Chapter 17- Don't Take Candy From Strangers (Middle)

After enough time having beaten the retorts out of himself sufficiently to calm down, Cael proceeded to follow after Lily. Going down the ladder he, after a short climb set foot into a decently sized room that appeared to be lit up by some manner of mysterious glowing moss growing along the ceiling.

Despite the only light source coming in the form of bioluminescence, the space itself was actually altogether fairly bright not losing out to any modern equivalent.

Looking around Cael spotted Lily waiting for him patiently as he admired his surroundings. Evidently there appeared to be something of a theme going on as all the other aspects of the room, be it the furniture or decorations were some manner of plant as well.

『What do you think?』

Hearing Lily’s sudden question Cael was quickly drawn from his observations. Deciding to just give his honest impression he didn’t take long to respond.

『I like it, this place really gives off a strong fantasy vibe.』

『A fantasy vibe?』

Seeing the way his words cast a head tilting spell on her Cael rubbed his non-existent stubble for a moment and quickly rephrased his response to make it easier to understand.

『It’s very exotic and interesting.』

Nodding her head to that Lily found herself in agreement.

『I’ve lived in this house since I was a little girl. Everything you see here was grown by either mother or one of my sisters from ages passed. The style is based off of the traditional homes seen in silkie tribes.』

Cael found himself a little curious at the way she kept referring to her own people as if she wasn’t one of them.

『Do you not have a tribe yourself?』

Hearing the unexpected question caused Lily to break her natural poker face and smile wistfully if only for a brief moment.

Stolen story; please report.

『Who knows? Any sisters I might have had wandered off long ago.』

『There must be other silkie though right?』

At that Lily looked away and sighed before ultimately answering in the end albeit following a short pause.

『Despite whatever impressions she might have given you mother is actually much nicer than most other nymphs; the majority give birth only to then throw their children into the jaws of nature soon after to fend for themselves. There they eventually die or grow up feral living by the law of the jungle. When they grow enough their instincts will demand they reproduce so they will abduct young boys from nearby settlements to increase their numbers and over time eventually form a tribe of their own.』

『What the hell, how is that any different from goblins?』

『It’s not, like most kindred we’re considered a scourge and more often than not subjugation targets by adventurers. Silkie are just prettier.』

Cael was at a loss for words as Lily sat there speaking ill of her own race, her smile having long turned bitter by this point. Seeing an uncomfortable silence had taken over the room Cael decided to reassure her as best he could.

『Well you’re you and they’re them so don’t worry too much about it, alright?』

Hearing his awkward attempt at cheering her up Lily looked up slowly and when their eyes met a smile more radiant than any he had seen of her previously spread across the girl’s face.

『You think so? You’re really sweet, but instinct is nothing so weak.』

Before Cael could ask what she meant by that she stood up and walked over to what he could only assume was some kind of cabinet though with how it was made of leaves he really couldn’t be sure. After rummaging through it she eventually pulled out a gourd-like bottle and some drinking glasses before motioning him to follow her to a nearby table.

『Anyway I promised you dinner right, stay here and try some of this while I get started. I’ll only be a room over so call if you need anything, it shouldn’t take long though so I’ll be back soon.』

Picking up the bottle Cael shook it a little to get a feel for how much was in it before he uncorked it and tried to peek down its neck this was however to no avail as he couldn’t quite see inside.

『What is this stuff anyway?』

Having by this point already returned to her usual deadpan expression, the scene of her posing by leaning forward and placing one hand on her waist while putting her other in a “shushing” motion looked extremely out of place to Cael’s eyes.

『It’s a secret. Though there’s no reason you shouldn’t like it, it supposedly tastes like strawberries.』

『You mean you haven’t tried this before?』

After fixing her posture Lily turned away from Cael and replied just as she walked out of the room towards what was most likely the kitchen.

『Yeah, I was saving it for the right occasion.』

Following such line Cael was left alone for the first time in what felt like forever though in actuality it was only a few hours. Alas the redhead was starting to suspect he was actually cursed as just as he was beginning to relax he heard the tell-tale signs of someone fumbling down the nearby ladder though who it could be was anyone’s guess.