The Demon King's Beloved Daughter

20

Though not connected by blood, these two were her little brothers (mentally), her childhood friends, they grew up together. She was used to them being by her side, of course, she couldn't help feeling a little sad.

She sighed, they grew up so fast, they were so cute when they were younger. Is this how it feels like to be a parent?

During the first two years of attending the academy, students weren't allowed to go home as they pleased. They were only allowed to return during the two holidays, one at mid-year and the other at the end of the year or when an emergency occurs at home.

After the second year, they can decide whether they want to remain at the dormitory or go back home after classes. She felt nostalgic, Luca whined for a whole two weeks about how lonely he was without her during his first break.

"I'll be a little lonely." She sighed honestly. "But it's only for two years."

Both of them hugged her almost simultaneously, they were the ones who were most reluctant to part with her. She patted their backs, it was only now that she realized, the two little brats from before have already surpassed her height by a head.

Freya was glad they agreed to go to the Academy instead of fussing to take the exam with her. She took so much time to convince them. They are still young and need more friends.

"It's been a while since I've seen you two duel." She pulled away from the hug, "Can I see it before you guys go?"

It was a request from Freya, they would never bear to reject anything she wants. The twins followed behind her to the training room, as if they were guarding her.

Freya sat in the viewing area and watched intently. The two were evenly matched in terms of magic, so Freya specially requested them not to use it.

Austin pulled out a black obsidian claymore from the stigma on the back of his hand while Alistar pulled out a transparent crystal sword from his.

As the two weapons clashed, something landed on Freya's lap making her jolt. She soon relaxed when she saw that it was Cinder, he snuggled against her before falling asleep again.

Freya patted it lovingly, she didn't bring the creature to the library before because it was sleeping soundly on her bed, she didn't have the heart to wake it up. Cinder who felt anxious without his master's presence, searched for Freya the second he woke up.

As she stroked Cinder, her eyes went back to the twins. The way Austin fought was wild and straightforward. With every swing, one can feel his immeasurable power.

On the contrary, Alistar was very elegant and restrained. Every move was made after much consideration and calculation. The style of the two was like the sun and the moon.

Freya enjoyed the scene, a smile tugged on her lips, they've improved. She didn't need to worry about them, they would be fine at the academy.

Freya was someone who felt uneasy about every single little thing. Though she never expressed it, the anxiety she felt every day had suffocated her to the point that she felt she might go crazy.

She was someone who initially had nothing, now she had everything she could ever ask for. She was afraid everything would vanish...she didn't want to lose anything.

Was she being too greedy? This happiness and warmth was a double-edged sword but she couldn't help but want to monopolize it all. Like a child who had tasted the sweetness of candy, she didn't want to go back to eating tasteless and stale rice crackers.

"I've seen enough." Her angelic voice reverberated in the training hall. Freya chuckled, even if they fought all the way until midnight, there would be no victor.

The two were exhausted after fighting with someone with the same strength, they walked towards Freya and collapsed beside her.

They both leaned against her, resting each of their heads on her shoulders. They've been doing this since they were children. Her butterflies handed the water bottles to them under her command.

"Happy 13th birthday, Alistar, Austin." She beamed as she patted their heads. "Stop sulking, I remember. The party is tonight anyways, I can't forget even if I wanted to."

She recalled their surprised face when she asked them why they were here and giggled. Her giggle made the two look at her, both of their gazes were gentle, how can they not love her?

Freya put a small box in each of their hands and asked them to open it. A dark green crystal butterfly flew out of Alistar's box while a light green one flew out of Austin's.

The butterflies fluttered and flew up, leaving traces of sparkles as they flew. They flew in front of them and wrote a big and shiny 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' before shooting into the twins' chest, making both of them grunt.

"For protection." She took the initiative to explain, "It can prevent one fatal injury."

The two looked at her stunned, "The butterflies are a part of your soul...you can't just-"

"It's fine, it won't activate unless you're about to die. It's just for precaution, in case I don't arrive in time. " She interrupted with a smile. Her voice turned pitiful, "Are you going to nag me on your birthday?"

Their brows furrowed, even if it's a fragment, if the soul is harmed...she'll suffer the consequences of excruciating pain or even memory loss. But for Freya, a little pain was nothing compared to their safety.

"Thank you." Both of them whispered making Freya smile.

The three sat there silently, enjoying each other's companion. It definitely won't be the last time they spend their time with each other but it would certainly be a long time until the next time.