My Adventures In Philia

Miss Ann's Hug

We walked down the streets of Rose Empire, passing by numerous interesting shops and houses. Cobalt's eyes began to inspect the crowds of people who were doing their usual routine.

He seems to be curious about what it's like inside of these walls. Maybe one day, I could show him around some time, as a tour guide but for now, is not the right moment.

After a long walk, we stand in front of Miss Ann's Bed and Breakfast Inn. As we enter through the entrance. Miss Ann immediately saw us coming in and attacked me with a hug. My face was surprised by the quick welcome and gladly hugged Miss Ann back in an embrace.

"Oh, thank the gods! I was starting to get worried about you Ria, I thought you decided to leave my inn by fleeing in a quest and spending the rest of your life in an inn from a local town." Miss Ann asserted while squeezing me more tightly from the hug.

That is quite thorough but mostly I wouldn't do that.

"Miss Ann...I can't breathe..." I muttered loud enough for her to hear. I could feel my body and bones slowly crushing from the bear-like but affectionate hug. I never knew Miss Ann would be this strong when it comes to hugs.

"Sorry! Sorry! I got a bit carried away there, heh." Miss Ann chuckled lightly as she finally released from her arms. I quickly took a breath from that protective hold. Miss Ann soon noticed Trisha, Isla, and Cobalt who was watching me being hugged. She then walked up to them and introduced herself.

"Welcome to Miss Ann's Bed and Breakfast Inn! Are you friends with Ria?"

"Well, obviously, we just came here to have a chat with her about stuff," Trisha explained while scratching the back of her neck with her free hand while the other is supporting Nean from falling off her shoulder.

"And may I ask why are you two carrying my- I mean, those children?"
Miss Ann raised a question about Trisha and Isla. Did Miss Ann was about to call the little ones, her grandchildren again? I don't know why she kept on doing this.

"We just came here to help Ria to carry them," Isla answered Miss Ann, giving her an honest smile.

"Ohh, I see, I see, then I just leave you to it because I have something important to do. Bye-bye!~" Miss Ann turned her heel and went straight towards a wooden door while waving goodbye to us.

"Okay, can we head to their room now? I am starting to get tired." Trisha implored me with her high boots tapping on the floor. Well, she does need answers from me about Cobalt after all.

As I turned my head towards Cobalt with his wolf ear lowered and his head looking down in a troubling gesture. He must have been uncomfortable about the chat since it was about the first time we met.

He caused trouble towards us back then from Lukewood Forest but now that he became my familiar, they want an explanation to know what happened between us.

"Cobalt, you can stay here if you like. The girls and I will be back and then we could talk." I exclaimed as I referred upstairs with my pointer finger.

The Mystic Boy heard me and his wolf ears perked up. He then nodded his head, understanding what I just told him. "I'll wait, just take your time." He answered me as I glanced at his wolf tail which is swaying side to side.

The three of us along with two sleeping girls that we are carrying took off up the stairs and are now on the second floor. As we did, we went through a hallway and stopped in front of a locked door.

A few days ago, I once offered the two of them to book a room at Miss Ann's B&B, as I did they told me that they haven't found a place to stay yet so it's a good thing since I could keep an eye on them.