They looked at me with worried expressions. They also knew of Axel Mirmode’s nefarious deeds.

“It’s not a month till he arrives…”

“Yes, about two weeks remain. It might be sooner.”

My resources included my foolish dad, slightly strong but foolish Delpia, dad’s gullible friends, Knight Ted, Healer Acid, and the muscular maids.

‘That’s more than I thought.’

I sunk into my thoughts.

Thinking about Axel Mirmode’s weaknesses…

“Maybe she’s pondering candy again.”

“Look how serious she is.”

“Cute…”

My maids… were a bunch of flower pots.

I sighed deeply and thought about Axel.

Axel Mirmode was a terrifying man.

Rumored to have a charismatic appearance and sharp temperament, the only thing that could somewhat neutralize him was divine power.

Yet, Melodia had managed to bring him to his knees. She had brought many astrologers from the east and outwitted him.

Axel may not have believed in gods but had a high regard for jinxes and spells, making it possible. Then Axel Mirmode met his end.

‘The problem is I can’t easily find an astrologer.’

Dad would never send me to the East, and even if I went, I wouldn’t know where to find an astrologer.

Another problem surfaced. I felt drowsy after thinking so much.

‘Ah, I’m sleepy again…’

I felt the effects of some sort of debuff making me drowsy again.

Preparing for such times, I addressed the maids sternly.

“Give me a pine leaf!”

I tightly gripped the maid’s hand and chewed eagerly on the pine leaf she gave me.

Fortunately, mental clarity returned. I was able to look around once again.

Looking at Ted who was standing guard nearby, I yawned.

“Ted, why the long face?”

“Ah… No, I’ll tell you once I’m sure.”
His expression turned ghastly. I tried to observe Ted’s face but succumbed to my drooping eyelids.

“Temporary relief from the leaves…”

I slowly began to sink into a hellish stupor.

(This is a time separator.)

The sensation that someone was watching him was not Cien’s illusion.

Currently, the “Cien Reconnaissance Teams” sent by Matthias had seamlessly blended into Cien’s surroundings like shadows.

Though only two people, they were worthy of being called a spectacular lineup.

The names of the two were Pat and Matt.

Pat was once a thriving figure who led the Dark Information Guild, proficient at extracting all kinds of information from people.

Matt, known by the world as the ‘Judge,’ was the owner of the magical sword ‘Elphiros.’ He was known as a judge of justice to the victims, killing child molesters and murderers.

Though they did not voice it, they felt slight discomfort at the order to escort Cien, who had just turned five.

Many people in the world liked children.

Though many are tenderhearted, they were not.

Looking at a child, they instinctively felt awkward, uncomfortable, and displeased. It was as if it was ingrained in their DNA.

The combination of them, who had experience in killing others, and a pure child.

It was as nonsensical as a warm milkshake.

However…

“Pat, Matt. Take on the role of monitoring Cien’s surroundings.”

There was no choice; it was an order from Matthias.

They made their way outside reluctantly.

Several people who had met Cien before surrounded Pat and Matt in a circle.

“Ah, I’m so jealous. I wish I could guard Lord Cien too…”

“Really lucky, huh?”

“I’ve had withdrawal symptoms since the last time I saw him…”

People who had seen Cien were voicing their envy, but they couldn’t honestly say what was so enviable.

It was more comfortable to go around executing criminals. Being a nanny was really annoying.

Their loyalty to Matthias pierced the heavens, and after being as jaded as they could be in society, they did not voice such thoughts.

But looking around, it really seemed like there would be no problems, not even a speck of dust. They yawned and muttered to each other.

“I really don’t see what’s so cute about a kid.”

“Me neither. And they say he’s wicked?”

They looked at each other and shook their heads.

Cien’s appearance was cuter than other children, sure.

Chubby white cheeks that seemed to squeeze at a touch, and fluffy pink hair like cotton candy. Even the way his lips puckered occasionally.

But was he so cute that everyone should envy them?

“Let’s keep an eye on him a little longer.”

“Right. He’s been active all day, so he should rest soon.”

“I’d rather stop escorting and go torment some other guys.”

Just as they nodded to each other, something unexpected happened.

“We have to go to the back alley today!”

Cien clenched his fists and stood up.

The child’s stamina was tremendous.

Furthermore, the back alley… They might encounter the ‘group that tainted Cien with evil’ that Matthias suspected.

Their eyes lit up.