10 Chapter 10: The Hidden Trauma and The Little Faunalian Girl

??: "This story was waaaaay before this woman here is still a girl. Keke."

Ceres and Tia are still tied and locked at their place when the robed man started to talk. Hans on the other hand could not move an inch because of the robed man's threat of harming the two. If Hans was alone, he could have done something about it already, but for them to get out of this dire situation in one piece, Hans must be careful with every inch of movement in his body.

C: "M-Mama… P-Papa…"

H: "Tch…"

T: "Ceres…"

??: "Once upon a time…"

The robed man stood straight and assume a pose of that a person telling a story with his finger twirling in the air. Ceres face was pale and her body was trembling one will think she has already been burning with fever.

??: "There waaaas this family who lived in the Kingdom. A fairly well off family with a mother, a father, and a daughter."

The man continued to tell his story, enjoying himself with their reactions.

??: "But one day, I KILLED the mother and the father!! The end~"

H: "…"

Killer: "Tch, boring… But well, well. Keke! I was tasked by our organization to kidnap the daughter. Why? Do you know why?"

C: "… Help…"

The robed man grabbed Ceres' head messing up her hair in the process.

H: "This bastard…"

Slowly, Hans' anger is accumulating and nearly cannot contain it. But the problem still lies with him not knowing more about his enemy.

Killer: "For this girl's Gift…! It's one of the rarest Gift…! A [Reinforcement Gift]!!"

H: "Reinforcement… Gift…?"

Killer: "That's riiiiight! A kind of Gift that makes the user a hundred, no… Even a THOUSAND-FOLD stronger!!"

Hans looked at Ceres who is still trembling from fear.

H: ["A Reinforcement Gift… But with her like this… Kuh… There's no other way. It's really up to me. But..."]

Killer: "Keeeeeekekekeke! Along with that little girl there~! Kekeke! Today is my lucky day~! I stumbled upon this girl while I was searching for this one!"

T: "Eek!"

Killer: "… Kekeke… Resuretia… HAIL RESURETIA!! [Resuretia] will gather all kinds of Gifts in this world… and then… Kekeke! AND THEN!!"

H: ["Resuretia…?"]

Hans strained his ears at the word.

H: ["Is that a person? Or not… It seems like he's working for that 'Resuretia' so… Maybe it's an organization. Tch… Then this is not just a simple kidnapping. Darn it, it's getting more disturbing."]

The man removed his hood and glared at Tia. His face revealed a man's face full of scar plastered with a creepy smirk.

T: "…!!"

Killer: "This brat's Gift is amazing you see…~ I'm really blessed with luck today. Kekekeke."

H: "…"

Tia then glared at the robed man with an intent of rebuke. But ignoring her, the man then licked the blade of his dagger that appeared out of nowhere.

Killer: "You see, I have a Gift~ But this ability is useless unless there are other people with Gift. Do you want to know what kind of Gift it is?? You want right??"

C: "… *sniffle*"

Killer: "I guess you do! I can detect other people with Gifts! And I can TELL what kind of Gitft they are!! Kekeke! I'm awesome, aren't I?! With this Gift of mine… our dream will not be but just a dream…!! KEEEEEKEKEKE!!"

The man continued to laugh like a mad man with his hands grabbed onto Ceres' head.

Killer: "Kekeke! Oh well, forget about the story! I'll just enjoy playing with this thing! I didn't get to eat this one before since I'm not into little kids, but… Kekekeke~ You look so delicious now…!"

C: "… M-Mama… P-Papa…"

Ceres fell limp like a doll with its string cut. The life in her eyes is now lost with only tears flowing endlessly.

Killer: "Kekeke! Here I go~ Kekekeke!"

T: "Hans!!"

H: "… I've had enough."

Killer: "Ke?"

A loud cracking sound was heard throughout the room. Without a millisecond to spare, Hans disappeared from his place.

H: "Enough!!"

*crack* *bam!*

Killer: "… BUFOHAAAA-!"

*blag!*

Hans jumped at the man at a lightning speed and punch him with power incomparable to that of a human.

In that moment, Ceres light came back to her and is greeted by the spectacle that happened before her eyes. The loud sound that came from Hans' hit and the crashing sound was enough to bring her back to reality.

Killer: "Arghh!! Y-You!! How dare you!!"

H: "Don't you 'How dare you' me. That's my line."

T: "Hans…?"

Hans face is now almost unrecognizable for those who have not seen him in a combat. He is now in full combat mode carrying an uncontainable anger inside him. One can almost see his eyes gleaming in the dark which is only aimed at its target.

H: "Seems like you were getting full of yourself, you stupid bastard. Here I am just waiting for the moment you just go away. But thanks to your stupidity, I found my chance to beat the hell out of you."

Because of the robed man's carelessness of getting carried away with what's in fron of him, Hans got his chance to attack with the robed man's attention was only directed at Ceres. Hans judged it to be an opportunity and released his anger towards the stupid bastard all at once.

Killer: "D-Do you know who I am?!"

The man pointed his trembling finger to Hans while holding his almost broken jaw with his other.

H: "I don't, stupid."

*blag*

Killer: "Guha-!"

His fist met the man's abdomen with a huge impact seemingly destroying his body. A satisfying crunching sound reverberate inside the room. Even the wooden floor where the man was lying created a huge crater from the impact.

Killer: "Y-You…! *cough*"

H: "You're quite sturdy, huh?"

*swiiish*

At the tip of the man's finger shines a magic circle that is slowly forming as he chants.

Killer: "Swim in the lake of fire, Hell Flar- Guho-!"

*bam!*

H: "Like I'd let you."

Blood has started to seep out from Hans fist along with the blood from the robed man's abdomen.

T: "H-Hans?"

Tia was having a hard time believing the spectacle in front of her.

T: ["His eyes… Unlike before, they were gentle and kind, they will make you feel relaxed… But now, I can only see bloodlust. Is he the same Hans earlier…?"]

Thinking that, Tia could only watch the scene in front of her with disbelief.

H: "Don't worry, Tia. I won't let this crap lay another finger on you two."

T: "… Ah…"

Hans smiled gently at her reassuring her of her safety. But it betrayed the aura he is emitting while looking at the robed man who is now lying while crouching on the floor.

*thump*

Tia held her hands close to her chest while feverishly looking at Hans face.

Killer: "W-Waaaah!!"

The man attempted to run away towards the door but Hans' feet stopped him.

H: "Where do you think you're going? Don't think it will end just like that."

A slight grin formed on Hans' face.

H: "Ceres. What should we do with this guy?"

C: "A-Ah…"

T: "Ceres?"

Ceres stood up from her place while her feet still trembling. Her eyes full of anger and determination. She curled up her fist and inserted all force in her arm.

C: "… Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!"

*blam!*

Killer: "Gufu-!"

A punch directly to the man's face.

C: "… That's… for my mother…!"

And once again, her eyes that is now moistened with tears, still full of anger locked onto the body of the robed man. She gritted her teeth and once again…

C: "… Yaaaaaaaaah!!"

*bam!*

Killer: "Gufu-!"

C: "That's for… *sniffle* my father!! *sob*"

Her hips gave in and flopped down on the flooe.

H: "Ceres… It's okay. Leave it to me. Hm. Tia."

T: "Y-Yes! Leave her to me!"

Tia supported sobbing Ceres and not within a moment, she passed out.

H: "Now then. How should I deal with you?"

Killer: "E-Eeeeek!! N-No, please! I'll give you money! Our organization will give you lots of gold!!"

H: "I heard that again, organization. What is that?"

Killer: "I'll tell you! I'll tell you, so plea-"

The man stopped in mid-sentence and abruptly held his mouth with his both hands.

Killer: "C-Crap…! Gack! Ack- Aaagh… arggh….!?"

H: "What the…"

The man began writhing in pain and rolled on the floor with something like a dark matter flowing out from his mouth.

Killer: "Gahaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!"

*BAM!*

Without a single trace, the man's body incinerated and burned leaving not even a speck of ash behind.

H: "What… was that…?"

T: "Th-That was a [Curse spell]… It will activate if the person casted with it, did something the caster forbids him to."

H: "Tia?"

T: "I'm okay… Thank you very much, Hans. Ceres is safe too."

H: "I see. We should get out of here. Let me carry her."

T: "Uhm… Hans?"

Tia fidgets on her place as if she wants to say something.

H: "Yeah?"

T: "N-Nothing…"

Tia was about to ask Hans about his change earlier but held back her thought. His atmosphere is now back to usual and the situation is now safe. That should be enough for now is what Tia was thinking.

Hans carried Ceres in his arms and went their way out of the mansion with Ceres sleeping peacefully almost like nothing happened at all.

…

..

.

S: "This is not good…"

A: "Ceres… Even Hans isn't coming back…"

*clang* *clang*

Sofiel and Anya entered the Lunaria Cafe followed by the ringing of the bell, which is hanging on top of the door. They still have not found Ceres.

S: "I'll get some coffee. Wait here and take a rest, Anya."

A: "Okay…"

S: "I know this is not the time but, can you tell me more about that Hans?"

Anya sat down in one of the chairs in the restaurant while Sofiel is grinding the coffee beans. His slender hand is gently rotating the grinder while glancing to Anya's direction.

He still have not yet grasp the whole situation completely but the worry he has for Anya is starting to build up. Anya's face have begun to turn pale and she's already covered in sweat.

One of the reason he can remain calm is his intuition.

Elves have lived longer than humans have ever had. Their wisdom and intellect are honed by their experiences, which is why their judgement surpasses that of an adult human. Especially Sofiel. Ever since he was a child, his clan always praises him for his great intuition as it always hit the mark.

But not that far as of those with Gifts like it.

A: "Ah… Yes. We met Hans in the forest earlier in the afternoon while resting."

S: "Yes?"

Sofiel is trying to distract Anya from the situation. Some may say that it is only a waste of time but for them to blindly search for a person in a relatively large town by themselves is asking for too much.

S: ["I have not yet met this Hans person, but the only option is to leave this to him."]

A: "He's a good person. I know so because of my Gift… He now even went his way to look for Ceres. But... I wanted to return the favor for the delicious dish he made for us. And Ceres didn't want to…"

Anya's shoulder slumped after remembering the events earlier.

S: "Do not worry. I think things will be fine."

A: "… I see. But then again, Sofie, there are some times you look and sound so mature~"

S: "Wh-What are you saying? I AM mature already. I am way older than you two!"

A: "Fufu… Sofie~"

S: "Hm?"

A: "Thank you."

S: "You are most welcome. You can approach me like I am your father, you know?"

Sofiel closed his eyes as if he is showing his maturity to Anya.

A: "Eh…~ You're more fitting to be a little sister~"

S: "Not even a mother, at least?!"

*clang* *clang*

H: "We're back~"

T: "Excuse me."

The bell that was hanging by the door rang followed by a familiar voice.

A: "… Hans? Ceres!!"

H: "Whoa… Relax. She's fine. She's just sleeping."

C: "… *breathe*"

A: "… Ahh… Th-Thank goodness…!! *sniffle* R-Really… Thank-… waaaahh… *sob* waaaaaahhh!!!"

Anya's hips gave in from the tension leaving her body and fell down to the wooden floor.

H: "Haha. I promised, didn't I?"

A: "*sob* You did! Thank *hic* you!! Waaaaaaah!!!"

"Uhm… Excuse me, miss. Can I have a chair to let Ceres lie down?"

S: ["So this is Hans..."]

Hans glanced further back where the kitchen is located and asked the person he saw.

S:"Me?"

H: "Yeah."

S: "Miss, you say… But I am a boy."

H: "…"

Without a sound coming from his mouth, his eyes widen out of shock but his minds have begun calculating the information inside his head.

H: ["Ears, cute, long hair, cute, slim, small stature, small face, round eyes, long eyelashes, long ears, cute, and a boy. BOY?!"]

S: "*sniffle* Don't worry, I'm used to it."

A droplet of tear formed in Sofiel's eye while aligning the chairs vertical like a couch. Though Sofiel dresses as a girl as a hobby and because of his attraction to cute things, he is still not comfortable with treating him like a girl. A complicated circumstance, or so it seems.

H: "I want to talk with you more later. I'm Hans by the way."

S: "Ah. Yes. I'm Sofiel. Just lay her here."

T: "Uhm. Hans, are you sure I can enter here?"

Tia appeared gingerly from Hans' back while holding down his brown woolen hat as her eyes dart around the place.

A: "*sniffle* Right… Who is the girl you're with~?"

T: "U-Uhm… I am Tia…"

She timidly placed her right hand on her chest and slightly bowed down.

H: ["Hm…? Is it just me or her aura changed from before all of a sudden? I thought she's more of a strong-willed girl but…"]

H: "She was one of the kidnapped, together with Ceres."

A: "Woooow~ She's so cute~!! *sniffle* I see. Nice to meet you, Tia. I'm Anya, wait- EH?! Kidnapped?!"

H: "Wow, took you long to let that sink in."

A: "B-But…!"

Anya is almost jumping up and down on her place while panicking.

H: "I'll explain it some other day. Rather, just ask Ceres. By the way, I have a favor to ask. Anya, can you at least let Tia stay here? I'll look myself a place to sleep."

T: "Hans??"

H: "Like I explained to you earlier, Tia, it was because of this talk we went through this mess. Well, it's not all that bad since I got to save you in the process. So I don't mind sleeping outside but I won't let a young girl sleep outside."

A: "Fufu~"

Anya, while wiping her tears of, chuckled.

A: "I really wasn't mistaken~"

H: "What do you mean? More importantly, will you let Tia stay?"

A: "What are you saying? Of course I'll let her stay here~ I can tell, too. That she's a really good girl."

T: "…"

Tia looked down while gripping her dress. If one could judge her expression, it is one of guilt.

A: "Oh. And that goes for you as well, Hans. You're NOT staying anywhere outside~"

H: "Huh? Do you want Ceres to run away again?"

A: "Just leave that to me. After all you're the one who saved her~ I won't have her rejecting you again."

S: "Anya. Ceres is waking up."

Calling from where Ceres is lying down, Sofiel called for them.

C: "Hn…?"

A: "Ceres??"

Anya's eyes glistened with tears after seeing Ceres eyes open up and hearing her voice even if it was a small grunt.

A: "Ceres… *sniffle* You're awake!"

Anya immediately jumped to hug Ceres.

H: "Haha, she's crying again."

Hans could not help but comment at the heartwarming scene that is happening before their eyes.

A: "Ceres! Ceres! I'm sorry! I'm very sorry!"

The tears that once stopped began flowing again. Seeing her beloved sister safe and sound, Anya could not contain her emotions that was pent up earlier and flowed out all at once.

C: "A-Anya…? Why…? Or rather... I'm back to the restaurant?"

A: "I'm sorry…! *hic* *sob* It's my fault! I didn't consider your feelings! *sniffle*"

C: "Anya… It's okay. I'm sorry too. I lashed out at you. I know it's not your fault. It's that guy's."

Saying that, Ceres glared at Hans while rubbing Anya's back.

H: "U-Uhm…"

A: "*sniffle* Hehe… *sniffle* We're even then~"

C: "Yeah. We're even."

Ceres and Anya met each other's foreheads with a huge smile on their faces. The tears that is flowing from Anya's eyes is now that of happiness.

C: "So are we agreeing on not having that guy over here?"

A: "Okay~"

Anya then nodded her head with a relieved smile on her face while wiping the tears off the corner of her eye.

H: "Wha-?! What about the 'That goes for you as well' earlier?! Anya??"

A: "Hehe~ I'm just kidding."

C: "Hmph… Well…"

H: "Ceres?"

Ceres stood up from the chairs that was lined up and turned to Hans while looking down.

C: "What I want to say is… *mumble* *mumble*"

H: "Huh? I didn't catch that."

C: "L-Like I said! Th-Than…"

Ceres rubs her left arm with her face flushed while searching for the courage she needs.

H: "Hm?"

C: "HMPH!"

She punched Hans in the stomach.

*bam!*

H: "Guh-! Wha… What are you doing all of a sudden…?"

Hans fell to his knees after receiving the blow.

C: "Something like that… Just think about it for yourself! Hmph."

A: "Geez… Ceres~"

T: "Awawa… Hans! A-Are you okay??"

S: "Here's your coffee~ Eh? Wh-What happened here?"

…

..

.

H: "Say, is it really okay for me to stay here? With Tia as an exception."

Sophiel has gone home and now Anya, Ceres, Tia, and Hans is on the first floor where the living quarters is.

A: "What are you saying~? You're the one who saved Ceres. Of course there's no problem letting her savior in~"

H: "Still… I'm basically a stranger, aren't I?"

T: "If Hans is saying that… What about me?"

Tia timidly spoke her own opinion in regards to what they were talking about while fiddling with her fingers.

Ceres on the other hand is drying Tia's hair as they were just inside the bathroom. They are now wearing their pajamas while Tia wearing Ceres'.

H: "Wh-Wha…"

Forgetting his concern in an instant, Hans widen his eyes while their locked on Tia.

T: "H-Hans?"

H: "C-C-Cu-…"

T: "Cu? Ah. Thank you very much, Ceres."

Ceres went to dry her own hair as she proceeded to sit on the couch in the living room.

H: "CUTE!! What is this cute creature?!"

T: "Wawa~??"

Hans is circling around Tia with his fingers placed on his chin and eyeing Tia. In Hans' eyes, Tia is sparkling and letting out an aura of a cute small animal. Anyone would want to hug her the moment they see her is what Hans is feeling right now.

H: "The large pajama that definitely exceeds her size covering her arms and feet… The ruffled golden silky hair… The ginger look in her face with a slight blush! And lastly… THESE ANIMAL EARS AND TAIL!!! CUTE!! Hey! Can I take her home?!"

C: "Relax, idiot."

*bam*

H: "Ow!"

Hans was hit on the head by a chop from Ceres' hand.

A: "Hmm~? Is Hans actually a dangerous person~?"

C: "Anya… I told you so. This guy is up to no good. We should call the knights."

T: "Awawa…"

H: "W-What are you talking about?! Are you implying that I'm a lolicon?!"

C: "Lolico- what?"

Trying to understand the word, Ceres uttered it once again but failed.

H: "Lolicon! I read it in one of my books before. Those are abnormal people who likes small children sexually."

Hans then closed her eyes and crossed his arms in an attempt to show a thinking pose.

C: "Then you're a lolicon."

H: "Wha-!? Ceres… Tsk tsk tsk… You don't get it…"

C: "Wh-What are you on…?"

Hans straightened his back and folded his arms with his eyes closed. Ceres then stiffened by the sudden proclamation of Hans that seemed belittling to her.

All the while, Anya cuddled Tia and had her sit on her lap while warmly watching Hans and Ceres starting their own debate.

H: "Listen here. Liking small children and liking a cute child are two whole different things!"

C: "They're the same, doofus."

H: "*sigh* See? You don't get it."

C: "Anya. Can I punch this guy?"

Ceres pointed to Hans and asked Anya who is now stroking Tia's hair with a blissful expression.

H: "Wait! Wait! Listen first!"

C: "Then talk."

Once again, Hans straightened his back and explained.

H: "Hm. Liking small children is definitely a problem."

C: "Oh, you knew?"

H: "Of course! But what I find appealing in Tia's case is her appearance! It's cute! The vibe she gives off with her attire and aura is what is likeable! Not her per se!"

T: "Hau…"

Tia seemed hurt because it was as if Hans did not see Tia herself as someone cute. Then gripping the hem of her shirt in the process, trying to suppress her disappointment.

A: "Don't worry, Tia~ You're really cute, too~"

T: "Th-Thank you, Anya…"

Good thing, it was followed up by Anya by rubbing her head. No one would want our cute Tia sad, after all.

C: "So? What are you trying to say?"

H: "What I like are appealing things! Those that give you warm and fuzzy feeling! Like you'll want to hug them! Or even eat them!!"

C: "Uwa… this guy spells danger…"

Ceres eyes turned to look like she is looking at a trash.

H: "Wh-Wha?! You still don't get it?! Oh. When I said eat them, I meant the things I cook. Please don't misunderstand."

C: "What's the difference? You took a liking to Tia so that means you're already a lo- uh.. lopicon."

H: "Lolicon. And I am not."

C: "How is it different, then??"

H: "Small animals… Drawings… Landscapes… Food… Cooking…! Those kinds of things give me warm feelings!"

Hans closed his eyes, trying to imagine them as she list them to Ceres. Using even hand gestures to express his emotions.

C: "Then how did you find Tia's appearance the same with those?"

H: "… I didn't want to say cute children because it would make me sound like a lolicon."

Hans said so with a serious expression.

C: "… So you're aware of it."

Ceres placed her palm on her forehead and heaved an irritated sigh while shaking her head from side to side. At the same time, Hans have his eyes as serious as it can ever be.

C: "Really, what a real idiot… *sigh*"

H: "Heh. Those who call others idiots are the real idiots."

C: "What are you, a kid?"

H: "*sigh* Oh well. Forget it. I let my guard down and showed my inner thoughts. That's my fault. But trust me in this. I don't like Tia romantically. It's like uh… A grandfather wanting to spoil his grandchildren?"

C: "…"

Ceres could no longer ride with the flow of her conversation with Hans so she just heaved a sigh of irritation and sat down on the couch.

T: "U-Uhm… Will you not ask anything about me…? I mean… I just appeared out of nowhere and you're already letting me in…"

Tia timidly asked.

H: "That goes for me as well, but… Right… I've been meaning to ask. I've been curious about it for a while. I really can't deny this feeling that I've got since earlier."

Hans closed his eyes while clutching his fist.

H: "Tia…"

T: "Y-Yes…?"

Tia stiffened with her head hanged down. Hans on the other hand stared at her with serious eyes and asked…

H: "… Why are you so cute?"

*bam*

He was hit by Ceres in the head.

C: "Idiot."

T: "N-No… Not that… B-But thank you very much. Ehe…"

Tia flashed a bashful smile and it seemed that flower started blooming all around her.

H: "See?! That's what I'm talking about!"

C: "Shut it."

*bam*

H: "Stop hitting me…! *sniffle*"

C: "Tia…~ Are you worried about being a [Faunalian]~?"

H: "Faunalian…?"

Hans uttered the word while rubbing the swollen part on his head.

A: "Right~ A Faunalia~ This cute little ears and tail is the proof of being a Faunalia~"

T: "Uu…"

Tia held her hands together while fidgeting after hearing the explanation of her own race.

A: "Fufu~ Faunalia is a race that has its kingdom located in the east and have been there for their whole history~ They are known for their feral traits like unparalleled strength, agility, and most of all their tenacity. Moreover, they are always in sync with the nature so they can interact with the spirits. They're a peaceful race~"

H: ["Spirits…?"]

Hans' attention was caught by the word Spirits. He has yet no clue about how the world works so the only thing that entered his mind are ghosts and stuff.

H: "Oho…~ Hm? Then why is Tia worried? Can I touch your ears?"

T: "Eh?!"

C: "Stop it, pervert."

*bam*

H: "Ow-! Eh?? Why??"

T: "U-Uhm… I-I d-don't mind… Ehe… I was just a surprised."

C: "… *sigh*"

Hans looked at them with a question mark floating above his head.

H: "What's wrong? Is there something about touching the ear of a Faunalian?"

*bam*

H: "Ow-!"

C: "You don't need to know."

H: "Ceres… Do you hate me…?"

Hans rubbed his almost visible swollen head with teary eyes as she looked at Ceres apologetically.

C: "I despise you."

H: "Urk-!"

C: "Hmph. I'll go ahead to bed."

Ceres then left them and proceeded to the bedroom leaving Hans having a sulking.

T: "U-Uhm… Hans! I will let you t-touch my ears so… Cheer up!"

H: "Tia… *sniffle*"

He then touched her ears without a second thought while Tia holds down her shirt to suppress her embarrassment.

H: "I'm being healed…~"

A: "Being so far away here, a little girl of the Faunalian race is sort of weird if you ask me~ Hence her worry, I guess~?"

T: "Y-Yes… But… Are you not worried about who I am…?"

A: "The most important thing is your fine~"

H: "I feel like the treatment of Ceres is different with me but I agree with Anya."

Tia's lips formed into a refreshing smile after hearing their reassurance. It seemed like all the burden in her shoulders is now lifted off.

T: "Th-Thank you very much!"

A: "You're welcome, Tia~"

H: "Oh right. It seems like you're the only resident in this house. I'm assuming you only have one room?"

Hans changed the subject and bring back the topic of how they will be staying in the restaurant for the time being.

A: "That's right~"

The restaurant's ground floor is completely designed for accepting costumers with the kitchen taking up a small portion of it. The first floor is comprised of a living room, a dining room together with the kitchen, one bedroom, and a bathroom. The bedroom has two beds which are used by Anya and Ceres separately.

H: "I see. I'll be using this couch then. As expected, I can't be sleeping in the same room as you guys."

A: "Hmm…~ That's true. Will that be okay with you, though?"

H: "Yeah. I don't mind."

A: "Okay~ Tia will be sleeping in my bed~"

T: "Ah. Yes! Thank you very much!"

C: "Don't do anything weird while we're sleeping. I'll kill you."

Ceres poked her head out of the door from the bedroom.

H: "Don't worry, I won't. I'm not that rotten of a person to betray the people who is kind enough to let me stay in their house. Wait… Didn't you go to sleep already?"

C: "So you admit you're rotten?"

H: "*whistle~*"

C: "*sigh* What an idiot…"

…

..

.

A: "Ceres…~? Are you awake?"

C: "Hm?"

A: "Uhm… I was just wondering what happened earlier…"

C: "Ah… I haven't told you yet, huh."

Anya and Ceres is now on their separate beds. Tia is soundly sleeping beside Anya. Anya who could not sleep because of the filling up worry in her chest just after the incident, asked Ceres while carefully rubbing Tia's head.

A: "Yes. I'm just curious. Or rather... I'm worried."

Their life have been completely peaceful up until now. The business in their restaurant is stable without any worries except for the dwindling staff. They get along together without any problems. They have reliable friends who will help them in their need.

But it is the first time that a big incident like kidnapping happened to them. Especially to Anya, who have been sheltered just as a normal girl ever since she was born, it brought a great impact to her.

C: "Hm…"

Ceres has thought that if she told Anya what happened, she will just worry unnecessarily.

In Ceres' case before, every time something happened to her, she sees to it that if she can handle it by herself, she will hide it from anyone and carry on. It was something instilled to her when she was a child.

A: "Will you tell me?"

But when she met Anya and lived together with her, she learned to trust her and to be more open to her.

C: "Yeah."

Ceres then told Anya the whole story from the time she encountered the robed man at the bell tower up until Hans came to save her. Of course including the fact that Hans was also caught.

A: "So that's what happened… And that robed man… Don't tell me…"

C: "Y-Yeah… The same one as before…"

Ceres held her arm and can be seen shivering with her face contorted to a face of discomfort.

A: "… I… I see… Ceres, are you okay…?"

C: "Hm…? Ah…"

Anya rose from her bed and went to Ceres side. She then hugged her tightly while rubbing her head.

C: "Anya…"

A: "Fufu~ I know. You don't have to tell me."

C: "Mm…"

Ceres did not resist and hugged Anya back with her face on Anya's chest.

A: "Were you scared?"

C: "Mm…"

A: "I see… I'm sorry I didn't get to help you."

C: "Don't be silly… It's my fault anyways."

Anya then stroked Ceres hair as she cuddles more to her side.

A: "So then that robed man… is he gone now?"

C: "Mm… That guy did it."

A: "Fufu~ So Hans is now your life's savior~"

C: "Wha-?? I-It's true he saved me but that doesn't mean I'll let him do whatever he wants."

A: "Ehh~ But Ceres. Why do you hate Hans so much~?"

C: "… I don't know… I just hate him. His face irritates me so much. And the way he never listens to what I am saying is annoying. And he saw my embarrassing side earlier…"

As if to hide from the embarrassment, Ceres buried her face

A: "Embarrassing side…?"

C: "My… My trauma came back to me and… You know the rest."

A: "Hmm. I see~ Fufu~ Isn't that fine, though? Ceres in that state is kind of cute~"

C: "Wha-?? What are you saying Anya?? I only look so helpless… Aaah… Just remembering it makes me want to punch myself…!"

Ceres held her head with both her hands, trying to forget what happened.

A: " Fufu~ Let's sleep?"

C: "Let's. Uhm… Anya…"

A: "Hm~?"

Ceres buried her face in Anya's ample bosom while hiding her embarrassment and Anya hugs her back more tightly.

C: "Thank you."

A: "You're welcome~ And say that properly to Hans next time, okay?"

C: "… *snore*"

A: "… Ceeeereeees…???"

C: "… I got it, I got it…"

A: "Very good. Good night."

C: "… Good night."

The two fell into the world of slumber with their hearts as light as a feather. Furthermore, the bond between them grew all the more after the incident.

The clouds are slowly clearing and once again, the twin moon reigns in the night sky shining brightly, peeking so gently from the drifting clouds and showering them with moonlight through the window, as if blessing them with a good night sleep.

…

..

.

Chapter 10 End