บท 8: Camping trip(1)

On a dirty street, many people could be seen walking around the place. They all have dirtied face and tired eyes, giving a gloomy atmosphere even when the sun is out. Amidst them was a person who didn't belong to this place.

Wearing luxurious clothes, they stick out like a sore thumb. It was even more so when everyone was moving out of his way, making the spot around him empty. He was non other than Hans. Despite being uncomfortable with wearing such clothes outside, Hans didn't have much of a choice. He has to make his track as visible as possible.

Standing in front of a broken down building, Hans gentle knocked on the door a few times. The door opened with a creaking sound and Nasha greeted him with a smile. A little further away from her was the children. They were looking at him with curious eyes like a bunch of cats.

After exchanging pleasantries, Nasha gathers up the children and explained to them a special event she has planned with his help. Hans reluctantly agreed to her as he has a soft spot for children.

"Today we'll go on a camping trip! It'll last for 3 days and mister Hans here will accompany us. He's a real wizard!"

Seeing the children cheered loudly made Hans mind ease up a little. He has been stressed for quite some times now and relaxing a bit won't hurt.

Nasha stood at the front to lead the children while Hans stayed at the back to watch over them. Both of them released a silent pressure, deterring other people from approaching. The slum isn't a peaceful place and who know if someone idiots want to try their luck at robbing them.

When looking around, Hans pause at a certain spot, his browns tightened. Quickly catching up to Nasha, he whispered.

"Going to check something."

Nasha seemed to understand the situation as she took a glance at the spot before nodding, calling the children to walk around her.

Walking to the spot, an empty alleyway, obvious signs of struggle could be seen. They were relatively new as broken rubbles could be seen here and there. The nearby building was damaged too.

Hans couldn't help but lamented at his own bad luck. What was supposed to be a relaxing trip has brought him more trouble.

Truthfully, things like this weren't uncommon is the slum. However this was a trace from a wizard battle, thus he couldn't turn a blind eye to it.

After doing a quick search around the place and integrating the residents, Hans choose to put the matter in the back of his mind.

He would have reported it but knowing the situation of the country, they would most likely ignore it. The country is in no state to clean up the slum and he can't do much about it.

Leaving the place with a bitter feeling, Hans catches up with Nasha at the outer edge of the forest.

The trees were 5 meters tall and the big leaves give off a lot of shade. The children seemed to enjoy this as they were busy running around the tree and making a ruckus.

While watching the scenery, Nasha approaches Hans.

"Was there anything?"

"Nothing. None that I can do anything about anyway." Hans answered, slightly disgruntled.

"What is the council doing!"

"Nasha... you know the answer already."

"Tch..."

Hans sighed softly. Looking at the person he once admired, Hans said in a serious tone.

"Nasha, forget about the council. Your time is over, focus your attention on the kids instead."

Whatever Hans said seemed to triggered her as Nasha retort back, her voice contained a deep rooted anger.

"Forget?! You are telling me to forget?! Forget about what they have done to US?!"

"The time is different now-"

"BULLSHIT!"

Hans was starting to get irritated. He raises his voice a little and said in a challenging tone.

"Then what can you do about it! Look at the country, nothing can be done right now!"

"It's their faults!"

"You seemed to forget that you played a big part in it!"

"So what? Without me the reformation wouldn't happen."

"The reformation would have happened anyway! It might be slower but that's much better than having the country go to shit!"

Hah, hah.

Both were tired from yelling at each other. Nasha refuses to back down but before she could say another word, Hans cut her off.

"Let's... stop here. I'll check the surroundings."

Looking at the children, before giving Nasha a glance, Hans walked out of the forest.

Nasha didn't reply. Knowing her personality, she would likely never do too. Before leaving, Hans left her a reminder.

"Remember... they are your children now."

He left after, not bothering to look through her reaction.

'We messed up.'

The trip was for the children yet they just had to have a fight. Just thinking about returning make his head ache. The children will obvious side with Nasha as no one like seeing their mother be yelled at. He didn't want them to hate him if possible.

However he soon realized a person approaching his direction. He was a small boy with black hair and red eye.

'He's... the one with the red soul right?'

What was he doing here, no one knows. Hans thought he has something to say to him about what happened a minute ago. What he ask was out of Hans expectation.

"Sir, can you teach me magic?"