To cheer up a heartbroken girl, I invited her to a meal.
“Poor thing, it was your first love. I really want Ms. Riae to be happy.”
We walked through town, excitedly discussing Riae’s heartbreak. Philiana’s words were met with Nina’s nod.
“Seriously, betraying such pure feelings is the worst. Speaking of which, Pauline, I heard you lived in a community like bees, but is it only the Queen who gives birth to children?”
“Yes, only the Queen gives birth to children. Actually, it seems we can, but it’s considered a grave offense.”
Heh, I thought only one person could do it amongst them. Everyone else was surprised, just like me.
“Then, there are males too, right? I mean, they don’t just fall in love or anything?”
“Hmm, there are, but they belong to the Queen, so we can’t lay a hand on them. We just take care of them. I heard someone ran away because they fell in love before, but I heard they were killed.”
No eloping, that’s also sad. Well, it’s their rule, so I can’t say much, but a lack of freedom in love feels harsh. And surely those males who are cared for are discarded once they’re no longer needed.
We finished our shopping while chatting about such trivial things. With this, our preparations are mostly complete. We decided to depart the next day and went to bed a little earlier.
The next morning, we packed our luggage and left the inn. From here on, we need to be vigilant. We don’t know when the Dark Elves might attack. They must be waiting for the right moment to strike right now. They’re waiting for us to venture into an unpopulated area.
“Hold it right there! You lot, stop!”
Someone called out to us from behind. Had they attacked already? No, it was the girl mage we fought with Piyo the other day. She was out of breath from running.
“Ah, you’re the one from back then. Um, is there something you need?”
“Hmph, I’ve been looking for you! Fight me again! You Harpy over there.”
Piyo looked around confusedly, then tilted her head, pointing at herself?
“Yes, you. I’ve been searching for you, don’t think you can just leave like this.”
“Sorry, Piyo is injured right now and can’t fight.”
“Shut up! I’m not talking to you!”
I was sharply rebuked. What was I supposed to do? Piyo really couldn’t fight in her current condition. She could barely walk, but truthfully, she needed to rest for about another week.
“Because of you, I’ve been through so much, everyone’s laughing at me, it’s the worst! Fight me again, it won’t be the same as last time.”
“But… Piyo doesn’t want to fight. It’s fine, you win. Congratulations, *clap clap*.”
I clapped my wings casually and started walking. I never expected Piyo to just brush it off like that. She’s grown up. At the same time, it was somehow amusing. Everyone else was chuckling too.
“What are you laughing at! Hey, wait for meeeee!”
Leaving the angry girl behind, we continued on, suppressing our laughter. Cecilia let out a soft chuckle, humorously asking.
“You beat her? You’re pretty good. Elves are often blessed with natural magic power, so they’re skilled in spells. But they also have high pride, so it seems troublesome later on.”
As she said, perhaps we’ve made enemies of the Light Elves as well. It would be bothersome if they attacked us later. As the commotion subsided, we finally saw the outskirts of the town when another woman appeared before us.
“Ah, um, it’s me, Riae. Do you remember me?”
“Oh, meeting you here. What’s up?”
It was the girl named Riae we met yesterday. I was worried if she was okay after her heartbreak.
“Hehe, I wanted to see you all. I’m glad I found you. I wanted you to see this.”
Then, the coat she was wearing rustled, and a cute kitten poked its head out. Philiana exclaimed.
“Oh, how adorable. You have a kitten?”
“Yes, I found it by chance on my way home yesterday. It had fallen into a drain by itself. I think it’s a gift from God. I can’t forget what I lost, but right now, I’m so fond of this little one that I don’t care about anything else.”
Riae nuzzled the kitten as if she couldn’t help herself. I was worried because she was so down, but it seemed heaven hadn’t forsaken her. I left the student town with a warm feeling.
