"And you, lady!! You follow after these brats eat their fill."
Kisha froze.
Her heart skipped a beat, and her eyes widened slightly. The way he said it—loud, firm, no room for negotiation—it echoed in her ears like a verdict.
"Umm... okay..." she replied softly, her voice barely audible.
So that’s what this is... she thought, her hands tightening into fists beside her.
He saved . He fed the girls. He cleared our debt. And now...
Her gaze dropped to the grilled at she hadn’t touched.
If that’s the price I have to pay to protect them... then so be it.
Hazuki glanced over at her and saw her still standing, plate untouched.
His brow furrowed. "Eat."
Kisha flinched.
Hazuki’s voice dropped low, his expression serious.
"Eat... or i’ll eat..."
Her entire body tensed.
She lowered her head quickly. "Y-yes... I understand."
Hazuki turned away with a sigh and grumbled, "Haa... what’s wrong with this lady? "
The kids, too busy stuffing their faces, didn’t notice the storm brewing in their caretaker’s thoughts.
anwhile, Kisha slowly reached for her skewer, her cheeks faintly red, her mind spiraling.
He wants to eat now... so I have strength later.
Kisha noticed it.
That smile.
That slow, creeping smile on his face while his eyes rested on her chest.
He’s staring...
Her fingers curled tighter around the skewer. I knew it. This is what he wanted all along.
The thoughts she tried to bury ca flooding back—the sa look the debt collectors gave her, the sa promises wrapped in coin and kindness. But this one—this man—he had power, strength, and madness in his eyes.
No one would believe if he forced . Not after what he did for us.
Kisha swallowed hard and looked down. If it’s only him... then it’s better than being passed around like those other poor girls from the outskirts. I can take it...
anwhile, Hazuki was still staring—at the hem of her new dress.
Huh... I didn’t think that color would suit her. That actually looks... kind of good on her, he thought, satisfied with his investnt.
Hazuki smiled wider. "Yeah... good choice."
Kisha’s heart skipped again. Her face turned pale.
H-he’s praising my body... He’s definitely going to ask to sleep with him after this...
She took another shaky bite of the skewer.
Just... eat. Eat and get ready.
Hazuki leaned slightly forward, eyeing the two girls—one elf, one human—as they quietly enjoyed their roast skewers.
His voice ca out in a low, thoughtful murmur.
"That at... looks really good."
But to Kisha, watching from just beside him, that wasn’t what she heard.
That girl... looks really good.
Her heart jumped. She stiffened.
No... he’s picking one for tonight...
The way his eyes seed to settle on the elf girl’s soft expression, the slow pace of his words, that hungry glint in his eyes—it all added up in Kisha’s overwheld mind.
She forced herself to stay calm, her hands gently clutching the edge of her skirt.
"M-Mister Human," Kisha whispered, barely loud enough, trembling but managing a small, resigned smile. "I will... I will. Really. I’ll do what you ask, okay? I’ll follow you. Just... just spare them."
"Huh? Of course!" he said, smiling wide.
Kisha’s heart sank into her stomach. Her smile stayed—faint and nervous—but inside, she was already accepting her fate.
He’s... so casual about it. That’s even scarier...
Hazuki turned back to the food stall.
"Oi! One more round for the kids! Load them up with the at!"
"Y-Yes... feed them..." Kisha muttered under her breath.
I’ll... prepare myself.
After the al, the children sat with full bellies and satisfied faces, letting out soft sighs of contentnt as they wiped their mouths with sleeves or napkins. Hazuki stood up and stretched, slinging his side bag back over his shoulder.
"Alright," he said firmly. "All of you—follow . Now."
"Y-Yes, Sir!!" the kids echoed, startled but obedient.
Kisha imdiately rushed forward, her heart pounding in her chest. She stepped close to Hazuki, offering a soft but nervous smile.
"M-Mister Human... Just , okay? Just tonight..."
Hazuki raised an eyebrow at her.
"Huh? Of course you also follow ," he said bluntly, frowning. "Just shut up and follow!!"
Kisha’s breath caught in her throat. Her face paled for a second... then flushed. He didn’t even deny it...
"Yes... I-I understand." She nodded quickly, now completely convinced of her misinterpreted "duty."
They arrived at the public office building, a modest but official-looking structure made of stone and polished wood. A small line of people were waiting outside, handling various permits, land docunts, and identification issues.
Hazuki turned to the group sharply.
"You all wait here first!"
"Yes, sir!!" the kids echoed again.
Then he pointed at Kisha.
"And you, lady! Co inside with !"
"Ah... o-okay..." Kisha squeaked, stepping forward nervously.
Inside her mind, everything clicked.
So this is it... the public office... it must be a marriage registration!
He’s rushing things, but maybe he wants to make it official...
Her cheeks flushed.
If he wants marriage... it’s better than being a crook’s toy.
At least he’s strong... responsible... terrifying... but responsible!
She smiled softly behind him as they entered.
Hazuki, on the other hand, didn’t even look back.
His mind was already focused on how to handle temporary IDs.
"Ah, welco. What can I do for you?" the clerk at the public office greeted Hazuki with a polite smile.
Hazuki walked up to the counter, his usual tired expression in place.
"Can I request registration for temporary ID cards? For the seven kids waiting outside."
The clerk blinked.
"Are you their guardian?"
"Kinda," Hazuki replied, scratching his head.
"Well then, I’ll need to register you as their guarantor. May I see your identification?"
Hazuki handed over his adventurer card.
"Here."
The clerk studied Hazuki’s adventurer card carefully, then nodded with a professional smile.
"Alright, everything seems in order. We’ll begin the process now. Please have the children co in."
Hazuki leaned slightly out the door.
"Oi, lady. Bring the kids in."
Kisha’s heart fluttered.
He called for again... is this the mont? Is he going to introduce as his wife to the official?
She quickly composed herself and walked out with a glowing smile.
"Okay~" she answered sweetly, gathering the kids.
"Co on, little ones. Ti to go inside."
The kids all held hands and followed Kisha in a line, entering the office with shy steps and wide eyes. So of them still avoided Hazuki’s gaze, while others snuck glances at him like he was so terrifying dragon in human skin.
"Alright," the clerk said cheerfully, taking parchnt and a feather pen.
"Nas, races, and estimated ages, please."
Hazuki stepped back and crossed his arms.
"You, lady. You know their nas, right? Handle that."
Kisha blinked.
He’s letting handle the family records... so this is really happening.
With a serious face, she nodded.
"Yes. I’ll give their nas..."
As Kisha stepped forward to begin, she stole one more glance at Hazuki, who was now fiddling with the strap of his bag and yawning.
He’s so calm... so responsible... truly a dependable man.
anwhile, Hazuki thought:
Man... this is a pain. I better finish this quick so I can leave town before the next idiot tries to duel .
( End Of Chapter )
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