The little blonde girl, who had looked rather shy a moment ago, lit up when she saw Paul. She ran over and threw herself into his arms.
"Father!"
"Norn!"
Paul smiled as he held his daughter, though his face was still haggard.
"Is that Norn?"
A faint smile touched Kayin's lips. He remembered Rudeus mentioning his sister's name in his letter.
The little girl shrirmed back against Paul, wary of Kayin and Alexander as they approached.
"Norn, this is Kayin Brand. He's done our family a great kindness. He helped us find Aisha and Lilia."
"Aisha and Mama Lilia are safe too?" The little girl's eyes brightened, and she looked gratefully at the smiling black-haired boy.
"Rudeus told us about them. Otherwise, we never would have known where they were."
"Thank you, big brother!"
Kayin smiled at Norn as she bowed politely before him, then ruffled her blonde hair.
"Norn's such a good girl. And Paul, please remember what I told you. I'll arrange for you to meet Rudeus and the others tomorrow."
With that, Kayin left with Alexander.
"Not staying for another drink?"
"I'll drink with you when your whole family is together."
Kayin waved without looking back.
"Take care, big brother..."
"Mm..."
Both of Rudeus's younger sisters really were good kids.
On the way, Alexander pursed his lips, then finally voiced his concern.
"Lord Kayin, about Rudeus..."
"You mean his status as one of the Human God Apostles? You think they shouldn't meet, Alexander?"
"Exactly. If he passes dangerous ideas on to his family, then when the time comes, it might not be just Rudeus..."
Kayin stopped and looked up at the dim sky. He gave a self-mocking smile and sighed softly, then his gaze sharpened with resolve.
"He won't. If he didn't care about his family, the