Chapter 2 - Impressions
It appeared Seira and Regis had been equally uninformed about the girl given the look on their faces. Regis always had expressions so that didn't worry them but Seira's widened eyes? Did they miss something important? It would be easier to ask one of the three who actually knew the truth but it could be personal.
"The child gives out a great many impressions but they conflict with each other. In the basest sense she feels like a modified noble child but that is highly inaccurate." Regis was clearly struggling to explain the aura he felt around the girl "It is natural you see? No experiments have been done to her. If I hadn't probed her mentally I would have called her human but the owner wouldn't have risked a human living on this island." Seira confirmed her agreement with a nod. So the girl next door was of such strange origin that to clan leaders, though young, couldn't identify them. Takeo had an idea but that was impossible right? She had been very graceful for a girl her age but she had also sung under her breath the entire time the trio hadn't been speaking earlier. It was such a sweet song to it put one in mind of the stars.
Tao was impressed if Astraea continued at this speed she would have completed the puzzle in time for dinner. The picture was of a lake in a spring forest at sunset, it would be beautiful for a 2D image, but nowhere near as nice as the smile she had shown when she finished singing the tune of her wordless song. She was sharp to when he finished grouping parts by colour she set him to separating the colours by the shape of the pieces. It was simple and fun, when had he ever done something so basic? The thank you while quiet was genuine, a truly sweet child.
M-21 had trouble understanding how quiet everyone was, not that they would have been talkative with all the nobles around. Yet when the girl was singing she seemed to be the only one able to move normally. It normally wouldn't take Tao nearly that long to group pieces with clear differences. It was the type of respectful silence Raizel received when speaking. Yet, he felt her to be someone who wouldn't be able to take a life no matter how deserving they were of death. Even if her power overwhelmed his he wouldn't be able to fear her, she was harmless. That instinctive trust was unnerving.
The puzzle was finished shortly before dinner. In the dining room eight places were ready with a buffet spread, reimon included. There was no conversation while everyone eat but as they waited for dessert Regis informed them all upon the happenings in Lukedona, how they were recovering from the loss of those who fell in battle. Also, "The Lord intends to visit before you enter eternal sleep, Cadis Etrama di Raizel-nim. She will not stay until you sleep but she will be around tomorrow before lunch."
If the Lord was still as they remembered her she would not hesitate to ask questions. That meant they would have some definite answers, provided that they had the same questions in mind. Falling into their old chores was simply expected. It was not expected to see Frankenstein carry Astraea to bed after making sure she had prepared for bedtime stories. They had already been told where their rooms were so they all had an early night.
Tomorrow there would be answers.