"Owww… you are so cruel, Arin, not even coming to help me when I did you such a big favour." Aina rubbed her head as she spoke.
While I did want to thank her and help her for the assist, I can't very well do it in front of Riveira herself.
"You want another punishment?" Riveria's sharp-voiced echo made Aina jump to her feet.
"N-No, I am fine."
"Haa… anyways, Arin, wait a moment, I will go and get prepared, then we can leave." Riveria disappeared in the guest room, leaving Aina and me. Max had already gone to work, since he had an early shift today.
After confirming that Riveria was gone, I turned to face Aina, "Sorry, I really wanted to help you out, but couldn't do it in front of her, but still thanks for the assist, though it would be better if next time you tell me beforehand."
"Hehe, sorry about that, the plan was made in a hurry, so I was unable to do that," she said with a smile, but the next moment it was gone, her expression serious, "But I wanted to ask you, if you are aware of the complication that comes with you trying to court Riveria."
"Do you mean about her being a high elven princess?" She nodded at my words, waiting for my response, which I didn't hesitate to answer, "Her being a princess is irrelevant. It is her life, and only she can decide for her life. I won't let anyone say otherwise, Even If I have to go against a whole race."
I knew it was easier said than done; there are a lot of strong adventurers in their ranks. Hedin, for example, is an amazing mage, not to mention Hogini, being one of the best dualists there is.
But I don't plan on losing…
"Do you understand what you are saying? What do you plan to do about the inheritance of the throne? His majesty had not yet deannounced her right for it."
"I don't know." I have yet to plan anything concrete for it. "In the first place, is the king incompetent or what? Can't he make another heir?
"...it's not that easy for elves to make children, even more so for high elves."
Before we could converse further, we heard the door to the guest room open, and Riveria emerged wearing her combat outfit.
"Should we go, Arin?" She asked, walking into the hallway.
"Yes, we should."
"Aww, can't you stay for a little longer? You haven't even had breakfast." Aina was most likely just trying to be with Riveria a little longer, knowing her attempt would fail.
"It's too early for breakfast, so we will just take some snacks with us." Riveria and I walked out of the front door, Aina following behind us.
"Be careful on your way, and come often, okay!"
"Yes, see you later, Aina." "Bye, see you later."
Riveria and I bid our farewell and started making our way towards the exit gate of the town.
"She is an interesting person," I commented, looking back and seeing Aina still standing at the door and waving her hands. I also waved back and turned forward again.
"More like really mischievous, she has changed a lot after we left the elven forest, and even more so after she became a mother. She used to be really timid." Riveria had a gentle look in her eyes as she reminisced.
"Yes? That's hard to imagine after seeing her being so cheerful."
"Yes," Riveria gave a nod, her expression becoming slightly sad, "but I really wish I could find a cure for her. Even if she didn't show it, it must really be hard for her."
"Hey, don't worry, we will find something, she isn't dying anytime soon, okay?" I tried to assure her, but even I didn't know how we could find a cure for an unknown disease.
"You are right, I haven't tried everything yet, there must surely be a way." Riveria forced herself to cheer up, but I could see that the determination in her eyes was real.
"That's the spirit!" I said to match her enthusiasm, but hearing my words, Riveria stood rooted in her spots, making me come to a halt as well.
"Spirit, spirit… yes… that might work… but no…. That won't be enough…." I could hear her muttering something under her breath, her hand on her chin, and her eyes looking down.
"Um… Riveria?" I called out worriedly. With a start, Riveria looked up.
"Thank you, Arin, you just gave me an idea that might help me cure Aina," She said, her expression bright.
"Really?" I said with doubt, "I am glad if that's the case…"
"Yes, although I have to think of something else well, but it definitely has a higher chance than all the other options we have tried."
"And mind telling me what that is?" I asked curiously, Riveria started walking again, and explained the vague details she had thought up, as we made our way back to the dungeon city of Orario.
.
.
.
.
.
.
We approached the gate, and I could see Ardee and Shakti standing there.
"Oh! So you finally decided to grace us with your presence, your highness." Ardee called out the moment she saw me.
"Stop being sassy, Ardee. I told you it was an emergency." I said.
"She is just being bitter since she had to run around to sort out the situation. Asfi made us aware of the situation, so you don't have to worry about any penalties, but avoid going out of the city for some time." Shakti explained.
And I understood her situation as well, me going out without prior permission and being penalized for it might create some doubts towards Ganesha's familia and towards the guild as well.
"Yes, I will, and again sorry about it, Ardee and you too, Shakti."
"Humph! It's good you understand." Ardee huffed with satisfaction, hearing my apology.
"Allow me to apologise as well, Arin only did it to help me with no intention to undermine your familia or guild authority. I am sorry." I don't think Riveria needs to apologise after all, I was the one to make the decision and not her.
But I guess she won't accept that.
"Like I explained, everything is fine, neither of you don't needs to stress about it too much, now I am pretty sure both of you have to give your report to your famila so that I won't hold any longer."
"Thank you, and yes, we should take our leave now." Shakti and Riveria completed their conversation, and we decided to go home.
The guard standing at the main gate of the Twilight manor greeted us, to which we replied with a nod and entered the manor.
We just entered the main hall when we encountered Tiona. "Oh! Everyone, Arin and Riveria are back!" she shouted, and we heard several footsteps from all around us, as more and more people gathered in the main hall.
"Arin, Riveria… welcome back," greeted Ais warmly. Before we could reply to Ais, other members started throwing questions as well. Those who had never been to Melen asked us about the city, and those who had been there before asked if things were still the same or not.
*Clap clap* Seeing us crowded from all sides, Loki clapped her hand to get their attention. "Everyone, Arin and Riveria must want to rest after their journey, so let's leave the story for another time, shall we?"
Hearing her words, everyone apologised for bothering us and started to go back.
"Thanks, Loki."
"Hehe, don't worry about it, I am your goddess after all, it's natural for me to look out for you."
Loki really was a good goddess; now, only if she could act this reliably all the time, then that would make her an amazing goddess for sure. Though I knew that was just a mere fantasy–no–a delusion. Her next words only strengthen my thoughts.
"hehe, though if you are feeling so grateful, then let me groupe Mama Riveria boobs!—GUFAAA!" She said and jumped at Riveria, only to get thrown over by Riveria's amazing technique.
"Haa.. why can't you behave like a proper goddess for once?" Riveria shook her head and just went to her room, leaving Loki wincing on the ground.
"I am also going to get some sleep," I said and went to my room to rest as well, ignoring Loki trying to stand up.
"Both of you are so cruel…" Loki could only grumble as she was ignored by her own familia members.