Slowly, I opened my eyes, and the familiar sights of the forest returned. I was back in my original location before the elderly dragon summoned me. It was already dark.
I turned to check on Sylvia, and saw her standing in silence, her gaze fixed on the night sky, wearing an expression of pure wonder. The moonlight bathed her face, further amplifying her delicate features, casting a soft, ethereal glow upon her.
"First time seeing the night sky?"
She shook her head, "No… it's just been so long since I last saw it."
That made sense, considering her circumstances. I didn't press further, letting her have her moment.
"Um where are we currently?"
"We're in my hometown, Eldreth," I said, scanning the darkened forest around us. "It's getting pretty late. Let's head back to my place."
She nods and begins to follow me. As we walk in silence, the weight of the situation settles over me. How was I going to explain this to my sister? I'd been gone all day, and now I was bringing an unknown dragon girl back home.
My sister was already there, waiting for me. Her smile stretched across her face.
"You're finally back, little brother." Her smile remained, but her tone was anything but comforting. "Mind explaining where you've been all day?"
Yep, I'm dead.
My knees were kneeling on the floor, as my sister towers over me with a sharp gaze.
Sylvia stood next to me, shifting uncomfortably,
"So, let me get this straight," she began, "You're telling me this girl's grandfather sent her here to Eldreth to take the Ascension Rite, and she just happened to stumble upon you—needing a place to stay?"
"Yes," trying to keep my voice steady. "Apparently, her grandfather spent everything he had for her to attend the Academy. I couldn't just leave her wandering there alone at the Rite."
Elysia's sharp gaze shifted from me to Sylvia, her eyes narrowing slightly as she took in the girl standing awkwardly at my side. Sylvia quickly stepped forward.
"I'd be truly grateful if you could let me stay here before the Academy starts."
Elysia's eyes softened slightly.
"I don't know how my brother managed to pick up someone as beautiful as you." She sighed. "You can stay."
Sylvia's face flush with gratitude.
"I really appreciate it. Your kindness means a lot to me."
"My brother didn't do anything weird to you right?"
"What do you mean by that?" I protested, frowning.
My sister instantly shot me a glare.
"I wasn't talking to you."
"N-no, he didn't do anything to me," Sylvia responded quickly, her hands gesturing frantically.
Seeing that my sister had agreed to let her stay, I picked myself up, brushing off the dust from my knees.
"You can sleep on my bed. I'll sleep on the floor."
"But—"
"Don't worry about it. We had a guest over just yesterday, so everything's already set up."
Sylvia still looked hesitant, her brow furrowed and lips pressed together in thought, but she eventually gave in.
My sister stood nearby, her arms crossed, watching silently.
"Alright, it's already getting late. You guys should go to sleep, we'll continue this tomorrow."
I lay on the spare mattress Kaelon had used yesterday when he stayed over, as Sylvia lay on my bed, fast asleep, her soft breathing just barely reaching my ears. I stared up at the ceiling, still processing the events that had just transpired.
I place my hand on my abdomen, checking on my core again.
I really did become a quadra elemental mage. I should feel happy.
After all, being able to wield all four paths is unprecedented for a human. But the moment this fact gets caught by the council, the consequences will be severe. They would never allow someone like me to remain out of their control.
This sucks. I had originally planned on just living a quiet life, but now I'm being tasked with protecting the granddaughter of an ancient dragon.
She's hiding, but having a target on our backs makes it ten times harder to stay under the radar. I ran my hand through my face, exasperated, with unknown enemies out there, every move I make is riskier.
"Are you alright, Caelith?"
I turned and saw Sylvia looking at me.
"Oh, sorry. Did I wake you up?"
"Am I…a burden to you?"
"Hm?' I tilt my head, confused with her sudden question.
"To be honest, I have a hunch that my grandfather lied to me about sending me here to experience the world."
I watched her in silence as she continued.
"I know my ability to see into fate is unique, and others are after me because of it. My grandfather probably asked you to protect me from them, right?"
I couldn't bring myself to answer her. She smiled at me, with a tinge of sadness in her eyes
"You're probably annoyed having to look over a random girl like me."
I sighed, as I sat up facing her.
"You're overthinking this," I said gently. "Yes, your grandfather asked me to protect you, but I think he truly wants you to experience what the world has to offer."
Reaching out, I placed a hand on her head, ruffling her hair lightly.
"Just don't worry about it and enjoy this time."
Sylvia's eyes widened in shock, her face slowly turning red. Without a word, she quickly pulled the sheets over herself before muttering
"Goodnight... and thanks, Caelith."
I woke up to the sound of my sister's voice calling out to me.
"How long are you planning to sleep for, it's almost noon."
I rubbed my eyes, still somewhat groggy.
"Better hurry up. Sylvia's already downstairs." She turned around and walked away.
I quickly washed up and made my way to the dining table. There, I found Sylvia quietly eating her breakfast, her attention fixed on her plate. Noticing my presence, she glanced up at me.
"Good morning Caelith. Did you sleep well?"
"Good morning…" I replied, stifling a yawn as I plopped down into a chair
I quickly finished eating my breakfast, pushing my empty plate forward. Sylvia immediately straightened up, her hands reaching out to grab it.
"Oh, I can wash the dishes,"
Before she could touch the plate, my sister's hand shot out, lightly swatting Sylvia's hands away.
"It's all right, Sylvia. You're our guest," she said firmly. My sister turned her gaze to me.
"I heard the Harvest Festival is being held today. Why not take Sylvia and show her around?"
I had forgotten the festival was being held today. I looked at Sylvia's—her eyes were shining, wearing an eager expression as she waited for my response.
This seems like a perfect opportunity to show her around.
'Yeah sure, fine by me, I can show Sylvia around."
A huge smile bloomed on her face,
"Well then, what are you waiting for? Don't keep the girl waiting." My sister smirked from across the table. "Don't worry, I'll clear up after you two."
"You don't have to tell me twice, let's go, Sylvia."
"Yes!"