An elf?

Cynthia stood at the door of the cabin, her heart skipping a beat at the sight of Yuto standing there

After two long years apart, the distance and separation had made her almost forget how he looked

The familiar yet slightly older face, the stance, it all came rushing back to her, filling her chest with a mix of emotions

"Y-yuto...?" she called out, her voice soft and hesitant

"Hey Cynthia, it's been a while"

"Yuto," she breathed, a smile spreading across her face. "You... you look older... and taller"

"Dummy, it's been two years. Of course, I would be"

Cynthia let out a small huff of mock irritation at his teasing comment, her heart growing warm at the familiar banter between siblings

"I know that idiot," she retorted, rolling her eyes playfully. "I'm just stating the obvious"

"Yet you seem to have stayed the same, personally wise"

"Hey, it's not like you've changed that much either," she shot back, her voice defensive

"You're still the same overconfident, annoying big brother"

"Heh, so uh, how's mom doing?"

Cynthia's expression turned solemn at the mention of their mother, "She's... she's doing okay," she replied, her voice soft and laced with a hint of worry

"It's been tough for her without dad, but she's managing. She talks about you... a lot"

"Says that you are being praised quite a lot by Uncle Clovis and how she missed seeing you"

"I see, how are you holding up?"

Cynthia looked down, avoiding his gaze for a moment, before finally responding

"Me..." she began, her voice quieter than usual. "I've... I've been okay, I guess. The training has been intense, and I miss home... but I've been learning so much. I think... I think Dad would've been proud"

Yuto walked over to pat her head, seeing how she looked like she was on the verge of crying

"I'm sure he would have been proud, how are Aunt Lily and his disciple doing?"

Cynthia chuckled as she wiped a tear, "Aunt Lily is... she's tough," Cynthia said, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips

"She pushes me hard, but I see how much she cares under that stern exterior. She's teaching me a lot"

She paused, her expression growing slightly somber.

"Sayuri is... different. More reserved. She observes and trains, but she doesn't talk much. Like a sentinel."

". . ."

Cynthia watched, noticing the brief pause in the conversation. She knew that look in Yuto's eyes - it meant he was contemplating something

"What is it?" she asked, curiosity etched in her tone

"You have that thinking face on"

"What face?"

Cynthia snorted a laugh, rolling her eyes at his innocent question

"You know the face," she replied, a hint of amusement in her voice

"That thinking, contemplative face you make when you're pondering something deeply"

"How would you like to join my party?"

Cynthia's eyebrows shot up in surprise, a mix of curiosity and excitement flooding her mind at the invitation

"Join... join your party?" she repeated, her voice filled with disbelief. "Are you serious?"

"I plan on exploring this world, of course getting stronger and getting paid is also a part of my plan"

Cynthia shook her head, "I'm sorry, I would love to join, but mom needs me here maybe in a year or so I can join"

"I see, that's too bad, but I do have someone I want you and Mom to meet"

"Someone you want us to meet?" she echoed, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Who is it? An ally? A friend?"

Yuto looked nervous, as nervous as when he first punched a man, "It's um, my uh"

"Who, don't keep me in suspense, who is it?"

"My daughter . . ."

Cynthia's eyes widened in shock, her heart skipping a beat as his words sank in

["Daughter? You had a daughter? Cynthia's mind was a whirlwind of questions and disbelief"]

"Da-daughter?" she stumbled over the word, her voice laced with surprise. "You... you have a daughter?"

"How old is she?" Cynthia managed to ask, her mind still reeling from the unexpected revelation

"Wait wait, I know you must have a lot to say"

"First, she's my adopted child, and second she is of vampire nobility"

"Your adopted daughter... and she's a vampire?" she repeated, her tone filled with confusion and awe. "How... how did that happen?"

"Well, Uncle Clovis had me and Mizuki do a dungeon exploration where we found Scarlett at the bottom, sitting there in a dark cold room"

"So like a dumbass with no plan you just decided to adopt her?"

"Yes"

". . ."

"What?"

"Nothing, so where is this daughter of yours?"

"I'm guessing she and Mizuki visited the village, I advise you to be careful she does have a lot of energy"

Mizuki smiled as she started to fly down to the village, "Well Mom's inside the cabin, she should be in their old room, don't say anything stupid"

"Of course, I won't, I'll see you in an hour"

They both nodded as Cynthia flew down and Yuto made his way inside, it had been two years since he stepped foot in here

Although Alice saw this place get 'destroyed' it was just illusion magic Cynthia had set up to trick any monster from destroying their home

As he walked further and up the stairs he heard his mother talking to herself, he thought it rude to interrupt so he waited by the stairs 

-10 minutes later-

He heard her finish talking and walked up to the door and knocked gently, "Mom"

Cara felt some of the tension leave her body as she heard Yuto's voice and a small smile forms

Yuto opened the door with a smile, "It's been a while"

She looked at Yuto, taking in the sight of her grown-up son after not seeing him for two years

"Yuto... is that you?"

"Have I changed that much?"

Cara took a moment to process the fact that Yuto had grown even taller and stronger compared to the last time she saw him, but all she felt was happiness and joy at seeing him again

"Oh, Yuto... you've grown so much! You're bigger, and your voice is deeper. It's been two years, and I've missed you so much…"

"I've missed you too"

"Come here, come give your old mom a hug"

She opened her arms, inviting him in for a tight embrace, feeling a wave of emotions wash over her as she held him close

"So Mom, have you been?"

"I've been... doing my best. These past two years have been a mix of training, learning magic, grief... It hasn't been easy, but I'm managing. How about you, dear? How have you been?"

"Uh, well I adopted a child"

"You adopted a child? Really? Oh, that's... unexpected, but also wonderful. Tell me about them, please"

"We can talk about it during supper, I have a favor I want to ask you later, right now I want to catch up"

"Oh, a favor? Sure, of course. You know I'll always be here to help you, honey. Just let me know what you need, and I'll do my best"

"That can wait till after supper, Mom, how are you feeling?"

She paused for a moment, considering the question, her expression becoming slightly thoughtful

"I'm feeling... a mix of emotions, honestly. I still mourn the loss of your father, the grief is ever-present, but I'm coping, I suppose. And I'm also just... tired. These two years of magical training have been quite rigorous"

"Aunt Lily and Sayuri have been great teachers, and I've learned a lot, but it's been a challenge. Both physically and emotionally. But I wouldn't trade it for anything, I know it'll be worth it in the long run"

"Haha, well that's good to know and you were right about Uncle Clovis not being able to cook, I honestly miss your cooking"

A small chuckle escaped her lips, reminiscing, and she looked at Yuto with a hint of fondness in her eyes

"Oh? Uncle Clovis still can't cook even a simple meal, huh? That man... I guess some things never change"

"And you miss my cooking, you say? Well, I'll make sure to treat you to a proper meal, dear"

"Honestly speaking, I've missed cooking for you. The past two years have been... rather monotonous. Training, training, training, and more training. It's been a bit of a grind. But cooking... cooking is therapeutic for me. It's a way to relax and express myself. And I'm looking forward to preparing a meal for you again"

"That means a lot and today's dad's birthday right?"

She nodded slowly, her expression becoming somewhat somber, a sense of melancholy washing over her

"Yes... today is his birthday. I came back to leave some flowers on his grave, a small tribute"

She lowered her gaze, a mix of sadness and bittersweet memories flooding her mind, and she continued speaking in a soft and weary tone

"It's been two years since he's gone, but I still miss him, you know? Now and then, I find myself wondering how he'd react to certain things, or what advice he'd give... but at the same time, I want to honor his memory and keep going strong, for him and you and Cynthia"

"Thank you, Mom, I know that can't be easy"

Cara gently placed her hand on his shoulder, "Oh, you don't have to thank me, honey. I'm just doing what any mother would do. I want to be here for you, to support you through anything life throws at us. And your father... he would have wanted that too"

She gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze, her voice filled with love and determination

"He would be proud of the man you've become, Yuto. And so am I. You've grown into a strong, kind-hearted person, and that's all I could have hoped for"

"Is that so?"

She smiled warmly, her eyes full of affection as she spoke in a sincere tone

"Of course, dear. I mean it. You've been through so much, and you've handled it all with such resilience and maturity. Every day, I see more and more how much like your father you are"

Yuto felt a tear escape, "So should we get started with supper?"

"Oh, Yuto... it's alright, sweetheart. But yes, let's get started with supper. I'll see what ingredients we have here and start cooking. Why don't you go wash up while I prepare everything?"

Cara gave Yuto's shoulder another gentle squeeze before walking to the kitchen, looking through the cabinets and pantry to see what ingredients were available. As she gathered the necessary items, she sighed slightly, her mind swirling with thoughts.

She can't help but feel a pang of sadness at the absence of her husband but she pushes those emotions aside, knowing that she needs to focus on preparing a meal for her family and honoring his memory in her way

She starts preparing the ingredients, chopping vegetables, and measuring spices, a sense of nostalgia washing over her as she goes through the familiar process. It's almost therapeutic, the simple act of cooking bringing her a sense of comfort and relaxation. 

As she chopped the vegetables, she found herself lost in her thoughts, her mind wandering back to happier times, memories of her husband and the family they once had filling her head

She knows the love of a good meal can still bring people together, and that's what she hopes to do for her family tonight

Yuto after taking a nice warm shower came down. He had changed his clothes to casual clothing, he had also cut his long hair to a more moderate look

"Something smells nice"

"Ah, you're just in time, Yuto. The food is almost ready. and yes, there's a nice aroma indeed"

She turns her attention back to the stove, stirring the contents of the pan to ensure they cook evenly

"Mom, before Cynthia and the rest come about that favor I want to ask"

Cara looked at Yuto, curiosity piqued by his words, and she nodded slowly, letting him know that she was listening

"Sure, honey, what is it? What's this favor you want to ask?"

"Can you take care of my daughter for me?"

"Take care.. of your daughter? You want me to take care of your little girl?"

"Well funny story she's a vampire of over 1,000 years, so I wouldn't call her a little girl"

Her jaw drops in surprise at the revelation, and she takes a moment to process what he just said

"A... vampire? Your daughter is a vampire?"

"Hah, Cynthia had the same reaction"

Cara can't help but let out a small, involuntary laugh at his comment, imagining Cynthia's reaction to that news

"Well, I can certainly understand why. It's quite a surprising piece of information. A vampire, huh? And here I thought I had seen everything in my life"

"Forgive me. I said it wrong, and I was wondering if you and Cynthia could help her control her magic"

"Ah, I see. So you want us to help your daughter control her magic? I suppose given her being a vampire, it makes sense that she might need some guidance in that area. I'll gladly help in any way I can"

"Mom"

"Yes, sweetie? What is it?"

"Two years ago, I told you I couldn't tell you what I was hiding as I wasn't ready, remember that day?"

"Is there something you want to share now?"

"I plan to explore this world to find answers"

"Explore the world... you mean, you're going to go on a journey, searching for something? What kind of answers are you looking for, sweetheart?"

"Mom, how much do you hate demons?"

The question catches her off guard, and she pauses for a moment before responding, her expression becoming more serious

"Demons... I certainly don't bear any goodwill, they're malevolent, destructive creatures that often bring harm to the innocent. Why do you ask, Yuto?"

"Would you hate me if I were one?" Yuto was looking down as if getting ready for her response, was it okay to tell her his title?

Was it selfish to explain what truly happened two years ago?

The question makes her freeze, her expression becoming one of utter shock and disbelief, her mind struggling to process the implications of what her son just said

"Y... You... a... a demon? That's not... that can't be... you're..." 

Cara stumble over her words, unable to form a coherent sentence, her mind racing with panicked disbelief

"What... What do you mean? Are you... are you saying you're a demon, Yuto?"

Yuto bit his lip, it looked as if wanted to say something, anything, but no words came out, he only gripped his hand tighter

["I can't tell you, I don't think I can ever tell you"]

"No Mom, I was just asking, I'm sorry that I made you uncomfortable"

Cara took a moment to study his expression and body language, the way Yuto bit his lip, the hesitation in his voice, and the quick denial that followed

Cara looked at Yuto with a mixture of relief and worry. On one hand, Yuto denied being a demon, but something about his demeanor still concerns her, like there's more to the story than he was letting on

"I see... you were just asking... but where did that question come from?"

"Nothing I'm sorry for asking, I'll leave Scarlett in your care"

"Alright, Yuto. We'll have supper, and I'll take care of Scarlett for you. Is that all? Or is there more you want to discuss?"

"No, thank you, Mom"

They heard a knock on the door, Cara turned her attention to the sound of the knock on the door, a small hint of anticipation in her voice

"Ah, it seems like Cynthia and the others are back. They always know when it's time to eat, don't they?"

With a smile, she walked toward the door, preparing to open it and greet them, the scent of the food she had prepared wafting through the air

Cynthia and the others waiting outside, their faces lighting up as they smelled the aroma of the food inside, Cara smiled warmly, gesturing for them to come inside

"Ah, there you are. Come in, come in. You all look hungry. I've got a nice meal prepared for us"

She closed the door behind them, a sense of warmth and contentment filling her as she saw her family gather for the first time in 2 years

"Please, make yourselves comfortable. The food's ready, so let's all sit down and enjoy it together"

As supper continues, conversation and laughter fill the air, the atmosphere light and comfortable

Cara watched as Yuto and Cynthia exchanged stories, sharing memories and jokes like old times, her eyes flickered over to Yuto's daughter, Scarlett, who was currently engaged in looking through some of the old family photos she had laid out

As the evening comes to a close, she finds herself explaining to Scarlett that she'll be staying with them for a while

"Yuto has asked me to take care of you, sweetheart. So tonight, you'll be living here, in our home"

"You'll be in Yuto's old room, and we'll make sure you have everything you need. Is that alright with you, dear?"

"We also plan on going on our small trip, so you'll never be bored. How does that sound?"

Scarlett walked over to Yuto and spoke for about an hour before walking back to Cara with a big smile, "I look forward to it Grandma!"

Contract Established!

-Morning-

Yuto and Mizuki bid farewell to his mother, sister, and Scarlett and continued their journey, the morning sun just starting to rise as they left the familiar cabin behind

"So, what's the plan? Where do we head next?"

"Mizuki"

"Yes?"

"I couldn't tell my mother about my class and title"

"You couldn't tell her? Why not?" I ask gently.

"Her reaction when I asked about the possibility of me being a demon, do you know how she reacted?"

"I can guess, but I'm curious to hear your take"

"She shook her head as if trying to deny the possibility"

"I see... so you chose not to tell her then"

"It would break her"

"I understand. You want to protect her from the harsh realities of your world. From the truth of what you've become"

"Of what I am, so many questions, why this class, my title, the system, but alas the truth will only come once we find your missing fragments" 

"Yes, the answers we seek lie in finding my missing fragments. Once we do... perhaps the mysteries surrounding us will finally be unraveled"

A moment of silence passes between them, both deep in their thoughts before a question comes to mind

"Can I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

Mizuki hesitates briefly, contemplating whether her question is too personal or misplaced, but then decides to proceed anyway. Her voice is soft and gentle as she spoke

"Before we continue our journey... There's something I'd like to know about you. If you're comfortable sharing, that is"

"What worries you most about the journey we're embarking on? About finding my fragments and uncovering the mysteries surrounding us?"

Yuto was shocked, never really taking into account what they might experience, "I guess, the reason behind my title"

"Ah, your title. It's true, we've been so singularly focused on gathering my fragments that the significance of your title has been somewhat pushed to the sidelines"

"Youngest Demon Prince"

"Yes... being the Youngest Demon Prince... I wonder what it means. What does it entail for you?"

"The dreams never went that far, only visions of my family's death and so on"

"The dreams were limited... but they showed you visions of the deaths of your family. Nothing else?"

"No, and honestly speaking, I do not want to know what else could have happened in the dreams"

Before Mizuki can respond a scream can be heard from the forest, "A lady?"

"A lady... in distress it seems"

"What do you want to do Mizuki?"

"We should investigate. We can't just ignore someone in trouble, especially if a woman's in danger"

Skill: Dash

They run deeper into the forest, "I hear multiple voices, men I think"

Yuto jumped to higher ground, jumping on top of tree branches. They finally made it to the source of the screams. A hooded figure was in the middle inside a barrier, while a group of men surrounded them

The hooded figure in the center, trapped within a barrier, is distressed, while the group of men surround them.

"What should we do? We can't just let them attack that person, but we don't know what's going on here. Do you want to intervene directly or observe for now?"

"Wait, we need to see where this goes"

They watch silently from the shadows, their keen senses on high alert as the situation continues to unfold before them. The men surrounding the barrier are clearly hostile, their intention to do harm apparent, but the identity of the person within the barrier remains a mystery

"Just come on out already, we've been following you for days now, surely you must be tired right?"

The man with an eye patch said, mocking, but the hooded figure shook her head, "Leave, none of you are welcome!"

The men, growing impatient and increasingly frustrated, begin to attack the barrier with fervor, they unleash a barrage of ranged attacks, attempting to break the barrier through sheer force

Bolts of energy and sharp projectiles fly towards the barrier, but the barrier remains unwavering and unshaken, holding strong against the onslaught

Watching quietly, they notice the barrier's resilience, its strength defying the fierce attacks aimed at it. It becomes clear that the barrier is more than a mere barrier, possibly an innate ability or technique that the person inside possesses

"Yuto, I don't think she'll need our help"

"No, she's running out of mana"

"If she's running out of mana, her defenses will weaken"

"Which means she'll be defenseless in no time"

"Indeed. She'll be vulnerable and defenseless without her mana. We may have to intervene sooner than we thought"

"Now!" Without a second thought, they jump down, all their attention is now focused on them as intended

"I'm going to give one warning, leave now, and no one dies"

"Ha, and what are you going to do, pretty boy, cry to Mama?" The shortest man said, pushing his finger to Yuto's shoulder, the group of men laughed, as to be expected Yuto as strong as he is, isn't intimidating in the slightest (Unless he's mad)

Yuto's fists clench at his side, his eyes narrowing in irritation

"And what's wrong with that? Maybe you should try it sometime, it might do you some good, you overgrown worm"

"You fucking brat! You're going to pay for that!"

Seven Sins First Form: Wrath

With a quick slash, the man is enveloped in hellfire, his demeanor changes from one of anger and mockery to one of fear and pleading. He began to scream and cry out for mercy, begging for the torment to end

"Help me!"

"Stop it now!" The man with the eye patch demanded as they all rushed in to attack Yuto, swords and bows were drawn but did not phase him

Blood Arts Third Form: Ocean of Blood

A simple quick slash. Immediately, the men before them explode, their bodies unable to withstand the power of Yuto's technique

"Should I call it rain drops instead?"

"I did warn them right?'

"Yes, you did. They chose not to listen, and they paid the price"

Mizuki chuckles as she transforms into the ring on Yuto's finger, Yuto approaches the hooded figure as the barrier comes crashing down by the depletion of her mana, and looks up at Yuto with a mix of exhaustion and trepidation

She took off her hoodie, revealing her purple hair and elf ears 

["An Elf?"]

"Hi, mind telling us why you're here?"

"I have come to meet the hero, who carries the holy sword"

Yuto scratched his head, "Well, first off, my name is Yuto, and here," He reached out his hand and helped her up

She took his hand and got up, "Yuto, huh? Nice name"

"Mind telling me what you're doing all the way here, don't worry about the men that were here, I already took care of it"

"I was... searching for you, I guess"

"My people said that a person bearing the holy sword is our only hope. The monsters have started to take over my land"

"Why do you assume that I'm the one you're looking for?"

"Because you just saved me from being kidnapped. You must be the hero that we have been looking for"

Yuto slapped his forehead, ["You can't be this naive, and besides I'm pretty sure that Wanless dude is the hero she's talking about"]

"What? Is there something wrong? Don't tell me that you're not the hero?"

"Well for starters this is my ego sword, Mizuki"

"Ego sword? So, you're not the hero? Are you sure?"

"I could be but I'm not trying to be one"

"What do you mean? Why aren't you trying?"

Yuto took a step back as she had come in too close, "I guess because I already have a lot on my plate"

She pouted and came closer, "Such as?"

He was up against the tree, "P-personal stuff"

She wasn't backing down and Yuto leaned down and whispered, "Careful now, if you don't take a step back, I might devour you"

She leaned in even closer, her nose grazing his neck, "I'd like to see you try"

Yuto chuckled and leaned back, "Hahaha I haven't seen anyone as bold as you in a while"

She pressed into him fully, her body practically pinning him up against the tree, "Is that so surprising?"

"Guess I'm a hero now"

That got her to pull back, standing in front of him with a smirk on her face

"Oh, so you'll do it if I just get a little too close? You're a pushover, aren't you?"

Yuto flicked her forehead, "Don't get ahead of yourself. If you come to meet the hero, then you must carry a fragment of the sword, correct?"

She pouted and rubbed her forehead as he flicked it, "You mean this?"

Yuto instantly snatched it, she let out an offended gasp as he snatched it from her hand

"Hey! At least ask before you just take it!"

"Take a step back now"

Yuto absorbed the fragment as it goes back to Mizuki, a memory plays, and all she sees is a red light shootout

She watched with fascination as the fragment was absorbed into his sword, "What was that?"

"Become my companion, and I will explain things with time"

"Your companion, huh? Does that come with any special benefits?"

Yuto flicked her forehead and once again she pouted and rubbed her forehead, "You like flicking my forehead, don't you?"

He chuckled, "First off tell me your name"

"Oh, right. I never formally introduced myself, did I?

"I'm Freya. Freya Sylverbane, the youngest princess of the elves"

"Yuto Akimitsu, I'm just an ordinary mercenary and adventure"

"Nice to meet you, Yuto. An ordinary mercenary and adventurer, huh?"

"I sense a lie," Freya said with a small chuckle