Said teenager had no idea of Adrest’s inner ramblings, and ran up to the older two taking their arms in her own. Trying to lead them towards the barroom, or as Adrest suspected, dinner and a large fire.

Before she managed to get two steps, Alissa stopped her with a reprimanding look, “Belle what have I told you? You have to dry properly or you’ll get sick.”

“But I’ll dry off in no time in the barroom, and its uncomfortable.”

Shaking her head at the spoiled rabbit, Alissa took out a cloth from her storage and handed it to Adrest.

“You’re the only one Belle doesn’t mind drying her ears, so get to it Ady.”

Adrest pretended to not hear the jealousy in Alissa’s voice as he directed Belle by the shoulders to stand directly in front of himself. She was scarlet, and was stiffly staring at the ground, her ears twitching and a few times tickling his nose.

With a sigh, he got to work while admonishing his little sister, “I’m always happy to help Belle, but you really should start doing this yourself soon, you're almost an adult after all.”

Belle just ignored the admonishment and enjoyed the warm, soothing sensation of Ady carefully drying her off. Belle always felt safe and comfortable when he did it, She actually didn’t mind when Alissa did it, she'd gotten much more gentle but for this at least, Adrest was her favorite.

Now with everyone happy, they headed back out to the dimly lit bar, and were surprised to see Rin back already. She was donning brown leather pants and a thin jacket that clung to her soaked form. The first thing Adrest thought of seeing her was a half drowned cat. Rin even had the same pitiable expression as one as she was being held at arms length by Rose as she complained.

“It’s so cold today and they let me spend all morning in the trudging through snow in the middle of the forest before sending me all the way to the mountains in the opposite direction. And then when I get there, there’s not even a trace of the wyvern I was supposed to find. Now I have to spend my mornings alone in a freezing forest, and my afternoons on an even colder mountain.”

Adrest felt sorry for the poor hero, her nose was bright red, and Adrest could see on the hands that held Rose, each fingertip stiff and pale. Alissa went over to help Rose comfort the not so awe-inspiring hero.

“Oh my Rin! That sounds horrible. Let’s get you cleaned and warm and you can tell us all about it over dinner.” Alissa put her hand over the near frozen Rin’s and used her unusually warm body temperature to help the girl get feeling in them again.

Rin nearly started crying right there, but got herself under control and obediently followed Alissa back to where they had just emerged from.

Rose gave Alissa a smile and silent “thank you” as they walked off, which made Adrest chuckle.

With a playful glare Rose said, “What, is something funny Adrest? Think before you answer.“

As she spoke, Rose pulled out a plate of cheese and herb rolls that were his favorite and tilted the plate as if she would let them simply fall to the floor.

In mock horror Adrest gasped saying, “Now Rose let’s not do anything extreme. The best and most beautiful Inn-keeper this side of the mountains wouldn’t play with a customers heart like that, would she?”

With the low light and warm glow of fire and mage light keeping the warm blush on Rose’s pale face hidden she released the hostage. As the plate was set down on to the table, she also deftly arranged four steaming mugs in the empty seats in front of her.

“That’s more like it. Now sit down and eat one before you annoy me again.” Belle’s chime like giggling rang out as she skipped over to the same seat she had last night and grabbed a doughy treat.

Adrest took his seat directly by Belle’s and sniffed his mug curiously.

“Cider?” Adrest took a healthy swig and grunted in an effort to not cough at the unexpected harsh finish.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

“Mmph. Boozey cider. Belle isn't drinking this is she?”

Rose was satisfied seeing her little surprise had gotten Adrest, and giggled at the idea of a drunken Belle snoring on the bar. “Hehe, no I warmed up Belle’s separately. How is it? I got a bought some brandy produced in the beastkin area. I thought it’d match the cider we make in town.”

Adrest nodded along, “It’s really good, I’m sure the girls will love it too.”

It only took another five or so minutes before a now much happier Rin walked back in, followed by Alissa.

“Hello Adrest! Hello Belle!” Rin cheerily greeted, as she got over to the bar she pulled a bag out of a pocket and stopped at Belle.

“Belle! I saw these before I went out today, and thought they’d suit you.” Rin handed the bag to Belle, who opened it with plain curiosity. She pulled out a red and white hat, it even had holes made with beast-kin in mind.

Belle blinked as she took in the cute red pattern, she put it on before giving Rin a big childlike grin, “Thank you Rin.”

Rin rubbed the back of her head, messing up the dark mahogany hair that has just been put back into order.

“Hehe, don’t worry about it Belle, and if you want you can call me Big sis, it’s what all the kids at the orphanage did.”

“Thank you Big sis Rin!”

Rin seemed to become distracted as Belle addressed her, staring into middle space for a few seconds before returning. Putting a hand on the rabbit-kin’s head that now has a yarn spun hat over it, she patted with a toothy smile, “That’s more like it.”

Adrest looked to Alissa, half expecting the dragon to become jealous now that her Big sis title was being encroached upon, but she was simply looking over the cute exchange with a palm supporting her head and a little grin.

Rin took the remaining seat near Alissa and the group talked about nothing for the next hour, slowly enjoying the dinner of steaks and mixed vegetables that was served tonight. Rose made sure each one was cooked exactly how they wanted it, with Alissa’s being the trickiest, as she liked it so rare Rose was almost positive it was still cold in the middle.

“If it isn't for anything important, don’t go outside the village for the next few days, its been getting more and more dangerous lately.” Rin warned Alissa and Adrest.

Pretending to be confused Adrest asked, “Why? Is it because of the wyvern sighting you mentioned earlier? They’re strong if they get to B rank but they aren’t enough to intimidate us.”

Shaking her head Rin said, “No, it’s not just that. The last few days, more and more monsters keep appearing, from Rank C Crawlers, Dark Rodents, Racids, and a whole onslaught of other ones. Even multiple B ranks are showing up now, Including the mystery wyvern I’m looking for, that’s 3 B ranks in the last week. If we were a few thousand miles deeper in the forest I could understand it, but they have no reason to gather so close to the border. Something doesn’t feel right, just promise me you’ll stay inside. Or if there’s something you really need, I can travel with you. At least then I can keep everyone safe.”

Seeing the genuine concern for their safety in Rin’s eyes, Adrest could understand why Alissa took such an instant liking to the girl. Rin already considered the three good friends and she truly cared for their safety, going as far to offer to guard them if needed. As far as Rin knew, Adrest and Alissa were around C rank and Belle was in D, just a slightly above average group but nothing that a passer by would look twice at, and she was bending over backwards to keep them safe. Adrest also admired the hero's instincts, with nearly nothing to go on, she still felt something was very wrong with the area.

“Well we..”

Adrest was going to refuse the offer, since they technically didn’t need to leave the town as they’d killed the drake for Rin already, and the point of the trip was to flaunt Belle until someone took action. But was interrupted by Alissa who kicked him under the table at an angle Rin couldn’t see.

“We’re looking for some herbs and materials to make a bit of money now that a lot of the traveling adventurers already left for the season. It’s the best time of year to find what they missed. Are you sure it’d be okay to stay with us outside though? Don’t you have to lookout for monsters?”

Adrest didn’t know what Alissa was planning but like most things, he could only follow Alissa’s whims. As he was trying to figure out where this was going, Rin cutely put a finger on her lips.

“It can be our little secret, I’m sure the guild master would chew me out of he found out. But it’s not like I won’t be doing my job, I can still keep an eye out for monsters as we walk. It’ll be fine. Besides, you said you’re mostly staying by the mountains, right? That’s where I was planning on spending most of my time anyway.”

“Then we’ll take you up on the offer, thank you so much, Rin.” As finished giving thanks, Alissa leaned over to Belle past Adrest.

“Hear that Belle? You’ll get to see a real life hero in action tomorrow make sure you pay attention. It'll be a once in a lifetime learning experience.”

“Yes Big Sis Ali.” Belle didn’t know why Alissa said that, as far as she was concerned there could be one hundred Rins and they still wouldn’t be able to fight her Big sis Ali. The image of her forcing the drake to a stand still from her presence alone was still fresh in Belle’s mind after all.

Now much more excited to patrol than she’d been this morning Rin lit up at the idea of showing off in front of the cute little sister. “Just ask me anything tomorrow while we’re walking. I’m not good at much of anything, but all the teachers say I’m a prodigy with dual swords and body enhancing magic.”

Belle was curious learning the girl’s fighting style was so similar to her own and gave a warm, “I can’t wait Big sis Rin.”