Chapter 31: You're Definitely Weird.

Kein's POV

I've been trying to adjust to my new temporary home.

The spacious room that Baron Hills has given me was really comfortable and I have my things stored very organized.

Slowly the old guest room was turning into my new room.

My canvas stand was there, the paints, the colored pencils scattered on the desk, and things I've tried to hide from Aunt Haren.

On a little shelf I placed all my safe keeping.

The rainbow ticket I used from the event with Rose.

My old shoes stayed with me till the end.

The basket that I bought from Veronica, which helped her a lot at that time.

Lenard's book for plants that was dear to him. I kept it, such a shame Lucas had to burn one of the pages in there.

I still have the leftover paint from Vincent's time. Maybe I should keep it here for safekeeping.

I've made so many memories ever since I became Kein.

I feel guilty, I'm not really the real Kein.

Do I deserve any of these memories?

I sighed, opening the drawer of my desk looking over the real Kein's diary. This is evidence, I'm someone that doesn't belong here but I have no other choice do I? I don't know how to get back to my own body but I doubt it's even alive.historical

My only wish is for my daughter to finally be alright on earth. Not feeling guilty about my death because I know she'll blame herself for it. That sensitive little girl.

I sat down in the chair of my desk taking another piece of blank paper, holding my quill dipping it slowly into the small bottle of ink.

Every two days I write a letter to the first princess because well... I think I'll get five or more letters asking why I haven't replied yet. It's honestly alright but she reminds me of a clingy friend that just can't sit still when her boyfriend left her on read.

Any kind of letter is enough at this point. I think the first princess is just checking up on me whether I'm still alive or not but she's a good girl.

Alfred is getting accustomed to me too. He's been delivering me food during breakfast and when I asked for him to eat with me, he actually said yes.

I haven't seen the Baron in his own house. I wonder what he's doing?

One thing I've also noticed.

The words that Alfred told me. Those prized horses that the Baron Kept were only second of importance to him.

I wonder what's the first important thing for him then?

I stood up from my chair, stretching. Taking out my coat, gloves, and a new hat I just bought for work. I'm going to have to deliver some other things in the orphanage meaning I'll get to see Rose again.

Alright, I have to admit I've been hanging around her more recently than I should.

I guess she's not that bad to be with that's all.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

I wore all my needed clothes saying my regards to Alfred that tells me to be home by dinner time. "I'll be back by then!"

I yelled running to open the gates, and getting on a carriage routed for the orphanage. I looked through the glass at the horse trotting on the dirt. I rested my chin into my hand wondering what could Rose be doing at this time?

I managed to get down quickly, the ride only taking half an hour and I was excited to get there as soon as possible.

I ran across the quiet halls of the orphanage seeing many sisters and priestess praying in the corner shushing me. "Oh um sorry." I apologized awkwardly, escaping their gazes.

I excused myself and finally found a room where there stood the same girl who always wore the same red colored shawl.

Rose was sitting on the ground reading to some little kids. I never got their names but from the way they smiled, they certainly enjoyed her company.

I hid behind a corner before deciding to reveal myself in a bit. I just kinda want to draw the way she's smiling right now. I took out my pencil and sketchbook drawing my lines, boldly looking at the way she keeps patting the little kids.

I could hear her giggle as she took a story book and began reading to them. Her soft voice that could put me to sleep anytime she wanted.

Huh was she ever this cute before? Weird.

My strokes were fast, scratching the surface of the paper. The lead of the pencil slowly became smaller as the minutes passed by. I drew her shawl the red color that always makes me remember her. Her bright, curious, and warm eyes that never leave my mind.

I'm getting poetic now aren't I?

I looked through my art and realized there was something wrong with it.

Why is this portrait really... highly desirable than anything I've ever made.

I held my sketchpad to my hands trying to figure out what's been wrong with me these days. All of my drawings just have been... I don't know...

"You've come to visit, Kein!"

"Oh sh- I mean- hi, what's up?" I stored my sketchpad into my ring quickly when I noticed Rose yelling towards me with the other small children in tow. I hope she didn't notice what I was doing before or else I'll be toast.

Rose smiles holding a little girl's hand who was adorably sucking over her thumb, "I'm teaching the little ones how to write their own name." (Rose)

"Oh? Is that so?" I couldn't help but smile back knowing that this stubborn girl has this side of her too. I bent down to meet the little children's gaze, "My name is Kein, how are you?" I introduced myself warmly. The other kids are already comforting me.

The little girl that was holding Rose's hand came up to me raising her hands up, "Up up! Pwease!"

I carried her carefully, showing Rose how responsible I can be. Rose presses her finger to both of our noses, completely letting my guard down. "What was that for?" I gave her a little frown and she just laughed softly.

Rose takes the little girl off from me replying in a teasing manner, "You looked so cute holding this little one I couldn't help it." (Rose)

"Do you need help in teaching them how to write their own names?" I ask Rose, scratching the back of my neck nervously.

It's not like I haven't forgotten the day I rejected her but ever since then.

She's changed for the better. Not much chasing anymore at least. Respecting my personal space and making sure to ask for consent before doing anything involving me.

"Why not? If you have paper and pencils that would really be appreciated. So I won't have to write outside on the ground." (Rose)

"There's no paper in the orphanage?" I ask, taking out the remaining blank sheets of paper that I have as well as my colored pencils for the other children. "The orphanage only takes paper donated through charity. The other sisters and other priestesses have been busy with other events with the church that I'm left all alone with the children to play with." (Rose) sits down on the floor. I took a seat beside her, our shoulders brushing a little.

"But there hasn't been any donations lately other than from Baron Hills." (Rose) sighs , taking a pencil in her hand- her face immediately changes into a cheery one as she turns to the other children. "Okay follow big sister Rose's lead. I'll teach you all how to write your own name! Big sister Kein is right there if you'll need more paper or pencil alright?" she continued, with me following along.

"Yes big sister!" the kids replied in cheer raising their hands up in the air taking a line towards me. "Pencil please!"

Looks like... I'll need to buy more paper and pens for her. After all, I sold the shampoo for a high price. This will buy me lots of it and hmm...

"Kein what are you waiting for? Come on!" (Rose) smiles encouragingly that makes me see flowers behind her.

"Yeah, yeah hold your horses." I told her the tone of my voice was clearly annoyed but under all that I was smiling faintly.

Maybe if it's to make her smile this often. I'll buy the whole store.

I watched Rose take leadership over the children. "Now we're going to learn the different symbols and letters. We'll have it written down first so each of you will have a copy and then memorize its sounds." (Rose)

I stood beside her, watching how the children behaved on her command. She's different from when I first met her, she was more annoying before if I remember correctly. Now she's slowly maturing or something... I can't explain.

I walked over to the dozen children that were writing on the ground.

They were smiling all throughout it but Rose and I both knew. The look in her eyes even if she was smiling, it was only because she was trying her best.

It must be hard writing like this.

In the orphanage there were no classrooms, no books, no library, or educational material for these kids. There were also no elemental stones that could help relieve the temperature. It was hot or humid sometimes here.

The condition of the place is really worrisome.

It was all just church stands, and statues in here.

Rose was sweating through her brow and I could feel the heat coming into me.

I think it's time for a water break. I grabbed her by the shoulder gently, "Rose we should take a break. I think your turn should be over by now, and so is mine. Wanna walk together?"

Rose looked surprised but she said yes. "Let's just clean up first and take the kids into the missionary. They have to pray for an hour before they can get their food first." (Rose)

I nodded. You have to pray for a whole hour? Normally I would have no against it but these are just children not even at the age of seven. Its torture especially if you're hungry or starved-

We huddled up the children into the missionary as I dragged Rose outside. "I didn't know it was getting this late..." she wiped the sweat out of her forehead revealing small strands of her white hair.

I stopped walking and turned to face her for a bit, "Hold still."

"Huh?" (Rose) looked at me confused staying in place, her body was stiff and I found that funny. She was also nervous about the whole thing she had to close her eyes.

I pulled her shawl a little forward, fixing it, "Your shawl was loose again. I had to fix it."

"T-Thank you. That was close, you know." she muttered and I just smiled.

"You know, let's walk to the tree again. I miss that place." I told her, placing my arms at the back of my head casually. "After we drink some needed water of course."

"Didn't we visit that place just a week ago?" (Rose) retorted but I grin coaxing her into it, "Come on, Rose. Don't act like you don't miss it too. How about we race each other onto the top of the three. Loser gets to treat the winner!"

Without waiting for a reply Rose immediately pushes me playfully running away, "Alright. You got me, let's go! Eat my dust!" (Rose)

"Oh no you don't!" I sprinted to catch up to this stubborn girl.

She held down her shawl running into the pavement path, laughing with me. "I swear if you trip, Rose! How about slowing down for a change!"

"If I trip I can always just heal it!" (Rose)

We ran to each other side by side until we were out of breath. I wrapped my arm around her and felt so comfortable being with Rose. I was well aware after the rejection, and having more reason to see her and get to know her better.

She's not that half bad to be with.

"Kein that's cheating!" (Rose)

"Nope! We'll get there together, ending up in a tie that's better." I told her to laugh still and I could hear her pout.

Rose slows down her walking a little, pulling my sleeve not looking at me in the eye, "Can I hold... your hand till we get there then?" (Rose)

Rose looks into the ground blushing as I couldn't help but... feel warm inside as well.

"My hand um... sure why not. We've held hands before. It's okay. Friends do this, it's normal."

I gave her my hand and she happily took it into hers. We walked together hand in hand in complete silence, well until I decided to break it up a few minutes later remembering the time when she was with the children she reminded me of a doting teacher. "You know Rose, has anyone ever told you, you're really good with kids."

Rose shakes her head looking embarrassed the moment these words left my mouth, "This would be the first that someone has told me that. I have two sisters and I'm the middle child so I'm rarely seen or taken care of. I guess I wanted some attention too." (Rose) explained.

Her voice was a little distant as she continued, "My elder sister was going to be someone who's going to rule over a lot of things. My little sister on the other hand is... a special case my parents can't let go."

"I can't blame them. I worry about my little sister a lot too. I've always been by her side, perhaps that's why I'm good with little children." (Rose)

Even on earth I was an only child, I had no siblings so this was hard to relate to but I can understand. "Being a middle child must be hard."

Rose holds my hand tighter, shaking her head yet again, "If I wasn't the middle child. They would always pay attention to me. I wouldn't get to sneak around to see Kein or help the orphanage out. So it has its own ups and downs."

She turns her big gray eyes to me, eyes dilating, "To me it's mostly been up ever since I've met you."

What the hell? Where are you getting these lines-

I covered my face with my right hand. "Don't go saying stuff like that randomly you know. It's not good for me." I told her my voice was annoyed. "Ugh, you're definitely weird. The weirdest girl I've seen."

The things kids say these days. How can they be this... I don't know! Flirting with a ten year old this little- I am clearly frustrated and I want to go home now.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

We finally arrived at the capital but something was wrong. There were no guards guarding the area and all of the people were in a craze running around like wild ducks.

"Move! The walls have been breached! Monsters have entered the area! Get inside quickly!"

I could see a huge ant walking over the street. It was similar to the earth's ant but it as huge as fuck. Over twenty times or more my size- its antennas were long perking up as it looked towards our direction.

It was sniffing around the stalls making a weird sound, I saw it holding a half eaten body.

My feet were frozen in fear for a moment before I bit my lip as Rose held my hand gripping it hard. She stared at me in fear, she also saw the half eaten body.

I have to move!

Move feet!

"Rose, let's run! Come on!"

My feet finally moved. There were only two things I needed to do.

I have to find shelter, hide, and I better do it quickly.