15 years have passed since the great accident in Bristle.

A once regarded as a City of Trade and Commerce.
Wealth and riches have slowly turned into a City of Alchemy.

Why did this happen?

The answer is simply because their relationship with the Demon-kingdom and the Magic-Association have expanded after the whole Ordeal they were put through...
The Order Of Light once the prominent power slowly dwindled into poor churches still remained.
But after their group suffered the biggest scandal of dabbling in forbidden alchemy their faith began to shrink.

Especially when the Magi-Association received evidence against them.

This gave enough power for other nations to investigate their order, raiding their establishment fearing the danger to suffer the same fate in their country.

Because...

1/2 of Bristle was utterly destroyed and suffered an abundance of mana pushed most of its residents outside of their own homes.

Thankfully with the skillful aid of their leaders and assistance with the demon-kingdom, they managed to get back on track after 3 years of renovation and rebuilding. The Magi-Association also found an opportunity to assist in this task and proceeded to quicken the rebuilding of their destroyed home.

Now the Bristle kingdom is at this point.
The most advanced country within their lands.

Though...
This story isn't focused on their fair city but a young lass who finally managed to finish all of her ordeals.

『Mom... Why do we have to go?』
A young lad wrapped in robes cried out to her.
He was weeping as a tear fell from his eyes.

Though...
There was a strange oddity with this because...
The person he was calling mom was shorter than him and also mysteriously wrapped in black robes.

『Didn't we already talked about this...
To restore the Clan all of you need to return home and awaken the rest of the eggs.

I've done all I can and taught you all how to survive.
I'm sure all of you will do fine.』the voice of a young lass said.

Underneath her robes was someone who carried beautiful silver jeweled eyes.

She replied to her.

『Why won't you come with us? *hic*』

She flinched at that question and simply bit her lips.

『I've already explained before we left!
Don't make me say it here!』She sternly shouted at them.

A large man wrapped in dark robes appeared behind them.
He then placed his hands on their shoulders.

『Come now, you two.
You two aren't the only ones who are bitter about this.』

Three more was behind them gazing at her with a bitter expression.

『But still...
I don't understand why mom can't come with us!』one of them cried out.

But the voice of a young lad replied to him.

『Her circumstances are complicated,
But... mom.

You are going to visit us one day right?』

The person they call as mom flinched again then replied to him.

『Uhh, Yes...
When I find the chance.』

『That's a promise!』He said.

...

...

...

A few moments later the six of them left wracked with tears.
As for the person they called mother she waved at them goodbye.
She had tears on her face and her red eyes are clear with joy.

『15 years...
15 damn long years and it's finally over.』

________________________________________________________________________________

Warning: If you haven't read the old story, then you might now understand this part.

// Estel Rue //

The short robed person stood there with a deep sigh.
She was now inside an inn as she then conjured a barrier inside the room.
Preventing any noise or words from leaking to the outside.

She then said.

『I can't believe, it's finally over.』

『Leanne is now Queen.
Jake is now King.

But as for me...』

She gazed at her small hands where her scales are nowhere to be seen.
Then she lightly touched her modest chests.

*Pat*

Small and modest.

『HOW COME I DIDN'T GROW ONE BIT!』

『DAAAMN IT!!!!』

Estel Rue: Age 29, currently suffering from zero growth.

[I knew light dragons were long-lived race.
But, what the hell!

It's been fifteen YEAAARS.

FIFTEEEEN!

I expected to grow into a beautiful beauty like a mother or sister.
But I didn't grow one bit.

HECK, EVEN MY CHILDREN OUTGREW ME!

Lyna, Stella, Lux are complete beauties that make me feel like I'm the child being taken care of!
The fact those children call me mother, everyone keeps giving me gazes like.

(Woah! Seriously?)

Or (What the heck!)

With all those strangers gazing at me like that...
I couldn't stand it any longer that it made me weep in embarrassment.

Even Leanne and Jake was showing that kind of look towards me.
After I properly explained it to them, I manage to fix that complicated situation in the past.

But still!
ugh....]

She wracked her head in frustration as she covered her face in pillows.

『Why the heck did it end up like this!!!』

Unfortunately, this unfortunate person is our dear protagonist.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Meanwhile in the Demon-kingdom.

A group of 7 is now walked through the Gate.

As they appeared the knights guarding it swiftly pointed their weapons directly at them.
The five of them swiftly gripped the cloth of their grandfather in terror.

A/N: It's supposedly Great Grandfather but Grandfather is shorter and easier to describe.

『Isn't that the missing Traitor!』

But Rue who was late last then came out of the gate.
Realizing what was happening she swiftly shouted at them.

『Are you all fools!
Your scaring them!
Lower your weapons!』

『But... My Lady!』

With their fierce glare and serious intent to capture Tyr now called as a traitor.
She swiftly acted and replied to them.

『This man is no traitor and if any of these children are harmed!
All of your heads are going to roll!』

She pulls out one of the hoods of the children's heads.
As it revealed a beautiful young lass at the age of 15 with silver hair and silver eyes.

Her scales were brilliantly glowing as she had a terrified expression on her look.

『Gra-grandmother!』she retorts but then...

All of the soldiers swiftly lowered their weapons at the sight as they kneeled at her presence.

The soldiers then shouted.『Sorry, for the inconvenience!』

The mere sight of a light dragon swiftly shut any aggression towards them down.
Their pale expressions were written on their faces.

Rue swiftly sighed then said to them.

『All of you, it's safe to show your faces now.
Since your all going to be living here.

It's good if everyone knows what is happening...』

Stella then replied to her.

『Is this the reason why mom can't come with us?
Did she do something so heinous that everyone pointed a weapon at us?』

Tyr replied to her.
『It's not that she did something wrong.
It's more like what they did to her...

Even now your mother still can't forgive them.』

As they continue their conversation a beautiful young lady with dark scales and black dress appeared she swiftly ran to hug Rue in a rush.

『Mom! you are finally back!』

『Esla, your exaggerating.
I'm visiting here from time to time you know?』

It was Esla...
Estel's sister.

『But where's Estel?』

Her mother's face twitched with a wry smile as she asked that question.

『Did you really think that lady is going to risk coming here?』

『There's no chance right?』

『Exactly.』

The young youths gazed at their conversation as they pondered.
Stella took a step forward and asked.

『May I ask why mother refused to come here?』

Esla smiled at them then said.

『You look...
Just like her! 』

『So beautiful and colorful!』

She ended up ignoring her question and hugged her without realizing it.

『Gah! too tight!』Stella cried out.

『Ah! Sorry!』

She took a few steps backward then said.

『There's a bit of bitter history here, about her.
Are you all sure you want to know about it?』

Nyx a young lad stepped forward as he said.

『Mom wouldn't tell us.
Every time we asked, she always had a bitter look on her face.』

『Well, that's because your mom hated this place.』

The children then retorted.

『Eh? then why would she sends us here!』

Rue swiftly replied to them.

『Because it is safer here...
There are too many dangers outside the kingdom compared to here.

Not to mention...
Your mother is a bit special as she's stronger than any of you combined.』

『That's...』 as one of them tried to retort.

『True.』Stella answered.

None of Estel's children was able to defeat her.
Nor did they have any chance of being able to...

However, she did teach them how to survive and learn how to properly escape then, only fight when everything begins to favor them. This was her teaching and gift to them, as they began to grow older.

Tyr their great grandfather, on the other hand, taught them how to use magic and how to fight in self-defense. As the next generation of the light dragons that are already an endangered race.

It was prompt to raise their survival in many ways.

But Esla then said.

『The Demon-kingdom have changed compared to the past,
Your safety is guaranteed now that everyone here is more organized than before.』

Rue replied.
『Looks like your father was able to keep his throne without much problems.』

Esla then said.
『He got a lot of complaints but he already knew what would happen and simply accepted it. Because of that a lot of the council began to respect him.
Even the Frost Queen was amazed at his performance that she began to see him in a new light. 』

『Though that was 15 years ago.
That I was able to see father fight so furiously before.』

15 years ago, their own king assisted in the escape of the crown princess which had turned traitor.
Many questioned why the king did such a thing.

But his action caused some of his members to rebel and challenge him for the throne.

As for what had happened...

________________________________________________________________________________

During the Council after Estel's Escape.
Many raised their voices to him but they slowly dwindled when he asked them.

『All of you!』

『What have you done to my daughter for her to remain here?』

『For years, most of you have talked ill behind her back!』

『And now that she had shown promise and power!』

『You suddenly changed your decision and give her responsibilities that burdens her mind!』

One of them tried to retort as they shouted.

『That is irrelevant!』

『She has the power to shape the kingdom!』

But their king replied to them with laughter.

『To shape the kingdom?』

『Yes... 』

『 Indeed, she has that power to shape the kingdom.』

『But she also possesses the power to turn it.』

『Into rubble!』

Everyone froze in their seats as they felt his fury and malice.

『ARE YOU ALL GOING TO RISK THAT!』

『As your king I refuse to let that happen!』

『To those who are displeased with my decision and if you seek to take this throne.』

『 Then come forward, I will accept any challenge's.』

At most a total of 5 demon-kins rose to fight the king for the throne.
Each formidable, but his anger seethed to its peak.

During this battle, he cried these words out:
『I have turned a blind eye to my daughter's pain.
This is my redemption to her.

Until she Returns I will turn you starving fools to dust!』

After this...
He has shown supremacy to the council by succeeding in that battle.
The recorded battle was later have been called The Grief of the Shadow King.

Not many challenged him after that.
But instead, they respected him even more...
________________________________________________________________________________

A Dark Terrifying figure soon walked towards them.
The group of five light dragons swiftly hid behind their grandfather as they saw his visage.

He then said.『Father.』

Tyr replied.『Son.』

Which made them feel perplexed with the situation as his eyes then glanced at them, then swiftly looked away to turn at Rue.

『I can smell herbs?』

『Ugh, and here I thought I could hide its scent.』

Rue tried to use dyes which have a peculiar scent.
Her hair has grown white colors as her age had begun to show.

『Even if you grow old, I will be always there for you.』

『Oh please, you say that every time.
And you will still out-live me.』

He groaned at her response...
But this was an inevitable truth between those who carried a longer life.

Rue remained to give him a wide smile in response.
As he then asks.

『How is she?』

『She didn't grow one bit.』

『Huh?』

『Our child is still a child.
Though her mind seems troubled by it.』

He had a bothered and confused look as Tyr then gave him a crystal with a bit of her record.

『Your daughter is...』

As he told him the truth he made face full of shock.

________________________________________________________________________________

// Visit //

『Estel, how unfair! 』

A voice of a woman is heard complaining.

『Not only do you have freedom, you also don't age one bit.
Your skin remained so young no matter how long time has already passed...』

She finally snapped and shouted.

『Gah! Leanne enough!』

Right now Estel is in Leanne's newly made castle.
The renovation had changed the palace into a great fortress with incredible protection from any form of intrusions.

But Estel then retorts to her words.

『It might be true, I haven't aged one bit.
But its also a fact that I didn't grow enough to become a beauty like my mother!』

『Ho? are you finally planning on getting a man?
After 15 years of being in that forest.

I thought you became a mistress to that king in that place where you live in.』

『No way!』she retorts wholeheartedly.

『You know full well my country will turn that place to ash.
If I even dare to accept his confession... right?』She said while crossing her hands.

『But still, it was a brave confession after three years of constantly being with you.』

They were talking about the current king of Carona.

『He was quite a catch too...
Must have been tough to let that go.』Leanne said.

『Well, I'm a bit glad I refused.』

『How so?』

『Wouldn't, he look like a sexual deviant if I ended up being Queen.』

Leanne then bursts into laughter as she imagined it.

『Oh my...
That would have been hilarious!』

Estel's height at this moment was 145cm. at best she appeared to be a child to most people.

Leanne at this moment was now 170cm, she was now a well endowed young woman with the crown on her head. Estel's visitation made her cancel most of her schedule as she rarely comes to visit her...

『Still, you're finally free from your responsibilities.
Now that your children are back in your home right?

What do you intend to do now?』

That was what troubled Estel.

Her goal was achieved yet, she felt like she lost a lot of things.
Everyone she cares about is growing older while she remained young.

『Isn't it about time you return to your kingdom and find a partner who can equal your life-span?』

Estel's face froze when Leanne said those words.

『NO WAY!』

『Then what do you intend to do?』

『Eventually, I'll...』

The door in their room opened a young lass intruded...
Dark hair different from her mother but sapphire eyes like her mother.

『Estel!』she cried out as she rushed to hug her.

She gave her a stern look as she replied with a challenging gaze.

『Sherry...』

『No! you hogged, Estel for yourself and didn't even tell me she was here.』

Apparently, there is a rival of attention between the two...
Estel looked like the same age as her daughter which is why she felt comfortable with her.
As someone who is a princess-like herself, Leanne can understand why she has a fond attachment with Estel as she went through the same phase as her...

Estel simply sat peacefully while drinking her tea.

『Well, tell me if you made a decision.』

『I'm sure returning to your home,
would give you a better odds of finding at least someone who can match to your age.』

Estel sighed at those words.
She wanted to retort and say.
[There are none...]

The reason was simply this stupidly absurd blessing the Lord of Spirit had given me.
A contract with him naturally doubles my life-span.
The main cause why I haven't aged a bit.

Light dragons alone have a long life span on them and it is said that the first demon-king lived for at least 2000 years before dying from old age.

There's no confirmation and most of it are old records from my grandfather's research about them.

But most of the records says most light dragons live for at least 1000 years and most dragons are 600 to 400.

To make it simple, we are a long-lived race but that doesn't mean we don't age the moment we were born. We simply stop aging at a certain point our life and because of this...

I am terrified that I'll be a damn 14 yr old in appearance despite already 1000.
(*At that point i'll be bitter as heck*)

『Come on body!
Don't give up!
Atleast let me turn into a beautiful  young woman like my mother! 』

Was what I wholeheartly wish...

________________________________________________________________________________

// Seid Route //

I rejected Leanne's offer and simply went home.
Going back to the Demon-kingdom is downright stupid at this point.

After returning back home known as the "Devouring Forest.".

Monsters came to ambushed me.
Of course, at this point in my life.

I am technically at the peak of my abilities as my own shadows simply pierced holes in them with myself casually walking. Any projectiles thrown at me are completely repelled by my own shadow.

And I just yawn with my own depression in tow.

But as I reached my house...
I saw something strange.

『Why is there still light inside it?』

My mother and grandfather along with the children have already moved back to the demon-kingdom.

There should be no one else except for me.
Thinking it was some kind of thief, I readied my spells and hoped to interrogate whoever intruded my home.

As I opened the door, my eyes widened to see a single shadow-knight.

He was sweeping the floor and cleaning the place up.

『Oh, you returned.』

His voice was familiar enough for me to call him.

『Seid, why are you here?』

『Your mom told me, you'd be lonely.』

『She told me to give you the records of the children.』

At this point in my life, I thought...
Perhaps I should just enjoy my life as it is...

I gave him a wide smile and simply used 『Bind』on him.
He was shocked and complained.

『Lady Estel, What are you?』

『For Fifteen years.
I was always curious of.
What is inside that helmet of yours.

As forceful as I am...
It's time to at least let me have a look!』

Seid who tried to struggle out of my ability was in a state of panic.
After pulling out his helmet.

...

...

...

What came out was a dark-grey skinned demon-kin.
His pointy ear's reflected that of the elves, but his dark-grey skin reflected the mind-eaters.

What surprised me most is probably the fact...

That there is a large burn mark covering half of his face.
While it may look bad at first glance it only added to his charms...

But the funny thing about it is...

[Why does he hide his face when it looked this attractive!]

『Are you happy now.』He said with a condescending tone.

He was gazing at me with discontent.
『I don't get it...
You have good looks but you keep hiding it?』

『Shu-shut up!』

『Most of them said that!
Then simply laugh at me for being weak...』

Indeed, Seid was weak.
He's a reconnaissance specialist.
He cannot fight large monsters with pure power.
But he can create distractions and fight those whose abilities are referred to as normal.

『So what, if you are weak.』I replied to him.

『Someone who can see danger from a distance is a great ability you know?』

『Tch! it's a matter of pride.』he replied.

I ended up bursting out laughing as he said that.

『A matter of pride...
Yes, it is a matter of pride.』I said while giggling as I removed the 『Bind』 on him.

Indeed I guess my feminine charm is also a pride of mine that I had forgotten.
This gave me an idea on what I should do next.

『Hey, Seid wanna travel together with me?』

『Huh!?』

『I need someone with your set of skills.』

『But... I'm currently working under your mother!』

『Don't worry, I'll send her a message that I'm borrowing you for a while...』

He had a troubled look as he stood up and took back his helmet.

On the next day...

『Your too serious with your work.
Loosen up a bit!』

I had him wear something a bit more fitting for travel.
He still wore that helmet that cover's most of his face.

『Your not seriously dragging me with you?』

『You have a problem?』

『Your parents might misunderstand.』

『Tell me Seid.
Do you have a girlfriend?』

『Hah? you think someone weak like me have one?』

『Ha! figures...』

Everything went silent as I mocked him.
We continued to walk towards the roadside.

During this moment, I saw a glimpse of him glancing at me as he swiftly looked away and resumed his stout figure like a knight.

At this point I sighed and said.

『You should really stop that.』

『Eh? stop what?』

『I'm not a princess of that country anymore.』

『My lady! You carry the blood of the demon-king!』he replied.

『Even so, I relinquished that and became a traitor.』

『Tell me Seid can you stop,
Calling me my lady and acting as my knight.』

『That's...』

『Difficult... I know.』I said.

『You were trained to act that way.』

His eyes widened as I said those words.

『But as for me, I've been trained to be as ladylike as possible.』

『. . . 』

The air went silent again as we spoke.
The weather was fine and the wind soothed our mind as we continued to walk on our journey.

『It was a difficult time for me.』

『I don't want to remember it.』

『So please, can you treat me like a normal demon-kin instead?』

He swallowed his saliva as she said those words and sweat flowed down the side of his head.
At that point, he sighed.

『You really don't plan on coming back there aren't you?』

I nodded in response.

『Well, did you know I'm an orphan?』

I shook my head.

『Well, what happens to orphan in the demon-kingdom is we train rigorously.
You should know what happens to the weakest when they couldn't handle it.』

『They get booted out.』I replied.

『That's right, on that day I was about to get kicked out for being weak.
I ran away from that place and got myself lost.

I come from a half race of mind eaters and elves which means my physical strength is weak.
I still had no idea how to use my powers at the time.』

『After that, I heard shouting then...
Without thinking I ended in that kind of situation.』

『The day where you shielded yourself for me.』

『Right, I had a deep regret in my heart.
My sister died when monsters ambushed my village.

You had the same expression as her before she got eaten.』

『That's...』

『As I told you before, I saved you that time because I mistook you as my sister.』

『It was my decision, so don't blame yourself for it.』

At this point, I ended up hugging him without realizing it.
His helmet jingled as

『Hey! my lady!』

『Stop calling me my lady! 』I shouted in annoyance.

『Call me Estel... or else i'll call you brother!』

『Spare me that, please!』he cried out.

『This was my decision as well.
I did it without thinking.

So you better take responsibility...』

Both of their faces went beet red as she said those words...
On the next day of our journey.
Seid stopped wearing his helmet and simply said.

『I hope your parents won't try to kill me.』

『I'll be there to defend you this time...』

As they both look towards the future.

Note: This ain't cannon to the next story, but it sure is wholesome.
(Or maybe it is cannon.) (*w*)b