Making our way back to the tavern, I wonder what to do with this child. While she is clearly powerful, she has yet to be able to accept her current predicament.
'It doesn't surprise me. What age would she be?' Wanting an answer that has been plaguing me. I decided to ask her.
"How old are you, Elizabeth?"
"I am eight!!" she yells while holding out 8 fingers.
"And how long have you been here?" I ask, as I believe she hasn't counted her age from when she reincarnated.
"Uhm mmm… I don't know, really. Maybe one year." She answers a bit unsure.
"So you're 9 now?"
"I guess so." She answers in a gloomy tone.
Continuing in conversation, we make our way toward the tavern. Once we arrive I decide to guide Elizabeth while covering her eyes.
'I feel bad for bringing her here, but it's not like I got any choice.' I think lamenting my room choice.
As soon as we enter, I could immediately see Ashomdai. He's drinking a "Wicked Blossom" while juggling some cards.
'Does he actually ever leave that table?' I start to wonder.
Ashmodai, who sees me enters, welcomes me back with a confused face.
"My dear friend! Welcome back! Is this little girl supposed to be the sacrifice?"
Elizabeth immediately tenses up as I could feel her panicking.
"No, she's not. I met her in the alleys and decided to take care of her."
"Then how did you get in this beat-up state, my friend?"
"I had a few arguments" I answer dryly.
His eyes flicker with a reddish glint as a smile from on his face.
"Indeed, You have been very busy, I see. Well, rest up. It doesn't seem I have to teach you a lot about soul magic anymore. However, if you wish, I could teach you about rituals." He says casually.
A bit surprised by his "goodwill" I respond after a few awkward seconds.
"That's fine by me. But first I have other decisions to make."
"Of course, of course, sleep well, little girl."
Elizabeth gets startled by the sudden voice aimed at her.
"Goo… Good night sir." She answers in a polite tone, still stuttering.
Reaching my room, I drop my hands from her eyes. She seems to be impressed by the room.
"Why do you look so surprised?" I ask intrigued.
"I haven't slept in a room since I got here, brother," she answers, clearly more comfortable.
I frown at her response, but decide not to pry.
'It's probably better that I don't ask too many questions. I could recall a traumatic memory.'
"Anyway, I would advise you to stay here for a couple of days."
"Wait, you're not leaving, are you, brother?" She asks in a panicked state.
"Tomorrow, I have to meet the devil downstairs, he seems to want to teach me something."
"What about afterward?" She asks, still panicked.
I look at the small girl. I can see plenty of bruises on her arms and she appears to be malnourished.
'I should probably help her get healthy again before I do anything else. Otherwise, I Shouldn't have taken her.'
"Afterward, I will stay here with you to tell you more about this place."
Elizabeth nods, seemingly satisfied with my response.
"You know you probably have to survive on your own one day?" I tell her in the hopes of preparing her for the inevitable.
"Why?" she asks, confused.
"I can't always be there with you. Besides, you're actually quite powerful."
"I'm powerful?" she asks, even more confused.
"Yes, but that is something for later," I conclude.
"Rest, we will talk about the rest later," I say, laying her on the bed.
She quickly falls asleep, while I decide to make myself comfortable on a nearby chair.
I fall asleep rather easily as I remember the exhausting day I had.