Chapter 2

"Alyce, they were being mean to me again and calling me names."

"Don't bother with them, Lilia. I'll play with you. And I promise that when I save enough, I'll take you away from here. So be a good girl for now and be patient."

"Okay, Alyce."

Tyki said that he'll visit but it's already been a week. He was just probably trying to be polite. He doesn't really mean it.

"Alyce! Tyki came to visit at last."

He visited at least twice in a week for a month. Lilia was beginning to grow close to him. I didn't mind. At least there was one more person who didn't treat Lilia like the others did because of her arm. She's only a child and it isn't right for her to be treated cruelly because of a difference.

I was only really curious as to who he was. I'm still suspicious of Tyki even if he was kind. I began to slowly trust him but when I think more about it, I haven't got a clue as to who he is except for a little bit of information he told me.

When he visited, he'd give her clothes to replace her tattered ones and a doll for her to play with. He was acting like a father now by spoiling her with gifts when he visited. It was a nice gesture but I warned him that he shouldn't spoil a child like that so he just brought treats instead for her.

Lilia is a kind little girl. She knew the other kids might get jealous that she had those things so she gave most of her toys to them and kept only the doll that Tyki had first given her. She tried to be nice to them even if they were cruel. She also shared the treats Tyki brought when it was no longer clothes or toys. The fact that she was so generous and kind despite their harsh treatment on her made them accept her. They played with her now and didn't treat her too cruelly. It became a home for her.

"She's getting along with them more, huh?"

"Yeah, she does. They don't treat her cruelly anymore."

"That's a good thing."

"Tyki, why are you so kind to Lilia when she isn't even related to you in anyway?"

"To impress the lady before me."

"Really, now?"

"I've taken an interest and liking to her as much as you did."

"So it was just interest?"

"I actually thought of adopting Lilia when I found her and with the way I get to know her but I don't have time to care for her because of my job and that's when I thought to leave her in the orphanage. I only managed to do it this past month but I can't always. I'll have to transfer to a different place now."

"What do you plan on doing then? You can't just disappear from her life, just like that."

"I know and there is a problem arising for the two of you."

"Which is?"

"There are akuma wondering here lately and exorcists will be sent. They might find out about her and we both don't want her taken away. It will be painful for Lilia since she feels at home here but she needs to go. And you're the only one that can accompany her."

"I could try taking her away but I don't have that much money to start anew in a different place, not yet."

"I'll take care of the expenses so prepare her for the train ride. I already took care of things and as to the place where you'll stay."

"Why would you go for all that trouble?"

"It's not much of a trouble at all because I grew fond of the two of you so please accept my offer."

"I'd gladly accept it then but don't blame it on me if you start losing your money spending it on her and me."

"I don't care. And it won't run out."

"Suit yourself."

"I will so hurry and pack up for the ride."

"Okay."

I went to Lilia and explained things for her. She took it badly but obediently did as told. She only packed a few of her clothes and took the doll that she favors among Tyki's gifts. She said her goodbyes to her friends and then we left when all was fixed.

We rode the train and arrived after a few hours. We only stayed there for a month then went to a different town because of akuma. It had been three months before we saw Tyki again. He said that he can stay with us for a week today so it made Lilia happy since she missed him so much. I was happy to; I began to grow close to him like Lilia.

*Tyki's point of view

I don't really know what has gotten into my mind. I let two exorcists live and actually helped them. I could call it a whim but I must be careful that the earl won't find out.

Alyce took care of Lilia well. Lilia doesn't complain anymore about having to transfer from one place to another. She was content on having Alyce by her side or when I visit them. I got the week off now and stayed with them.

Their room had everything needed even if it was not that big. They shared the bed since Lilia doesn't really like to sleep alone. She is still a child. I was going to stay in another inn but Lilia insisted that I stay with them so I sleep on the couch while they had the bed themselves.

Alyce offered sleeping on the couch instead since I was paying for it but I didn't let her. I commented to her that I wouldn't be gentleman if I would let a lady sleep on a couch.

"I said don't call me that."

"Yes, I won't, Alyce."

"Goodnight then, Tyki."

"Goodnight."

*Alyce's point of view

This past week, we walked around town with Tyki. If anyone saw us, they would mistake Tyki for Lilia's father since he acts like one to her. It's nice seeing Lilia cheerful since she was mostly alone with me. She was actually afraid to make any friends since we never stayed in one place too long.

When Tyki left, Lilia was still cheerful. She is actually quite an optimist. She believes that he will come back so she wasn't that sad when he left. It was often like that and we moved to another town again after a month.

I didn't want to be too dependent on Tyki so I took a part time job. I take Lilia with me and it's a good thing they let her stay.

I knew Tyki was a noble or an aristocrat since he has a lot of money and dressed so formally most of the time. I didn't really like nobles or aristocrats but Tyki was an exception.

I hated them because my father was one and for their attitude. He cared too much about appearances in society and stuff like that. It was the reason why he got rid of my brother and I hated him for that. It angered me so much and my anger grew worse since I couldn't do a thing at that time. I was only a child. I only stayed there to know more how I can look for him and save enough from what they give me.

I left when I was fifteen years old but I just had to have bad luck. I became compatible with innocence and was dragged into the war. I worked there for two years until I managed to lose contact.

After that, I went from place to place looking for my brother for half a year. I worked different types of jobs and then ended up at the orphanage where I met Tyki and Lilia. It had been a year and a half since then. I currently am nineteen years old while Lilia is now five years old.

Tyki had been helping us for a year and a half but suddenly disappeared and lost contact with us. I didn't know why but guessed that he will probably not be back anymore.