Chapter 282: I don't like her.

Just a few minutes ago, Astra ordered Eliza to put one Mage from the Obsidian Order on Vaan to ensure his safety. What was the Obsidian Order? It was a group of elite mages that served the Head of the Vesta Family and answered to her and her alone.

Even amongst the 7 Star Mages, they are considered the elites, the strongest, and Astra had ordered one of such beings to ensure her son's safety.

No, keeping her aside, just considering Orion's nature, the man, who himself protected his son ever since he was born, it wasn't hard to guess how overprotective of parents Vaan had.

Would the mother and father not know where their son currently was?

Would they allow their son to meet a reckless, arrogant, and prideful Magic Beast, who also happens to hate him, without anyone guarding him?

Yes, they would. Not only that, since they were in an area where it was difficult to erase one's presence because of the sensitive beasts, the guards protecting both Vaan and Elara had even stepped back, not entering the Magic Grounds.

Why?

That was because they had permission from both Astra and Orion.

The couple knew Vaan was safe.

How?

That was because of a certain red-haired girl.

"Ria!! No! Bad!"

Elara's shout was heard and suddenly, the Gryphon, who was screeching loudly and was even prepared to use her powers, suddenly looked at Elara's angry face and lowered her head. The wind blades formed around her dissipated into the air as the Gryphon seemed busy poking Elara's cheeks with her beak, it was is she was trying to convince the little girl to not be angry at her.

"Don't attack him, he is my fiancé."

Elara spoke, lightly patting Ria's strong beak.

"Cooo..."

The Gryphon seemed apologetic, then suddenly, she glanced at Vaan and,

"Coo Coo Coo!"

Translation: He's a jerk! He hurt Astra and you!

Of course, no one present could understand what the Gryphon wanted to say, or... at least that is how it should be.

Elara however, seemed different.

"No, he is not the same as before, he has changed," Elara replied, continuing to pat her head, helping her calm.

"Coo Cooo Cooooo! Coo! Cooo!"

Translation: Changed? He is only fooling you. I guarantee you he is still a jerk. I will talk to Astra and help you get rid of him, don't worry. You don't have to be stuck as his fiancé any longer.

"No, he is my fiancé, and I love him."

Elara answered, narrowing her eyes as if she didn't like what Ria said.

"Coo! Coo Coo!!"

Translation: Girl! There are better options out there!!

"No! Stop saying that, or I won't come visit you ever again!"

"Coo..."

Translation: But...

"No!"

Seeing the large, regal yet arrogant Gryphon letting out such a low voice as if she was apologizing made the three protectors widen their eyes in shock. They couldn't believe what they were seeing.

Who was this Bond?

She was the most troublesome existence in this place! She was the source of all their headaches! She was someone who cried over the slightest of discomfort and always seemed to find reasons to pick on them but...

But now she was lowering her head, acting all submissive in front of that little girl who wasn't even an Intermediate Mage yet?

What the hell was happening!?

The Protectors were having an existential crisis.

Vaan, on the other hand, narrowed his eyes as he glanced at the Gryphon in front of him.

Now he wasn't much of an expert when it came to beast talks and hedefinitelywasn't someone whohad the ability totalk with beasts, however, this didn't mean he couldn't interpret the conversation based on Elara's replies and...

He didn't like what he interpreted.

Therefore, completely ignoring the fear and nervousness he felt a few minutes ago, he walked towards the beasts,

"Growl..."

The Gryphon growled at him, however, Vaan ignored that completely and suddenly, he grabbed Elara's hand and pulled her close to him.

"ROAARR!!"

The action was so sudden that even Elara was taken by surprise, Ria, on the other hand, was already prepared to take action.

"Ria! Stop!!"

Elara shouted, calming Ria down.

Vaan, on the other hand, tightened his hug around Elara from behind and,

"She's mine."

He spoke, looking right into Ria's eyes.

"Grrr..."

Translation: Get away from her.

Vaan, once again, didn't get what she was trying to say, but he could easily read what the look in those intelligent eyes meant,

"Heh." Laughing out loud, Vaan started gently nibbling on Elara's neck, causing the girl to melt in his arms.

"Grrrr!!"

Ria's growl grew stronger.

"V-Vaan, stop provoking her..." Elara complained.

"I don't like her," Vaan spoke, narrowing his eyes.

"Coo!"

Translation: Likewise!

"Should we just leave?"

Vaan questioned.

"Cooo Coo!"

Translation: No, Elara, you can't leave!

It had been a long time since she had seen her friend, Ria missed Elara and... the same was true for Elara as well.

"Why don't the two of you get along...?" Elara muttered in a weak voice and seeing as how she didn't immediately agree to his request, Vaan knew that she wanted to stay.

'Tsk, she still hides her thoughts.'

Elara very rarely went against his words, while this wasn't a problem since most of the time, they both wanted the same things, however, in moments like these, Vaan wanted her to take a stand and be honest.

After all, she was someone who was destined to be one of the strongest mages in the future, she must have a strong attitude!

'Should I give her more wine?'

He considered in his head, however, soon, he shook her head and decided to deal with this situation right now.

"Alright alright, although I don't like her, I will stay here and accompany you while you spend time with her.

I will bear her presence for your sake because that is how much I love you."

Vaan spoke, looking at Ria as he said those words.

"Coo! Cooo Coo Coo!!"

Translation: Hmph! I will bear his presence as well!