Book 3: Chapter 75 (2/2)

Lindyss let out a low hum that signaled her acknowledgement but not agreement.

Erin sighed and placed her hands on her hips before shaking her head. “I don’t know why I’m friends with you.”

“Don’t ask me,” Lindyss said without taking her eyes off her book. “I have no clue either.”

Crack.

A massive black claw broke through the wall in front of Lindyss, showering her and her book with a layer of red and white dust. She coughed a few times and wiped at her eyes as a voice boomed out, “Hey, there’s something interesting moving around. Let’s go see it.”

Before Lindyss could even clear out the dust that had fallen into her mouth, she was lifted out of her seat by the claw, Erin flying after her. The fairy queen landed on Lindyss’ shoulder. “I don’t know why you’re friends with him.”

“Neither do I,” Lindyss said and shook her head, dust falling from her hair likes snow. She sighed and patted the black scales underneath her. “What is it this time? Another shiny rock?”

“No, it’s some sort of egg,” Grimmy said. “But it is shiny.”

“How does an egg move around?” Erin asked.

Grimmy snorted. “By rolling. Duh. How else?”

Erin shut her mouth and pursed her lips.

“Speaking of eggs,” Lindyss said, “weren’t you going to be a father soon? Is it really alright for you to not keep an eye on your and Leila’s egg?”

“Hmm? Oh, yeah.” Grimmy nodded. “Don’t worry. I already placed dozens of protective features around it before picking you up to come here. If anyone even steps foot into the wilderness, they’ll deeply regret it.”

“…What about the elves already living inside the woods?”

“They’ve been relocated.”

Lindyss’ brow furrowed. “To the afterlife?”

“…What kind of person do you think I am?” Grimmy asked, staring down at the tiny elf in his palm.

“That question doesn’t justify an answer,” Lindyss said and snorted. The wind ruffled her hair, blowing it into her face.

Grimmy chuckled and placed the cursed elf onto his head. “Don’t worry. I’m sure the elves love their new home, and even if they don’t, it’s only temporary.”

“So…, where did you send them?” Erin asked.

“The desert.” Grimmy nodded. “I settled their village around a cactus. They loved it.” His eyes lit up, and he pointed at the ground before Lindyss or Erin could comment. “There it is. The rolling egg.”

Lindyss’ expression darkened. “That’s a baby turtle.”

“You sure?” Erin asked. “I’m pretty sure that’s a snake.”

Grimmy licked his lips. “Well, the easiest way to find out is to eat it.”

“…And why is that?” Erin asked.

“I’ve eaten eggs, turtles, and snakes,” Grimmy said. “Whichever one it tastes the most like will clear up what it is.”

“Huh. Weird.” Erin scratched her head. “That shouldn’t make as much sense as it does.”