My name is... (ENG Version)

Child of a man

—POV Malleus ๑۩۞۩๑

We were sitting, as usual, in the dormitory's grand hall. Sebek was talking about something—his words somewhat disjointed and hard to follow, or perhaps I simply wasn't paying much attention. Silver was leaning back in his armchair, drinking what looked like black tea or coffee. Lilia sat in front of the fireplace, reading a book. He'd probably rather be playing something on his phone, but the battery had died.

For some reason, my mind seemed to be elsewhere. It's not like me to be this distracted.

Could it be because of the sudden encounter with that child of man?

No... that couldn't be it. It was merely his ignorance, perhaps, not knowing who I was. Or maybe he was pretending. But then again, he didn't seem afraid. Nor was he in awe. Just... indifferent.

In all my life, I've never met a single being who didn't know me. And because of that, everyone has always treated me either as something unnatural—or untouchably noble. Even Lilia, at times, treats me with a certain reverence or excessive kindness. But that boy...

— Malleus-sama, are you paying attention?! — Sebek asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.

— Hmm? Ah, yes. I am. Please continue...

— Right. It's just that you seemed a little distracted, young master. But anyway, back to what I was saying—have you heard about the incidents happening at the school? A lot of first-years and second-years have been getting into "accidents," and, coincidentally, they all happen to be on magift teams.

— I heard a first-year is trying to solve the case at the headmaster's request. Fuhuhu... interesting, isn't it? — Lilia chimed in without even lifting his eyes from his book.

— A first-year?

— Yes, apparently it's the same boy who caused trouble during the entrance ceremony and was involved in the Heartslabyul incident. He's always seen with a familiar that reminds me of a blue raccoon-cat. — he added with a chuckle — I saw him once with Cater and some other freshmen.

— So the boy from the entrance ceremony is the same one from the Heartslabyul mess. I thought they were two different people. - I ask

— You shouldn't concern yourself with that kind of rabble, young master! It's already too generous of you to mention someone like him! He should feel honored just to be spoken of by you! — Sebek proclaimed, tears of joy welling up in his eyes.

Sebek is certainly devoted. Loyal. He tends to speak a bit too much, but his energy and enthusiasm are the life of our little group. Still, sometimes... he goes a bit overboard.

— Sebek! I told you to stop saying things like that, ugh...

Silver is quiet. Patient. He speaks little, but always knows what to say and when to say it. He relies more on logic, which is why he's constantly giving Sebek lectures when emotions run too high.

Lilia closes his book and vanishes into the air, reappearing on the armchair beside mine.

Sebek and Silver start to bicker, a conversation I don't really feel inclined to follow.

— You're restless today... as if your mind isn't here. Did something happen? — he whispers softly beside me.