Emperor of Soul Pets

Chapter 10: Soul Society

Long red hair like a waterfall of flames, a pair of feisty gold eyes that hid a hint of melancholy, and a dazzling smile that would one day steal the hearts of men.

Aeriole Von Basten stood in front of the herb store with a victorious grin as she looked at the stunned dark-skinned child opposite. She would never forget how this young man shrugged her off like she was an annoying leech before running into the forest. Such and affront heavily wounded her pride as the youngest lady of Linmead.

"Hehe, what is it? Are you shocked I was able to find you?" Aeriole chuckled with glee. "Are you in awe of a noble lady's abilities?"

Rao Wu stared at the smug girl for a while, and then cocked his head to the side, "Who are you?"

"Urk—Who am I?" Aeriole nearly choked. He didn't even recognize her!? Was her presence that little? Oh, no, wait. Back then, she was covered in dust and grime from the fight. Yes. She was probably so beautiful that he did not match her to that dirty girl. "Mm." Having convinced herself, she nodded and then said, "Remember, you saved me earlier?"

"Uh... You'll have to be more specific. I save a lot of people."

"You!" Aeriole's finger trembled as she fiercely pointed at the savage child. For some reason, his indifferent gaze pissed her off. However, determined to maintain her noble grace, the little girl, put down her hand and swallowed a breath. After calming down, she carefully explained, "You saved me from the Wild Warthogs a few days ago?"

"Ah!" Rao Wu's eyes widened with recognition. "The crying, snotty girl from back then?"

"I wasn't snotty!"

"What was your name again? Aaron, Rolly—"

"Aeriole!" Aeriole nearly exploded, her gaze apoplectic. "My name is Aeriole."

"Ah, Aeriole." Rao Wu's lips curled in a teasing grin. "Aeriole Von Basten. How've you been?"

Aeriole wasn't stupid. Seeing Rao Wu's smirk, she instantly realized he had been teasing her. Half of her wanted to squeeze his neck, but the other was relieved. Indeed, she wasn't so forgettable. "I have been well. I did not think we would be meeting again so soon. Fate is indeed a tricky mistress."

"Fate?" Rao Wu gave the girl a skeptic stare. "Didn't you just say you found me? That doesn't sound like fate."

Kehum! Aeriole coughed to hide her embarrassment. "Indeed, I had my people keep an eye out for you at the gate. But I did not envision you would arrive so soon. I finally have a chance to pay back the favor."

"Favor? Ah. You mean saving your life? No worries. That was kinda my fault to begin with, so we're even."

"Your fault?"

"Yeah. I kinda, sorta killed their Berserk Wild Warthog leader. I think they were just looking to kill the closest small human they could find."

One of Aeriole's guards looked at Rao Wu with shock in his eyes. "You killed a Berserk Wild Warthog? By yourself?"

"Nah, not really," Rao Wu promptly answered. "I had help from a friend." Following Uncle Twilight's advice, he chose not to divulge too much information. "Well, if that's all, I've got to get back home, so I'll be lea—"

"Wait!" Aeriole grabbed Rao Wu's hand before he could walk past her.

Rao Wu looked at the dainty hands wrapped around his arm and then at Aeriole. What was this girl's deal with holding people? Realizing she wouldn't let him go, he sighed and questioned, "What is it?"

Aeriole really did not like the indifference in the child's eyes. They seemed to view her as someone of an alien race. No, it wasn't just her. The child's eyes looked at her guards and passing humans the same way. "I do not care that you caused the rampage. You still saved my life, so I must repay you."