Although Griseo and the others had chosen a different route across the snowfield and returned by a new path, as they drew closer to the Reunion Movement camp, they inevitably ended up back on the road they had taken before.
“Mm, Mama Alina… how much farther…” Having walked against the wind and snow for some time, Griseo couldn’t help but reach out and tug at Alina’s sleeve.
She wasn’t asking because she was tired, but simply because she was bored and a little worried about Alina’s condition.
When Alina had been rescued, although she wasn’t missing any limbs, she had lost quite a bit of blood and sustained many cuts and bruises.
Not fatal, but her body was certainly weakened… Thinking of this, Griseo regretted not asking the System to open the doorway a little closer.
Still, it was unavoidable.
Neither she nor the System really knew the exact coordinates of the Reunion Movement camp.
Asking Alina directly would have been somewhat presumptuous.
Even if Alina didn’t mind, revealing the camp’s location would be risky.
They couldn’t place the teleportation too close, either, as a small misstep might make the camp’s Infected mistake them for enemies.
Even Alina herself could be criticized.
Hearing Griseo’s question, Alina immediately cast a concerned gaze toward her, her voice gentle.
“We’ll be there soon.
Little Griseo, are you tired?
We can stop for a short rest if you like.” “꒪꒫꒪) No, I’m not tired…” Griseo shook her little head lightly, then looked at her with worry.
“It’s just… is Mama Alina feeling okay?” “Heh~ don’t worry.
I’m not that fragile.” Meeting the little loli’s worried gaze, Alina chuckled softly and affectionately pinched her cheek to reassure her.
“Mm꒪꒫꒪)…” After letting Alina pinch her cheek, Griseo added without hurry, “If Mama Alina is tired, I can call Knight out…” “I told you not to worry.
Since you’re not tired, we’ll keep going.” “When we get back, I’ll introduce my friends to you.” “Okay.” With that, the two of them resumed moving without lingering long in the snow.
… Meanwhile, on the other side— Talulah, running back along the return route, had now completely calmed herself.
Rationality and emotion waged a constant struggle inside her, leaving her in pain and turmoil… Alina was incredibly important to her.
For her friend, she could indeed give up and sacrifice many things.
But… that could only apply to Talulah the Infected, not Talulah the leader of the Reunion Movement.
She could not, nor had the right to, put others at mortal risk for one person… Alina… you have to come back safely!
“Huff… huff…” Talulah knew that if she returned this time and didn’t find Alina, the chances of finding her friend afterward on her own would be slim… Yet even so, she dared not let her feet pause for an instant.
The wind and snow slapped her face, taking the warmth from her heart… Melted snow dripped from her face, blurring the line between water and tears.
As time passed, Talulah drew ever closer to the camp.
Two sets of footprints, one large and one small, not yet entirely covered by snow, caught her attention.
“This…” The faint marks made Talulah’s heart leap.
With a mix of hope and caution, she hurried forward.
Even from a distance, Miss Dragon Girl could finally see the familiar figure she had worried about and sought for so long.
“Alina!” At this moment, Talulah could no longer suppress the flood of emotions inside her and dashed toward Alina and her companion.
“…” Griseo, walking ahead and sensing someone approaching, instinctively turned her head and saw the anxious Draco girl rushing toward them.
Alina, following the little loli’s gaze, looked back and froze as she recognized the approaching figure.
But Alina’s surprise didn’t mean Griseo was surprised.
Watching Talulah draw near, she blinked lightly, a subtle glint of mischief in her eyes.
“Knight!” At Griseo’s call, the blue-armored Knight instantly appeared, standing between the two parties and blocking Talulah’s approach.
“Alina!” Forced to a halt, Talulah carefully watched the Azure Knight while glancing beyond him at her friend not far away.
As she called out, Alina finally snapped back, gently patting Griseo’s shoulder.
Her voice was soft as she said, “This sister is my friend, not a bad person.
Little Griseo, can you let Knight go back?” “Mm… okay ꒪꒫꒪).” Hearing this, Griseo nodded lightly.
“Knight, go back.
She’s not a bad person…” Hearing the little princess’s call, the Azure Knight bowed slightly and then silently vanished into the air, just as he had appeared.
Witnessing this, Talulah, not far off, widened her eyes in surprise at seeing her friend Alina holding Griseo.
Of course, surprise aside, Miss Dragon Girl had more pressing matters.
She quickly stepped in front of Alina, looked at her bandages, and with a slightly anxious tone asked, “Alina, are you okay?
You’re injured… is it serious?!” “I’ll get a medic to treat you!” “I’m fine, Talulah.
Don’t worry, calm down.” Facing her friend’s urgency, Alina smiled gently, reassuring her.
“These wounds have already been dressed.
Sending a medic now would just waste camp resources.” “You know, Talulah, the camp’s medical resources are already limited.” Hearing this, the anxious Talulah immediately lost her temper and her heart relaxed, speaking helplessly, “Resources can be replenished, but if something happened to you, I… I…” “Hm?
If something happened to me, what would you do?” Alina teased, stepping closer with a playful smile.
Clearly realizing Alina’s intention, Talulah said, “Alina, don’t tease me at a time like this.” “Heh~ Yes, yes, Talulah.” “꒪꒫꒪)…” Standing beside them, the blue-haired little loli, watching their friendly exchange, couldn’t help feeling like she was glowing, as if she had become a bright little photobomb.
★ ★ ★ T/N: If you spot mistranslation, do tell me!
★ ★ ★ Shilling time!