...
Three days later, Tilly finally felt relieved when she saw the four exhausted individuals. From their dust-covered appearances and forced smiles, she could tell that the trip, though not without its share of accidents and dangers, was generally safe. Being able to retreat unscathed after going in the wrong direction and being discovered by a large number of devils was already considered lucky enough.
However, looking at Ashes, who showed no remorse, she felt a surge of anger, and the comforting words that were about to come out of her mouth turned into stiff blame.
"I didn't expect someone who prides herself on being experienced in the wild to be unable to even distinguish directions," the Fifth Princess said unhappily. "How did you get from Hermes to the Royal Capital of Graycastle back then? It's a miracle you didn't stray directly into the Southernmost Region."
"Uh... back then, we were often chased by the Church, and we'd grab someone and interrogate them to find out," Ashes spread her hands. "Besides, I don't think the deviation was too far this time. At least we could see the remains of Taquila. If they moved out on a large scale, they would definitely notice..."
"Without sufficient Red Mist, they can't move out on a large scale. What we need to guard against are the surprise attacks launched by the Terror Beasts, and from this perspective, we can only see their tails at best!"
It's ideal that everyone is safe and sound, and this location may not be as bad as we think. Pasha interjected, His Majesty Roland sent back the first batch of witches yesterday, including Sylvie. If the early warning issue is resolved, this rear view can also help us judge the scale of the enemy and reinforcements, so... everyone, go back and rest first.
"Oh? Is there news from the Northern Lands?" Ashes raised an eyebrow.
"Otherwise, it would be more than just a few words from me," Tilly snorted. "Seriously... go!"
"Wait," Ashes paused, first glancing at Pasha, then a faint smile appeared before she hurried over to Tilly.
"Is something the matter?"
"No, nothing," Ashes pouted.
Back in the Witch Building, Tilly had just closed the door when she was hugged from behind.
"I made you worry."
"Did Pasha tell you to say that?" Tilly asked without turning her head.
"Uh, you guessed?" The latter paused slightly.
"Looking at your expression, I know what's going on." She pushed away Ashes's arm. "If I'm not mistaken, Pasha probably said that I haven't rested well these past few days, spending most of my time in front of the magic core, so I'm inevitably unstable, and you shouldn't mind my attitude, and you should come back and comfort me, that sort of thing."
"... Amazing, all correct," Ashes exclaimed.
"Then, where's the apology?" She turned around.
"None," the Extraordinary Witch shook her head.
"None?" Tilly's eyes widened. "So it's right for me to worry?"
"No matter what, I can't let you go to dangerous places, that's a decision I made long ago."
"Ashes, you don't understand anything," Tilly was instantly exasperated. "Risks can be calculated, measured, and avoided, and the executor is part of the calculation. Even if the plan is perfect, a terrible executor will make the situation a complete mess, understand? If it were me, the Broken Bridge Operation wouldn't be considered dangerous at all!"
"Calculate, measure, avoid... you're starting to sound more and more like Roland Wimbledon," Ashes shrugged.
"Don't change the subject," the Fifth Princess remained unmoved. "Isn't that the truth?"
"But accidents are unpredictable, and even if the probability of them happening is extremely small, I still hope that I'm the one to bear them. After all, I've had too many accidents in my life." Ashes leaned down, placing her hands on Tilly's shoulders. Due to the height difference, she could only look at her straight in the eye this way. "The reason for not apologizing is also sufficient. Since I've chosen to stay here and fight the devils, I'll be in dangerous situations more and more often. What if I don't come back? Wouldn't I owe a lot of apologies?"
"Hey!"
"Listen to me," Ashes's expression was unusually serious. "Compared to your brother, there's not much I can do, and thinking about the future path of the witches is too difficult for me."
“So this is the only thing I'm sure is right. If you are willing to return to Sleeping Island, I can naturally guarantee that I will no longer worry you, but not here. Of course, if you make me worry, I won't let you apologize."
Tilly found herself at a loss for words. Looking at Ashes with her black hair and golden eyes, she felt that the other party was inexplicably reliable at this moment.
That's not how it's supposed to be!
"Ahem," she turned her head. "Forget it this time. Tell me the whole thing in detail later, I want to find out where the problem lies. Now go take a shower, the smell on your body is about to suffocate me."
"Got it," Ashes breathed a sigh of relief. "Want to shower with me?"
"No way!"
Watching the Extraordinary leave, Tilly stretched out her right hand and opened her palm.
The place where the ring had pierced her skin had completely healed, and there were almost no traces of injury, but the sudden stabbing pain was still somewhat fresh in her memory.
Fortunately, the situation she was worried about did not ultimately occur.
Maybe I was just overthinking things, she thought.
...
When Logia awoke from a long slumber, she felt an indescribable comfort throughout her body, as if she were soaking in a warm spring. Dizziness and pain had vanished.
That's right, Nana Pine has returned... she vaguely remembered what happened before she fell asleep. That lovely little girl ran into the room breathlessly, seemingly without having rested at all along the way. The first thing she said when she saw her was, "Sleep peacefully, you'll be back to normal when you wake up." Besides her, there were also members of the adventure team, who were chattering a lot by the bedside, but she couldn't remember a single word.
After all, the feeling of Nana Pine's magic flowing through her body was just too comfortable.
So now I'm all better? I have to thank her properly.
Logia opened her eyes, but the first thing she saw was a gray-haired man.
She was stunned. "Chieftain?"
"It's me," Roland nodded. "How do you feel after recovering?"
"I... can't say," she tried to move her fingers, which felt slightly stiff, but the transmission of consciousness was unimpeded. "It seems like there's nothing wrong. How long have I been asleep? Where's Nana Pine? And... your hand..."
"Oh, I just found it interesting, don't mind it," Roland retracted his hand from Logia's ear. "I've always been curious what they feel like to touch, whether it would make you feel... well, particularly suyang or something."
"No, they're just ears," Logia said strangely. "If you don't mind them being strange, I don't mind."
After speaking, she shook her long ears.
"That's enough for now," the Chieftain coughed twice. "You've been asleep for about three days, which is the normal adaptation time for your body after recovering from a serious injury. Of course, it's okay not to sleep, but you'll just be extra tired and uncomfortable."
Logia was slightly surprised. "Three days..."
"If Sunset doesn't remove the Symbiotic Seed, you could sleep even longer," Roland smiled. "Waking up is the body's reminder, you should feel hungry soon."
"That's right, there's also Ms. Sunset, I have to thank them..." The wolf girl wanted to get up, but was gently held down by the other party.
"These things can wait," Roland smiled. "But before that, I must first thank you on behalf of Neverwinter City. You did a good job, Logia Fire, Neverwinter City will reward you."
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