Hikari patted Clara on the head, his voice soft. "Be polite with him, Clara. He's your cousin."
Clara and Kiseki's eyes widened in surprise, their voices echoing in unison. "Cousin?!" they exclaimed, their tones a stark contrast - Kiseki's annoyance palpable, while Clara's surprise was tinged with curiosity.
Clara turned to her father, her eyes sparkling with innocence. "What's a cousin?" she asked, her voice filled with wonder.
Kiseki's annoyance boiled over, his face twisted in exasperation. "Come on. You can't be that clueless, can you?" he snapped, his words laced with frustration.
Clara's eyes welled up with tears once more, and she grabbed onto her father's hand, her voice trembling. "Daddy! He's being mean again. Waaah!"
Kiseki's grandfather watched the exchange, his expression a mask of calmness. But beneath the surface, he was taken aback by the revelation. He was more surprised by the fact that Hikari had survived in Battleground Territory for nine long years since his exile.
"Is that so?" Kiseki's grandfather asked, his voice low and measured. He squatted down to meet Clara's height, a warm smile spreading across his face. "What's your name, little girl?"
Clara's eyes sparkled as she replied, "Clara." Kiseki's grandfather smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Clara," he repeated, "What a pretty name."
Clara's attention shifted back to her father, and she asked, "Daddy, is he also my cousin?" Kiseki's grandfather chuckled, and Hikari sighed, his expression neutral as always. "He's your Grandfather."
Clara's face lit up, and she spread her arms wide, exclaiming, "Granddaddy!" before embracing her grandfather. Kiseki looked away, folding his arms across his chest as he thought, "What a drama queen? At least we'll be gone soon, so she can enjoy it while it lasts."
Clara released her grandfather, and he smiled, his eyes twinkling. "Pardon me, Clara. It seems I came unprepared to meet you. I didn't even bring a gift." Clara's eyes brightened with curiosity, and she asked, "A gift?"
Hikari calmly intervened, his voice low and soothing. "That is of no need, Father. Clara has all she needs." Kiseki's grandfather replied, "Well, then. How about I leave Kiseki here while I and your father leave the village for a few days?" Clara's eyes lit up, and she exclaimed, "Really?"
Kiseki cut in, his voice laced with concern. "No, Grandpa, what if Tenjin comes back, and I'm not there? If he—" His grandfather interrupted, his expression calm. "If he comes back, then we'll bring him with us on the way back."
Clara looked up at Hikari, her eyes wide with curiosity. "You're leaving the village?" she asked. Hikari patted her on the head, his expression neutral, but his voice low and comforting. "We won't be long, Clara. Daddy and Granddaddy have a few things to sort out with some nice people outside the village."
Kiseki's grandfather chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "That's a bold statement," he said, "Well, anyway, we should get going before the sun falls." He adjusted his sack-like side bag, which was filled with rations he had brought in case the Battleground Territory was a wasteland. Kiseki had a similar side bag, though it was noticeably smaller.
Hikari nodded calmly and started walking off, accompanied by his father.
Kiseki let out an annoyed sigh as he watched Hikari and his grandfather walk away. "Don't think we're buddies now or anything," he muttered, his eyes narrowing. "I'm staying in that clock tower until they come back. Also, don't bother me."
Clara's curious gaze lingered on Kiseki, her eyes sparkling with interest. Kiseki's annoyance grew, and he snapped, "Hey, are you listening at all?"
Clara's expression remained innocent, her voice tinged with curiosity. "Your name's Kiseki," she stated, her eyes locked on his.
Kiseki's right brow shot up in surprise. "Huh?" he replied, his tone laced with confusion.
Clara's gaze drifted back to the disappearing figures of her father and grandfather. When she turned back to Kiseki, her expression had transformed. Her eyes sparkled with determination, and her voice took on a resolute tone. "I need your help," she said, her words hanging in the air like a challenge.
Kiseki's skeptical gaze lingered on Clara, his eyes narrowing as he struggled to comprehend the sudden shift in her demeanor. The air was thick with tension, and the silence between them felt like an eternity.
Kiseki's confusion finally got the better of him, and he asked, "Huh?" his voice laced with incredulity.
Clara's eyes snapped back into focus, her expression a picture of seriousness. Her voice rang out, bold and clear, sending a shiver down Kiseki's spine. "The village is under attack"