Chapter 26: Green Prairie

I thought that the days I spent riding the dragons would be dreary, but it wasnt. The view of the green prairie and forests looked fascinating. Especially since I had spent all my time in my room at the mansion and the garden.

But why did these men come to the border town when it took three days to get here from Lentforce?

I understood that they were going home from the border town and met me after theyd stopped for the night as they ran along Walsall Mountain Range.

We went to sell magic stones, Mill told me. Mill and I didnt tell each other what we wanted to, but I gained a lot of information from him because he was talkative. Hollows dont come out during the day, so I thought it would be boring.

Its nice to have someone to talk to.

Ai.

He lined up his Rug Dragon with mine and talked about whatever he could think of. Apparently, it was better if I give some kind of reply.

So, what happened to Alistair who had picked me up?

He was following Bart who was at the front. While looking in Barts direction, he rode without saying anything and learned about things he should be careful of while on the move and to look for landmarks on the mountains. Kyaro and Clyde were also keeping their ranks while staying vigilant of our back and sides; they werent letting their guard down at all.

Miww, Awishthair, oway? I wanted to ask Mill if it was alright for him not to act like Alistair.

Oh, Alistair? Hes a good guy. His mum, Nora, passed away and hes been on his own since last year, but he works hard and supports himself.

I wasnt asking about something so heavy.

Miww, guard oway? I wonder if hell get it with this.

Guard? The others are doing it, so I dont have to.

He understood me, but hes a bit disappointing.

We usually only go to the north and south of Lentforce, so its exciting to go this far.

I shee.

But this excitement put your life in danger yesterday, you know?

We finally got a barrier box, so we got reckless and camped along the mountain range. That was really dangerous. Haha.

Ithsh noth funny.

Alistair glanced at us as Mill chuckled happily.

But we usually stay in inns. At least, thats what we did until we got to the border town, Kaylie.

Reawwy? Howwow donth appear in thown?

Dont they appear anywhere at night?

The entrances and windows in town are lined with Rhodolite which the Hollows hate. Hollows show up in town, but they dont really go into houses.

I shee.

I nodded with a serious look on my face and Mill grinned in satisfaction.

Isnt it lunch soon?

Barts dragon started slowing down.

Oi, Isnt it a bit too early for lunch? Whats wrong? When the dragons stopped completely, Mill got off his dragon and said.

I told you this morning, didnt I? Were going to split into two groups here, and Kyaro and Clyde are going to go to town. The four of us will wait outside of town. You even said that we can take it easy today because were getting food from town.

Oh yeah, I did.

Mill scratched his head as if hed forgotten this. In the meantime, Alistair quickly opened my basket, removed the band and carried me off the dragon.

We were running for a long time, are you alright?

Ai.

Then, he carefully patted my body from head to toe.

Whath?

Nothing, I was just seeing if you can move properly.

Chu canth theww thhath by paththing me.

O-oh.

I walked briskly and waved my hands. Bart nodded when he saw me do this.

You can totter. Looks like youre ok.

I glared at Bart.

Wh-what?

Im noth thoththering.

Yeah, yeah. Briskly. Youre walking briskly.

Ai.

Thats fine.

Alistair pressed his lips together and trembled.

What is he holding back?

You can waugh.

Ku, haha. Chibi, youre not childish at all. Its so funny.

Ithsh Lei.

J-just like that. Le-lei. Haha.

Good grief!

I folded my arms, but it was only me putting my arms across my chest.

Pfft.

Yes, yes, go ahead and laugh.

A-anyway, you, Lei, well need to buy you some clothes.

Wothsh.

When the laughter subsided, Kyaro spoke.

I wondered if I would have nothing else to wear for another week.

I had a fever and got really sweaty, so my clothes were filthy.

What should I buy?

Thhath Wyaro.

I sighed.

Was this something you asked a one-year-old?

Kyaro, Leis probably just over a year old right?

Alistair turned around to look at me as if he was looking for confirmation. I nodded. He confirmed this with me as if it was the most natural thing to do, but babies usually dont know how old they are.

I want you to buy clothes that are a bit bigger. She has a coat, so buy two of everything else. If possible, buy used clothes.

Oh, alright. Also, does she need a rattle?

A rattle! Youre asking this now?!

Nah, Lei probably doesnt need one. Shell probably want a book instead Book?

I made a face that said, Books are good, but it seemed that Alistair was joking and he looked mixed.

Well, real nobles might just be like Lei. Our common senses are different. Im sure of it, he grumbled, but thats probably a misunderstanding.

Buy some food that are easy to eat. I have a feeling that shes a glutton.

Alright.

Also-,

Bart spoke over Alistair, Its fine. Dont let people know that we have a baby with us. Make it seem like were buying a gift for a relative.

I said alright. Im not Mill, Kyaro replied, then he and Clyde rode their dragons and ran towards the town in the distance.

Now then, we should rest a bit.

Bart stretched. But, this isnt the time to be stretching. Well, I guess he can stretch.

Awishthair.

What is it, Lei? Although he replied, he walked off, picked up something and came back.

Lei, here.

Whath?

Alistair had pulled out some thick grass stalks, teared it to the length of his palm and blew on it, Puff.

Woaaah.

Puff, puff.

Thheresh a shound.

Its interesting, right?

Then, he gave me the stalk. I blew on it. *PUFF*

Theres no sound.

Try harder.

Ai.

I breathed in.

*PUFF*

It sang!

See!? Its interesting, right?

Ai!

No, no, whatever.

I carefully put the stalk into my poncho pocket.

Whats wrong? I can make it for you again, so you dont need to put it away.

Im happy for his kindness, but its not that.

Awishthair. Magic practhice.

Magic? Practice?

Ai.

Alistair has to train his magic.

He has the same power as brother, and he has to use it then he needs to cherish his life. This is non-negotiable.