Family

He returned to the misty forest; he was silent and pondered what he had just seen. Esmond had a few answers but was still unsure about whether they were correct or not.

As he was thinking, the mist that surrounded him began to clear.

Astris, whom he had just seen, was standing in front of him. She had a pleased look on her face as she saw Esmond.

"What did I just see?" he asked.

Astris stood silent, her smile unwavering while looking at him; she had no intention of answering him.

"Why are you calling me slayer? Why? Just answer! I'm confused as hell right now!"

"Hahahahaha!" she burst out laughing.

What was so funny about his words? Was he considered a joke now? Just because he was beaten, did she underestimate him?

"Hmm~ I know it's a second life and all, but you really are too different. Still, you are you in the end."

Esmond remembered the swordsman's words that very night.

"My second life will find you and end you."