[76.5] Do Not Mess with the Great Fairy's Children

****Disclaimer: This chapter hints at assault, drugging, and nonconsent that some viewers may find uncomfortable. Reader discretion is advised.***

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

I put the sleeping twins in the crib and stretched my aching back. 

Since I couldn't fall asleep due to nonstop thinking about what Cyrus had intended to say, I decided to go outside and eat a few snacks. As soon as I opened the door and stepped into the courtyard, Lovi and Bale stood frozen in front of me.

I narrowed my eyes at them, then glanced over to see Lene frozen in place as she tried to climb the courtyard wall and Asmonious trying to grab her.

Koale smiled back at me innocently while Rose was covered in tattoos that were slowly healing and disappearing.

Are all my children delinquents?

"I don't know where to start." I let out a sigh and pinched the bridge of my nose, "Only Asmonious and Lene should be awake right now. The rest of you should be asleep."

Koale immediately answered, "Atta is also awake. She's at the training grounds."

Lovi glared at him, "What did I say about tattling?"

He retorted innocently, "I didn't tell Mother that Bale snuck in again tonight."

Lovi slapped her face in disbelief.

I turned to glare at Bale, "And you."

He tried to refrain from sweating, "And me?"

"You have three seconds to explain until I start throwing ice."

Lovi stepped forward to explain for him, "He wants to go to a lantern festival so I was going to wake you up to ask if we could go."

I looked at Asmonious as he pulled Lene down. He nodded to let me know it was the truth.

Lovi played with her hair anxiously, "C-Can we? We will be back before daylight."

"Hmmm."

"Please? Aren't I old enough?"

It's true that she's not a child anymore…

But I can't help feeling overprotective!

This world is too dangerous for demons!

But…

I let out a defeated sigh, "Fine. You two can go."

They both lit up, "Really!?"

I interrupted quickly, "-But I'm going with you."

The two looked at each other but knew not to press their luck and complain.

Koale heard this and got excited, "What's a lantern festival?"

I smiled at him, "Would you like to come and see?"

He nodded his head in excitement, "Can I!? I want to!!"

"Of course. Anyone else?"

They all quickly shook their heads.

Asmonious smiled at me, "I will watch over the twins for you."

"Good boy. If you have any problems, just ask Rose for help."

Rose didn't seem excited to help, but her gratitude forced her to keep quiet.

Lovi put on her disguise outfit while Bale gave his scratchy outfit to Koale. Bale changed into his human form as I put on my hat to hide my blinding face.

I summoned my ice chunk and soared through the night undetected, landing in the outskirts of the town to avoid eyes. We walked the rest of the way, following Bale who was already familiar with the route. We arrived in a bustling market similar to the one in the capital I had once gone to, but it was not as busy.

"Don't go too far." I eyed the drinks anxiously, "Don't drink or eat anything that wasn't prepared in front of you."

"Yeeees."

They all said in unison.

"Let's meet back to where we landed if anything happens. Okay?"

They nodded back at me.

I patted Lovi and Bale on the back, "You two go have fun on your date."

Lovi looked at me in surprise, "You're not going to follow us?"

"You are old enough to take care of yourself." I gave her a wink, "And if you get into trouble, just make a big scene and I will come and save you."

"Thank you, Master!!!" She hugged me tightly, "I promise we won't get into trouble."

I eyed Bale threateningly, "You'd better not."

Bale chuckled and scratched his head, "I will be on my best behavior."

I nodded and watched the two walk off holding hands. My heart softened as the lights danced around their smiling faces, illuminating their features.

I let out a jealous sigh, "I miss Goldilocks."

Let's not think about that.

I turned around, "Alright, Koale. What would you like to do- Koale!?!"

How did I lose him already!?

I searched through the crowd frantically and found him surrounded by women who were fawning over him.

"Koale!!!" I pulled him out of the crowd and brought him away, "Where did you go!?"

He smiled innocently at me, "Those nice ladies said they wanted to show me their room. Isn't that nice?"

I nearly cried, "No!"

"No?" He tilted his head in confusion, "Why not?"

I let out a groan.

This boy is too handsome for his naivety.

"Koale. You cannot trust everyone. Especially someone who you just met and wants to take you home. Strangers are dangerous, okay?"

He blinked back innocently, "Okay!

I let out a sigh, "Just stay with me."

I held on firmly to his hand and started walking around the market, stopping to get festival food and to buy gifts to bring back.

"Mother! What's that?"

"Those are kabobs."

"Why haven't we ever had that at home?"

"Your older brother can't tolerate the sight or smell of meat so we try not to eat it in front of him. If you want to try some now, we can buy a few."

"Okay!"

I put away my items and went to purchase two kabobs. To grab it, I had to let go of his hand and complete the transaction. 

I was suddenly shoved forward by a surge in the crowd and turned back with a scowl. However, my expression froze when I realized Koale was no longer beside me.

You've got to be kidding me!!!

How did I lose him AGAIN!?

I tucked away the kabobs and started moving through the crowd shouting his name, "Koale! Koale? Koale!"

People turned to stare at me, but I ignored them and held onto my head cover as I continued to look for him.

Ughhh!!!

I wish I had a bracelet like the one the Headmaster gave me and the one I gave to Cyrus!

I should make some and give them to the children so I won't find myself in this situation again!!!

It shouldn't be hard to make, but for now, I guess I will have to rely on myself.

How can I find him in this crowd?

I can't create my ice chunk or else I might make the situation worse.

Ah! Maybe I can smell him out!

I stopped and took a deep breath.

I saw the trail of smoke leading through the crowd and quickly followed it. I pushed myself through the market until I found myself standing in front of a suspicious-looking building and felt an ominous feeling settle into my chest.

This can't be a good place.

Judging from the women and men walking in and out…

And those who look like they definitely don't want to enter…

It's not a good place for a person like Koale.

I took a deep breath and walked into the building where I pushed aside the mercenary like guards at the front. I ignored their shouts, looking around in a panic.

It's worse than I thought.

Even brothels have more dignity than this.

I watched as people were dragged into rooms against their wills, screaming and trying to fight back. Some were in such a daze, they couldn't even raise their voice to beg for mercy.

A guard finally caught up to me and grabbed my arm, "Oi. You can't just walk in here and-"

I turned to him feeling a rage build in my chest, "Haven't you ever heard of the word consent?"

Fire burst forward, burning everything and everyone around me.

But I didn't care.

I stomped through the flames as I felt myself getting consumed by rage.

Only the victims were spared as I went through each room, my fury building more and more.

"Disgusting."

I finally made it to the room where the black smoke led and kicked open the door. Three people were holding down Koale as he sobbed and tried his best to push them off.

At the sight of his tear-stained cheeks, I lost the last bit of control I had.

When I blinked again, I realized Koale was in my embrace crying.

"I'm sorry, Mother! I'm sorry I didn't listen! They gave me a drink! I didn't turn it down like you said! I'm sorry! I'm a stupid boy!"

In the vast darkness around me, all I saw was him.

I tried to maintain my consciousness as I held onto him, "No… No, Koale. You're not stupid. You're a very good child. You didn't do anything wrong. They did."

"I-I was so scared, Mother!"

I hugged him tightly while I rubbed his back, "I am so sorry, Koale. I'm sorry I couldn't get to you faster…" 

His body trembled as he cried miserably.

"I'm here now, Koale… I'm here now."

The building fell apart, the wood going up in flames as everything else started to decay and turn to dust.