Chapter 226 Cleaning Up

After the battle with the Saytr, there was a massive clean-up that needed to be done. Raiu naturally took up the role of his grandpa and now had full control of Elfheim. Many of the palace guards seemed to be under some form of influence since as soon as Axel died many passed out.

Many were confused, but it helped cover up the incident, leaving the only people who fought Axel in the know of what truly happened. Repairs were quickly done thanks to the use of magic and soon things were back to normal. Ren was freed from one of the cells where Axel trapped him and could only grumble about missing all the action.

While things were being organised, Elanor finally had some time to catch up with her brother and father. It also gave them time to talk about the future as with Raiu now king, his next in line must be decided.

Elanor was now a fugitive in the public eye, making it impossible for her to take any noble role as they couldn't disclose that a satyr was in control of the kingdom. This left Ren needing to stay behind to become the heir and abandoning his plans to adventure with the group.

Ren didn't mind staying since the group seemed like a woman's only club with which he wasn't comfortable in the first place. Although he did feel a slight bit of regret since it sounded like a dream traveling with his own little harem, it only took one look from Elysia and Clara to tell him all he needed to know about his chances.

This settled the problem allowing Elanor to do as she pleased, but it did leave her conflicted. She had just reconnected with her family, but was already planning to leave with Shaman and the group.

"As much as I would love for you to stay, Elanor, I want you to follow your heart. What is your heart telling you to do? No matter what you choose, you will always have a family here waiting for you." Raiu sat Elanor down in one of the many living rooms to discuss her future since she had a choice to make. The last thing he wanted was to confine Elanor, especially if she wants to pursue the path of adventurer.

"..." Elanor bit her lip, debating in her head what she should do as this was no easy choice. Even though she declared that no matter what she would join Shaman's group, having things resolved changed the situation drastically.

'Shaman… Elysia… Clara… Silver.' Each of them flashed in Elanor's mind as all the memories they made in a short time together played. This almost brought her to tears as they were the friends and even family she always wanted. They gave her the opportunity to grow into who she is now and get back with her family.

"I-I think I will continue to travel with them… They gave me so much to live for and I need to repay them. Of course, I will still come back when I can to visit, but I want to continue living my life free." Raiu fought to hide his pain as Elanor made her final decision, but it still made him happy to see her treasuring her new friends.

Besides, Seeing his daughter grow and become someone strong just like he was during his youth made him glad she chose this route.

"I understand. I will be waiting for your return along with your brother… Make me proud, Elanor my daughter." Raiu reached out and patted Elanor's head, proud of her resolve to continue on the path of her choice.

"Thanks Dad." Elanor felt at ease hearing her father be so understanding of her choice.

"Now go find your friends. I'm sure they are eagerly waiting to hear what you said." Raiu saw Silver leaning up against a wall at the entrance waiting for Elanor. Plus there were things he needed to do that he couldn't delay.

"Mhm!" Elanor stood up and gave her father a hug before running over to Silver.

Seeing Elanor's genuine smile, Raiu felt a weight coming off his heart. Just before Elanor left she made eye contact with Raiu and waved while giving one last bright smile.

Raiu waved back, feeling his heartstrings take a direct hit, almost bringing a tear to his eye.

"I should get to work." Raiu wanted to have a moment to himself to think but work was calling him, so he got up and vanished on the spot.

**

Silver brought Elanor to Shaman's room where they were staying while waiting for Kiruya. They had finally finished their mission of clearing the dungeon and so Kiruya decided to deliver the letter to Raiu for them.

Shaman, Elysia and Clara were sitting on the bed together deliberating on what they should use their skill upgrades on, but it led to quite a heavy debate.

"We should save them! What if when we reach max level we find a way to break the limit?" Clara was in the camp of saving them and seeing if they could use them to go past the max level.

"That's stupid, why would such a thing exist? Why make a max level if it can be broken?!?" Elysia thought of it a bit more logically and didn't see a reason why the system would implement such a mechanic. It also didn't help that Rea wouldn't give them an answer leaving them to argue.

Sparks were flying off as they stared at each other intensely while Shaman sat in the middle unsure if she should say something.

However, when they realised Elanor entered the room the intense atmosphere completely vanished. Clara and Elysia both sat back smiling like nothing ever happened.

"Hey Elanor, how are you?" Elysia spoke in a cheery tone, hiding her still burning temper.

"H-hey, I'm fine, but are you two okay?" Elanor felt like she was intruding and shouldn't be there.

"Oh not at all, just a little squabble." Clara played it off trying to downplay the situation.

"Why don't you just fuck it out." Silver walked to the couch while chewing on some raw meat.

​ "What?" Shaman, Elysia and Clara spoke in unison trying to process what Silver just said. This completely killed any tension between Elysia and Clara as now there were more important matters at hand.

"Well mothers you all seem pent up so why don't you go do some special exercise, I can hang out with Elanor so don't need to worry about me." Silver turned his head, trying to avoid eye contact at all costs.

"..." The three of them all looked at each other and then at Silver since something sounded suspicious.

"Why are you bringing up Elanor? I know you are more than capable of looking after yourself." Shaman was the most skeptical of them all as it didn't sound right that Silver wanted to specifically spend time with Elanor.

"Did something happen between you two~?" Clara thought they may have had a moment and some developments were being made.

"Oh my~ Silver trying to make some moves." Elysia saw it on Silver's face that he was embarrassed and had a plan in mind.

"E-eh what?!" Elanor who was just a bystander was confused, unsure what they were insinuating.

"It's not like that!" Silver pouted as he didn't want to admit it, but ever since he became tier 6, he's become more mature. Now new and unfamiliar feelings were welling up inside him.

*Sigh* "Enough, you two can argue about your skills later. As for you Silver, we don't have time to be going out on dates, we are leaving as soon as Kiruya is back. More importantly, how did things go with your father Elanor?" Shaman was finally conceding, deciding not to be as nosey when it came to Silver. However, she remembered that Elanor needed to make a decision on whether she will stay with her family or with them.

Clara and Elysia were both surprised that Shaman didn't press further about Silver, but it was good news that Shaman wasn't being overprotective. Silver also expected a small lecture, but instead, Shaman changed the subject.

"O-oh, well I decided that I will continue to travel with you guys." Elanor stated her decision and everyone smiled. They were happy to hear that she wanted to continue with them, but they still had some doubts.

"Are you sure? You did just finally bridge the gap with your family." Elysia, having lost her family, knew how important they were. So, if Elanor leaves now, she may grow to regret it.

"I believe I will be fine, I've chosen you guys as my second family and want to continue my journey with you all." Elanor second-guessed herself for a second, but she swatted those thoughts away standing firm in her decision.

"As long as you believe it's the right choice we won't stop you." Clara respected Elanor's choice since the path she will now walk is much more dangerous, but she didn't waver.

"Welcome aboard again Elanor." Shaman was happy to hear Elanor wanted to stay and was touched that she considered them a second family.