As I begin traveling away from the barrier, I notice something strange…? The trees look... different? Some of the trees I remember being smaller, are stumps now? The forest has changed quite a bit this past year hasn’t it? I quickly exit the forest and start running towards the village I passed through before. Thankfully Lena’s Mama packed more than enough food for me in my bag.

Though... it’s all vegetarian… I suspect foul play… but the only person that comes to mind is Lena... Sebas had better have a nice steak waiting for me when I get home. Even though I ate twice every meal I would still be hungry. At least there seemed to be a steady supply of rabbit on the other side of the barrier, away from where I lived… Those cheeky bunnies must had moved away when they found out where I lived.

I had once again found my tree from last time and climbed up and slept on it on the way. The entire trip so far had been quiet… too quiet… When I entered the village it seemed to have grown a bit in the past year. Given the amount they expanded they really could have popped up in a year or two’s time!

I’m impressed. As I enter the village I expected to get the Hero treatment, yet oddly no one seemed to know who I was. I knew it, I told them it was just a bunch of wolves, they were over exaggerating calling me a Little Hero. I paid for a night at the Inn and quickly left the next day, I left later than expected because Lena miscalculated the one year mark and now I’m late.

Gah, there are a bunch of caravans on the way back now I can’t run full speed now and end up returning to Demarrer in 3 days time... Now what? When I reach the gates it seems like there’s a line to enter the city? At least the line seems to be going fast.

My turn finally comes up and I hand the Gate Guard my papers. He seems to look through it a few times before calling another guard over to verify. I thought the Duke said there wouldn’t be any problems! What the heck? He’s going to get an earful next time I see him, seriously.

(Guard) “Alright kid, looks like the papers are legitimate, next time though get your own papers and return this to your grandpa.”

You’re a grandpa! I snatch my papers back and stomp into the gates and head towards home. And here I thought modern technology built fast… I guess you can do anything with magic huh? There are several new buildings and there’s even this HUGE building that I don’t remember from last year.

I wonder what’s there? Well I’ll have plenty of time to explore once I get home. On the way I decide to surprise Lila by jumping the wall into the courtyard instead of using the front door. Hehe, I can’t wait to see Lila’s face! After I made sure no one can see me I kick jump up to the wall and pull myself over the wall. Then I jump down without making a single sound. When I land and look up, I can see several guards seemingly waiting for me.

“Hey guys, looks like you’ve been more diligent lately!”

The guards quickly turn around and start attacking me. They must want to show me how much they’ve grown this past year these guys are a little too eager. I knock around the guards and disappointedly it feels like they got weaker compared to last year. I’m going to have to talk to Fen about their performance, and they didn’t even say hello before attacking.

Dusting off my clothes I continue towards the courtyard and there she is Lila’s just playing with some... new dolls…? Did she ever play with dolls? Never mind that it’s been a year and she hasn’t grown at all we’re going to have to feed her better.

“Hey Lila! Did you miss me little one? Did you have fun at the capital with the Duke?”

I wave at Lila as I walk towards her but she looks at me like I’m a stranger.

(Lila?) “Lilly not Lila! Mommy name Lilly after Granny. Are... you bad person?”

What… the hell? Maybe this Lilly is Lila’s sister they do look exactly the same… Ah I got it that’s why they went to the capital, to pick Lilly up! While I was lost in thought I’m once again surrounded by guards… don’t they at least say hello anymore?

Lilly is picked up by a maid and pulled away and the guards draw their weapons flashing them towards me… Really guys?

“Come on! Did you guys forget me already? I’ve only been gone for a year what’s with the cold welcome home? Don’t make me tell Fen and the Duke about this.”

The guards ignore me and begin attacking… yea these guys definitely got worse this past year. They would at least stay conscience after I kick them but I’ve ended up knocking out all them. I let out a sigh and see something shine in the corner of my eye?

Shifting to the side I knife just flew past me? Are you kidding me! That was a steak knife!?! And it’s stuck in the wall now!? Ah... they must be playing a prank on me, these guys. I guess I’ll provoke him out and I can see how strong he really is.

“I know you’re there Sebastian, come out.”

I can then see Sebas enter from the side holding a platter in one hand as he bows.

(Sebas?) “I am called Bastian sir, I am unaware of who this Sebastian is but to rudely enter my master’s home and acting so familiar with the young miss. And even claiming that this estate belongs to a Duke!”

Getting a good look at him… his face and stature is similar but his hair is brown? Did they hire another butler to made it a Sebastian pair? Wait… this is the Duke's house though, why am I wrong? I didn’t get...lost again did I?

Looks like I’ll have to subdue him first though since he doesn’t seem to want to talk any longer. Bastian flings the plate at me and I prepare to knock it away when I see another knife intercept it? Seriously what the hell is going on guys!?

I look at the source of the knife and see an old man probably in his late 60’s or early 70’s wearing a mantle and wearing what looks like silk clothing and a butler standing perfectly behind him probably in his mid 70’s… Great did the grandfather’s family come to visit also?

(Old man) “Kuro… is that you?”

….No...