(Lisana P.O.V.)

I can't believe this... for Krey nii-chan to be so cunning. Although this is enjoyable for me, my pride as a dragon simply won't allow it! But uuwu... this is too nice... did Krey nii-chan know this when he set this as my punishment...?

We are currently flying leisurely through the clouds, treading the boundless sky while heading towards big sis Kira. I am currently in my so-called playful form, a miniature form just like when I was a hatchling... and I am currently being held like a stuffed toy by Krey nii-chan. I learned from big sis Kira that stuffed toys are cute things held by children but... aren't I being treated like this now? Its been quite a while already...

I am being held in his arms as he uses that strange ability of to control the mana in the surroundings to surround and cover the general area in dense amounts and manipulated it to make himself be carried by that dense cluster of invisible energy, essentially levitating and soaring through the air... I think the flying divine art that big sis Kira uses would be useless to Krey nii-chan.

Truthfully, what I am currently experiencing is very nice and comfortable. For the past five years, Krey nii-chan has been so driven and determined to get stronger that he barely has time to play with me except during the open hours when he is eating, sleeping or doing his chores.

During that time, I mostly played and talked to big sis Kira so I haven't really spent quality time with him... well, he did fulfil his promise of not letting me be alone... but its not enough, darn it!

So being held and spoiled like this is very pleasant. Its different from being held by big sis Kira since big sis Kira's arns are soft and she holds me in a gentle manner. Krey nii-chan's arms are smaller but very well built. It gave off a feeling of strength and reliability that I have not felt from the arms of big sis Kira... I must sneak into his bed tonight to feel it again...

...

Wait that's not what I should be doing! Haaa... the relaxing sensation from being held like this must've done something to me.... but it still hurts my pride.

I am enjoying my time being hugged but also, it does not conform with my pride! I could accept Krey nii-chan embracing me while I am in my human form since I would feel that we are equal but this... I am being held like a plush toy! An insignificant plush toy!

This is humiliating! I could tell that Krey nii-chan is deliberately doing this to make me feel bad. Since he removed his mask for some reason, I can see his face again. With the smirk on his face and the smug glances that he took at me as well as the way as he is holding me, almost squeezing me, this is the conclusion that I have come to! Kyuuu... but it really is nice.

Krey nii-chan said that as punishment for destroying the last remnants of the Magic Mountain Range, I must endure being hugged like this for four hours... which I suspect came from his misunderstandings that I hate being confined... which is stupid. I think he is doing this to make fun of me! That silly grin has not yet come off from his face and now I am beginning to find his smile annoying.

"Kyuui kyu kyuuuu kyuuui? Kyuaa kyuu?"

'Hey, Krey nii-chan I said I know my wrongs didn't I? Please let me go now.' (Lisana)

"If you know your wrongs yet still want to avoid punishment, then you're not repenting. As your brother, I need to teach you proper moral values so that you can live normally." (Krey)

"Kyuuua kyuuui kyuu kyu kyua! Kyua kyuuu!"

|But I was doing that to help you Krey nii-chan! You were in danger!| (Lisana)

"Yes and I am very thankful for your efforts Liz. It makes me happy that you care so much for me." (Krey)

Saying that, Krey nii-chan smiled warmly at me then gave my head a pleasant pat before rubbing it fondly. It felt good for awhile but he suddenly stopped and said-

"Still, it doesn't change the fact that you destroyed the remnants of that mountain range in an unbridled fashion. You are powerful Liz, but that is also your weakness. With great power comes great responsibility... I kinda sound like Uncle Ben." (Krey)

Krey nii-chan admonished me in a strong and clear manner which left me feel puzzled and a bit shocked... I ignored the last incomprehensible mumbling at the end since I felt that it isnot important. Since when did Krey nii-chan acted very concerned with one of my mistakes? Usually he would even support me even if I do something wrong or cheer me up whenever I messed up in cleaning or gardening but now he's acting different. He would sometimes act silly and be childish while training. Sometimes I marvel at how he tries to handle multi-tasking that way. But this time...He has a melancholic look in his face. The ever-present smile gone. Almost like big sis Kira when she talks about her fallen clan... did something sad happen to him before?

"Kyuuuui kyu kyua..."

|I know that Krey nii-chan but...| (Lisana)

I feel a little embarrassed but also indignant about this. What is wrong with destroying a couple of useless protruding rocks and flimsy plants? I would not hesitate to destroy even a continent to help Krey nii-chan! But there might be something that is bothering him so I shouldn't lash out so irresponsibly....

....

This is really hard. What must I choose, Krey nii-chan's safety or Krey nii-chan's feelings? Krey nii-chan's safety or Krey nii-chan's feelings? Safety or feelings? Safety. Feelings....What must I really choose?!?

Kyuuuu-!!!

As if noticing that I am having a silent dilemma, Krey nii-chan smiled faintly and stopped moving forward. We stopped in mid-air but I can now see the caravan that big sis Kira is riding. There are five magic carriages that are surrounded by ten guards who are riding mounts.

The four magic carriages look robust and strong with the bulky frame and metal rivets so I suspect that they are more of a military attachment rather than a public vehicle.

Magic carriages are carriages that are run on mana and don't need the help of a monster or animal to make it move. It instead relies on the complicated rune enchantments embedded on the wheels as well as the power source, or the driver who is mana manipulator to make it move.

The four military carriages are surrounding a beautiful carriage that is being pulled by delicious-looking horses. Big sis Kira said that it is a tradition for nobles to have some sort of magnificent mount to pull their carriages as a form of social status so the Old Beardy and big sis Kira must be residing there.

"*whistle* It looks like this world is much more advanced than I thought. The carriages I saw at Arles City can't be compared to those... they almost seem like over sized cars..." (Krey)

Krey nii-chan's eyes suddenly seemed distant and then he murmured something incomprehensible again. Sometimes he says strange things like 'anime' , 'manga' 'part-time job' and 'flags' that I don't really get but is somehow interesting to me. Yet another strange word came out of his mouth, 'car' is it? Ah! Maybe I could use this to get out of this little situation...

"Kyuui kyuu? Kyua kyu?"

|What are you talking about, Krey nii-chan? What's a car?| (Lisana)

I mentally asked, making my mental voice completely cute and innocent to make Krey nii-chan forget about my mistake. Fufu. Big sis Kira said that a girl's looks and attitude can sway the opinions of other people so this is what I am planning to do! But I am not sure why it is only a girl but not a boy... I just hope that Krey nii-chan would take the bait...

"Nothing. Don't change the subject, Liz." (Krey)

Ah... It failed. I guess I am not eloquent enough? It was supposed to be a good subject-changer yet how did I fail...?

Krey nii-chan suddenly snapped back to that sad, far-away look. I find him very mysterious right now... but also insidious. I don't like this sort of Krey nii-chan. If he is sad all the time, that is no longer the Krey nii-chan that I know, no longer the always-smiling Krey nii-chan... and nothing is more scarier than not knowing what he really is. Krey nii-chan then looked at me for a moment and then he sighed again. He began rubbing my head which I so gratefully enjoyed.

"I sometimes forget that even though you're so smart, you are still a child at heart. A little bit like me but not really. I know that I don't even have half the intelligence that you have. Liz, you are intelligent and rational, and I know you will make the correct choices, unlike me who is impulsive and naive... I think." (Krey)

"... Kyua..."

|... Really...| (Lisana)

... I have no words to describe the anger I am feeling! I am really mad that Krey nii-chan describes himself that way. He is much better than that, I just know it! Although I want to furiously reject his opinion, I doubt he would retract it so easily so I will just forget about it.

And what choices? If I could ensure Krey nii-chan and big sis Kira's happiness and safety, I won't care about choices. My life is already better than most dragons who usually experience eternal solitude, if my genetic memories are true. They gave me happiness, happiness that most dragons would never ever experience... so I will do anything to ensure theirs!

"It looks like you are still unsure. Well then, let me give you a much more direct interpretation. Onii-chan will teach you something good~" (Krey)

"Kyua...?"

|Onii-chan...?| (Lisana)

"Another term for big brother." (Krey)

While saying that, Krey nii-chan released me from his arms and I felt relieved and unsatisfied at the same time as I flapped my wings beside Krey nii-chan. Krey nii-chan suddenly pointed at a group of hills in the distance below. There are a quite a number of trees here and there but most of it are plains and hills. Krey nii-chan pointed at an unremarkable spot in the distance. Its a hill located a quarter of a kilometer away from us and it truly looks plain.

"[Granite Totems] x10" (Krey)

Instantly, ten 30-meter tall earthen pillars rise from the ground. They are set up randomly on top of the hill and looks suspicious in the background. Krey nii-chan then looked at me and gestured towards the pillars. I follow his hands and I noticed one pillar that is different from the rest...

... Meat? The top part of one pillars has an image of... well something like a steak or is it a meat skewer? I do not know but it makes me sad somehow. I guess I miss eating meat? The first meal I ever had before ingesting mana is a meat skewer... it was really delicious... but unfortunately, I have been away from it for so long that I've grown to like the vegetables more...

I gave a quizzical look towards Krey nii-chan, who simply shrugged and said to me-

"Why are you looking at me like that? You like meat right? Come to think of it we haven't had meat for a long time." (Krey)

"Kyuuui kyuuu. Kyuaa kyuuuuaa kyu kyu kyui kyuuu?"

|Yes, I like meat. But what does it have to do with your interpretation?| (Lisana)

"Hmmm... then think of it as this. Imagine that weird image over there as something important to you. Something precious and has incredible value to you." (Krey)

"Kyua."

|Okay.| (Lisana)

Agreeing to the strange request of Krey nii-chan, I try to visualize that meat pillar over there as something of great importance to me.

Important... important... I closed my eyes and imagined the two people I love. Krey nii-chan and big sis Kira. Krey and Kiralne. The times we spent together and all the fun I had with them.

The first time I met them. The promise that Krey nii-chan made when I was born. The way big sis Kira sought to protect us from the bad people. The time that we were trapped and severely injured. Our daily peaceful lives in the cavern... all of it are really, really important.

"Uh... yeah Liz, that's enough imagining. Try to move that image into the totem. Just imagine it. Kind of like how Kira taught you to visualize stuff... I guess." (Krey)

I must've dove into my memories for too long... I did as Krey nii-chan asked and transposed the image of Krey nii-chan and big sis Kira into that pillar... or I guess totem? For a moment, it seemed that the totem really is like the two of them, almost as if their essence has been embedded into it. I guess this is the power of imagination?... I have become attached to the totem before I knew it.

"Kyuui kyu"

|I am done.| (Lisana)

I told Krey nii-chan that I was finished and Krey nii-chan nodded before doing something that I did not expect at all.

"Really? Good. [Blazing Hail]" (Krey)

Krey nii-chan waved his hand and instantly, countless red magic circles appeared above the totem cluster before dissolving into fiery spears. Without warning, the flaming points descended like rain and began bombarding the area around the totems. Small but strong explosions assaulted the area which measured about thirty meters in diameter. Craters formed before disappearing in a blazing cloud of flames. The totems were engulfed by the inferno, seemingly disappearing as everything in the area is slowly turned to red hot ashes.

"Kyuu... kyuii kyua?!"

|Wha-... why Krey nii-chan?!| (Lisana)

Unable to comprehend the reason for this, I looked towards Krey nii-chan and demanded an explanation. Krey nii-chan looked at me, no trace of the carefree smile on his face. He also did not say anything. Then I realized that he wanted me to calm down. I took a deep breath and slowly suppress the turmoil in my heart.

To say that I was not affected by this was not true at all. It may have been superficial but I did liken that particular totem to my two precious people... a sense of loss permeated me but it soon disappeared and I finally returned to my former state. I shot a puzzled look towards Krey nii-chan.

I am not that angry that he did that but I was pretty surprised. He looked towards the still burning hill in the distance, seemingly in deep thought before turning his gaze back to me.

"You want to know why I did that Liz?" (Krey)

I bobbed my head a little to signify a nod and Krey nii-chan soon returned his line of sight towards the burning hill. The hill has been thoroughly engulfed in flames, smoke towering several tens of meters high, effectively blocking any visual recognition of the area of the hill.

"Before that, tell me Liz what did you feel when you saw what I did?" (Krey)

Krey nii-chan asked me in a voice devoid of emotion.

Then he turned his gaze again but this time there is a small smile on his face... a small but malevolent smile. It looked like the smile of a person who lost everything, someone who does not see life as important anymore. As if the inside is only an empty shell. Somebody who has no spirit left. Even his eyes looked dead. I looked blankly for a while before replying.

"Kyuua... kyuui kyuu..."

|I felt... sad and angry...| (Lisana)

Hearing my answer, Krey nii-chan smiled widely, which only served to heighten the intensity of the eerie air around him. I had to stop myself from curling into a ball when I saw him become like that. Its just not right. This is not the Krey nii-chan that I always see. Ah... maybe this is a side that he has never ever shown before?

A hidden side? But why is it this... scary? Sad even. Krey nii-chan continued to look at me which only made me feel uncomfortable. Then he opened his mouth and he once again spoke in that uncharacteristic emotionless voice.

"Good. What I just showed you will be the result if you behave like before. Everything that is precious to you will always be fragile and powerless. Even if they are protected or can defend themselves, it will always be a target of your enemies. Imagine... any one of the people you hate being in the possession of the most valuable thing to you... and you have no way to save it?" (Krey)

From his word, unpleasant memories began to surge from my mind. The time that Krey nii-chan ran with me and big sis Kira in tow yet still getting injured by a bad lady. Then the bad people inflicted a poison that big sis Kira has suffered under for half a decade.

Both of them at the time are powerless. Even I am powerless at that time. It was one of the worst memories that I ever kept and one I wish to forget. But as I listened to what Krey nii-chan said, i slowly realized that I must commit these memories to heart so that I can prevent it from happening again.

"Your power is great Liz but it can also hurt the thing that you care about the most. And as you grow older, you will encounter many things that you will wish to protect. Being in control of your power, your emotions, and most of all... yourself will serve you better in the long run." (Krey)

After saying that, his eyes finally changed into a lively glint and his face soon sprouted his usual carefree smile. No more creepy atmosphere. No more eerie smiles. I stopped myself from sighing in relief, it might be rude to him. I need to commit his words to mind.

Hearing that I will meet more people like big sis Kira and Krey nii-chan, I felt my heart fill with glee. I never realized that I can meet people like them in the future and I started to look forward to the future. But most of all... Krey nii-chan taught me an important lesson.

I agree with everything that Krey nii-chan says. I need to change my way of thinking a little. Otherwise it will end badly not only for me but for the two of them. But there is one thing that I worry about...

"Kyuui kyuu kyua. Kyuuuu kyuaa kyuuu... kyuu kyuaa? Kyuui kyuuuuuu kyuuuua kyua kyua kyuua kyu kyua kyu kyuui kyuuu?"

|Krey nii-chan you are right. I need to change a lot. But Krey nii-chan... what about you? You said that I must not be reckless or arrogant but what about the things that you were doing before?| (Lisana)

I did not want to say it but Krey nii-chan... is even more childish than me! He gets angry like a kid, gets revenge like a kid and is always whimsical! He is weird and unpredictable, and most of all, there is always a barrier in his mind that I can't penetrate! This only happens when I met crazy people like the bad lady that hurt Krey nii-chan and Krey nii-chan himself!

"Hmph! You don't have to mind me. I can take care of myself, thank you very much. If you don't believe me then look..." (Krey)

Krey nii-chan crossed his arms and looked away like a kid before gesturing towards the burning hill. He smiled lightly before waving his hand exaggeratedly, then a gust of mana appeared and propelled itself towards the scorched area. Mana manipulators can manipulate mana as they will. For warriors it can be strengthening their bodies or attacks while mages simply throw bolts or blades of compressed refined mana towards their enemies.

This is usually useful if they don't want to waste time preparing the elements in their bodies to use so it is a very good way of fighting if you want to fight a prolonged battle. This is actually the first time that I've seen Krey nii-chan use mana in such a way since he usually uses elemental-aligned spells instead of mana-aligned spells. I think its because he has the mindset of doing things quickly and efficiently, at least that's what me and big sis Kira thinks.

The gust of mana acted like a moving wall that blew away the smoke away from the hill. Although there is still a lot of flames, the hill can now be seen vaguely. But as I continued my observation, I almost gasped in surprise. The face of the hill has been burnt black and it no longer looked like the grassy hill it once was but that's not what caught my attention. In the middle of the hill... resides a... totem

There is still a totem there! But he used a Mid-Class spell earlier, how can one still exist?! And most importantly, its the totem with the image of the meat in it! It has no damage at all!! It might have been blackened by the smoke and ash but no sign of it being incinerated can be seen!!

I looked towards Krey nii-chan and I saw him smirk at me, and I felt my face grow hot. If I was in human form, I am certain that my face would become red. Krey nii-chan seemed to be laughing inside before shrugging and then he lightly waved his hand before casting a low-class spell.

"[Drizzle]" (Krey)

Soon, miniature storm clouds appeared out of nowhere and set themselves atop the hill. Then, a light barrage of water fell from the clouds and landed on the hill, effectively putting out the other flames left from the spell.

"I may be childish and immature but... I still have more control than you." (Krey)

Krey nii-chan declared this in a light but irritating tone.

********************************************************************************

(Kiralne P.O.V.)

'Ah, he made a mess again.' (Kiralne)

I shook my head as I peered out from the window of the magic carriage, observing the destruction that came from Krey's spell while placating Filly who finally finished complaining of the desk jobs given to her by Turlan. I still remember the words that came out of her mouth when she saw me... well it was a bit awkward since I did not know that she was so affected by my disappearance.

A/N: Yup, just a conversation. Expect this kind of format to happen during some flashbacks... which will only be a few I guess.

"Uwah- K-kira you are alive! Uwaaah-!! Uweeeeh *sniffle* *sob sob* I thought you were gone forever... wuwuuu" (Filly)

"Ahaha. You are simply exaggerating Filly-!" (Kiralne)

"Neeh- Don't leave for so long again okay? *sniffle* I'd really be sad if something happened to you. *sniffle* I'd be buried in paperwork again." (Filly)

"Haha. I am sorry but I'll constantly be busy so-!" (Kiralne)

"Uwahh-ueeee *sob* *sob* T-they forced me to manage all the paperwork y'know?! *sniffle* *sob* Those lazy old men pushed all the paperwork to me uwwuuu *sniffle* Don't leave again, Kira!! I'd rather laze around the inn with you rather than be worked liked a pack mule *sob*" (Filly)

"Aha-ahaha..." (Kiralne)

... And so that kind of situation happened. A bit pitiful, true, but I guess the lazy girl from before needed to grow up. Geez, even though she should be already in her 40's, the age where beastmen are considered as full-fledged adults, she is still a carefree brat.

I sighed again before stroking the hair of Filly, who is the interim secretary of Mr. Turlan. She may not look like it, but she too, is of noble birth, the same as Mr. Turlan. Usually nobles have great pedigree when it comes to festering talent in mana manipulation. The ancient selective breeding in the old days were really effective, so its not really surprising for a 40-year old girl like Filly to reach Elder Fighter level.

At the age of 15, people are allowed to work but only at the age of 30 can once be considered as an adult. Well, at least that's how it is for most races like humans, dwarves, beastmen and others. For long-lived races like elves and demons, we have to be at the age of 60 to be considered as adults.

*sigh*Even so... such a pitiful child. Even I would complain if I have to sort through every paperwork that the Head of Economic Affairs receives. What's worse is that the paperwork increased, mostly reports about the losses of the merchant vessels due to the attacks that Lumen Isles Union implemented to cripple the country's economy... to think that the enemy would also be able to affect Tolkium Kingdom's commerce and therefore its countrymen in such a cruel way... I guess that they would resort to it since these two big countries have too much bad blood between them. At least that's what I have heard from Mr. Turlan.

"*sniffle* Uwah... Kira stay..." (Filly)

I felt quite awkward whenever she interrupts my train of thought but since I am used to comforting all the stressed out employees/spies of the Bunny Point Inn, I acted unconcerned at the drooling bunny girl sleeping in my lap.

Mr. Turlan himself simply ignored her murmurings and listened to me earlier while brewing more tea... Really. Somehow I think that Filly suffered a lot under this easygoing Archduke. Then again, since he is one of the only three Arch-level Mana Manipulators of Tolkium Kingdom, a primary Colonnade, being lazy is a privilege that is well-deserved.

Ah, now that I think about it, I am also an Arch-level Mana Manipulator. Ahaha... to think that seven years ago I resorted to using forbidden means of breaking through the Arch Knight level and almost losing my life in the process. I was lucky that I was able to realize the error of my ways and stopped my incorrect pursuit of power. I was prepared to live a life of being forever stranded in the Grand Soldier level, never again to bring honor to my clan... but I still ended up breaking through stably and also managed to fulfill one of the true missions of my clan... life is strange indeed.

I sighed lightly while thinking about my life from before the five-year treatment. I guess I was indeed... despondent back then, although I was on the brink of breaking down with most of my thoughts were about gaining strength and keeping the clan legacy alive...

"*cough* ... You are saying that... that person I fought earlier... was merely a boy ten years of age? And is a champion of a god? And has a master that could be an expert that far exceeds the Emperor-level? Possibly a paragon of the three higher levels?" (Mr. Turlan)

... I really don't like it when someone interrupts my train of thought. *sigh* I guess I've been used to the tranquility of the cavern. Krey always meditates and practice the stances that I taught him while Liz will play for a little while before sleeping again... such enjoyable quiet days... well, I guess I finally have to return to the noisy reality.

Mr. Turlan was very unsettled, overwhelmed from the information I gave him. I don't think that he noticed the ruckus made by Krey outside. Well that's a given since I am also blocking his Aura Sense with my own Aura Sense to avoid explaining something bothersome. Anyway, I've decided to reveal bits of truth to make the negotiation better. From what I can deduce from Krey's attitude, I think that the method he would use in negotiating is, well... inappropriate. I don't know whether to laugh or cry when I remember some of our long conversations.

"So how does the flow of your inner refined mana feel in your body? Isn't this martial art great?" (Kiralne)

"I don't know, why are you even asking me? Why are your eyes shining like a cat? Can't you see that I am practicing the stances that you taught me? Go back to tending to the plants." (Krey)

"I am bored and Liz is sleeping. Talking with you is the only option to relieve my boredom." (Kiralne)

"What are you, a kid? Even if you are currently recuperating from the viper poison, I would still hit you in the head if you keep bothering me." (Krey)

"H-hey wait a m-minute. I am only a weak fragile girl!! Will you really have the heart to hurt someone as fragile as me?" (Kiralne)

"That's rich coming from someone who knocked me unconscious, drugged me, kidnapped me and constantly molests me everyday. Now go away and wash the bathhouse or something, otherwise I'll test one of my new utility Basic spells on you." (Krey)

"W-wait!!! I am just really, really bored! Can't you entertain this elder sister over here?!" (Kiralne)

"No. And who said that you are my elder sister? I only accept Liz as my little sister since she is cute and innocent, I do not want an 200 year-old perverted hag to call herself my elder sister. At most, I'll call you Aunty since you do most of the chores anyway." (Krey)

"Kuh-! T-that's mean. I am still 135 years old, I am still considered young in elf years... its almost been 3 years already yet you're still mean. I just want to make some small talk and yet you want to drive me away... fufu, fufufu...well that is fine but... What if I tell to Liz that her big brother is being mean to me? I wonder what will happen~?" (Kiralne)

"... Fine. Ask just ten questions and then go away. If you still won't go away, I will simply run away since hurting you excessively is not an option... *sigh*Liz just made the best alternative go out the window... (you just wait, I'll cure you then beat you up excessively)" (Krey)

A/N: If I add a ( ) then it means inner thoughts since its too tiring for me to add additional things like ' ' all the time when they're thinking. As long as this ( ) stays within this " ", then it is inner thoughts. Or if you want, I can change ( ) -> ' '.

"Okay~... Then, why do you look at me like that? I can't help but notice that cold look in your eyes when you stare at me." (Kiralne)

"... Its not really you. It is other people in general. I always look at people this way. Though I am surprised that you can see it, I usually hide it pretty well. There are quite a few people that directly observe the eyes of a person." (Krey)

"Heeeeeh, is that so? I almost can't believe that an 8-year old like you would always look at people icily. Didn't you say that you were an orphan and that your master took care of you? Was life that bad in his care?" (Kiralne)

"... Its not him that is the reason (internet is a messiah). This is just a built-in habit I have but it has kept me clear headed for a long time. By the way, that's three questions already." (Krey)

"... Tch. So what is the reason for you always having that habit? I was not sure before but I am now. You also had that look when I first met you but you hid it almost immediately when you are near Liz. Why?" (Kiralne)

"Heh. So you were that observant huh? The reason is because of... the people themselves. I've long since realized that the greatest threat to me are other people. They are the most dangerous existences and the entities that I am most wary of. Liz is still a child and I should not be rough on her. Now you only have five questions left." (Krey)

"... What spurred you to think of such things? Also please add three more opportunities for questioning, otherwise I will tell Liz that you are being mean." (Kiralne)

"Hoh? And I thought that you would lecture me and tell me that my way of thinking is wrong. You are quite strange, then again it might be the reason why Liz likes you so much... as for your request... I guess it will be alright. (I am definitely gonna beat you to a bloody pulp! I just need to knock out Liz for a while... what poisons should I use?" (Krey)

"Fufu thanks~. As a way to clear up the confusion regarding that, its just that there are many different kinds of people in the world, why would I be bothered by the opinion of one individual? Besides I was the one who kept asking you these questions, it is only proper that I listen without interjecting." (Kiralne)

"Hmm. Then, I will continue. People are unpredictable and hypocritical. You don't know what they are thinking and what they are planning. You don't always know if they are good or bad, if they tell the truth or not, if they like or dislike you. This is one thing I understand but the thing that I have realized and always believed in is... that people live only for themselves. The flowery things such as loyalty, generosity, kindness, selflessness, patriotism, and whatnot are merely superficial desires covered in laughable ideals and concepts of love." (Krey)

"... Do you really think that?" (Kiralne)

"It's what I've always believed in. Behind the kind smiles of people are hidden intents that are much more despicable than what you'd expect. People hide their true natures behind such paltry personas, its so stupid that I almost want to laugh to death. Then I had an epiphany... you cannot understand people, but you can predict and use them like puppets~." (Krey)

"... How?" (Kiralne)

"Fear, anger, sadness, despair and other negative emotions. You'd be surprised to know that the only time that an individual is easy to read is when he is overwhelmed with negative emotions. But of course, every individual is different and its sometimes hard to use these things to manipulate them. Nevertheless, I enjoy the ups and downs of manipulating people." (Krey)

"... Hey, where did a child learn such things? And when did you... do those things?" (Kiralne)

"I supposed you can say that I have learned a lot from my master. After all, he is really wise and all-knowing (internet is really good). But I guess it stemmed from my personality. As for when I did that... well it was fairly a long long time ago and I am not sure if I have the finesse and patience to attempt it again, but those times were enjoyable." (Krey)

"...(so you were being taught evil things ever since you were only an infant...? What a dark history... )" (Kiralne)

"Oh? Are you done? If you are then please vacate the vicinity. If I made any mistakes then just tell me when I stop practicing. I prefer to be alone." (Krey)

"... No. I still have three questions left don't I? Judging by that look on your face, you even included the rhetorical ones in your list, those don't count okay?" (Kiralne)

"Tch..." (Krey)

"*sigh*... So do you still... not trust me? What about Liz, why do you look at her differently?" (Kiralne)

"... Hard to say. I can ascertain if a person is good or bad, sincere or insincere, relaxed or unsettled just from looking at their eyes. But that is just an initial assessment, not thorough. Don't ask how I was able to do it, I just simply can (you can't believe how much time and effort it took before I can achieve this). Truthfully, I do not really know what to think of you. You seem sincere enough, very duty-bound to me and you like me and Liz a lot but... I still can't accept you as is. As for Liz... she is a child. Albeit a scarily intelligent child. Children are often the most pure and innocent creatures in the world. I have no reason to distrust Liz because of that and also because... I made her a promise. An impulsive one, coming from my idiotic excitement from adventuring, yes, but still a promise (I will not admit that my chuunibyou acted up in those times. Definitely not.). I've only made a few promises that I may never complete in my life, I wish to fulfill at least one of them. (Krey)

"...*sigh* How can a child talk as if he is somebody with real life experience?" (Kiralne)

"Who knows? Maybe I am just so naturally mature that I exude an air of an experienced individual (Hmph. If you are thrown into the underworld and cyberspace when you were still a child, you can grow up quickly.)" (Krey)

"Haha... What a weird kid. I am going back now, Liz is probably awake already. Thank you for your time." (Kiralne)

"Sure! Don't come back~!" (Krey)

I think the description that would fit into this is that his way of thinking is meant for the underworld. Such a dark nature yet lively temperament... he would be a perfect member of the underworld. At least he would enjoy his life there and not break down... when I think of this, I get the shivers. I think Krey can kill, steal, torture with a big smile on his face.

... I just hope that Liz's method would work. If we just remove his malicious tendencies, he would be a perfect example of a cute and lively boy. Well I will just go back to my conversation with Mr. Turlan.

"It is so. What I am really curious about is what secret does the Tolkium Kingdom hold that even a peerless 'young master' figure like him would be interested in? Hmm?" (Kiralne)

I smiled lightly while releasing a bit of my aura in the air. He is much stronger than me, being in the Middle Stage of the Archmagus rank but since he knows that I am with Krey, and his illustrious background that I told him about (though I did hide some of the information and I think Krey is hiding some of them too) being my support, this little bit of pressure can be of help towards the negotiation. And besides, who says that a lower refinement rank can't beat a higher refinement rank? Krey and that demon girl from before are living proofs... though I do not know what happened to her since that... accident. I don't know why but I can't really remember what happened before falling in the cavern... well, its probably not important.

But as expected of an Archduke, he is unsettled but the pride in his noble blood kept him calm and was able to face me with a straight face. Finally he sighed before saying-

"With my pride as the head of House Reynald, and as an Archmagus, I can assure you that we have no secrets that can be kept from the prying eyes of the powers in the Central Continent. Anything valuable would have already been inspected and sealed to prevent the other powers from challenging the might of the Central Continent." (Mr. Turlan)

"Hmph. If North, West, South and East come together, even those dolts from the Central Continent will have no choice as they're lands are plundered." (Kiralne)

"It might be so in ancient times, but recently the East has been very chaotic and I fear that the other powers, not only those from the Central Continent, even the North and South are thinking of invading." (Mr. Turlan)

*sigh* So many problems. I was wondering how Lumen Isles Union was able to employ such risky tactics to cripple the military force of Tolkium Kingdom, it was probably help from the shadows... possibly from the Central Continent or the North. My clan hailed from the South and I am sure that those people have no interest in the matters of the other realms, except theirs. Not sure about the former two though.

"Sir Turlan has indeed a wide view of the matters in the East but for now, let us deal with the internal problems of this country." (Kiralne)

"... Miss Kiralne, are you sure that... Sir Krey will be able to help us? The schools, sects, business firms, protectorate houses, and noble clans have been fractured into three sides. The schools, sects, one protectorate house and some firms are in the neutral side while most firms and most of the noble clans as well as three protectorate houses are in the Princess faction. Only the Arles and Reynald protectorate houses as well as a few noble families are in the Prince faction." (Mr. Turlan)

Schools are organizations that train mages while sects nurture warriors. These two are also formidable organizations that are almost comparable to the Adventurer's Guild. If only the schools and sects were not divided into categories, styles, and forms of teachings. Business firms also have a certain amount of power in their hands. They can hire or train their own mana manipulators with the money they have to protect their businesses.

Protectorate Houses are the founding aristocratic clans of Tolkium Kingdom, under the Royal Family. They are not that different from noble families except that they are much more powerful, more influential and have deep roots in the country. Most of all, they are loyal to the ideals and goals of the Tolkium Kingdom... but not necessarily the Royal Family themselves.

I very much just want to leave this people to their own devices. If the Tolkium Kingdom has more internal conflicts such as these, then I really wander if the kingdom known to Salratia as "The Haven of All Races" will become nothing more than a dilapidated page in history.

"What about the Royal Palace? What are they doing? Just sitting there watching?" (Kiralne)

"... Yes. The Prince and the Princess have demanded that the officials and ministers must stay in the palace as a means of keeping them safe and in top working condition to serve the new ruler. Even the Royal Guards and Imperial Knights are detained." (Mr. Turlan)

"..." (Kiralne)

I kinda had the gist of it five years ago of the situation but to think that it got worse... *sigh* and I kinda suspect that maybe some spies from the Lumen Isles Union, or maybe the powers in the Central Continent are messing with the internal workings of the country.... there are many, many speculations that I have thought of but I need to be sure, for Krey's safety... though I say that, we are probably equal in strength. Possibly, Krey can dominate me easily if he was serious.... just a mere Aura Essence pushed me back into a corner... if I didn't know Krey, I would definitely be flabbergasted and enraged.

Well, Krey said that there is one simple solution to any problem: overwhelming power. He said that he has a plan to make connections here even without my help... and I think that his plan is actually brilliant... and scary. If he actually pulled it off before, I doubt that the situation would be as worse as it is now.

"*sigh* Such a pain. Well it is fine. You can rest assured Sir Turlan, Krey will be able to help you. To prepare against the onslaught of Lumen Isles Union, we need a ruler that can unify the entire kingdom in defense. And to that, we need to even out the playing field." (Kiralne)

While declaring that, I lightly sipped my tea while stroking Filly's hair. With my Aura Sense in full effect, I watched Krey and Liz's mischief outside and I squinted my eyes happily. Thinking of the times we spent on that cavern, I faintly smiled while thinking fondly of the future.

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 'You are definitely bullying this child!' (????)

'I say, can you please be quiet? I am thankful for your assistance earlier but being annoying will still stave off any gratitude that I felt for you before." (Krey)

I sighed in my mind before continuing this tirade with my other new companion. I thank any celestial being out there for making me create the True Divine Art [Parallel Thought], otherwise talking with two people with only one mind can be taxing. I was finally becoming a true, reliable onii-chan yet this light brown-haired loli keeps on interfering.

Inside my head... my sea of consciousness, yes this thing suddenly appeared out of nowhere which should only appear when I am at the Archmagus level, a flaxen-haired amber-eyed little girl is floating while puffing her cheeks.

... Liz is already a loli and I don't really need another little sister... was my first thought when I first heard and saw her when I suddenly felt a severe migraine. Luckily, only one mind experienced it so the other three are still okay but it is painful nonetheless. I knew it was her doing so I declared here in my psyche as an enemy.

'... How rude. Are otherworldlers this crude? According to your memories, you are a hedonistic, free-spirited and psychopathic maniac that should have been put in an asylum but instead lived a more or less normal life... filled with the darkness of the underworld. *sigh* Mistress was definitely fooled by you, yet I cannot fathom what state she was in to mistake an aberration as you to become a Legacy Protector.' (????)

'...' (Krey)

... I have never ever known someone that could accurately judge me correctly in just two sentences. And what did she mean by Mistress? Could it be Frelinia? Wait... why does this voice sound familiar...?

'*sigh* It looks like we got off on the wrong foot and although bickering with you is amusing, Liz and Kira are waiting for me down there. So what is your name?" (Krey)

... I still need to figure out how to apologize to Kira without losing face. I must not lose my dominant position in our relationship. Let's just calm this girl down before I reassess the facts. For now, she is not a threat but she is still a liability.

"Very well. Considering the situation Salratia is in, I guess cooperating with a madman is better than not doing anything." (????)

Saying so, the flaxen-haired girl suddenly emitted an archaic and strange pressure inside of my sea of consciousness. Her eyes glowed with a warm amber light while a light green aura started to permeate my entire being.

"I am Freyja, the sole Divine Armament of Lady Frelinia, the Exalted Goddess of Life. I hope we get along... Krey Ericson, the 3rd Champion of the Goddess of Life and my new wielder." (Freyja)

And so was my meeting with the Divine Armament, Freyja.

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Another A/N: Too short? Well sorry, I kinda got lost (writer's block) in the flow of the story since this is actually my first time writing and also I realized that I planned too poorly. If the details and info dumps are annoying, then sorry but the story will progress a little...

If there is any mistakes please tell me. <- (too lazy to check by himself, also no editor)