More than half a month later.
"-Wait, what do you think my place is?"
Iris Moon stared at Natsu Hyuga, whom Xue Ge had pushed over to her side. After a moment of stunned silence, she nearly crushed her bowl. "This isn't a daycare, kora!"
"I'm only asking you to look after her while I'm away," Xue Ge said. "I've already taught her how to train for the next while. All you need to do is make sure she stays out of danger, Master."
"-One after another-" Iris Moon clawed at her hair in agitation. "Why does everyone keep dumping kids on me-"
"Because you're an adult," Xue Ge said softly.
Before Iris Moon could say anything, Natsu exclaimed in surprise, "Huh? Your master is an adult, Teacher? She looks the same age as you."
"-" Iris Moon crushed the bowl in her hand.
Xue Ge silently took a few steps back. Before Natsu could react, Iris Moon planted a hand on her head.
"I. Am. Older than both of you put together. Remember that!"
After spending so much time with her, Xue Ge knew very well that, for reasons he didn't understand, age was Iris Moon's most sensitive subject.
Natsu was scared stiff. "-Okay."
"So, do you agree, Master?" Xue Ge gently moved Iris Moon's hand aside.
She dusted off her hands, tilted her head back, and looked down at Natsu before giving a disgruntled snort.
"I don't mind her training here, but I have drinking to do. Don't expect me to look after things."
Xue Ge nodded, then leaned down to whisper in Natsu's ear. "I told you that whenever you have trouble, you can come to me and I'll help you, right?"
"Mm-hmm."
"So if you have trouble, go to my master. She'll help you too."
"Got