"Here, wear this sister Lucy! I made these from scratch!" A sister smiled in delight as Lucy blinked at the finely woven coif that had a gentle shade of green as its color.

"Ah, I'm-"

"No buts! And we already told you, stop working for this week! We got this, play with the children instead!"

"B-but I am-"

"No sister Lucy! Come and play with us! You rarely play with us! Please play with us!"

The children chirped as they swarmed Lucy from all sides, pinning her down in a great collaborative effort from the little ones. "W-wait children. J-just a moment after I finish my... work..." The children's eyes sparkled in anticipation as they unknowingly subdued her.

Lucy could not even offer any protest as the sisters took every chore from her. Ever since her complete breakdown, everyone poured everything into her recovery.

They did not spare even a drop of their energy as they all poured in for her recovery. From the breakfast they whipped up at dawn, to tuckering her to bed with one or two of the children willingly staying by her side. A reality she never dared imagine so many days ago.

For every dreaded nightmare she suffered from, a child would be by her side as the other ran to the sisters for help. Now every time she woke up, clawing away from the dreaded voices, she was greeted by a large group of sisters and children, ready to coo her from her torment.

"...Ok, what game does my munchkins want to play?" For the first time for as long as Lucy could remember, she smiled. She did not have to plaster in for the sake of appearance, nor did she have to bear in silence from the relentless torment it had caused her. It was simply a smile.

It felt so long to smile so freely. To not care about the worries of the outside world, to finally sleep with both of her eyes closed. Eat and drink as she always wanted to. To finally act like her age and just... smile. A childhood that she had been robbed of was slowly being reclaimed.

"Looks like you guys are busy."

"Ah! It's sir Seth! Hello!" The children quickly abandoned Lucy for the sweet treats Seth always carried.

"Traitors." Lucy chuckled under her breath as she made her way to the poor red-haired being swarmed by small gremlins.

"A-a little help?" Seth shot a pleading glance as Lucy could only smirk in amusement.

"Oh, don't look at me with that, you brought this on yourself."

"Hey!" Lucy laughed as the children finally manages to bring the young man down to their level and begin piling on top of him.

After a few more laughs at the expense of Seth's suffering, Lucy finally grabs gently onto the bag Seth desperately trying to protect from the tiny hungry mouths of locusts as their eyes shifted to her once more. "Now now munchkins, do you remember what we agree upon?"

Lucy expected to see disappointment morphed into their ecstatic faces but was caught off guard as their eyes instead twinkled brighter. "We already ate our veggies!" To her complete shock and dismay, the children happily proclaimed the impossible.

"Oh, you little schemers! You can't fool me that easily." Lucy smirked as she watched their faces slowly twist into despair.

"B-but we did! We really did eat our veggies!" One of the children cried out.

"Really?" A smirk formed on her lips.

"Really really!" They hurriedly replied in agreement.

"Hmmmmm?" Lucy quipped, her lips trembling from the effort to keep her smile from escaping as the look of injustice was plastered all across their tiny faces. Finally unable to stop from giggling, her laughter boomed into the air as she gestured them to come near.

"All right all right, I'll believe you. Now make a line and I'll distribute your cookies!" Their eyes twinkle in joy.

"Yay!" The children hurriedly rushed to form a line as Lucy began handing out the chocolate chip cookies one by one.

"One for Anna. One for Adam. One for Owen. One for..." Lucy distributed them one by one.

When everyone had their fair share, Lucy watched in delight as they happily began biting off the cookie as soon as they received one. A mix of pleasure and relief filled Lucy as they watched them eat.

"Is there one more for me?" Lucy looked up to see Seth with a smile before shrugging off in annoyance but checked anyway.

"Hmm? There's three more. Did I forget someone?" Lucy began to search at the tiny humans for anyone who had not received their share.

"Ah... right." Lucy swallowed nervously when she found Iva doing her chores.

"...Why don't you talk to her?" Seth offered softly as Lucy grew even more nervous. The young lady seemed to consider Seth's idea as she nodded slowly.

She was about to rise and walk towards Iva when one of the sisters approached the little girl instead and pointed at where Lucy had been. For an intense second, Lucy did not know what to do as Iva slowly made her way toward her.

When the little girl finally stood face to face before her, she could not stop her hands from trembling. Iva's words continue to haunt her mind just as much as her past had. It was after all a murder, willing or not, that she did in front of a scared and now grieving child.

Lucy wanted to make amends but did not know how. The two simply stared at each other in silence when Seth gently pushed Lucy back to reality. Lucy nodded for the second time as she grabbed one of the remaining cookies. Iva watched silently as Lucy offered a cookie.

"...D-do you want one?" Lucy barely whispered as Iva looked at the cookie and then at Lucy before nodding. "Ah... o-ok then... here you go?" Lucy said as Iva accepted the cookie before walking off. No word of thanks was given, yet Lucy could have never felt more relieved.

"You did a good job." Seth said as he patted Lucy on the back.

"It is nothing really... nothing compared to what I've done." Lucy whispered solemnly as Seth nodded.

"One step at a time. It will be fine, trust me." Seth smiled as Lucy continues to watch Iva eat her share.

"Now, give me one already why won't you?" Seth suddenly shifted gears as Lucy snorted but handed the cookies nevertheless.

"How do you even find this edible? They are far too sweet." Lucy complained as she nibbled carefully.

"Well if you don't like it you can always give it to me-"

"Not a chance." Lucy said as she quickly marked her treat.

Seth let out a chuckle as he began biting off his own share. The lazy afternoon was spent watching the children eat and play from the backyard underneath an apple tree. The cold autumn wind blew, but thanks to the new clothes Seth had brought, they were far from unpleasant. With the shade granted by the mighty leaves of the tree, everything felt like a dream. A dream Lucy always longed for and never wanted to wake up from.

The laughter and chattering of the sisters could be heard from the distance as Lucy swallows her last piece. "By the way, how's your hand?" Lucy said, a hint of guilt permeating her voice as Seth waved his hands freely. The scratches were nowhere to be seen.

"Good as new thanks to sister Lily... though it burned like no other." Seth chuckled as Lucy nodded back.

"...Hey gobs." Lucy whispered as Seth grumbled.

"Stop calling me gobs, just call me Seth." Lucy rolled her eyes with a smirk on her lips as Seth sighed.

"...So, what is it? Surely this scene is far more appealing than anything from before?" Seth half joked as Lucy nodded a second later. "...Sure beats the screaming, that's for sure," Lucy mumbled as the distant scream of war was drowned out by their sounds. The laughter of the children and the sisters was pure. Unlike the hellish screams of Iron and flesh, here Lucy could finally let down her guard and simply rest.

"...How are you faring?" Seth carefully asked as Lucy turned to stare at Seth. The young man did not shy away from the fierce gaze of the young lady as he took everything he could from that gaze. He stared directly into those sapphire orbs, trying to find the darkness that threatened to consume her. It was there. The darkness was still there.

But to his relief, it was contained by the light in her eyes. A small smile finally crept up on her face as Seth returned the gesture kindly. Seth slowly turned his gaze back to the scene when a small voice crept up on his ears. "...Thank you... Seth." Seth froze before turning back to Lucy.

Her silver hair was as pure as snow as twin sapphire jewels stared back at him and smiled warmly. Seth's heart seemed to skip a beat for a moment before he threw his head into the sky, accompanied by his own laughter.

"Finally you called my name!” He said triumphantly as Lucy rolled her eyes. Sensing her good mood, he decided to test his luck. “Well, if you truly are grateful, then a little kiss won't be too much to ask right?" Seth snickered at the absurdity of his request.

"...Do you mean it?" But the innocence within Lucy's reply made him pause. Seth turned back in shock as Lucy eyed him carefully. "Is that what you truly want?" Lucy whispered dangerously as Seth's heart quickened to a beat.

"Erm, sister Lucy it was a jest! Nothing serious really!" Seth awkwardly laughed.

"But I am though?" Lucy replied as she tilted her head slightly.

"...Eh?" The young man struggled to reply as Lucy leaned in closer. "W-wait sister Lucy I-!!!" Seth tried to flee when a barrier suddenly slammed behind him. He turned to his horror as the tree blocked his escape. Lucy, knowingly or not, planned for this. He had nowhere else to run.

Seth turned back desperately, trying to find a way out, only to find out Lucy gently caressing his cheeks. "Y-you are going too far sister Lucy! S-stop this before I-"

Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

"Before you what?" Seth clammed his mouth shut as Lucy stared directly into his eyes.

Marks of ruin permeated her slender frame. From her face down to her leg, nothing was spared from her body. Everything was ruined by the torment of the past... yet still, Seth found her utterly breathtaking. His emerald eyes scrambled wildly in adrenaline as he stared directly into those alluring beads of oceans.

"What are you going to do hmm?" Seth gulped. Her coarse, but small hands cupped his face gently. Even though she was smaller, Seth could not help but feel tiny against her. "Are you going to try to eat me?"

“W-wha? I-I-“ He almost choked as his eyes widened further.

"Well, I suppose I do taste quite... delicious," Lucy smirked as Seth reddened.

"T-that is inappropriate sister Lucy! Have some shame!" Seth almost screamed, but Lucy simply chuckled grimly.

"Is it as inappropriate as you asking for a kiss?" Seth did not dare respond as Lucy continues to turn his defenses against him. "You're the one who asked me and now you want to take it back? Oh, how cruel you are sir Seth. You asked a maiden for her first kiss, and you won't take responsibility for it? That simply will not do." Her sultry voice was dangerous.

Seth squirmed, a gentle breeze blew carrying the scent of her hair as he desperately tried to form up a response. Anything will do, even if it buys him one more second to think. Anything at all but... there was nothing.

"I'm going to take a bite now, prepare yourself." Lucy closes the gap. Seth could not understand what was going on. His brain was fried from the quick concussions Lucy had thrown as all he could see was the encroaching marred, but undeniable beauty before him. Seth closed his eyes, preparing for impact.

"...Pft! Bwahahaha!" Seth opened his eyes into shock as Lucy began laughing hysterically. The once cool and collected sister was here, rolling and laughing in utter delight as if she were a kid. At any other time, Seth would have enjoyed the sight. Any other time, he would have smiled. Unfortunately, it was not one of those times as his face was as red as an apple.

"That was not funny sister Lucy," Seth growled as he tried to reign in any sense of composure from his shaken soul. "Oh, I-I'm s-so sorry, but... pft! Hahaha!" Lucy rolled off again as Seth was eager to dig a hole and hide for the rest of his life.

Seth could feel the painful and hopeful stares of the children as the other sisters watched curiously from the distance. He wasn't sure if they had seen everything, but even till now, his shame gnawed at his very being. It felt like it could go on forever, thankfully, that was not the case.

"Ok, ok. I'm done. Sorry for that one haha." Lucy finally calmed down as Seth could barely look at her. "But really, you really shouldn't tease your betters you know?" Seth turned back, furious this time as it was all too much of an embarrassment he could handle.

They were the same age and yet she dared to claim otherwise?? Seth could not allow to be pushed around like this! He opened his mouth to fight back when Lucy suddenly drew him closer and kissed his forehead. For a moment, the world seemed to freeze as Seth and Lucy stared at one another.

Lucy blushed in embarrassment for a moment before smiling to hide her shame. Seth sadly could not do the same as he reddens even further. "Y-y-y-y-y-you!...." Seth pointed an accusing finger at Lucy, but not a single word seemed to leave from his mouth.

Lucy's smiles deepened as she slyly mouthed two words. Got ya. It was all what Seth could understand when a scream suddenly bellowed from the children.

"Sir Seth just kissed sister Lucy!” A young voice shouted.

“Really??" The noises seemed to draw Seth back to reality as he turned into a panic.

"No! She was the one that... that..." Seth could not even defend himself as Lucy could only smirk in response. It frustrates Seth as the children simply grow stronger in their own convictions. It was a total and complete defeat from Seth as Lucy claimed the ultimate victory. The young maiden could not help but revel in her victory.

"Again! Kiss her again!" But the moment was short-lived as the children hurriedly tried to push Lucy closer.

"W-wait! No need to push munchkins!" Lucy panicked as her entire plan backfired directly in her face.

"We want to see it again! Again again!" The children sang as Lucy desperately tried to stop them to no avail. She shot a desperate look at Seth to coordinate their defenses, but to her shock and dismay, Seth had a filthy grin on his face. You deserved it! It says as they grew closer.

Even though Seth was caught between a rock and a hard place, he could not help but relish the chance to fire back as he watched Lucy squirm desperately to escape. "W-wait t-this is-"

"Come on sister Lucy! Just one more kiss!" Lucy paled as she was hopelessly dragged closer.

"You too sir Seth!" Seth seemingly blinked into reality when he noticed the small gremlins were pushing him closer as well.

"H-hey wait! I didn't sign up for this!" Seth cried out to no avail as it was his turn to panic. Lucy wanted to etch out a grin, but there was simply no time for it.

The two were standing face to face once more as the tiny goblins glowered in anticipation. "H-hey you brats, this is not something kids like you are allowed to see."

"Ehh? But sister Rose said it would be amazing! We want to see what it is! We have to see it!"

Sister Rose! Lucy thought in dismay and shock. What were you thinking?? They are too young!

“You brats weren’t supposed to know that! Let alone see it!” Seth said as he tried to worm his way out, but the children were adamant.

"I-if you don't stop this now, you will be having peas for dinner!" Lucy threatened the adorable nuggets into a submission. For a moment, it seemed to work as they hesitated for a brief second. It did not last however as the children suddenly found they're resolved and shouted.

"Fine! But you two have to kiss! It's a deal if you guys kiss!" They screamed as Lucy only paled further in disbelief. Lucy turned to Seth for support, but he was too close. She could feel his hot breath intermixing with hers as their eyes dilated in unison.

Even her level-headed mind could not keep up with the sudden shifting events. In war, Lucy was unyielding. In people, she could barely last in such extreme conditions. For Seth's part, this was far from what he was accustomed to.

Trading, dealing, deception, and intermingling were his forte. There was nothing in the world that Seth could not befriend if he put his mind to it. But physical contact? Now that was an entirely new world he had yet to explore.

The two stared at each other for a moment, bracing for the inevitable to come when a savior finally came down to their rescue. "All right children you can stop now." All eyes turned to Emma smiling in delight at the sight.

"Ehhh? But sister Emma its-"

"That is enough now." Emma said still smiling.

"B-but! It's just this one-"

"That is enough now." Emma said with a still smiling face, though a hint of sternness infected her voice.

"Ok..." The children spoke begrudgingly.

"Now say sorry to sister Lucy and Sir Seth here."

"Sorry sister Lucy and sir Seth." They say as they disperse back into their own clique.

"I'm sorry for the late aid you two, but I simply could not help but enjoy the scene! Ahh, it is so nice to be young." They were left speechless at Emma's revelation as she slowly drifted back to the children. "I'll calm the little ones down. They all seemed too eager to see it.” Sister Emma said as the two could only nod back.

“Ah before I leave, Sir Seth, please do your courting discreetly from now on ok? And sister Lucy… well done." The older sister flashed a thumb of approval. Lucy could not even say her piece as Emma was already gone.

An awkward silence fills the two as both did not know what to do nor what to even say. The silence was beginning to suffocate them when Seth broke it first. “…Well…” Yet as soon as he said those words, his mouth felt dry.

“W-well?” Lucy meekly whispered, finally blushing.

“…Well done huh?” Seth snickered as Lucy sharply turned towards him.

“Y-you! I-is that all you have to say?? Do you not-“ Lucy’s eyes widened in shock when she felt Seth’s lips gently landing on her cheek.

It barely lasted for a second, yet it felt like an eternity for the two. By the time Seth pulled back, the two were as bright as an apple. Seth could not meet her eyes as Lucy stared back with her hand covering where his kiss landed.

“N-now we’re even o-ok?” The young man stuttered as Lucy could only tremble and nod back in reply. There was silence once more, but it was not suffocating this time. Only a warm and filling silence remained. The air between the two was so warm that eventually, one had to break. Seth could not withhold his embarrassment as he broke first.

"W-well, I'll be going now. I got work so-"

"Wait!" Lucy grabbed Seth by the wrist of his clothes.

Both stopped in perpetual silence once more as they now really didn't know what to do. Seth opened his mouth to say something, anything at all that would break this another long siege. Thankfully, Lucy took the initiative this time.

"Erm... a-are… are you free tomorrow?"

Seth was as stiff as a pole but he managed to nod back in reply.

“…T-then… s-see you tomorrow?” An unspoken invitation was given. For a moment, their eyes held on. Their befuddled mind tried to process Lucy's words as their breathing hitched. The moment soon passed as they both reddened once more. Lucy did not know how long she could keep blushing, but she knew it had to be bad for their health.

"Eh? Ah! Umm... s-sure?" Seth fumbled over his response as Lucy gloomed.

"I-it's a no huh?" Lucy dejectedly said.

"No! I will be here tomorrow! You can count o-on... that." Lucy's eyes widen as Seth hurriedly hides his gaze in embarrassment.

His heart was pounding as if he had run all throughout the continent without rest. His breathing was barely under control when Lucy suddenly whispered. "...Ok... I'm glad..." It was the softest and warmest whisper Lucy had ever said to him. By then, Seth had already reached far beyond his limits.

"T-then I'll be going now! See you tomorrow!" With that, Seth took off like a galloping horse as Lucy watched with a strained, but also light heart.

"...Yeah... see you tomorrow..." Lucy whispered under her breath as she twirled her hands in joy.

֍

Seth ran around like a maniac. A stupid grin is etched all across his face as he shouts in joy. "Yes! I did it! Haha!" He drew some gazes, but the love-struck young man could not even bother in the slightest. He dances and sings like a drunken fool in love. This was his happiest day!

"Watch it, you litigant!" ...Was his happiest.

Seth's mood immediately nosed dive when he encountered the man he did not want to encounter the most. "You..." Jhavik seemed to recognize Seth as he hurriedly turned to try to run away. "Stop! By my orders stop right now!" Seth almost took off when he noticed several armed guards blocked his path.

Unlike those whom he disposed of before, their faces did not display any hint of arrogance or joy. It was strictly professional. Seth grimaced slightly as his gaze landed on their blades. It was oiled and well-kept, unlike the disheveled bunch he eliminated several weeks prior.

"Please don't make it harder for us kid." One of the men with sapphire eyes and brown hair said as Seth grunted. Large... but no seekers. The red-haired merchant raised his guard ever so slightly as he tapped into his reserves quietly, just in case.

"Sell swords." Seth sighed lethargically as they mirrored back his tired expression. Ruffians were one thing; ex-soldiers were another. Seth was considering his best options when he heard the footsteps. With a groan, Seth was forced to turn back to the oversized man.

"To what do I owe the pleasure sir Jhavik." Seth joked, half mockingly as he put on his best fake smile as the man puffed up in rage.

"You damn know well gobs!" Seth's face twitched for a moment as he felt a worm crawling through his leg.

"I can't say I do?" Nonetheless, Seth managed to hold on to his composure as Jhavik simply reddened.

"I told you before to bring me that girl!" Jhavik roared as Seth fought off the urge to roll his eyes.

"Truly? I don't know whom you are talking to though?" Seth said, playing ignorant.

"Yes! I did tell you you dolt! The one with those hideous scars!" Seth felt his blood run cold for a moment as his mask cracked. He looked up to see the entitled wretch ranting on and on, but no words reached his ears as his mind was entirely on another plane.

...Can I get away with this? Seth said as his muscles contracted. Power slowly flowed through his veins as his mind ran. I will need to move if I do this… but would the kids and sisters be fine? He hesitated as his muscles twitched. A terrible thought suddenly struck him.

Did they trace it back to Lucy? A moment of fear and a moment later, it was gone. Seth quickly dispels his doubts. No, I did a thorough job on that one. There should be no tracks left behind to trace back to her. Seth said as he saw his greasy neck.

But if I do this I can't see them anymore. I can't bring sweets to those brats anymore or bring clothing to the sisters... His breath was momentarily stolen when the thought passed him. …Or see Lucy. Seth's muscles relaxes for a moment, letting go of the tension. ...But if they find her... if they bring her back...

The fire roared back to life, ready to do the unthinkable. That will not happen. Seth slowly draws in from his reserves to bear, enhancing his muscles further. I will not let it hap-

"Don't do it kid." A soft whisper touched Seth's ears and he froze. “I don’t want my blade to taste yours.”

Seth felt another source coming from behind. He was a cloaker?? Seth turned ever so slightly the blue-eyed man was gone, replaced by gold. Champion… Seth tried to summon his relic bow when four other sources flared to life all around him. It was weaker from the man before him, but still dangerous.

...Kalva be damn... Seth reluctantly let go of his power as the man and his associates slowly reverted back as well. Another time then. Seth thought as Jhavik's screaming sounded more like an animal now. "Are you listening to me you sniveling filthy merchant!"

Seth turned to put on a fake smile once more as he nodded and placated the larded mayor, much to his displeasure. In and out, not a single word stuck in Seth’s mind. The man does not deserve it, contemptible bastard.

By the time they left, his mind was churning for a plan. Gone was his bliss, replaced by a determination that would break steel. He had someone to care now. Someone to protect…to love… cutting his losses was no longer possible.