I won't fall for the queen who burned my world-Chapter 71: Kael

Elysia knelt down beside the young demon child, her violet eyes soft with concern. The little boy, no older than six or seven, sniffled quietly, his dark violet eyes glistening with unshed tears.

His short black hair stuck out in tufts, and his small, curved horns barely peeked through the messy strands. His tiny hands clutched his scraped knee, and Elysia's heart squeezed at the sight.

"Hey," she whispered gently, offering him a warm smile. "It's okay. It's just a little scratch."

The boy blinked up at her, clearly surprised by her kindness. His lips trembled, and Elysia felt an overwhelming urge to protect him from everything, even the cobbled street that dared to hurt him.

"What's your name?" she asked softly, pulling a small cloth from the folds of her cloak to dab at his knee.

He hesitated for a moment before whispering, "Kael."

"Kael," Elysia repeated with a smile. "That's a very strong name. I bet you're really brave, huh?"

Kael nodded shyly, his eyes still wary but curious.

"Where are your parents, Kael?" she asked gently, but the flicker of sadness in his eyes told her everything she needed to know before he even spoke.

"I... I don't have any," he mumbled, looking down at his scraped knee. "I live at the orphanage."

Elysia's heart broke a little more. "Oh," she whispered. "Is it your playtime right now?"

Kael nodded quickly, too quickly. Elysia's brows furrowed slightly. He's lying.

She tilted her head, her smile never wavering. "Are you sure?"

Kael's eyes darted to the side, avoiding her gaze. "Uh-huh."

Elysia chuckled softly. "You know," she whispered conspiratorially, leaning in, "I wasn't always the best at telling the truth either when I was little."

Kael peeked up at her, curiosity winning over his wariness.

"I used to sneak out of my lessons all the time," she continued, grinning. "But the thing is... I could never lie for long. I'd always get caught."

Kael blinked. "Really?"

"Really," Elysia nodded. "So... do you want to try telling me the truth?"

The little boy fidgeted, biting his lip before finally whispering, "I... I snuck out."

Elysia smiled warmly. "I thought so."

"I just... I didn't want to go back yet," he admitted softly. "It's... boring."

Elysia chuckled. "I get that."

She stood up, brushing the dirt from her cloak. "Well, Kael, since you're already out here... how about you come with me for a bit?"

Kael's eyes widened. "Really?"

"Really," Elysia grinned. "But only if you promise me something."

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He nodded eagerly. "Anything!"

"You have to eat something first," she said, holding out her hand. "Deal?"

Kael hesitated for only a moment before slipping his small hand into hers. "Deal."

The soldiers, who had been watching the entire exchange with amused smirks, followed as Elysia led Kael toward the nearest tavern. One of them, barely able to contain his grin, whispered, "You've gone full mother mode, huh?"

Elysia shot him a playful glare. "Shut up."

The tavern they entered was a lively place, filled with the hum of conversation, clinking mugs, and the occasional burst of laughter.

Wooden beams stretched across the ceiling, aged and darkened with time, and lanterns hung from hooks, casting a warm, golden glow over the room. T

he walls were adorned with old maps, faded banners, and a curious assortment of weapons that looked more decorative than practical.

The scent of roasting meat and freshly baked bread filled the air, making Elysia's stomach growl softly. Kael, still holding her hand, looked around with wide-eyed wonder.

"Find us a table," Elysia instructed the soldiers. "I'll get the food."

One of them raised an eyebrow. "You know how to order at a tavern?"

Elysia huffed. "How hard can it be?"

She approached the counter, where a burly demon with an eyepatch and an impressive collection of scars stood polishing a mug. His single crimson eye narrowed at her appraisingly.

"New around here?" he grunted.

"Something like that," Elysia replied with a smile. "I need something good to eat for me and... my little brother."

She glanced back at Kael, who was now sitting at a corner table with the soldiers, swinging his legs happily.

The bartender's stern expression softened slightly. "Cute kid. You want the stew? It's the best thing we've got."

"Perfect," Elysia nodded. "And some bread too."

"Coming up," he grunted, already turning to ladle steaming stew into bowls.

As she waited, Elysia scanned the tavern. The wooden floor was worn but clean, and the tables, though mismatched, each held a small vase with a single wildflower.

A large fireplace dominated one wall, its flames crackling cheerfully. In one corner, a trio of musicians played a lively tune, their instruments unfamiliar but enchanting.

When the bartender placed the food in front of her, Elysia carefully carried the tray to the table, placing a bowl of stew in front of Kael.

"Eat up," she smiled.

Kael, eyes sparkling, dug in immediately, making soft, happy sounds with each bite.

"Good?" Elysia asked, amused.

Kael nodded enthusiastically. "Really good!"

One of the soldiers leaned in, grinning. "So, 'Mom,' what's the plan after this? Tuck him in and read him a bedtime story?"

Elysia rolled her eyes. "Ha ha. Very funny."

Another soldier chuckled. "You're a natural, though. Kid already looks at you like you hung the moon."

Elysia glanced at Kael, who was now happily munching on a piece of bread, and felt a warmth in her chest she hadn't expected.

Maybe I'm not so bad at this after all.

They spent the next hour at the tavern, laughing and chatting while Kael told them all about life at the orphanage—how he hated the early mornings, how he loved climbing trees, and how he dreamed of becoming a great adventurer one day.

Elysia listened intently, asking him questions and encouraging his stories, while the soldiers watched with amused fondness.

Finally, as the sun began to set, casting a golden glow through the tavern windows, Elysia ruffled Kael's hair gently.

"Alright," she whispered. "Time to get you back."

Kael pouted but nodded reluctantly. "Okay."

Elysia stood, holding out her hand once more.

"Now," she smiled warmly, "let's get you to the orphanage."