Chapter 56 – Lost Baby Bird (1)

The carriage, which ran through the night, arrived in front of a small house. Looking at the roof that was raised to an appropriate size, the horses happily toured, and people got off the wagon and relaxed their stiff muscles. The end of a day full of fatigue, where thick darkness falls instead of dust every time you shake off your clothes.

It was a night that could not have been better for telling old stories.

The men built a fire in the fireplace as we poured out our island stories. Naturally warm soup was served on the table amidst the rising warmth. It’s been a long time since I had a proper meal, so I was afraid that it wouldn’t fit in my mouth, but my stomach hurriedly emptied the bowl so quickly. I could even hear the sound of crying from Erica’s side of her.

In the meantime, Saya looked at me and glared at me, perhaps falling into ecstasy after just a spoonful. He seemed quite pleased with the way he stamped his feet without swallowing a bite. Meanwhile, one day, she was losing her temper with Rebecca with soup smeared all over her face.

Even in such a warm landscape, the story continued. As they recalled their memories one by one, the parents’ expressions darkened, and in the end, some wept. In particular, the person who was said to be Miya’s aunt collapsed on the spot without hearing it to the end.

Among them, there is only one person who maintains composure. She was the woman who claimed to be Lena’s older sister. She couldn’t see her expression because of the bandage, but her posture her didn’t shake at all. It was truly a stone-like reaction.

The story ended only after the empty soup bowl cooled down. When no one had a clue what to say, the man who was said to be Miya’s uncle finally opened his mouth.

“…Yes. That’s what happened.”

It was a calm tone, but I couldn’t do anything about the trembling voice. He brooded over our story for a while, then suddenly turned her head toward Mr. Rebecca.

“What the hell did you guys do to make things like this? People called the guards ran away instead of protecting the children.”

“Honey. Calm down. This person stayed until the end.”

“So what? It’s true that I couldn’t stop the others from escaping anyway. The noble academy took away a lot of maintenance fees and everything. You couldn’t even protect my nephew in a crisis situation.”

“I have no intention of making excuses. As a parent with a child, I am just sorry.”

“If you’re sorry, that’s all? It’s a damn world anyway, right? I’m so dumbfounded.”

“Stop it. You’re not the only one who lost a child.”

“What? This person…”

“Stop it honey! Aaron’s father is also calming down. I’m sorry guys. You showed an embarrassing side.”

In the end, the woman who cried the loudest was the first to regain her composure. She wiped her moistened eyes and tried to change the subject.

“So what are you going to do now? Is there anywhere to go?”

“I’m thinking of going west to see my parents. It’s a little far away.”

“Yes. Of course it should. How far is it? Is there any way to get there?”

“For now, I’m thinking of walking.”

I deliberately stopped her and stared at her. Then she naturally exchanged glances with the others and spoke in a cautious voice.

“I see. But…It would be too dangerous to walk…”

“…”

“Aaron, you said that if the child is n’t found, she’ll go back to her hometown her, right? Where is that?”

“Ezrada. It’s a small city to the west of the capital. As I said, I left my sick wife behind… I’m thinking of going back tomorrow.”

“It’s west. If it’s in the right direction, why don’t you give these kids a lift? There’s a seat anyway.”

“But it will be a bit narrow for long distance travel. Even if you and your husband are gone, it will be very uncomfortable.”

“Don’t worry about that. There is an abandoned wagon in this town. We should be able to share it somehow.”

“Are you guys going too?”

“I don’t have anything to do anymore. I want to keep the kids on their way. Is it all right, kids?”

She gave us a benevolent smile. But instead of making that eye contact, she looked at people’s expressions one by one. Then she slowly nodded her head.

“Then, we thank you. But I’m very sorry that I have to take care of you here tonight.”

“That’s fine. My wife and I are the only ones left in this village now, so the whole house is empty. Maybe we can stay next door. It’s a house with many children, so it’s spacious and has enough beds.”

“It’s nice. Then can I go and find a table for you? We’ll talk about the rest in the morning.”

“You must have been very tired. I’m sorry I couldn’t take care of you in advance.”

Then she got up and ushered us out of her door. As she said, the house next door was quite large, and when I looked inside, there were enough beds to lie on.

I thanked her once more and went inside her house her. After confirming she was leaving, she sighed deeply as she closed the door.

“Whoa…”

“…A kind person.”

Rebecca, who followed her back until the end, left a simple impression. At those words, Erica interrupted without notice.

“Yes. They are really nice people. Isn’t it Lope?”

“…”

“What’s wrong with your expression? Any problem…”

“Miya. Camilla. Aaron.”

I listed the three names in turn. Then, he cast his gaze toward Erica.

“Have you heard of Erica?”

“Uh…Well. I think I’ve heard of it…I don’t think I’ve heard of it…”

“You said that Miya was a first year student. How about Haru? Have you heard of it?”

“Yes. There is a girl like that. In first grade, we all take classes together, so we’ve run into each other a few times. I’m not sure what happened, but I think she heard her talking about her aunt her.”

“Okay…”

“You guys… Are you suspicious of them right now? They all seemed like good people…”

“Well, it was a bit contrived by chance. To think he brought us out of all the others. I definitely thought it was something strange.”

At Haru’s point, Erica shut her mouth. I also shook my head and agreed with Haru’s thoughts of her.

“There are so many things that bother me. Even when I was breaking through the crowd earlier, my movements were strangely organized. Besides, it’s strange that I gave up right away just because I couldn’t see my child right away. Above all , Lena doesn’t have an older sister. That’s it. The bandaged woman is obviously lying.”

“Then…”

“…Besides, he pretended to be only interested in Erica at first, but as time passed, he only spoke to Lope. As Lope said, he’s suspicious. I don’t think I can believe everything they say.”

“…”

Even Saya, who did not know how to doubt people, expressed the same opinion. She was a sharp point, but she couldn’t help feeling a bit bitter. I feel like she’s getting more and more into this world.

To dispel that thought, I kept retracing their actions.

“The people who said they were Miya’s family. They seem to have the most solid evidence.

“There is a possibility that it is just the nature of those people, Lope. From the point of view of parents, they are the most natural. They are trying to fill the loss of their nephew with another child.”

“Hmm. I think it was Camilla, but that one is the most suspicious. It seems like they haven’t said a word until now. Aren’t they just staring at us?”

“It wasn’t like that, Haru. And it’s natural to lose words if you’re too shocked. I’m rather suspicious of Aaron’s father. He came to pick up a son and brought a wagon that big.”

“That… But the thing I suspect most is the woman in the bandage… Isn’t it? I heard she lied. I’ve never heard of Miss Lena having a sister… Either.”

Different opinions collided sharply, raising the sparks of doubt. Some of the things pointed out may not be true, and some may be mere suspicions. Or maybe it’s all right. The possibility that they were all in the same family could not be ruled out.

But as Erica said, the most suspicious thing was that she was the woman wearing the bandages. For what purpose did she lie? What kind of face is she hiding behind that bandage? The more I thought about it, the more my doubts grew. There was silence for a while because it was a matter that could not be concluded prematurely.

Of course, there were people who didn’t like that kind of silence. Haru continued to tilt her head, but eventually scratched her head and showed irritation.

“I-san, my head hurts. She thought she had managed to get out of the island, but is this again?”

“You expected that the future wouldn’t be smooth.”

“I don’t know. My head hurts so I want to smell you for the first time in a while. Come here. Let’s hug each other warmly.”

“You really…”

Before I could dissuade her, Haru sniffed her in the air and ran in my direction. Even Rebecca couldn’t stop it at this moment, and Erica smiled awkwardly and turned away. I, too, leaned my back against the wall in desperation.

In the end, the blind girl ended up in my arms again. Then he tried to bury his face her in my chest her to smell her. But then someone’s finger pushed her forehead all the way.

And of course it was Saya.

“Ok…?”

“…”

Saya’s sudden action made Haru tilt her head. Until now, I had only talked about it, but it was the first time I had been able to dry it directly like this. While Haru was in doubt, Saya pushed her body all the way.

Then, after thinking about it for a while, she quietly leaned her back on the spot where Haru had been held.

“Well…”

“…”

“…Oh my goodness.”

At her first gesture of her, Rebecca smiled and Saya lowered her head as it was with her face her blushing. But it wasn’t a day to just let go of the situation.

“Oh my God. You always wanted to sleep together. Was that so?”

“…”

“As expected, I should have rubbed myself a bit when I had the chance. No. I’d be similar to Saya unnie if I were to have an affair with a senior. Is unnie really that pretty?”

“Stop.”

“Damn it, you can’t see it, so you should be able to tell it. Come here, sister. Let’s touch it and see what it looks like.”

“Haru. Stop…”

“Wow. Your face seems to be getting hot. You must have been embarrassed, right? Being jealous of this cute junior?”

Haru continued to tease Saya, as if it was an opportunity. For some reason, I was a little embarrassed to be looking at the sight, so I turned her gaze to the void for no reason.

But Rebecca was there. She put on an inappropriately serious expression, and then she muttered to herself as if to listen to me.

“…Yes. I guess I’ll have to make something obsessed with it.”

“…”

“I’ll have to try.”

I couldn’t tell if the subject of the effort meant Rebecca herself or me. In fact, it was highly likely that it was both. While I was thinking about it, she approached Haru.

“Looking at it earlier, it looks like there’s a well, but shouldn’t we wash it quickly first? Haru, I’ll help you, so…”

“Oh, I hate it. It smells like iron. I’m going to wash with my sister.”

“Smell…Smells…”

“Originally, it’s my sister’s job to wash me. Isn’t that right, sister?”

“Ah…Yeah. That’s right. Don’t… Erika have to wash too?”

“Me…Me? Uh…Well…”

“Whoa…”

In the midst of the pouring conversation, I suddenly raised my head. The peace that came after a long time felt very welcome. I wanted to put my worries aside for a moment and just immerse myself in this situation.

Suddenly, it dawned on me that I might miss this moment very much later. So I put a bookmark in my head and enjoyed the peace that would soon be gone.

In the meantime, the night passed helplessly. The moon, which had risen without notice, was running with all its might to wake the sun that had just set.

A chilly wind brushed my ears. When I flinched and opened my eyes, I saw cold energy leaking in through the slightly cracked window. The faint sunlight shining with him hinted that morning had already arrived.

Two hours. No, I slept for an hour or so. In the end, I fell into trouble and stayed up all night without sleep. The rest of the rest continued to press their eyes together without any fatigue.

“…”

Meanwhile, Saya was on top of my bed. Even until I closed my eyes, I was in the next bed, but at some point, I dug into my arms. I couldn’t stop it because it seemed like I had to do that to fall asleep.

However, it was clear that the next day would wake up again and make a fuss, so I got up a little. It was only then that Saya’s arm fell onto the sheet and the warm body temperature went away in an instant. Feeling a little lonely, I threw my gaze out the window.

Suddenly, a pure white figure came into view. My vision was still blurry, so I had to rub my eyes several times to figure out what it was. It was only after rubbing the corner of the eye vigorously five or six times that I was able to figure out the identity of the shape.

It was the mysterious woman with a bandage wrapped around her face.

In the cold scenery that fogs up the window, she stands proudly like a flower blooming alone. If it was n’t for the bandages wrapped around her face, it would n’t have been strange if she were a noblewoman. I was lost in thought as I saw her standing alone with no one around her.

After all, it was she who was the most suspicious in this situation. And it seemed like there was no chance to have a conversation with just the two of us. As soon as I had that thought, I put on my clothes and went outside.

“…Ugh.”

Even though he was wearing a thick coat, the cold wind pierced his bare skin. The good news is that even when the wind is cold, a gentle warmth rises from the ground. Her touch was strange, but I didn’t care about her now, so I went towards her. And he carefully greeted her.

“Hello.”

“…”

“You said you were definitely Lena’s older sister.”

“…”

She glanced at me through her bandages and then turned her head away again. She seemed unwilling to talk, but I deliberately blocked her way.

“Actually, I was quite close with Lena. My name is Roman. Didn’t Lena talk?”

“…”

“Did she hurt her neck so she couldn’t speak?”

“…”

I tried to use lies to conduct an induction interrogation, but there was still no answer. At least I had to catch up on the change in expression. After thinking about it for a bit, I finally decided to stab the most sensitive part.

“I thought it was a little strange when I first saw it. I hadn’t heard that Lena had an older sister.”

“…”

“Excuse me, but are you really Lena’s sister? What’s her name?”

“…”

“If you won’t tell me…”

“…Linne.”

It was only then that the bandages slipped open and a terrible metal scraping sound came out. As if she had really burned her neck her, she looked at me scratching her neck as it was.

“I’m Lynn. Lena’s older sister, Lynn.”

“…”

“Are you done now?”

“Sorry. I doubted you.”

I faked my apologetic expression and bowed my head. Nonetheless, he continued to ask questions.

“But Lena never talked about her sister about her, so she must have thought it odd.”

“Because she hated me. Of course.”

“Still, you came to pick me up. Even though Lena didn’t come.”

“Because it’s family.”

“You didn’t say much last night. There was almost no reaction. Maybe that was the reason?”

“…”

It was only then that she looked at me with fierce eyes, perhaps feeling that traces of doubt were still clinging to my tone. And she threw out a word as if chewing and spitting it out.

“I’m just mad that those idiots dirty Lena. I can’t help myself.”

“Then…”

“You bastards. How dare you touch my sister. I feel like I want to tear everyone to death.”

“…”

“Are you satisfied now? Does this seem angry enough?”

I fell silent at her answer her. But it wasn’t because she was young to live in her voice for the first time. It wasn’t because it was too late, though, that she was frightened by the momentum and was just suspicious.

…

Bugs. Fool.

Because the words were so familiar.

When I was on the island, I heard a lot of swear words, but not many people used those two words. No. Aside from not many levels, there was only one person who used that word in the first place. And she was someone I knew very well.

Even the intonation with which he uttered those words were familiar.

I closed her mouth and stared into her eyes. It seemed that the eyes of a familiar figure were flying a mockery at me. A hasty conclusion came to my mind in a chillingly familiar atmosphere.

I couldn’t be sure. All possibilities were still open. However, his intuition pointed to only one person.

“What is it?”

“…”

Looking at it like this, the body shape and eyes seemed to be very similar. No, actually, the atmosphere was so similar that I wondered why I realized it now. An old-fashioned atmosphere flowed from her body that Lena, who was from a commoner like me, could never give off.

This woman was never Lena’s sister.

…

She is. It was Rogeria’s older sister.