The Hard Truth of Soft Hearts ( 176 )

Hazuki walked ahead of the group, his new leather bag slung across his shoulder, hands shoved in his pockets, while Ridan floated above like a lazy balloon.

"Oi, kid." Hazuki glanced behind him.

"Y-yes!" The elven girl straightened up, still clutching the edge of Kisha's sleeve.

"You're an elf, right?"

"Y-yes…"

"How'd you end up here?"

She didn't answer. Her lips trembled. Her hands clenched tightly. Tears welled in her eyes again, but she swallowed them down hard.

Hazuki narrowed his eyes.

"And you too human girl." He pointed toward another, slightly older child who kept glancing at him with wide, wary eyes. "What's your story?"

Silence again.

The two girls kept their heads low.

Kisha opened her mouth as if to speak, but hesitated. Her hands twisted into her apron. "I… it's complicated, mister Hazuki…"