Reflections of the Past Dwelling in the Present

Secret Among Leave

Hello, how are you? I hope well. Here's another chapter of this fic, which is anything but COTE, ironically XD. I just hope you don't get bored and enjoy it. Please vote with ★.

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▪︎Six months later▪︎

Kiyotaka's daily routine transformed into a series of physical activities alongside Reiz. What started with simple warm-ups and jogs gradually evolved into more laborious tasks, such as transporting goods from one place to another. At times, Kiyotaka felt like he was performing duties akin to those of a servant.

Suspicions crossed his mind occasionally, making Kiyotaka think that Reiz was using him to attend to his responsibilities, especially noticing that many activities involved carrying products destined for stalls in the village.

However, this perception was not entirely accurate. Reiz aimed for Kiyotaka to familiarize himself with the daily tasks of the village and its inhabitants, utilizing the time dedicated to these chores to focus on other matters.

During this time, some villagers grew fond of Kiyotaka, and an elderly couple, Mr. and Mrs. Pikeerton, took care of him when Reiz couldn't. The Pikeertons were refugees from a now non-existent county in the south of the continent, and they had encountered young Kiyo when he brought them wood for their carpentry and furniture shop.

Reiz allowed them to take care of Kiyotaka due to their reliability. Though Kiyotaka lacked his grandparents' presence, he regarded the Pikeertons as his own, calling them Opa and Oma.

While Kiyotaka got to know the people of the village, his desire to learn Zylth grew, but Reiz refused to teach him for the time being. According to him, Kiyotaka wasn't ready to face Zylth training, and Reiz wasn't sure how to help him to the fullest when the time came.

For this reason, Reiz made trips outside the village in search of someone who could provide the necessary guidance to Kiyotaka.

During those months, the connection between Kiyotaka and the Pikeertons strengthened. The elderly couple shared stories of their past and experiences, teaching Kiyotaka about life in the village and the traditions that kept their culture alive.

Kiyotaka, in turn, became a cherished member of the community. He participated in local events, helped with festivities, and contributed with his youthful energy. Despite his position as the future leader of House Vanar, he found in the village a refuge where he could simply be himself.

Meanwhile, Reiz continued his journeys in search of someone who could guide Kiyotaka in mastering Zylth. His quest led him to various magic masters, some more eccentric than others. Patiently, Reiz evaluated each option to ensure Kiyotaka would receive the right instruction.

In the village, Kiyotaka had his own concerns. Curiosity about Zylth grew in him every day, and the frustration of not being able to start his training became evident. However, he maintained confidence that Reiz would find the right mentor to unlock his magical potential.

Changes in Kiyotaka's daily routine weren't limited to his physical responsibilities. His mind expanded with new experiences and knowledge, and the sense of belonging in the village filled him with gratitude.

Over time, the young demon began to understand that his training wasn't just about magic and physical strength. Connection with people and understanding his surroundings also played a crucial role in his development as a future leader.

While awaiting the opportune moment to begin his Zylth training, Kiyotaka delved deeper into reading.

POV Kiyotaka

The months passed, and although my body strengthened with daily activities, my mind craved the knowledge promised by Zylth. The bonds with the Pikeertons offered me a warm haven in this village, but my curiosity about magic only intensified.