384 A Problem of Two Souls (1/2)

She did not sense the slightest aversion to strangers from the little girl. Even she did not get such treatment.

The little girl was still a little wary of her when they first met. After her initial surprise, she thought with alarm, 'Aren't they getting along too well?!'

”Is Little Brother Leonhardt fond of children?” Chief Valencia asked, seemingly casual on the surface.

Ironhead had also asked Leon this question before. Thus, he did not think much of it and acknowledged it with a nod, ”Un, I am fond of children.”

Some distance between Mia and Leon was immediately created as Chief Valencia pulled Mia away and looked at Leon warily.

”I'm warning you, there's a line you cannot cross! Little Mia might be cute and adorable, but she is too young!” Chief Valencia warned while shielding Mia from Leon like a mother hen protecting its chick.

Leon was stunned before his eyes widened in horror and said, ”Woah, hold on a f*cking minute! You are sorely mistaken! It's not like that!”

”It's not like what exactly?”

”It's not like… argh!”

Chief Valencia's wary gaze pierced right through Leon's heart. He received a serious mental blow after being looked at like he was some lolicon.

After furiously trying to explain himself out of the quagmire, the group of three made it back to the Chief Palace. Leon only managed to dodge a bullet after he finally convinced the chief of her misunderstanding.

Sweat trickled down his forehead after the ordeal while Mia could be heard giggling.

”I've heard Little Brother Leonhardt had exhausted himself while treating numerous warriors after the battle. Feel free to use the washroom and get some rest. We will meet again later after you are properly rested.”

Chief Valencia bade goodbye to Leon before turning to the little girl and said, ”Let us go see your mother, Little Mia.”

”Alright, Aunty. See you next time, Brother Leon—Leonhardt!” Mia waved cutely while Chief Valencia carried her away.

Leon wave back but froze after seeing Chief Valencia turning her head around to give him a warning look.

It seemed that she was not entirely convinced.

Leon could only scratch his head wryly and accept the fact that Chief Valencia will continue to be guarded against him. He wondered what he had done wrong to be seen as a child predator.

”Haiz…”

He sighed despondently and headed back to the room he shared the night with Darlene. That girl must still be waiting for his return.

After taking a few dozen steps downs the guest rooms, he bumped into Lumi shortly after.

”Ah, sorry about that. It must have slipped my mind while I was tending to the wounded warriors.” Leon awkwardly said.

Lumi immediately pouted.

However, she shortly recalled the respect and admiration the wounded warriors had in their eyes when she mentioned Leon's name back in the med bay. Since he was busy doing good deeds, she could only unwillingly forgive him for leaving her behind.

”Never mind. There is something I want to ask you. What happened to the battle? I can't seem to remember anything…” Lumi began asking.

”Hmm…” Leon contemplated for a moment before asking back, ”Do you really not remember anything while you were out.”

Lumi shook her head.

Apart from before the scene of her getting shot, everything else was a blank slate until she woke up.

”Hmm, what can I say? A lot had happened. But before that, did you ever have an elder sister named Duna?” Leon inquired.

”An elder sister named… Duna? Hm? Duna… Duna…” Lumi mumbled the name repeatedly like she had heard it somewhere before, but it had become too distant and vague to remember.

When Lumi forced the issue, she suddenly lost strength and passed out as her body began to fall towards the ground.

”Lumi!”

Leon caught her before she hit the ground and felt the weight of her body. It was heavier compared to her weightless past. It could be said that she had gained weight.

This was possibly due to absorbing his pseudo-Grantmist Energy after Lumi advanced to the Corporeal state.

Leon placed Lumi inside his Worldspace and quickly reviewed some related books in the Archive with a slight frown.