Floating lanterns lit up the entire city and scared away the shadows that always tried to take over the night world. These lanterns were activated through Seal Magic. They were made so that when they detected that the light of the sun was diminishing, they would activate and turn on automatically, not letting Gignit fall into the shadows.

Looking from one side to the other, moving his eyes in all possible directions and appreciating the place. He also studied with his gaze every person who crossed his path.

Roger was amazed. He was aware that many races lived together in the city. He was even able to confirm it, although fleetingly, when he had just arrived with Christopher carrying him. But only now did he have the opportunity to corroborate that each thing was true, especially since due to his leg injuries he could only walk slowly.

The city was beautiful, the atmosphere pleasant and seeing the races coexisting was like a dream. Gignit is an opportunity to move forward and a source of immense happiness for all those who have escaped a life of constant suffering.

And now it was their turn to live a life like that, and Roger would not waste it.

Bandages covered Christopher's body and some band-aids covered his facial wounds. He was wearing the same clothes he used to fight against the mercenary, and every so often people asked him very worriedly what had happened, showing real concern for their young Lord.

He just gave them the calmest smile possible - I just took care of a somewhat troublesome magical beast, but I obviously defeated it.

It was not his job to report on kidnappings and so on. Because of that, he didn't even bring it up with Roger.

They walked away and Christopher continued talking to Roger -So, Roger, what do you think about my proposal? Will you accept being my assistant? I really need help with some things- he said as he swallowed the chicken croquette that had formed in his mouth.

I buy at least ten of these croquettes, although they have different flavors because for Macky, they were vegetable croquettes.

The little girl, despite having unfortunately lost an eye, enjoyed and savored the croquettes as if they were truly delicacies made by professional chefs. She was happy and felt very joyful. Christopher almost shed tears after having bought the croquettes and offering them to the little girl. Who smiled at him so sweetly and from the depths of her soul, accepted it after asking if the master would not be angry with her for eating.

In a tender gesture made by Christopher, he joined his forehead with hers, telling her that no one will ever do anything to her, that she can eat whatever she wants and as many times as she wants.

Roger would then explain to him that they are finally free.

Now, continuing once again with the conversation between the two, Roger looked very unsure of what he was about to say -Lord Christopher, are you really going to make me your assistant? Do you remember that I am a slave?- He looked at the ground again, from a certain point of view his argument had some logic, obviously, logic belonging to the cities within the domain of the human empire -wouldn't it cause annoyance to your people that I, a slave, am serving as an assistant to the young Lord of the city?-.

Christopher sighed, but not in weariness, but in one of pure understanding. These two have been through too much, they were unlucky enough to be enslaved and treated very badly. The scars on their bodies are evidence of that.

Due to the treatment they received for years, they have a certain inferiority complex and a strange desire to not cause problems since: PROBLEMS equals PUNISHMENTS.

He still doesn't fully realize that they have finally achieved their freedom.

-Roger, you do know that you're not a slave anymore, right?- Roger nodded in surprise, as if he had really forgotten something so important -Besides, why would anyone be upset if you became my assistant? No one here will complain about that-.

Now he turned his attention to Macky - look how I'm carrying her, your sister, a demi-human and nobody looks at her badly and much less wants to hurt her -.

This was true and Roger was able to confirm it. All along the way he dedicated himself to looking at the surroundings and especially at the people who greeted Christopher and Macky.

She wanted to see if any of them looked at her badly for being carried by the young Lord. She was even more surprised to realize that no one gave her malicious looks or anything remotely similar. What's more, many of them felt empathy for the girl and expressed their pain at knowing how the little girl lost her eye, others even went so far as to ask if the girl was a secret daughter of Christopher and that he had only now dared to show her to everyone.

-I really need a helper- Christopher sighed again while Macky looked at him with a tender smile and eating his croquettes -you are my last hope, my friends don't want to be one because according to them it's too 'a pain' to do the paperwork and they hate doing it...- he remembered how Sebastian and Mathias rejected him, even Diana who is quite in love with him rejected him.

-You are my only hope, no one else will want to accept-.

Christopher made puppy dog eyes under the pouring rain.

-I promise to give you a decent salary!- with this Roger's eyes widened, Christopher could simply force him to accept but no. He is even willing to pay for his services! The young Lord! -You will even live in my house until you think it's time to move. And we will send Macky to study! What do you say? Is that a good deal?-.

Macky didn't seem to understand the whole situation very well, but Roger did and he didn't hesitate for a single moment in saying, "I'll do it."

He almost fell to the ground, even thinking that it was all a beautiful dream and that at any moment he would wake up and see himself being punished by his master for some stupid reason.

But no, it was reality, her reality which only got better. She would have the opportunity to give her reason for living a good education, clothes to wear, proper nutrition and of course pamper her with toys or things she likes.

What she liked most was the idea that her sister could make friends at the academy.

-I will accept any kind of job as long as I can give my little sister a good life-.

-HAHAHAHAHA- Christopher laughed -perfect, in fact, I was worried that you wouldn't accept. Even if you don't believe it, the paperwork and sorting out the documentation are more stressful than you think, but since you have accepted there is no turning back- a drop of sweat and a small hint of nervousness hit the integrity of the new assistant.

Looking at Christopher he was now surrounded by an aura of malice as he laughed like someone evil.

…

Now clean and after so much time, Roger and Macky, as well as Dina, have been able to wear more normal clothes again, not tattered rags.

Roger wore some of Christopher's old clothes, Macky wore some nice clothes and sandals that looked great on him. These belonged to Selestia and were from when he was still a toddler.

Dina also wore clothes more appropriate to her age, in fact, they suited her quite well. In this case Selestia chose to give her some Elven clothing, consisting of a beautiful short green dress and pretty brown sandals. She had even given her underwear since Dina was practically naked.

-HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, it seems our minds really do think the same way- Selesyia laughed softly as Christopher introduced his new assistant.

-Roger, this is my sister Selestia. As you can see, she is an Elf- the aforementioned, upon seeing the beautiful Elf woman, performed an act of stupidity, he found himself unable to hold the gaze of such a pretty lady -As you already know, he is my new assistant-.

-It's a real pleasure to meet my brother's assistant- Selestia greeted him in such a cordial and graceful way that Roger simply thought it was an intrinsic characteristic of the Elven race -I hope you can help him and guide him on the right path-.

He looked at Roger and once again the human emitted an aura of extreme nervousness -make sure to let me know every time you plan to go on a trip or a mission, because I want to go too and Christopher doesn't let me know-.

-Y-yes Lady Selestia- Roger had to pretend total calm and answer as calmly as possible -I'm sure she's also like Lord Christopher-.

-Ah- it was the turn of the little girl who was holding her hand -she is her younger sister, Macky. And as you can see, she is a half-human from the goat clan-.

The conversation continued in a very calm and friendly manner, they talked a little about the past of the three of them. It was quite sad, now both Selestia and Christopher would help their helpers to get ahead in this new beginning that life has given them.

Suddenly, the doors opened and the voices entering where they were were revealing who they belonged to. Valentina and Alexander arrived at the house.

GLUP

With some nervousness, Christopher and his Selestia swallowed, prepared for their mother's reprimand, which was sure to be titanic.

And it was no wonder, Valentina almost lost control when she found out that her beloved children were injured. Luckily, Alexander was able to calm her down by saying that they were alive.

They reached the living room where everyone present was looking at her.

-Oh! They're here- said Alexander giving good vibes to everyone present -you're the half-human that my daughter helped- Dina stood up and nodded, Selestia had to make her understand that it was okay if she stayed seated -I think we've already met- and with that Dina nodded

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Now I look at those who cared the most - and you are the ones my son rescued - Roger nodded on behalf of both his sister and himself - it's good to see that you've already been treated, Dr. Wayne is the head doctor in this town, he's the best at what he does. You'll heal very quickly -.

On the other hand, Valentina did not look away from her annoyed gaze directed at her children until she realized that everyone had noticed that.

She cleared her throat, feigned ignorance and introduced herself - Greetings little ones, I am the most beautiful Elf in this city, my name is Valentina. I am also the mother of those two over there... - she pointed at them with her finger, Selestia and Christopher could capture the fury that their mother was transmitting to them.

She was very upset -by the way, Christopher, Selestia, I would like to talk to you... alone-.

Without wasting any more time, Valentina went straight to the library while the assistants and Macky looked at both Selestia and Christopher who in turn gave each other a bitter look. Sighing somewhat bitterly, they stood up.

-Please understand your mother- said Alexander giving her a look full of understanding, but at the same time with some pain -the anguish and worry made her cry like you have no idea. Just endure everything she has to say to you and above all, do not contradict her. It does not matter that you had good reasons and the best intentions, right now, she will not scold you like Lady Valentina, but she will do it like your mother who loves you with all her soul-.

Selestia and Christopher nodded, they hadn't even received the reprimand and they already felt horrible.

...

-Christopher Hope and Selestia Salesian Hope, I want to congratulate you for safeguarding the lives of important members of our city, I truly congratulate you- although she was smiling, both Christopher and Selestia knew that she was pretending. And worse, she was pretending horribly because tears were welling up in her eyes. -Now...- said Valentina changing her face to a more serious one and curving her lips into a grimace that made clear her immense desire to cry -clench your teeth...-.

...

From the living room, where Alexander was animatedly chatting with his children's new friends, the characteristic sound of what was supposed to be a good, and very well-placed, slap could be heard.

Roger was not able to hear her because of his human condition since his ears are not as sensitive as Dina's who is a Demi-human, she could hear him very clearly.

Just then Dina's ears twitched as she was reminded of the sound her mistress's hand used to make when it hit her face, only this blow was not accompanied by malice.

Immediately another one was heard.

This time even Macky was able to hear her, her little ears twitched and she looked away towards the entrance to the library. "Little brother, is the boss's mommy hitting him?" she asked in the most innocent way possible for a living being.

The reason why he calls him boss is simply because of Roger's influence - why does he do that? Our boss is very good, he bought me a lot of food and carried me in his arms - Macky was about to cry, in a few hours he had shown him much more love than he had received from his damn master in years of slavery - Roger, please, we have to talk to the boss's mommy, I don't want him to get hit -.

Sweet innocence, obviously Macky was the only one who was unaware of the situation regarding the reprimand that Selestia and Christopher were receiving.

-Don't worry little girl- Alexander encouraged her- she won't do anything to the boss, she's just getting his attention-.

-And why?- she asked again with her heart in her hand- is it because the boss bought us food-.

-No, Macky- Roger had to intervene, not wanting to bother the father with more questions. Although, in fact, Alexander was somewhat happy to have a little girl ask him a few questions. For some reason, he remembered his children when they were little.

...

After giving Christopher the first slap, Valentina burst into tears - HOW DARE YOU SCARE ME LIKE THAT? - she gritted her teeth, her legs almost shaking.

At this moment she would completely put aside her title of Governor, focusing all her strength on acting more like a mother. That's why she gave another slap to Christopher's other cheek who just stared into space and didn't miss every word his mother said to him - DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW WORRIED WE WERE? -.

Another slap, this time to Selestia's left cheek, which now had Valentina's mark on it, like a kind of signature. She gave her another slap again, but this time it was much slower, as Valentina lost all her strength, not being able to bear all her feelings.

This last blow had hurt Selestia a lot, even more than the hard slap she had given her on the other cheek. Because in this one she could feel the fear that Valentina felt when she found out about the battle, wounds and poisoning that her children had suffered.

She couldn't stand any longer so Valentina sat down on an empty chair that was just within reach, bit her lower lip and finally let it all out.

All her anguish and fear, Valentina, the strongest mage in the city, the strongest Elf in Gignit. That woman who had endured fearsome battles and fought against the most sadistic and evil opponents. She had burst into tears like never before in her life, crying as if she were a small, sad child.

-UWAAAAAAHHHHH- she held her face with both hands, her eyes closed tightly and yet the bitter tears managed to pass through them.

Her mouth pursed in a grimace very appropriate to her state. "I..." She raised her face allowing her children to see her pitiful state. "I thought they were dead, my babies, I thought they left us."

It was at that moment that both Selestia and Christopher rushed to her. Giving her the strongest and most comforting hug, this was done so that her mother could feel them, could hear the beating of both hearts which only told her “we are still alive.” Valentina did nothing but cry again while hugging them.

And it was no wonder, she wasn't being exaggerated or anything like that. Her sons had faced dangerous criminals who, unlike the two of them, had vast experience when it came to combat to the death. In fact, there was a much greater possibility that they would return dead than alive.

Even more so Christopher, although he did well his opponent turned out to be too strong and resistant, even worse everything got complicated when an Alpha class magical beast made an appearance on the place.

-Your father and I wouldn't know what to do if you were dead- having the opportunity to feel them allowed him to calm down again, even if only slightly. He was still sobbing, but he wasn't crying profusely anymore. With his eyes showing some anger he looked at his children -I want you to promise me that you will never get into that kind of situation again-.

Both Christopher and Selestia had to suddenly separate, they looked at their mother almost sweating. Then they looked at each other almost in shock. It was a promise they would never keep, if a similar problem were to arise again and they were nearby, they would act again and fight again.

They both sighed, looked at their mother who had already put aside her angry grimace and tearfully gave them a smile -I would love to ask you that, but I know it would be in vain because you would never keep that promise...- she looked at the ground again -even though you are adults, I hate that you go on missions because you always come back hurt, I hate that you fight against beasts or bandits, I hate seeing the slightest wound on you, I hate that you feel pain, I hate that you come back tired from your missions, I hate so much that you want to rank up as adventurers. But...- once again tears escaped from her eyes, but it was different because there was no sadness. A happy, but at the same time bitter smile was drawn on her lips.

-I'm so happy that you've become good adults, I love that you're able to go on missions and can handle your wounds. I love that you're victorious in your fights against beasts and bandits, I love that you overcome pain, I love that you're always able to return home even when you're tired, I love that you aspire to rise in rank. I would love for you to let our guards solve the problems, but I also love that you're the ones who solve them, I love walking around the city and hearing how you've helped someone or completed a mission that no one else could-

Now he smiled at them again, but this time with the most genuine smile of happiness and pride mixed on his face, even shedding tears he held out his arm for them so they would let him hug them.

Obviously they would spoil their mother, even if it was just for once. So they let her hug them - I love you so much, you are the lights of my life - while hugging them she caressed the back of their heads - I want you to keep helping as many people as you can and I also want you to forgive me if in the future I make you do this kind of scenes again. It's just that I love you more than I love myself, your well-being is mine. That's why I can't stand seeing you so hurt - her children nodded without taking their faces off Valentina's shoulders.

Finally, Christopher and Selestia had enough strength to separate. Both of them had slightly red eyes, although in Selestia it was much more noticeable since she had shed some tears, obviously, as had Christopher.

Valentina smiled at them - it seems I went a little too far when hitting you - she touched the marks she left on her children's cheeks - does it hurt a lot? I think I didn't hold back enough. Please forgive me for hurting your faces, I wasn't able to control myself -.

-Don't worry, mommy- said Selestia -it's a small punishment we have to pay for making our mother cry-.

-That's right- added Christopher -and it didn't even hurt, he was just pretending- this was his way of lifting all the tension that was in the place- So mom, are we free now?-.

-Christopher, don't be rude- replied Selestia rubbing the part of her belly where her wound was bothering her- Mom is very distressed, we must continue comforting her-.

-Tell me, daughter, do you still have the poison in your body? Can you show me where you were stabbed?-.

From scolding her brother she looked at her mother giving her all her attention.

She did not hesitate for a moment to show some of her white skin, marked with some scars from past missions. Even though her brother was present, Selestia did not hesitate and lifted her clothes. Christopher, without the slightest lustful thought (he would never be able to look at his beloved sister in a vulgar way) focused his gaze on the area of the wound which was covered by gauze.

Luckily, she wasn't able to see the wound itself because the gauze covered it, but both her brother and mother knew that it wasn't pretty at all. Because of the clockwise turn that Cantarina had made when stabbing her, she had torn and cut some skin, making the wound not very pleasant to look at.

-Does it still hurt?- Valentina asked.

-The Elves have treated me with certain infusions of special herbs, I still have the poison inside me but the quantity is no longer dangerous. The only thing that will happen to me is that I will be in a state very similar to drunkenness- he lowered his clothes again- the wound still hurts, but I am able to move, it is bearable-.

-And you, son- Christopher seemed to be in a trance looking at the gauze, he shook his mind to his ear- you have been cut and stabbed on several occasions. Tell me the truth, were they very serious?-.

As soon as his mother finished asking the question, he shook his head vigorously. "Don't worry, you know very well that my body is something strange, wounds tend to heal much faster than those of other human beings." The strange ability he possessed should be something that might disturb others, but his family and friends were so used to it that they already saw it as something extremely normal.

Still, he was never able to understand why he possessed that strange ability.

-Christopher, are you sure that this strange ability you possess is not Unique Magic?- Selestia asked, leaving all other topics aside, Christopher's ability is really a very interesting topic of conversation.

-I've already told you- she replied, revealing one of her wounds- the sensation I feel is not magic, besides, Unique Magic transmits a certain intrinsic sensation of that kind of magic. The one who could best explain this to us is Diana, since she is a Unique Magic user-.

-I just can't explain it- Selestia added again- your wounds heal in less than half the time, even something that maybe heals in five days. In your case it does so in just one or even less, I really envy that strange ability of yours- she touched her chin- could it be some effect of being the son of a human and an Elf? Or maybe if you are a user of Unique Magic which you have not awakened yet-.

-I could bet on both options- answered Christopher- I am aware that I did not inherit any of the magical abilities nor the physiological characteristics of my mother. You could say that, although I should be a 'hybrid', I was born as a fully human being. Now that I think about it, it is very strange...-.

Valentina kept listening, expectantly to the conversation. With her eyes denoting a certain melancholic feeling, this action that went completely unnoticed could only mean one thing: Valentina is hiding something that has to do with Christopher, and for everything to come to light it was not long before one would think.

-What do you say we leave the talk for another day?- Valentina asked in a good mood, she had unloaded and gotten rid of all her anguish and annoyance. She said everything she had to say, so now, at this hour, there was only one thing left to do. -What do you say we get something to eat? Also introduce me to your new friends-.