Nora wanted to leave some money on the sly, but Ye Chuqi stopped her. "We might not leave today, after all." Now wasn't the time. Helping out with chores like Cyril and the others was good enough. The old woman hated to see them work so hard, but she was also beaming with contentment.
It was already fairly late when they reached the shore. Looking out at the calm sea, the group was a little lost. They were here, sure, but what were they supposed to do?
Nora muttered, "There isn't even a boat..." How were they supposed to investigate, and where would they start?
Ye Chuqi, however, had already summoned Big Black Fish.
Seeing this enormous black fellow in person for the first time, her friends all exclaimed in surprise. Judging by his size, he was already a high-rank magic beast. Not only was he aquatic, he was an aquatic demon beast that could fly.
It was simply incredible.
Bold little troublemaker that she was, Nora nearly reached straight out to touch him, but Holly caught her just in time. "Easy there."
This was also Big Black Fish's first time seeing Ye Chuqi's friends from so close, and he could barely contain his excitement. Especially faced with such undisguised delight and curiosity as Nora's for the first time, he sidled furtively toward her.
His dark eyes practically said, Go on, give me a pet.
Nora couldn't help laughing. "Ye Chuqi, can I pet him?"
"If neither of you minds, why would I?" Ye Chuqi was amused too. Nora's admiring gaze had probably satisfied Big Black Fish's vanity, because he looked positively thrilled. "But I should warn you, he's very clingy."
Nora nodded eagerly. "I don't mind, I don't mind! He's a fishy. What fish isn't sticky?"
Calling such a