The Baby Isn’t Yours

Chapter 113:

Oh, me? Allens voice trembled as he asked.

Even the hand holding the baby Hatchling seemed to be exerting force.

Kalia belatedly added with a pitying face.

Oh, is that a bit too much to ask? Even if it has turned into a baby, asking someone to take care of a dragon is a bit much, isnt it? For someone who is alone, such a request may be too much.

Oh, no, not at all! Allen quickly shook his head at her words.

His heart strangely pounded at the small warmth wriggling in his arms.

The fact that this child was the strongest species, a dragon, and that he was alone didnt seem to matter at all.

He just felt restless.

Could he take care of this small creature, who was looking up at him with an anxious face, while holding onto his sleeve?

There was anxiety hidden in his trembling heart.

Nevertheless, Allen had a strange premonition that he wouldnt be able to let go of the hand holding the baby.

No, its okay. If its okay with Kalia, Ill take care of it well.

Really?

Yes, as you said, if Im taking care of it inside Kalias mansion, there shouldnt be any danger.

Since there were servants who took care of the mansion as a whole when they returned, all Allen had to do was watch over the baby and play with him.

Even so, for some reason, Allens heart was restless.

Kyaoo.

Drea looked up at Allen, bobbing her head in his arms.

At that moment, Allen felt something frozen in his heart melt with a sharp sound.

He murmured to comfort the baby.

Ill take good care of you.

Kalexia, who had been watching him intently, suddenly raised his head and looked at the sky.

Since they were inside a building, it didnt seem like he was really looking at the sky.

His gaze seemed to wander to a different space than this one.

He said as he hugged Kalia and Gaia.

I should go back to the forest.

Yes, thank you for coming.

Gaia, Im not in a hurry, but if you ever need to find me, send this messenger bird from the elemental realm. If you call out to me like you just did, my heart wont be able to take it before the bird even arrives.

Kalexia handed the blue messenger bird to Gaia.

Then Ill go.

Before entering the gate, Kalexia hugged Gaia and Kalia again.

He felt a strong power in his firm and comforting touch.

After letting go of the two children, he patted Simons shoulder once and went inside the gate.

Simon looked at the disappearing gate and felt the warmth of Kalexias hand on his shoulder, as if sensing something heavy. 

* * *

That green seal, of course.

Walking out the door, Kalexia remembered the seal that shone on Sashas forehead.

He had never seen it before, but somehow it kept giving him a sense of incongruity.

And the moment he saw it glowing on Hatchlings forehead, Kalexia knew dimly what it was.

Is that it?

Blood Mark.

The same mark that appears to those who can influence all beings.

The boy who was said to have finished the Holy Demon War a long time ago was known to have that mark.

He swallowed a laugh as if it were absurd.

Come to think of it, Sashas existence itself was close to impossible.

What is the probability of being born with the blood of all beings?

Being a child born through such absurd odds, there was no way his fate would be easy.

Then we must end the war we are preparing for even more thoroughly.

To ensure that the child doesnt experience any misfortunes or hardships in his growth.

To prevent Kalia and Gaia from being sad.

More thoroughly.

Kalexia opened the door to his hut with a rigid face and entered.

Then Tokan and Hoa, who had been circling, stood up to greet him.

Father!

You have arrived.

Kalexia, who had already known that his children were gathered in the hut through a messenger bird, wasnt surprised. He sat down in his seat and looked at his children.

What urgent matter brings you here in such a hurry?

In response to Kalexias question, Hoa looked at Tokan with a tense face. She swallowed a dry cough and took a long deep breath before speaking.

I had a dream.

A dream.

At the mention of that one word, Kalexias eyes narrowed. It was Hoas dream about being chosen by the long-tailed birds that protect the fairies. It meant that there was a dream related to the danger that the fairies would face.

It must be a dream of a long-tailed birds.

Yes.

Kalexia had a feeling that it wasnt a pleasant dream. He straightened his posture and sat up straight.

Hoa sat facing her father, clenching and unclenching her fists for a moment. The story of her dream was still vivid in her mind, pouring out of her mouth.

The dream was so cruel and gruesome, but Kalexia wasnt shocked as he already knew about the danger through Patricks letter. Instead, Hoas dream fueled his already intense desire for revenge.

And then

The water used to extract the essence from the roots of the primordial tree in a silver vessel.

Kalexia was shocked.

A long time ago, he had heard a story from someone about how the roots of the Primordial Tree could be used as a poison against the fairies. But even Kalexia didnt know how to use it as a poison.

To float the leaves on the water in a silver vessel and drink it.

Only one person was able to remember such old knowledge so vividly.

When the story of the elders of the forest came up, a cold shiver ran through Kalexias eyes.

He had ordered Ganini to keep an eye on him.

Until a few days ago, there had been no special movements, but it could erupt at any time and anywhere.

Human child

Tokan reacted to the words human child that came out of Hoas mouth.

His jaw tensed, as if he were gritting his teeth.

He breathed out an uncomfortable sigh and briefly explained the situation about Ahim to his father.

As a matter of fact, on my way here, I picked up a human child from the forest of Akans palace. I was late because I had to detoxify him from the demonic energy that had made him unconscious.

Kalexia and Hoa locked eyes.

It was as if they were sure that the child she had seen in her dreams was the same one.

Then bring him here right away.

Its impossible.

Kalexias eyes narrowed at Tokans words.

He easily stated the reason why it was impossible.

He disappeared.

Thats right. So I came out to find him and ran into Hoa.

Kalexia stood up from his seat.

Then we dont have time to waste. Hoa, you go tell Furiosa and Nua. Tokan, you and I will go find the child.

Kalexia stepped outside and blew a whistle, calling a white falcon.

Gnome, go call Ganini.

Just before Kalexia and Tokan were about to move, Hoa grabbed them both.

Wait! Its not over yet theres still something to tell.

Hoa pulled out the fruit that she had been clutching tightly and handed it to her father and brother.

This is the fruit that Lou threw at me in my dream.

Kalexia looked at the bell-shaped fruit that lay in his daughters palm.

His eyes narrowed.

Hoas hands trembled.

Do you know what this is, father?

Kalexia didnt answer, but his eyes were calm, as if he had guessed what it was.

And there was a message with the fruit.

Message?

Who could the message be from? Who could dare to enter Hoas dream that shows the long-tailed birds, where only those with the ability to travel between dreams and reality could enter?

At that moment, Kalexias complexion changed.

He thought of the one person he knew who had the ability to travel between dreams and reality.

Hoa nodded heavily.

Wake me up, daughter.

At Hoas words, Kalexia groaned.

Leah.

It seemed like his long-sleeping wife was finally waking up.

Kalexias heart trembled heavily.

* * *

After hearing Hoas story, Tokan devoted himself even more to finding the boy.

The deep forest was huge, and the outer forest surrounding it was even more vast, but it didnt matter.

To the fairies, the forest was entirely their territory, like a humans mansion.

He sent spirit creatures that used their sense of smell in all four directions.

And he himself headed towards the house in the deep part of the forest.

Knock, knock.

Master, are you inside?

It was late.

If it were his usual self, Tokan wouldnt have made such a rude visit.

But now wasnt the usual time, and it was a matter concerning a small life, so it didnt matter if it was a little rude.

Knock, knock.

But there was no response beyond the door.

It was just before dawn. Why was the hut empty at this time?

I dont want to have these suspicions, but

Despite that, he had a bad feeling.

Just as he was about to knock on the door once more, he heard a sound from behind him.

Tokan, whats up?

Tokan turned around at Kanals voice.

Kanal approached him with a relaxed face as if he had just returned from a walk in front of his house.

What brings you here at this late hour?

As Kanal lazily asked, Tokan narrowed his eyes. A golden light flashed in his pupils.

Where have you been at this late hour, Elder?

Kanal didnt flinch as he faced him.

He smiled and said, I came to set up a trap.