-Ari's POV-
-back at the village-
The four of us see Annisa running towards us
annisa: you're back! *sees the angel* uh who's this?
Ari: jo, you mind explaining for me? i'm going to bring this to someone who can help me cook
Joleen: sure, ari. leave it to us
i turn to the angel who was still glaring at me
Ari: stay with them and don't make a fuss
she just glared harder but did nothing, i took this as agreement and continued into the village, seeing the villagers visibly happier, must be the better mana flow. The orphanage comes into view and i see Beatrice playing tag with the kids, her legs working well enough that she can run for small distances. she notices me and runs over, catching her breath
Beatrice: *pant* I haven't run in awhile so you'll *pant* have to excuse me.
she catches her breath and gives me a smile
beatrice: i take it you're the reason i can walk again?
I just give her a smile
Ari: say, beatrice. do you know anyone who can prepare these for a meal?
Beatrice: *nods* Jane is a great cook actually. She was the wandering chef's protege, when the chef stayed at the village a few months ago. turns out she has an innate skill in cooking, that's also why she's good at fighting with a dagger
Ari: is she now?
Jane: Bea! oh, and lady ari you're back!
Jane runs in, saying goodbye to the kids as she goes beside bea, planting a kiss on her scalp
Beatrice: Jane, Ari needs someone to cook, i volunteered your services if that is alright
Jane: sure! it's not everyday i get to cook for someone special
Ari: actually this is for the whole village, can you handle cooking that much?
Jane: *thinks* i don't know, but i will certainly try
Ari: then i'll leave this to you. Bea, if you could tell the villagers to prepare some decorations for the feast, that would be so helpful
Beatrice: *nods* take your rest, ari. we'll take care of this
Ari: much thanks
I leave the to their work and find the girls, one of the kids told me that they went to our rooms in the tavern, i greet some of the villagers that i walk past and head inside the tavern, up the stairs and to our shared rooms. the trio were chatting with each other while the angel was on my bed, glaring at the three
I make my presence known and the angel turned her glare on me, muttering under her breath
Annisa: so can we talk about her now?
Annisa points at the angel and she growls in response
Ari: *hums* from what i've seen, she can't refuse my orders, so let's take advantage of that
a look of fear passed the angel's face as she backed into the wall, i grab on of the stools near the dresser and sat down in front of the bed, the girls standing behind me
Ari: i'm going to ask you some questions and i want you to answer clearly and honestly, understood?
begrudgingly, she nodded her head, still not looking straight into my eyes