
Autumn is a season where many leaves are flying, the wind is blowing lightly, and the orange feel that feels warm in the heart.
In the season itself, the trees begin to shed all their leaves. Creating a view of the rain of leaves that spoil the eyes.
But behind the phenomenon, the tree dropped its leaves not without reason. They do that as a form of adaptation to the coming of winter.
Leaving the old life in the summer, and starting a new life for the winter. Although it means having to throw away the beautiful leaves that have been one part of their lives.
The same goes for Michael. The general of the kingdom of Europe who tried to throw away his old life, and start a new life in the midst of the people who had been the target of his revenge.
After losing both of his legs to treason by his own co-workers. Michael is saved by a demonic woman who finds herself helpless.
After being rescued, he was taken to the village of the demons and treated there. At first he rejected all the good offered by the demons. They are nothing more than heartless monsters.
But incident after incident, Michael's understanding of their point of view began to open up. He is no longer blind to hatred. And now, he was trying to start a new step while coexisting with them.
Michael was sitting in his wheelchair. Her eyes were staring at the silhouette shadow of Riana in front of the kitchen window with her shrewd hands cutting fruits.
He never expected that one day he would live in a house with a demon. But what harm would it do if it could continue to make a smile on his face.
Riana took out a basket made from woven bamboo, and put the cut fruits into it.
Michael pushed his wheelchair closer to the woman. "Riana, let me take it," he said.
Riana handed the fruit basket with a distinctive smile on her face. So charming and innocent. A raut that will not lose its beauty, despite suffering and wounds.
Michael put the basket on his lap. "Eh, heavy," he muttered.
While Riana moved pushing her wheelchair. Walking together, they went out of the house to go to a small hill on the edge of the village.
"Mister Iyana!" Rio appeared from behind the door. Her childish expression continued to invite a smile.
Sometimes Michael forgets that the boy has lost his family. But he kept smiling. Perhaps because he was still unaware of the atrocities he had experienced. But anyway, he was just a poor boy.
"Eh, Rio. Did you just come home from play?" Riana said as she continued walking pushing Michael.
Rio started running around the two of them. "Yes. I was playing hide-and-seek. But I came straight here because Iyana saw me walking."
"Eh, is it okay to go not say something? Your friend will be confused looking for you."
Rio smiled widely. Looks like some of his tooth is protruding out. "He he, Gapapa. My friends won't be angry."
"Yes, maybe not so."
They arrived at the top of the hill. A tree stood there with leaves beginning to fall off one by one. Under the shade of shady yellow foliage, they rolled out mats and sat in the middle of the autumn breeze.
"Please," One by one Riana took the food out of the basket.
Looking at the many dishes provided, Rio and Michael were just amazed as if looking at the treasures being removed from his coffin.
"Well, did Iyana do it all?" Rio eyes were glowing. He then took a dry cake that was still warm.
"I helped you cook. But I didn't know the food would be this much" Michael said.
Riana only chuckled a little while thrusting an apple pie. "Here, Michael-san."
Michael took a piece of the pie out of his hand. "Thank you."
The outer texture is quite soft. When compared to the expensive cakes in Europe, this home-made pie might be able to compete.
Michael launched his first bite. Instantly his mouth was flooded with a sweet taste that felt melted on the tongue. Michael continued to chew the cake in his mouth while enjoying every bite of flavor.
"You seem to like it, yes," Riana seemed happy to see Michael eating voraciously. "But don't hurry, you can choke later."
Gulp... Michael swallowed the already delicate cake. He actually wanted to add more, but he did not want to make himself look greedy.
"Oh yeah, isn't your brother coming?" Ask Michael.
"Well, about that..." Riana smiled awkwardly. "I think it's better not to take her."
"Eh-- Why?"
"Because of it..."
Suddenly from a distance someone shouted. "Heyy! Why not take me?!"
As soon as the three of them looked.
"That's right," Riana said with flat eyebrows. As if I had expected this to happen.
Ari ran away from the distance as fast as he could.
"Basic, don't you want to take my sister again, will you?" As soon as he arrived, that was the first thing he said to Michael.
"Sister, stop. We were just having a picnic. Even Rio also came along," Riana rebuked the atmosphere. "Keep, how did you know we were here?"
"Of course, since I used my observation talent," Ari laid down her body beside Riana. "I know Rio's daily pattern. This time he usually plays. But I don't see him with his friends."
"Ehhh. kok sure once yes," Riana said. "Sister didn't follow us from the start, did he?"
"S-What about... Anyway, Riana! You should be more careful when you're alone!" Shouted Ari trying to change the topic.
"Eh, but I'm with Michael-san anyway."
"That's what I mean. You have to watch out for him."
"B-but why? Michael-san is a good man. He won't hurt anyone."
"You don't understand yes, my sister," Ari picked up a piece of apple and put it in her mouth. "As a guy, I should warn you. The guy likes to take chances."
Riana's face turned flat. "Eh..." He was tired of responding to his brother.
But Ari still maintains the look of his face. "Then from that. You can't be alone with her anymore. It would be dangerous if you two were in a quiet place, then-"
Plaque! Riana hit her sister strongly.
"S-It's enough brother! Don't continue!" Say it with a red face.
"You're why the hell. I just want to warn you-Ouh duh duh!"
The two younger brothers began to get engrossed in their little quarrel. Riana kept hitting Ari. But Ari seemed to enjoy it.
"Heh heh..." Seeing their behavior, Michael began to laugh. With his hands, he tried to cover up the laughter in his mouth.
"Hey, Michael. Don'tlaugh! You think I'm messing around - Oh duh."
Riana continued to launch blows towards her sister without caring about anything around her.
"Sister fool!"
The breeze blew the leaves towards them. The sound of friction behind the tree also adds calmness, apart from the noise of Ari and Riana.
Michael smiled broadly. Widely. Like this was the first time he had smiled sincerely for so long.
The leaves flew past his eyes. For once in a while, seeing the three demons before him, made himself return to the past. It was a long time before anything happened.
"Mothers... Dad..."
The shadow in his eyes seemed to see a little boy sitting under a tree, with his parents. Enjoying autumn, with apple pie in hand. They chatted and joked, full of laughter and warmth.
"Om Ksattiah. What papa?" Suddenly Rio pulled Michael's arm.
Michael rubbed his eyelids that were getting wet. On his face was a very grateful expression.
"O.M...? Does Om's eye hurt?"
"Ah no. Just a small insect entry," he said as he slowly stroked Rio's head.
"Kalo Om needs help, just call Rio. Rio will nolongin Om later," said the boy innocently. Michael's smile grew wider.
"Yes. Om will definitely call you when you're in trouble."
Michael's eyes stared at the village that was shrinking in size in the eyes. Against the backdrop of vast forests and clouds swept through space. In his mind, he said to himself.
"Michael, this is your home now."
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[Four Months Later.].
The sky is so bright today. But the air feels a little cold compared to previous seasons. Even the leaves in the trees had completely fallen out. Just a view of the empty brown forest.
In the cold weather, Michael was sitting on the porch of his house. In front of his nose, there was a dew coming out every time he breathed.
"The weather's a little cold" Michael muttered. "I hope this winter doesn't affect the economy in the village."
Shortly afterwards, there was a loud noise coming from inside the house. The sound of trembling footsteps, followed by a scream of a woman.
Brakk! Rio jumped out of the door. Riana ran after him.
"Rio, don't forget to wear your scarf!" Riana was carrying a piece of cloth on her arm. "Let's get cold."
Rio shakes. It seems he doesn't want to use a scarf. Kids sometimes like to be stubborn.
"I don't want to. Wear a scarf when playing ball makes it difficult. Sometimes like to cover your face," Regardless of Riana, Rio also immediately pulled away.
"Rio!
Riana sighed. " Basic boy that. He'll catch a cold."
Michael laughed a little. "Leave it. Children his age sometimes have to feel the consequences."
"But it..."
"That's it. There's no point in chasing him. It could even be a storm in the field later."
Riana just nodded with a face as if to say that she gave up. He then approached Michael who was rubbing his palms together.
"Then this is for you" Riana said as she wrapped the scarf around Michael's neck.
The size is indeed a bit small, because from the beginning deliberately knitted for Rio. But enough to make Michael feel a little warmer.
"Thank you" Michael said.
They both looked at the quiet atmosphere of the village. Most residents prefer to stay at home in cold conditions that are not so friendly.
But the silence brought its own nuance to Michael. As if this world shows how peaceful life is in the midst of a chaotic world.
"It's been almost four months, yes," Riana said suddenly. "Since that bloody incident, Rio started living with us. The house is crowded, not like it used to be when I was alone with my sister."
Michael smile. The look in his eyes could not be separated from the scene in front of him. "Yes. Youre right. My life has also felt more crowded since then."
"But can we be like this forever?" Michael continues. Then make Riana look at him.
"Of course you can. I won't kick you out of here, Michael-san. Villagers are also unlikely to do so" said Riana.
"No. That's not. What if you don't throw me out. But..." Michael lowered. "What if I have to go?"
"Why are you talking like that? If you go though, I'll definitely accompany you."
"Huh? Why would you come?"
"Yes exhausted. How do you move later? I have to push you."
Again the innocent nature of Riana made Michael giggle in the heart. But somehow he started thinking like that. As if, he felt that the life he left behind, would not be that easy to leave him.
"Riana, actually..." Michael was about to speak, but...
"Everyone, get inside and lock your house!" Suddenly Ari shouted in the middle of the road.
Seeing Ari who looks panicked, makes Michael and Riana surprised.
"Sister, what's wrong?" Riana stood up immediately.
Ari approached them with a breathless face. He also held onto Riana's shoulder.
"Riana, quickly take Michael and Rio away! We-we were attacked," he said.
"wait. By who? What's that undead again?" Michael.
Ari looked at Michael with serious eyes. It's like he didn't want Michael to know this.
"The humans" answered Ari. "They just showed up. They are not so many, but they are very strong. Like an army from the Kingdom."
"Kingdom?" Michael tried to make sure.
"Yes. Their leader was a woman, complete with armor and horses. They came all of a sudden and took one of the residents hostage."
"Just hostage? Did he ask you to do something?"
Ari slowly nodded. "Yes. He said: Tell Michael that Sonya picked him up. Show yourself! Or I'll destroy this village."
Suddenly, Michael's chest seemed to be pounding. His eyes were full of disbelief. Hearing what Ari explained, he could only deduce one thing.
"Mrs..." Michael murmured with sweat pouring down his face.
"Michael-san, do you know him?" Ask Riana.
"Not know anymore. He is my junior in the squad" replied Michael.
"Then why is he here? Do you guys have any problems?"
"No. But it's possible..." Michael's gaze grew louder. "He came to bring me back."
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[Note from Author]
Hello friends, thank you for reading this chapter. Just to tell, that Author has released the comic Isekai no Gakusei loh. Don't forget the check!