The woman’s intense expression softened when her eyes fell on the boy, who was on the verge of passing out.

“Alpheus... Thank goodness, you’re safe...” She was beyond relieved when she said that. His own eyes began to cloud over.

“Miss Marianne... I... did... as you said...” His voice was breaking several times. “They... almost caught me... but I... didn’t stop running...so...” He struggled to catch his breath from running so much and tried his best to suppress his tears.

That is, until she pulled him in for an embrace, ensuring he knew he was finally safe.

During this embrace, Alpheus noticed something, or rather the lack of something.

“Miss Marianne... what happened to your arm...?” He asked, beyond shocked.

Marianne looked back at the stump, where once her left arm was. At this point, the wound was closed entirely, as though she had been wounded for months now. Questioning that abnormal regeneration can wait until later.

“Don’t you worry about that? I was merely a bit careless.” She pressed his head against her other shoulder to shield him from the sight.

“No... it’s my...fault...” That was all he managed to say before finally passing out. She held onto his body and gently guided him to a nearby tree to lean against.

She didn’t stand up and remained crouching, her soft gaze never wavering.

That was until another presence flew in front of her face. If she was startled, she didn’t show it.

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“Hello, Miss! So, you’re the one who’s been taking care of my dear Alpheus, aren’t you? Marianne, right?” The energetic voice, resembling an adolescent man, was strangely inhuman to her.

After a moment of contemplation, she answered.

“Hello, little one. Yes, I am indeed. Since you know my name already, it’s only appropriate for you to state yours.” She says so with a hint of hesitation.

“I’m Amharclann, a fairy and professional guardian angel to this boy, but you can call me Arclan! It’s nice to meet you.” The cheerful voice shifted slightly as though it was aging as he spoke.

“Likewise. Am I right to assume that humans attacked him? And that you saved him from them?” She looked back at the sleeping boy, who looked beyond exhausted.

“Yes, to both!” The voice, once again, seemed younger.

“In that case, you have my gratitude.” It was all she managed to say as she respectfully bowed her head.

“No need to thank me! Again, I’m his guardian angel. Of course, I would come to his aid!” The voice lost the rough tone, becoming more and more androgynous.

“I see. I have many more questions, but I must find shelter.”

After all, the cold night is soon approaching, and their pursuers could ambush them at any moment now.

“In that case, I’ve got the perfect spot for that!” The voice seemed more feminine now.

“You will be accompanying us?”

“Of course! Didn’t I already say I’m here to protect him like you? Or is there a problem?” The voice adopted the sweet tone of an innocent child.

She can think of many problems, but now was not the time.

“No, forgive me if I offended you.”

“No offense taken. Alright, it's time to get him to safety! My apologies: I understand that you’re injured, but... I can’t exactly carry him with my size, sooooo...” The apologetic tone clashed with the mischievous tone akin to a teenager.

“It’s alright; I intended to carry him, anyway.” She said so as she stood up to retrieve the resting child. Supporting him with one arm is less than ideal, but she managed to secure him.

“Well then! I’m glad to travel with you. So that we can both look out for him, here’s hoping for a great partnership!” The enthusiasm exhibited by the creature prompted her to reply in turn.

“...Likewise.” She said so as politely and energetically as possible, concealing her current thoughts.

There are a lot of questions on her mind now. Too many. However, ...

...In this giant mess of uncertainty, there is one thing she is more than sure of.

“There’s no way in hell I can trust this little guardian angel.”