children.“Oh, they were in the dining room when we passed by. I talked to them a bit and they seemed to want to play,” Jai shrugged.Darrion nodded. “Yeah. And we thought to invite you.”“Mmm~ I actually want to,” Ruhan said, his eyebrows frowning. “But didn’t Teacher Thamus say that we should go
The participants had finished eating and were currently playing with the kids in the garden.Darrion flew with Lemina, Gito and one other kid, the three of them were squealing excitedly under the shiny dome of glowing crystals.Jai was playing with Amy, Ina, and Hans, making their hair stand up while they were touching his hands.Lastly, Ruhan played with Piko and two other kids, making them float just a few feet in the air because they were scared to fly like their other siblings and Darrion.There were also two nuns hanging near them, chatting with each other. Kefara was also with them, hanging around the group of kids who were with Jai.They had been playing around for half an hour. Any of them should've felt tired by now, and Jai was wondering when because Darrion didn't seem to do anything besides having fun. He was relying on the blonde to gather some info. But eventually, one of the kids started yawning.“Are you sleepy, Piko?” Ruhan asked.
"Darrion's friend?" Jai looked confused. He turned to look at Darrion.Darrion sheepishly smiled and scratched his cheek. "The wind, Jai."Jai instantly understood. Then he turned again to Teacher Sora."I'm very sorry. We're just worried. Even though we didn't know what the person was doing, we still want to help," Jai said.Teacher Sora nodded. "Yes. And we appreciate your help in taking care of the kids. I told the Matron and she didn't deny she was feeling a lot better knowing the kids were in your hands."Jai frowned. He didn't know how Teacher Sora found out they were secretly trying to help them. So he turned to Darrion once again for answer."How did he knew...?" Jai whispered.Darrion was about to answer but Teacher Sora interrupted and answered for him."I can sense his wind flying around this room. When I asked who asked them to come, they said the blonde kid," Teacher Sora smiled."Aah..." Jai understood immediately.
Jai felt something wrapped around his stomach from behind. He immediately looked down to his waist, spotting two smaller sized hands coiling on his waist.‘A kid, obviously. But who is it?’ Jai wondered. This was a baby shower event, so he wasn’t feeling weird if children attend too. The question is, who is this kid?He tried to turn around to look at the hugger, but the kid was hugging him tight. It wouldn’t be hard to push it, but he was reluctant because it’s a kid. He knew there’s nothing he could do but ask.“Oh? Hello? Is there anything you need?” Jai asked with a friendly tone.He could hear giggles, but the kid didn’t answer his question.“Oh are we playing guess?” Jai asked.More giggles.“It’s a boy.” Someone whispered from his left side. A familiar voice yet he could not name.“Hey!” The boy protested.But from that tone alone, Jai could already figure out who it is. So he said. “Hello, Ruta-kun.”The kid let him go and Jai could finally turn around. True, it was Ruta. The
On the day when the baby shower was held, Jai arrived at the place with Baji.The venue is in a mansion in the North Town. Jai hadn’t been in that certain neighbourhood, but he finally understood that the North Town is the place for the riches, and the neighbourhood they were in is probably among the richest. The mansion building is tall, and the garden is so wide. There’s a medium sized pond with two gazebos on the side, and then there’s also a small orchard on the right side of the mansion.Baji leaned in to whisper something. “The party is in the back garden. And keep your mouth shut, please. You’re a famous guy and I don’t want you looking stupid.” Then he leaned back.Jai immediately closed his unconsciously parted lips and recited the plan. He couldn’t, of course, confront an important figure of a clan in a crowded venue. So Baji and Gilbert had made a plan to help him talk alone with Fuuji Fu in the venue. He just have to make sure he could deal with the ‘fans’, though he hoped
It isn’t a doubt that Cynthia was reluctant to share that information with Harris because Jai was there. So Jai proposed to the brunette to re-visit the place later in the day to ask about it.Baji was there when they returned, and Jai immediately told him about the findings he got also to consult about the Fiery Lotus.Baji crossed his arms on his chest and nodded in acknowledgement. “It’s fortunate that a promising lead is finally here. We’re sorry for the late initiative from our part. We should’ve worked harder.”He didn’t think that he would receive an apology from Baji. But it showed that the man is a responsible person. Jai shook his head. “It’s alright. From the start, it was already a scavenger hunt. But do you know anything about either of those?”Baji fixed his seating before he explained. “Well about the Chief of Fuuji, he’s a strict person on males. He’s nice to females, and he’s really into babies. There’s only one male person he had shown his friendly side to in public,
“So uhh, this person whom you mentioned before with Tsubasa is a very important person. And you want to ask him about Alex?” Darrion asked when they were in the carriage, heading back.Jai narrowed his eyes. “Why aren’t you being straightforward?”“I’m a bit tired from today. There are so many deliveries like yesterday. But ahh… I’m more tired in trying to understand what they say.” Darrion said with nervous smile.Jai forgot that his friend is not adept in Shouha language, it must be hard to work without understanding what anyone is saying.“Sorry.” Jai apologized.Darrion nodded. “It’s fine. Let’s just stick to no name for now, if possible. I… Can’t really erect a barrier right now.”“Sure.” Jai nodded. “The… Family, you know, told me about him. Saying that he is the first person we can ask about Alex. But he has a very high standing, as you’ve listened to me and the father talked about him, so it won’t be easy to talk to him.”“I see. So that’s why you go to them. They can be consi
"Sorry if it's too much of me to ask." Jai said."Oh no, no. It's fine. But my mother is not at home though, is that alright?" Yuta asked as he turned to Jai and Darrion behind him."It's alright. It's very sudden after all." Jai said."Alright then. Would tea be alright?" Yuta asked."Yes. It's fine. Thank you." Jai answered.Fu Fuuji is the head chief of one of the notorious Ten Guardian Clans, the Fuuji clan. After leaving the Komatsu’s residence, he was thinking about how to get in touch with this person. And the Akamine clan is the first thing that came into Jai’s mind.While they don’t really owe him a favor, this family is the closest connection that he has to the Fuuji clan, because they’re also one of the Ten Guardian Clans.Also, he knew that it’s not guaranteed that he would get an audience with Fu Fuuji through the Akamine. There’s a possibility that they are enemies with each other. But he would at least try to ask. So here they were, in the Akamine clan’s residence.Yuta
Returning to the present.“Little Sparks. Fiery Lotus. What the hell are those?” Jai asked as they left the compound.“Quiet down. You’re gonna get us killed for that.” Claude remindedJai turned around and talked in slight whisper. “If it’s associated with the Queen, that means it’s very private. In the North Town, in a community place like thing. It doesn’t ring any bells from the previous search. Do you know anything about it?”He saw an empty horse mount coming in their direction and waved it.The mount stopped in front of them and they immediately climbed in the carriage. “Southeast Windlet Post Office.” He told the horse mount driver.Weaving the air barrier thicker, Claude replied. “I don’t. I’m a hunter, not a mercenary. How do you suppose I know these things?”Jai smiled shortly with a shrug. “Maybe? Ah… But this is a major progress in the case. At least we know he’s not dead, and it will take more effort to rescue him now.” Jai smiled.Claude stared at Jai suspiciously. “Why
They were led to a corridor which have several doors across from each other. Alex immediately knew they are resting rooms, because he could see a bed from one of the opened doors.One of the committees, the previous guy who shot the Cloud Viewing Rune in the ceremony, pulled his hood down, showing his blonde hair. Then he turned around while the other committees went past him, leaving him to deal with the new freshmen batch.“Good morning. My name is Liam. I am one of the guild members and I am one of the supervisors of the freshmen. Well, not really supervisor, but I’m the one they put in charge to look after you when the super seniors are out. Like right now. Oh and umm, I’m not alone. I have my friends with me to look after you. So please don’t do anything rash, because we outpower you by a lot. And we prefer not to hit you, because you’re a potential junior. Please be nice to each other, okay?”Alex didn’t really pay attention. He stopped listening when he uttered the fourth sente
That morning on the day when Jai went to the Komatsu’s house, Alex had already settled in ‘the place’.He wasn’t familiar with the kingdom, as such, he didn’t know where he was taken to.And since he was late, he was grouped with those who were also late. Many eyes stared at him when he entered the room—it was an average room with beds—reserved only for those who arrived late.Apparently, those who arrived first had attended the ceremony and the first phase—and those who were late had to attend on their own. But they would be gathered together after that, and he would be able to meet his roommate. That was what Master Fu said yesterday when he dropped him off. But the old man wasn’t lying.He went through a sleepless night—because there were many others here that he didn’t know and he wasn’t keen on getting surprise attacked in the middle of his sleep. But the night went by uneventfully, fortunately.He and the others were given a tray of scone and tea to start the day. He didn’t eat
“Don’t. Test. Me.”Jai’s eyes glowed brighter for a second as he emphasized the last words.The civilians, of course flinched at his threat. All of them knew him as a humble and righteous young man. Always smiling and looked very kind. They never knew this side of him. That’s why they were very surprised. The Kizuato group wasn’t included though, they were there exactly to prevent Jai doing what he planned to do.Akane, who had have enough of her parents’ plan, stood up.“Akane-chan!” Rio tried to stop her, but she went anyway and spoke.But instead of retaliating at the guest in their house like the rest of her family, she was looking at her mother instead. “Just tell him, mother!”Rio frowned deep at her. “What are you saying, Akane?”Akane gritted her teeth. “Just tell him!! If you tell him, no one will be hurt!”Rio shut her mouth and swallowed, but she didn’t say anything.Akane looked at her mother with bewildered expression. “If you don’t, then I will.” She turned to Jai. But