Watching Rafael walk out the door, I turn my attention to my grandfather, who still has that habit of rocking back and forth while drinking his coffee.
The slightly bitter smell makes me a little uncomfortable, but I ignore it for now.
— Haa… So, Grandpa, who was that man?
— Like I said before, I found him lost at sea, on an island, — he explained while looking out the window. — He was nearly dying, lying on the ground with a broken arm and his whole body covered in injuries.
After saying that, my grandfather lets out a sigh and turns to me.
— I thought he might become a friend of yours or something more, but… With that personality, I think I understand why he was thrown onto an island.
I give a slight sideways smile as I look out the window.
— I’d never get close to a man like him.
— …
My grandpa looks out the window again, rocking gently in his chair.
I don’t know exactly what he’s thinking, but it must be about that guy.
Well, it’s not like we’re going to see each other again, anyway.
— By the way, why did you come here, Marina?
— Oh, right! Grandpa, can I stay here for a while? — I say, flashing a gentle smile.
— No.
— But Grandpa, it’s just for a few days!
— I already said no.
I frown and look straight at him.
— Besides, your grandmother is coming here.
— …Grandpa, I think I’m going home.
— That brat…
That’s when I finally understood why he wouldn’t let me stay; my grandma coming to this town is never a good sign.
— When’s she going to get here? — I ask, already mentally preparing to run away.
— Who knows? She just said she was coming.
— Bye! Grandpa! Good luck! — I say, as I quickly head for the door.
— Haa…
I open the front door and hurry off, wanting to get back to the hotel and grab my luggage.
It’s been a while since I’ve seen my grandma, but if she sees me here, I feel like she’d throw me into the ocean.
— ...Hm? Is that man still here?
As I start walking, I see the rude boy my grandfather saved up ahead. He walks slowly with a stiff body, being as careful as possible.
He must be afraid his arm will hit his body and cause him pain.
He probably wasn’t much to look at to begin with, but his current state makes him look even worse, covered in wounds, with dark circles under his eyes, and weak.
— Get along with someone like him? Only in your dreams… — I mutter, with a slight smile playing at the corner of my mouth.
Anyway, I can get a much better man after I graduate, even if I have to share him with someone.
— Maybe I can find one with some friends? Hehehe…
I let out a quiet chuckle, already imagining it.
Until now, I’ve barely made any friends because of my grandmother, but that’s going to change.
The school I’m attending has its own dorms, so I’ll be able to make friends with girls my age without worrying.
As I walk, I sense a presence approaching behind me, steady and constant.
— Miss Marina, have you finished your conversation with your grandfather?
— Yes, we’re heading home.
— Alright, I’ll help with the preparations.
My bodyguard stands by my side, keeping a watchful eye on our surroundings. She seems to be using her magic to scan the area as we walk.
— She’s so vigilant…
While I was visiting my grandfather, she was patrolling the area. For some reason, she’s very protective, especially when it’s just the two of us.
I don’t even know how she let me go to my grandfather’s house alone…
— …She must have checked the place out beforehand. — I think to myself as I walk in silence.
The streets I walk through aren’t very busy, since the area where my grandpa lives is more secluded.
As I walk toward the city center, the crowd grows thicker, making it difficult to reach the hotel quickly.
— …Let’s go over the rooftops.
Since the streets are crowded, I decide to just use my magic to jump across the rooftops.
— Wind magic is so convenient. — I think, a smile forming on my lips.
My bodyguard is with me too. I’m not sure what kind of magic she has, but it must be pretty convenient as well.
The only problem is when we land, which ends up getting my clothes a little dirty.
So I use a little wind to brush the dust off my dress and enter the hotel. Its design is a bit different from the ones in the city where I live, but it’s not so bad.
— I’m not here to analyze the hotel, I need to hurry! — I think, refocusing my attention.
I quickly go to the room and grab my things before running outside. I haven’t decided yet how I’m going to return, but I’ll think about it once I’m at the city entrance.
— Once I get to the entrance, I just need to follow…
Before I even finish my thoughts, I feel my hair being pulled.
— Ai! Ai! That hurts!
— Where do you think you’re going?
Hearing that bitter, hoarse voice, I knew I was doomed. I slowly turned my face, already feeling regret creeping up my spine.
— Grandma…
For some reason, I can’t find my extremely protective bodyguard anywhere.
[To be continued…]
[???]:
— This little girl is pretty quick, but she still lacks training…
[+++]:
— …Why are you looking at a little girl?
[???]:
— I’m not looking at a little girl, I’m looking at the… I feel like whatever I say is a problem.
[+++]:
— Just don’t look.
[???]:
— Actually… You’re the one who should be looking, since the world is yours.
[+++]:
— …