Chapter 48: Welcome, King Chiling!
After a thorough search, Flo sighed in relief—nothing was missing.
Aside from a few strange potions, a ring, and a note, Yanlu hadn’t left anything odd.
Yanlu: So little trust in me? Where’s the faith between people?!
Flo picked up the note, its scrawl looking like it was scratched out with a twig:
“These potions can save your life in a pinch. The ring’s for fun—don’t lose it. Oh, and these are actually from Aldrich. Let’s chat next time! —Yanlu”
Flo shook his head with a wry smile, stashing the potions and ring. Yanlu was as cryptic and carefree as ever.
“So it’s from Uncle Aldrich…”
But Yanlu was still such a scoundrel! Just a delivery girl, yet trying to scam him into a loan—pure evil!
Aldrich was one of the few still supporting the Astraea family. They couldn’t help openly, but privately, they looked out for Flo.
Flo didn’t dwell on it. After a quick wash, he collapsed onto his bed. The day’s events—Ifiora’s slyness, Young Master Blake’s madness, that kiss—flashed like a carousel in his mind. His face heated up again, and he yanked the blanket over his head, trying to block out the chaotic thoughts.
Unbeknownst to him, Mistfeather in the corner was stifling laughter. Flo’s flustered, lovesick look was just too amusing!
The next morning, sunlight slipped through the window, hitting Flo’s face. He sat up groggily, stretched, and decided to head to the Adventurer’s Guild for updates on the missing persons case.
The guild hall buzzed with noise as he entered. Flo went straight to the mission board, scanning the dense postings for clues about the disappearances.
A familiar voice called out, “Yo, Flo! Heard you gave that smug Blake kid a thrashing yesterday?”
Flo turned to see his friend Erik, shrugging with a bitter smile. “Sort of, but it brought a heap of trouble.” They found a quiet corner, and Flo recounted the previous day’s events, leaving Erik dumbfounded.
Erik was someone Flo met on a mission. Easygoing and unbothered by Flo’s half-elf status, he was a bit mysterious but undeniably a good guy.
Over time, they’d become friends.
“You teamed up with Ifrora? And… you kissed?” Erik’s eyes bulged in disbelief.
“Keep it down!” Flo clamped a hand over Erik’s mouth. “It was just a tactic to get rid of that crazy Blake.”
Erik grinned, teasing, “Oh? Really? Maybe Ifrora’s actually into you. Childhood rivals turning into lovebirds?”
A tactic? Who was Flo kidding? Did he think Erik was some clueless virgin? A stunt to scare off a lunatic that led to a fight anyway? Some “tactic.”
Did Flo even believe that himself?
Apparently, he did… fine, whatever.
Flo rolled his eyes, ignoring the jab, and steered the topic back. “I’m heading to Fichel Town. Seems like there’s a lead there. Wanna come?”
Erik hesitated, then sighed. “Got a caravan escort job, can’t get away. But if I hear anything new, I’ll let you know ASAP.”
Flo nodded, gathering more info about Fichel Town at the guild. Strange noises echoed there at night, and people were vanishing—matching the pattern elsewhere.
“When are you leaving?”
“Probably in half a month. You know, budget and strength are tight. Need to do some missions to level up and save up.”
“Good luck, then!”
“You bet!”
Leaving the guild, Flo started preparing for Fichel Town. He checked his weapons, restocked potions, and was swamped when urgent knocking interrupted him.
Opening the door, a ragged kid stood there, panting. “Sir, someone told me to give you this.” He handed over a sealed letter and bolted.
Flo opened it, finding a yellowed sheet with crooked writing: “Fichel Town is dangerous. Watch out for the Church—they’re watching too. —Anonymous”*
Flo frowned. Who was this? Why warn him? What was the Church’s role? His doubts deepened, but it only solidified his resolve to go to Fichel Town. He sensed this trip would unravel many secrets.
He folded the letter, tucking it close, fingers tracing its rough edges. The Church… of course they were involved. Ifrora’s “the Pope might have reasons” felt absurd. Someone tied to his parents’ disappearance, constantly suppressing him—what forgivable reason could they have?
Just then, Blazewing flew back, brimming with excitement, clutching a bag.
“Aphrosia! Aphrosia! Look what your lord brought back!”
“Bow to your great Blazewing King!”
Flo’s lips twitched. The metallic clinking in the bag told him exactly what it was…
In a flash, Flo transformed into the golden-glowing Astraea, flapping his single white wing to snatch the bag mid-air.
Limited by one wing, he landed the moment he grabbed it, a satisfied smirk on his face.
“What’s this? Acting like you’ve never seen money…” Blazewing muttered, eyeing Aphrosia’s eagerness.
“Hey! Ignoring me like this? Too much! I didn’t even jump ship despite the Fox Princess’s sweet offer!”
Aphrosia, as if deaf, opened the bag to find twenty gold coins nestled inside!
Perfect—money sorted. Now, just strength remained!
Time to study magic—nature or time magic, it didn’t matter…