Velxia landed just outside the entrance of the village. Since landing in front of Master's house would call out unnecessary attention, I suggested that we walk our way through.
However, I didn't realize that walking with a celestial being, one as big as a minivan, to stand out this much. Children, adults, and elders alike are wide-eyed at the sight of Velxia.
Their stupefied expressions made Velxia smirk as he turned his head towards my direction. "Well aren't we both popular," he said.
"No, that's just you," I remarked, but Velxia clicked his tongue sarcastically before closing his giant head to my ears.
"It seems you have poor hearing White," He said. Wondering what he meant by that, I took a glance over my surroundings. They weren't just looking at the creature beside me, they were also looking at me.
"Is that the ice magician?"
"So young, yet so strong!"
"I've seen the frozen beast in the forest, no it wasn't frozen. It was turned to ice!"
"I wish I was that boy's lover!"
Some praises were silently thrown over the place. Although I feel delighted with their praises, the last one that came from a grandma made me shudder.
Focusing on my breathing, I cleared my mind until we arrived at Master's house.
"Mr. Renard?" I knocked on the door whilst calling out to him. A few seconds passed, yet no one was still opening their door. Usually, Astesia would open the door, since she alone is in charge of the house, but it looks like even she isn't home today.
"Hey, White," Velxia called out to me, "I hear some noises from their backyard. Let's check it out." Velxia rushed to their backyard as soon as he said that, leaving me to follow after him.
When I caught up to them, Master didn't seem fazed upon Velxia's arrival. However, the same couldn't be said for the teary-eyed Astesia who was standing in front of the shed.
"Mr. Renard? What's going on?" I asked. Mr. Renard turned his gaze in my direction, but as if he was looking at a losing ticket, his expression went gloomy as he raised his arm to his forehead.
"Oh, it's you," he said with a frustrated tone, "Well, a lot is going on, but for now, can you help me deal with this?" He said whilst pointing towards Astesia.
I shifted my sight to Astesia who was trembling and had her head down. It didn't look like she was scared of Velxia, but as if she was getting scolded or something.
"Are you lecturing her? Do I need to take my leave?" I asked with a quiet manner since I may have just intruded in a family matter.
Master shook his head before giving out an frustrated sigh, "I wouldn't have to ask you to help me if I didn't want you to stay," he said.
Upon closer inspection, it seems that Astesia is trying to stop Master from entering the shed. I took a kneel in front of Astesia so that I could see her face.
"Hey there Astesia, can we see what's inside?" I asked in a friendly tone. Astesia shook her head as she wiped her tears.
Velxia then whispered near my ear, "I can sense my mana signature from inside," he said, "My child must be there."
I see. If that's the case, then Astesia might have been keeping Velxia's child and is probably stopping him from taking his child away. Though it may sound childish, it was still problematic on our part.
The thought of using Velxia to scare her popped in my head, but since I could feel a scary gaze from my back, I decided not to.
Clearing my throat, I spoke up in a friendly manner, "Come on now, Velxia might look scary, but he's just another dad who wants to see his child again."
Astesia raised his head, and as if just noticing Velxia, her expression quickly paled. Well, I couldn't blame her. If I met Velxia under different circumstances, I would probably have the same reaction.
Astesia wiped her tears with her hands before mutteringly replying, "Okay..." After she moved aside, Master patted her head before opening the shed. Inside was a dark and dusty storage for weapons and armors, but at the corner of the room was a well-kept box with a rectangular hole on it.
In a few moments, a small Velxia took a peek. However, probably because of the unfamiliar faces, he meekly tried to hide again.
"Move aside," Velxia ordered. Since he couldn't fit inside the shed, he was forced to wait outside. Master and I moved so that Velxia and his child could see each other, and as if a spark appeared in the small Velxia's heart, he joyfully chirped as he ran towards Velxia.
Velxia and his child embraced each other, creating a heart-warming scene as both of them looked happy. Astesia, who was looking from the beside, must have also felt that as she sat down gently whilst wiping her tears.
Master gave out a sigh before speaking up, "Now that that's over, White, go and see Kayla," he said.
"Is something wrong with her?" I asked. Normally Kayla would be here joyfully taking part in her family affairs, but she's nowhere to be found right now.
Master pointed his thumb on the house, "She's inside her room. Must have been traumatized by that Hydrangaea," he said.
Kayla has always been an energetic person, so I expected her to be fine even after her encounter. But I guess that was just wishful thinking on my part.
Entering their house, I walked over in front of Kayla's room. Knocking a few times as I called out to her, "Kayla? It's me White."
I waited for a response, but it didn't seem like she was up for a talk. Of course, such experiences can damage one's mentality, much more a child.
Thinking of such, I sat down with my back laid on her door. I was at a loss for words with how I can help her since I have never consulted anyone before. Furthermore, how can I just say that there's nothing to be scared of when she is literally scared.
Breathing out a heavy sigh, I started talking about my original intention of coming here today. "You know, I was actually heading out for the northern dominion," I said trying to gauge out a reaction, but she was still silent.
I continued, "but since I wanted to learn how to wield a sword, I decided to postpone that idea. However, a few things came up, and now, I need to go travel to a different reality."
I chuckled for a bit at what I had said. Such a statement as traveling to a different world is already absurd, but traveling to another reality? Even a dog would act stupefied by that.
A sudden thud across the door was heard, hearing that, I assumed that she sat and trying to listen to me. "You weren't exactly a person I was very comfortable with since you have an overpowering personality," I said with a friendly tone, "your loud, annoyingly so, and a little too childish."
"But it's because of that that I find you precious as a friend, and honestly, I just couldn't stand to see you so down like this," I said. Showing my own sadness would only make her feel pathetic, so instead, I chose to use a carefree tone.
A few moments passed, but there was still no response. All my honest thoughts have been poured out of me, but I doubt that alone would lift her spirits up.
"Next time I go back here, I hope I can see your energetic self again," I said in a soft, heart-spoken tone. With that, I decided to stand up and maybe give her some time to regain herself.
"...White."
But a voice, almost like a whisper called my attention back as Kayla called out to me.