***
"Are you sure that you have no clue about this person."
I voiced out while holding the portrait of Ororon's mother.
Sir Usagiko shook his head and his stoic face iced in place, his frown remained intact, and he uttered with his usual deep tone.
"My apologies. This area holds a handful of humans. Any visits here are certified and known by the Usagiko clan."
Ororon expression dropped, and he gave out a sigh as I began patting his head to comfort him. Sir Usagiko's eyes followed Ororon's change of demeanour like the observant man he is. He shut his eyes for a moment before speaking with a slight softer voice.
"Is this woman the mother of this child?"
I gave a swift nod in agreement, and he began to form a judgement.
"That explains why a human boy is amongst you people."
I breathed out a laugh and kept Ororon close to me.
"Haha...it just happened."
"That's right."
The outspoken man cut in while resting on the door opening. He came closer and sat alongside me in the same seiza position facing the Usagiko head with a clear purpose.
"Sir, we really need to find his home."
Sir Usagiko just stared him down, his long ears pricked at his words.
"You have already searched in the Yoplis Kingdom areas, right?"
"Yes."
"Then that covers one of the largest human populated areas, I would advise you to head south and look into Autlia Kingdom."
Dermis's eyes lit up by the advice, and he slightly bowed as a sign of gratitude.
And the head continued.
"However, it's quite a long journey, and the people there are hostile to other creatures."
"That can be managed."
I replied this time on behalf of Dermis.
"Very well."
"Are we leaving?"
The little whine trembled in my arms with his teary puppy eyes. I gave a gentle smile to his childish call, finding him absolutely adorable.
"We will surely visit them again, don't worry."
***
Sir Usagiko aloof face cracking at the sight of his daughter leaving. His hands criss crossed under the large yukata, and his eyes filled with sorrow. Mother Usagiko gracefully wiped her tears with her cheery patterned yukata and just held onto her husband's cloth. Whereas, Myoko bawling her eyes out and cried in the arms of her departing older sister's.
"There there, little sister, I will visit soon." Kyoko whispered with love while patting her head.
"Must you go?"
Her eyes met with her father, and she knew that he wanted to correct his mistake again. However, the people behind her held the same purpose along with her. She forced a smile under all those held backed tears and replied.
"I made the human boy a promise that I would find his home..."
Her father sighed heavily and forced a smile as well.
"There's no changing your mind, is there?"
Kyoko just kept her eyes locked with her father, and the emotions were read so easily. He smiled yet again, holding his dear wife's hand and said.
"Go on, I will take care of them, so make sure to take care of yourself too."
Kyoko gave another simple nod and looked down on her sister.
"Come on, Myoko, it's time to leave."
Myoko sniffled once more and pouted while breathing out.
"Next time you come, introduce me to the green headed elf."
Kyoko's eyes jolted open, and she gazed at her sister with bafflement. Before she could ask something, Tremious called out.
"Hurry it up, will you?"
Kyoko's mouth still left slightly open, but she hurried back to her friends, knowing well enough none of them could hear what Myoko said.
"Are you sure that was enough?"
Dermis asked, and Kyoko just scoffed at him while a little smirk played at the corner of her lips.
"??" The outspoken man starred in confusion by the unknown behaviour from the soft speaker.
"Goodbye, sir, madam. You have been such a kind host to a lone traveller like me."
The jumbled jester tipped his hat and bowed to the Usagiko family, and the lady of the house giggled at his actions.
He finished very dramatically and followed behind with his usual annoying tone.
"Oh my! My dear Mademoiselle, do wait for me."
Aniel averted her gaze elsewhere and just walked faster.
"How long will he follow us?" Dermis said with an annoyed tone.
"No clue..."
"Vance was better than him."
Tremious let out suddenly, and Dermis nodded along in agreement with dedication.
"Oh?! How can I be such a shameful man to let a lady carry such heavy bags?"
His clumsy words continued while trying to grab Aniel's handbag.
"I'm a lady too, carry mine as well."
Soo-Hyuk faced her and lifted his mask to show only his smile and just walked off to catch up to Aniel, not bothering to consider her as a lady.
Kyoko scoffed again and voiced out purely out of rage.
"What a jerk."
Dermis nodded in full agreement once more.