Zetsumei

Chapter 39. Little Luciano

After traveling for three days, we finally arrived at my castle. Unlike last time, no one was waiting outside so we just went in. When we went inside, I feel more at home. Everything in the castle sparkles, I guess Layhel has been doing her job well.

Kuon: Whoa...that maid may have a nasty temper, but at least she can do her job correctly.

Just then, four knives flew past Kuon and hit the wall. They were close enough for him to feel it pass by. Layhel walk down the stairs and glares at Kuon with an emotionless expression.

Layhel: (evily) What was that? I couldn't quite hear you.

Kuon: (sweating) Hey...Er, it's just a compliment.

Layhel ignores Kuon and walks past him. When she spotted me, her expression turned friendly and she smiled.

Layhel: (friendly smile) Zelphi, welcome home.

Zelphine: Yeah, Thanks for taking care of my castle Layhel.

Layhel: The pleasure is all mine.

Just then Urey ran in along with Kai who is chasing her. He then taps Urey on the shoulder.

Kai: Tag! You're it! (Looks up) Huh?! Princess! Why are you back so early?

Zelphine: Am I not suppose to?

Kai: No! I mean...you usually won't come back until two or three months.

Zelphine: (sigh) Yeah, a lot of things happened.

Urey: Yaa!! Zephini is bak!

Urey came over and hugged me. While she was hugging me, Layhel gave her an evil glare without me knowing. That made Urey scared and she got behind me with her legs shaking.

Zelphine: Hm? Urey? You alright?

Urey: (shaking) (scared) Auh..I..erm..

Layhel: (friendly) Zelphi, she's probably just happy to see you.

Zelphine: Hm..is that so.

Without me knowing again, Layhel glared at Urey as if she's telling her to back off. Even though Urey is dense, she immediately understood and ran behind Kai like a frightened child.

Zelphine: So where's everyone else.

Kai: Oh, Sloth and Sheele are in the courtyard doing the usuals.

Zelphine: The usuals? You mean they fight often.

Kai: Well yeah, they would begin to fight whenever they make eye contact.

Zelphine: What about Soren and Khione.

Layhel: The wind tactician is teaching the ice princess how to control her powers. There's been a bit of progress.

Zelphine: Well, that's good to hear. I guess everything is still the same.

Layhel: Actually...something strange did happen while you were away.

Zelphine: Huh? What might that be?

Layhel: Well, about a few days ago when I was cleaning the basement, I found an old coffin that was locked away. I didn't pay too much attention to it but while I was cleaning, there were noises coming from the coffin as if something was trying to get out. When I open the coffin, I saw a little boy in there, he was still alive too.

Zelphine: Wait what?! Why would there be a boy in the basement?! And in a coffin too!!

Layhel: That was what we're trying to figure out. Anyway, he was very hungry when he got out the coffin. I'm assuming he's a reapers since he is able to eat the souls I gave him. Since we don't know what to do with him, we decided to let him stay at the castle until you returned.