Chapter 3: Where should we begin, or should we begin anywhere at all?
Child:
"Hah— no! Please… I—"
Haruto tried to keep the child steady in his arms.
Haruto:
"Hey, little guy, easy now. Shh… calm down, please."
The child slowly calmed down and climbed out of his arms. Sora bent down to his level.
Sora:
"Are you cold? What's your name, little sir?"
As she spoke, the child lowered his face even more. The black veins were now barely visible. At that moment, Doctor Mitsuni energetically jumped back into the conversation.
Dr. Mitsuni:
"Ahh, well then! Let's head inside like Sora said. By the way… would you like some chocolate milk?"
The child opened his mouth as if to speak, hesitated, then stayed silent.
Haruto opened the door and spoke.
Haruto:
"Ah, Doctor… let the kid get inside first. You can talk afterward."
Kaito frowned at Haruto.
Kaito:
"So, Haruto, what are you planning to do? You've got time until Lady arrives—"
Haruto cut him off.
Haruto:
"Just get inside and be quiet already, Kaito. Ugh… seriously, why are you like this, Captain Cold?"
Kaito snapped back angrily.
Kaito:
"You know what, Haruto… when Lady arrives, don't say I didn't warn you. Whatever happens, the responsibility is entirely yours."
With that, he brushed past Haruto and walked away.
Once inside, the child's eyes lit up. The interior was so vast and beautifully arranged that it felt like a palace made just for him. Sora placed a hand on the child's shoulder and smiled warmly.
Sora:
"The kitchen is this way. Come on, let's get you some warm milk and a light blanket. Then you'll tell us everything. Actually—let me rephrase—you'll tell us, right, Haruto? And you too, you arrogant, cold-eyed Kaito."
The veins on Kaito's face became visible.
Kaito:
"Ugh, enough already… I think you should get that warm milk first and go inside. I'll change and grab the blanket. Until I'm back, Haruto can start explaining."
Haruto smiled and moved toward the kitchen. From behind them, Doctor Mitsuni shouted.
Dr. Mitsuni:
"Please get me some warm milk too!"
Haruto made an "okay" gesture and shot the doctor a sideways grin.
Standing by the entrance, Doctor Mitsuni took off his lab coat and hung it up, muttering to himself.
Dr. Mitsuni (to himself):
"Ugh… I'm really getting sleepy. I need to examine those black veins on the child as soon as possible. I don't know what they mean yet. This is going to be difficult… but I have to figure it out."
His expression darkened.
"Otherwise… this won't end well for him."
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