Chapter 19

It’s early in the morning and the sun hovered just above the horizon. Even though there were no clouds, the never ending snow persisted to fall from the sky. The heat stones did their job properly as they warmed the path, letting people through. Inside the house of the Hseit family, Sene stood in front of the opened door. What appeared in front her eyes was a man and a woman sharing the same bed. Although it appeared they hadn’t done anything last night, it didn’t calm Sene’s anger.

A thick yellow light formed around her body. Her eyes stayed stern on the bed Kazu and the unknown woman slept in. She used a barrier spell, a type of barrier that imprisons a certain space.

“nnnnn…. nyah! Barrier?!”

The woman on the bed jumped up to escape. However, she was too late. The barrier had already encased the whole area, and the woman crashed into a solid layer of energy.

“Release me at once!”

The woman was, of course, Mel. At this point, Kazu had already woken up and saw Sene’s face filled with anger. He knew that Sene rarely gets mad, but when she does, the devil himself would fall flat on his butt with the terror she instills.

“Se- I mean mom! This isn’t what it looks like!” Kazu, who had just woken up, alerted himself awake.

“Heeh? It isn’t? Then you already know what it does look like.” Sene’s tone chilled the room. Her eyes glanced at Mel and resentment rose up from within her eyes. It was the resentment of a mother whose son was being stolen by a woman right before her eyes. Her maternal instincts were strong; therefore, her resentment would be that much stronger. Not even Mel, who was a higher being, could break through the barrier made of such strong emotions.

“I demand to be released! Yaaaah!” Mel kept hitting the barrier like a child in tantrum.

“Mel, calm down! You’re making it worse for yourself!”

Suddenly, the barrier’s bubble began to shrink. It shrinked until it pressed on to their bodies. This was Sene’s unique punishment method—to trap the one who made her mad on their own beds. Kazu had only seen this done to Brett once when he broke her favourite vase. For a whole month, Brett couldn’t move from the bed and was fed tasteless porridge. Such a thought made Kazu’s heart tremble in fear.

Now, both Kazu and Mel were forced down on their beds. Soon enough, they could no longer move. Even lifting a finger was out of the question. However, only their heads were safe from the pressure.

“It’s not what it looks like! I can explain- I’ll explain!” Kazu shouted.

“Kuh, kuh, kuh, to think barrier magic could be used so creatively.” Mel grinned.

The door on the other side of the wall opened. Following that, Ene and Lene peeked out from the corner of the door. Ene had a gaping mouth while Lene hid her face with both hands. Then, the final player showed up. Brett looked in the room, and a large smirk turned up from his lips.

“Hoho, Kazu~ Didn’t think you’d have the balls.” Brett chuckled.

***

Everyone except Lene and Ene sat around the dinner table. The younger two were at the stairs eavesdropping in on the matter. Brett looked at Kazu who sat beside a girl. His pride was evident by the clear smirk on his lips. Beside him, Sene did not look at Kazu. Instead, her eyes went straight to Mel whose eyes wandered around the room.

For the past year, he’d always been good, Kazu thought. Always arriving home before a set time and helping out around the house. Not once has he been scolded. Not even back on Earth where his parents were neglectful. Today, that ends. This will be his first taste of punishment from a parental figure.

So, glancing beside him, Kazu nudged Mel. Her wandering eyes retracted and focused on the situation. His eye contact alone told Mel of the situation they were in. Now Mel also understood the situation.

“Kazu.” Sene slammed the table with her open palm. It drew everyone’s attention as it resounded throughout the silent house.

“In just one day of being in that academy, you already brought a girl? What’s more, you didn’t even tell me!” Sene shouted.

“You’re wrong-”

Kazu covered Mel’s mouth as soon as something went out of it. Anything that might come out of Mel’s mouth may be detrimental to his standing with Sene. With that thought alone, it was better to anger Mel and apologize later than to further infuriate Sene, Kazu thought.

Yet Mel’s eyes became different. While he held her mouth, she looked at him with stern serious eyes. The attitude she portrayed with her eyes alone loosened his grip on her mouth. She was different. Different in the way that she displayed a sudden maturity. Her posture also became more lady like—more elegant than the nobles themselves.

Brett and Sene’s eyes widened at the sudden display. Earlier, Mel emitted a refreshing childlike atmosphere. But now, she displayed a great aura that even they couldn’t comprehend. They looked at each other as if to ask with their eyes, yet no answer came.

“My name is Melith Cross. I know of you, Brett and Sene Hseit. I’ve always watched you from the side.” Mel spoke in a calm tone as if she had gone through this countless of times.

“Melith Cross... Melcross?” Sene brought up her hands to cover her mouth. “That can’t be…”

“Your suspicion is surprisingly correct. I am Kazu’s sword.” Mel announced.

“Some… something like that… is it even possible?” Brett asked.

“Of course it is. For the thousands upon thousand of years I have lived, I saw the impossible become possible. Even the word ‘impossible’ to me has now become redundant.” Mel took a quick glance at Kazu. Her eyes flickered for a single moment as her eyes caught his figure.

“That… that doesn’t matter!” Sene slammed the table again. “You were in my son’s bed!”

“Kuuh!” Mel was taken aback by the blunt words; her face also became red and heat started rising up from her neck. “So what!?”

“Now ladies, calm down. All this shouting in the morning-”

“Shut up!” Sene shouted. “Don’t you care about your son’s chastity?!”

“My chastity?!” Kazu blurted out.

“Is that really a problem? I mean he’s a guy and-”

“You useless father!” Sene cut off Brett and tears formed around the corner of her eyes. “My son is being taken away!”

Her tears then formed into a bawling cry. She couldn’t accept losing him so fast. Just last year, he had joined the family, fed him, cared for him, and even mourned for him when he disappeared. Now a woman appeared by his side, even if she was his supposed sword, she couldn’t accept it, Sene thought.

“Dear, I think you're overreacting” Brett said.

“Hmph.” Sene turned her back to Brett. “You wouldn’t understand a mother’s pain.”

“Sene, host mother of Kazu, I think you misunderstand something. I have been with Kazu for far longer than you imagine.” Mel reported. “For a while, we were separated. Now, however, we have found each other again. I thank you for taking care of him.”

“Oi Mel!” Kazu shouted.

Letting out such critical information may compromise his position in Austere, he thought. His own black hair had caused him many painful events. However, his worries did not lay there; at the very least with his own strength, he could live in this world—perhaps even prosper. But what about those around him? Sene, Brett, Ene, and Lene were family. If people were to find out he was summoned, people like Adraine would be the least of his worries. They would, without a doubt, target those he cared about.

“I see…” Sene’s eyes became hazy with thought. “So that means Kazu has also lived for that long… correct?”

“That’s right. In fact, he’s even older than me.” Mel responded. “Kazu, you need to know this too. When you were summoned here, the only possible way you could have lived would have been if you were sealed in a state of magic suspension.”

“Summoned?” Brett’s eyes narrowed. “Kazu, you know of this?”

Kazu didn’t reply to Brett’s question. Instead, he looked away in guilt for not telling them earlier. However, their eyes still probed him for an answer. No longer able to hold back, he abruptly got up from his chair and left the house, not even putting on his coat.

“Kazu!” Brett shouted as he got up to give chase, but a tug from his sleeve drew him back.

“He’ll come back.” Sene said. “This is his home.”

“If you have any questions, perhaps I may be able to answer them.” Mel stated.

“Then I just have one.” Sene declared. “Who are you to Kazu?”

A weak smile floated across Mel’s face. For a moment, she closed her eyes and her vivid memory of Earth came rushing in. The day Kazu left her side was definitely the most memorable time of her life. Not even her death just a week after Kazu’s supposed death compared to losing the one she cherished the most. Her painful experiences after her reincarnation also did not compare to the sheer pain of not being by his side.

Who was he to her?

She thought about how to answer that question. Then, her eyes opened with a slight purple haze as she stared at the two loving parents. She breathed in and said, “I’m the one who will always be at his side.”

***

The serene snow fell on Kazu’s hair, causing it to pile up. He sat, hugging his knees, in front of the house with his thoughts in chaos. Would Brett, Sene, Ene, and even Lene still accept him if he were not from this world? At first, he imagined their disdainful looks pointed at him. Their stares threw him in a spiral of emotional turmoil. To think that just yesterday, they were getting along so well—like family. But now, the truth will be out.

But in all of that small information Mel blurted out, Kazu figured out one key factor—none of his friends, biological parents, or anyone he knew back on earth would be alive today.

If I just kept Mel shut, it wouldn’t have…

Suddenly, the door opened. Mel wearing her frilly dress that fluttered in the outdoor winds stepped out. Her eyes turned down to the side of the door where Kazu sat. She sat down with him and hugged her knees as well.

“You didn’t have to say those things.” Kazu mumbled.

“Nn. I didn’t.” Mel replied.

“Then why?!” Kazu turned his head to look at her. Glints of light reflected off her eyes. She didn’t have a remorseful expression; instead, she gave him a serene smile.

“Because.” Her lips moved. “They’re your family.”

At the end of her sentence, the door opened once again. This time, it was Sene with a worried expression on her face.

“Kazu, get in. It’s cold outside.” Sene commanded.

“Aren’t you disgusted by me?” Kazu stood up. “Mel clearly told you that we’re not from this world!”

“You stupid son!” Brett slammed the door open. “What’s that gotta do with us being family?!”

“Wha..?” Kazu’s heart raced.

“No matter who you are, what you are, or where you came from.” Brett crossed his arms. “None of those things matter! Look at Lene, she’s not even human, yet she’s family!”

“That’s right Kazu.” Sene smiled. “As long as we’re all together, such things don’t matter.”

“Mom…” The word came out clearer this time. As he noticed this, tears formed in his eyes and flowed out like a river. His overthinked his situation and only thought about what the worst case scenario instead of what Brett, Sene, or even Ene would think.

They were his family. And for once, he felt the strength of what being a family is. They’re knots that tighten with each pull. These situations of being true to each other was what tied families tighter together. Kazu had overlooked and underestimated the strength such bonds.

No matter what the future may hold—even if his past was leaked—he’d face it with conviction and fortitude, Kazu thought. As long as he does his best, it’s good enough. With that, the heavy burden of keeping it in now released from his shoulder.

Sene embraced Kazu and Brett followed suit. Ene and Lene who watched from the stairs also joined them. On the side, Mel stood as she watched the heartwarming scene.

From the embrace, Kazu’s looked at Mel from the edge of his eyes.

Thanks Mel.

Mel: It’s nothing.

Kazu’s eyes widened when he heard Mel’s response. It sounded like she heard him thinking. Naturally, he wants to know how.

“This doesn’t mean you can sleep in the same bed.” Sene commented.

“Kazu, guess you’re back at the living room sofa. Hehe.” Brett chuckled.

***

“Breakfast is ready~” Sene shouted.

Mel appeared and sat first at the table before anyone else and her eyes sparkled with anticipation. Ene and Lene came next who went straight to Sene to help with preparing the table. Brett and Kazu came lazing in next.

The food settled on the table quickly and everyone started eating. Despite food appearing in front of her, Mel tried holding back her appetite so she doesn’t eat everything on the table. But even then, she had the most food on her plate.

“You’re one lucky man Kazu. She’s pretty and eats well! Hahah- ow.” Brett rubbed the spot Sene hit.

“That doesn’t mean they should still sleep in the same bed!” Sene declared again.

“But mom sometimes let me sleep in brother’s bed?” Ene noted while the wings on her back fluttered in the mood of excitement.

“That’s different.” Sene argued. “He’s your brother, and you’re young. Of course that’s allowed. But Mel is a fully grown woman so that’s absolutely not allowed!”

“Nayan tradition is it…” Brett sighed. “You also didn’t let me sleep on the same bed until we we’re married. You’re being way too traditional with Kazu whose young and-.”

“I am not! A no means no!” Sene huffed.

“What about this.” Kazu interrupted. “Its alright if she goes back to her sword form right?”

Brett and Sene’s turned their eyes to Mel, still with a look of disbelief. No one would believe anyone who claims that they can change from a solid tyrannical claymore to a soft gentle looking girl.

“Mel.” Kazu said.

“But I still wanna eat… you can’t make me!” Mel argued. Her noble behaviour had since long ago disappeared when food appeared within sight. With it, her childlike mindset took over demanding she stuff her mouth with food.

“Mom, how much beef jerky do we still have in storage?” Kazu asked.

“About a couple dozen of pounds…” Sene tilted her head. “Why?”

Mel’s eyes twitched when she heard the answer. Hearing that answer, her favourite food was brought up to the conversation by Kazu. Knowing Kazu, it was a bribe.

“Fine I got it!” Mel abruptly shouted.

First, she stood up and wiped off her mouth. A sudden golden light burst up from the back of her left hand. An instant later, her whole body became swallowed by that golden light, not leaving a trace of her human form uncovered. The light began to shrink into an orb the size of a regular ball. Once again, it started changing. Little by little, its form changed into a silhouette of a claymore. Then, with a loud sound of glass breaking, the golden light shattered into countless flakes of light. The grand figure of Melcross appeared. Gently floating, the large handle of the hilt firmly arrived in Kazu’s hand.

A round of applause followed with all four members in the dinner table having gaping mouths. Sene had the most shock in her eyes. Unlike conventional magic, she knew that there were sword with the ability to transform, but none of them could transform into a sentient being. Even then, all of them were had the strength to shake the countries themselves. So how strong would the sword in front of her be?

Suddenly, as if in reverse, the performance once again started. The claymore formed into a ball of light and then turned into a silhouette of a girl. Light shattered and the beautiful traits and physique of Mel appeared.

“Hehehe, can I eat now?” Mel giggled.

“Nope, today’s the final day of our training. We can’t waste anymore time!” Kazu grabbed Mel by her hand and rushed out the door.

“Brother’s sword is funny.” Ene added. “Mom, I’m going out with Lene after breakfast!”

“Alright, be careful okay?” Sene patted Ene’s head in response and looked at Lene with caring eyes.

“Un!” Ene replied while Lene nodded.

“Sene, do you believe everything she said?” Brett pondered.

“I couldn’t sense any maliciousness in her eyes… she’s so pure like a child.” Sene sighed. “But that doesn’t mean I’ll give up! A woman cannot enter a man’s bed until marriage!”

***

A square with thick walls, measuring 1 kilometer on each side sat a few kilometers away from the Southern Gates of the capital. The walls surrounded an enormous mansion that occupied the center. It was a building designed with the baroque style, creating an even deeper impression on those who would see its facade.

Inside the mansion, Riona Rye marched to a double doored room. The plate on the door read “Office”. WIth no sign of hesitation, she opened the door.

“Father!” She bowed.

“Riona, what brings you here?” He hummed in a low voice as he closed the folder in his hands.

“Father, please forgive your daughter. I was placed in a lower class… Class U.” With one knee on the floor, Riona kneeled.

“Class U…” Frederick looked up at the ceiling as if in deep thought. Class U had always been a class full of misfits, but that is not what Frederick looked at in the situation. Students who were put in Class U usually have unpredictable personalities. It was a much more different environment than Riona, his daughter, was used to. At that thought, his eyes turned to Riona with a slight look of worry.

When Riona saw her father’s gaze, she interpreted it differently. She couldn’t help but clench her fist to expect a following punishment.

After a couple of seconds passed, Frederick hummed in a low voice, “I see…” His voice vibrated with command. “You may go.”

Riona got up quickly and opened the door. A clear gulp could be heard as she marched back the way she came. Sweat gathered up on her neck while she walked down the hallways.

“Maid, prepare a coat and my equipment.” Riona demanded. “I am to depart for the Academy.”

Two maids at the side bowed and left in a hurry. Riona’s face cramped as she thought of the tone her father used.

Father, are you that disappointed that you wouldn’t even punish a disgrace such as myself? she thought. I will study and train even harder to prove my worth!

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Thanks for reading.

Thank you to SilentComfort for editting and proofreading!