It took Volwyn over a month to complete his research report. It contains many information about me and the circumstances regarding kidnapping incident. I have to answer plenty of questions from him about how I've live my life until now. It felt somewhat strange to retell my life as a human.

Since I don't know whether my actions are considered as normal or not, I decide to omit quite a lot of things. Yet the report is still thick like a tome, just how is he manage to write so many things from a single disease fever?

Then there's also the problem about Sylv'air. At first we were troubled by how we should introduce her to Rupherd. Simply asking him to give her a job in the village will only make her a suspicious person. So I had to orchestrate a fake injury to show Sylv'air herbal treatment to Rupherd firsthand.

It was kind of surprising how Rupherd become bewildered while I pretend to be unconscious, it made me felt guilty tricking him.

As Sylv'air show up out of nowhere and used her herbs to snap me out from my dream, she manage to gain Rupherd trust. It is followed by normal reward offer, which Sylv'air respond with a job and residence. Now she is living in a guest room on our mansion as fully fledged village herbalist, accompanying the current old doctor.

Her herbal knowledge is superb, as expected of someone who live in the forest for most of her life. Not only can it heal most basic disease, the villagers also ask for her herb brew to strengthen their body. It always refresh my body fatigue after a hard day of training.

I once ask her the brew's ingredients, but she respond it is better if I don't know. Apparently her late husband never drink it again after she told him the secrets.

The villagers seems to have welcome her as one their own, even though at first they were really suspicious due to the thin black veil which cover most of her face. The veil is our answer to hide her bewitching elf eye, in addition to the weird hairstyle to cover her ear. Both of it made her look like a shaman more than a herbalist, but I guess it also work as repellant against unmarried villagers from wooing her.

The village activity just went on as usual, tranquil is the best word to describe the current situation.

*******_______*******_______*******

"..Are you sure it is safe with only both of us?."

"Yeah?, I always gather my herb around here."

For some reason today Sylv'air ask me to help her gather the herb in the forest. I do have curiosity about herb knowledge, and Volwyn is also busy compacting his research report into readable thickness, so I decide to spend my time with her.

"Why do you need my help all of a sudden?, wasn't you always went alone?."

"...There's a special herb that grows in this time of the year, I may need help to carry it."

"So basically you need a gopher, and you decide to ask me?."

"O-of course I didn't ask you just for that! I know you are interested on herbs so I might as well use this opportunity to show them to you-"

"Don't worry, it's just a joke. You know I'm grateful for your herbs."

My opinion on herbs are more than simply interested, It is vital for training my domain.

The arm will materialize out of thin air whenever I use domain control. I tried to touch it with my normal hand, but it just go through with slight tingling touch on my skin.

Maybe because my mindset of arm-like domain, there's several serious problems while using it.

Water will slip off between the fingers, rocks will crumble from overpowered grip, air control is nothing but blowing wind. The domain control is still far from perfect.

I find more success in controlling tools instead of elements, perhaps because I know how to wrap my hands around it. If I want to use this domain in combat combining it with a sword is the best option.

I want to train with domain controlled sword right away, but there's danger of the sword slipping away from my domain while swinging, so I decide to refine my control first.

I train my domain by using it on everyday life. Quill pen, dining tools, hair comb, even turning the pages of book. Of course it doesn't work well at the beginning, but these days I felt closer to getting the hang of it. But, as domain is an extension of the body, I often left with heavy physical fatigue after using it for a while.

It is one of the main difference between magic and domain that Volwyn taught me. Mages are capable of absorbing mana outside their body and fuse it with mana on the inside, allowing them to use astonishing ability at little cost of flashbacks on their body.

Mana itself is a blessing of God, the substance which allow growth for all life forms. Normal human absorb mana by taking elements which mana reside within it such as air, food, and water. Domain user absorb mana the same way as normal humans, hence why they have to use mana inside their own body as main power source, which is why most domain power are borderline useless.

The fatigue really limit how many times I can use my domain without getting completely exhausted. Thankfully I have Sylv'air to patch me up with her herb brew afterwards.

The wind blow the clouds as to block the sunray from us, the season may have change to autumn but the heat of summer still lingers.

We silently walk closer to the centre of the forest, where the best herbs should grow. This place may not be the Great Forest, but I can sense its own wilderness. Even more so because this is the first time I visit this forest, there's simply no reason for me explore it before now.

Rupherd training do increase my physical ability a little bit, but a child body naturally need time to grow. The current me is not even capable to stand for a minute against goblin bandits, the village outskirts is simply way too dangerous for any child to wander around.

Even accompanying Sylv'air is a little bit too much danger for me, hence why I carry two swords in my hips. The weight of two steel sword is astronomical for my body, but I alleviate it a little bit by using my domain to lift it. I'm somewhat glad to carry a proper sword again, too bad U'raul is too big for me to carry. It is the only thing which gave me security during my escape from rebellion.

I might keep the sword as established complement to my everyday garment. If nothing bad happen I could consider this as weight training, but if the worse come to reality I would be ready for anything.

It seems Sylv'air notice my restlessness, as she lower her pace and make occasional glance on my swords. Putting a finger on her lips with hesitation, she decide to open her mouth.

"Um.. Glen, There's something I noticed after living in the mansion this past few months. I'm an elf, and a lot older than you. But it doesn't seem like you were afraid of me, It's been like that ever since we first met...- "

It's true that I was really happy to found a non-hostile demon after all the trouble the rebellion have brought me. Perhaps I was being overly familiar of her?, should I be more afraid?.

"-I mean.. Your tone of voice is a little bit different when you talk to me compared to the other residents of the mansion. It's obvious you are smarter than most other children, yet you still act childish around them. But when you're talking with me, your tone give a more mature vibe...-"

Mature?, perhaps I unconsciously drop my child persona when I talk to her?. Is it because the false sense of security of not having to act like a human in front of a fellow demon?.

"-I thought that is because we only recently become acquaintance, so I believe things would get better later on. But now you are carrying two swords while accompanying me. Have I done something wrong?"

I shift my eyes to the swords on my hips, this is only the first day I try to carry the swords and yet there's already someone who consider it as drastic change from Glenard the bookworm. Is it really that different to the point of being seen as a sign of threat?.

"These swords serve as protection for both of us in case of danger. As for my tone voice, It is the other way around, I can act normal with you."

"Eh?, what's that suppose to mean?."

"You know my mother are bedridden and unlikely to have another child, so my parents are a little bit over protective of me. I have to act childish every now and then to stop them from worrying, that's also why they sent Gaby to watch over me."

"Is..is that so.."

Well that's a roundabout answer, but I guess that's the best I can do to not make her more suspicious of me.

It's true that everyone in the mansion sees me as a genius, yet at the same time they are worrying why I'm not like other normal child. There's way too many convenient moment where I bump with the maids just as I leave my room. I'm sure they will also ask Sylv'air about what we were talking about over here. But I doubt she will snitch this conversation to Rupherd, I hold her secret after all.

With the doubt cleared between both of us, our little walk to find the herbs continue smoothly. Soon we manage to find a patch of herb here and there, some of them are among flowers, others beneath the roots and branches of large trees. The herbs are all looks like weed for me, I wonder how Sylv'air able to differentiate them. I suppose I should be glad to have a skilled herbalist for the village.

It took a little bit over an hour to harvest the herb we can find, the amount is small because we aren't able to find the herb Sylv'air originally ask me to help for. It seems the time is not yet right for the herb to grow, or maybe it only exist in Great Forest.

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The way home is mostly just retaking the same path we have earlier, except for the sudden halt order from Sylv'air as she lift the veil to reveal her pure white eyes.

"What's wrong?"

"A stray wolf right in front of us just finish hunting its prey. It may be best we took a roundabout route while avoid letting it notice us."

I can't see anything resembling wolf or its prey with all the woods blocking my vision, but I have to trust Sylv'air as she know this forest better than me.

Sylv'air took out a handful of herbs from her pouch, offering me half of it.

"Crush the herbs with your palm and slur it over your body, it should cover our body odor from the wolf nose."

I want to ask her if this is really necessary, but Sylv'air already put it all over her body before I can ask. I was half expecting the smell of dirt, yet the herbs release a cool sensation similar to that of Lana perfume.

"Done, so where should we change our route?."

"Let's go over the hill on our right, the wind is blowing that way. It may took longer to reach the village, but it's certainly a lot safer. Sorry that I can't mind control wild animal."

"It's okay, It will be too dangerous to get close anyway."

Sylv'air have told me all about her power, basically the source come from her eye. Green is the normal color, also used for [Mind Control] and the likes. White is [Sensory], the ability to see things normal eye can't see, such as tracks of animal, flow of mana in the air, and domain.

She have to look at the target eyes to be able to mind control them, exposing her to danger if the target retaliate. Most elf are not supposed to be fighter oriented from their nature, using it on hostile targets is obviously not wise.

I also don't have enough confidence in myself to face a wolf on my own and escape unscathed . Perhaps in a few years after I have perfect control over my domain, but certainly not now. A battle you can avoid is the best battle.

*******_______*******_______*******

The hill is much steeper than I thought, we took too much of our time to climb it. The sun almost set when we finally leave the forest.

Half harvested field bask under crimson sunset sky welcome us as we slowly walk to the village.

A few people guarding the field greet us as we walk by. Sylv'air return their greetings in my stead, I'm simply too tired to do anything but walking. Bringing the swords along is a mistake.

As we walk closer to the village gate, the guard on the wall scream something to his friend inside the village. My ear is ringing from fatigue, unable to notify me of what is coming next.

The gate open with a storm, as the rush of people from inside the village pull me with force. Leaving Sylv'air who's waving her hand while smiling.

The mob carry me above their head to the village central plaza, where numerous table with even more people have been waiting for me. Just what is going on?

"Hey what is this!? Put me down!"

"Hahaha!, looks like the plan is successful!"

The one laughing at the center of the plaza is Rupherd, he look amazingly pleased with himself.

I jump off the mob after they let loose of me, landing on an empty spot surrounded by everyone.

Just before I can open my mouth to ask another question, they silence me with a roar.

"CONGRATULATIONS FOR REACHING SEVEN YEARS OLD!!!."

Huh?, me?, seven year old? Oh right...

There's simply too many things going on lately that even I have forgotten about my seventh birthday.

Sylv'air and Volwyn arrival, domain revelation, Rupherd intensified training...

Now that I think about it, this must be why Sylv'air suddenly ask for me to accompany her today, so that they can prepare this surprise party while I was outside. I seriously doubt the existence of the wolf and seasonal herbs now.

But to think they would throw a surprise party of this scale for me. I can see several people with nobility garment, could it be people from outside the village also come to celebrate my birthday? Shouldn't we hold a proper birthday party instead of this?

As if noticing my concern, Rupherd emerge from the mob and start thanking the guest for visiting my birthday party, effectively averting the crowd attention while Gaby drag me away to the mansion. My body and attire is nowhere near suitable for public display.

After bath and a change to noble-like clothes I thought there will never come a day for me to use it, I make my second entrance to the party just before the dinner start. The crowd gave an applause after noticing my transformation.

I was passed around the guest table while being introduced, most of them are Rupherd war buddies while others are nearby village elders. At every table Rupherd would repeat the same thing, that I'm a cool and collected child, and only a surprise party like this could possibly be suitable for an unforgettable halfway to adult age party.

All of them introduce themselves with names and location I can't help but forget afterwards. The guest are somewhat surprised with my formal greetings, which is responded by Rupherd laughs.

After a long and lengthy session of being a hospitable host, I'm finally allowed to sit on a table together with Volwyn and Lana. It seems Gaby are managing this table personally.

"Congratulations for your seventh birthday Glenard, I have a perfect book for your present right here. It is United Kingdoms by Reol, the story of the war which unite both kingdom ten years ago. You should find it as interesting read"

"Thank you Tutor Volwyn, I promise I will take care of it."

Military books are not openly sold to the public, only several civilians have access to it. Especially a book about recent war like this, hence the difficulty to acquire one. Too bad I don't have any strength to read more than the synopsis right now.

As I close the book, it is Lana turn to give her present to me. She's wearing a beautiful dress which complement her natural beauty, charming the onlooker as if she is not a sick person.

"Glen, I made this for you. Make sure you wear it on the next winter season."

"Wool gloves?, thank you mother I will cherish it."

So that's why Lana always knitting whenever I visit her room, she's making the gloves for me while being bedridden.

"Actually mother, are you sure you okay?. Is it fine for you to be here?."

"Don't worry, there's not much different sitting here or in my bed. Although the chilling wind of the night is quite cold today."

"Should we leave for your room Lady Lana?, It's not good for you to be exposed out here for too long."

Gaby ask for nearby guard to help her carry Lana back to her room, but not before she left a small box in front of me.

"For you."

This one is quite predictable. My quill is broken from overexert power while training my domain. But to think I would get a new quill pen from eagle feather?, just how can she afford to buy this?. I have to make sure I properly thank her later.

Volwyn and me watch as half of our table leave the party, leaving only both of us alone. He take a drink from the maid -most likely an alcohol- before turning back to me.

"You are lucky you know."

"Yes?"

"It's normal for common people to feel envy and fear toward mages. I'm saying you're lucky to have parents and friends who doesn't estrange you despite that. Well, technically it's domain control, not magic, but you get the point. "

"...I'm always grateful for them."

"Just don't be surprised if people start to act weird when they know about your power. There's still a belief that mages are infected with demons corruption. "

Corruption again, just when will these human understand that demon are simply another race?. Being different from you doesn't mean we are evil. Demon have many sub-race each with its different form, yet we get along just fine most of the time.

If being a mage is enough to draw hostilities from other humans, I'm not sure I will ever tell the truth about my demon origin. Just imagine what would happen if I were to announce it right now, they would change the dining tools in their hands into pitchforks and hunt me down.

My heart hurt a little bit when I think about how I've tricked everyone who's so kind to me. Maybe someday I will tell them the truth, but not now.

The party is still ongoing until late night, but I was left alone when Volwyn return to his room to continue working on the report. Sylv'air is also nowhere in sight, maybe she is afraid someone among this crowd could identify her as elf.

The food is delicious, but I can't force myself to eat more than a few spoonful before fatigue hit me. I fell asleep on United Kingdoms shortly after Rupherd and the others began to tell their war stories.

I would be happy to hear it from them directly instead from the books, but I guess it have to be another time.

I can only hope tranquil times like this will last as long as possible.