Free Web NovelChapter 88: Ch 87: Keeping an eye out
"Kael, can I show Roku to the room adjacent to mine? I will be able to keep a better eye on him that way."
Seraphina asked in a shy voice. She looked at the kid standing beside her with tender eyes, and Kael already felt horrible for what he was about to do to her.
However, there were some things that needed to be done.
"I don’t think that’s a good idea. Our rooms are located in a magic-dense space, and Roku was in a place where his magic was constantly being drained by those monsters. Being exposed to too much magic all the time might make him sick."
It was bullshit, but Seraphina did not need to know that.
The more Kael could gaslight her into thinking that she was helping while creating distance between her and Roku, the better he could handle the situation.
"Oh! So we need to slowly get him used to magic?"
Seraphina asked, catching on to the hint he had thrown.
This was what Kael wanted her to think, and he quickly nodded.
"That’s right. Meanwhile, I will also look for a place that can take him in and raise him. Keeping him here long-term would be bad for him. I am telling you this beforehand so that you can be prepared when it’s actually time to part."
Kael was subtly telling Seraphina not to get attached to this kid because he would have to leave soon.
It would be for the best if this situation did not leave a lasting impression on her.
Luckily, it did not seem as if she was too attached to this kid. She did not look sad at the thought of Roku leaving.
"Thank god! And here I thought you were serious about keeping this strange thing you picked up. The sooner it’s gone, the better. Don’t you agree as well, Lyra?"
Leon picked up Lyra (she permitted it?) and held her with a serious look on his face. Somehow, Lyra’s expression looked the same as Leon’s, and she even roared in agreement.
Iris was the only one who looked sane during all this mess, but she refused to take a side, causing Kael to take charge of the situation.
"How about I show Roku to his room for now while you all head back and rest? I also need to discuss with Roku what he might need for his stay and ask for his opinion regarding anything else he might need."
Seraphina had a weird look on her face when Kael took Roku’s hand out of hers and led him toward the other side of the building.
It made Kael want to swear.
’This is not good. Did Seraphina get attached already? I will have to be careful about her interactions with Roku from here on.’
Kael led Roku to a room that was better suited for his age. It was small enough that Roku would not feel uncomfortable, but also big enough that he would not feel suffocated.
"Do you like this room? Tell me if you need anything changed."
Kael told the kid, but Roku did not answer him as he walked inside the room and dragged his small body to the bed.
Something felt wrong, so Kael followed him inside with a more vigilant look in his eyes. He waited for the kid to speak first, but Roku seemed to be waiting for him.
Finally, Kael decided to give in.
"Is something bothering you?" freewebnσvel.cøm
He asked the kid, and Roku bit his lip before answering.
"Your companions don’t like me. I can tell by the way they look at me. You don’t have to keep me here. I-I can go back-"
’And cause all that trouble again? No thanks!’
"It’s fine. Leon will come around. He is suspicious of everyone he meets for the first time. I am sure he will get used to you soon."
Kael soothed Roku, and the child relaxed.
"Oh...I see. I-I thought you felt uncomfortable with me like my parents do. M-My master doesn’t feel uncomfortable, but I have not seen her for days...so maybe she feels uncomfortable with me..."
Roku’s breathing was getting more and more labored. His energy was also becoming more and more aggressive, now pushing against Kael’s seal.
Luckily, there was no way it was going to break the seal.
’Still, seeing a kid struggling like this is not a pleasant experience. I know I should not get involved, but my professional mindset is making me want to help here.’
Kael was not a fool with a bleeding heart, but you didn’t have to be one in order to feel sympathy for a child.
"I won’t say that things will get better for you, kid, but now that I have sealed your energy inside, normal people should not be able to sense your power. It will help you lead a normal life...as long as you don’t do anything foolish and break the seal."
There was hope in Roku’s eyes, which immediately made Kael want to look away from him.
"I-I can live a normal life...? A-Are you sure...? Is this a dream...? B-But your companions-"
"As I said before, both Leon and Lyra are biased against any newcomers. They were just fighting with each other not too long ago. Anyway, don’t stress about it too much and take your time adjusting to the outside world. Meanwhile, I will start looking for a place where you can belong."
Kael promised Roku, and he stood up to leave.
But before he did, he formed a familiar using his powers.
"I will leave this doll here for you. Use it when you feel hungry and need to eat. It can guide you around this mansion as well if you feel like walking around."
Roku looked thankful and far too mature for a kid his age.
Kael felt sorry for him, but he knew that he could not help Roku more than he already had. After all, it was a matter of keeping this world alive.
He hurried outside and went back downstairs, only to run into Seraphina, who had a detached look on her face.
She looked at Kael with unblinking eyes, but it almost felt like she was looking past him. Then she walked past him, causing him to worry about her.
Something...seemed wrong with Seraphina, and he wanted to find out what.
"Seraphina, are you alright?"
He asked while clutching Seraphina’s hand, and she suddenly snapped out of her daze with a bewildered look on her face.
"Huh...what...was I doing? Why am I standing out here? I ..."
She looked confused and terrified at the same time.
[Seraphina’s affection +5]
But why did that notification pop up?
