Capítulo 20: Little Boy by the Lake**

**WARNING: SLIGHT MATURE SCENE INSIDE**

Long, long before the Returning Princess, during a time of war, a young boy sat by the edge of a lake, sobbing uncontrollably. His crimson eyes were filled with tears, and his cries carried the weight of desperation as he called for his missing parents.

Yukio, who was still quite young, stumbled upon this distressing scene while he was out searching for herbs. His ability to sense distress drew him toward the child like a moth to a flame.

Kneeling down to meet the boy's gaze, he offered comfort with a voice as soothing as a whispered prayer. "Hey, there…" he gently tapped the boy's shoulder.

The boy turned his tearful face toward Yukio, his crimson eyes filled with emotion. In that moment, Yukio's perception shifted; this was no ordinary child—he was a devil.