TL: Zimmings

Where were you hurt?

.

Every time I looked at her, a strange feeling swelled over and over again. Maybe because I will be a part of her family in the future.

Is it because I have met someone very precious to my loved ones?

I couldnt figure out why, but I felt like crying.

At that moment, the monster bird struggled.

Eugh!

Lea staggered back, and Adrians chain of divine power broke as blood dripped down from his wrist.

I was startled and reached out to him.

Ad-

Lets go first.

Lisette dragged me as we started running.

Adrian, Lea and Cecilia ran behind us.

But once the monster had set its target, it flew quickly and followed us closely.

Lea and Cecilia looked back and stopped walking.

Well lure it down the mountain first.

I was taken aback by Leas words.

You cant!

I shouted, but Lea shook her head.

Lisette looked at Leas face and nodded.

I did not allow you to die. Come back alive.

When have I ever let you down? Believe me.

Lea laughed, and Cecilia nodded in agreement.

No, how can she deal with monsters without any help or a mage!

Lea and Cecilia ran towards the monster bird.

I hurriedly tried to reach out to grab Lea, but was held back by Lisette.

Child, stop it!

Let go. Let me go! Lea, Lea!

At that moment, Adrian walked to me and hugged me.

No.

Even though I struggled hard, Adrian didnt let me go and held me while we ran. Lisette was behind us.

The roar of the monster bird could be heard from far away, so Lea and Cecilia seemed to be holding back the monster well.

Only when we reached a valley did Adrian drop me off. I looked in the direction of the roar with a restless expression.

Adrian grabbed my shoulder, as I glanced behind him.

When I turned my gaze I saw Lisette, who was breathing heavily.

There was blood dripping down on the path she ran.

Blood

She recently just gave birth to the youngest child. Its natural that her condition would worsen after all of this running.

As proof of that, her face is blue. As if shes about to run out of breath.

I approached her cautiously to inquire about her condition.

Are-

Im okay.

She was the one in a bad condition, yet she was still worried about me.

Where were you hurt? What happened to your blood?

More than me, Lisette.

She smiled slightly and stroked my hair.

Just then, the clouds that covered the moon lifted, and the bright moonlight shone on her.

Now I could see her face properly.

Ah.

Her blonde hair and dazzling green eyes mesmerized me, despite the state she was in.

Shes beautiful like in her portrait. However, there was a very special atmosphere she had that could not be captured in portraits.

Child.

She really looked similar to Johann when she smiled. And her eyes are similar to Henry, while the shape of her nails and mole on the neck are the same as Isaac.

I hesitated and said.

But.

You dont have to worry. I have a secret that no one else knows.

Secret?

I was born and sought after in the temple, but I also have a very helpful power.

Lisette whispered to me with a playful face.

I can see the future.

What?!

I widened my eyes in surprise.

Did she really have that kind of power?

It was a surprising thing to know. After she married my dad and became the Duchess of Dubblede, she did not do any outside activities.

People said that she was only a commoner and bought her identity before marriage, so she wanted to completely hide herself, but I have a different opinion.

Thats how the Dubblede people protected her!

Yes, protection.

If my family restricted her outside activities to protect her from the temple however, there was another strange thing.

How did Dad become a head of the family?

Of course, my dad is a capable person. However, at that time, all of my older brothers were held hostage by his predecessors. In other words, his predecessor still had much more power. Then, if Lisette had helped my dad with her power, then she might have helped him to get the role.

She spoke to me as I organized my thoughts in confusion.

I know tomorrows weather, I know where special herbs will grow, I know whos going to love me and I know when Im going to die.

While, I was blankly looking up at her.

Madame!

Reina, who was carrying the baby, ran towards us.

She looked at her urgently and said.

Are you okay? Where are you hurt? Hows your body?

Dont worry about me.

How could I not worry! You strained your body as soon as you gave birth! You seriously could kill me with a heart attack!

Raina cried and shouted as Lisette grinned. Reina, who was glaring at Lisette, let out a sigh of relief. She then cautiously handed the baby over to Lisette and asked with a smile.

Have you decided on the babys name?

Yes.

Lisette said, gently stroking the childs cheek.

Leblaine.

What?

Her gaze turned to me.

It was as if time had stopped, and there were only me and Lisette in this world, we looked at each other without a word.

Then, she said,

I already know.

.

I also knew that my precious child would come to visit me today.

She smiled sweetly, and I stood still in shock.

What are you sayingwhat

When I asked her the question, Lisettes eyes turned red.

Ive been looking forward to meeting you for a very long time.

.

Youve grown a lot, Leblaine.

Lisette, who was holding the baby in her arms, pulled down the blanket.

The moment the baby was revealed, I could see her clearly. She had light brown hair and a mole on the neck. Even though she hadnt opened her eyes I knew for sure.

That the eyes underneath those eyelids are the same color as mine.

Ah

As my legs lost strength, Adrian hurriedly supported me.

Leblaine

It was me.

.

It was me all along.

Why didnt I notice this?

Why didnt someone tell me?

Why didnt I know about the miracle that happened to me?

If my father is here, I want to tell him.

Now you dont stand alone sadly holding the childs shoes. Dont be heartbroken because you couldnt protect her. Because she was always next to you all along. I am their youngest daughter.

***

Lisette gave the baby back to Raina, and said.

Come here, child.

Lisette smiled at me, who was grabbing my skirt tightly without knowing what to do. Adrian patted my shoulder slightly, so I walked over to her.

Youve really grown so much. Look, you used to be a little baby who couldnt do anything.

.

Do you know how sad I was because I couldnt tell your father about your birth?

She giggled and rubbed her nose against mine.

I I.

Im sorry I couldnt be by your side.

.

Im sorry that I only found out about the hardships you faced this morning.

Mo.

She clasped my hand tightly and said with tears in her eyes.

Im sorry I couldnt be by your side, child.

Mom.

I said those words which I had never said before.

It was such a strange feeling for me, who had never cried for my mother before.

Adrian and Reina seem to have figured out the situation through our conversation.

Adrian, who had come directly to the past with me, only lowered his head with a gloomy face, and Reina pursed her lips in disbelief.

No way. Such a thing

Just then,

Found you.

A creepy voice echoed through the valley.

The heavy armored man!

It seems that the person who got his blood on me didnt die and found us.

His shoulder was bitten by a monster bird. It was giving me goosebumps.

Mom quickly covered me, and Adrian stopped the man.

Adrians expression hardened, giving strength to his hand.

Damn.

Oh no, my divine power

I couldnt make a barrier.

I could only hold the etwal desperately.

Pur.

Pur! But no matter how much I called, there was no answer.

What do I do? What should I do!

The heavy armored man raised his hand. However, something was engraved on the back of his hand.

The red mark tattoo.

Then I realized. The identity of the man with tattoo who has been tormenting me and my family so far.

He survived using magic and the remnants of it were left on the back of his hand!