Chapter 71

Sufan perched on the hedge for a while, and the dojo was quite noisy.

Yebus kept an eye on the window, hoping Sufan wouldn't fly away, but eventually, he seemed to give up and called out to the students.

"Today's training ends here. Everyone, go home before the crowd makes it impossible to leave."

As Yebus had feared, people were already gathering outside, and the guards were warning them not to get too close to Sufan. If ordinary tourists were blown away by Sufan, like Rio, they could get seriously injured. After seeing the students off, Yebus turned to Rio and Shiraha.

"To be honest, I thought the talk about Sufan's favor was a joke, but this is turning into a real hassle."

"It already is. Maybe we should leave town today."

"That's not a good idea. Let's go inside. Follow me."

Yebus scratched his head in frustration and led Rio and Shiraha to the back of the dojo. Rio and Shiraha sat down in the chairs offered in the guest room. Shiraha looked out the window with a clearly annoyed expression. Sufan landed on a tree in the well-maintained garden, and began to preen, staring intently at Shiraha. Yebus sat across from them with a serious look.

"Sufan-sama clearly likes you."

Rio understood Yebus's concern after being chased this far.

"Is it because if we leave town, Sufan might follow us outside?"

"That's right. People who are excited now will soon realize the situation."

"Should we leave before they notice?"

"It won't work. With the crowd already gathered, if we move, Sufan-sama will move, and the crowd will follow. We won't be able to leave town."

Indeed, it was a troublesome situation. Shiraha glared at Sufan through the window, but Sufan didn't seem to mind, just watching Shiraha. Yebus crossed his arms and sighed.

"Let me ask you. Do you have any intention of settling in this town?"

If Shiraha settled in the town, it was unlikely Sufan would leave. Everything would be resolved smoothly.

"Given this situation, if you intend to settle, the council might provide you with a house. What do you think?"

"A house for the two of us..."

Shiraha looked away from Sufan, pondering. However, Rio shook his head immediately.

"We don't intend to settle."

With the goal of investigating the magic jade, they couldn't settle in this town. Shiraha looked at Rio with dissatisfaction. Yebus chuckled, as if he had expected this.

"I thought so. Well, then we need to either divert Sufan-sama's attention or make him dislike you."

Before Yebus could suggest they think of a solution together, the door to the guest room opened. Yebus stood up hurriedly at the sight of the elderly man who entered.

"Master! What's the matter?"

"We can't afford to take our time in this situation. Guests, I apologize for the commotion."

The elderly man, called Master, narrowed his eyes at Rio and Shiraha.

"Sufan's favor and jealousy, I see. I have a carriage waiting outside. I won't harm you, but I need you to come with me to the council. There are limits to what we can do to protect you here."

"Understood."

"If Sufan-sama follows the carriage, it will become even more difficult. Yebus, come with us."

"Yes, Master!"

Yebus answered clearly and led the way to the back. Rio looked at Shiraha.

"This is getting serious."

"Very troublesome."

Shiraha glared with annoyance, but Sufan, still watching Shiraha, spread his wings and flew to the back first. When they emerged from the back of the dojo, the guards were holding back a crowd surrounding the carriage. Sufan perched on the carriage, showing no interest in the people around it. As Shiraha was about to get in, Rio stopped her.

"Shiraha, I think if we try to ride with you, we'll be blown away again. Let's walk."

"Troublesome."

"Hey!"

Rio quickly covered Shiraha's mouth, fearing she would call Sufan by a disrespectful name. To his surprise, Sufan didn't use his innate magic. Sufan looked at Shiraha with interest, a look that seemed familiar. It was the same look Shiraha had given Rio when they first met, as if observing something new.

"Let's go."

Shiraha pulled Rio's hand, and they pushed through the crowd, guarded by Yebus and the guards. Sufan began to circle above their heads, following Shiraha's pace. The tourists were excited, and the townspeople looked anxious.

As they reached the main street, a five-year-old boy with flowers stood in front of them. Yebus hesitated, and the boy shouted at Shiraha.

"Don't take Sufan-sama away! I'll give you these flowers!"

Yebus flinched and glanced over his shoulder at Shiraha, despairing. Shiraha glared at Sufan, seemingly oblivious to the boy's plea. Worried about the situation, Rio spoke to the boy.

"We won't take him away. Thank you for the flowers."

Rio glared at Shiraha, wondering why he had to smooth things over. Shiraha tilted her head, noticing Rio's gaze.

"What?"

"Try to be more aware of your surroundings and avoid causing conflict."

"You're saying that?"

"..."

Rio's shoulders slumped, defeated by Shiraha, who hadn't seen the whole situation. Determined to get to the council quickly, Rio tried to lead Shiraha and follow Yebus. But then, shopkeepers and employees along the main street started calling out to Shiraha, offering various incentives.

"Please settle in this town! We'll give you a lifetime discount!"

"We'll offer everything at half price!"

"I run a construction company. You can trust me with your home maintenance!"

Overwhelmed by the barrage of offers, Rio felt a headache coming on and pressed his forehead.

"Rio, are you okay?"

"I might not be."

"Are you not used to the noise because you're from the countryside?"

"..."

"Why are you piling on?"

Rio sighed, feeling the need to get to the council as quickly as possible.