Derisive Thunder (Ei[Raiden Shogun] X Fem Reader)

Chapter 30: A Village In The Desert

[Y/n's PoV]

We walk ahead towards the village and spotted Aether and Paimon standing next to a tall tree. Aether's attention seems to be fixated on a specific part of the tree.

"Hmm... seems sturdy enough."

His fingers make their way to a small knot in the wood of the tree.

"Aether! Don't climb that tree!" Paimon is floating in the air while shouting to Aether. Her tone is quite different from usual... you can feel her annoyance and concern right now.

Then, I noticed a woman with two different-colored pupils approaching us. There's a sense of uneasiness in her gaze.

"Hello, I am Candace, the guardian here at Aaru Village."

I nod my head in greeting, and Aether bows politely at Candace. Ei also nods, and Paimon starts nibbling on her apple again, as if unaware of Candace's presence. Candace's gaze fixates specifically on Ei.

"I must... apologize in advance for the inconvenience you may experience here at the village..."

Ei was listening intently to Candace, and I can see the slightest bit of sadness in Ei's eyes.

Ei was about to speak to her but I rudely shush her mouth with my hand and signaled her through the eyes that I'll handle the talking.

She just rolls her eyes and folds her arms in annoyance. I do wonder how much longer will she endure my antics.

"*Ahem* Sorry about that. But an owner back at the tavern leads us here. Do you mind if the two of us can talk in private? I assure you that we don't have any ill intentions to your village and just wanted to ask some questions about a certain place, that's all."

After my explanation, Candace smiled and Ei listens in on the conversation. Paimon was also listening in and flies higher up into the air.

"No, not at all. Why don't you come with me to the village square for a little chat. Let's go there. Come, I shall lead you the way."

Candace turns around and heads towards the village square, with Paimon and Aether following behind her. Me and Ei take up the rear, with Ei's arms still folded.

"Just... Keep your own curiousity to yourself, would you? I don't know what will happen if you'll be the one questioning that girl instead of me." I said to Ei before following Candace.

After taking a stroll through the village, we soon arrive at the village square, she lets Aether, Paimon and Ei go inside while Candace stands next to a tree, waiting for me.

"Judging from your appearances, you four must have come from Inazuma, yes?"

I nodded my head.

"That's correct. We travelled to Sumeru in search for an underground passage here at the desert."

"...Well, there are indeed many hidden areas underneath this desert. In any case, Inazuma is a beautiful land, but I assume the civil strife there must be of your concern..."

Huh, she seems updated...

I nodded once more.

"Most likely... To tell you honestly, we're here looking for the location called the Gate of Zulqarnian."