Chapter 231: Safe Haven
"What will you do if you call so many people that he can’t sleep? What do you think he’s coming for anyway?"
Knowing Qiong Xing, if he called people over, the kid would stay awake not to sleep but to entertain them. Thoughtful or not, he couldn’t help himself.
"That’s true. Then let’s just call Naz this time."
Hearing him say that while working cheerfully, Katarina felt relieved.
She couldn’t help but have worried, at least a little, that she couldn’t give him children of their own.
But now, even though Qiong Xing weren’t his biological children, this guy could still care for him and that gave her a sense of comfort.
Qiong Xing might be careful around them because they were guild masters, but he would never try to take advantage of that.
He had been asked to look after Naz, but the benefit of it was for Naz and Katarina, not him.
On top of that, he got to meet the real treasures: Lian and the twins.
Even though the twins were beastkin, the little ears twitching in their arms were so cute that he couldn’t stop watching them.
Lian who would be able to speak a little more by tomorrow was also someone to look forward to seeing.
Having three children at once would surely be overwhelming for Qiong Xing.
Katarina hoped she could be of some help, even if just a little, as she busied herself alongside Sarin and continued with her work.
...
"I refuse."
"Huh? We’re letting you join and you say that?"
Who did they think they were?
Qiong Xing and the others were on their way to the guild as promised to Katarina and Sarin, but the moment they entered the town, a group of men blocked their path.
They demanded without any logic that Qiong Xing and Albe who are capable of using magic to join their group.
"I don’t understand. I am not looking for companions, nor have I ever asked anyone to let me join. So even if you say you’ll let me join, I have no desire to be part of your group, and I find you physiologically repulsive."
Whether they were adventurers, bandits, or just town thugs, their attitude was terrible and it reflected their character.
The smell of their unwashed bodies alone made Qiong Xing not want to get close.
The guild was right in front of them, yet these men were blocking the way.
"Hey, don’t mess with us! Saying we’re not accepted? You’re sure talking big."
Qiong Xing wasn’t being disrespectful, he was stating facts.
Even bystanders wrinkled their noses at the men’s noise and stench.
Did they have no self-awareness?
Qiong Xing who is sleep-deprived and irritated strained his brain to stay composed.
"You’re the ones messing around! I am politely refusing, yet you insist I join your group. Can you not listen to what people say? Or are your ears just for decoration?"
The more the men shouted, the more Qiong Xing’s frustration built and his tone began to slip slightly.
Normally, he could have responded calmly, but not tonight.
Behind him, Albe and the others looked ready to jump in at any moment and he struggled to keep them back, feeling like he didn’t care what happened anymore.
"Hey! Enough mocking people! If you’d just listen to us—"
"What will happen?"
"Huh?"
Everyone turned toward the voice and saw Katarina standing there while crossing her arms and exuding authority.
Behind her was Sarin.
Following her silent beckoning, Qiong Xing and the others slipped past the stunned men and entered the guild.
One of the men reached out, but Katarina swiftly swatted his hand away.
"I was worried because you were late. Sorry for noticing so late."
"No, thank you for helping us. I was thinking of just going home since it was already troublesome."
"That’s really good! We almost wouldn’t have met because of those guys."
Feeling it would be best to leave the rest to Sarin and Katarina, Qiong Xing and the group settled into the room to relax.
"It’s all fine now. We talked it over and they left willingly. They won’t show their faces here again."
Ah, that smile looked a bit suspicious.
"Well, thank you. Um... Here you go."
Not wanting to go into too many details, he slightly exaggerated the gesture and handed Lian whom he had been holding over to Katarina.
Despite the little sounds he made, the child showed no sign of resistance, so it was fine.
"She’s grown a lot since the last time I saw her."
"Ah—mm—ma—ma—"
She didn’t exactly speak clearly, but she happily grasped Katarina’s fingers and played with her, which was enough.
"Little Lian, this is Grandpa. Say ’Grandpa,’ okay?"
It might be a bit early, but Qiong Xing couldn’t resist the expectant look in Sarin’s eyes.
"Ma-ah, ii—ii—"
Close, maybe. Or maybe not.
"So cute! Yes, call me Grandpa. Grandpa."
That was enough...
"And I’m Grandma. Grandma."
"Ah-ah."
Seeing the two of them smile and nod happily filled Qiong Xing with contentment.
"You seem fine. But really, are you sure it’s okay? Aren’t you busy with work...?"
"I finished most of it yesterday, so it’s fine. Don’t worry and rest. You’ve got dark circles under your eyes. I’ve prepared everything you might need in the next room. If there’s anything else, just tell him. He’ll probably go get it right away."
No, no, he couldn’t let himself sound like some lowly servant.
Even if Qiong Xing nodded happily at the offer, he couldn’t say that out loud.
"No, it’s fine. I brought what we need. Rather, let me know if these two cause any trouble."
They hadn’t done anything yet, but in an unfamiliar place, accidents could always happen.
"Then, I’m sorry for coming and immediately saying this, but I’m going to take a little rest. Albe, Nura, please take care of things her."
"Roger—"
"It’s fine. I’ll watch over her."
Qiong Xing clearly didn’t trust Iseul at all.
However, despite the concern, knowing Albe was there made him feel it would be fine.
He then went to the adjoining room and collapsed into sleep almost immediately.