Ignoring Diaz's sputtering retreat, Alex and Gracier approached Leena's counter. Having witnessed the earlier exchange, Leena's gaze sharpened as she studied Gracier. Under the scrutiny, Gracier felt an instinctive urge to shrink back. In a flicker barely noticeable to anyone but Silveria, Leena's eyes widened in surprise before returning to their usual calmness.
〖This girl holds more than meets the eye,〗 Silveria mused telepathically to Alex. 〖Her past is likely far from ordinary. Let's hope she doesn't become an adversary, for she wouldn't be easily dealt with.〗
Unbeknownst to Gracier of this silent exchange, Alex greeted Leena with a friendly nod. "Morning, Leena. This is Gracier, my new companion."
"A pleasure to meet you, Gracier," Leena smiled warmly, her gaze lingering on the newcomer.
"Welcome to the guild."
Before Gracier could respond, Leena vanished in a blur, reappearing directly in front of her, startling her. Alex only saw a faint afterimage.
'This girl... she's definitely extraordinary,' Alex thought, impressed by Leena's speed.
Leena took Gracier's hand, her green eyes locking onto her golden one. A silent murmur slipped from her lips, unheard by all except the ever-observant Silveria, who couldn't help but let out a surprised chuckle. Her earlier concerns seemed to evaporate.
"Gracier," Leena spoke aloud, her voice firm yet filled with genuine warmth.
"Would you do me the honor of becoming my sworn sister? I promise, should you accept, to be your protector and confidante for life. Even if the world stands against you, I will stand by your side, unwavering. This I swear upon the sacred World Tree."
The weight of Leena's oath hung heavy in the air, leaving Alex and Gracier speechless. What secrets did this elf lady hold? And what did the future hold for this unexpected bond?
Leena's expression turned serious, and she swore upon the sacred World Tree. Gracier, with her half-Elven heritage, felt the weight of Leena's oath and couldn't dismiss it as a mere joke. She grew confused about why Leena would make such a declaration.
Caught between Leena and Alex, Gracier looked back and forth, unsure of what to do. Alex, sensing her dilemma, smiled and encouraged her to make a decision based on her own feelings.
Gracier felt a sense of relief that Alex left the choice in her hands. She locked eyes with Leena, searching for answers in her green gaze. After a moment of contemplation, Gracier decided to accept Leena's offer. She believed that Leena had her reasons for making the oath, and she trusted that Leena would protect her. Having a powerful ally and a big sister figure could only benefit her and her older brother in the long run. With a smile, Gracier embraced her new role.
"From now on, take care of me, Big sis Leena."
Unaware of Gracier's thoughts, Leena returned the smile.
"Gladly, let your big sister take care of everything. Now that I'm your big sister, tell me about your relationship with this shameless man."
Leena instinctively positioned herself in front of Gracier, as if shielding her from an unseen danger.
Alex rubbed his forehead, feeling a headache coming on. 'She's already acting like a big sister. But I'm not a dangerous person,' Alex thought, slightly annoyed.
〖Fufufu! Call him a lolicon,〗 Silveria teased.
'You!! When did I become a lolicon?' Alex retorted.
〖Well, your face last night when she was sleeping in your arms said it all. You were grinning like an otaku who had fulfilled one of their dreams. A loli Elf, or in this case, a loli Half-elf.〗
'Shut up, that's not true. I'm innocent. Besides, it's a violation of privacy to watch me sleep without my consent, you shameless girl,' Alex protested silently. Silveria sneered in response.
〖That's what all criminals say.〗
A mischievous grin formed on Alex's lips as he muttered, 'You know, one of these days, I'll spank your ass to teach you a lesson, to show you how to speak to your master, Sil.'
〖Peh! I knew you were a pervert. You're aiming for my holy butt. How shameless.〗
Silveria grumbled nervously. Alex rolled his eyes, thinking,
"You're the shameless one here." He decided not to engage his playful Divine Weapon further, knowing she thrived on such interactions.
Turning his attention back to Gracier and Leena, he found Leena staring at him with a disapproving frown. "Look at how he was grinning earlier, Little Cier," she commented. "I bet he was thinking something indecent."
Alex's expression faltered. Thankfully, Gracier stepped in to defend him, although her words only muddied the waters. "No, Big Brother Alex isn't like that! He's my savior, and he even let me sleep in his bed. I used his arm as a pillow, and he didn't complain."
Silveria murmured, "I approve of this girl."
All eyes turned to Alex, who buried his face in his hands and muttered, "Gracier, some things are best left unsaid."
Gracier's confusion grew as she realized her defense hadn't helped.
Leena's smile broadened, sending shivers down everyone's spines. "Alex and I will have a private talk later," she said ominously.
To change the subject, Alex quickly interjected,
"Leena, I need to see the Guild Master. I have something to report, and Gracier needs to register. Can you assist us?"
Leena's expression turned serious. "I understand, but I won't be the one handling it. The Guild Master has been expecting you anyway. Follow me. Karen, please look after Gracier and explain the registration process while I'm gone."
"Don't call me a pervert!" Alex protested, but Leena simply ignored him.
"Little Cier," Leena addressed Gracier, "go with Big Sister Karen. She'll help you register and answer any questions you have. We'll be back soon."
"Got it!" Karen replied with a cheerful salute.
Gracier nodded understandingly and headed towards Karen's counter.
"Shall we?" Leena asked with a composed smile.
"Lead the way," Alex replied, following her towards the Guild Master's office on the third floor.