21 Laughter in the Darkness: Finding Joy Amidst the Chaos
"You are so cute!" Grandma smiled while trying to spoil me.
"Nya." A giggle escaped from me. It was natural for me since I was a baby. I didn't do it intentionally!
"Neigh!" The young unicorn neighed trying to look at me from the side.
"Isn't he cute, grandma?!" Brother asked his eyes sparkling.
"Yes, yes, you all are cuties!" Grandma smiled as she patted my brother and the unicorn.
And, the unicorn's name is Albert and he is a male. But of course, his real name is not Albert. It is in their own language.
What is shocking is, that he is the child of the Unicorn Queen, an S-rank Creature and my grandma's familiar. He had the potential to reach the SS rank, The Legendary creature rank.
If I'm not mistaken, he should be around 1 year old by now. And despite its young age, it is intelligent since it comes from the lineage of a legendary creature.
Maybe the unicorn milk I drank is from his mother, Albert identified me as his family or close person.
That's why it was trying to speak to me. And somehow I could understand its intentions despite the fact it still couldn't talk. Maybe it was due to the milk's effects.
"So they haven't come back yet?" Grandma asked looking at Hazel.
I perked my ears as I was also curious. They haven't come home all this time and I was starting to get worried. Did something happen to them? No, let's not jinx it!
"Yeah, the situation on the Lady Nazia's side was dire according to her messages." Hazel started speaking while sitting opposite side of us, on a chair. "She said the injured awakeners' number increased drastically the last month and it may take a while for her to return."
"Yes. I heard about her side." Grandma nodded thoughtfully. "The battlefield I was stationed on was relatively good. Thankfully we have managed to fend off the demons. But even that cost many sacrifices."
After taking a deep breath she continued. "Three days before I got a message from my daughter. She asked me to check on her children and told me she would soon visit herself as well. Of course, I was happy to do it and rushed here even without going back home, Aelerion."
Hazel nodded from the side, her expression grim. Since she was a war orphan herself, she knew how cruel the wars were.
"But she is a fool!" Suddenly Grandma exclaimed, startling everyone in the room. "How could she leave a baby behind? A baby! A newborn baby! Besides she just gave birth yet left again! That fool daughter of mine! Urghh!"
"I must teach her a lesson when she comes back!" Pure fury could be seen on her face.
But I know her, although she looks angry, she is actually worried inside.
"Yes... Lady left reluctantly." Hazel nodded with a sad expression while looking at us. "I sometimes pity young masters. Despite they have everything one could ask for, they can't have the most precious thing in the world. Their family's warmth, parents' love, and kindness..."
"This is why I hate wars..." She then muttered coldly.
I hate them as well...
"..."
An awkward silence enveloped the room. The atmosphere became tense.
Ok, it's time to lighten up!
"Nya?" I spoke while nudging Grandma's fingers.
"Waaa! Waaha!" Then I laughed out loud.
Grandma and Hazel looked at me stunned.
Then they also laughed out loud, but their laughter contained a trace of bitterness, happiness, and joy.
"You really are a mature one." Grandma chuckled wiping away her tears. "Haha..."
"Come, let's go to the dining hall," She then spoke energetically. "It's dinner time."
"Yes, My Lady!" Hazel replied with the same energy.
"Tell the chef to cook its best dishes!" Grandma spoke. "It has been a long time since I tasted her meals."
"Yes. And I have to tell you, my Lady." Hazel smiled mysteriously. "Our Chef's meals quality has improved since the last time you came, you will definitely like them."
"Oh, is that so?! Let's hurry then."
Thus all of us went toward the dining hall. What's more, this is the first time I'm actually getting out of my room! I can't wait!
____ __ _
At night.
"But my lady, young master Somir won't let you sleep!" The Head Maid spoke.
"Why?" Grandma asked curious.
"Because he... he even snorts at night. He will disturb your and the baby's sleep." Head Maid answered.
"I... I won't snort, ok!" Brother Somir shouted while hiding behind grandma.
"Hehe."
"Neigh!"
Me and Albert laughed from the side. It was really a funny scene to watch. The situation was like this.
After dinner, grandma played with us in the house, since it was the last month of autumn. They feared me and my brother might catch a cold. And now it was time to sleep.
Since Grandma decided to stay here before Mother came, she wanted to sleep in my room with me.
Then brother also wanted it and that's why was arguing with the Head Maid.
"Ok. But you have to promise me you won't cause trouble." Head Maid spoke in a serious voice.
"O-ok." Brother timidly replied.
Finally, the argument was done and today came to an end. After bidding farewell and goodnight, the Head Maid, Hazel, and the other maids left the room.
"Ok, children." Grandma started. "Let's sleep now, ok?"
"Grandma, c... can you tell us a story?" Brother asked from the other side.
"Oh, you want to hear a story? Good, I will tell you." Grandma said. "Is there any story you want to hear?"
"Yes! I want to hear about the swordsman who defeated the scary monster!" Brother replied enthusiastically. "No, not that! I want to hear that story. The story about a dragon and the moon!"
"Ok, sweetie, I will tell then. Listen carefully..."
Slowly, Grandma started telling the story.
Maybe her voice was relaxing and magical or the story was interesting, maybe they were tired soon Brother Somir, and Albert, who had his sleeping place on the floor, fell asleep.
But of course, I wasn't asleep, not yet at least. But my eyes were threatening to close and I was barely stopping myself from sleeping.
No, I can't do it...
...
..
Before my consciousness fully drifted away, I was able to hear Grandma's last sentence.
"I think I found the joy amidst the chaos and darkness, your laughter, my children..."
