Rya and the girls meet back up with Quinus and the others.

'Huh? Is Rya in a better mood?' Quinus thought as he saw Rya's gloomy face lighten up.

Quinus was surprised to see Rya happy again, "Anything wrong?"

"Nothing!" Rya replied quickly.

Dalia chuckled and smirked as she gave Quinus a thumbs-up behind Rya's back.

He noticed it right away.

'Lady Dalia, I don't know what you said. But I'm eternally grateful for whatever you did. And for making Rya happier! Thank you!' Quinus thought happily.

Rya gave him a sheepish look, "Sorry, I didn't mean to ignore you."

Quinus waved his hand dismissively, "It's alright. We are just waiting for Baron Zellin and his men to finish burying his dead before we head back to the city."

"Is there anything else?" Rya asked.

"Just be your adorable self. I know you can do it," he replied.

Rya blushed, 'God, there he goes with the corny lines.'

"I don't think one can act adorable. It's something that should happen naturally."

Quinus laughed, "You already are. When you blush like that, that is."

Rya's cheeks turned red as she glared at him, "Stop flirting with me! There's a time and a place!"

'Oh? So, she is open to me trying to flirt with her? Well, I guess this is my chance! Let's see if I can get her to fall in love with me!' Quinus thought happily.

"Um... May I ask a question, your highness?" Nieren asked politely.

Quinus looked at the wood elf curiously, "Yes?"

"Could I be a part of Lady Rya's entourage? I'd like to become her guard."

"Wait, what? You can't be serious," Rya gasped.

"I am. My only request is for my mother to come along as well."

"So, are you willing to give up your adventuring career, Lady Nieren?" Quinus asked.

Nieren smiled, "I only became an adventurer to become stronger in hopes to get justice. Sadly I froze up when I saw the Kings Slayer. And now he's no more."

Then she whispered to herself, "And my mother doesn't like me begin an adventurer. She's always telling me that it will never end well for me."

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

'We just met and she wants to be my personal guard or lady in waiting? I mean she is nice and all, but I feel she is making this decision too lightly.' Rya thought with uncertainty.

"Alright. Your request is granted," Quinus nodded.

Nieren's eyes lit up, "Really?!"

Rya furrowed her brows, "But..."

"It's fine. Besides, we elves should stick together, Lady Rya." Nieren smiled.

'It's been so long since I have been friends with another elf closer to my age! Even though she's a dark elf. But the elders were wrong! She is a good person and I want to be her friend!' Nieren thought.

Rya sighed, "Fine, Nieren. But please, you don't need to be my servant for the rest of your life. If a different opportunity comes up, then take it. I don't want to be the one to hold you back, okay?"

'Awe! She better person than I thought! I will devote my life to my new friend! Hehe!' Noreen thought happily while nodding her head.

'Um... D-Did she even hear a word that I said? She has a starry-eyed I'd look at me!' Rya thought nervously.

It wasn't too long the Baron Zellin and Hajdah walked over to the group.

"Your Highness. We have finished taking care of our fallen. We'll be marching back to Ironside soon. Are you coming with us?" The Baron asked.

"Yes, we will. Sir George prepare my horse, please. Everyone else, ready yourselves. We're heading home!" Quinus bellowed.

***

By the time everyone was ready to leave it was almost dusk. They marched through the forest in a line formation. Rya rode on Quin's horse, while Sir George, Percy, Dalia, Nieren, and Zellin followed behind them.

The sun began to set, casting a beautiful orange glow across their surroundings. The city was in the distance and they could see several soldiers gathered around the city gates, waiting for them. When the sun finally disappeared below the horizon, the moon emerged from behind the trees. It was full and its light illuminated the entire landscape.

'Man... Sometimes I forget that I'm not on Earth anymore,' Rya thought to herself.

Zellin rode his horse closer to Quinus.

"Your Highness. We were planning on having a victory celebration in honor of defeating the mercenaries and freeing Lady Rya. Do you wish to join? I can call in all of my family members to attend this party," he asked.

Quinus looked at him with a blank expression, "Sure. That would be nice to honor the men."

"Then I shall go now and make preparations."

Once Zellin left to return to his castle, Quinus turned back towards Rya who was sitting on his lap.

"What?" Rya tilted her head confused.

"At the party, you're not allowed to have a pint of ale, okay?"

Rya blushed in embarrassment, "I can pace myself just fine Quinus. Trust me."

Quinus smiled softly, "Well, I don't want to worry about you getting drunk like last time and doing something embarrassing at the party tonight. You know what happens when you get drunk, right?"

Rya shook her head slowly, looking down at the ground.

"I don't remember much. But Quin! Dwarven ale just tastes so good!" Rya mumbled as she tried to explain her actions last time.

Quinus laughed, "Alright then. How about this, you can have a sip of my beer. Okay?"

'Was I that much of a lightweight? God, I must have looked like a fool. Fine, I'll accept his offer.' Rya thought to herself.

Rya nodded and continued to blush furiously.

Quinus nodded in agreement. Then the two looked up to the sky as they heard hooves clomping away as they continued to march towards the city gates.

"You have no idea how relieved I am right now," Quin replied with a smirk.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to worry you." Rya apologized.

Quinus shook his head, "No, no. You shouldn't have to watch your back every minute of your life. This world is not kind when you let your guard down. So please, don't beat yourself up. Just learn from this?"

Rya gave a small nod and looked up at him with curious eyes.

'Yeah, I guess I was spoiled being born a man in America. I need to accept that some people want to use me as a object. Haah... Well, I need to get stronger so no one can hurt me or my friends.'

The two continued to gaze upon the night sky unit the city gate was upon them.

***

An hour later, the party had begun.