I stood there for a moment shocked blinking my eyes a few times at Melia whose face was a mixture of emotions. Just a moment ago I heard Lila talking with Edward and she said she would marry him she grows up! I didn’t even get to have the “I’ll marry Daddy” phase!

Frustrated, I glare at Edward who has a huge smile on his face. Which shortly turned into that of pure utter terror. Like an ungreased robot he slowly turned and looked me in the eye seeming to ask is that ok?

*Sigh*

Well it’s not the first time I’ve had to deal with this phase. Slowly, I walk towards Edward while maintaining eye contact. I didn’t stop until I was a foot away.

“Take care of our little Lila Eddy. You better make her the H-A-P-P-I-E-S-T Bride… understand?”

After I say that Eddy’s smile returns and does a large over exaggerated nod.

(Edward) “Yes Sir! I promise!”

I swear if he wasn’t such a good kid… well I better finish what I was saying now.

“Of course… or else.”

Just as quickly as he turned happy, the color of his face was drained until it was white. He spoke again as he swallowed his saliva.

(Edward) “Umm… or else…?”

It’s fun messing with little Ed so I let out a devious grin and tell him

“Some things Eddy… are best not known. For your own sake”

Lila then latches onto Eddy’s arms and shakes the almost lifeless husk that is known as Edward.

(Melia) “That’s right... Young Master Edward, if I as much see the beginning of a frown…”

I turn to see Melia with a business smile… and her eyes… a shiver just ran up and down my spine.

“I think we’ve made our point Maid from Hell let’s head back and keep watch over there.”

Almost immediately Melia stares at me with a blank look on her face.

(Melia) “I am NOT the Maid from Hell! Why! You were properly using my name before!”

I end up having to drag her back to keep watch before dinner. Lately Eddy’s been eating dinner with us and is over enough that he practically lives here. He even attends some of Lila’s tutoring sessions and helps keep her focused, it’s honestly really cute they remind me of Roy and Lena… Ah! I forgot about Roy and Lena!

They must be worried sick about me, or worse they think I’m dead! I’ve been gone for a couple years now… but then again where is the forest… and what the hell is it called? Raking my brain trying to remember any kind of clue to where my old home was I was blankly staring at my meal during dinner.

(Lila) “Kuro…? Is something wrong? You always finish your food before everyone else?”

I’ve been so preoccupied that I didn’t even notice Lila staring at me teary eyes… I’m a failure as a Guardian.

“I’m ok Lila dear, I was just thinking that I should return to the forest of my birth for a bit… but I have no idea where it was.”

I spoke without thinking… Lila’s face looks like she thinks I want to leave her and starts crying.

“No Lila, you're misunderstanding me. I only wanted to go for a short trip and come straight back!”

Sniffling Lila nods and Edward who was comforting her wipes her tears.

(Sebas) “Is that so? Kurogane’s family must still be there, so you intend on visiting family correct? The Duke was actually thinking of bringing the young miss to the Capital, the trip would take about a year's time. We would be unable to bring you with us Kuro and the Duke was wondering how to break it to you both. I shall inquire about the Forest of your capture and prepare the funds for travel.”

Well that was convenient, I wouldn’t expect any less from Sebas...tian, I really need to talk with the Duke to get his name fixed.

“That’s right Sebas, I will be visiting my family for a while.”

The rest of the meal was everyone calming Lila who hasn’t been without me by her side for the past couple years, and for her to accept the fact that we’d be apart for a year. It was hard and if I didn’t have to go home to Roy and Lena I would have stayed.

Then again something Sebas said is nagging at me… my family… I should have an actual family, right? I haven’t really thought about it, but I was given birth to so I must have a father and mother. Maybe even siblings in this world, if so why haven’t they been looking for me?

The following week was full of packing, calming Lila and preparing identification for me. I’m told that with the papers from the Duke stating that I’m a servant of the House of Duke la Riviere and a citizen of Demarrer making passing in and out of towns easy.

It’s kind of embarrassing that I didn’t know the House's name… or even the town's name until now. After everything was prepared I saw Edward and Lila off, I was told Eddy had to return also since his family was actually from the Capital.

(Edward) “Don’t worry Kuro I’ll keep Lila safe no matter what!”

(Lila) “I’ll be home before you know it Blackie!”

*Sigh*

She still calls me Blackie sometimes usually when she’s flustered or anxious. I can’t help but worry as I wave goodbye. I watch the carriage as it slowly disappears from my view before returning inside the manor.

(Melia) “She’ll be fine Kuro…Don’t make such a sad face.”

All I can do is give a faint smile and pat Melia on the head.

“Thanks Melia, I’ll be fine. Please watch over the house while I’m gone I’ll be leaving in the next couple days myself.”

… Why does she look so lonely suddenly, it's not like I'll be gone forever. I'm going to have to go to the market and prepare the rest of my stuff so i pat Melia on the head and leave.

(Melia) “I'm not a child Kuro!”

Being younger then my little sister makes you a kid in my eyes though.

It's been awhile since I've last left the manor, I've left with Lila riding on my back and as my current form a few times. Honestly the store owners and most of the market stalls are used to my appearance as a dragon lately. To the point that they feed me all kinds of stuff and even pet my head when I’m escorting Lila.

The main things I’ll need this time is dried food, tools, and some armor just in case. The dried meat was easy to get and so was the rucksack to hold my things, bandages were also easy. Now for the “fun” part, I still look like I’m 10 years old so I wonder what I can get equipment wise.

Preferably a dagger or knife and some hand and leg guards… ooo maybe they have magically gear that would be great! Thinking about all the new things I could maybe buy with the money the Duke let me have I briskly walk into the Smith’s Alley. I honestly have never been there before since Lila has no need to be there, seriously what would the young miss of a Duke's house have to do here.

My heart starts to beat faster as I look around at the different shops, the sound of hammers striking metal, the heightened temperature from the forges, the occasional breeze that travels through, a slight reprieve from the heat. I anxiously continue to browse, but I havn’t found any place the seems to sell children sized equipment.

Wait… would you even sell something like… God Damnit! Premade equipment would be the most generalized sizes so the most people can buy it, something for a kid would have to be specially made! Frustrated I kick up some dirt and this old stout man reprimands me for causing a scene.

Taking a better look at the man, he’s about my height with a large beard and very muscular. Is he a Dwarf? He’s a Dwarf right!

“Hey mister can I take up some of your time, just a moment would be fine.”

The Dwarf turns towards me and strokes his beard.

(Dwarf) “Sure Kid but make it quick I gotta go back to the forge, weapons don’t make themselves ya know.”

This guy HAS to be a Dwarf… Getting some Dwarven crafted gear so early on. Today’s going to be great!

“Well Mister Dwarf, I was looking for some bracers for my arms and legs, and a dagger would be good.”

I quickly dodge a hammer that flies towards my face confused? What did I do wrong?

(Dwarf) “I AIN’T A DWARF YA NITWIT! Just cause I’m short and a Smith don’t mean I’m a Dwarf. UNDERSTAND?!?”

Whoa! You don’t have to be so mad. If you don’t want to be confused for a Dwarf, maybe you should shave.

“I’m sorry about that, as for the matter of doing business?”

The man grumbles and motions me inside his shop.

Walking to the the shop I see several weapons hung on the wall, Spears, Lances, Broad Swords, Short Swords, Rapiers and many others. Judging by the weapons hung and the style of the armor, it’s European. I don’t see a Dao, Katana, or even a scimitar. Of course there are no Katars… I’ll just have to settle for what I can get then.

(Old Dwarfish Man) “I don’t have much for your size kid, I can refit these ta fit you. It’s good you didn’t ask for a full set like some of the other brats, making specially sized plate takes weeks.”

While he was talking he took out a set of wrist bracers that only cover one side and leg bracers that just cover the shins. It’s better than nothing and since I have room to grow I don’t want want to waste too much money.

(Old Dwarfish Man) “And the daggers are over in that corner pick out the one that you want and come back ‘ere.”

Gah, these are simple as all hell too. I was hoping for something that had a curve to it but there was nothing. Most of these are shaped like crosses and only have a blade on one side. If I’m going to get a something with a straight blade I’d rather have one that has an edge on both sides.

Picking up the different daggers and trying them out none of them feel right the weight distribution is all wrong. Either the Blade is heavy enough but the handle feels too light and would break easily, or the handle was nice and sturdy but the blade was too short.

(Old Dwarfish Man) “Hey Kid, you look like you know what you’re doing with those. Come ‘ere I’ll show you something good.”

Huh? Is he hiding the good stuff? The old man comes back with two daggers… are those Main Gauche? That would be perfect for me since it has a better protection for my hands this old guy knows his stuff!

“Ah these are perfect how much for those and the armor?”

The old man thinks for a moment and has a grin on his face as he tells me the price.

(Old Dwarfish Man) “These were made for a Noble family but they canceled the order so these are custom made along with the refitting fees… you seem to be from a good family so how’s 1,500 Cura sound kid?”

Hmm… He’s definitely inflating the price, he even bothered to bring up keywords like for a Noble's family and custom made.

“Oh? That sounds pretty expensive for just that much. I’m sure you can do better than that. Especially since those two daggers, they’re custom made. No one else wants to buy them or else you would have premade one’s prepared. Judging by dirt on the cloth they were wrapped in it’s been a while.”

It only costs 3 cura for an apple and most weapons only go for 100 to 300 cura, even armor unless it’s full plate only goes up to 800 cura.

(Old Dwarfish Man) “Tch, you’re smart kid I’ll let it go for 1,200, and not a cura less!”

I knew it! He bit, you never haggle with an Asian. It’s bad for business.

“For that much Old Man I could go to the next shop and get twice the amount! And we both know, if you don’t sell me those daggers, they’ll just sit in your shop until they rust.”

Clearly upset now the old man wraps the daggers up and glares at me.

(Old Dwarfish Man) “Alright Kid, 800 Cura, take it or leave, I don’t give a damn. I’m practically giving these away, never seen such a sharp kid.”

Got ‘em! I dig through my bag and place 900 Cura on the table, when I do that the old man looks at me confused.

“A bit extra for you old man, business is business. For the both of us.”

He grins and takes the money and hands me the daggers and he measures my size and I head home.

Well I didn’t get any Dwarven gear but at least these will work for now. I think Sebas was going to make some Red Wine marinated meat today~ I can’t wait! Since Lila hates the smell I never get to eat it but since she’s gone Sebas said he wanted to prepare something nice for me before I leave. At this point I’m practically skipping happily, that’s one thing I’ll definitely miss…

Maybe I can just take Sebas with me… he is a butler worthy of the name “Sebastian” so maybe he can stay perfectly out of view… and only pop up when it’s dinner time and give me some steak. *Sigh* if only…

(Sebas) “I had the feeling that you were in need of my services Sir Kurogane.”

Whoa! Shocked, I jump back a few steps and have my hand on my sword.

“God dammit Sebastian, you scared the hell outta me!”

I don’t even know why I’m surprised at this point, this guy is too perfect of a butler.

(Sebas) “It’s Sebas Sir, I wonder why you occasionally call me that.”

Ah I should probably explain myself.

“It’s nothing Sebas I was just looking forward to tonight's dinner. Regarding the Sebastian thing, you remind me of a Legendary Butler named Sebastian. The perfect butler without a single fault.”

Sebas looks to be lost in thought for a moment before he replies.

(Sebas) “Thank you for the compliment Sir Kurogane, I am far from perfect though and shall strive to meet your expectations of me.”

He then bows towards me and excuses himself, hopefully to cook dinner~ Well nothing better then to do a bit of exercise to build up an appetite so I head towards the Courtyard with one of my Main Gauche attached to my belt.

Once I reach the Courtyard I see several guards training right now and Knight Captain guy is overseeing them. Gah, the last person I wanted to meet the I’ll just turn around…

*Sigh*

(Fen) “Is that you Sir Kurogane, one such as I would be delighted if you would train with us.”

Gah… this guy needs to learn how to talk just get to the point already. Well conveniently I do want to test out my new daggers so I think I’ll take him up on that.

“I was actually thinking of doing some exercising myself, so if you think I will be sufficient.”

The Knight Captain seems to be happy and suddenly I’m surrounded by the guards again… this brings back bad memories.

(Fen) “Although it would be impolite, we would like to formally request a training exercise with each of our Guards. Each person will take a turn and try to best Sir Kuro. Would that be acceptable?”

This guy is too long winded for my taste, would it kill him to stop beating around the bush? The bush is dead buddy… Just... stop…

(Guard) “I won’t lose this time! You got me by surprise last time so it didn’t count.”

Ever heard of a losing flag buddy…

*sigh*

The first guard was the one who swung at me with his spear last time, he’s standing at a good distance from me taking advantage of his spears range. The spear he’s using seems to be better then last time, the tip also has two prongs making it look like a cross at the tip. I can’t seem to understand why they don’t have a tassel at the end... it’s really useful you know?

(Guard) “I am ready when you are Sir.”

Whoops I was too busy looking as his spear and draw my sword and dagger and drop into my stance. My left hand grasping my dagger in a reversed grip was guarding my torso and my sword’s blade facing upwards, its tip pointed at the guard's throat.

“Alright then, shall we?”

Using that as a queue the guard pulls his spear back slightly and lunges towards me slightly while thrusting his spear towards my torso. I lean to the left slightly and place my left foot to the side as a pivot and meet his spear with my dagger with a slash directing his spear away from me.

He then tries to pull back the spear and stab at me again but my dagger is locked with the tip of his spear leaving it in place. Once he loosens his grip to try to unlock our weapons I spin my right leg and kick off my left leg shortening the distance enough that my sword placed next to his throat.

The guard thanks me for the experience and returns to the circle pretty composed for someone who lost quickly. The Main Gauche is doing it’s job correctly and it doesn’t seem brittle, that’s a good sign. The next few fights all ended quickly… I need to train these guys when I come home.

(Fen) “As I would expect, none of my men can even hold a candle against you. This time though I will not be caught off guard, prepare yourself Sir Kuro!”

This guy definitely has a face you just want to punch…Fen comes forward into the circle with his Kite Shield in his right hand and Longsword in his left and places his shield to cover his torso and his sword hidden behind his shield. Well then this guy will be a good warm up for when I see Roy.

(Fen) “Come!”

Jeez, this guy only ever get’s to the point when it’s about beating him up… is he a masochist? I place my dagger again in the same position but my sword is behind me this time. Leaning in random directions to misdirect Fen I keep my eyes on him… that shield is troublesome since I can’t see his torso making predicting his attacks harder.

I then as quickly as I could dash forward but stop outside his projected attack range but he doesn’t budge. Heh… simple feints aren’t working huh? Maybe I’m playing around too much.

Well then I’ve kept him waiting long enough and I make it obvious that I am going to do an upward slash with my left hand and attack. Fen meets my sword with his and deflects it away from him and attempts to ram his shield into me.

While Fen deflected my sword I had already started to spin my body to meet shield with my foot kicking him towards the air making him lose his balance and step back a few steps. Of course I won’t let him regain his posture and slam my right leg in the ground similar to and axe kick and run into the gap of his defense, blocking his sword with mine and my dagger placed at his throat.

These guys are weak… are they going to be ok without me being home?

(Fen) “I concede this match, as usual your attacks are splendid Sir Kurogane on par with that of Sebas!”

… I’m not going to even bother being surprised, freaking Sebastian of a Butler…

Dinner was delicious I even tried to convince Sebas to follow me at least part way to feed me but he politely declines. Melia is currently staring at me with eyes of anticipation…

“No Melia, I’m not taking you with me. I have enough baggage as is.”

(Melia) “No fair! You asked Sebastian to go with you!”

As she says that, she covers her mouth.

(Sebas) “Melia… I’m sure I misheard you earlier… My name is Sebas. Must I drill this into that head full of useless things?”

Melia just shakes her head violently still covering her mouth. I guess the name is sticking to him. Good… Good… I guess I’ll take this chance to silently head to bed. I’ll be home soon Roy and Lena don’t worry big brother’s coming home.