"Chirp?" (What should we do?)
Curled uneasily in Xu Ran's arms, Twelve wriggled and looked up at him, a hint of apology in her eyes.
From where the man and his four Contract Beasts stood, they could also clearly hear what He Nian and the Lava Beast King had just said.
The apology in Twelve's eyes was not only for Xu Ran, but also for the countless humans in Qingzhou City.
After living here for a month, she had grown fond of many people and things in Qingzhou City. Yet now, her presence had become a catastrophe for them.
"Let's wait and see." A thoughtful look crossed Xu Ran's eyes before he asked softly, "When will your father arrive?"
"Chirp~" (I don't know either...)
The Velvet Sparrow shook her head helplessly.
With her strength, there was no way she could sense Father's exact location.
Under normal circumstances, Father would surely have received the news by now and be on his way. But if something had delayed him...
The Velvet Sparrow hardly dared imagine it.
"Don't worry," Xu Ran said softly. "Whatever happens, we'll stand by you."
"Meow~" (Exactly!)
"Neigh~" (We're all in this together!)
"Cha!" (We never abandon our companions!)
Hearing the man and his three Contract Beasts declare their support, Twelve's eyes glistened with tears. A moment later, her gaze grew determined.
She shook her head sharply.
"Chirp~" (If Father doesn't come, hand me over to the Lava Beast King.)
"Chirp~" (With Father around, the most he'll do is imprison me.)
She did not want to drag Xu Ran and the Three Little Ones down, much less the countless people of Qingzhou City.
"Don't be so pessimistic." Xu Ran sighed inwardly and forced a smile as he comforted her. "President He looked pretty calm just now. Maybe he has