In a small room, three figures could be seen sitting around a table. In the silence, one of them spoke up.
"So, you're saying you want us to help damage your soul?"
"Yes." Another figure replied. It was me.
"No" Nasha said resolutely.
I didn't back down easily. When I prepared to refute her, Hans cut me off.
"Mind telling us why you want to do this again?"
"I feel it in my soul. I need to do it or else it'll be impossible for me to grow more."
"I don't get it. Don't want to be mean or anything but that just seems illogical."
I had a wry smile in my mind. Me being here is much more illogical but well I can't tell them that.
"Whatever it is, it doesn't matter. Damaging a soul isn't laughing matter. You aren't going to do it."
I feel like my luck has been dropping recently. I have expected some resistance from Nasha but I never thought she would be so adamant about it. So much for not wanting to make her worry huh.
"But-"
"No buts."
With a troubled face, I turn to look at Hans for reinforcements. Hans also seemed to be thinking of something. After another couple of seconds, Hans look at Nasha with a much more serious look on his face.
"How about we listen to him for now?"
"What?!"
"Just listen to-"
"No! They are my kids!"
Hans didn't speak another word. Keeping eye contact with Nasha, he speaks slowly, his face solemn.
"Are you sure?"
"..?"
"It was eight, wasn't it?"
Nasha body briefly shook, her mouth now closed.
"I don't like accusing people of anything but... are you sure that's all?"
Hans was now glaring at Nasha. This isn't the first time they fought but it was still surprising to me how quick they can get into fight.
If you see them interact normally, they seemed to be close yet whenever they fight, they were like arch nemesis.
Nasha face was cold. Hans presses on.
"I'll bring a perseverance and a kindness wizard. I'll also maintain absolute secrecy. That should be enough for you no?"
In the end, Nasha can only agree quietly.
"...fine."
After the tense atmosphere was gone, Nasha returned to the children to look after them while Hans and I were left in the room.
"Are you ok with that too Ken?" He asked.
"I'm fine... but did you have to be so mean?"
Hans ruffles his hair intensely, his expression was filled with uncertainty.
"I can't help it... kid, your mother isn't as saintly as she looks."
I raised my eyebrows at his words. What is he trying to say to a '9 years old'?
"I'm saying this because you seem to be the most aware out of the bunch. Be careful not to get hurt."
"No one is perfect Hans, even if she isn't like what we thought, to the kids here she's everything."
It was my true thoughts about the matter. She was the only one to take care of these children and I can feel her care. If that's not true then what is?
"Haah... you really don't feel like a kid."
"Did you say something Hans?"
"Nothing, nothing. So is 5 days later fine to you?"
"Can you leave it a bit later? I would prefer it to happen after the others plan."
"Alright, even though it's relatively safe I want you to be careful anyway."
"I got it. Thanks Hans."
"It's fine. You owe me one."
I nodded. It was the least I could do for his help. Hopefully everything will go smoothly.