The sun has set by the time we arrive at our new home. The tour didn’t last too long. The Grand Hall really is large but we saw plenty, including all of the markets and the front of the Beast Sanctuary where they do their manabeast research.

That place may as well be a city in of itself and Kierra was absolutely delighted to see it. Me? Her physical affinity boosts kept me energized enough to keep running but I was far too tired to take much of an interest. Not that it mattered. Aurelius paid me a minimum of attention anyway so I didn’t get much out of this tour, the bald bastard.

I’m also too tired to appreciate our property, ignoring the front garden as I trudge up the gravel path leading up to the door ahead of the others. My feet touch the bottom step when Geneva opens the door wide. “Welcome home. Dinner has been prepared.” She looks past me to Aurelius. “Will the esteemed guest be joining us?”

No! Absolutely not! The saints will forsake the needy first!

“A good idea,” Kierra answers. “There is still more I would like to ask you.”

…dammit.

“I would love to but unfortunately, I have another appointment tonight.” He takes a step toward her, letting his smile stretch a fraction wider. “However, I am happy to make myself available to you. Perhaps tomorrow? I can answer your questions while showing off the better restaurants about.”

“Tomorrow then.” Arrgh. She smiles back at him. I know I have nothing to be worried about in the romantic department, not on her end, but she won’t shut him down. All because of some twisted idea about how it’s my job to chase him off. Come on! At his level, he can probably use wind to cut me in half before I have the time to spit at him.

And then she walks past Geneva like nothing’s wrong. Leaving me alone with him.

“I would like to thank you for showing us around today,” I say as he’s about to turn away. “A master taking time off to escort two new arrivals is quite generous.”

“The pleasure was all mine. Kierra is extraordinary. Beyond being an elf. We can learn a lot from each other. I’m looking forward to working together.”

Yeah, well we sleep together. “I really lucked out when I married her.” She’s taken, idiot.

His smile doesn’t flicker. “The passion of the young. Burns so hot, so fast. Stirred by even the slightest wind. Fitting for a fire caster.”

Double-speaking, shiny head, noble born, silver-tongued, pig. He just said he’s going to break us up, didn’t he? “Rather than a flame, I liken it more to stone. Not so easily disturbed by a light breeze.”

“Wind wears down everything. Before you know it, you’re carried away. Goodnight, Miss Tome. I look forward to your contributions to the Hall.”

He tilts his head toward the sky and rapidly ascends. My hands snap up to my face as a strong gust of wind kicks up the dirt, making me cough. You did that on purpose, didn’t you? Someone with your finesse doesn’t need to use something so sloppy to travel. Acting all high and mighty with your little party trick of not touching the ground but on the inside, you’re just another petty man who wants something he can’t have.

Geneva walks over to my side as I stare up at the sky with grit teeth. “Before you ask me to kill him, may I suggest capturing him instead? His affinity is rather unremarkable but he has an impressive mana pool. I would enjoy feeding from him.”

“Coo!” Bell, who never left my shoulders, hisses at the sky. [How dare that man make designs on what belongs to our glorious master! Please allow me to remind him of his place.]

“Oh, no. No no no.” I turn to Geneva and smile. I smile so wide my face hurts, enjoying her surprise. Do I look like Kierra right now? I feel like I might because for the first time, I can understand a little of the enjoyment she gets from fighting. Just imagining smashing in that man’s face until he can no longer give me that stupid smile makes me feel warm and giddy.

“You leave him alone. Neither one of you are going to touch him.” Look down on me, huh. I’d like to see you do it when I drag your ass out of the sky. “All you’re going to do is train me. You heard my wife. It’s my job to chase away the dogs. Don’t you go taking my prey away from me.”

How long will it take? One year? Two? If that. Compared to the idea of surpassing my monster of a bride and devil of an elemental, a mere man is nothing.

“As you wish.” Geneva inclines her head to me. Her expression is hard to read. Perhaps calculating? Though she is always playing some angle so it’s hard to know if I’m right.

“Unless of course he comes after me. If he’s the kind of coward that likes to take a fellow out before they can surpass him, you have full permission to end him.” If he cheats, I’ll cheat harder.

Her expression this time is easy to read. Very clear amusement. “That sounds more like you, Lou.”

“Just being practical. What’s for dinner?” I ask heading for the door. “I could eat a dragon.”