"I'll go bandage my wounds now. Can you take some food to the tent for me, Yelena?"
Hearing this, the white-haired, rabbit-eared girl Yelena was initially a bit surprised but then nodded slightly.
"Thank you, Yelena." Alina gave Yelena a gentle smile before turning to leave and tend to her wounds.
Thanks to Griseo's timely arrival, Alina's injuries weren't severe. The worst was a long cut on her forehead, which looked frightening due to the amount of blood, but wasn't actually too serious.
She had planned to wait a bit longer, until after Griseo had eaten, before tending to her wounds.
However, persuaded by Yelena's concern about infection and the potential waste of more resources, Alina asked her colleague, codenamed "Frostnova," to deliver the food.
This would also allow her to introduce Griseo to Yelena.
"It seems like the food Alina asked you to deliver is for the child she brought back."
"Yeah, big sis, make sure to take a good look inside and tell us all about it later!"
"If you're so curious, go see for yourselves." Yelena's face remained stern as she spoke to the lively group gathered around her.
"Aw, come on, big sis, just tell us!"
"Yeah, sneaking a peek feels awkward!"
Despite their protests, Yelena remained silent, though a hint of a smile appeared in her eyes as she watched their antics.
---
In the tent, Griseo was deeply immersed in her painting, completely oblivious to her surroundings, even ignoring her growling stomach. Her violet eyes were solely focused on the colors before her.
Unlike Griseo's absorption, Tallulah, who had been watching from behind, gradually furrowed her brows in confusion.
Though she wasn't deeply involved in art, being groomed by the Black Snake as a successor had given her a basic level of art appreciation. To her surprise, the little girl whose origins were unknown was exceptionally skilled in painting. Even though the piece wasn't finished, it already seemed to rival those of top-tier artists she have seen.
Adding to her confusion was her inability to identify Griseo's race, which only made her more curious.
However, with Alina absent and Griseo engrossed in her painting, Tallulah's questions remained unanswered. Besides her curiosity about the little girl, she was also anxious about the cause of Alina's injuries, a question still unanswered.
These unresolved issues gnawed at her, leaving her feeling restless.
"Whoosh—"
Just then, the tent flap was lifted by a slender, snow-white hand, letting in a gust of cold wind and breaking the silence.
"Yelena, is something the matter?" Tallulah, initially thinking Alina had returned, was surprised to see Yelena.
"Alina went to bandage her wounds. I'm here to bring food." After a brief explanation, Yelena placed the food on the table.
"I see."
"…"
After setting down the food, Yelena didn't leave immediately but instead observed the little girl absorbed in painting. Noticing her thin white dress, bare legs, and delicate, bare feet, Yelena's expression mirrored Alina's earlier disapproval.
There were many children in the Reunion, most of whom Alina had taught and were attending school. But it was Yelena's first time seeing a child dressed so lightly in this region no less.
Seeing that Griseo didn't seem to feel cold, Yelena quickly categorized her as special, probably possessing some unique abilities. Just like Yelena herself, whose Originium Arts made her body temperature much lower than normal.
After making a quick assessment, Yelena decided to leave but stopped abruptly, as if remembering something. "Do you know what Alina encountered this time?"
"I don't know. Alina hasn't told me yet. This child… seems to be lost in her painting." Tallulah shook her head helplessly at Yelena's question.
"Then ask her properly when she returns. I think you might have the same suspicions as I do." With that, Yelena turned and left the tent.
Unfortunately, Griseo was too engrossed in her painting to notice anything else. Otherwise, she might have tried to keep Yelena, the living Frostnova, around a bit longer.
"…"
Watching Yelena leave, Tallulah lowered her eyes, hiding her complex emotions. A sense of fear and relief surged through her, realizing just how close she might have come to losing Alina.
"Whoosh—"
"I'm back, Tallulah. Hmm? Why the sad face? Did something happen?"
As Tallulah was feeling down, the tent flap opened again. Alina had returned and immediately noticed her friend's troubled expression.
"…"
Instead of answering, Tallulah quickly moved forward and hugged Alina tightly.
"?"
Surprised by the sudden embrace, Alina smiled helplessly and gently patted Tallulah's back, comforting her.