Chapter 22: Guests with Too Many Eyes
The morning after Veyra's arrival was far too normal for Elric's liking.
The sun peeked through a patch of rare blue sky, the scent of fresh bread wafted in from the village baker, and Cai was humming tunelessly while reorganizing Elric's herb shelf by "smell strength." Lira supervised with a face that screamed: please send help.
"Cai, why are the garlic cloves on top of the lavender?" Lira asked, pinching the bridge of her nose.
"Because garlic is brave and lavender is... soft."
"...He's your student now," she muttered at Elric.
Elric sipped his tea. "He's experimenting. Let him."
"You didn't let me experiment."
"You once tried to sterilize bandages with pickle brine, Lira."
She opened her mouth. Closed it. "Touché."
---
In the corner, Veyra sharpened her blade in silence.