This is a tale set in a mystical realm,
Where magic abounds,
Where love remains unwavering, friendship unshakable, and familial bonds run deep.
Through a twist of fate, or perhaps mere coincidence, an accident that should not have involved her inste...
Indeed, there was no need for us to decide who would help Uncle Barton now, as Mellie had already charged forward, taking down several men. I covered my mouth, stifling a laugh—it was hilarious that Manan had taken a liking to Mellie. My, he had guts, but Mellie was indeed very charming.
"This beautiful lady, such a crude task is unfit for you. Why not come with me? I assure you, you won't be mistreated." Manan stood by, obliviously spewing nonsense, his lecherous gaze never leaving Mellie.
"How long do you think it will take her to deal with them?" I nudged Elod, who was beside me.
Elod couldn't hold back a low chuckle, "I'd say not long at all. Just hope Mellie shows some mercy."
"Not more than five minutes," Lancius joined in.
"Really?" I glanced at the intense scuffle, shaking my head. Mellie was, well... ferocious.
Sure enough, in less than five minutes, all the thugs lay on the ground. Mellie dusted her hands, her disdainful gaze fixed on the trembling Manan. She raised an eyebrow. "What now? Do you still think you have what it takes to make me your woman? Hah! You're really out of your league!"
Manan pointed at Mellie, his hand trembling. "Y-you just wait! I won't let this slide!" With that, he fled. His men, seeing their leader run, scrambled out of the tavern as well.
"Hmph! What bad luck!" Mellie muttered irritably. "I'd rather not see those guys again—they make me sick!"
I ran over to Mellie, smiling brightly. "Sister Mellie, you really are amazing!"
"Of course! Who do you think I am—someone you can just bully? Hahaha..." Mellie laughed arrogantly, and smiles broke out among us.
"Umm, you all..." Uncle Barton's shaky voice came from behind, reminding us of his presence—the one we almost forgot.
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"Uncle Barton, how are you?" I ran over to help him up. He was visibly weak, and his injuries looked serious.
"I'll be fine," Uncle Barton shook his head. "But you've made an enemy out of Manan now. He has a lot of influence around here; you should leave before he finds you. As long as he can't see you, he won't bother you."
"Do you think we're afraid of him, Uncle Barton?" I asked as I helped him sit down, then called out, "Elod, it's your turn."
"But you..." Uncle Barton began, only to be interrupted by Elod.
"Please stay still, Uncle Barton. Let me heal you," Elod said, placing his hands over the wounds, softly chanting an incantation. White light enveloped his hands, and the injuries disappeared without a trace.
"Elod, your healing is always more effective than mine," I praised. Though I could also use Light magic to heal, it was nowhere near as efficient as Elod's spells. After all, I wasn't trained specifically in healing.
