Chapter 371: Full of Majesty
They continued forward.
Solitär-Flamme nibbled on the sweet pie as she observed.
The market was as bustling as ever. Curious gazes still followed their group without diminishing, but it was within an acceptable range.
In a clearing surrounded by people, a wandering bard was singing the stories of legendary heroes to earn tips from the audience.
Among humans, the most famous hero story was naturally about the God-slayer Rhodes. Thus, the bard was recounting the tale of Rhodes and his companions slaying the evil dragon that wrought havoc in the past.
This story had naturally been passed down by the Holy King Norne. Or rather, most of the legends about the God-slayer Rhodes originated from Norne recounting them to others.
Of course, how much personal interpretation and modification had been added over the millennium was unknown.
Although she knew the story by heart, Flamme couldn't help but stop to listen seriously to the bard's somewhat exaggerated tale. Frieren and Olivia did the same.
However, Solitär-Flamme's attention was drawn to an inconspicuous corner by the street.
A little girl crouched there. Her clothes were somewhat worn but clean. She watched the performance through the gaps in the crowd.
Her gaze mostly stayed on the performer, but occasionally, she would glance quickly at the food stall nearby, her throat moving slightly.
Solitär-Flamme guessed instantly that the little girl was hungry.
And she happened to have food.
Just then, the performance ended, and the bard went around with his hat asking for tips.
The crowd began to disperse. Some generously tossed coins; others turned to leave.
The little girl shifted uncomfortably, embarrassment evident on her small face. Clearly, she had no money to tip, but she had obviously overlooked the fact that a wandering bard wouldn't ask a little girl for money.
Suddenly, Solitär-Flamme moved.
She walked up to the little girl. Under the girl's surprised gaze, she handed over the remaining half of her honey pie.
The action was crisp and clean, without a word.
The little girl was stunned. She looked at the pie, then at Solitär-Flamme's expressionless but seemingly unmalicious face, hesitating to accept.
Flamme, Olivia, and Frieren noticed the commotion and looked over.
Seeing the girl didn't take it, Solitär-Flamme pushed the pie forward again. Simultaneously, she looked at the girl calmly with those eyes devoid of emotional fluctuation.
Perhaps because her gaze was too pure, it reduced the sense of threat.
The little girl finally reached out timidly, took the pie, and whispered, "Th-Thank you."
Solitär-Flamme nodded and turned back to Flamme and the others. But as if remembering something, she stared at Flamme and said, "I seem to have violated your order by contacting a human without permission. I am willing to accept your punishment."
"Why... did you give it to her?" Frieren asked first.
She disliked this demon Solitär-Flamme, but this action baffled her.
"According to my observation, the subject was currently in a state of hunger but lacked sufficient funds to purchase food. And I happened to possess enough food to fill her stomach." She paused, then added, "Furthermore, I wanted to know what kind of emotion a gift from a stranger would generate in a human."
Her explanation was still flat and direct, but Flamme caught a glimmer deep in her eyes that even Solitär-Flamme herself might not have noticed.
"I see. No need for punishment." Flamme smiled, not probing further. "Let's go. It is getting late; time to head back."
Following behind the group, Solitär-Flamme walked silently.
Actually, even she didn't know why she had suddenly acted that way. She shouldn't have violated Flamme's order to actively contact humans.
What exactly is influencing me?
Solitär-Flamme couldn't know.
The path to understanding emotions seemed more tortuous and complex than she had anticipated.
But today, she had indeed stepped out of the Association's high walls and come into contact with more emotions.
And this was perhaps exactly what Rhodes and Flamme hoped for.
Meanwhile, at the top of the Magic Association.
Through the crystal window that offered a panoramic view of the entire capital, Rhodes and Serie sat on the same chair, looking in the direction of Flamme's group.
Serie sat on Rhodes's lap, while Rhodes hugged her from behind, arms loosely circling her waist, chin resting on her shoulder, almost enveloping the elf lady's entire petite body in his embrace.
This posture carried a hint of treating her like a large body pillow, intimate to the point of childishness.
Initially, when Rhodes held her like this, Serie clearly disliked it. Her golden eyes widened, and she struggled to escape this dignity-damaging restraint.
"What are you doing! I am not a child like Frieren!" she had protested, even trying to elbow him.
But Rhodes had clearly premeditated this. Not only did he not let go, but he tightened his grip, coaxing her in a low voice.
Reasons like "Holding you like this is comfortable," "You are warm," "Research has been tiring lately, need to recharge on elf lady energy"—things Serie completely failed to understand.
Naturally, Serie didn't believe him, so she struggled even harder.
She could accept Rhodes hugging her normally, or even more intimately, but this posture like holding a human cub was too embarrassing.
She was the dignified Elven Saint! The Oldest Mage! (Questionable) How could she be held in someone's arms like a child? Even by Rhodes!
Unfortunately, the benefits Rhodes offered were simply too numerous.
Including but not limited to: a week of exclusive breakfasts, accompanying her to explore the ancient forest near Ersten rumored to have Moonlight Spirits, and... a certain unspeakable intimate teaching Serie had whispered in his ear with a blushing face.
Thus, Serie compromised half-heartedly.
Although she still muttered complaints under her breath, her body honestly relaxed, leaning softly into his embrace. She even adjusted her posture to make herself more comfortable.
At this moment, a transparent screen made of mana floated before them.
The screen clearly displayed the scene in the market. The perspective seemed suspended in mid-air, following Flamme's group of four, and even their voices were transmitted via magic.
The image on the screen followed Solitär-Flamme's perspective, showing the two everything the group had encountered.
Serie had been somewhat dismissive at first, feeling Solitär-Flamme's reactions were too boring—nothing but observation.
It wasn't until the demon handed the remaining pie to the eager little girl that she finally mustered a trace of interest.
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