The sound of footsteps and the curtains rustling as my bedroom window opened made me slowly wake up. I realized that I had returo my body after...

  That happened... right?

  It had been three years since I first met her and she gave me this opportunity, and I must say it was quite an experiehe smile and warmth she offered me felt strange, in a good way. Especially the fact that I ampered and treated like... well, like I was her daughter. I didn't know how to feel about it.

  I also couldn't help thinking that, although the problems regarding the current situation might have increased slightly, somehow, I was incapable of thinking we couldn't get out of this. I felt much calmer than I had expected. Of course, it was troubling and frightening to know that an inprehensible being was setting its sights on this universe that the goddess and I were trying to save at all costs. But all that was overshadowed when I learhat Nadia had aplished so much since I left. That detail made me pletely ignore any bad news I received before.

  I think I always regret that I haven't been able to see my sister build her life and achieve her dreams. Or, in a little more selfish way, not being the oo help her achieve them. But now? Now I could finally erase that from my head, and just like her, get over it a on with my life.

  I couldn't believe that she had aplished so mu her own. I was so happy and relieved that I couldn't help the smile on my face. I even hugged Lan tightly, feeling a bubbliement welling up in my chest, something that I couldn't simply tain inside me, and that made me roll over and over in bed with my bunny.

  I opened my eyes after hearing footsteps approag my bed and immediately met a curious and somewhat amused look from my maid. Normally, Ameli had to make a slight effort to wake me up, as I'm usually somewhat...difficult in the ms, but thanks to my divi-of-body experience (?) I was able to wake up on my own, feeling fully rested.

  “Good m, young dy I see you are awake already and quite cheerful, did you have a good sleep?”

  I took a moment to think about my answer. I couldn't just tell her that I had been in the domain of a goddess and being pampered by her. She would treat me like a madwoman...or a heretiaybe she would believe me and treat me as some sort of “chosen one”, I didn't know, but either way, it would be problematie... and exhausting. So, I just nodded and decided to reciprocate her greeting.

  “Good m, Ali.” I smiled back. I sat down while she helped me uo prepare for the day.”

  “Would you like to wash your face first before taking your m walk?”

  “Un.” I nodded, setting Lan on the pillow and lifting both arms so Ameli could carry me out of bed. She took me over to a basin full of water and carefully helped me wash my face with a soft cloth and, after a quick ge of clothes, we went straight out into the garden, where I could begin my daily routine.

  We walked around the pce while I pondered about what Sathalia had told me.

  This being, Yhavoth, fortunately, was not an enemy I had to face directly, at least for now, and I was hoping never. But that didn't mean I should rest on my urels and ignore everything that might happen iure.

  Besides, there were still those 5 souls that Sathalia warned me about. What were they? If I went by my knowledge, I could only imagihat they were human souls, dragged into this world from somewhere. So, would they be hostile or pletely unaware of their situation? If hostile, what could I do if they decided to front me or my family?

  And if they are not enemies, what should I do then? Helping them is not something I would want to do, after all, I wouldn't be able to trust them.

  ...

  But... what if they are just victims of the circumstances? Sathalia mentiohat that thing somehow got hold of them, so did it kidnap them? From where?

  This was too fusing and difficult for me to try to figure out on my own. And anyway, I couldn't think of anything I could do.

  Well, no, there was something, two options actually.

  Reveal who I was and thus my mission to my family. If I told them, how would they react? I couldn't simply bme them if they came to think that I stole their daughter/sister's body. However, I wouldn't be able to bear it if they suddenly turheir bae or went against me because of it.

  I shook my head at the thought. I tend to overthink simir situations, and now I don't want to go down that road.

  That leaves me with the sed option, the most cliché but also the most obvious option. Train aronger. Although, this option has a catch. My priority should be in academics. Since I'm still learning to read and write, I won't be able to do much at the moment, but once I've improved to an acceptable point I should try to read as many books as I and learn as much as I'm able.

  Improve your mind first and then your body.

  I know, hinal isn't it?

  But e on, it's the most obvious choice. When Sathalia showed me the pces where the souls “fell”, I realized that I didn't know anything about this world. The only reason I know this world is called Silia is because Sathalia mentio st night. How clueless do I have to be to have never wondered something like that?

  That's why my priority should not be to train physically, or even learn magic, but to train my mind.

  Sathalia already told me that I couldn't do anything for now, but I felt that simply standing still and waiting wasn't what I should be doing, especially when I felt so ignorant of everything around me.

  So, what I do for now?

  I stopped right in front of one of my favorite shrubs in the garden, as I thought. It was just a little taller than me, with leaves that closely resembled pine, but seemed like caterpilrs, long, slender, and adorably fluffy. It had some flowers, which, surprisingly, resembled small bows. Even the tral node was there, but on the sides of it, there were small holes through whisects entered and obtained ar. Their colors varied between different shades of blue with white and violet, almost like Afri lilies.

  For some reason, this pnt always makes me feel rexed, perhaps because its smell is simir to vender with a slight hint of mint or because the sound of the wind through its leaves is pleasant. I don't know, but whenever I end up here, my mind feels clear. It was the pce where I always ended my m walks.

  I looked up at the sky and for the umpteenth time wondered what I could do. I was so lost in thought that I didn't notice when another maid approached us. I only became aware of it because Ameli yelled “What!” When I looked at her, I saw a surprised and nervous expression on her face. Her hands shook, looking like she didn't know what to do or think.

  “Tina?”

  “Ah, young miss, I saw that you were distracted and I didn't want to disturb you so... uh, never mind.” She turned away from Ameli with a worried and unfortable look, then crouched before me as she took my hand. “Madame Fiana ordered me to e and pick you up. She said she had a surprise for you.”

  “A surprise?” I asked, bowing my head.

  “Yes, she said it would be something that would make you very happy.”

  I frowned as I thought deeply about whatever Ki had pnned. Was it something I asked for? I couldn't remember. Ign my fusion, Tina got up and, motioning Ameli to follow us, led me back to the mansion, straight towards Maki's office.

  As I arrived, I noticed the door open and some voices ing from inside. I reized them as Maki's and Felia's voices. They were standio Ki's desk, discussing something important that I couldn't catch properly sihey were talking in whispers.

  “Ah, they're here. Thank you, Tina. Felia, you take Ameli with you? You know what to do.”

  “Of course. Ameli, e with me.” Felia replied as she walked past me, offered me a slight bow and a small smile, and took Ameli away. The pirl was about to question the order, but it only took one look from Maki to lower her head and leave, closing the door behind.

  Tina stayed with us standing by the door. I had noticed for a while now that she was the most trusted employee of the mansion since she always seemed to be there at the most important times, even in discussions exclusive to the family.

  “e here, my little Mishka. I have a surprise for you.” Ki said pig me up and sitting on her desk chair.

  It was as usual, full of dots of different types separated inte piles. Eae had texts so long and full of hat I felt dizzy just imagining trying to read them at a fra of the speed at which Ki always worked. I felt a new respey seother and her amazing ability to hahis work.

  Right o one of the rger stacks of dots, Ki picked up a letter that had already been opened, with its tents in pin view.

  “This letter arrived a little while ago. Curious to know who it's from?” said Ki, with that tone she always uses when she wants to mess with me.

  I narrowed my eyes suspiciously. sidering how Ki has been tely, I was sure that letter had something in it that she could mess with me for quite a while, or it came from someone important to me, with which she could mess with me for quite a while. Maki had at some point bey bully.

  “Yuliana,” I replied. So far, her letters had been the only reason Ki acted that way.

  “No.” She denied with a foxy grin. Very fitting for her.

  If it wasn't Yuliana, then it could only be Aria. I didn't think it was her, though. After all, she had only sent me a siter since we stopped seeing each other. I had already made it a point to nag her personally whe again.

  “Aria?”

  “her.” Ki de again. This time her smile grew even bigger. I almost saw the Cheshire odding behind her like a proud teacher.

  Despite that, Ki refused to tell me anything, expeg me to guess for myself. But, as much as I thought and thought I couldn't e up with anything. Who, other than Yuliana and Aria would send me a letter?

  Seeing how hard I was having it, Maki snorted in amusement kissing me on the forehead. It seemed my expression was enough to satiate her desire to mess with me. Immediately, and without saying anything else to me, she began to read the letter without expnation.

  To the dear Baelian family,

  I hope these words find you all in good health and excellent spirits. Irna, Hal, and Fiana, I trust everything is going well for you and the household. How is my dear little brother, is he still throwing tantrums about st time? I wouldn't be at all surprised. As for Losward, is he tinuing with his schemes and orthodox idealism? Although his posture and attitude may be, somewhat irritating to everyone, I still think of him as my nephew and hope he is doing well.

  By the time this letter arrives, Sarka should already be deeply immersed iudies at the academy. I am sure her sharp mind and perseverance will lead her to excel as always. Regarding Zenya, I wonder how much she has grown since I st saw her, has it finally happened? I'm sure the little rascal has already passed me i. Part of me is happy about that, but I'm also a little sad that, once again, I'm shorter than my nieces.

  Now, about little Orinthya. How is the little huntress doing? I wonder if she has grown as healthy and strong as I trust she will. Have any problems ariseed to her nature, or is everything progressing normally? Let me remind you of the importance of watg her diet. She will need more meat than most Asherians, and I hope you will not fet to give her rava fruit juice. It is indispensable for her proper development as a Revant. I realize I may sound a bit tedious about this, but I must take care of the geion of my race, as it's my duty.

  My journey has taken me far to the north, beyond the Coldent Marquisate, approag the territory of the Obreund kingdom. At the moment, I am immersed in a hunting mission, trag down some beasts that have wreaked havo this region. Fortunately, my team has proven as trustworthy as I had hoped, apanying me on this test advehout protest. Once we clude this assig, we have decided that this will be our farewell, and everyone will go their own way. A couple pns to marry, while the rest want to seek perma work in the guild or work for any nobleman with deep enough pockets. For my part, I fess that I have e to sider a ge in my life.

  Orinthya, with a little luck, I should be able to return in three or four years. When I return, I io stay in the capital food. Nothing would make me happier than to be able to pass on to you my teags about who we are, and all that it means to be part of this lost tribe. I only imagine what it will be like to watch you grow, guide you in your journey, and, hopefully, share what I know about our history and legacy. I wish to share my journeys with you, hoping they will help you uand where you came from and where yoing. But most of all, I am eager to talk with you about what lies beyond the sky.

  I 't wait to return soon.

  With all my love a wishes,

  Anven Zora Baelian

  12th of Kzafor, 49th era, 994th of Ashana's 8th victory.

  ...

  Aunty Ven.

  It was a letter from Aunty Ven!

  Is she up north on a hunting mission? What was that supposed to mean? I couldn't tell if she was some kind of adventurer as I know them, a merary or some sort of hunter like those in MonHun since she's talking about huntis. But that wasn't what was important, it was the fact that she would be back so soon. Three or four years... meaning she'd be back when I'd be around 7 years old.

  “What do you think, Nita? Pretty soon you'll be able to see your Aunt Anven again.”

  I nodded and hugged Ki excitedly. I finally had news of her, and it was great news! The fact that it happe this time erfect as I could tell her a bit about the current situation and she could help me think of some way to cope with whatever those souls that fell meant.

  I was about to tell Ki I wao send a letter of reply to Aunty Ven when we heard someone knog at the door.

  Tina opehe door slightly and chatted with whoever was outside. Ki and I remained silent, waiting to see what was going on. When Tina finished, she walked straight over to Ki and whispered something in her ear. Her worried face portended one of bad news or some urgent situation.

  “When did it happen?” asked Ki, rising hurriedly from her chair. Her face looked tense and a little pale affeg me as well.

  “A few minutes ago, currently she's-”

  "Say no more. Take Nita to breakfast," She ordered urgently. Then she addressed me in a softer voice.

  “I'm sorry my little Mishka, I know you wanted us to write her a reply, but I have something urgent to do. Why don't you ask your sister to help you write a reply to your Aunty?”

  I didn't quite uand what was happening, but I could uand that it was important, so I nodded obediently. However, I felt quite anxious because of how uneasy Ki looked.

  She nodded with a smile, and after kissing me on the cheek we left the offid parted after closing the door. I watched as my seother lost her posure running without a care in the world, speeding down the long hallway.

  Wasting no more time, Tina took me straight to the dining room. Dad was not at the table, in fact, apart from me, only Zenya was seated. It was normal for Mom to be absent most of the time, but even Dad wasn't there. That was weird, very weird.

  “Tya, good m, how’s my cute little sister?” greeted Zenya from her chair, finishiing a bowl of what looked like pe. Tina sat me dowo my sister and immediately Zenya helped me eat from my bowl.

  For a long time, it was just the two of us at the table together, and no one else showed up during that time. It seemed that Zenya didn't know why it was just the two of us either, or if she did, she didn't show it at any time.

  When I finished eating; notig that no one else showed up, not even Ameli, Zenya decided it was best if we just left together in the meantime. Of course, she instructed Tina to let Ki know that I would be with her. Immediately after that, we walked hand in hand into the garden to our usual pce. On the way I told her about Aunty Ven's letter and, like me, she seemed excited to see her again.

  “It's funny that Aunty Ven thinks I'm taller than her already. I don't think it will happen for another couple of years.”

  “Nini will get taller?” I asked curiously. Zenya would grow much taller. Only I would be short in stature, and sidering what Losward and Sarka were like, I retty sure Zenya would be quite tall.

  “Hehe! You want to know?” she asked with pride in her voice. She looked like she wao show off, and who was I to stop her?

  “Un!”

  “Well get this, Tya. Mother says that, with luck, I'll be almost as tall as Father!”

  Zenya puffed out her chest with pride, looking incredibly happy at her statement. She seemed quite vihat what Mom said would be her future reality.

  “...” I could only remain silent. The answer left me in shod I immediately tried to imagine my sister that way. But all I could see was a weird image of her with a physique simir to Dad's, wearing one of the dresses she loved so much... it was... uh, I didn't know how to begin to describe something like that.

  “What are you imagining?” my sister said, lightly ping my cheek as she looked annoyed. “I said I would be almost as tall, not that I would be the same.”

  I rubbed my cheek as I tried to figure out how she had realized what I was thinking. But, just like before, with an ability that seemed to read my mind, she answered me as she ughed.

  “Your face says it all Tya. Be thankful I'm letting you off with just that. Hmph.”

  We both ughed a little as we tinued on our way to the garden. Whe there, Kolda was already there waiting for us. She even prepared some of the stuff we usually use in my writing lessons. It was a bit suspicious, but I decided not to make a big deal about it. Ki might have ordered her to do this because she must have been so busy with that urgent matter.

  We walked in and as I was about to sit in my usual spot, Zenya stopped me.

  “Tya, we're going to do something different today.”

  I tilted my head a silent, waiting for her to tinue.

  Zenya nodded in satisfa and then picked up an envelope, two bnk sheets of paper, and a quill with her inkwell. She approached me, who was unsure of what she wao do, and, smiling revealed her pn.

  “I'll take care of giving her a more appropriate reply, but, since you also want to give Aunty Ven a letter, why don't you write her something yourself?”

  I think the question marks were very obvious over my head because Zenya couldn't help but ugh at my fusion.

  “Alone?”

  “Yes. You've made a lot of improvement so quickly, and I'm sure Aunty Ven will be thrilled if you write her something yourself.”

  I had to think about it for a moment. I wasn't fident it would go very well, but, my sister had a point. I was sure Aunty Ven would be happy if I wrote her something, especially if I replied to that hidden message she left me.

  I was a little hesitant, but I figured it couldn't go that bad, after all, even though Aunty Ven knew a little about my situation, we were still family. Besides, I would add something else.

  “ I draw her a drawing?” I asked. I didn't know if she would like that, but that seemed like a good idea.

  “Of course, I'm sure she'll love that.”

  I smiled immediately, and before I could ask her for my things Kolda showed up with everything I needed. I thahe gentle giant of a maid, and immediately got to work.

  The drawing would be simple, and maybe I could use it to expin to her without words that I uood her and I was eager to talk to her. I made a little imitation of what happened when I told her everything for the first time, only I was older. I alluded to what y beyond the sky, the anchors I was to set, and, as a form of hint of what I wanted Aunty Ven to do for me, I put a wooden sword in my hands, matg the sword I remembered her having. I hoped it was easy enough to uand.

  And by the time I fihe drawing, I had a faint idea of what I wao write to her. I decided to tell her about my daily experiences, how much I miss Sarka since she returo the academy, and how much I want to see her again. Before lunch, everything was finished. My handwriting was a mess, but a legible mess. Or at least that's what Zenya said since she could read everything, I mao write without too much trouble.

  I must say it was difficult enough. Since I was writing with a quill and ink, there was no way to correct my mistakes without creating an ugly smudge on the paper, so when I didn't remember a word or wasn't sure if I was correct, I would ask my sister and she would help me.

  Whehing was finished, Zenya gave everything a final ched pced it in the envelope, sealing it with the family seal.

  “Nini, how do you know where to send the letter? Isn't Aunty Ven always traveling?” I asked curious. Something I'd been w about since Ki told me I could a.

  “Oh, that's a good question, Tya. What a smart girl.” Zenya patted my head smiling happily. Although it was a little embarrassing, I couldn't help but feel a little proud of the pliment.

  My sister hahe letter to Kolda, who immediately went to deliver it to whoever was sending it to the destination, then picked me up in her arms and started walking out of the aowards the garden as she began to expin.

  “Aunty Ven is... how should I put it so you uand?” Zenya put on a thoughtful expression, simir to what Mom always does, even pg a hand on her cheek. Certainly, mother and daughter. “You could say that her job is to hunt bad beasts and mohat cause trouble for people.”

  “Hunting monsters?” That sounded a lot like a hunter or merary. Also like a cssic advehey took other types of missions, not just hunting, but it wasn’t the same.

  “Yes. You may not believe it, but Aunty Ven is super strong. Father oold me she single-handedly hunted ah.”

  I frowned when I heard that name. From the way she said it was surely something impressive, but... “Nini, what's an Afan?”

  “Hehe, ah, Tya. Hmm, it's a very very fast and hard-to-catch monster. It's as tall as an Eku and has rge cws on its front paws. Its hide is thid tough like a Bortan's. Ah, remember the meat we ate on your birthday?”

  I nodded. It was quite delieat. It was like a well-cooked pork; the best part was that it had almost no fat. You could chew it and it would melt in your mouth easily. It was one of the best meats I had tasted since I was allowed to eat meat.

  “That was Afenth's meat. They're very hard to hunt, so it's usually eaten only at special times.”

  “Ohh!” I excimed surprised, as well as happy.

  I was about to ask something else when we passed two maids who seemed to have just finished washing clothes. They were passing through one of the outer corridors that led directly into the flarden from which we had e. They hadn't noticed us yet, so we stopped. Zenya seemed to want to listen to their versation.

  “I'm telling you,” Said one of the women, sounding a bit annoyed. “The dy has been taking her medication, I'm sure she has!”

  “But if she has been taking her medications then why did she colpse this m?”

  Wait, colpse? Who?

  “Well, there's a rumor.” She said, l her voice slightly as she stopped in the middle of the hallway and looked to various sides, making sure no one was listening to her. “This is something I heard from Kemasa but, some employees are saying that her grace, the Duchess might only have a couple more years to live.”

  WHAT!!!?

  The maid apanying her covered her mouth in horrible surprise. I began to tremble, terrified at the statement this maid had made. And I was not the only one. I could feel Zenya ging to me tighter. When I looked at her face, she ale, her expression filled with anger and distress. Remembering I was in her arms and heard everything those maids said, Zenya came out of our “hiding pce” and frohem head-on.

  “You two! What do you think you're doing spreading those kinds of rumors?” she reprimahem, gring in defiahe two maidservants froze in pd immediately bowed hurriedly.

  “W-we're so sorry, Lady Zenya! ere just-”

  “I don't care what you were doing. Spreading those kinds of rumors, even worse from the master of this house, the Duchess herself! Do you know I could throw you out of this house over that alone?”

  Both of them paled at Zenya's words, and stammered as they searched for the words to save their jobs, but, before anything else could happen, Zenya spoke again.

  “You should be thankful that I was the one who found you and not Maki, or you would already be thrown out oreet. Now, get out of my sight and never speak of foolish rumors in this house again. Do you uand?”

  The two maids nodded quickly, bowing to us in apology and thanking Zenya for her mercy, then rushed away.

  Zenya snorted furiously as she watched them go, but I... I g to her, with a pleading expression, about to ask her if what those maids had said was true. My sister noticed my as and, hugging me very tightly, whispered in my ear.

  “Don't worry, Tya. Mother is fine, she's not going to leave us.”

  “R-really, shivit? You're not-”

  “Shh, easy little sis, I'm not lying to you.”

  I mao calm down a bit, but despite that, I felt anxious. More so because I now uood the urgent situation Maki had to attend to in the m.

  “Nini, mami...”

  “*sigh* I know, I want to know what happeoo.” Zenya sighed and started walking towards the mansion door. “e o's go find Maki or Father.”

  Then we walked, searg for someone who could crify all of this. My heart ounding hard against my chest. I hoped that what those maids said was just an unfounded rumor.

  FivesZeta