” Listening to Alina’s hoarse voice as she spoke with Fairy Ely, Griseo thought for a moment and summoned the Knight, then asked him to brew some tea.
Although they had saved the guest themselves, it wasn’t polite to make a guest speak while their throat was hoarse.
While the Azure Knight went to prepare the tea, the conversation between Alina and Fairy Ely was coming to an end.
Alina finally understood where she was—Columbia—and what this so-called Elf Jack-of-all-trades Shop actually did.
But knowing that didn’t erase her confusion.
As someone who had never left Ursus, Alina had heard of Columbia but didn’t really know much about it, nor the distance between the two countries… Even so, she couldn’t understand how she could wake up in a completely different country just from being unconscious!
Or had she been out for a very long time?
Thinking this, her mind, already concerned for Talulah, couldn’t help but feel slightly anxious.
And now, faced with a very enthusiastic elf and this seemingly obedient and adorable little girl, Alina didn’t keep her worries to herself.
She asked the question directly.
“Warm… I didn’t sleep for very long.” Hearing this, Griseo gently shook her little head and answered seriously.
At the same time, Fairy Ely didn’t stay idle, adding with a smile, [Little Griseo is right.
You, dear miss, haven’t been unconscious for very long~] [And as for why you’re so far away now, you can think of it as magic from the Fairy Kingdom~] “Magic…” Alina murmured softly, saying no more.
Regardless of whether she was truly in Columbia, even if she were, she still trusted human ability over so-called magic.
If she remembered correctly, just before she lost consciousness, she had vaguely seen a doorway behind the little girl beside her… Realizing this overlooked detail, Alina looked at Griseo with curiosity and asked, “Warm… little sister, why do you call me that?
Can you tell me the reason?” “Because your color is very pretty, very warm.” Griseo, still tinged with Alina’s color, explained softly while giving a faint smile.
“…” Listening quietly, Alina suddenly caught the familiar expression on the little loli’s face.
She paused, feeling a slight sense of strangeness.
But since they hadn’t spent much time together, Alina didn’t think of it as imitation.
She assumed it was just a child’s nature and suppressed the odd feeling in her heart.
After all, a child as cute and well-behaved as Griseo couldn’t harbor any ill intentions.
“By the way, Little Griseo and I don’t know your name yet, dear miss~ Won’t you introduce yourself?” Fairy Ely, floating nearby, seemed to remember something and twirled in the air before speaking.
Alina, having been focused on understanding her surroundings, had forgotten this.
Hearing Fairy Ely, she gave a gentle, apologetic smile and said softly, “Ah, my memory… I forgot to introduce myself.” “My name is Alina.
I’m an ordinary Ursus citizen, and I’m very grateful for your help.” Although she had confirmed in their short interaction that the two before her meant no harm, she instinctively hid that she was Infected.
She had seen too many ordinary people recognize Infected and then turn against them.
If possible, she didn’t want the fear and disgust reflected on innocent children’s faces.
Additionally, she hoped to see whether she could have Griseo and company send her back, so she dared not take any chances… After all, her sudden disappearance, combined with the blood on the ground, had her worrying that Talulah might already be desperately searching for her.
What Alina didn’t know was that everyone present, including the System, already understood her situation perfectly—they just hadn’t said anything.
[Ah, I’ve introduced this before, so I won’t repeat it.
Helping was just a small favor~ But it really scared both me and Griseo back then.
Alina, I’m glad you’re alright.] “Mm.” Griseo nodded in agreement, then looked at Alina and introduced herself, “I’m Griseo, a painter… um, nice to meet you.” “I’m glad to meet you too, Little Griseo, Fairy Ely.” Seeing Griseo’s adorable expression, Alina responded warmly and felt an urge to reach out.
Without hesitation, she gently ruffled Griseo’s fluffy little head.
Griseo didn’t resist at all, instead nuzzling her hand affectionately.
Seeing this harmonious scene, Fairy Ely’s smile brightened further.
At the same time, as a System connected to the host’s mind, she thoughtfully prompted Griseo telepathically.
‘Little Griseo, you’ve been tinged with Alina’s color for a while.
Do you want to remove it?
I can help~’ ‘And I can explain your special ability to this adorable Elafia girl.’ ‘Mm… okay.’ Griseo thought for a moment, then mentally agreed to the System’s considerate suggestion.
Receiving the reply, Fairy Ely gave Griseo a reassuring look and began her performance with a smile.
[Little Griseo is now completely in Alina’s color.] With just that sentence, Fairy Ely caught Alina’s curious gaze.
But she didn’t rush to explain.
Instead, she continued toward Griseo, [Griseo, the Knight’s tea should be ready.
Could you go check it~?] “Okay… ꒪꒫꒪).” Since it had been prearranged, Griseo had no objections.
She nodded lightly and left to find the Knight, taking the opportunity to shed the color she had absorbed.
Watching her host leave, Fairy Ely smiled and floated closer to Alina, [Alina, are you curious about the color we mentioned?] “Mm, I am a little.
But is it something you can tell me?” Alina nodded honestly.
[Because you’re a kind girl, Alina, I can tell you a little~] [About Little Griseo’s special…] And so, fully intrigued, Alina was pulled into a conversation with Fairy Ely about Griseo.