It took exactly one hour for Rita to explain the situation to her companions and the trio to clear out the monsters around Mary’s parents.
Truth be told, these monsters were not even that powerful. They just had numbers on their side to intimidate normal people.
But anyone who had magic could clear them out in a single strike. This time, the honor went to Ur. It was nice target practice for the kid dragon and also served for him to practice his control.
Rita just watched as everything burned around her within Ur’s flames.
“Hey Ur, control yourself. The flames almost hit me.”
Rita complained and the flame surged even brighter around her. The dragon gave her a stinky eye, still not happy that this human had her scent all over her parent figure.
‘This grumpy dragon seemed not to have any problem with me when we were alone. But as soon as Aurora comes into the picture and he pretends like he doesn’t know me.’
Still, Rita did not hate Ur or his playfulness. And she did not want to face off against a dragon. She loved her life more than that at least.
“Mommy, daddy, are you both alright? These nice people helped us out.”
Mary looked happy to be reunited with her parents. The couple did look sick but it was not to the extent that should be deadly.
Had it been Rita, she would have been able to walk and even fight around in that condition.
“Their temperature is too high for a human. I have some medicine to cure them but they would need a lot of rest and food. If possible, you both should head out of the valley and find suitable accommodation for a few days.”
Was the couple really in that bad a condition? Rita had not even realized how fragile humans were as a race. And without magic, it was even worse.
‘It makes sense now why Aurora always asked us to be careful in my human form. But I’m not that fragile of a human so she should calm down.’
Rita clenched her fists, her nails leaving imprints on her hand before healing in seconds.
Just because Rita’s magic was sealed did not mean it did not work at all. Her body still subconsciously used magic as it wanted to.
Rita could just not consciously use magic to let it leave her body. That was the price she had paid for being human.
Still, it was better than having no magic in her system at all.
“Here, the creature shall accompany you until you get out of the valley. I wish you three a pleasant journey.”
In the end, it was Astoria who ended up taking charge of the ill couple. She had the most knowledge about remedies and healing so no one contested her once she claimed her role.
The kid, Mary stopped in front of Rita and gave a small bow. Her eyes stared Rita right in the eyes and her face had a determined expression.
“Thank you for your help.”
Before Rita could have said anything, the kid changed targets and bowed in front of Aurora and Ur as well.
But as soon as she stopped in front of Astoria, her eyes held a different light in them. Rita had a feeling something interesting was about to happen.
“Uhmmm, I want to thank you but I don’t think words would be enough to express my feelings. So please, take me along. I will find a way to repay you somehow.”
Astoria’s face had a priceless expression on it. It was a mixture between awkwardness, helplessness, and anger.
Neither of those emotions seemed to be winning thought and Rita had to fight hard to contain her laughter.
“I don’t think that would be possible or even necessary. Kids your age should play around and stay with their parents. I do not need payment from you.”
Rita did feel bad for Astoria for landing in such an awkward situation. If there was someone more awkward with kids than Rita, it was Astoria.
The poor female had no idea what to do with kids outside of an academic setting. She was not even able to converse with kids who approached her with questions.
Astoria was popular with the students for her no-nonsense attitude but she was rarely spotted outside of working hours.
Still, it would be good for Astoria to learn to deal with kids. She could do not avoid them forever in her profession
Besides, Mary did not look like she was going to give up after one rejection. The girl had stars in her eyes when she looked at Astoria.
It was something more than adoration. It was the beginning of a crush.
‘I think Astoria is in for a hard time ahead.’
“Mary, you should go look after your parents right now. They are in a delicate time and you don’t want to lose them, right?”
Astoria breathed a sigh of relief at Aurora’s help. If there was one person who could convince you that white was blue, it was Aurora.
She was the best person when it came to dealing with people. And she was also popular with kids.
So naturally, Aurora should have been able to talk Mary out of her stupid idea of following after Astoria.
Only, that did not happen. Instead of agreeing, Mary had an annoyed look on her face.
“Are you her lover? If not, then do not butt in into our conversation.”
Rita could only watch stunned as the scene in front of her played out. This was the first time Rita had seen anyone talk with Aurora like this.
Most people who talked badly about Aurora did it behind her back. No one cursed her out to her face.
And not over liking someone else. Rita really wanted Aurora to lie and admit to being Astoria’s lover.
Well, Rita would feel jealous if Aurora did so that but it would all be worth it to see the incoming shit show.
Sometimes, you had to sacrifice something to get something of higher value. And this entertainment really was something of a higher quality. It made Rita want to roll around while clutching her belly.
“Mary, you are too young for me. Not only in the body but in the mind as well. Besides, I don’t have any interest in brats. Now, go back with your parents and stop trying to rile Aurora up.”
For what it was worth, Aurora looked seconds away from breaking into laughter as well. Rita was glad to see that she was not the only one who found this situation funny.
‘Darn, now I really want to tease Astoria about this.’
Rita’s smirk made it obvious what she was thinking. One look was all it took for Astoria to guess her intentions.
“We cannot afford to take a kid with us on our journey. Not only is it dangerous but it will also slow us down. And no, this is not up for debate.”
Rita muffled her laughter but she did agree with Astoria. Their journey was no place for a kid like Mary to walk around on.
There would be too much danger, not to mention the dangers of being exposed to the abyss at different points in time.
Abyss was something that no kid should be worried about.
“I know what you mean. Sorry kid, it looks like you’ll have to stay behind for now. But you can always try out for the Rocx academy since that is where Astoria teaches.”
Astoria’s irritated look was all worth it in Astoria’s eyes. She was enjoying this too much.
But it was also time to go. The sun was high up in the sky and the path would be safe to travel now.
The group left the couple’s dwelling, not realizing that they were being followed behind by a small shadow.
This content is taken from (f)reewe(b)novel.𝗰𝗼𝐦