Ch.96 Marching back to Ironside

Ch.96 Marching back to Ironside

Rya and the girls meet back up with Quinus and the others.

'Huh? Is Rya in a better mood?' Quinus thought as he saw Rya's gloomy face lighten up.

Quinus was surprised to see Rya happy again, "Anything wrong?"

"Nothing!" Rya replied quickly.

Dalia chuckled and smirked as she gave Quinus a thumbs-up behind Rya's back.

He noticed it right away.

'Lady Dalia, I don't know what you said. But I'm eternally grateful for whatever you did. And for making Rya happier! Thank you!' Quinus thought happily.

Rya gave him a sheepish look, "Sorry, I didn't mean to ignore you."Finnd new chapters on nove/lbin(.)com

Quinus waved his hand dismissively, "It's alright. We are just waiting for Baron Zellin and his men to finish burying his dead before we head back to the city."

"Is there anything else?" Rya asked.

"Just be your adorable self. I know you can do it," he replied.

Rya blushed, 'God, there he goes with the corny lines.'

"I don't think one can act adorable. It's something that should happen naturally."

Quinus laughed, "You already are. When you blush like that, that is."

Rya's cheeks turned red as she glared at him, "Stop flirting with me! There's a time and a place!"

'Oh? So, she is open to me trying to flirt with her? Well, I guess this is my chance! Let's see if I can get her to fall in love with me!' Quinus thought happily.

"Um... May I ask a question, your highness?" Nieren asked politely.

Quinus looked at the wood elf curiously, "Yes?"

"Could I be a part of Lady Rya's entourage? I'd like to become her guard."

"Wait, what? You can't be serious," Rya gasped.

"I am. My only request is for my mother to come along as well."

Quinus looked at him with a blank expression, "Sure. That would be nice to honor the men."

"Then I shall go now and make preparations."

Once Zellin left to return to his castle, Quinus turned back towards Rya who was sitting on his lap.

"What?" Rya tilted her head confused.

"At the party, you're not allowed to have a pint of ale, okay?"

Rya blushed in embarrassment, "I can pace myself just fine Quinus. Trust me."

Quinus smiled softly, "Well, I don't want to worry about you getting drunk like last time and doing something embarrassing at the party tonight. You know what happens when you get drunk, right?"

Rya shook her head slowly, looking down at the ground.

"I don't remember much. But Quin! Dwarven ale just tastes so good!" Rya mumbled as she tried to explain her actions last time.

Quinus laughed, "Alright then. How about this, you can have a sip of my beer. Okay?"

'Was I that much of a lightweight? God, I must have looked like a fool. Fine, I'll accept his offer.' Rya thought to herself.

Rya nodded and continued to blush furiously.

Quinus nodded in agreement. Then the two looked up to the sky as they heard hooves clomping away as they continued to march towards the city gates.

"You have no idea how relieved I am right now," Quin replied with a smirk.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to worry you." Rya apologized.

Quinus shook his head, "No, no. You shouldn't have to watch your back every minute of your life. This world is not kind when you let your guard down. So please, don't beat yourself up. Just learn from this?"

Rya gave a small nod and looked up at him with curious eyes.

'Yeah, I guess I was spoiled being born a man in America. I need to accept that some people want to use me as a object. Haah... Well, I need to get stronger so no one can hurt me or my friends.'

The two continued to gaze upon the night sky unit the city gate was upon them.

***

An hour later, the party had begun.