Zero and Nini were traveling in a horse-drawn carriage heading to the capital for three days already.
Nini asked Zero excitedly, "What time we'll arrive there tomorrow at the capital?"
"Early in the morning, at around 7:00 or 8:00 if we don't encounter problems on the road tonight," Zero answered.
Nini smiled at Zero and stared at the amethyst ring attached to her finger. "What my parents are like? Are they good, kind, or bad?"
Zero recalled that Nini's parents always treated him nicely every time his family visited the Helix Vanguard Estate. The ten-hectare property was owned by the clan. Inside the property are six large manors, the residences of the clan's children. The leader of the clan likes to have his family living close to him even if they already have their own family, so they live closer to each other in the same place.
Nini asked excitedly, "Can you tell me about my grandparents, my uncles and aunties, and my cousins?"
"Your grandparents fathered six children. They're living in one place and have their residences or manor as we call them. You have a close-knit family, and you will meet them soon. Right now, your family is already planning a welcome dinner party to introduce you to your relatives. You will meet each of them tomorrow evening. Your whole morning and afternoon are to be spent with your parents and siblings," Zero elaborated.
"How many siblings do I have?" Nini asked. "If I remember it correctly, I got two, right?"
"Yeah, I'm glad you still remember what I have told you before," he said.
"Will they accept me? I've been gone for too long. I'm afraid they won't like me," Nini said worriedly.
"Don't worry about that thing. Your family has been looking for you all these years. They never stop looking for your whereabouts. I am one of the people they hired to find you," he explained.
Nini asked, "After you bring me to my family, you are no longer going to see me?"
"Yes. My job is to find you, and I have already accomplished that. It's about time to continue living my life the way it should be," he answered.
Nini's face turned sad.
"Why are you looking sad all of a sudden? What's wrong?" he inquired.
"You and Granny Menedelia are the first person that I meet after I left my prison. I'm going to feel sad if I can no longer see you. I considered you as my friend," Nini replied.
Zero smiled. "Don't worry, if I will visit the manor, I will look for you to say hello to you," he said.
"Thank you!" Nini spoke, her face lighted up again. "Where are you going to stay after you finished bringing me to my family's house?"
"I'll go back to my parent's house."
"Where is that? Far from my place?"
"Yes. My family's manor was situated at the far end of the city. While your place was located at the other end," he explained.
"Don't forget to visit me from time to time, okay?" Nini requested.
"Sure, I will!" Zero replied.
"Thank you for answering all my questions about the world of humans. I understand that we are shapeshifters and living differently from humans. Why does my family live among humans?" she asked.
"Your family's place is not exactly situated in the center of the capital. It was located in the outskirt area but still part of the city. Our shapeshifters clan has no problem mingling and associating with humans and live among them peacefully. Although our existence is a big secret to humans and we don't reveal ourselves easily to them. It's not prohibited to befriend them and sometimes marry their kind. As long humans treat us fine, then we will treat them the same," he elaborated further.
"I see," Nini said and asked again, "How about Granny Menedelia and Rebecca? What is their origin?"
"Rebecca is a demon, while Granny? I have no idea. I'll ask her if I will see her again," Zero replied.
"Granny can see a glimpse of the future, right?"
"Yeah..."
"It would be nice to see Granny once again. If you will see her again, can you bring her to our place so that I can meet her again?" Nini said.
"Sure! I'll bring her to the capital next time if our path crosses again," Zero spoke.
"Thank you! You're so kind to me!" Nini smiled at him brightly. She yawned and covered her mouth. "I'm going to sleep now," she said.
Zero nodded his head and spoke, "Okay, sleep well. I will look over you."
Nini lay down on the wooden seat and closed her eyes to sleep.
Zero won't dare close his eyes tonight. This is a critical time! He must bring this missing daughter back to her family to complete his mission. He hopes there'll be no ambush or anything of such kind happening tonight so that they can arrive at the capital safe and sound.
...
Meanwhile, across the miles, at Menedelia's place.
The two women were talking to each other in the tiny living room.
Rebecca asked, "Grandma, are you going to the next town tomorrow to continue finding a place to rent for your shop?"
"No need. I have decided to lie low for a while. This is the safest place for you and me, especially that you are pregnant. We still have enough money that we can use for our daily sustenance so let's just stay where we are," Menedelia answered. "I will just continue planting vegetables and crops in the backyard so that it can somehow help with our daily food," she added.
Rebecca's brows furrowed, she asked, "Why did you change your mind, Grandma?"
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