Chapter 38 - Always Be Your Faithful Friend
Most of the Dwarves’ houses were made of wood. Since they were specialised in jewelcrafting, they were not that interested in things like jades. On the contrary, they were very fond of wood.
A house built with rocks couldn’t compete with the cosiness and comfort that a house surrounded by the beauty of nature could provide.
Moreover, the rigidity of the wood used by the Dwarves was not any worse than that of a rock. Instead, it was more pliable than rocks. Despite it being a wooden house, its impact resistance was actually beyond one could imagine.
However… It had one critical flaw that was difficult to overcome.
Wood is flammable.
Even a fire-resistant wood would be reduced to ashes if a raging fire breaks out.
Eugene’s cottage was a victim of this raging fire. Suo Fei stood from afar, his mind buzzing with questions. This sudden disaster had caught him by surprise.
At this time, the dwarves finally arrived.
Jonah’s little face went pale at the sight of their ruined home. He fell off the Three-headed Hound. His clothes were torn and blood dripped from his arm, but he felt no pain. He staggered forward, his eyes filled with disbelief.
Then, he frantically ran towards the ruins. He rummaged through the wreckage with his bare hands as he screamed, “Grandpa… Grandpa… Where are you, grandpa?” As the screams mingled with his cries, the deserted place appeared more melancholic.
The cottage was already in this state, how could the person inside possibly survive?
Evelyn also rushed over. Compared to Jonah’s loud cries, he was chillingly silent. He didn’t say a word, but he also rummaged the ruins like he had lost his mind. His pair of tiny hands were scratched by the broken chips of wood. Blood dripped onto the charred woods and was quickly absorbed. It was as if all of his vitality was gradually being drained into the dark.
Eugene was their pillar. If he died, it would be as if the sky had fallen and the earth had crumbled.
Suo Fei was abruptly brought back to reality. They mustn’t give up. Even if there is only a glimmer of hope, they must make every effort to find him!
Just then, a person who was running over from a distance breathlessly shouted, “You, you guys finally came back.”
They finally could see him clearly when he got closer. His light purple hair was in a mess and had been sullied by the black ashes. The silk robe he wore had also been smudged with dirt, obscuring its elegance. His bewitching and charming face was riddled with anxiety.
It’s Emia…
Why is he here?
Emia finally came in front of them. When he saw Jonah and Evelyn, he quickly stopped them and said, “Stop searching, your grandpa isn’t here!”
This sentence caused everyone to turn to look at him.
Emia gasped for breath to steady himself, and blurted, “I have taken him to the village infirmary. Although he is severely injured, his life is not in danger. Come with me quickly.”
Their group hastily went to the infirmary.
After seeing the injured and unconscious Eugene, Jonah started bawling. Evelyn, who had been shocked stupid, also burst into tears. This scene caused Suo Fei’s eyes to redden. He embraced the two dwarves and gently comforted them.
At this time, Samael asked the dwarven healer, “How is his condition?”
The dwarven healer frowningly said, “He had inhaled a lot of smoke, but his burns are not severe. The most life-threatening injury is the wound on his lower abdomen. Fortunately, the sylph had brought him in time, or else…” He didn’t finish his sentence.
After a pause, he continued, “His condition is currently under control, but he’s still in danger. The Dwarves are not skilled in healing and my healing skills are truly… shameful. Inviting the High Priest of the Celestials would increase his chances of being cured.”
The door of the room opened and a young dwarf came in. He had short and stiff brown hair and delicate features. However, his sharp eyes and thin lips carried an imposing aura.
As soon as he came in, the dwarven healer immediately bowed in respect, “Your Majesty.”
The person who came in was the king of the Dwarves, Tilly Lannis.
Tilly waved his hand dismissively. The Dwarves weren’t particular with etiquette. He looked at Jonah and Evelyn and spoke in a deep and firm tone of voice, “I would surely give you an account of this matter. Whoever it was that bullied my race, I would surely make him suffer!”
He turned around and said to the healer, “Keep watch of his condition, I will send someone to the Celestials to invite the High Priest.”
The Dwarves weren’t good in maintaining diplomacy and they were on bad terms with all the other races. They would surely have to pay an exorbitant price to invite the High Priest of the Celestials.
Suo Fei looked at Tilly. He had once vividly experienced this king’s sour and obstinate temper. At that time, he only thought that he was too difficult to deal with. But now, he felt that it would be fortunate to be ruled by such a responsible king like him.
When he heard that he was going to invite the High Priest, Suo Fei finally spoke up, “I’ve learnt healing from my mother since young. I also have my family’s handed-down secret potion that can heal Eugene’s wounds,” Suo Fei paused before he added, “But I need a completely quiet room so I hope that everyone can wait outside.”
Samael suddenly gripped Suo Fei’s hand. Suo Fei didn’t budge but merely cast him a placating glance.
He understood Samael’s concern. His peculiar healing ability could easily heal Eugene’s injury, but it came with a risk. There are too many strangers present. If an observant person discovers his ability, the consequences would be disastrous.
But in this situation, Suo Fei couldn’t be so selfish as to only think of himself. Since he inexplicably acquired this ability, he might as well use it. Standing idly by despite knowing that he is capable of helping out, this way of handling things, was entirely incompatible with his outlook on life.
If there’s danger, then there’s danger. Since he could save a life at this moment, then he wouldn’t stand by and do nothing.
Hearing his claim, Jonah tearfully looked at him and asked, “Elf, can you really save grandpa?”
Suo Fei nodded his head vigorously and rea.s.sured him, “Don’t worry, the healing technique of us Elves is one of the best and my mother is an Archmage. Believe me.”
The people present felt more a.s.sured after hearing him say so.
A few moments later, they started leaving the room. The dwarven healer offered his help, but Suo Fei shook his head and only allowed Samael to stay.
Since Suo Fei had already made a choice, Samael didn’t stop him and only stood by the door. He unleashed his spiritual power to the maximum extent possible, guaranteeing that no one would come close.
Eugene’s wound had already been attended to and the bandage had been meticulously applied. Suo Fei carefully examined it and inferred that it should have been pierced by a sharp blade. It didn’t have anything to do with the fire. The a.s.sailant must have set the house on fire after hurting Eugene to destroy the evidence.
Suo Fei squinted his eyes as he thought of Emia. Why would he appear in such a timely manner?
Suppressing the doubts in his heart, Suo Fei examined Eugene’s body once again. There were a few burns on his arms and legs, which weren’t severe. They were now slowly recovering since the healer had already applied the medication on them.
Suo Fei decided to only focus on the mortal wound and not on those minor wounds. It would be rather too suspicious to heal all the wounds on Eugene’s body in just a span of a few minutes.
Suo Fei took a deep breath and started treating Eugene’s abdominal wound. When he was doing experiments with Samael before, it was just a few minor injuries. Suo Fei barely felt anything when the wound recovered.
But right now, Suo Fei felt a huge suction force as soon as he had touched the wound. The wound was being healed quickly. Suo Fei clearly felt his energy being drained rapidly, but he held on firmly. A great gust of dizziness. .h.i.t him that almost made him faint.
Samael discovered his abnormality in time and caught his body that was about to fall.
The pale-faced Suo Fei leaned on Samael’s arms and smiled bitterly, “It seems that this healing skill comes at a price.”
Samael held him in his arms. He clasped his right hand and whispered, “Where is it uncomfortable?”
Suo Fei shook his head and replied, “It’s just over-consumption. I’m so hungry that I could even eat a whole Frostflame Beast.”
Samael’s expression improved after seeing that he could still crack a joke, “Have some rest first and eat something light afterwards. Don’t eat the beast meat in your interspatial bag yet.”
His words instantly dispelled Suo Fei’s thought of taking them out of his interspatial bag. Alright then.According to common sense, eating beast meat that was a tad too greasy in this state would only do harm to his body. But, I’m really hungry…
Eugene’s wounds had almost completely recovered and his life was no longer in danger. It was just that Suo Fei deliberately didn’t heal him completely. The remaining superficial wounds were tended to, there wouldn’t be any major problems.
Samael adjusted his posture to make Suo Fei more comfortable. He caressed Suo Fei’s back to ease his fatigue.
Suo Fei muddle-headedly grunted in hunger, but Samael’s warmth felt comforting against his skin. However, he failed to see Samael’s eyes becoming gloomier.
This ability must not be discovered by others. If someone knocks Suo Fei unconscious to let him heal them, Suo Fei would most likely exhaust himself to death.
The elf fell asleep nestled in his arms. He was still gently caressing him and felt his soft and slender under his palm as his fingers swept across his thin clothes. When he touched his waist, the elf’s pointy ears visibly twitched, seeming to be a little ticklish.
Samael gazed at Suo Fei intently. The elf had fallen into a deep, unguarded sleep. His countenance showed complete trust causing Samael’s eyes to become more profound. His head stooped down and dropped a kiss on his forehead.
It was overflowing with gentleness and adoration.
After half an hour, Samael came out while carrying Suo Fei.
The dwarves gathered around them as soon as they came out. Jonah saw Suo Fei’s state and immediately asked, “What’s wrong with the elf? My grandpa, he…”
“It went without incident, he’s just exhausted.”
The dwarves sighed with relief.
Tilly immediately arranged for someone to lead him to a place he could rest in.
Suo Fei was awakened by a fragrant aroma. He was really hungry. Even though he was still tired, he immediately opened his eyes when the smell of food wafted through the air.
A voice came from above him, “You’re awake? Have some porridge.”
It was Samael’s voice. With that, he held a golden spoon in front of him. Suo Fei took a bite without thinking. The rice porridge was so soft and smooth that it easily melted in his mouth. It had also been served at the right temperature, hence it felt incredibly comfortable when it pa.s.sed through his throat and entered his stomach.
Suo Fei delightedly ate spoons after spoons without lifting a finger.
He only became clear-headed after eating to his satisfaction.
He moved his gaze and suddenly wanted to knock himself out unconscious.
He was being held in Samael’s arms. He need not guess that the person who had been feeding him was Samael. It would have been fine if that was just the case, but what about the seven or eight empty bowls on the table!
He could still disregard that he had been spoon-fed, but why did he f**king finish so many bowls?!
More importantly, what are the dwarves doing here? What’s with you feeding me in front of so many people!
Jonah ran in with a large bowl in his hand. F**k… It was filled with porridge. He breathlessly shouted, “Coming! I’ll fill the bowl right away.”
Suo Fei: …Laozi is an elf, not a pig.
The little cub who hadn’t appeared for a long time proudly wagged its tail: See, it really is this divine beast’s ser—I mean, friend (I’m applying what I’ve recently learnt), this appet.i.te is as big as this divine beast’s!
Samael glanced at the dumbstruck Suo Fei and muttered, “No need, it seems that he’s already full.”
Suo Fei: It’s extremely embarra.s.sing, okay!
A certain pig who had eaten to his heart’s content….. a certain elf who had lost his face turned on his self-regulation mode.
Pure Suo Fei: No, you didn’t eat that much. Real men must eat a lot. Only a strong man would have this vigour!
Evil Suo Fei: A strong man had actually been spoon-fed while in the embrace of another man— eight bowls, no less.
Pure Suo Fei: Can we stop talking about that embarra.s.sing moment?!
….Self-regulation failed.
Seeing that Suo Fei was full, Jonah hurriedly came over. His big, limpid eyes were filled with worship, “Elf, grandpa is already much better thanks to you. I don’t know how I could ever repay you.”
The leader of the Dwarves Tilly stepped forward and solemnly declared to Suo Fei: “First, you’ve risked your life to save Jonah and Evelyn. Now, you’ve even saved Eugene. Elf, I, Tilly, vow that the Dwarves would always be your faithful friend!”
If he had not seen what had happened earlier, Suo Fei would surely hold Tilly’s hand and mention his precious son. However, at this moment, all he wanted was to find a hole in the ground to burrow into.
After imparting his impa.s.sioned words, the dwarves finally realised that Suo Fei needed to rest and left one after another.
Suo Fei’s embarra.s.sment diminished slightly when the others had left the room.
He had eaten his fill, thus he was already in high spirits. It was just that he couldn’t disentangle himself from the embarra.s.sing situation earlier.
Samael noticed it and, with a slight smile, diverted his attention to another matter.
“Would you like to meet with Emia?”
This sentence successfully jolted Suo Fei’s mind back to the present. He turned to Samael and knew that Samael harboured the same suspicion as him.
This matter was too coincidental.
T/N: Tilly Lannis (提利·兰尼斯) in the raws is literally two characters short of Tyrion Lannister’s name (提利昂·兰尼斯特) from Game of Thrones LMAOOO can the author be any more obvious?