At least I'm Alive

Safe

"help? Why?" The woman asks worried

I glance and shiver in fear as father approaches this direction faster than before.

The big man probably noticed and he grabbed my wrist and pulled me behind him.

As soon as I was behind the man, the beautiful woman hid me behind her, and I saw two tall boys who were staring at me confused.

"Your Grace, it's lovely to see you here." Father's voice turned sweet and calm

Your Grace? The Duke?

"Earl Hardy, is there a problem? You seem agitated right now." He replies sarcastically.

"Well, my daughter ran somewhere and is causing a fuss. Have you seen a small girl with black hair and purple eyes?" Father abruptly asks.

No.. If he says I'm here it's over..

I shiver and tears started forming on my eyes. Then someone held my hand.

The beautiful woman smiled at me and held my hand tightly.

"Unfortunately, I haven't seen such a child." The man replies, and father bows, and quickly goes back to searching.

"You're okay now.." The woman turns to me and pats my head

I never knew being patted on the head was so comforting.

Still shivering, I was quite grateful for what they have done.

I bow nervously, and suddenly having eye contact with the archduke while he stares at me with no emotion.

"Thank you very much." I quietly say, and as I turned,

The beautiful lady spoke "Wait!"

I turn to her hesitantly, maybe she's going to ask for something in return?

"I'm sorry, I don't have anything rightnow, I promise to give you something soon." I say looking down scared to meet their eyes

"Oh? No, actually I wanted to ask if you wanted to come with us?" The woman asks me with a gentle voice

"What are you talking about?" The Archduke suddenly spoke

I look up, almost in tears and said "I'm sorry you even had the slightest thought of bringing me with you. I don't want to bother you any longer, please excuse me." I bow again. And before I could leave,

The woman pinches the Archduke and said "Since you have nowhere to go, you should sleep at our place for now."

I look at her in confusion, as she looks back with a smile.

"Pardon?" I could only say that from all the confusion.

"Since we helped you, you owe us correct? Repay us by staying at our house." She walks towards me and gives me a small hug

Once she stood up, the Archduke who had no choice but to agree said "What do you say?"

They're right. I have nowhere to stay..but are they trustable?

I look at them in doubt and the Archduke awkwardly assures me

"Don't worry, you'll be safe."

The woman laughs at his words and lends me her hand.

I felt safe for some reason. My body moved by itself, and I placed my hand on hers.

At the Archdukes home

"Please give her a shower and some clothes. After, lead her to the guest bedroom." The woman orders the maids.

"Yes your grace" the maids lead me towards the bathroom

As soon as I sat in the bathtub, I felt like I was melting. It felt relaxing, something I haven't felt for 24 years.

In my past life, I never got a chance to relax like this. I wish this could last forever..

After bathing, the maids led me to a room and dressed me in a new set of clothes, and tucked me to bed.

While looking at the ceiling, I couldn't help but smile.

I never felt so safe before.

Thank you, Archduke.

I drift to sleep

Meanwhile at the Archduke's office

"What are we going to do with that child?" Archduke Ortiz says worried.

"Let's Adopt her!" Duchess Frida replies excitedly.

"What nonsense, how can we Adopt the daughter of the Earl?" He says in a worried tone.

"Honey, didn't you see how she asked for help? She looked so thin and small. How can you let a child suffer like that?" She says approaching the duke and cressing his hair.

"They are plenty of children who are abused by their families, why would you trouble yourself for that one child?" The Duke responds looking at the Duchess with curiosity.

"You felt it too didn't you? Her Mana. She's no ordinary child Darling." The Duchess kisses the Duke's cheek

"Please think about it." She said as she walked out the room.