It's so hard being a hero!

"Go to sleep."

Frey's voice came from above, tinged with a sigh.

I won't ask anymore.

Sophia opened her mouth, as if to say something.

But Frey tightened her arms, holding her even closer.

"I know you don't want to say."

Frey's voice was very soft, almost inaudible.

"But it's okay."

Sophia's eyes suddenly stung.

She had a feeling.

Frey must have sensed something.

No, not just certain, absolutely.

Frey is the person who knows her best, better than anyone else.

It would be strange if Frey didn't feel anything at all.

But Frey didn't press, didn't ask further, and didn't even continue the topic.

She simply held Sophia in her arms and said, "I can wait."

Sofia buried her face in Frey's chest, listening to the steady heartbeat, and a strong impulse welled up inside her.

She wanted to tell Frey the truth.

She wanted to say, "It's me, it's Su Lan, I'm back."

But the words stuck in his throat.

Because she didn't know how to bring it up.

"Teacher, actually I am the man who died more than ten years ago, and I've turned into a little girl?"

Just say it, and then what?

She's just a little girl who's almost seven years old and can't do anything.

Although she told herself she didn't want to face Lilith again, she knew she couldn't defy fate.

It might even drag Frey and Lyra into danger.

Thinking of this, Sophia suppressed her impulse.

Wait a minute.

Wait until she accepts herself as she is now before considering being honest.

It's not the right time yet, at least not now.

Sofia instinctively snuggled closer to Frey, finding a comfortable position.

Frey's body heat enveloped her, and that warmth made her feel especially at ease.

Like a ship that has been adrift for a long time, finally returning to the harbor.

Soon, Sofia's breathing became even.

She fell asleep.

That night, she slept soundly without any dreams, and didn't even change her position.

In the darkness, Frey opened her eyes.

She looked down at the little girl in her arms, her gaze complex.

Short silver hair, delicate features, and slightly pouting lips as she sleeps...

She reached out and gently stroked Sofia's cheek.

The movement was very light, so light that it felt like touching something fragile.

Is that you?

Frey's voice was so low that only she could hear it.

"If you really are him..."

She didn't finish speaking, but tightened her arms, holding Sophia even closer.

Outside the window, the moon slowly climbed to its zenith.

The silvery moonlight shone on the two of them, as if coating them with a halo.

The night was very quiet.

The next morning, Sofia was awakened by a crisp sound.

"Mom, little girl, get up."

Lyra's voice came from outside the door, accompanied by a series of urgent knocks.

"The sun's already high in the sky, and you're still sleeping."

Sophia opened her eyes groggily and found herself still curled up in Frey's arms.

Frey had also woken up, but she didn't move. She just stared quietly at the ceiling, lost in thought.

"Mom, did you hear that?"

Leila continued knocking on the door, her knocking becoming increasingly forceful.

"If you don't open the door, I'll kick it down!"

Frey sighed, released her arm from Sophia, and sat up.

"coming."

She raised her hand and waved it towards the door, and the door opened by itself.

Lyra stood outside the door, having changed into her school uniform. Her hair was unkempt and draped messily over her shoulders.

"Mom, you're so slow."

Leila complained and then peered into the room.

"Where's the little girl?"

"Here."

Sophia had already sat up in bed, rubbing her eyes, her hair a mess like a bird's nest.

"Hehe, good morning, little girl."

Leila grinned, strode in, and plopped down on the edge of the bed.

Did you sleep well last night?

"Oh, that's alright."

Sophia nodded.

"That's good."

Lai stretched out his hand and ruffled her hair, making her already messy hair even messier.

"Come on, let's wash up. After breakfast, I'll take you out to play."

"Leila."

Frey's voice rang out.

"Not today."

"Huh? Why?"

Leila turned her head, looking displeased.

"Because Sophia is going back to Kyle City today."

Leila's smile froze on her face.

"Back to Kyle City?"

She looked at Frey, then at Sofia.

"So fast? She's only been here one night."

“She’s been out all day, her parents will be worried.”

Frey came out of the bathroom with a comb in her hand and began to comb her long hair.

"But?"

Lyra wanted to say something more, but Frey silenced her with a look.

"Then, when will he come again?"

Leila turned to look at Sophia, her eyes filled with reluctance.

"Let's talk about it later."

Chapter 11 Fulfilling Days

Frey spoke casually, but Sophia knew it wasn't just a perfunctory remark, but a promise.

"Well, okay then."

Leila pouted, looked down at Sophia, and reached out to pinch her little cheek.

"Little girl, next time you come, I'll take you to eat the best barbecue skewers in the capital, and to shop at the biggest magic item store, and..."

"Laila, if you don't go to the academy soon, you'll be late today."

Frey's voice interrupted her long speech.

"I know, I know."