With each step I took, the nervosity inside of me grew even further. I had tried to flee over and over again, but Ofris did not even give me a chance to leave his side.
Almost driven to panic, I tried to at least talk him out of it: "Do you really think this is a good idea?"
"Don't worry, Rika," he tried to reassure me. "I won't let them hurt you again."
"That isn't what I meant!"
«You are holding my hand! You are totally holding my hand! They are looking! WHY?!»
"I can walk myself!" I protested.
"Are you sure you wouldn't run away?"
"Of course I would!"
"See? That's why."
"Damn it! I don't wanna!"
"You need to!"
"But that elf will be there!"
"She won't! She has nothing to do with this!"
Despite all my struggling, he easily managed to drag me into the town hall. I was just too weak to fight back.
«Why are his stats so high!? I'm so weak! That damn vixen!»
Ofris didn't care about my unwillingness to face this cursed piece of stone again. He just dragged me to the counter without even once commenting on the dozens of eyes that stared at us. When we reached it, I couldn't help but try to hide behind Ofris back.
"Oh, it's Ofris," Risa greeted him, "how was your night?"
"Exhausting, I guess. I didn't sleep well."
A laugh escaped her lips: "Hehe, I bet!"
"Don't give her the wrong idea!" I protested. "It was only me on your bed! And that kiss doesn't count!"
Risa's grin grew wider. "Oh? Would you mind telling me more about that, Ofris?"
"I slept on the ground," Ofris explained. "Nothing happened at all."
"There I was, thinking you would finally accept a woman in your heart."
"It's still too soon for me."
"Too soon?" I heard myself ask.
Ofris shook his head. "It's nothing," he lied.
Risa couldn't help but laugh. "So you wish to register her today?"
"I am not his slave!"
"She is talking about registering you as a citizen and adventurer." He explained. "Don't worry. Nobody will try to make you a slave. You just won't be able to stay in this city without being registered."
Hearing his words, I could only answer weakly: "I understand ..."
Risa didn't wait for another exchange. She pulled out a black stone plate like she did the day before, this one, however, was decorated with countless small symbols or runes which gave it an even more threatening vibe. After placing it on the table Risa slightly pushed it towards us, as if urging us to use it. I felt all my blood rushing out of my face.
I could only try to avoid it: "Do I really have to?" I asked.
Ofris sighed. "Nothing will happen to you."
"But the elf-"
"I won't let Sahria look at it," Risa promised.
Ofris hand began petting me. "She won't make fun of you again, Rika."
"I understand ..."
«They totally will make fun of me again! What will this thing tell them?! Will it broadly announce that I am an unkissed virgin or something? It's not my fault! The vixen did this to me!»
Hesitatingly, I left the protection Ofris's side had offered me. I walked towards the counter and hesitatingly placed my hand on the stone. Goosebumps were already doing their work with my tail. My fear would be more than obvious to them.
"It will take a little longer than yesterday," Risa explained when I was finally ready.
"Why is it a different stone today?"
"This one shows your name among other things."
"My name is Rika. Just write it down!"
"I believe you, Rika, but I have to do this. It is the law."
"The law? Why would there be a law-"
She didn't even wait for me to finish asking my question, before answering: "To prevent spies and criminals from changing their identity."
"How am I supposed to be a criminal with my attributes and level?"
"Rika," Ofris cut in, "just get it over with."
"I- I'm sorry ..."
Risa closed her eyes and began concentrating. She looked as if she did exactly the same as she had done the day before, there was even a new sheet of paper ready to write down everything she found out. I felt a lump forming in my throat.
«Damn it! I don't want this! They will make fun of me again!»
Yet again a big palm was placed on my head, right between the ears. I felt startled at first, but even though I didn't want to accept it, I felt somehow comfortable and soothing.
«There it goes, my last bit of pride. I am being head-patted by a dude.»
"It's ok, you don't have to be afraid," Ofris calm voice came from above. "Nobody will make fun of you."
"Thank you ..."
Suddenly, the feather in Risa's hand started moving. The slight grin on her face had already made way for a concerned expression. There was no anger, no hate nor amusement. Her mimic changed several times until her hand finally stopped moving. When she opened her eyes, she looked deep into mine and repeated what she had written down:
『Name: Rika
Gender: Female
Race: Beast Kin; Sub-Race: Fox
Class: None
Titles: A Good Girl; Loved Child; Maiden in Love
Level: 6
HP: 30
MP: 36
Strength: 11
Vitality: 14
Spirit: 12
Intelligence: 30
Dexterity: 15』
"Fox," I heard Ofris repeat. "She really is a fox ..."
⊱————- Extra ————-⊰
Rika: So what if I am a fox?!
???: *snore*
Rika: What?! Wake up! Wake up now!
???: *jawn* What is it?
Rika: Ehm...
???: Did you just wake me for nothing!?
Rika: How long are you going to sleep? It has been since yesterday!
???: I need my beauty sleep
Rika: You are beautiful enough!
???: Ohh~ That's my Rika~ (⁄ ⁄◕⁄ω⁄◕⁄ ⁄ )
Rika: Eh.. what?!