"So how have—"

GNOM!

Azel blinked mid-sentence as Alvinus shoved half a sandwich into his mouth with the desperation of a starving animal.

The elf… currently disguised in his human form still carried his natural, glossy blond hair, but even that couldn't hide how utterly devastated he looked.

People in the café were openly staring now, giving the pair disapproving frowns and disgusted side-eyes.

Alvinus didn't care.

He devoured the sandwich, swallowed, then immediately reached toward the platter between them… a platter that used to be full but was now frighteningly close to empty.

His fingers had barely brushed a fresh sandwich before Azel smacked the back of his hand with the flat end of a fork.

The elf recoiled instantly like a scolded puppy.

"You've eaten about ten in less than two minutes." Azel said flatly. "Calm down and answer the questions."

Alvinus shrank in his seat, shoulders collapsing inward. "What… what are the questions you'd like to ask, Boss?"

Yes… "Boss."

He'd been calling Azel that for the last ten minutes. And honestly? Compared to the nightmare jobs he'd been stuck with… bricklaying, sewer repairs, unloading wagons for half-pay, Azel was practically a saint.

Still, the way he looked at Azel was unsettling. Like Azel had single-handedly rescued him from a burning building and given him a second chance at life.

Azel leaned back, arms crossed. "…First question. Why is everyone giving us the stink eye?"

He gestured casually toward the other patrons. The man at the next table scoffed loudly. A pair of women whispered pointedly behind their hands. A child even stuck out his tongue in Alvinus's direction.

The elf wilted.

He let out a defeated sigh before sliding his adventurer's card across the table.

Azel picked it up, gave it a quick glance… stopped… then looked again.

"Eh? Rape?"

Several people turned toward their table immediately. Alvinus choked on air.

"N-NO!" he hissed, waving both hands frantically. "I swear I didn't do it! I only disguised myself to register as an adventurer! One of my party members falsely accused me!"

His voice trembled the further he explained.

"My license was revoked… all my items and money confiscated… and nobody in any guild would hire me afterward…" His eyes reddened. "I had to work as a bricklayer just to survive."

Azel lowered the card and his expression flattened.

'Nyala.'

[Yes, my love?]

'Is he telling the truth?'

[He is completely truthful. In fact, he is even more pitiful than he appears.]

Azel sighed and returned the card.

The elf wiped tears with the edge of his sleeve.

"Finish eating." Azel said, pushing the platter toward him. "Then we'll buy you new clothes. After that, I'll introduce you to your new student… my daughter."

Alvinus froze.

Then tears welled again in an instant.

He grabbed a sandwich and inhaled it in two bites. And another. And another. This time he actually savored them, but still looked like a man consuming his last meal before death.

'I knew the Emperor wasn't planning to pay him shit…' Azel thought dryly. 'Well. Guess it's on me now.'

"Tha… than… thank—"

"Eat first before thanking me." Azel said, raising one brow. "It's coming from your pay anyway."

Alvinus nodded meekly and Azel's expression darkened.

"One more thing."

The elf straightened.

"If my daughter picks up any inappropriate language, bad habits, or has even one complaint about you…" Azel leaned forward just slightly. "…you'll be worse off than when you started."

A shiver shot down Alvinus's spine.

He bowed so fast their drinks rattled.

"Y-Yes, Boss! I w-will be the best instructor!"

"Great." Azel stood. "Let's go."

…

The next morning, the air behind the inn was crisp and perfect for training.

Lillia stood in the backyard with Feng, both holding spears.

Hers was small, carved from bone, but Lillia wielded it with a confidence that made her look far older than she was.

The yard was large and they were quite far from their neighbors so it was perfect for sparring without prying eyes.

Feng exhaled slowly, gripping his spear tighter.

'She wanted to learn spear work from me… and she's almost mastered it already.'

Lillia's growth frightened him sometimes. Not in a bad way but because he couldn't let himself lose control around her.

Ever since the darker side of him had surfaced, he had been terrified of hurting someone he cared about.

Especially Lillia.

'I should talk to Master… this can't continue.'

He glanced toward Rene, who was sitting on the porch with his legs crossed, hugging a pillow while watching them.

"Let's go," Feng muttered.

He stepped forward and lunged, his spear slicing through the air with enough force to make the grass sway.

Lillia parried instantly, spinning her spear in a blur. Feng's arm jolted from the impact, nearly knocking his grip loose.

She followed with a swift thrust which was deadly and precise.

He sidestepped, twisting his hips, and swept his own spear in a retaliatory arc. Lillia leapt back with a burst of mana, her feet skidding across the dirt as the ground cracked under her landing.

"Uncle Feng…" Her eyes glowed pink. "I know you're holding back. If you keep doing that, the match won't be fun for either of us."

"I suppose you're right." Feng muttered. He still felt uneasy, but he could loosen his restraint… just a little. 'I haven't felt that murderous spike since that time… I should be fine.'

He inhaled deeply, sank into his stance… then blurred forward.

This time, the spear movements were sharp and fluid. Three consecutive strikes came down, controlled but fast enough to break stone.

Lillia deflected each one, the clashes ringing sharply. She countered by ramming him with her small shoulder, forcing him to stagger.

She immediately thrust forward and a pulse of mana blasted from her spear tip, carving a scar into the ground.

Feng jumped high, twisting midair and dodging that strike. "Oi… were you actually trying to kill me?"

Lillia raised her spear overhead to block his descending kick.

"No, Uncle… I was merely trying to incapacitate you."

Mana swirled around her spear again.

Feng smirked despite himself. 'Maybe I should try the fifty-stab sequence…'

But before he could commit…

A powerful mana signature descended from the sky and a shadow fell across the backyard.

Azel landed smoothly, holding Alvinus under one arm like a sack of potatoes.

The elf was dangling helplessly, still wearing the clothes Azel forced him to try on though Alvinus looked like they might've been the first clean garments he'd worn in weeks.

Lillia dropped her spear instantly.

"Papa!"

She sprinted and leapt at him, wrapping her arms around his head. Azel caught her with one arm while releasing Alvinus, who collapsed onto the ground like a discarded bag.

Rene hesitated but Azel made a beckoning gesture.

The boy scrambled forward and hugged him as well.

Azel pat their heads warmly before looking up at Feng, giving him a respectful nod.

Then he turned to Lillia.

"I got you your magic tutor. He'll be teaching you many different kinds of magic."

Lillia finally looked toward Alvinus.

Her pink eyes narrowed.

"Papa…"

Azel raised a brow. "Yes?"

She pointed bluntly at Alvinus, who was struggling to stand upright.

"He's kinda weak."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.