Nagai Koto c10

But when I realized it my legs were moving at full speed.

「MOM! DAAAD!」 (Velt)

What was happening? A fire? All thoughts had stopped and all I could do right now was scream.

「VELT, DON’T COME ANY CLOSER!」 (Aruna)

It was the first time I had ever heard my mother yell that loud. Because of that, even though I was told not go any closer, I had no choice but to head towards them. And then, I saw it. My father bleeding from one of his knees, and my mother sobbing right next to him.

「DON’T COME HERE, VELT! RUN, RIGHT NOW!」 (Bonapa)

The moment my father’s words reached my ears, a strange figure with a wicked smile was reflected in my eyes.

「What? A kid?」 (Demi-human)

Its entire body was covered in pure, white hair. It had the face of a monkey and the ears as long as a rabbit’s. Its limbs were abnormally long, within inches from touching the ground. From top to bottom it was nearly three meters tall. It was a demi-human. I understood that in an instant.

「That was close. But look at the flames, by the time the knights from the kingdom arrive it will already be over.」 (Demi-human)

Why was there a demi-human here? Why was it attacking my home? No, that wasn’t the biggest problem here. It’s just that... I’m scared.

「I’ll kill everyone.」 (Demi-human)

At the moment the demi-human uttered those words, my dad raised his axe as if possessed, and lunged at the demi-human.

「UOOOOOOOH! ARUNA! TAKE VELT AND RUN!」 (Bonapa)

「VELT! NOOOOOO!」 (Aruna)

Like my father, my head was restrained and I was thrown onto the ground. My power left my body. I couldn’t breathe very well, and my vision was distorted. More than anything, my entire body was instantly afflicted with a pain to the extent that I couldn’t even yell.

「A hindrance. Hurry up and kill them, take the wheat back. We can sell it in the country at a high price. Kaizer-sama died, leaving his position behind, but I will become rich.」 (???)

The demi-human straightened its fingers and prepared to slash into my head. I took a good look, and could see the sharp fingernails glisten. It was without a doubt going to swing its fingers downwards and tear my child-like body apart. Am I going to die? Is this going to be the second time I face death? Am I going to die right after I’ve finally decided that I would search for Kamino?

「S-Save...... me......」 (Velt)

It was the first time, including my past existence, that I begged for my life. I was so afraid, my tears wouldn’t stop. Was it that I’m afraid that I’ll actually die? This can’t even be considered the result of a fight.

I don’t want to die.

I’m so scared that I can’t think of anything anymore.

「Not a chance.」 (Demi-human)

I’m going to die here. The moment I thought that, the demi-human swung his arm down, and fresh blood was splattered across my face.

「......Eh?」 (Velt)

Fresh blood had viciously splattered all over me. However, it wasn’t my blood.

「Velt...... please...... run......」 (Aruna)

「Mama...... prote-......」 (Aruna)

What happened? What just?

Her body had been pierced by the demi-human’s hand, bathing me in her blood.

『Calling mama and papa annoying, punishment punches! Bad! Bad! Bad!』 (Aruna)

Why, why am I remembering these things now!?

「It was all a lie! I was just embarrassed!」 (Velt)

What am I saying?

「I was lying when I said you were annoying! It’s just that I was shy! I was confused, I didn’t know how to rely on you, but, I really, really-!」 (Velt)

At a time like this, what am I saying?

「......It’s ......okay Velt ......I......lo......ve you.」 (Aruna)

However,

「LIKE I’LL LET YOUUUU!」 (Bonapa)

「Velt, are you hurt?」 (Bonapa)

Am I hurt? There was some pain. But I could move a bit. But, my mom was much more injured than I was. When I realized it, I was in a pool of blood, and my mom was no longer moving. At this rate, she was going to die. But my father wasn’t saying anything. The only thing he did was bite his lips as his shoulders shook.

「Velt. Papa is going to fight this guy. In the meantime, run to the castle.」 (Bonapa)

「Ugh!」 (Velt)

I felt as if I could hear the words of my father, as if they were whispered on the wind.

Chapter end