Volume 4 Chapter 11 Midnight Visit
Zain had left. Cain and the others were relaxing before bed, drinking the nice-smelling tea that Lala had made.
"Phew, the food was good, but I was really nervous."
"From now on, Sir Cain will probably eat with many people. So this was good practice, right?"
Barvish said, thinking about the dinner party.
"But those elves were so proud and rude. The way they looked down on us still makes me mad!"
Barvish said, trying to hide his anger. Gardy, sitting next to him, nodded in agreement.
"Don't worry too much. We're just a kid to them, and to them, we must look like we was just born."
"Even so, that's not what I meant..."
Barvish said.
"There are all kinds of humans, right? And we are only visitors. We won't live with them forever."
Cain said this quietly as he drank his tea.
"Also, it's safer if they think less of us. So don't worry. Lala, can I have another cup?"
Hearing Cain's words, Barvish and Gardy looked at each other, surprised.
* * *
Cain suddenly felt someone's presence and woke up. He had turned off all the lights before going to bed, so the room should have been dark. But the walls were glowing softly, letting him see around.
He thought it was normal that the treehouse glowed a little at night. Just as he was about to close his eyes, one spot shined brighter. Then, for a moment, it gave off a strong light, and Goddess Gardea appeared.
"Cain? It's been a while. You haven't come to the church for some time, so I have been very lonely."
Goddess Gardea smiled and came closer to Cain's bed. She gently hugged him.
"Ah, finally I can hug Cain. You smell nice."
She smelled Cain's hair while holding him and said happily.
"Goddess Gardea, this is kind of embarrassing. Please stop. But why can you show yourself here? Isn't it dangerous?"
Cain gently pushed Goddess Gardea away and asked.
"It's okay. I'm using the World Tree as a body to show myself. I can't use any god power. Think of me like a ghost."
"But ghosts have no body, right? Isn't this different? ...More important, didn't you have something to do?"
"Oh, could you let me enjoy seeing you a bit longer? Well, maybe not too long—I shouldn't keep a kid awake. I wanted to enjoy Cain more, but I will save it for next time. I came to ask a favor."
She looked sad and moved away from Cain. She sat down so she could look at him and spoke with a small smile.
"As you know, the World Tree, the body I use, is hurt. It should have healed by now, but the black Fenrir spread bad mist, and there is not enough Mana to heal it. So, I want you to share some Mana with me."
"Huh? Only people with the maple leaf mark can give Mana?"
"It's okay, it's okay. Cain has my Blessing, right? So it's fine. Now, sit here."
Goddess Gardea sat on the bed and patted her lap. She told Cain to sit there. Cain felt shy but sat sideways on her lap.
"Okay, stay still for a moment."
She hugged Cain and kissed his cheek. As she kissed him, Cain felt a jolt and the feeling of Mana being pulled from his whole body. But the Mana leaving felt nice, and he relaxed.
Goddess Gardea took Mana from him for about five full minutes. Then she said, "Thank you," and let go of him. Cain looked at Goddess Gardea with sleepy eyes, feeling good. Somehow, she looked like she was shining. "She's beautiful," Cain thought before losing consciousness.
"Sir Cain? Sir Cain? Can you wake up?"
"Ugh, huh? Lala?"
"Yes, it's Lala. It's almost time for breakfast."
"Huh? When did I fall asleep? Was it a dream?"
Cain muttered about Goddess Gardea while climbing out of bed. Lala helped him get dressed.
"Good morning, Sir Cain."
Barvish and Gardy greeted Cain after he finished changing.
"Huh? What's wrong? You look uneasy."
"Yes, Sir Cain. Could you look outside?"
Gardy said. Cain looked out the window. Many elves were pointing at the World Tree and talking. Cain wondered what was going on. He leaned out a little to look at the World Tree.
"Huh? What? The World Tree is shining..."
"Sir Cain, did you do something again?"
Barvish asked slowly, as if questioning him.
"Uh... well..."
Cain told the three about what happened last night.
Character Notes:
• Lala - Cain's companion, likely a servant or minder, cautious and protective.
• Zain - A man in his 30s with long ears, possibly an elf or a similar race. He works in the basement of Ms. Merida's shop and is highly perceptive, noticing Cain's incredible mana from a distance.
• Barvish - A slave dwarf with a muscular, compact physique, intended as Cain's retainer/bodyguard, brought via magical contract.
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