> Kira PoV

“So we will NOT be bringing the Blast Powder onto MY flying tower. Do I make myself clear?” (Kira)

“Hiiiiiiii! Yes!” (Goldrim)

“Good.” (Kira)

It wasted 20 minutes of my life arguing about it with this guy! He kept insisting it was safe and wouldn’t explode on its own. The last time I trusted a dwarf who said that, I almost got skewered by my own magic ice because the thing that wouldn't explode did in fact explode!

Ultimately though, it doesn’t matter what the truth is! My house - my rules! I don’t know why this guy refused to accept it! Honestly, if Ellie didn’t pin him to the ground and hold with a knife to his throat we’d still be arguing about this! Oh, right.

“You can let go of him now.” (Kira)

“Okay Kira!” (Ellie)

Ellie cheerfully lets go of the old dwarf’s limbs, and bounces back to my side, once more embracing my arm. It’s a bit regretful she’s wearing her armor, there’s no pleasantly soft and warm feeling like when we’re naked…

Oops. Goldrim is in a fetal position on the ground, hugging his knees and muttering something while gently shaking. I think we might have traumatized him. His ego took a really big hit when Ellie shaved off half of his long beard with one swing of her sword.

“That’s why I tried to warn you...” (Brand)

“Hang in there, Goldrim! Stay with me!” (Rimgold)

Brand and Rimgold are comforting him, he really is rather pitiful right now. That’s why I normally hate using force like this. I almost feel bad for Goldrim. Almost, though. I’ve had it with these stubborn dwarves!

Alright! Let’s depart immediately so I can get back to cuddling with my wifey ~♡!

“Nano, bring the remaining 56 crates, chests and barrels up to our storeroom. Should be enough room in there. After that we’ll be leaving.” (Kira)

{On it.}

“How’s Kelly?” (Kira)

{Still sleeping.}

Well it’s to be expected. She’s been fighting for days on 3-4 hours of sleep. I’m amazed she had the strength to keep celebrating as long as she did.

“Kiressara, what’s that noise?” (Brand)

“Hmm? What noise?” (Kira)

“That scraping, almost grinding noise. Don’t you hear it? It almost sounds like- Watch out! Spiders incoming!” (Brand)

He draws his sword and moves to stand between me and- Oh, whoops! I forgot to mention those!

“Relax! Those are Nano’s golems! They’re here to do the heavy lifting! They're completely harmless.” (Kira)

They started swarming out of the ‘gate’ just now. Brand was surprised because he hadn't seen them yet. I can't blame him, I had a similar reaction the first time I saw them, too. Right now, though, I'm so used to them and the noise they make that I didn’t realize what he was talking about sooner.

“Th-that so?” (Brand)

“Sure. Look, they’re just picking up the boxes and bringing them inside, right?” (Kira)

“How extraordinary! Such a dexterous six-legged walk and coordination between them! Mrs Quasse-” (Rimgold)

“No, you may not use Nano as a weapon.” (Ellie)

Ellie shoots him down with an icy cold stare. What's with this sudden weapon talk? Ah, she said the King was thinking about weaponizing things all the time, too. Maybe it’s a common thing for people in charge?

“Ack! But I was only trying to suggest-” (Rimgold)

“No. You were about to lie to Kira.” (Ellie)

“Apologize! Apologize right now if you value your health!” (Brand)

Oh, I see! Kelly probably warned Brand about Ellie's tendencies and now he’s passing it along to his superiors.

“I understand. I apologize for trying to say such-” (Rimgold)

“You’re not being very sincere.” (Ellie)

Ellie’s voice is almost literally dripping with blood by now. Looks like he was still planning on doing something.

“Shall I educate your bones on matters of honesty!?” (Ellie)

She takes a few steps forward and meaningfully cracks her knuckles.

Rimgold realizes he’s not fooling anyone and his face becomes as white as his beard. He drops on all fours and grovels in front of Ellie who was still approaching him.

“Please! No! I won’t lie again! I swear on my honor as a Senator of Ecebis! I swear, so please don’t hurt me!” (Rimgold)

He’s literally banging his head on the ground while begging for forgiveness. Looks like he may actually be serious this time.

“That’s better. Make sure you don’t break that vow. Or I will break you.” (Ellie)

Even I’m a bit scared at how good her acting is. Yes, acting. Ellie isn’t actually that vicious, but such acting is important when dealing with people who don’t know any better. It's really effective since she's normally rather quiet.

“Yes! I understand! I’m sorry! Thank you! I’m sorry!” (Rimgold)

I said it’s acting, okay? There’s no way my sweet, caring Ellie is a psychopath like everyone says, you know? They were all just fooled by her masterful acting, that’s all there is to it! Poor Ellie sure is misunderstood! And I thought it’s impossible to be too good at something, but that acting of hers really is something else!

“Nano, why is Kira nodding all on her own with a cramped smile?” (Ellie)

{Don’t worry about it, she’s just reinforcing her denial about something.}

Hmm? Denial? What’s that? Is it tasty?

“Alright! Enough of that! Everyone get inside! We’re leaving soon!” (Kira)

“Umm, I have to notify the Steelmother we’re leaving. She said she wanted to see you off, but...” (Brand)

“Oh for the love of- Just go already!” (Kira)

“Yes ma’am!” (Brand)

He saluted me and ran off like his life depended on it.

We may have overdone it a little.

* * *

Draglael looks down at me from her huge height. We’re still in the same spot where the crates and two senators were. All of those are already inside.

“So, you really are just leaving like that? Good. Go break someone else’s mountain.” (Draglael)

“You said you liked the skylight!” (Kira)

“Sure. Didn’t appreciate someone looney bird breaking it without my permission though. Now then, off you go!” (Draglael)

Brand said she wanted to see us off. Turns out she wanted to see us leave with her own eyes, just to be sure. Can’t say I fault her. Wouldn’t want to wake up and spot a giant crack in my roof either.

Either way, she ended up bringing the entire Senate with her. Not sure why these people are here. Speaking of those legionnaires, the lot of them are still binge-drinking.

“Where’s Umph?” (Kira)

“Ah? That guy’s still running some errands for me. You wanna see him?” (Draglael)

“Yes. I do need to speak with him. It’s really important.” (Kira)

I should’ve done this sooner, but somehow didn’t find the right moment to bring the topic up.

“Right. I’ll call him over.” (Draglael)

She inhales deeply. I plug my ears in response. Ellie, Brand and the dwarven senators follow my example.

“YO UMPH! CRAZY LADY WANTS A WORD!” (Draglael)

Draglael shouted with a voice so loud, it felt like it was rattling my very bones. Plugging my ears made no difference.

Ow.

I’ve been thinking about this, but what is it with titans and yelling? Surely there are better ways of talking with each other than shouting all the time!

Umph glides in from somewhere after a short while. He lands in front of us and bows his head slightly.

“Greetings Daughtah of de Stahs. It is a shame to see you leave so early.” (Umph)

“We’re going to be very busy soon so we can’t waste time here. I do have something important to talk to you about, though.” (Kira)

“I believe I know what you are going to ask for.” (Umph)

That’s good! This will make thing faster.

“I am sorry, but I cannot accompany you any further.” (Umph)

“... What?” (Kira)

I let out a stupid voice since I couldn’t comprehend what he said.

“I have a lot of things I wish to do. I am sorry, but I cannot repay my debt to you right now. Should Fate allow it, let us meet once again!” (Umph)

Debt? Fate? I think that’s a bit...

“You know-” (Kira)

“Please do not try to persuade me. I have steeled my heart and my soul, but I am afraid dis companionship is at an end, Daughtahs of de Stahs.” (Umph)

He gives off what seems to be a solemn vibe. So he’s already prepared himself for a tear-filled separation? Too bad, because I have other plans!

“Umph. One thing. I want to ask just one thing.” (Kira)

“Den ask. I shall answer if it is within my power!” (Umph)

He nods his head with a grand movement. Well, at least I have his attention. Time to make my case!

“What in the name of fried bacon are you talking about?” (Kira)

“... Huh?” (Umph)

“Who cares about you and your so-called companionship? You’ve been nothing but trouble since the day you arrived! We almost lost Kelly because of you and your silly little rituals! Do you know how much work I have waiting for me back at the Capital!?” (Kira)

"Wha- But... I thought..." (Umph)

As I thought, he has no idea just how many headaches he’s cost me. No, how many he’s continuing to cost me! Yet he just sits there with a stupid look on his face! I think. It’s an eagle head after all, so reading faces is a bit tricky. But knowing this moron that’s definitely the kind of eagle face he’s making!

“Well? Something to say?” (KIra)

“… S-Sorry?” (Umph)

“Damn right you’re sorry! Now give me back my Flight Badge you freeloading birdbrain!” (Kira)

I point to the yellow shield-like badge on his chest. If I let this guy fly around with that, it could cause wars! Getting fired would be the least of my worries!

“Dis? Uh? I’m- How do you take it off?” (Umph)

He nudges it a few times with his beak, unable to figure it out. Well, thankfully I have a very handy assistant with me.

“Ellie, if you would.” (Kira)

“Sure. Stand still a minute Umph.” (Ellie)

Ellie walks over and grabs the Flight Badge. Good, looks like she’s about ready to remove it.

“Say when!” (Ellie)

“What do you mean ‘when-’ GGGGGGAAAAAAAAAAAAH!” (Umph)

Ellie pulled on it with a sharp motion. It was pinned to his plumage, so a few ice-like feathers got plucked out. Looks like it stung quite a bit, he's rolling around on the ground. She turns to face me and triumphantly raises her prize over her head.

“Got it, Kira!” (Ellie)

“Good work, Ellie. Bring it inside and put it with the rest, would you?” (Kira)

Ellie walks towards the tower behind me with a glint in her eye. I think she was looking forward to doing that.

“Now! As for you!” (Kira)

“Gah! Kuh!” (Umph)

He’s still rolling around on the ground. I hope it hurts. Although this can’t even begin to compare to the pain he put Kelly through while he just sat there and slept!

“Listen to me when I’m talking to you, moron!” (Kira)

“Gah! Yes! I’m listening Daught-” (Umph)

“I said listen!” (Kira)

“... !” (Umph)

Good, I finally have his attention. I point my staff at him and light a small magical flame at its tip. Just to make sure my point gets across.

“You will stay away from me, my family, my friends, and my home! If I even catch so much as a glimmer of you back in Ferseit, I will melt you until you become a puddle and then boil that puddle until it becomes nothing.” (Kira)

“Uh, ma’am. You realize his body is basically flesh and blood instead of ice, yes?” (Brand)

“I am well aware of that, Major.” (Kira)

I answered Brand's question without averting my gaze from Umph. It’s really convenient he’s actually immortal. That means no matter what I hit him with he won’t die, so I’ll be sure to really let him have it if I need to.

“... Yes ma’am.” (Brand)

“As I was saying. The only reason I’m not doing that right now, is because you were nice enough to make a landing spot for us. I gave you that body, and I will take it away if we ever meet again. This is not a threat. This is a promise.” (Kira)

I don’t even wait for his response. I just turn around and start walking back in silence. Brand follows after me immediately.

“What… just happened?” (Umph)

“You got dumped, mate.” (Draglael)

I graciously ignore whatever’s going on behind me and step into the tower. We have a long flight ahead of us.