As she drifted in and out of consciousness, snippets of conversation echoed in Yavenni Golden Moon's ears.
"She's been out for so long. Could the blow have damaged her brain?" The voice sounded like the Magic Pattern Tiger.
"Impossible. I've examined her several times already. She recovered last night." This voice seemed to belong to the Elf named Gwenna.
"Anyway, her parents will be here soon. You can explain it to them then." The Magic Pattern Tiger sounded full of grievance. "Landen, let's go back to Night-Kirin City. I never want to go out with her again! I want to see my son, my sister, and my niece."
"You weren't even seriously injured!" Blaze's voice joined in. Though there was some complaint in her tone, it was mostly fondness. "Besides, you were the one who insisted on coming a couple of days ago, saying the food in the forest was different."
"How was I supposed to know? She's a descendant of a Legend, with royal Bloodline, and she actually sneaked out at night to go adventuring!" The tiger's roar stirred Yavenni's urge to argue. "And she even said that bringing back a few Guardian Trees would make us rich! As if! Each Guardian Tree weighs as much as both of us together. Was she planning to carry them back herself?"
"Pfft!" Whether it was Landen or Blaze, one of them couldn't hold back a laugh.
"Landen, you'd better stay away from her. She's been High-Rank for years, and she still just charges in headfirst..."
"Cough, cough!" The Elf opened her weary eyes, squinting against the sunlight. Her throat was unbearably itchy.
"You're awake?" Dragon Girl Gleia's voice came from beside her. "Do you feel unwell?"
"Gleia..." The Elf's voice was barely audible. Beneath her, she felt a soft, smooth, long