"And you. Don't forget. You used a forbidden skill to bind your soul. Don't even think about interfering with Ridan or that human's path."

Syaria flinched, shrinking back slightly.

"You both know how…" His eyes slid briefly to the side, the faintest shadow crossing his face. "…how that scary woman will react if you overstep."

Syaria shivered, her small form trembling as she glanced down at the ground.

"Y…yes… I know," she whispered.

"Good." The older man's voice stayed calm but carried a cold edge. "You know what she's capable of. If she wants, she can send your soul to the afterlife in an instant. You don't want that, do you?"

"Eeek!!" Syaria squeaked, darting forward to cling tightly to Ridan. "I don't want to!"

"Good." The older man nodded slightly.

"Then listen carefully. After this, you will part with him." His eyes shifted to Ridan for a moment before returning to Syaria.

"It's Ridan's task to guide the human without telling him what he should do. That will not change."

He leaned forward just enough for his voice to lower, each word measured.

"Syaria… your job will be to look after the Absolute Eye user. Help her in any way you can. The Pinky Promise Oath may now be complete, but that doesn't mean she isn't exposed to danger."

Syaria nodded quickly, still hugging Ridan, her round form quivering.

"Ridan," the old man's voice cut through the morning air.

"Y…yes?" Ridan answered quickly, straightening his little puffball body.

"You've been wasting too much time. You should be persuading him to continue the quest, without him realizing it. After this, he'll no doubt escort the girl back to Pawston. I'm certain he'll want to ensure her safety now that he knows she isn't a child."

Ridan opened his mouth to respond, but froze when soft giggling carried from inside the house.

"Hazuki! Calm down, don't be too—!" Ellyna's flustered voice spilled faintly through the window.

The old man exhaled, his expression unreadable. Then his gaze cut back to Ridan, sharp and steady.

"See to it. Make sure he completes his training under your guidance. And remember—don't tell him a soul."

Ridan shivered, bowing his tiny form. "Y…yes… I will."

"And you, Syaria."

"Y…yes?" her small voice trembled as she looked up at the older man.

"Don't interfere with Ridan's quest." His tone was even but carried a weight that pinned her in place.

"Just because you've finally met him again after a thousand years doesn't mean you can cling to him during his mission. I'm sure you can wait another year or two, can't you?"

Syaria's little body quivered, her gaze lowering, but she didn't answer right away.

"You dared to use a forbidden skill to bind your soul," the old man continued, his eyes narrowing. "And after so long searching for him, you've finally found him. But still, you will stay with the Absolute Eye user. Help her. Protect her. That is your role now."

Syaria's voice came out small, almost a whisper. "…I… understand…"

The older man rose from the bench with unhurried grace, brushing the folds of his robe as though the conversation had already ended. His steps were steady, calm, carrying the weight of finality.

The younger one stretched lazily, hands laced behind his head, a sly grin tugging at his lips as he sauntered after him.

Just as they reached the edge of the path, the older man stopped. Slowly, he turned his head, his eyes narrowing as they locked on Ridan.

The air grew heavy.

That calm voice sharpened, each word like iron.

"Don't even think about it… Ridanes the High Wizard."

Ridan stiffened, his body trembling under the weight of that glare, a cold shiver running straight through him.

"Oh, one more thing, Ridan," the younger man's voice carried an almost singsong tone, that sly grin never leaving his face.

Ridan turned just in time to see him casually toss two bodies onto the ground like sacks of potatoes. The adventurers hit the dirt with a dull thud, both unconscious.

"These two," the younger man said, dusting off his hands as if it were nothing. "They were eyeing your human. Maybe they weren't planning anything bad… maybe. Who knows?"

He crouched briefly, tapping one of them on the cheek with mocking playfulness.

"Anyway, they're fainted for now. Whatever happens to them next…" he chuckled, straightening back up, "…I'll just leave these two unknown~ persons here."

The grin on his face lingered, sharp and dangerous, as though he knew far more than he let on.

And then, without a sound, the two figures vanished into thin air, no trace, no ripple of magic, nothing left behind.

Ridan and Syaria both froze, their small forms trembling, the weight of their presence still pressing on their chests even after they were gone.

Ridan let out a long, weary sigh, his puffball body drooping in defeat.

"Damn… those two are real mood killers."

Ridan exhaled heavily, then suddenly his tiny form perked up, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. He wiggled his little brows exaggeratedly.

"So, darling~" he cooed, voice dripping with playful mischief.

Syaria tilted her head, cautious. "…Hmm?"

"How about we go and check what Hazuki's been doing with Ellyn inside the house~"

Ridan snickered, floating in a little circle, his grin widening like a troublemaker who'd just thought of the perfect prank.

"You know… we shoul—" Syaria started, but her words cut short.

Ridan had already zipped off at full speed, leaving a trail of purple shimmer behind him.

"Kikiki!!! Let's ruin their lovemaking moment!!!" he cackled gleefully, darting straight toward the house like a tiny purple comet on a mission of pure chaos.

Ridan shot forward like a bullet, phasing straight through the wooden wall as if it were smoke. He zipped down the hallway, already puffing up his chest, ready to let out his mischievous shout.

"Lolizu—"

He stopped mid-word, his little form freezing in midair.

Instead of catching Hazuki and Ellyn tangled on the bed, he found Ellyna already stepping out of the room, adjusting herself, her hair slightly tousled.

"Oho? Princess?" Ridan grinned slyly, hovering right in front of her.

Ellyna's eyes widened, her ears twitching as she glared sharply at him. A low hiss escaped her lips.

"I told you not to call me that."

"Oops… sorry~ ehehe," Ridan chuckled nervously, floating back a little, though his grin never quite faded.

Ridan floated closer, bumping his little round body against Ellyna's side like an annoying sibling.

"So? You done it? You done it?" he teased in a singsong tone, eyes glowing with mischief.

"Shut up, Ridan," Ellyna snapped, cheeks burning as she tried to brush past him

"Oho~" Ridan cackled, and with a sudden poof! his form changed. Now he wore a ridiculous party getup, tiny pointed wizard's cap perched on his puffball head, a sparkling cape trailing behind like some over-the-top magician.

With a dramatic twirl, he pulled out what looked like a magical party cracker, glowing with mana.

"Congratulations~!!" Ridan cheered, zipping left and right at high speed as bursts of colorful sparks popped around him, showering the hallway in harmless glittering light.

"Ta-da! You're officially not a virgin couple anymore!!"

Ellyna's ears twitched furiously, her tail swishing in sharp irritation. "RIDAN!!!"

( End Of Chapter )

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