Children Reward the Showers of Love Chapter 3

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Chapter 3

Oz: Vox Nox.

We promptly made time the next day, and Oz, Murr, Mitile, and I came to the church ruins.

Akira: I hope Sif’s doing well. If only we could have brought them to the manor…

Oz: It is the siofra’s nature to not depart the land they are born in. We cannot bring them anywhere. 

Because of that, it was decided we would commute here to raise Sif. 

We would keep in mind our missions and schedules, and come visit when the timing aligned. 

Akira: (They’re not like a human child who you have to be around 24/7…)

(And Oz did put up a barrier so magic beasts wouldn’t come in.)

Hellooo. Sif, we’re hereee.

Murr: Where could they be hiding~? Maybe they’d come out faster if we’d brought their beloved Arthur. 

Mitile: But he’s not here since he’s got official duties. We have to try hard to find them…ah!

Sif was on the stone bench that Arthur put them to sleep in last night.

They were lying on their side like they were basking in the sunlight, and when they heard us calling, raised their head and got up. 

Murr: Hey little siofra…no wait. Sif, tell us lots about yourself.

When you transform into a human, do you also gain the feelings and expressions of people too? For example…when people are hugged or have their name called, they tend to recognize that as being loved.

For the most part at least. When it comes to natural instincts…licking or play-biting is also a way of showing peaceful emotions too.

Tell me, which approach do you recognize as showing love?

Mitile: Mister Murr! Sif’ll hate you if you treat them like some experiment. 

And you should crouch when talking to children, so you don’t intimidate them. Like this, and make eye contact…

Murr: Are you teaching me now? Should I be a kid too? 

Mitile: Whuuh, how does it come to that!?

As I watched their banter from the corner of my eye, I continued unpacking our things with Oz.

Akira: Thanks Oz, for carrying everyone’s stuff.

Oz: It was nothing.

Everyone in the manor had passed us presents for Sif. 

When we told them about the fairy, they brought out all kinds of things they thought we might’ve needed for raising a kid. 

Akira: There’s snacks and small meals made by Riquet, Nero, and Rutile in case they can eat,

and pillows and blankets from the other wizards when they heard it was for a small child…

We also received a lot of toys, I hope Sif can play with them…

Oz: That fairy may not be a human, but they have a desire to blend in with people and animals. They might at least take interest. 

Still, keep your expectations low.

Akira: You’re right. I’ll just think of it as lucky if they take a liking to them…!

Huh. There’s toys on this chair…they’re dolls made of wood. Did we bring something like this? 

Oz: Those were here before. They were likely used by the former residents of this village.

Akira: Makes sense. Maybe the church was looking after children?

If so, do you think a siofra could have been among them…?

Oz: I cannot say for sure, but siofras used to live in groups.

Because of a certain characteristic of theirs however, their numbers have slowly diminished. The one we found was likely the only one left in this land. 

Akira: Certain characteristic? Do you mean…

I suddenly heard the sound of running footsteps behind me. When I turned to look, I saw Sif dashing towards me. 

When they saw our faces though, they went to hide in the shadows as if they were surprised. 

Akira: Eh?

Oz: …

Mitile who was chasing after them drooped his eyebrows in bewilderment. 

Mitile: It feels like they’re more distant than yesterday.

Murr: The closer we get the farther they go! 

Akira: I thought we got pretty close yesterday, I wonder if they’ve forgotten?

Mithra: Arthim.

A large door appeared before me. Out came Mithra and Shylock.

Mithra: Ah, there you are Master Sage.

Shylock: My, is it hide and seek time with Sif? They’re so cute hiding in the shadow of that tree. 

Murr: Oh, Shylock. I thought you said you were gonna be busy the whole day. 

Shylock: I finished my tasks earlier than expected, so I had Mithra bring me here. 

Mitile: Mister Mithra, why’re you still wearing yesterday’s clothes?

Mithra: Too lazy to change them. Anyways, I’ve been looking for you Master Sage.

I want to take a nap so hurry up and take my…hm?

Mitile & Murr: Ah.

Before I realized it, Sif had run from the shadows to Mithra’s legs. 

They squeezed the hem of his cloak, and the sight of them looking up at Mithra was that of a child attached to their parent. 

Mitile: Huh? They’re not scared of you, Mister Mithra.

Murr: Mithra, they love you! 

Mithra: Wow. You may be tiny but you’re smart as well.

That’s right. Your strongest dad is me.

Oz: Wrong.

Mithra: Huh? Are you implying I’m weak?

Shylock: No, he’s not. He means to say that it’s because of your clothes.

You’re the only one wearing the same outfit as yesterday.

Akira: Uhm, do you mean Sif’s taken a liking to those clothes or…?

Oz: Fairies are sensitive to change. Mithra looks the exact same as when they met. 

It is likely that Sif sees us as strangers since we’re in different clothes.

Shylock: Inviebelle.

With Shylock’s magic his clothes changed to that of yesterday’s. Then, he spreads his arms out to Sif. 

Shylock: Here, it’s your big brother from yesterday. Come to me.

Sif immediately ungrasped Mithra’s cloak and jumped into Shylock’s arms.

Mithra: Wha, hey.

Mitile: If that’s how it works then…

Ortonik Sealsispilce!

Murr: Eanul Rambul!

Oz: Vox Nox.

Akira: (Even Oz…)

Starting with Mitile’s spell, everyone else changed their clothes to the ones they had yesterday. It was Oz’s spell that changed mine. 

Mitile: Sif. Hey, do you remember me?

When Mitile reached his hand out, Sif placed their hand on his.

Sif: Kyahaha…!

Akira, Mitile, & Murr: They laughed!

Mithra: Haaaugh…even though they were just attached to me.

Akira: (They must really be sensitive to change if they saw us as strangers for wearing different clothes…)

(I gotta tell the ones who didn’t come today!)

After holding Mitile’s hand, Sif toddled on over to Oz.

Oz: …

Sif: …

Murr: It’s like they’re having a staring contest. 

Mitile: Wow…I don’t think I have the guts to look into Lord Oz’s eyes this long…

Mithra: I could stare into his eyes forever though. 

Shylock: Ah…anyways, their attention has slipped once again. They seem to be interested in the gifts by Oz’s feet. 

Oz: Vox Nox.

He opened a box with his spell, and stuffed inside were tiny nuts and berries.

As soon as they laid eyes on it, Sif stretched their hand out without hesitation.

Oz: You want these?

Sif: …

Oz: That is food.

Taking a berry, Oz chews one as if to make an example.

Sif quickly copied him.

Sif: …! Kyakya!

Akira: They’re happy!

Shylock: It seems the taste is to their liking.

Murr: Let’s open up the other presents! 

Akira: Yes!

Mithra: Ah, these pillows and blankets are perfect for naptime.

Mitile: Hey, we brought those for Sif. You can’t just take them for yourself!

Shylock: …Oz.

Shouldn’t you tell the Master Sage and the others at least?

Oz: …

Now is not the time.

Shylock: I’d rather not keep them from the truth like this but…

May you have no regrets.

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