Chapter 93.2
Chapter 93: Before The Final Battle, Feed the Child First [2]
In the peaceful afternoon after lunch, Illya was soundly napping on the bed.
Naya and Iris sat at the table sipping tea.
Iris glanced at the toys Illya had assembled—a pterosaur surrounded by little figures holding swords, as if reenacting a hero’s battle against a dragon.
“Looks like we’ll need to consider buying more toys for Illya. This won’t be enough to keep her occupied.”
Iris hadn’t even had time to get close to Naya, and Illya would already get bored with her toys. What then?
“This should be enough. Buying too many will just be a hassle to carry. Let’s not add more work for Flanna and Bella.”
“Oh? So now you care about not burdening them? Who sent me to boss them around and gather information?”
Naya held her teacup in both hands.
“That’s… that’s different! It’s for your sake, after all. You can’t always assume you’re invincible, or one day it’ll catch up with you.”
“You’re such a worrier. What could possibly catch up with me?”
Iris knew the importance of being cautious, but she still wished Naya wouldn’t stress herself with too many unnecessary concerns.
This journey wasn’t just about fighting for the Earth’s Vein relic. It was also meant for Naya to enjoy the travel itself and experience the meaning of the journey—not just treat everything like a battle.
“Hmph, you always say that. Fine, if you’re not worried, I’ll worry for you. One extra pair of eyes can’t hurt. Remember last time when I was working with you, and Illya sneaked out and got beaten up by some heroes? And then again in Gerris City, when her dream was invaded by a dream demon because we let our guard down? Both times, Illya was unharmed, but danger can make mistakes countless times, while we can only afford zero mistakes. If something really happens to Illya, I’ll never forgive myself.”
“Alright, alright.” Iris, having heard Naya mention those incidents repeatedly, was almost growing tired of it. She scooted her chair closer to Naya and took her hand.
“I get it, I’ll be more careful. Haven’t we done everything you said? Just stop worrying so much, okay? We’ve prepared everything, and now it’s time to enjoy this journey. It’s not just about fighting. It’s about the sights along the way, the human cities, and their culture. Plus, this is a rare long journey for our family of three—no, five. Isn’t that worth cherishing?”
“…Mmm.”
Naya nodded.
As she reflected, she realized she’d been worrying a bit too much. She had rambled on, and it seemed she had unintentionally blamed Iris for being careless with Illya.
“Besides, it’s been a while since we’ve nourished the children’ souls. How about opening the door for a little while and letting me in to feed them a meal this afternoon?”
“No way. I’m not letting Illya out of my sight.”
“I never said Illya had to leave your sight. You can still watch her right here.”
“Iris, do you have no sense of shame at all?”
Naya chided softly.
“I think feeding the children is more important than shame.”
“Are you really thinking about the children? I’m not going to call you out on your real intentions!”
“We’re nearing the crucial point of acquiring the Earth’s Vein relics. It’s even more important to keep an eye on the children. Isn’t that true?”
Iris maintained a serious tone, as if she really only had pure intentions.
“Fine, but hurry up.”
Though Iris had ulterior motives, Naya couldn’t deny that giving the children more energy would benefit them.
So, begrudgingly, she agreed.
“Illya sleeps for two hours, so take your time, as long as you don’t wake her up.”
“If you keep teasing me, I’ll really get mad.”
“Alright, alright, no more teasing.”
Iris’s figure suddenly disappeared from the chair and slipped under the table.
Naya held her tea cup, trying to remain calm, taking a light sip of her red tea.
“It tastes like red tea.”
Iris’s muffled voice came from below.
Naya felt like she could strangle Iris at that moment.
If you’re going to feed the children, just be a proper delivery person. Stop saying such weird things.
Watching Illya sleep peacefully on the bed, Naya felt her heart race for no reason.
“Naya… this terrain is so steep. Can you make it a little easier? I won’t make it to the children if I’m exhausted.”
No, she couldn’t.
Just looking at Illya’s adorable sleeping face made Naya feel too embarrassed to even think straight.
She covered her face with her hands.
The red tea she had just sipped still held its warmth, spreading throughout her body.
The twin souls within her, starved for warmth, greedily absorbed the heat from Naya’s body, but the happiness and satisfaction she felt in her heart remained untouched.