We gave Velariah some time before we carefully carried her upstairs. She remained conscious but seemed weakened considerably because of the loss of blood. I feared the boar had hit her arteries. I couldn’t be more thankful that healing magic and potions happened to be a thing in this world. I could only shudder at what could have happened otherwise.

I was still left with the question of why Arch allowed this to happen. Did he do this consciously? Did he allow the boar to do whatever it wanted without stopping it?

We carried her further through the tunnels until we were back on the surface. Draco and Seralyn then placed her behind me. I had dropped my weapons and asked Seralyn to carry them; I wanted my arms free to hold on to the elf while walking back to the village. The brunette agreed without objection.

I was so thankful I could rely on my companions in these scenarios.

I was too busy being concerned over Velariah to deal with attitudes right now.

Once she was safely secured behind my human torso and Nira had hopped on, I got the urge to just run back to Dawnleaf as fast as I could, but I knew it wouldn’t do Velariah any good.

The elf had her arms around my waist weakly and her head on my shoulder.

“I’m sorry, El,” She whispered apologetically.

“Shush, I need you to rest, Vel,” I whispered back.

I put one hand on her hands that she was using to hold on to me and we walked back to Dawnleaf, the short way this time.

My stomach twisted at the thought of how much worse this could have ended.

I feared what Valtheril would say to her.

I kept a close grip on her frame behind me and her hands in front of me as we walked.

“Draco, I should probably have asked this earlier. Do dungeons benefit from people dying in them?”

“As a matter of fact, they do. When a person dies, massive amounts of mana are released into the air. Dungeons of course benefit greatly from mana and, as such, they are known to kill people sometimes. However, it would appear most dungeons are conservative in that regard, preferring long-term sustainability over short-term power spikes. We don’t know if that’s a sign of intelligence or whether there are… external factors driving them to kill people.”

“How do you know about this whole mana thing anyway? I thought it was useless to non-dungeons.” I asked.

“It is,” Draco replied. “We have gained a good understanding of the flow of mana over the years. The human kingdom paved the way through research, experiments, and observation to bring us knowledge about mana and Corium. However, there have been no successful attempts to harness mana ourselves. It would appear that privilege is reserved for dungeons.”

I would love to ask Arch questions about this, it’s just that I wasn’t sure if I could trust him anymore.

Screw dungeons, from now on, I’d not trust anything.

We reached Dawnleaf about half an hour later. We had kept up the pace. During our walk, I could swear Velariah had leaned against me more than was necessary, but I couldn’t be sure.

Today wasn’t our day. And then there were the trials for the guild to worry about later on as well.

Maybe I should just call the whole thing off.

We arrived at Velariah’s mansion and I knocked on the door. Elly soon appeared behind the slider and opened both doors to let us in. Draco suggested they’d leave but I stopped him.

“If you don’t mind, could you help me get her into-” I hesitated for a second. “Bed.”

I wasn’t keen on my companions knowing what our, well my, sleeping quarters looked like, but I didn’t have time, nor the energy, to worry about that.

They didn’t know Velariah slept in my bed every night. I wasn’t one to walk around and tell the world about it, either.

Nira had jumped off before I walked inside.

“What happened?” Elly asked with concern as I walked past her.

“Leg wound,” I called behind me. “And I got a scratch to my head, nothing serious.”

I made a beeline for the bathroom and opened the doors.

“That’s a nice nest you made, Elania,” Seralyn commented, looking at the pillow-covered hammock.

“Please just help me get her in it,” I answered with a sigh.

Draco and Seralyn carefully lifted the white-haired elf off my back and laid her in the hammock. This would serve as an ideal hospital bed while she recovered.

“Is there anything I can do for her?” I asked the harpy, expecting she’d have the most experience when it came to healing people.

She shook her head. “Her internal damage is healed. It’s only the wound that needs to close properly now. She will be completely fine once she has some food and rest, to recover the blood. The superficial wound shouldn’t hold her back too much. Just refresh the bandage sometime later today.”

“I’ll do that. Thanks, Nira.”

I sighed deeply as I turned to look at Velariah. She had her eyes closed but I knew she was still conscious.

“Elly, do you have anything that she could eat easily?” I asked the maid, who seemed concerned for the elf’s health.

“I’ll make something right away.” She said, and walked into the kitchen.

I didn’t even get the chance to thank her.

“I believe the whole guild trial thingy is off the table?” Seralyn asked with a neutral expression once more.

It was shocking how fast she could go from playful to serious. Maybe she wanted to put me at ease, knowing the elf would be fine?

I knew Velariah would be fine, but still…

I shrugged. “Yeah, I am afraid I’d rather stay home and make sure Velariah will be okay.”

“You should go.” Velariah sounded behind me. “I’m fine, I keep telling you.”

“I think it’s time for us to take our leave. Please take good care of Lady Velariah, Miss Elania.” Draco said politely.

He handed me a few of his potions before he left. I knew Velariah still had some of her own, and these were likely excessive, but I appreciated the gesture, nonetheless.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

“Thank you, Draco. I’ll make sure to do just that.”

“No need to worry there, Draco. She always does.” Seralyn answered as she exited the dining area.

Nira and Draco followed her and closed the door behind them, leaving me alone with the injured elf.

I walked up to her and reached out to her with my pedipalps. I also took hold of one of her hands.

“You think I should do that?” I asked with another sigh.

“Yes. It’s too late to back out now. You heard Nira. I’ll get something to eat, drink, get some rest and I’ll be up and running tomorrow.”

“And you told me I overexerted myself…”

Velariah chuckled. “Heh, funny as always…”

I took off my last two gloves and my chest plate and tossed them in the corner. I would put them with the rest of my weapons later. Seralyn had left the rest in the hallway.

I slowly took off the easy pieces that Velariah still had on. It took quite a bit longer than usual but I had plenty of time. I wanted her to be as comfortable as possible. I deposited them with my gauntlets in the same corner where I’d put my armor, right next to the box of sulfur that still sat there.

“Fine. I’ll go if it makes you happy.” I said after a while.

“I’m sorry I won’t be there to spectate.” She said softly.

“It’s okay, Vel. I just hope you learn from all this.” I sighed. “I guess I should learn from this too…”

I wanted to kick something out of frustration.

That damned dungeon.

Elly walked out of the kitchen with some slices of bread with thin slices of meat on them. Gray walked out and followed after her, that was until he noticed me.

Gray ran to me in excitement, his short tail wagging wildly. I lowered myself to pet him while Elly handed the plate to Velariah, who started eating in a half-sitting position.

“Thanks, Elly.”

I allowed myself to be distracted by Gray for a few moments as Elly was practically spoon-feeding the other elf.

“Any idea on what time it is right now?” I asked, after Gray had lifted my spirits somewhat.

Dogs were so therapeutic. Well, Gray wasn’t a dog, but… close enough.

“You still have a few hours you can spend with me. Don’t stress yourself out.”

That is exactly what I wanted to hear. Thanks, Vel.

I stood up again and saw Gray look up at the hammock, it was as if he could feel something was wrong with the elf in it.

He wouldn’t be wrong.

“How’s the pain?” I asked.

That was probably the worst part of this all.

“Manageable. If it gets too bad, I’ll just chug another painkiller.”

I started to feel more relieved. I think it was because of Velariah’s utter disregard for the state she was currently in.

She finished eating and Elly left us behind as she walked into the kitchen to drop off the plate, before walking upstairs with a feather duster. That was the one thing she needed to complete the typical maid look. It made me smile a little.

I closed the door, locked it, stepped over the net using the full extent of my legs, and took a look at the elf’s bandages. They were soaked in brown blood and smelled terrible, possibly because of the blood and alcohol mixed. I wanted to replace those as soon as possible, but I knew that replacing them now might be a bit early.

I’d do that after the trials; I could clean the wounds in the process.

Velariah had laid herself down after finishing the quick meal. I took a canteen out of her pack and made her drink some more.

“Seriously, El, if you are going to make me drink any more, I’m going to have you carry me to the toilet.”

“I thought you were oh so fine?” I half-joked.

“I’m sorry, alright,” Velariah said. She took that far too seriously it seemed.

“No need to get upset, Vel, I was only joking.” I sighed.

I walked over to the hammock, put my pedipalps on her belly, and took hold of one of her hands again.

“Ah, who the hell am I even kidding.” I let out as I swiftly hopped into the hammock and lay down next to her, careful to not put my large behind on her legs. Once inside, I took off the bandages around my head. They were far too uncomfortable and the bleeding had stopped long ago.

“You’re the worst nurse,” Velariah joked. “Jumping in your patients’ beds and stuff.”

“Or the best, depending on how you look at it,” I replied as I kissed her forehead. “We really should not bring our relationship into the open during combat… That was just… stupid.”

“I know,” Velariah said. “And I hate myself for making you worry so much.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” I said with my sweet voice.

“Now you know how that side of it feels as well,” Velariah grinned slightly.

“At least I had good reason to do what I did before I lost my leg,” I said in all seriousness. “Besides, I got it back.” I smiled at Velariah.

“Yeah, I’m stupid. You’re absolutely right. I need to remain focused. I underestimated that dungeon severely. If it had been any higher-tiered dungeon, I could have died.”

I sighed once more. “I hope you learned your lesson. I don’t want to have you die, Vel.” I said with a tear in my eye.

“Don’t start crying now, El. I wasn’t intending on dying anytime soon.” The elf said as she reached for my face with her other hand.

“I’d rather have your actions speak than your words,” I replied. “I’m serious. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you now.” I could feel a tear roll down my face as I spoke those words.

Velariah wiped it away and dragged my face to hers.

“I won’t. There’s too much for me to live for. I won’t. That’s a promise.” She spoke softly before taking me in for a kiss.

I was thankful that she did that. It put my mind at ease. Things would be okay and we would both be more careful in the future. I hugged her tight with my right set of legs as my left set simply dangled off the edge. I kissed her again and laid my head next to hers. I simply held on to her and relaxed, refusing to let go.

I lay next to her for a long time, possibly hours. Eventually, she’d fallen asleep and I was now observing her snooze peacefully.

Velariah was so cute when she slept…

I could probably look at her for hours. It was a shame I had these trials to compete in.

I shrugged.

It was for the good of new adventurers joining. I could see why Velariah wanted me to participate.

Anxiety about being too late slowly started to build up within me. I gave a quick kiss to the sleeping elf and slowly stepped out of the hammock. I then carefully grabbed my chest plate without making much noise and walked out of the room.

Gray was sleeping soundly in his ‘bed’ and I didn’t want to disturb any of the sleeping creatures.

I put on my chest plate in the dining area before making my way over to the hallway. Elly walked down the stairs at the same time, still holding the feather duster.

“I’ll be out for a bit, Elly. Please take good care of Velariah for me.” I said.

“I’ll do the best I can.” She said while she started cleaning the table.

I finished putting on my armor and gathered my weapons. I decided not to put on my bladed gauntlets yet, it was far too busy on the way to the trial area. I was afraid I might actually hurt someone with them.

I should get some sheathes…

I thought about stopping by Dworag’s shop after I’d finished the trials but I decided against it. I’d much rather get back to Velariah. It would be for another time.

There was also the fact that I planned on getting some more spools of silk done today. I wasn’t sure if I could do that without the elf’s help. I hoped she’d be in a somewhat better state later tonight.

How much time did I have before that supposed grandmaster arrived?

I shook away the question and exited the mansion, closing the door behind me. I then walked to the market square where there was quite a crowd, larger than any other time I could remember.

I guess that confirmed it.

They were here for me.

People were polite, almost eager to make way for me as I looked for the organizer in red. I soon found him near a circle on the ground that was far larger than the ones I’d seen previously.

These elves had the stage set for me.

It made me feel uneasy. I was never one to get this much attention, nor did I feel the need to get it.

I had to manually calm down my breathing when I approached the organizer. I was thankful he did the talking and I didn’t have to do any.

“Ah, Miss Elania, it’s good to finally have you here. When word got out you were participating, the place filled up far faster than usual.”

I simply sighed at the confirmation of my ‘popularity’.

I looked over the trial area to see that only one of the three circles was currently occupied by two combatants who seemed to be fairly low-tiered. Their armor looked simple and their weapons were cheap. Some of the crowd already had their attention focused on me.

Whose idea was this again?

“I have three contestants lined up for you,” The organizer continued. “That’s all for the day. It’s not much, but do try to give the crowd a show.” He winked.

A show. Right.

I was curious what the guild had put up against me.

I made my way over to the large circle and put on my bladed gauntlets and waited for my opponent. My spear was drawn and I tried to calm down my heartbeat that had been rising steadily from all the attention that was on me.

I could hear a few gasps as I stood ready for my opponent to appear, and it wasn’t a mystery what all the whispers in the crowd were about.

I wanted Velariah here…

A few moments later, the first contestant stepped into the ring. He appeared to be a middle-aged human warrior with a kite shield and a one-handed sword. His armor seemed to be in decent shape, a full-body plate that looked like it was of decent quality.

I would expect as much of gold-tiered adventurers.

The organizer gave us the signal to begin.

I had no idea how to go about this properly. How would I fight without actually injuring someone?

I was told there were all kinds of healers at the ready, but I couldn’t just pull out my venom or something like that now, could I?

I figured the easiest way to incapacitate my opponent was to either disarm them or block their blows and pin them down under my legs. I would probably have to rely on my shields, I had no experience parrying with swords, and trying to figure that out right now would likely result in me losing.

And I hated losing.

He stepped forward and feigned an attack. I would have been ready to absorb it with my shield, but it never got close enough. I reacted by stabbing with my spear, which he easily blocked.

Hum, four hands was quite the advantage, wasn’t it?

I realized just how powerful I was against humans. I continued to prod and pry with my spear, trying to get him to fixate his attention on it. I held one shield up all the time while I was ready with a blade from my other arm to strike. It seemed it forced him into a very, very defensive stance. He couldn’t get any attack landed on me.

When I knew his attention was a hundred percent focused on my spear, I decided to strike.

I feigned an attack from above with my spear, my height advantage made it all too easy. He raised his shield to block the attack that would never be. In reaction to that, I lowered my body in an extremely quick motion, faster than he could register and I swept his legs from under him with one of my legs.

He fell over backward without knowing what had just happened and I was quick to jump on him to catch his falling form with two legs before he smashed the ground, disarming him with my pedipalps in the process. I imagined me bowing over him like that made it look more like some form of dance than an actual spar.

The crowd cheered and clapped as I helped the new adventurer back up to his feet. He reached out a hand which I shook with a free hand.

“Well fought,” He said with a smile.

Look at that, a human who spoke the elven language.

“You too. Welcome to the guild.”

“Thanks. Elania, right? The name’s Eric. It was an honor to fight you.”

Well, well. I had found my first polite human.

“The honor was mine. Good luck in your adventures.” I took a small bow and assumed my position in the ring again, waiting for my next opponent.