Natasha's POV:
3 days after the fall of the Witch of Deception.
A loud bang echoes through the endless hallway. My concentration is suddenly cut short by the sudden situation. I quickly get up and leave my room to see what's happening. When I open the door, a powerful gust of wind rushes through, throwing the room into disarray. I try to close the door quickly, but the wind suddenly stops. Before I can react, I fall against the door, hitting my face in the process.
- Ouch…
I gently rub my nose as I carefully open the door. I make sure there's no more wind before opening it fully and taking a look. There, I can see Grandma's shadow crossing the threshold into reality. A shiver runs through my body as I watch Grandma disappear through the door. The powerful bloodlust emanating from her only dissipates when she finally disappears through the door.
- Uuuummmmmmm
A sudden whimper sounds from the opposite side of the room where Grandma came from. When I turn around, Janeth and Hasumi, clutching the collar of her clothes like a puppy, are also walking toward the door of reality. As she passes by my door, her gaze meets mine. She stops as she gives me a warm, affectionate smile. She slowly raises the hand that isn't holding Hasumi and gently places it on my head. She puts a little force into her caress, causing me to lower my gaze to the ground as she roughly ruffles my hair.
- You're really very opportune, little Nath. I just wanted to see you.
- With me?
- That's right. You see, your Aunt Hasumi and I are going on a trip. That's why we won't be able to come visit you for a while.
- ... Did something happen during the meeting?
- ... Of course not. Your Aunt Hasumi and I are going out to do some sightseeing in a distant country called Chushec. You have nothing to worry about.
Her touch softens, allowing me to look up. Janeth's gaze isn't that of someone going out to relax. But... that of someone saying goodbye forever.
- Is this because of my teacher Mia?
Her touch stops instantly upon hearing me mention Miss Mia. Her lips purse slightly as she looks at me. The hand holding Hasumi releases, causing her to fall with a thud accompanied by a moan. Slowly and lovingly, she gently wraps me in her arms as she brings my face closer to her generous breast.
- ...Even if it wasn't for long. I hope you always know that I consider you my precious little sister. No matter what anyone says, you will always be part of my family.
A muffled sob can be heard above my head as she pulls me against her. I slowly hug her back while I wait for her to stop crying. A few minutes later, she lets go and stands up again. Although her red eyes are clearly visible, her confident gaze makes it seem as if her earlier crying was just a lie.
- Don't worry, little Nath. I'll definitely come back here, and we can catch up... After all, you and I haven't talked much. But what I said earlier isn't a lie.
Seeing Janeth's clumsy promise, I just respond with a sincere smile while hugging her legs.
- Don't worry. I know very well that, even if you don't show it, you're a rather shy person.
- ...Huh?
- After all, you were always watching me from afar.
A burst of steam came from Janeth's ears as she looked at me in disbelief. Embarrassment filled her face as she stared at me, unable to believe what I had said.
- How did you...?
Before she could finish, I quickly place my finger in front of her lips. She seems dumbfounded by my actions as she looks at me.
- That's a secret. If you want to hear it, we'll talk about it during the tea party we'll have when you return from your vacation.
- ….
She gives me a warm smile as she looks at me. She quickly brings her hand to her face while wiping a tear from the corner of her eye before looking back at me.
- Of course. I'll make you tell me everything when I get back.
She places her hand on my cheek as she looks at me lovingly. Moments later, a loud stomp is heard, accompanied by a moan like a frog being caught. When I looked in the direction of the sound, there was Hasumi on the ground. Janeth's shoe was perched on the hem of her strange outfit.
- I admire your motivation, but you can't leave without me, Hasumi.
- Are you crazy? After that huge death flag you just raised. Do you really think I'll go with you? NEVER!
- But... Are you going to let me go alone?
- NO... with those eyes... DAMN IT!
Before she could complain, Hasumi is grabbed again by Janeth and carried toward the door like she's a pet. With her remaining hand, she opens the door and turns to me.
- See you, Nath. I'll be looking forward to that tea party.
- Wish me luck, little one…
With those last words from Janeth and Hasumi, they both disappear through the door. I quickly head to the meeting room at the end of the hall, where I find my two teachers arguing heatedly.
"I won't let anyone in my family die."
With that determination in mind, I had already decided which country I would extend my roots to.
"I also have to make sure Grandma doesn't get into trouble… Taking care of a big family is a real pain."
Despite my internal grumbling, a big smile spread across my face as I went to break up my teachers' argument.