These are the children who were abandoned or unwanted by their parents, they were either thrown out or left in the streets. Foraging for scraps in the trash just so they could fill their hungry bellies while relying on the town or city for shelter and protection despite some of them not having a roof to stay under.

The children would rather risk the abuse and ridicule they get there than be outside because it was better than to be eaten by monsters, enslaved, played with, or killed by wicked people.

Kate having felt sorry for them took care of the children. She renovated an abandoned mine where she used to play at into a beautiful home. Despite it being a mine, it was very spacious inside complete with kitchens, bathrooms and of course bedrooms.

"Kate, can I ask you something?" [Elaine]

"Yes?" [Kate]

"Since this mine is in the forest, shouldn't there be monsters here?" [Elaine]

"This is near the vicinity of the town so the townsfolk clears the area once every three days. So the monsters are scared of going near the mines." [Kate]

"What if a more dangerous one were to stray then?" [Elaine]

"I had exterminated them myself, long before they could reach this place." [Kate]

So that explains why the monsters are scared... they might've seen her one hit their own kind..

"Still... you can never be too sure." [Terrence]

When Terrence said that, it scared some of the children. We stayed for a few days and I taught the children some magic.

"Uwo! I'm doing it?!"

"Nice-nice!"

I was surprised that they were quick learners. Some of them are able to invoke it easier than others. While those who weren't able were taught by Terrence and Kate, on how to fight using weapons

"Speaking of which. Kate, why don't you bring them here? They could live freely in the village." [Michelle]

"I've thought of that but..." [Kate]

"But?" [Michelle]

"They say that it is their duty to find and help more children like them." [Kate]

"I see..." [Michelle]

"Why were you dressed as a bandit Kate?" [Elaine]

"So that we could snuff out any traitors. The only ones with me are the most loyal to you princess." [Kate]

Well, that's a given... somebody is bound to sell us out anyway... In order to be sure Kate was our hidden escorts.

I told Kate about my telepathy, she too was surprised when she found out. I said to her that I can relay messages to the children if they ever need anything or are in danger.

We then left and kept moving farther and farther. A lot of months pass by that I have already lost count.

We've gone by foot avoiding known roads or paths, and then staying at towns or villages for only a day there to rest and resupply. We mostly got our food from the wild, good thing that I brought over some seasonings.

To act inconspicuous Kate, has to leave from time to time and report to father, so that is how we managed to get information on the search parties movements.

We changed our names and then managed to reach this village of Libang, where I have given birth to you Angelica.

~~~Angelica~~~

"That is a great story mother!" [Angelica]

"It isn't that good really." [Michelle]

"But I just had to ask. If you know how to use some magic, why didn't you teach me?" [Angelica]

"I haven't used them for a long time and had already forgotten about the incantations." [Michelle]

"What about supportive then?" [Angelica]

"Did you forget? I tried to teach you about it, but you quit soon after." [Michelle]

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

Ah, I remember now. I was learning it for almost a year and was still unable to use it, then quit.

As we finished talking, Michelle went on and had a chat with Kate and Regina. Then led them to another room.

"How did it go Blake?" [Maria]

"Ha?" [Blake]

"You went to your parents right?" [Maria]

"Ahh that, they were really happy just to see me and we had dinner." [Blake]

"Hahh... I'm sleepy..." [Angelica]

"It seems like it's way past midnight." [Maria]

"Let's go check my new room!" [Angelica]

"A-Angelica wait." [Michelle]

"Yes?" [Angelica]

As Michelle came back, she managed to hear some of our conversations.

"It is currently being used, you might wake her up." [Michelle]

"Her?" [Angelica]

"You had another child?" [Maria]

"Mom?"

As if on cue we heard a child's voice, and then proceeded to glance to where it had came from.

What I saw was a little girl about half my height. She was carrying a pillow covering her body.

As she came nearer, she got illuminated by the candlelight.

She had short black hair and white narrow animal ears which has a few black spots that were protruding from where a human ear should have been. There was also a tag of some sort on her right ear.

Ohhhhhhhhhh! Finally a demi-human!

"Ahh Mooly, did we wake you?" [Michelle]

"Yes... are they guests, mother?" [Mooly]

While still somewhat sleepy. The child named Mooly looked around.

"These are my friends and your sister's friends." [Michelle]

"Sister is here too?!" [Mooly]

As if snapping her out of it Mooly's eyes showed a sign of excitement.

"Mother don't tell me... that yo-" [Angelica]

"What are you thinking of my daughter?" [Michelle]

"A-aw-aw-aw!" [Angelica]

She probably knew what I was about to say, that she cheated on dad and then proceeded to pinch my butt. I'll try to hear her explanation first.

"We have found Mooly who collapsed near the village. She was badly injured with scratches all over her hands and knees. When she came to, she told us about her family and their caravan. They got attacked by monsters as they were en route to a city. When Terrence and the others checked where it was..." [Michelle]

Mooly started tearing up. I see... her family brought her time to escape...

"Because of that, we took her in as our own. Angelica, please treat her like a real sister." [Michelle]

"Y-yes!" [Angelica]

"When did it happen?" [Blake]

"About three months ago." [Michelle]

"That long..." [Maria]

I got my handkerchief out and proceed to wipe her face. While patting her head, a slightly long tail appears from behind. It has the same color as her ears and wags left to right.

"Um... can you put the pillow away, so that I can wipe the tears better?" [Angelica]

"Okay..." [Mooly]

Mooly smiles as she looks up at me with tears still present in her eyelids. Soooo cute! Must protec!

When she lowered the pillow, it revealed a black choker around her neck with a small bell on it, and below that is...

"Op-oppai loli!! Amf!" [Angelica]

"?!" [Mooly]

Oh shit! I suddenly blurted it out, I quickly covered my mouth with both hands. Mooly jumped back and immediately hid behind Michelle in surprise.

Those things at that age, she's very blessed.

"Oppai?" [Maria]

"Loli?" [Blake]

Go-good! They didn't know what it means! I'm safe hahaha!!

"I-I'm sorry, I was just as surprised as you are." [Angelica]

Now, I understand... the choker, ears, tail, and name... (Moo-ly) she's a cowgirl!

"Oh right, this is your first time seeing a demi-human right?" [Michelle]

"Hey Blake, why aren't you surprised?" [Angelica]

"My master is also a demi-human herself." [Blake]

"Wait... her??" [Angelica]

This master of his, I wanna see what kind she was. I wonder if she has a nice body?

"You're making a creepy face Angelica." [Maria]

"A-Angelica we only have a master, pupil relationship." [Blake]

"What do you mean by saying that?" [Angelica]

He waves his hands in denial. That isn't what I meant!!

"Maria, is this also not your first time?" [Angelica]

"Well... in the magic academy. There are various races present studying magic." [Maria]

"So I'm the only one?!" [Angelica]

"Haven't you seen one during your adventures?" [Michelle]

"No, we have only encountered fellow humans so far..." [Angelica]

"Hmn... that's odd... there used to be a lot of them whenever I go." Michelle, raised a finger to her mouth as she seemed to remince something. Were demi-humans really not that rare?

"U-umm." [Mooly]

"?" [Angelica]

"Y-You're an adventurer?" [Mooly]

"Yes, we are." I said while gesturing to the three of us.

"You fight monsters?" [Mooly]

"Yep, most of the quests we take are monster extermination quests." [Angelica]

"Please take me with you!" [Mooly]

When she heard monster extermination. Mooly showed a face of determination.

"Aren't you a bit too young to fight them?" [Maria]

"Papa Steven taught me how to fight." [Mooly]

"It still is dangerous." [Blake]

"I'll think about it..." [Angelica]

I have had some second thoughts of bringing a child with us. It scared me a little because we might not be able to cover for her if we were to go into a rough fight with monsters.

Mooly's smile disappears as she looked down. It breaks my heart to see children this sad... but her safety is my only concern.

"Alright then let us all sleep for now. We have more time to talk tomorrow." [Michelle]

"Mother, could I sleep with Mooly?" [Angelica]

"Your new room could fit all three of you, my dear." [Michelle]

"It's that big?!" [Angelica]

We went up the stairs and to my surprise, it really is big, almost the same size of the one we stayed in the castle.

"Blake, will you be sleeping here too?" [Michelle]

"Uh, no-no-no I'll be with my parents." [Blake]

"Oh too bad... I wanted to see my grandchildren as early as possible." [Michelle]

"Mother?!!" [Angelica]

"Heheh, I was joking-joking~" [Michelle]

The three of us slept together in the same bed, it's big enough to fit five people, with me and Maria at the edge and Mooly at the center.

~~~Maria~~~

"Hahh... that's the best sleep I've had in ages." [Maria]

When I glanced to my left I can see Mooly's cute sleeping face and there she was...

(Sniff-sniff-sniff)

Embraced at the waist by Angelica, like a pillow... she was sniffing Mooly on the head and was mumbling something...

"Must not grab, must protec." [Angelica]

She seemed to be so entranced with what she was doing that she doesn't even notice me looking directly at her even while we were this close...

I just turned in the opposite direction and acted as if I saw nothing...