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''...Yeah.'' You find yourself curling a strand of hair around a finger as the joy of reunion dissipates. He's looking hale and hearty, thankfully. ''A few things about my soul, like...''
''I know. What many would say reincarnation.'' His bearded face settled into an intimidating glare that he directed at the wooden wall. ''I don't believe that for a second, you've become who you are by your will alone, not through some divine influence. But we should speak about that with your mother, she deserves it.''
''It's okay dad.'' You gently squeeze one of his wrists since you can't simply let go of your precious bag now. ''I've... had to broaden my perspective a little bit. Whether my personality is influenced by that distant past or Mother Earth shaping of my soul doesn't matter: I am who I am now, that's that... which is why, here look.''
Wiggling away from his grasp, you open your bag to reveal the egg-shaped slime with your new flute settling on top.
''A slime entity? I've heard most of them went extinct shortly after the Demon Lord's ascension.''
''She's much more than that.'' You don't know where this warmth, this pride that enshrines your heart comes from; it is welcome. ''This tiny one is in a situation similar to mine: a soul ravaged by the past, Mother Earth wishes to give her a second chance.''
You've never liked it when your dad's face becomes a mask of neutrality, he shouldn't be looking at little Usha like that. ''Her name came to me instinctively so I know Nyct was speaking the truth.''
''Nyct? Someone was in there?''
''Oh yes, one of Mother Earth daughters, the youngest one.'' <span class="mu-i">There! He's too surprised to keep a controlled face! Yes!</span>
''Let's be out of here and go back home.'' He says, pinching the spot between his eyebrows. ''I don't like this manor or the people here.''
Really? It's honestly a shame, the Eisenhart noblemen gave you a good impression.
''You're good with bathroom needs? We should come across a food stall in the city for our breakfast.''
He -really- wants to be out of here fast, huh?
''I've written some notes about that slime and the Tree, too.'' You hand him his booklet. ''Bet you're mighty curious huh?''
--
It was in dawn earliest light that you and your father exited the Tree threshold and being this early is likely why you dodged an invitation for breakfast from your noble hosts. None of the guards asked any questions when you left and once safely outside in the little forest that separated the reinforced manor from nature, your enthusiasm had you tell your dad everything you went through from yesterday to your long, long conversations with Nyct. And what you truly loved about him showed again in his lack of judgment; his questions were about your perspective, your emotions, your decision, and what led to them, to understand your mindset. You didn't need better motivation to keep going.
<span class="mu-g">He promised to help you with Usha unusual diet.</span>
