[76.7] Guilt.

[Author's note: This part of the chapter is back to Reika's perspective]

As we soared back home, Koale quickly recovered from the effects of the drugs. Thanks to his demonic blood, it had far less effect than usual.

But I wonder how much they gave him?

An overwhelming sense of guilt collided with my chest and I bit down on my lip to chase it away.

"Great Fairy."

I looked over at Bale who was shyly offering his jacket.

I glanced down at my body and realized most of my clothes had burnt off in the fire.

But luckily…

Or unluckily…

The charred skin had already covered most of my body so there wasn't much to hide.

I smiled and placed on the jacket, "...Thanks."

The rest of the way was silent until we landed back at the courtyard.

We walked inside where everyone was already waiting for us.

The twins sensed me and started wailing for attention, so Asmonious brought them out to greet me.

Asmonious smiled sweetly, "How was your trip, Master?"

I looked at Koale anxiously, "-Well… We had an incident."

Rose heard us and stepped out of her hiding spot timidly, "W-What happened? Is everything okay?"

As soon as Koale saw Rose, he started sobbing as he ran to her, "It was awful Rose!!! Those people made me feel so sick!"

I bit down on my lip as my body trembled.

Why didn't I protect him?

It was my job!

It was my ONE job!

How could I fail that!?

How could I fail him!?!

Rose looked at me for explanation, "What happened?"

I let out a guilty sigh, "Koale was targeted for kidnapping. They took him from me when I was distracted and drugged him."

Rose suddenly turned red with anger, "D*mn humans. They are evil, lustful beasts. I hate them. I hate them so much-"

I knew I didn't have the right to speak so I averted my gaze.

"The food and drinks tasted sweet so I thought it was okay! But then my body went numb and so many people tried dragging me away!!! I tried really hard to stop them, but it wasn't working! It was terrible!" Koale hugged her as he complained, "I'm glad Mother was there or else they would have ate me!!!"

Ah.

He must have fought really hard until I was able to arrive.

I bit down harder on my lip.

I should have gotten there faster.

Rose hugged him back, rubbing the top of his head to soothe him. She spoke in a soft voice, "Master will always protect you and I'm here too. So do not cry, my darling. You're safe now."

My heart froze when I heard her words.

Her…

Darling…

I wavered, nearly fainting from the sudden realization. I grabbed the wall for support as my face got pale while fear set in.

Didn't Rose say….

The humans took away her mate and sibling?

Out of all the children here…

I never met Lovi or Koale.

As doom set into my heart, Rose started singing. Her voice was like a lullaby and soon…

Koale fell asleep happily in her embrace.

I went over to the stone table and sat down beside it. I groaned as I leaned forward and covered my face in my hands.

How can I stop that future from occurring!?

I don't remember how it happened!

I don't even know if Zephyr ever told me!!!

So what should I do!?

Just keep them locked up here?!?

I recalled the happy expression of Lovi as she walked through the crowd of people with Bale.

No…

I can't deny them a life.

They aren't children anymore…

No matter how much I see them as one.

Is there anything I can do?

I rubbed my eyebrows to calm myself and shouted in frustration, "F*CK!"

Why can't I be good at coming up with ideas!?

This is exactly why I need Cyrus here!

He's the brains! 

I'm just the brawn!

Zephyr looked at me with an innocent expression, "F*ck."

I deadpanned: "..."

Asmonious shook his head, "No, no. That's a bad word, Zephyr."

Zephyr burst out into laughter, clapping his hands, "F*ck f*ck f*ck!"

I screamed in a panic, "Why is that your first word!?! Of all the words-"

Lovi let out a sigh and shook her head, "Nice influence, Master."

I covered my face wanting to cry.

Please don't tell me Zephyr became a potty mouth because of me!!!