Chapter 2: A new friend
The sky begins to take on shades of pink and gold as I walk, the dawn breaking on the horizon. It wouldn't be long before the day arrived in full, and the crisp morning air caresses my face, blending with the earthy scent of the forest surrounding me. The trees are tall and dense, their interwoven branches forming a canopy that allows only a few rays of light to pass through. The ground is covered in moss and fallen leaves that crunch beneath my boots. I am alone, the only human presence in this wild place, and for the first time since waking up in this body, I feel a spark of excitement igniting in my chest.
As I move forward, my thoughts overflow, and I can't help but speak aloud, as if I need to hear myself to process all of this.
—This is incredible, you know? —I say, my voice echoing among the trees—. A few hours ago, I was screaming in pure rage, and now… now I'm here, walking through a forest in a magical world. A magical world! Do you realize how crazy that is? I always dreamed of something like this, of adventures, of places like this. And now I'm living it.
I let out a nervous laugh and adjust the cloak over my shoulders, the mithril sword swaying slightly at my waist.
—It's like I'm inside one of those stories I used to read back home. Tensei Shitara Slime, can you imagine? Maybe I'll run into Rimuru somewhere, or one of those crazy demons. Or maybe not. Maybe this is my own path, my own adventure. What if I explore all of the Nasca Empire? Or beyond. They say there are nations of elves, dragons, beasts… I want to see it all!
I leap over a thick root jutting out from the ground and keep talking, my voice rising with excitement.
—I don't know how I ended up here, and honestly, I don't care anymore. Reincarnation? A weird dream? Who cares. This is real now. Look at these trees, listen to the birds. —I pause for a moment, closing my eyes to catch the distant chirping of a bird—. It's too perfect to be a lie. And I… I can do whatever I want. There's no one telling me to marry some disgusting old man, no servants bowing to me for reasons I don't understand. It's just me, this cloak, this sword, and an entire world to discover.
I open my eyes and look up at the sky, where the sun is already starting to peek through the treetops.
—Of course, I have no idea where I'm going —I admit, laughing again—. But that's the best part, isn't it? I don't have a map, I don't have a plan. I just walk and see what happens. Maybe I'll find a village, or a cave full of treasure. Or maybe I'll run into a monster. You know what? If that happens, I'll face it. This sword isn't just for decoration, right? —I touch the hilt of the mithril blade with a mix of pride and nerves—. I don't know how to fight, but I can learn. This body has to know something, right? Maybe Eidel took fencing lessons or something. I hope so.
I keep walking, the sound of my footsteps accompanying my monologue.
—And magic… Magic! That book, the Grimoire of Primordial Essences, it had to mean something. If I'm in this world, maybe I can learn how to use it. Imagine me, casting spells, summoning things. It'd be like a dream come true. I don't know where to start, but I'll figure it out. There has to be someone out there who can teach me, or at least a lost book in some ruin. This is the kind of place where those things happen, right? Epic adventures, grand destinies. I want that!
I stop for a second to catch my breath, leaning against the trunk of a giant tree. The forest is silent, except for the whisper of the wind through the leaves and my own voice.
—This is what I always wanted —I murmur, softer now—. A life worth living. I don't know how much time I have here, I don't know if I'll wake up in my old body tomorrow or if I'll die fighting a giant wolf. But for now, I'm going to enjoy it. I'm going to know this world, every corner, every secret. Because when will I ever have another chance like this?
I smile, a wide and genuine smile, and keep walking, disappearing into the depths of the forest with my heart pounding in pure excitement. This is my world now, and I'm going to make it mine.
The sky darkens little by little, the golden hues of the day giving way to a purple mantle and then to black. I keep walking aimlessly, the forest growing gloomier with every step. The excitement still hums in my chest, and to keep myself from feeling uneasy, I start talking to myself again, my voice cutting through the silence.
—Alright, Eidel, listen to me —I say, adjusting my cloak as I move forward—. It doesn't matter what creature comes out of this forest, you know? I can beat it. I have this mithril sword, right? It's light, sharp, probably magical or something like that. If a wolf shows up, or a bear, or… I don't know, a dragon? I just have to stay calm. A quick strike, straight to the neck or something. I've seen enough movies to know how this works. Or at least, I'll pretend I do. Besides, this body has to have some kind of instinct, right? I bet Eidel was a secret warrior or something. Yeah, I can handle anything.
I smile, confident—until a branch snaps under my foot. The sound is sharp, echoing, and suddenly, a low growl rumbles behind me. I freeze. Slowly, I turn my head, and there it is: a massive wolf. Its fur is dark gray, its eyes glow like embers in the dim light, and it's huge, almost as tall as me. I let out a shaky breath and, for some absurd reason, a nervous giggle escapes me.
—Oh, great. I spoke too soon, didn't I? —I murmur.
Then, the wolf growls again, and my courage evaporates. I let out a high-pitched scream and bolt, tears springing to my eyes as I stumble over roots and low branches. I cry like a child, panic taking over me.
—I don't want to die! I don't want to die! —I whimper, as the wolf chases me, its heavy steps shaking the ground.
It doesn't seem to be hunting me seriously. Its movements are almost playful, like I'm a mouse and it's a bored cat. That only terrifies me more. I run with no direction, the forest turning into a blur of shadows and trees. My breathing is a mess, and my legs burn, but I don't stop. Until, suddenly, I crash into something hard. I fall backward, dazed, and look up. It's a column of jagged rocks, tall and uneven, with what looks like a cave at the top.
—Climb? —I ask myself, gasping—. Should I…?
A deep growl sounds behind me, and my body decides for me. I start climbing, my hands scraping against the rough stone. I don't care about the pain or the blood beginning to slide from my cut fingers. I just climb, desperate, my heart pounding in my throat. The rocks are slippery, and a couple of times I almost fall, but I keep going until, with one final push, I reach the top. I crawl into the dark cave, my chest rising and falling violently. Curling up against the wall, trembling, I turn my head to see if the wolf followed me.
Nothing. No growl, no movement. Just silence. Then, I glance outside and realize something that makes me let out a groan of frustration. The empire is still there, glowing in the distance—not as far as I expected. I haven't made it far at all. All that running, all that terror, and I've barely moved away from the wall. I take a deep breath, still shaking, and slump against the rock, staring at the cave entrance with a mix of relief and exhaustion. The wolf is gone, but I… I'm still here, trapped between fear and the ridiculous reality of my situation.
I fall backward, exhausted, letting myself lie down on the rocky floor of the cave. But something makes me frown—it's… warm? I lift my head slightly and murmur:
—That's strange. Why would a cave be warm? This doesn't make sense.
However, the heat isn't unpleasant. It's comforting, like an invisible blanket wrapping around my exhausted body. I smile weakly, grateful for the relief, but then a pained groan escapes my lips. My hands are bruised, the cuts sting, and the dried blood mixes with the dirt. I sit up carefully, holding my hands in front of me, and glance outside at the empire still glowing in the distance. I sigh, a mixture of disappointment and fatigue.
—Maybe I should go back —I say softly, almost as if testing the words—. Living as the wife of a cruel old man… doesn't sound so bad compared to being devoured by a giant wolf, right?
But then my mind takes a dark turn, and my face twists into a grimace of disgust.
—No, wait. I'd have to bear his children. Children? With that despicable old man? —I shudder—. I don't even know if I was a man or a woman in my past life, but just thinking about it makes my stomach turn. No, no, no. I'd rather face a thousand wolves than that.
I shake my head to dispel those repulsive thoughts, feeling beads of sweat slide down my forehead. The heat in the cave seems to have intensified. I chuckle weakly, trying to lighten the moment.
—Wow, this cave is like an oven. What's next? Am I going to roast in here? At least I'll smell good for the next wolf that—
My words cut off abruptly. A deep, resonant voice rumbles in the darkness behind me, making the ground tremble slightly.
—Who dares enter my domain?
I freeze. My heart stops for a second before pounding furiously. Slowly, I turn my head—and then I see them: two enormous, glowing eyes, like burning embers, staring at me from the depths of the cave. The heat, the tremors—everything suddenly makes sense.
I am not alone.
And whatever is here with me… is not human.
I smile with feigned tranquility, though inside, I'm trembling like a leaf in the wind. Fear courses through my veins, but I force myself to rise from the hot ground with a clumsy movement. I start walking toward the cave entrance, staring into the distance as if listening to something far away, deliberately ignoring the presence behind me.
—Oh, what was that? —I say aloud, my tone exaggeratedly casual—. Mother? Are you calling me? Yes, yes, I'm on my way, don't worry. I was just… just exploring a little, you know, young girl things—
The deep voice rumbles again, this time laced with fury, making the cave walls vibrate.
—Enough games, human! —it growls—. I am tired of intruders in my territory. Tell me who you are, or I will devour you here and now.
My facade crumbles instantly. I spin around with a strangled gasp and, almost comically, tears begin to spill again. I fall to my knees, clasping my hands in front of me as I sob incoherently.
—No, please, don't eat me! I'm so sorry! —I cry, my voice high-pitched and trembling—. I didn't mean to invade anything, I swear! This is all a mess. I woke up in this body, I don't even know who I really am, my family wanted to marry me off to some disgusting old man, so I ran away, then a giant wolf chased me, and I climbed up here because I thought I was going to die, and now… now I'm talking to something that wants to eat me! This is not my day, please, have mercy!
As I speak, my words spill out in a frantic, disorganized rush, and I barely notice the moonlight filtering through the cave entrance, illuminating the interior. Then I see it. The figure behind me is revealed under the silvery glow: a serpentine dragon, its body sleek and elegant, perfectly built for soaring through the skies. Its scales are a deep crimson red, gleaming like liquid fire, with white spines running along its back. Two golden streaks, the same fiery hue as its eyes, trace the sides of its body. It is majestic, imposing, and my breath catches.
My eyes widen, and a spark of recognition ignites in my mind. Velgrynd. The True Dragon, younger sister of Veldanava, one of the most powerful beings in the Tensei Shitara Slime universe.
Suddenly, fear morphs into childlike excitement. I leap to my feet, completely ignoring Velgrynd's furious gaze, and start bouncing in pure joy.
—You're Velgrynd! Velgrynd! —I exclaim, clapping like a little girl—. I can't believe it! I'm standing in front of a True Dragon! This is amazing, amazing, amazing! I knew this world was awesome! You're so beautiful—look at those scales, that color! You're perfect!
Velgrynd watches me, her golden eyes narrowing, clearly bewildered by my sudden change in attitude. Meanwhile, I keep jumping, lost in my excitement, as if I hadn't just been begging for my life a second ago.
Velgrynd tilts her head, her golden eyes gleaming with a mix of irritation and disdain. Her voice resonates again, sharp as a blade.
—Silence, mortal. Your empty words do not impress me. If you do not stop your prattling, I will reduce you to ashes right here.
But I, still caught in my euphoria, barely register the threat. I take a step closer, hands clasped together, a huge smile on my face.
—Oh, but you're so incredible, Velgrynd! —I exclaim, completely ignoring her—. Look at those red scales, they shine like the most beautiful fire I've ever seen! And your golden eyes—they're like the sun itself! You're a masterpiece, a living legend. I can't believe I'm standing before you!
She lets out a snort, the hot air from her nostrils ruffling my hair, but before she can respond, a familiar growl echoes from the cave entrance. My heart stops.
It's him.
The same giant wolf that chased me earlier, its eyes glowing in the darkness as its claws scrape against the rock. Somehow, it has found a way up.
—No, no, no! —I shriek, and without a second thought, I sprint and hide behind Velgrynd's elongated serpentine body, clutching onto one of her scales as if it were my salvation—. Please, protect me! Don't let it eat me! I'll give you anything you want, I swear! I have riches! Well, just a few gold coins I stole from my father, but I can get more, I promise! Just don't let that wolf tear me apart!
Velgrynd turns her head toward me, her narrowed eyes filled with a mix of disbelief and annoyance. The wolf growls again, slowly advancing into the cave, its fangs gleaming under the moonlight. I cling to her tighter, trembling, my voice coming out in a desperate whisper.
—Please, Velgrynd, you're my only hope! You're so powerful, so magnificent! A wolf is nothing to you, right? Save me, and I'll be your eternal admirer!
Velgrynd lets out a deep snort, the sound reverberating through the cave like distant thunder.
—Fine, mortal —she says, her tone dripping with annoyance—. But only because that wolf is a nuisance even to me. Don't expect this to become a habit.
Suddenly, the air grows denser, heavier, as if an invisible force is pressing down on me. My breathing becomes labored, my chest rising and falling with effort, but I don't have time to dwell on it.
The wolf steps into the cave, its eyes gleaming with hunger as it spots me cowering behind Velgrynd. It growls, baring its fangs, but then it looks up. Velgrynd's golden eyes pierce through it, blazing with overwhelming authority.
The wolf freezes. Its tail drops between its legs, and with a pathetic whimper, it turns around and bolts out of the cave as if its life depends on it.
I let out a shaky sigh, relief washing over me like a wave. I leap to my feet and rush toward Velgrynd's face, clasping my hands together as I gaze at her with shining eyes.
—Thank you, thank you, thank you! —I exclaim, my voice brimming with gratitude—. You're incredible, Velgrynd! You made it run away with just one look! Did you see that? You didn't even have to move! You're the most powerful, most majestic creature I've ever seen in my life! Those golden eyes, that presence! You're a queen, a god among dragons!
She snorts again, a blast of hot air hitting my face, and turns her head slightly as if trying to ignore me.
—It was nothing —she growls, her tone dry—. Just a bothersome pest.
But I don't stop, following her as her long serpentine body shifts ever so slightly in the cave.
—Nothing? That was epic! —I insist, practically bouncing with excitement—. Your power is dazzling! Those red scales shine like volcanic fire, and those white spines—they're so elegant! You're a living masterpiece, Velgrynd! I can't believe you saved me! You're my hero, my savior, the most glorious—
Another snort cuts me off, this time stronger, and a small puff of smoke escapes from her nostrils.
—Enough with the empty flattery, human —she says, her voice sharp—. Your words do not interest me. If you're going to stay here, at least be silent.
I stop, still smiling, but I nod vigorously.
—Of course, of course! Silence. Whatever you say, oh great Velgrynd —I whisper, pressing a finger to my lips as I continue staring at her in adoration.
She snorts once more and closes her eyes, clearly intent on ignoring me, but I can't help feeling that this encounter is the beginning of something extraordinary.
Silence settles in the cave, heavy and dense, but it doesn't bother me. I keep staring at Velgrynd with a smile I just can't wipe off my face, sitting cross-legged on the rocky ground. Her crimson scales glimmer faintly under the moonlight filtering through the entrance, and her white spines almost seem to glow.
Minutes pass, and I remain there, watching her as if she were one of the world's greatest wonders. She shifts slightly, uncomfortable, and cracks open a golden eye. A low growl rumbles from her throat when she sees I'm still staring.
More minutes pass, and finally, with a louder growl, she lifts her head, her scales scraping against the rock as she glares at me.
—What? Are you just going to sit there all night staring at me like an idiot? —she asks, her voice tinged with exasperation.
I nod enthusiastically, my smile widening even more.
—Yes! You're far too fascinating not to look at!
Velgrynd shuts her eyes tightly as if trying to contain her irritation, then opens them again. Her golden pupils shine intensely, casting a warm glow on my face.
—Do you not fear me? —she asks, her tone laced with disbelief as her overwhelming presence fills the cave.
I shake my head, unfazed by the terrifying aura radiating from her.
—Not at all. You're too incredible to be feared! You're Velgrynd, after all!
She blinks, clearly taken aback by my response. Her tail twitches slightly, and for a moment, she seems to hesitate. Then, in a calmer tone, she asks:
—What is your name, human?
—I'm Eidel —I reply quickly, and before I can stop myself, the words spill out like a torrent—. Eidel Veylthorne, a pleasure to meet you, oh great Velgrynd, the most majestic of the True Dragons, a being of unparalleled power and beauty, a—
—Enough! —she cuts me off with a growl, silencing my flattery—. How do you know of me?
I open my mouth to answer but freeze. My mind spins. I can't tell her the truth—I can't say that I come from a world where she's a fictional character in a light novel. That could make her spiral into confusion or, worse, enrage her.
So, I make something up on the spot, feeling sweat bead on my forehead.
—Uh… I know you from books —I say, forcing a smile—. Yes, there are many books about you in the Nasca Empire. Stories of your greatness, your feats. You're a famous legend, you know!
Velgrynd watches me in silence, her golden eyes narrowing. I can feel her studying me, and the sweat on my forehead becomes more pronounced. Finally, she lets out a snort, this time softer, almost resigned.
—I don't believe you —she says, her voice low and firm—. But I'm too tired to rip the truth from you tonight.
She lowers her head again, resting it on her claws, though one of her eyes remains slightly open, watching me. I smile nervously, relieved to have barely survived my lie—for now.
Velgrynd averts her gaze, her half-open eye shifting toward the cave wall as if trying to feign disinterest. Her tail twitches slightly, brushing against the ground with a soft sound, and her voice carries a tone that blends weariness with curiosity.
—It's quite dull watching you just sit there doing nothing, human —she says, almost reproachfully—. Earlier, you mentioned something about how you got here. I remember you babbling a bunch of nonsense while begging for your life. What was all that?
My cheeks instantly flush, heat rushing to my face as I lower my gaze in embarrassment. I nod timidly, scratching my bruised neck with one hand.
—Y-yeah, I guess I did say a lot, huh? —I mumble, chuckling nervously—. Alright, I'll tell you how I got here. But, uh… it's not nearly as exciting as your exploits, that's for sure.
I clear my throat, shifting on the rocky ground as I think about how to weave my story without revealing that I was reincarnated. She seems to have forgotten that detail amidst my earlier chaos, and I have no intention of reminding her. Taking a deep breath, I begin.
—You see, I'm Eidel Veylthorne, from a noble family of the Nasca Empire. My parents… well, they're rich and powerful, and I guess that sounds great, but it's not so wonderful when they tell you you're going to marry someone you don't want. There was a nobleman, an old and awful man, Lord Gavren Thalor. He's around sixty, has a nasty scar on his face, and they say he's cruel. My parents wanted me to marry him to unite our families, but I… I just couldn't bear it. Just thinking about it gave me chills. So I decided to run away.
I pause, looking down at my wounded hands as if they tell part of the story themselves.
—I took a cloak, a mithril sword, and a few gold coins from my father's chamber, and I ran. I had no plan—I just wanted to get away. But then, as I was walking through the forest, that giant wolf started chasing me. I ran like never before, crying and screaming, until I crashed into those rocks outside and scrambled up into this cave. I thought I was going to die, and then… well, I found you. And now, here I am.
I offer a weak smile, lifting my gaze to her.
—It's not a grand adventure, I know. Just a foolish girl running away from a horrible marriage and stumbling into even worse trouble. But when I saw you, I knew I was witnessing something extraordinary. You're Velgrynd, after all. It's not every day you meet a living legend.
Velgrynd listens in silence, her half-lidded eye fixed on me once again. At first, she doesn't say anything—just lets out a faint snort, as if my story wasn't interesting enough to warrant a response. But something about her posture, the way her tail stops moving, makes me think that, perhaps, she doesn't find it as boring as she claims.
Velgrynd lets out a low laugh, almost a mocking purr, as she shakes her head slightly, making her crimson scales shimmer under the moonlight.
—Human traditions… what nonsense —she says, her voice dripping with disdain—. Marrying a decrepit old man for power? Risking your life running away only to end up crying in a cave? You mortals are ridiculous, always tangling yourselves in absurd rules that make no sense. If I were you, I would have burned that mansion to the ground and flown far away. But of course, not everyone has wings or fire, do they?
She laughs again, a deep sound that echoes against the walls, then looks at me with amusement glinting in her golden eyes.
—Stay here for the night, human. If you go deeper into the forest, you'll only find more dangerous creatures. Wolves, bears, or something worse. You wouldn't last a single breath out there.
I grin at her words, feeling a spark of boldness ignite in my chest. I stand up, crossing my arms, and decide to tease her. After all, I'm sure a True Dragon like her won't care about a little insolence from a pathetic human like me. Besides, what's the worst that could happen? That she burns me? I'm already sweating in this scorching cave.
—Oh, really, Velgrynd? —I say, raising an eyebrow and adopting an exaggeratedly sarcastic tone—. Stay here with you? The great and mighty Velgrynd, protector of poor, defenseless humans? Wow, what an honor! I thought you were a feared dragon, a force of nature, not a fancy babysitter for lost girls. What's next? Are you going to bring me a blanket and tell me bedtime stories? Or maybe sing me a lullaby with that terrifying voice of yours? Sleep, little mortal, or I'll roast you with my breath…
I laugh, stepping closer to her as I continue my playful taunts.
—And how funny that you call my traditions stupid. Right, because living alone in a hot cave and growling at everything that comes near is so sophisticated! Don't you get bored here, oh great queen of boredom? I bet that wolf only came to say hi because it had nothing better to do in this forest. Maybe you should go out more, Velgrynd. Make some friends. Or, I don't know, decorate this cave? Some curtains, a couple of pillows… you could turn this place into the most stylish hideout in the Nasca Empire! But no, you'd rather stay here scaring mortals who stumble upon you. What an exciting life you lead!
I finish my speech with a giggle, resting a hand on my hip and looking at her with a mix of defiance and amusement. Velgrynd watches me in silence, her golden eyes narrowing, and for a moment, I wonder if I've gone too far. But then she lets out a loud snort, this time stronger, and a small wisp of smoke escapes from her nostrils. She doesn't say anything, just stares at me as if deciding whether it's worth answering me… or simply roasting me for my insolence. I keep smiling, waiting for her reaction with a mix of nerves and satisfaction.
Velgrynd watches me with an expression of pure boredom. Her tail moves slowly, brushing against the ground, and her voice rings out in a monotone, as if my words aren't even worth a sliver of her attention.
—You think you're so clever, human —she drawls—. Do you believe your taunts affect me? I've watched empires fall, I've burned entire armies to ash, and here you are, babbling about curtains and lullabies. If I wanted to, I could turn you to cinders before you even finished your next sentence. But it's not worth the effort. You are… insignificant. Stay or leave, I don't care.
Her indifference hits my pride like a hammer. My smile fades, and I let out an exaggerated sigh as I slump onto the rocky ground. I sit cross-legged again, but this time a somber aura surrounds me. Lowering my gaze, I toy with a loose thread on my cloak, murmuring softly to myself, barely audible:
—Great, I'm not even interesting enough to annoy her. What a pathetic life.
Then, I hear something unexpected: a small sound, almost a quiet, amused snort, escaping from Velgrynd. I quickly look up, catching her golden eyes glinting with a flicker of curiosity. That sparks something in me. My eyes gleam mischievously, and a playful smile spreads across my face. I decide to tease her again, this time turning up the charm with a touch of playful flirtation.
—Oh? What was that? —I lean forward, raising an eyebrow—. A laugh? The great Velgrynd, the untouchable dragon, laughing at me? Wow, I think I just conquered a tiny piece of your cold, scaly heart! You know what? Maybe you don't need curtains, but you definitely need someone like me to brighten up this dull old cave. Imagine it: me, your loyal companion, making you laugh with my nonsense. I could be your own personal ray of sunshine, oh magnificent and dazzling Velgrynd!
I hop to my feet, stepping a little closer to her, and flutter my eyelashes dramatically.
—Admit it, you can't resist my charm. Those golden eyes of yours shine a little brighter when I'm around, don't they? Come on, say it—tell me I'm your favorite human. Just a little! I won't make you beg… well, not too much.
I wink, laughing softly, as I wait for her reaction. My tone is light, playful, but there's a spark of challenge in my gaze. I want to see if I can get more than just a snort out of her this time.
Velgrynd lets out a deep growl, her scales vibrating slightly as she glares at me.
—Keep talking, human, and I swear I'll throw you into the forest so that wolf can finish what it started —she says, her voice laced with menace—. My patience has limits, even for a creature as insignificant as you.
But instead of backing down, I burst into laughter, placing a hand on my hip as I meet her gaze with a defiant smile.
—Oh no, how terrifying, Velgrynd! —I reply, exaggerating a trembling tone before smirking—. Throw me into the forest? Really? I think you like having me here, whether you admit it or not. What would you do without my spark to liven up your boring days? Come on, that threat sounds more like an excuse to avoid saying you enjoy my company! I bet, deep down, you're thinking: 'This human is a disaster, but at least she's entertaining.'"
She huffs, a puff of smoke escaping from her nostrils, but she doesn't reply. The night passes with an unexpected calm after that, the silence broken only by the occasional crackle of hot stones beneath her body. At some point, exhaustion takes over, and I drift off to sleep.
When my eyes flutter open, I let out a loud groan, stretching with a dramatic whimper. I must look like a mess—white hair disheveled, cloak twisted, still sweating from the cave's constant heat. I turn my head and spot Velgrynd still asleep, her sinuous body elegantly curled, her breathing deep and rhythmic. Whispering to myself, I murmur:
—Seriously? Does she do anything other than sleep all day?
To my surprise, Velgrynd answers without moving, her voice carrying a hint of pride.
—I do more things than your insignificant mind could comprehend, human.
She cracks open one golden eye, looking at me with a mix of irritation and superiority, then adds:
—You should leave. This is no place for someone like you.
I cross my arms, sitting up straighter with a frown.
—No, thanks —I reply firmly—. I'm not going back to that horrible place, with forced marriages and disgusting old men. I've decided to stay here. With you. This is my new home now.
Velgrynd's eyes snap fully open, clearly caught off guard. For a moment, she seems at a loss for words. Finally, she lets out a sharp huff, the hot air ruffling my already messy hair.
—Do whatever you want —she says, her tone resigned but tinged with disbelief—. Just don't expect me to take care of you.
I grin triumphantly, leaning back against the cave wall.
—Don't worry, oh great Velgrynd. I'll just be your inseparable companion. You'll see—you won't get rid of me so easily!