Capítulo 346: [67.7] Reika Adopts a Little Pup
I created an ice chunk and started the return back to the villagers. As I flew with the child, I expected him to cry out in fear. However, he stayed obediently silent, almost as if he was too afraid the slightest movement would make me push him off.
I felt my heart being melted as I showered him in praise, "Aw! Aren't you just the best child ever! No crying and just obediently following me along! You're such a good child!"
The child's eyes slowly raised up to mine as he tried to assess my sincerity.
I sucked in my breath at the sight of his eyes.
Since we were in dim lighting, I never noticed the colors of his eyes.
They were beautiful.
The color resembled an orange sunset taking place over the desert. The depths of his eyes looked just like sand bathing in the final moments of the sun.
When the light hit his iris just right, it even gave off the illusion as if it was a sparkling jewel.
I spoke aloud, "What beautiful eyes you have."
He blinked in confusion as if he never had received a compliment before. He tilted his head and hummed in a decadently sweet tone, "Hm?"
I couldn't help it anymore and leaned over to kiss his forehead, "So cute!"
He blushed in embarrassment and looked down at his feet.
I squealed, "TOO CUTE!"
Awww! I just want to keep him beside me-
No! I can't!
I have to give him to people who know how to care for children!
As I fought with myself, we eventually arrived at the barrier. Just in case the boy held hidden intentions, I got down to the ground while holding the boy's hand. I held my breath as we walked inside. I was so nervous he wouldn't be admitted, I closed my eyes.
Once inside, I felt the hand small bony hand still in mine. I opened my eyes slowly in anticipation.
The child's dull orange eyes stared up at me. His face was completely devoid of emotion, but he was still beside me.
I let out a sigh of relief and bent down to pinch his cheeks, "As long as you smile, all those villagers won't be able to keep their hands off of you… You are just too cute!"
He stared at me silently as I led him inside where the villagers, both demons and humans, came to greet me.
"Great Fairy! You've returned-"
Once the demons saw the child beside me, their expressions turned from joy to fear. They shrunk away from the child while some let out terrified squeals.
The other fellow humans and I looked at them in confusion, "What was with that response?"
A demon girl pointed at the child, "Y-You've brought in a monster!"
I quickly covered the boy's ears, "Hey! Don't say that! He's just a child! He's human!... I think."
Another demon quickly shook their head, "That… That is no human."
"Huh?! Then a demon-"
"He's not a true demon! He's a monstrosity."
"What do you mean-" I looked back at the child who had no horns that I could see.
Wait… Didn't Zephyr say that demons with horns have a prejudice against those who don't have any?
I slowly glanced back at them, "Is it because he has no horns?"
I felt the boy's body stiffen beside me.
The demons nodded immediately, "It's just… It's just sick! It's a disgrace to demonkind!"
"I'm shocked that you all would react like this!" I scolded them in irritation, "You don't know his situation, so how can you judge him just based on that fact!?"
One of the medicine demons spoke to me in a low tone, "Great Fairy… That boy… His eyes… His eyes are evil. Can't you feel it?"
I stared back at the boy's eyes who looked back into mine.
There was a darkness in them… But at the same time…
Maybe it was because of my past, but I could recognize the loneliness and despair that hid behind the darkness.
This child…
Is practically begging to be loved.
I would know…
I saw the same look in the reflection of my mirror throughout my entire life.
"He's not evil." I gave them a warning glare, "Or do you have no confidence in my barrier? Do you have no confidence in my magic? Do you not believe in my judgment?"
Seeing my angered expression, the fellow demons ran off to hide while the human villagers tried to smooth things over.
"Great Fairy… I don't think they meant it that way. Of course, your barrier is working perfectly. Those who have tried to enter with ill intentions are turned away automatically. When there are humans that won't tolerate demons, the barrier won't let them enter either. We have a growing village outside of ours as proof of how well it's working. We would never doubt you."
"Then you'll take care of this child?"
The villagers hesitated. Eventually, a brave one spoke up, "Great Fairy… While we cannot say no to any of your requests… I would strongly discourage you from leaving him here. You've seen how those other demons reacted. He wouldn't be cared for properly here… It's better if you take him to a place with other demons like him."
I stared at the child who stared back at me. Even though this entire time they were so obvious in their disdain, he never once cried or retaliated. He barely even blinked.
It was almost as if…
He was used to it.
I clicked my tongue, "There isn't a place like that on this continent that I've heard of."
The villagers looked helpless, "We… We wish to please you, Great Fairy… But that child-"
I picked up the child and held him to my chest so he wouldn't have to endure the stares of the villagers any longer. I snarled in disappointment, "I wouldn't leave him where he wouldn't be wanted. Now good day!"
As I turned to leave, I heard the pleas for mercy from the villagers but chose to ignore them.
I clicked my tongue, flying back to the mountain with the child still in my arms, "I can't believe them. How could they act so cruelly? They've never done so before! This kid is literally the sweetest and best-behaved child I have ever met! Most kids make me want to vomit, but not this one!! So how can they take one look at him and react in such a way!?"
I glanced down at the child who was in my arms, watching me silently.
I gave him a confident nod, "Do you understand? Horns don't make the demon!"
He opened his mouth to say something but hesitated instead. He averted his gaze from mine and gave a timid nod.
I smiled helplessly as I placed him onto the ice chunk beside me. I rubbed the top of his head as we traveled the rest of the way to the cave I had recently occupied. I was so preoccupied with the awkward silence, I didn't even realize he had closed his eyes while thoroughly enjoying the head pats.
Once we arrived, I helped him off of the ice chunk and motioned to the cave, "This is where I've been staying… It's not much, but it's better than being annoyed by those villagers."
"..."
"I guess you'll have to live with me, kid… Just so you know, I've never taken care of a child before so I have no idea what to do."
"..."
I glanced away, not at all insulted by his lack of speech. Instead, I started to question myself, "Ugh… Anywhere other than being cared for by me would be better for you. But I have no choice… I saved you, so I must take responsibility."
"..."
I suddenly realized something very critical. I looked at him in a panic, "Wait. Do you even want to live with me?"
His orange eyes stared into the depths of mine as he tried to make out any feature of my face. I held my breath until he slowly gave me a nod.
"Wonderful!" I gave him a wink, "I guess you're stuck with me then."
I felt his small hand timidly hold mine.
Surprised by his sudden touch, I looked down at him in surprise. His burnt orange eyes looked up at me innocently as a smile surfaced on his once emotionless face, "My name… Is Asmonious."
REFLEXIONES DE LOS CREADORES 
Nekoru
Nekoru Fufufu~
Alright, my little detectives... Are you connecting the dots?
I am leaving it here for this week. Next week, prepare to meet a bigger family.
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