The cottage could barely fit three people, it was basically a glorified room. But a mother and her son lay side by side on one bed. A single thin, translucent cloth with a firefly trapped within it was their only light source and they were right under it.

The crickets outside were chirping loudly and the sound of light rain completed the serene atmosphere. The blue light emanated from the firefly and hit the cloth in a mysterious way. The room looked as if a blue sun shined through a calm sea. The ambience was perfect for reading. Sometimes, they would capture ones that emitted an orange glow, but the boy preferred these the most.

The mother was reading the latest issue of “New Discoveries in Science.” She had just finished the book for the third time and looked towards her anticipating son to read it once more before sighing at their living conditions. He could read it himself, but he loved making his mother read because she hated it.

The ‘cottage’ was completely empty. But books were stacked on top of each other near the corners of the room. In the past week, her son had already read all the books on hand since the coup. There was nothing left to do as they weren’t allowed to leave this place, as her husband commanded. He had gone away with General Cedric and his son to hunt for food and were taking a lot longer than usual.

“Mother, can you read me another book?” The boy said wriggling in his sheets expectantly.

She let out a heavy sigh then a warm smile. She wanted to breed a soldier, not a scholar. To train her son everyday and share beads of sweat under sunlight was her dream.

“But I guess this is okay too.” She muttered under her breath, ruffling and twirling his hair. He was so talented for his age in both swordplay and magic, but she and her husband had to force him to do it, let alone pick up a sword rather than a book.

Reading books was the only thing he did willingly among a few other things. To him, they allowed him to live countless lives and bond with people he had never met. He would sooner pick up a pen than a blade, which was why his mother let him do as he please. He was strong enough to protect himself and that was all that mattered.

The firefly suddenly died and the room was covered in complete darkness.

“…”

She had enough.

“…Why don’t you follow Astercoth’s example and go with your father?“ The mother was itching to leave. Turning a retired adventurer into a cooped up housewife wasn’t the brightest idea her husband had. She didn’t want to stay in this room and do nothing. She would even chop firewood at this point to leave.

“That’s boring.” The boy said flatly with no inflection in his voice. He crossed his arms and looked directly into her eyes after standing on the bed. “I’d rather read an encyclopedia and god knows how boring those are.”

She giggled at his feigned maturity and decided to tease him.

“You seemed to have fun you used to clash swords with Astercoth in the castle's gardens.” The mother put her hands over her mouth as she waited for his son’s response.

“… Astercoth’s different.” He said blushing. He closed his eyes as to not see his mother’s mischievous expression. She ruffled his hair, but couldn’t control her strength and pressed his head down.

“Awww. My little Ryell is so cute!” By this time, the woman got up with her legs crossed and used both her hands, attempting to make his hair as disorderly as possible.

“H-He’s not my friend. He’s my rival!” He said slapping her hand away.

“…”

It was too late. His small body flew towards the small door that seemed to just open in the nick of time and then there was blackness.

****

I woke up gasping for air drenched in my own sweat. My body jolted forward and I headbutt the little girl atop me.

“Kyaaaa” Effari shrieked. It was very high pitched and hurt my ears a little. We started to grab people’s attention, but I didn’t care at this point. I realized I would continue to do so as long as I stayed with these people.

Rachel and I rubbed our foreheads to soften the pain. Both our heads turned a shade darker than our fair skin. What surprised me was Rachel’s wide forehead. Her bangs lifted as she circled the area with her fingers gently.

“Uuungh.” Rachel squirmed as mouth trembled. Small tears formed under her eyes but never fell. She was holding it in quite well for a girl her age. I wanted to laugh, but Effari was staring daggers at me.

“Pain, pain, go ‘way. Pain, pain, go ‘way” She muttered continuously like a mantra. She was fidgeting in place and began to worry for her sanity.

“W-What was that all about?” Effari asked. She was about to wake me up when I suddenly rose. Rachel tried to surprise me, only to get a headbutt In return. “You were sleeping peacefully just a while ago…”

“Nothing. Just a dream I guess.” I regained my composure and hopped off the wagon.

“G-G-Guhd d-dreem?” Rachel asked interested. The pain must’ve come a lot later as she was now rolling back and forth in front of me.

She probably wasn’t listening but I answered as Effari seemed curious and worried.

“…I can’t remember much. But I think I died at the end.” I tried to recall what happened, but my head felt like it was about to split open. It was very similar feeling to when horn protruded from my head, so I didn’t take the chance and let the remnants of the dream fade.

“…”

“I’ll kill you myself if you don’t get off my wagon. Hurry up and unload my goods, they’re not gonna’ carry themselves.” Ryner said a tinge annoyed. He was waiting for a while it seemed. Between the headbutt and talk with a Effari, I guess it was reasonable, considering I just hijacked a ride for free.

The atmosphere was getting odd anyway. That was the first time a woman looked at me that way. It wasn’t motherly or fatherly… it felt… weird. I was glad Ryner butted in, even though it was uncalled for. After cracking my spine, I lazily began picking up the crates

‘I knew he wanted something from me’ I thought, the smell of fish rotting my nostrils. We used the back entrance into the Bumbling Bee as to not deter any customers and possibly lose business, according to Ryner. After dropping the loot in the storage room, we went into another backdoor, greeted by the cooks.

They were hard-working and sweating profusely. The fire and smoke would flay into their eyes but they wouldn't blink.

The first figure I saw was the slightly overweight woman operating the bakery. She was tall like Ryner and had fiery red hair. Her tanned skin was dotted by the freckles in her skin.

Ryner came in and slapped her on the ass after walking towards her confidently. She grabbed the pan in a hurry and hit him at the temple. He slammed against the dishes next to with a boom. ‘This woman’s strength was not ordinary’ I thought.

“Oh honey! It was just you!” She prodded his lifeless head onto her breasts after running towards him like a little girl. His eyes were in daze and he seemed… unconscious, I observed. The woman was also pregnant. 'Ryner has come a long way' I thought. I gave a full smile, my pearly whites showing.

“I-It happened again…” Effari said. She was blushing as she grabbed my hand, but I couldn't tell why. She pulled me by the wrist and lead me past the kitchen, waitress’s area, and finally the bar.

“Welcome to Bumbling Bee Inn.”