Chapter 12

Chapter 12

“So, you died once while exploring the ruins. And thanks to your contract with that child, you’re standing here now.”

After listening to Yake’s recount of his experiences in the labyrinth, Reina furrowed her brows, summarizing Yake’s current situation.

“Yeah, that’s pretty much it. Mom, do you believe me?”

Yake looked at his mother. Such a development felt too fantastical. Even if he told other adventurers this story, they’d probably think, “Are you kidding? Sounds like a fantasy novel!”

“Well… it does sound quite fantastical, like something out of a novel. But since it’s so outrageous, it kind of makes it more believable! So, I believe you, dear.”

If Yake’s story hadn’t been so exaggerated, Reina might have thought he was just making up tales to impress that girl. However, given the absurdity of the situation, it somehow felt more credible.

“Just as expected of Mom. Telling you first was the right choice.”

Seeing his mother trust his words, Yake felt relieved. If his own mother didn’t believe him, there was no way anyone else would.

“But since you made a contract with that child, does that mean you two have to be together now?”

Based on what Yake had just said, Reina deduced that he and Aierjisi, who shared a life, must live together.

“That’s correct. Wait, Mom, you aren’t thinking…?”

Seeing a dangerous smile creeping across Reina’s face, Yake sensed that things were about to get quite perilous.

“Then we should definitely set a good date to handle your affairs together!”

“Ah, I see…”

Yake couldn’t help but rub his forehead and sigh at his mother’s reaction. As a man nearing 24 and still single, his mother was particularly attentive to his romantic life. Whenever he brought a woman home, Reina would eagerly question when they’d get married, often scaring many of them away with her enthusiasm.

“Anyway, Mom, it’s better if you stay out of my affairs. This Little Princess is different from the other women.”

Yake warned Reina that she should refrain from meddling. Since Aierjisi was a long-lost Blood Clan Little Princess, things about her were surely complicated. And as someone bound to her through a contract, he would probably face a lot of troublesome situations, perhaps even involving family.

“Yeah, that makes sense. So what are you planning to do, Yake?”

Reina understood that her son was no ordinary person now and must be aiming to do something significant.

“I’m going to see if I can catch up with Karito and the others. I have to return this batch of compensation money to them first.”

Looking at the hefty sum of compensation Karito and his group had left behind, Yake decided to take it back to them. After all, he currently had a red dragon at his disposal; this amount of money was nothing to him.

“You should head out soon. Mr. Karito and the others came an hour ago, so if you leave now, you might still find them at the Adventurers’ Guild.”

To return the compensation money, it was best to act quickly. If he waited too long, Karito and the others might leave the small town, making it hard to find them later.

“Got it! I’ll head over right away. By the way, Mom, is there anything to eat at home? I haven’t had anything yet.”

“I’ll make something for you. It should be ready by the time you return the compensation money.”

“Thanks! I’m off then.”

Yake pushed open the door to his room, preparing to head to the Adventurers’ Guild to see if he could find Karito and the others.

“What are you planning to do?”

Aierjisi asked Yake as she noticed him about to go out. As his master, she felt entitled to know his whereabouts.

“I’m going to the Adventurers’ Guild to return this compensation money to Karito and the others.”

“Then I’ll go with you! I also want to check out the Adventurers’ Guild.”

Aierjisi perked up at the mention of the Adventurers’ Guild and insisted on tagging along.

“No way! You should stay home. I’m going to the Adventurers’ Guild for serious matters, not for fun.”

Yake firmly rejected Aierjisi’s request. He was going to the guild to return the compensation money, not to play around. Besides, most people going to the guild were either accepting missions or waiting to team up; no one went there just for leisure.

“I won’t accept no for an answer! I absolutely must go!”

Aierjisi didn’t care what Yake’s business was; she was determined to accompany him to the Adventurers’ Guild.

“You can’t! If you want to explore the town, I already told you I’d take you on a tour once I finish my business.”

“Fine. But you better come back soon.”

Aierjisi reluctantly abandoned her plan to accompany Yake, as her father had taught her the importance of keeping promises since childhood.

“Don’t worry, it’s not like I’m going for a commission. I’ll be back before you know it.”

After leaving Aierjisi at home, Yake had no more worries and headed straight for the Adventurers’ Guild.

Yake felt at ease, but Aierjisi remaining at home was not as comfortable.

“You’re Aierjisi, right? I’ve heard Yake talk about you. I also know about your relationship with him.”

Reina placed two cups of tea and cakes on the coffee table and asked Xier to return to her room, as she had something to discuss with the Little Princess.

“Yes. You’re Reina, Yake’s mother, right?”

Aierjisi recognized Reina’s name from the earlier conversation between her and Yake.

“Yes, exactly! For convenience’s sake, can I call you Little Aier?”

“As long as you call me Aier, there’s no need to add ‘little’.”

Aierjisi looked at the woman before her. By age, she was much older than Reina, and being called “Little Aier” by someone younger felt rather odd.

“Then I’ll just call you Little Aier!”

However, Reina disregarded Aierjisi’s words and continued to call her Little Aier, undeterred.