บท 38: Lily
Wait...
Lucien began to ponder the information he had on the Alchemist. There was no screening process for it. They just... tell that certain children or teenagers they recruit have elemental properties that can function as catalysts.
But they were hard to find. The Mages' screening doesn't affect Alchemists' recruitment. And because of the attack that killed almost all of the Alchemists, the last one standing is well protected and hidden.
If he dies, there will be no more exorcism tools or weapons. Lucien's indifferent eyes stared at Old Fe.
He just remembered a quote from the last horror anime he watched before Slaying the Demons.
'To hide a single match, you put it in a matchbox. To hide a tree, you put it in the forest.'
The fact that every saved child is immediately sent here as if it's the protocol the Demon Slayer must follow. The fact that most of the Alchemists who debuted in Season 3 of Demon Slayer are all young. The fact that no traces are left even in the records.
What if the Demon Slayer organization placed the last surviving Alchemist in plain sight to mingle among the civilians? What if that place made his search for a potential Alchemist convenient because he housed the surviving children...? Giving him infinite chances to test them?
Lucien continued to observe the laid back Old Fe with his kind eyes and warm smile. It looks like coming here to the children's facility is a fortune for Lucien and Aiden. But it's also a misfortune for the last Alchemist.
Since they brought a possessed child with them.
With keen eyes, Lucien put down the milk. His fingers stiffened in Aiden's palm. The little protagonist looked at him, worry flash in his big wide eyes.
"Very well." Old Fe acted as if he did not notice Lucien's wary glares. Thinking the child has not trusted him yet. It's alright. He can understand.
"Many children who came to my doorstep wanted to be the same as their saviors. To be a demon slayer and save the other poor children who have lost homes like theirs. I can understand such valiant hearts."
Old Fe's comforting tone usually have a soothing effect on them that creates ripples on the children's heart. Resonating their tender hearted souls. But Old Fe was surprised when Lucien suddenly got up and opened the door to his office.
This abruptness startled someone. And it wasn't coming from Aiden or Old Fe. But to the person standing at the side, behind the door.
Lucien came eye to eye with fearful eyes. Then a cute small voice came out of her mouth.
"Lucien?" She was wearing a white gown and hugged a teddy bear half her height to her chest. Lucien stared at her bare feet.
He then crouched down and patted her shoulder.
"Where are your shoes? Are you lost?"
Two big clear tears appeared in her eyes, and she sobbed.
"Yes. I can't find Auntie Mary. She said she would put me to bed after she let me drink warm milk. I was waiting for her, but she did not come back. I was scared to sleep alone. Boohooo-"
The girl hugged the teddy bear tighter and cried harder. Lucien wiped her tears and whispered.
"Hey, it's going to be okay. Auntie Mary must have looked everywhere for you because you left. Why not let Brother Lucien send you back to your room?"
In a split second, Lucien caught the flash of red in the girl's eyes, true malice was evident. He felt a shiver run down his spine and stiffen. Not a second later, he was able to regain his composure and took the girl's hand into his.
At that precise moment, Aiden suddenly sprang towards them and slapped Lucien's hand away. He put his arms around Lucien's waist protectively.
This action surprised the three of them. Inside the room, Old Fe let out a small laugh and strode towards them.
"Looks like your little brother is jealous."
No, I don't think so. Lucien wanted to say The little protagonist is sharper than he thought.
Lucien nodded gently.
"My brother hates being left alone. Sir, we will take Lily to her room first before coming back here."
"Lily? Is Lily here?" The voice of a worried woman came from behind them. When Lucien looked over his shoulder, he saw Auntie Mary's worried face. She exclaimed and hugged Lily, who was crying at the side.
"Oh, thank God you're here! I've been looking all over for you!"
Old Fe let out a relieved sigh before saying,
"Mary, can you sleep with Lily tonight? She was scared to sleep alone in her room."
"Of course I always do. Who in their right mind leave such a poor sweet girl all by herself?"
That means you are always on Lily's side. It was only tonight she got the chance to investigate because you left her alone. Lucien's eyes never left Lily.
He raised his hand and waved at Lily.
"Good night, Lily."
"Night, Lucien." Lily said while burying her face in Auntie Mary's shoulder. Her teary eyes are peeking at them. When she glanced at Aiden, she humphed and looked away.
Aiden is sturdily sticking to Lucien with his eyes glaring at her. He's like a small cat guarding his treasures. Screeching at anyone who dares to touch his possession.
When Old Fe saw this scene, he smiled warmly. It looks like these children have grown attached to the older one, even go as far as fighting over who gets his attention. No wonder Lucien acts more mature compared to his age. He was their guardian.
Old Fe opened the door and welcomed Lucien and Aiden back to his office. He closed it behind him. He sat back in his chair and was about to speak what was on his mind when Aiden suddenly jumped stealthily on the top of the table and covered his mouth.
Lucien gazed at Aiden strangely before approaching Old Fe's table. He took a pen and a clean sheet of paper to write the words.
"Don't talk. Walls have ears."
Old Fe was taken aback when he saw these words.
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