Four days?! That long!?
The children were shocked to hear that they missed four days of their lives without even realizing it. Not that it matters right now. They would all surely get themselves into trouble if the Emperor already began searching for them. As many thought's drifted to their minds, it sent chills down their spine just thinking about it.
Noticing their nervousness, the dragon remained quiet and did not explain things further. Instead he thought of a way to raise the mood and an idea struck his mind.
Glaciel informed them that they were close to the capital of the Snow Empire, the town where the grand plaza was located. And as expected, the children felt more terrified to know that they'll be arriving soon. At first, they thought that everything was well calculated, later to know that they have dug their own graves. Unfortunately, it's far too late for that now.
*Please hold on tight*
The Dragon warned them as Glaciel dashed down to the earth. The children's screams filled the air. When they were about to hit the ground, the dragon swiftly and safely landed on solid ground.
The people in the plaza that time was surprised to see the dragon falling down
"WATCH OUT!!"
They all ran in different directions avoiding to be stomped flat by the gigantic creature.
By the time it landed, the people were astounded to see the ancient dragon with their own eyes, what's more, laughing children are riding it's back; enjoying themselves.
Emperor saw it all happen as he stood at the edge of the large plaza. He was deeply worrying about the children that have not been found nor returned, leaving no traces behind. The thought of the strongest party that is able to eliminate all opponents have always disappeared without a trace like this, have concerned him. Knowing the children's capabilities, he knew well that they would leave that ravine unscratched. This had almost drove him insane.
And then here he is, thinking of where they might have been, considering every possibility, only to find them soaring down with the great ice dragon having fun like they usually do.
This have totally pissed him off.
He shouldn't have worried. Who cares of what will happen to those insensitive brats?! 'Cause he sure wouldn't!
Yet deep down, he really does care. Like the rest of the guild, he was also very fond of these bunch. They are just very adorable and lovable, that everyone just can't help but adore them. They also have this ability to brighten things up and bring joy to everyone.
However, it was also the reason why they, the adults worry so much about them. It was not about whether they can take care of themselves of not, 'cause they certainly can. These children love to enjoy themselves, and are only this positive because they were all suffering. They are well aware that the future won't be easy nor are guaranteed for them. So, they decided to live in the present and just let the time flow. If ever the worst-case scenario that the whole guild fears to happen would ever come. They will accept it all with open arms, no regrets.
On the other hand, the adults are not very enthusiastic about this. If the feared would ever happen, then everything was all pointless. The guild's purpose is to give the children a good future, and not repeat the same way as their parent's suffered. If they were not able to achieve it, then what was it all for? The whole purpose of everything is ruined.
As the children climbed down, and the others in the sky had landed, they heard a familiar voice that sent them shivers.
"I was being considerate at first, but now I have lost my patience. I will tell your parents about this, no exception!"
The children screeched in his statement. They quickly apologized and pleaded, yet Reiji's mind was made up.
"Uncle, please don't sell us out!"
"Were really sorry! We never expected any of this to happen, please forgive us!"
"Uncle!?"
"NO!!" Reiji bellowed at them. "As I have said it earlier, I will report all of this and there are no exceptions! I have made up my mind"
"But uncle...SCREECK!!" Miha tried but she screeched when Reiji appeared behind her, glaring at her with terrifying eyes.
"You all have to explain yourselves. As for your punishment, I'll just ask your parents about that" He explained in a cold manner
Behind them, Kira is patting Graciel, while Kishi was leaning on the dragon. The two of them aren't paying any attention, which caught Reiji's attention. When they realized that the Emperor's attention was on them, Kishi spoke mockingly.
He sighed "What a waste of time. We have to go home or Sychi will be mad if we came home late" He turned to his sister, who nodded innocently in him in return
"I bet Glaciel was exited to go home" she said. The dragon looked at her in surprise upon the mention of his name. He did not expect to be dragged into this mess. But as a subject, he dared not defy his Princess's orders.
The dragon obediently lowered his back to let the twins climb to his back, when the rest of the youngest joined them
"I'll crash over to you guys for tonight" said Airi
"Oh! A sleep over! I'll come too!" Rex said excitedly
Lune followed stealthy, trying not to draw any attention to him as they made their escape.
Feeling unfairness, the others tried to catch up but unfortunately for them, Reiji didn't allow them to leave.
"You rascals! That's not fair at all!" Mythica bellowed. Reiji appeared on her back glaring at her with cold eyes, making her shudder
"Where do you think you're going missy?"
"Uncle, what about them?" Aster asked
"They'll get what they deserve later. As for you..." He glared at all of them "You'll be staying here"
"Take them to the palace" He ordered the servants that had accompanied him earlier
They nodded and guided the children. They all felt that arguing was pointless so, they just obediently followed
With a sigh, Aqua followed. He stopped for a while and turned his gaze to his uncle
"Fine, I suppose we had no choice either way, but I wanna sleep. I'm exhausted"
This made Reiji's lips twitch slightly. As he watched them all disappear into distance, he sighed.
Taking care of children sure is troublesome...
After sometime of recovering himself, Reiji was about to take a step forward to follow them when a familiar voice called after him.
"Your Highness"
"Oh! Silvana, how are you?"
"I'm fine, thank you" She replied politely and bowed
"I see...that's good news then. I heard you were burned really bad; I suppose Asa is the one who got you. If so, I apologize in the children's behalf" Reiji humbly apologized bowing his head
Flustered, Silvana quickly brushed off his apology "Oh my! Not At all! Please don't apologize your highness. After all, it's also only natural to get hurt in battle, so I don't blame him at all. In fact, I say I should be thanking the boy to spare my life, so worry not about it"
"If you insist"
Silvana gazed at where the children had gone to and sighed. She shook her head and revealed her true face. Her polite smile vanished into a mischievous, curious smirk.
"Those kids...they are a quite the weird bunch, aren't they?"
Hearing this, Reiji raised his guard and stared at her.
"Who are they really?" she curiously asked
"They are my friends' children. I have told you that already" he said
"I know. However, my intuition told me that those little rascals aren't just some simple heirs of S-class families" Silvana turned to him and met his cold gaze. "What are you and your guild hiding?"