Knock! Knock!
"Big sis, I heard screams. Are you okay? Are you awake?"
The voice of a little girl - which of course belongs to Kimi - was heard from behind the door. Her voice was so faint and I could feel the fear in it.
I do forget her this afternoon. I feel so guilty for being the source of the fear that comes to Kimi's heart.
When the jerk disappears and never returns, Kimi begins to think that we were abandoned by him. Kimi doesn't see this episode as an opportunity to obtain freedom. She saw it as an episode where a daughter lost her father.
The little girl never saw her father's dark side. And I'll never let her know about that dark side.
"I'm awake, Kimi," I replied to the little girl.
After that, I stood up to tidy up my clothes. Not until two seconds passed, Kimi opened the door. She didn't open the door fully, she just opened it a little bit. And she peering into the room from the little gat that the door made.
Kimi makes an expression not knowing what to do. The little girl also looks alert. And of course, the mixture of those two expressions is colored by fear.
Rejected and forgotten by a sister she so trusted and meant to her. As Giselle Gibson, I can say that's the thing she experienced this afternoon was quite traumatic.
Ugh! Once again, I feel so guilty right now.
"What's wrong, Kimi? Come in and come here!"
"Big sis remember me?" she asked in a soft voice.
I nodded and said. "Of course, you are my precious sister. I'll never forget you."
"Waa..." She cried and then ran towards me after she opened the door with too much force.
"I think big sis will forget me again like this afternoon." Kimi hugged me tightly. Her fox ears and tail hang limply.
"There was something that confused me this afternoon. It makes me forget you. But now, you don't have to worry anymore. I promised I will never forget about you ever again," I said, trying to calm Kimi's heart. At the same time, I stroked her head.
"You promised?" asked Kimi. Her tearful blue eyes looked at me to make sure I didn't lie.
"Of course," I replied. Then, I softly pinched both her cheeks. "Smile, everything will be fine."
"Okay." Kimi took off her arms to wipe away her tears.
As she was preoccupied with wiping away her tears, I looked around. From the view I saw, I could confirm that I was in my bedroom. A simple room that the jerk gave me. Then I realized that afternoon has become night after I looking out the window.
"This afternoon, I was at the Adventurer's Guild and now I'm here." Aware of something strange, I look back at Kimi. "Tell me Kimi, who brought me home?"
"Ah! That's right! I just remembered brother Vier and uncle Cabal were in the living room! And brother Vier is the one who carried big sis home."
That explanation made me frown. Somehow, the presence of those two people made me feel unhappy. I as Giselle didn't mind that two people become our guests. However, I as Eclaite, feel a little scared and disturbed with their existence. Even though one of them is Vier. Someone who looks like my old Avatar.
"Listen, Kimi, never invite strangers home, got it?"
"But... but..."
"But, you did the right thing this time. I fainted and you someone strong to lift me. Asking someone for help is the right thing to do if you're in trouble. But, always remember, you have to ask a soldier, a knight, or someone you know for help. Is that clear?"
"yes," replies Kimi a little reluctantly. The little girl then turned her face away.
From the behavior she made, I knew that she didn't take my advice to heart and I'm not going to get angry for it. I just need to repeat the advice I gave to her next time. Just like Eclaite did all along.
"Good!" I said. Then, I stroked her head again. "Now, let's meet our guests, I have to thank them."
I took Kimi's hand and we both came out of my room.
And I can say… It's quite fun, joining hands and getting a sister I mean.
I've never had a sister before. Therefore, after I got Eclaite memories and feelings, I am happy with this and this only.
I can't n help but smile while we join hands. Kimi is so cute and she was adorable when her fox ears twitching and her tail swaying.
And yes, she was the saint that healing my wounds.
Time passed and we arrived at the living room.
Sitting on the chair beside the long table were two men. One of them is a young man and the other is an uncle.
Both of them are human. They are different from me and Kimi who are a Beastkin or more precisely, a Fox Beastkin or Fox-kin. This term also applies to other Beastkin. So, one can call Beastkin from another Tribe as Cat-kin, Rabbit-kin, Lion-kin, and so on.
Now, back to the moment.
The young man, Vier, right?
Well anyways, he exactly looked like my old Avatar. His handsome face, short golden hair, and blue eyes. The young also had a tall and muscular body. I can say, he was a fine young man.
The man next to Vier was more muscular and older. This masculine uncle who has red eyes may be in his thirty. And not only his eyes, his short hair, mustache, and beard were also red. Lastly, the unce has a friendly smile.
Glancing at their armor, I know that they are adventurers. And apparently, they're adventurers with good morals. They were polite enough to put their weapons near the front door of this house.
Nevertheless, that doesn't change the fact that both of them could kill us easily with their bare hands.
What can two weak women do in front of two mighty adventurers?
The answer is nothing.
Two men looked at me and I smiled at them.
"It's nice to meet you Mr. adventurer, my name is Eclaite."
"So are we miss, my name is Cabal and this young man is Vier," replied the uncle with his friendly smile.
As for Vier who is being introduced, he became restless. His pupils wandered around while saying. "I'm sorry, Miss Eclaite. I didn't mean to be rude to you, I lost control because your face was so similar to my sister Lylian's. I'm sorry for hugging you without permission."
For now, I'll accept Vier's apologies. Judging from his expression and the look in his eyes, I can say that he didn't lie or had bad intentions. He was just ignorant.
"You don't have to apologize, Mr. Vier, I'm the one who should apologize. I'm sorry for bothering both of you for sending me back home."
"No, you don't have to apologize, carrying you back to your home is not a nuisance."
"Yes, it is true. As this young man said, we have no inconvenience."
"What about the rewards? I believed you guys deserve it, so, how much debt do I owe?"
"You don't have to give us anything, we help you not that we want your money," Vier replied quickly.
So you want my body? I wanted to ask that question to find out what they want, but I couldn't say it. Kimi is here and I'm quite sure they have no intention of doing so.
But... Still, I don't feel comfortable getting this kind of sincere kindness. I didn't know what they wanted and this thing give me the creeps.
I fell silent to think of how to repay their kindness. But unfortunately, I had no idea how to do so. Not knowing what to do, I decided to ask them.
"But... I can't just give you guys a thank you. Is there anything you want?" Ah! I shouldn't have said a question like that. What if they're asking for something outside of my capacities? I will be doomed.
"Miss, you don't have to worry, we don't need-"
Kryukk~~
And the four of us fell silent.
The situation became extremely awkward after my stomach made a howl. I felt so embarrassed and my face got hotter when their eyes fixed at me.
Don't give me stares like that! I screamed in my heart. After that, I made a bitter smile.
"What about dinner? The dishes I made were probably simple. But at least, I hope you'll accept it."
"Sis Eclaite! I want grilled sausages," Kimi said with a smile. The little girl also raised her right arm into the air.
"We'll take it, we haven't eaten yet," Vier said. The young man made an understanding nod.
"Home cooking, I haven't tasted it in a long time. I'm looking forward to your homemade food," Cabal said with a warm smile.
With the plan set out, I went to the kitchen to get rid of this shame and to make the dishes I promised.
"Tonight dinner seems to be merrier," I whispered then I started the cooking.