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“So we couldn’t do anything. What you did and brought them here was the best method. We can take care of them until they’re faded”
Yuder frowned as he listened to Enon while carrying the kid—who was around 5-6 years old—with pale skin, black hair, and a pair of abyss black eyes like his. Honestly, with a reminiscent to Yuder’s face.
As expected, this kid is his younger self who was created by a weird monster’s magic spell.
Several hours ago, the cavalry had an expedition for a mission near the capital to eliminate some strange monsters. Though it wasn’t a hard mission compared to others they had had before. From the commissioner, these monsters have their own unique skill to create an opponent child by copying a young opponent-self from memory to be a bait, distract, and counterattack. So after disposing of them all, Yuder has no idea how to deal with their younger selves that pop up like a delusion.
The big problem is these kids have their young personality traits, some are frightened, some are naughty, and the most unpredictable—wild—antisocial like himself, it’s hard to babysit.
No one can approach young Yuder but him, that's the worst. Fortunately, with Enon's special eyes, he predicts these kids will disappear after 24 hours.
Yuder couldn’t wait to reach 20 hours left.
“Yuder!! We already know what happened this morning!! So this’s what you look like when you’re five. You're INCREDIBLY CUTE!!”
After Yuder left the medical ward, he met Kanna and Gakane, who didn’t go on a mission, in the corridor. They must have encountered other kids before so he didn’t have to explain the incident and situation. But it was still awkward to hear the word ‘cute’ describe himself.
“I’m not cute…” a soft voice murmurs.
Seems like his younger self has the same idea.
Kanna and Gakane ignore what the little kid said and praise him like a machine gun. They’re both excited and ask Yuder to babysit the kid. Unfortunately, although he wants every cavalry member to look after this chick instead of him, the kid will find a place to hide until he’s free because he doesn’t trust anyone.
“Sorry, my face may be expressionless, but he’s surely stressed to be around in an unfamiliar place and crowd”
“How pitiful… I want to show everyone I once carried baby Yuder” Gakane’s sobbing.
“Me too…” Kanna too.
Their energy drops immediately when they hear Yuder's answer. He doesn’t understand why they look so desperate. After all, it’s just a monster byproduct spell that resembles a human child. To be honest, his younger self is really annoying Yuder because no one else can take care of him, and he has to endure the way it's affecting his weakness which is exhausting him even more.
“By the way, how are others doing?” Yuder asked, tightly his embrace.
“Oh! You mean the other kids?" Kanna blinked. "Some of us are parents so they’re gonna help with the treats today. After the discussion with the commander, one room will be used as a kindergarten and those who went on a mission this morning took the day off to look after themselves.”
Like Yuder has to do.
Kanna explained it easily and Yuder nodded. He didn’t meet Kishiar yet but the deputy of Shin, Ever, who also attended the mission must have reported to the commander already.
Meanwhile, adults talk the serious topics, which seems to be a boring environment for the one who has been held. As a response to what Yuder said before, suddenly the kid squirmed in his arms, and when he broke free. He’s sprinting like prey escaping from a predator, going downstairs.
“Yuder!!” Kanna screamed.
“Hurry up! Let's chase after him together!” Gakane looks worried.
Despite the cavalry building being their home, all of them couldn’t run after little Yuder because the kid (especially himself) has not only gained a lot of energy to run wild and conceal himself, but Yuder himself is also tired from before. So that noon they’re all frustrated by only finding where the little cub hides…
How ridiculous
After exploring all of the permitted and unpermitted zones in the building and still unaware of where the little kid is. Yuder reminded to look around the tree and finally found his younger self sleeping happily upon the branch.
Gentle wind brushes their face. They’re all under the tree which was planted in front of the cavalry's main building.
“Wow, this is so to be the one who lives in the mountain”
Gakane speaks while looking up at the topmost branch. It seems dangerous and Kanna's expression shares the same thinking.
“It’s okay. I never fell from the tree before. The children who were raised near the forest learn to climb and notice the perfect branch to camp. I’ll bring him down soon”
Yuder simply jumps up without using his power to the branch quietly as he can. But suddenly, maybe with the ambient noise, young Yuder slowly woke up from a nap and saw people around, which made him frown again. Luckily he didn’t resist Yuder’s arm but when his small body was placed on the ground, he quickly hid behind the tree, his half body exposed and his eyes glaring at them.
“Don’t come near me!! Grandpa said I shouldn’t go with the stranger!!”
‘SO CUTE!!’
Kanna and Gakane forgot their goal temporarily. However, Yuder signs with embarrassment. Although his grandfather used to teach him that, he never told Yuder to let out that word. How stupid he is.
But, finally, the cause is clear now. What he guessed about that chick’s stress underexpressive face is correct. Seems like Yuder has to babysit himself in the isolated room after catching him to avoid this situation again.
“We have to catch him as soon as possible, I know I’m quite wild. It won’t be easy but to decrease the kid's stress, I have to handle it alone.”
“Sorry, we messed this up.” Both Gakane and Kanna feel very guilty.
Yuder shook his head to confirm them it’s not their fault. By the way, when he prepares to approach the kid, the familiar voice interrupts them.
“Oh! What are you doing?”
There’s no one except their commander, Kishiar La Orr, who talks with them. His pretty face appears with a gentle smile, his golden hair reflects the sunlight beautifully, his tall and steady body gradually walks toward them with a red ruby gaze analyzing the scene. Kanna and Gakane halt while Yuder rearranges his composition and explains what was happening.
“According to the report about the kid before, I’m trying to catch myself, Commander. Despite being frightened of an unknown place and people, he tries to hide his body behind the tree.”
Kishiar suddenly halted, it seemed more stunning. His ruby flames eyes were wide and focused on the tree Yuder had mentioned. He already knew about the kids' incident and was aware that his adorable assistant also joined that mission. Since he has visited Yuder's home at Airic Mountain, he never thought about this opportunity to see baby Yuder before. His emotional run thrilled under his comfortable face. The little creature that looks like his younger lover stares at him. Although his brows still frown, his expression is less guarding and looks more curious when he sees Kishiar.
Huh?
Both Kishiar and Yuder noticed that. Kishiar placed his hand under his chin thoughtfully. One arm is placed under the elbow. “You said he’s frightened, right…?”
“Yes”
“Can I try to approach him?”
Yuder stares back at Kishiar, he doesn’t know what other’s thinking, but he looks like he has some ideas so he nods slowly.
“Sure”
“Will it work? What commander is gonna do?”
Not knowing when Kanna and Gakane stand behind Yuder. They quietly watch the legendary scene in front of them. Kishiar genuinely approaches young Yuder like approaching a wild animal. He walked steadily until his body was far from the kid around one arm. When assured the other won’t escape, Kishiar knelt, hand leaning forward.
“Do you want to play with me?” He smiled brightly with delight.
Young Yuder hesitates. His gaze changes between Yuder himself and Kishiar, along his body is tensed. While Kanna and Gakane were both ignored, he declined Kishiar's hand but put his arm up instead.
“Carry me, please”
Everyone in the scene is shocked like time-stopping, especially Yuder who has to blink his eyes multiple times to make sure what he sees it’s not an illusion. Kanna and Gakane’s hands cover their mouth—and Kishiar, his lip curves more happily like he won the first place lottery.
“Oh dear! Of course”
He let little Yuder walk toward his embrace. His hand supports the child back then carries him up as he wishes. Even though his face is still expressionless, his eyes are bright and full of excitement. When Kishiar stands firmly, the little kid’s small hand is placed on the man's cheek immediately. He stares at Kishiar's face and softly speaks.
“You’re so handsome. I like your eyes”
“Oh! Do you like my face?”
Young Yuder nodded vigorously while Yuder staring blankly at Kishiar. It felt to him as if he were making his own public confession. Of course, Kanna and Gakane, who understood what the relationship between the commander and his assistant, catch the thing and share the same sentiment. Their faces turned as red as tomatoes and they rushedly said goodbye to avoid being the third wheel.
“Thanks, GOD!! It seems the problem was solved! I have an assignment to do so I can’t stand here anymore. See you, Yuder!! See you, commander!!”
“Me too! I just remember sister Ever asking me for help before!! See you, Yuder! See you, commander!”
Kishiar burst out laughing back at Kanna and Gakane who had separated. Since there are no others around except them, Kishiar walks straight next to Yuder. His eyes beam vividly.
"You're as cute as I thought. No wonder your grandfather loves you so much." He held the little kid tightly in his embrace to keep him steady.
"He's so stupid. Last 10 minutes ago he just said he couldn't go with a stranger. But when he saw your face, he instantly asked you to carry." Yuder pinched his younger self. Kishiar laughed when Yuder acted like the pharmacist.
"Maybe he's aware that you're near."
"Please, Commander" Yuder sighed.
Kishiar joyfully winked at both Yuder and changed the topic for his lover's sake, the bigger one.
“I can detect a monster's energy from your younger self." He said while carefully touching the kid's cheek and young Yuder nestled him. "Maybe I can help you babysit him. It’s better than letting my adorable assistant handle him alone.”
Although he's quite embarrassed by his innocence, how can Yuder turn down this incredible offer of help?