653. Magic Out of Control

Norwid City, a mansion near the edge of the city walls.

The house was not exactly new, but it was quiet and spacious, and there was even a patch of flagstones in the courtyard warmed by the sun.

For the semi-retired Silver Thorn Squad, this already felt more like home than any inn they had stayed in over the past several decades.

On the flagstones, Garr was doing squats with two bundles of cast-iron weights on his shoulders.

Sweat slid down the scales at his neck, and the Half-Dragon's thick tail dragged behind him, thumping the ground with each movement and making a dull "thud, thud."

In the corner, a mass of shadow wriggled silently.

The next second, Night Owl stepped out of that shadow, the Elf carrying several breakfasts wrapped in oiled paper.

She flicked one casually, sending it flying toward Garr.

Garr set down the weights and reached out to catch it. The juice from the mushroom filling spread through his mouth at once, and the rich savory flavor made him narrow his eyes despite himself.

He chewed the bun, his gaze landing on Night Owl. She was leaning against a corridor pillar, head lowered as she dealt with a steaming mushroom drink, the slurping noises especially clear in the quiet courtyard.

Garr swallowed what was in his mouth and suddenly said, "Night Owl, have you—put on weight?"

Night Owl's pointed ears twitched, and her whole body froze for an instant.

Then she took a huge gulp of mushroom juice, her throat bobbing as she swallowed with a gulp. "Wh-where would I have—"

Footsteps came from inside the house. Nova walked out in an outer robe and reached into Night Owl's arms, taking two portions of breakfast.

"You've been eating even more than Garr lately. Watch it. The