Alpha hummed a song while taking his time braiding my hair.
In between braids, he fed me berries that tasted light yet sweet.
He knows I like sweets.
After feeding me some berries, he would kiss my neck and lightly bite my shoulder before resuming braiding my hair.
He wasn't the only one who was busy, though.
While he braided my hair, I was busy making him another scarf.
He loves all the scarves I've made. A little too much, in my opinion. They look so well-maintained, it's as if he hasn't used any of them at all. Yet he does, almost daily, he wears a different scarf I made for him.
All the scarves I made for him have their own separate cabinet and are arranged by color.
He accounts for them daily, except for the first three scarves I made for him.
And it doesn't take a genius to know where those scarves are.
If I hadn't taken pity on his brothers, they would have suffered an early death.
We were living at the palace at that time and his brothers had been a little too touchy with his things. Unfortunately, they found all the items I'd made for him, which he had hidden in a supposedly secured chest.
And you can guess what happened next.
He hasn't moved on from that incident. To this day, he meticulously checks everything I've given him. He accounts for their condition and makes sure nothing is missing, even though no one else touches them.
It's wasn't only his own things he accounted for. He also made sure none of my belongings left in his room were missing.
That's one of the reasons why, whenever we have to go somewhere, he tries to wake up before everyone else.
It does take a bit of time.
Annoying but adorable.
...
We had a steamy, leisurely bath before heading to the kitchen for a snack. I made him a burger, which quickly became his favorite and then we visited my lair. He loved examining my things, murmuring that he'd buy me even more because he thought the room was too sparse, despite my protests.
I grabbed my knitting gear before we returned to our shared bedroom.
Maybe the others were finished with their discussion, since Alpha and I had taken so long...
They weren't done yet?!!
Now I was curious as to what was holding their undivided attention, as they were still in the exact same positions as when Alpha and I had left them earlier.
Quietly, Alpha and I approached to see what was so interesting.
Seeing me straining on my tiptoes to get a look, Alpha scooped me into his arms as I saw...
What the heck??!!!
They were watching a memory of mine where I had watched anime for two straight days without sleeping!!!
They were completely focused on what I was watching, especially Dad, much to my surprise.
I had to admit it was a good anime, a classic fantasy with a bit of romance mixed in.
Oh! They're watching the part where...
Hang on. Why am I getting distracted as well?!
The anime has more than 100 episodes, and..
My thoughts were interrupted when several of them reacted in anger as the villain nearly killed the hero.
Hahaha!
It's so funny!
It wasn't a waste of time, however, since the anime is about a hero trying to defend the world from demons.
It's actually a bit of a learning experience for them, even if it is a little funny.
Seeing that Alpha was also getting engrossed, I quietly slipped from his arms and sat on the bed to knit.
I have a feeling the meeting won't resume until after they've watched the anime's ending.
.....
Just as I thought, they really did watch it all the way to the end.
Hahaha!
They excitedly discussed among themselves which part they enjoyed and their thoughts about it.
Including the elderlies as well, much to my surprise.
But it was for a good cause, as they learned a great deal from it.
Especially the fighting scenes.
I just hope they won't copy the yelling and the weird poses, though...
....
After they had enthusiastically discussed the fighting scenes for a long time, everyone finally noticed me and all the plushies I'd managed to make.
Yeah.. that's how long the anime episodes were.
Long enough that I managed to finish small plushie versions of their ultimate selves.
I gave the plushies to their respective owners, who were so thankful and delighted that they immediately promised to buy me gifts the next time they...
Please no!
I have too much stuff already!
Sigh...
My protests fell on deaf ears.
Dad kept grinning weirdly, holding the mini lich plushie I made for him with reverence.
As for Ten, he excused himself, murmuring something about placing his plushie in an unbreakable transparent box.
What the...
Leon kept chuckling as he compared his plushie with Aagon, who had a smug look on his face. Aagon told him that his own plushie was better made than his.
They're all exactly the same!!!
Sigh...
While everyone else was engrossed in their plushies, Khamsin gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. He left the room holding his plushie securely with both hands, his face bright red.
The pack instantly joined me on the bed while holding their plushies, nuzzling me all over and giving me little nips and kisses as they thanked me for the valuable gifts I had made for them.
Ah.. you're welcome...
I'm glad they all liked them.
After a few moments of them showering me with affection and licks, Dad cleared his throat. He told everyone that watching my memories was fascinating to him, as he was amazed by the world I came from.
He thinks my world is amazing?! But it was boring for me!
Their world is much more incredible!
Dad continued to tell us about the wonders he saw, how everyone was knowledgeable compared to them here...
That's not true at all!
And how adorable I looked when I was working...
Dad, that's enough! I looked horrible back then!
He didn't listen, though, much to my embarrassment.
Thankfully, he only showed a bit of it, but everyone nagged him to save that certain memory in an artifact and give them each a copy.
My goodness...
To my horror, Dad gave them a big, suspicious smile and mentioned that he could do more than that...
For a price.
And if they wanted it personalized...
What the heck does he mean by 'personalized'?!
I don't even want to know!
But seeing the look in Lion's eyes, I have an idea what..
That Lion...
....
We finally resumed our meeting.
The meeting mostly consists of Dad discussing everything that happened during our mission to get the Transformation Stone and our return to the territory.
He criticized some of our actions but he wasn't harsh with me though, he certainly was with the others.
Too harsh, that he told me to cover my ears whenever he scolded someone.
Lion and Sly covered my ears too for extra protection.
Poor things.
He was truly brutal when scolding Leon about the inhumane treatment I endured while imprisoned in the tower.
Leon weakly tried to protest, citing Maelsa's instructions as the reason why he'd had to do it.
At this point, Dad told me to take a break, ordering Ten to accompany me.
Ten immediately pulled me toward the exit and I followed him in a rush without looking back.
I offered up a silent prayer for the rest of the group in my heart.
Be strong.
My spirit is with...
No, nevermind..
You're on your own.
....
Remembering what happened the last time I made too many different dishes, I decided to offer fewer choices for their snacks this time.
I made three kinds of pies, meat, fruit and egg, along with some light liquor. It was just enough to make them feel good without being too potent.
By the time we returned with the food, everyone, especially the pack, lit up. It was obvious the atmosphere had been tense before we entered.
I'd made the right decision. Despite having fewer choices, they still couldn't control how much they ate.
Oh well..
The mysteries of their stomachs.
Now everyone is in a cheerful mood, including Dad, to whom I gave tea instead.
Ten sipped his favorite coffee while watching the rest eat to their heart's content.
After a sip, Dad told me why Lion didn't visit me on some days and why his other visits were too short.
It turns out that Lion had been on his knees, begging for my early release and willing to do anything to make it happen.
What?
Really?!
I was so shocked that I was speechless for a moment.
Actually, I didn't know what to say...
Dad, however, had plenty to say to Leon, who looked like a wounded puppy while eating his tenth piece of pie and it ended with Dad telling him they would have a practice session afterward.
Uh-oh.
Leon choked on his food before gulping down the rest of his liquor.
Aagon simply shook his head, commenting that he didn't want to be in Leon's position at that moment.
The others seemed to think so too, looking at Leon with pity.
Leon, I'll just pray that you survive the session.
....
Dad gave me the floor, saying that after seeing my memories so many times, it was obvious I knew what to do in situations like this.
I'm sorry, what?
I was about to laugh until I saw his face.
He's serious?!
He was and he was waiting for me to speak.
Uh...
Ahem.
First, I told Dad that I was just sharing what I know and a few ideas.
Second, it should be up to them to make it work and to identify any holes in my suggestions.
Third, we need to rack our brains for backup plans, just in case our main plan doesn't work.
Dad nodded, telling me that what I'd just said was well thought out and that he would take note of everything.
Hmph! It's not him who has to take note, but Ten, who was standing in the corner, fervently taking notes on everything discussed, including the unimportant parts.
He looked like he was glad to have something to do, though.
.....
I can only disperse the evil aura using the Buddhist staff, which I have learned I can transform into other appearances.
To show them what I meant, I transformed the Buddhist staff into a bracelet.
Quite neat, huh?
If we're trying to be as inconspicuous as possible, transforming it into a bracelet is a great idea.
Besides the Buddhist staff, I can also detect evil or demonic auras and hidden demonic circles, thanks to this stupid, corrupted Transformation Stone on my forehead that is giving me so much grief...
Ahem.
I'm rambling here.
I told everyone that the main territory should be our main priority for now, since it's better to finish one area than to roam in no particular order.
Someone asked why and I answered that if we don't cleanse one area first, then there will be no end to it...
Khamsin suddenly had an 'aha' moment and explained my meaning to the others. Dad pondered for a bit before admitting he finally understood why getting rid of the cultists in the desert had seemed endless.
Huh? So that's why it seemed like there was no end to it?!
Aagon mumbled that he'd take note of that. When he goes back to his territory, he'll be on high alert, checking for any signs of cultists or demons too so he can get rid of them before they spread their influence further.
After they had discussed it among themselves for a while, Dad cleared his throat and asked for my plan to cleanse the main territory, considering its size.
That's quite easy, we'll start with the palace first!
.....
To kill two birds with one stone, we decided to organize some sports for the rest of the group to play. This ensures no one is left in the palace while I cleanse the area. Meanwhile, someone will keep an eye out for disguised demons so we can secretly attack them later when they're alone.
Good plan.
Since my Apollo form attracted too much attention, we all decided that I should not change forms for now.
The same goes for Dad, however, I turned Ten into his Hermes form. He's going to play with the rest of the group to provide a distraction while training their bodies at the same time.
Dad's presence is already keeping the loitering individuals away from the palace. Not to mention Orm's expression while carrying me.
Meanwhile, Leon, Lion, Ten, Khamsin, Ghost, Alpha, Sly and Aagon are all playing rugby in the palace courtyard.
Hearing the cheers and screams made me realize just how intense the game was.
We had already agreed that if we haven't finished cleansing the palace by the time they're done, they will move on to boxing and volleyball.
As we visited the room where Alpha and I first appeared when he brought me back from my previous world, my bracelet began to jingle faintly.
Ah.. it's time for us to get to work.
Orm gave me a kiss and an embrace before whispering into my ear that he was right beside me and would protect me from harm.
I smiled at him before transforming my bracelet back into its original form.
Instantly, I felt an itch and a sharp pain in my arms. I slammed the end of the Buddhist staff into the ground and began chanting.
As for Dad, he stayed outside the room, placing a magical barrier to prevent anyone from entering.
I could see the horror on Orm's face as several demonic markings and circles appeared all around the room.
Ah! My arms hurt!
But my job hasn't even started yet!
So I concentrated on chanting the mantras needed to cleanse the area, while Orm cast a spell to provide temporary relief for the pain in my arms. He kept watch for any...
Something is touching my..
AHHHH! A CLAW NEARLY GRABBED MY LEG!
Orm reacted instantly, blasted it away with his ice magic.
He nodded for me to continue my chanting while he fought off the numerous claws appearing on the walls and floors.
Outside, Dad was just as busy. Little, horrid-looking monsters had emerged from a portal near the door and managed to slip through the barrier.
Dad's barrier wasn't enough to keep them in!
I kept on chanting and performing the holy dance of the monks, while Orm concentrated on preventing the claws from pulling me toward them.
I'm scared!
But everyone's safety is at risk if we're not successful here!
And to make things worse, this is only the first room we're trying to cleanse!
No wonder there was chaos at the palace back then! The situation is rapidly getting out of hand!
With renewed determination in my heart, I danced with more enthusiasm and passion, as if our lives depended on it.
....
We succeeded at last.
But not without a consequence.
My arms looked awful and Orm and Dad did their best to heal them.
Orm held me tightly, nuzzling my face and neck while whispering words of comfort into my ear as Dad applied an ointment to my wounds.
Ah! It hurts! It hurts!
I sobbed in pain as he bandaged my arms. Seeing me like that made Orm cry, which caused Dad to mumble that if he had known this would happen, he should have destroyed the Netherworld back then, something he could have managed to do back then, unlike now.
Oh Dad... Don't blame yourself... None of us expected this to happen..
I caressed his face to comfort him.
Then I wrapped my arms around Orm's neck, kissing his face all over as I thanked him for protecting me.
He didn't say anything but continued to hold me tightly, burying his face against my chest.
After comforting them both, I cleared my throat and told them that we still had plenty of rooms to investigate.
They were about to protest when I gave them a firm smile.
Let's finish this.
....
It was hell for me.
Despite Orm pleading with me to stop, I insisted on continuing to cleanse the area until we were finally finished.
As it turned out, the palace held a vast number of strange, demonic auras and hidden magic circles.
But we got rid of everything.
At the cost of my arms and parts of my body. Dad and Orm tried their best to heal me, eventually covering the wounds with bandages.
To prevent any demons from doing the same thing again, Dad cast an extremely powerful protection spell. It will prevent demons from re-entering the area, along with wards, barriers and other spells that I didn't recognize.
After Dad finished his part, I checked to make sure he was okay.
He chuckled, telling me that I was in a much worse situation than he was, but thanked me for worrying about him anyway.
Orm wrapped me in a blanket and carried me tenderly. He told me he would take care of me and that we would return to the palace first while Dad finished things up, ensuring the disguised demons could no longer enter.
Oh, that's great!
But we still have a long way to go.
With that, a magic circle glowed beneath him and in an instant, we vanished.
.....
Orm gently removed my clothes as tears continued to fall down his face.
I tried my best not to flinch from the pain, since he was already anxious and deeply affected, but I failed.
Whenever I flinched, he would give me little licks on my neck and kisses on my face, trying his best to comfort me.
He's actually the one who needs more comfort than me.
After undressing us both, he carried me to the bathroom and tenderly bathed me while cleaning my wounds.
Heyyy.. my wounds are starting to heal because of that ointment that Dad placed on them!
But Orm doesn't seem to care. He still thinks that as long as I have a wound on my body, no matter how small, my life is in danger and I might be dying.
It's funny, but that's just how anxious he is about my well-being.
So, to soothe him, I let him do as he pleases.
After the bath, he carried me back to his room and placed me on his bed as gently as if I were breakable.
Then, several vials appeared. He sat on the bed and pulled me onto his lap, his tail wrapping around both of us.
He held me tightly with one arm while his other hand held a vial, coaxing me to drink. He told me he had made this healing potion just for me.
After drinking it, my arms started to feel a little better, but it still wasn't enough to satisfy him.
To comfort him, I kissed him softly, thanking him once more for keeping me safe and taking care of me.
He then embraced me tightly, staying silent for a long time.