The Hidden Knave, Arlecchino In Who Made Me A Princess

°Adventure Awaits°

These little creatures were either made with her children's image, or they were her children. She had reincarnated, why couldn't they? But that would mean they died...

Arle shook her head, and decided to stop thinking about it for now. Maybe the little ones would be able to speak soon enough, and she'll get some answers.

Well, seeing the little ones on her hands, Arle wondered if there was a specific reason why her mana took their forms.

Maybe, she missed them too much? She's not ashamed to admit that. They are, and were her children, after all. How could she be embarrassed of who they've become?

The cat resembling Lyney glanced at Lucas with a nasty frown, his ears pulled apart to resemble horns, warning the magician not to get closer.

Without a word, Lucas stepped forward, making the cats hiss at him and pull their backs forward to appear bigger, and threatening.

"Stand back."

Lucas huffed at how Arlecchino was suddenly talking like she had always been a talkative child. He did stand down and even sat on the couch, observing her while feeling the ache in his empty chest at how happy she seemed with them.

Arlecchino has never smiled at him, or laughed, which wasn't normal according to his books on children. But her chubby cheeks were twitching as she looked at the small creatures. It seemed that she wanted to smile, but couldn't.

Realizing that made the ache worse.

He watched the grey, male cat move closer to her and gently place a paw on her nose in greeting.

"... They're quite interesting."

Lucas shifted in his seat and crossed his arms.

"These little divine beasts aren't afraid of me. They're feisty, and protective of each other. Never separate, and they're always present whenever I get close to you."

He scoffed and rolled his eyes before speaking.

"They seem to believe I have ulterior motives against you."

Which is true, but since the little ones are being influenced by Arlecchino's beliefs, it means that Arle knows he has another reason for taking care of her.

Honestly, he should've known fooling her would've been impossible. With all of the things she's been through, how could she not be suspicious?

Still, there's got to be a way, and Lucas will find it. Those three are too unique for him not to experiment on.

As if sensing his thoughts, the cats hissed at him again. Well, gaining her trust starts with winning over the little ones.

At Lucas's words about having ulterior motives, Arle looked at him with a single, raised brow that seemed to both mock him for believing she didn't know, and question him by trying to say; 'you don't have them?'

Lucas scoffed out a laugh and moved down to sit on the ground in front of her. He got closer, watching how the cats didn't hiss, but still moved their tails in thought. No doubt questioning his intentions.

"So? What do you think?"

Lucas was sure Arle could feel it, how the little ones burned her skin upon contact. How her pain was tolerable compared to before.

Her pain was less now, because they had been holding a great part of it. And yet, she didn't flinch back from feeling what is surely lava on her bare hands. No, she seemed, relieved, and calm upon seeing them.

"....."

Arle sat down and placed the little ones on the ground.

"Thank you."