"Well, what you said is good," Melusine nodded appreciatively.
"Thank you for enlightening me. I don't know how to repay you," she continued, her expression earnest.
Lott, hearing her words, thought to himself, Don't think too much about repaying; just recognize me as a dad. However, he didn't dare to voice this sentiment aloud.
This was not just a matter of being timid; it was a matter of survival. If he were to utter those words, he was certain that no matter how much Melusine acknowledged him, she would undoubtedly use her sword to teach him a harsh lesson. After all, fairies had six races in their country—who would dare to pretend to be an elder in front of her?
Lott's hands, currently holding 'Vasilis' and 'Kavach-Kundal,' didn't fill him with confidence for a fight against Melusine. Defeat was the only outcome he could foresee if it came to combat. Thus, he decided to be diplomatic and find a way to charm her.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Lott and Morgan feigned a leisurely time with Melusine, who was watching the sunset. Morgan then said, "Okay, let's continue searching for the Earth clan fairy."
"Alright," everyone nodded in agreement.
They stepped onto a muddy path that led them to a wooden house. When they arrived at the door, the fairy Leah introduced them, "This is the most renowned Master Kao in our village. Let me tell you, Master Kao studied under the head of the Earth Clan. Even if his skills are not as good as the head's, they are not far behind."
Upon hearing Leah's words, both Lott and Morgan raised their eyebrows, their expressions lighting up with excitement. It felt as if they had stumbled upon a treasure. Initially, they only hoped to find an ordinary earth clan fairy to establish contact with their patriarch, but now they were being led to the top of the hierarchy.
As they contemplated this unexpected turn of events, a rough voice boomed from within the house. "What do you mean not bad? My skills are equal to his! Come out, let me see which blind fairy dares to slander me!"
Lott and Morgan exchanged amused glances as an angry, dwarf-like fairy emerged, wielding a sledgehammer as if ready to smash someone. However, upon spotting Melusine standing at the forefront, his bravado evaporated.
Though not a member of the Wind Clan, Melusine's reputation among the fairies was formidable. She was not as infamous as Baobhan Sith, but she was still a powerful figure, and the dwarf quickly realized he couldn't possibly win against her.
Gathering his courage, the dwarf, named Kao, asked with a muffled tone, "Well, what are you all here for?"
Lott and Morgan found his reaction amusing, especially watching him cower before Melusine. Despite Kao's impressive physique, Melusine's presence rendered him cautious.
"Don't be afraid; we're just here to ask for a house. It would be great if we could get it done today," Lott said in a gentle tone.
Although the idea of completing a house in a day sounded strange, it wasn't impossible for the fairies.
Kao looked at Melusine, visibly shaken. "Then why did you bring Master Melusine?" he stammered, clearly anxious about her presence. I can work hard for you, but don't make me face her!
"I want to live there too," Melusine replied seriously.
"What!?" Kao exclaimed, losing his composure.
Realizing the significance of Melusine's intent to stay, Kao shifted into action. "Wait! I'll start working on it right now."
Before, he had intended to show off his strength and status, but with Melusine's involvement, everything changed.
"Give me two or three hours, and I promise to finish the house. You can rest in my room first, and that little fairy can fetch some juice for the adults," he said hurriedly as he rushed off to make arrangements.
Lott and Morgan couldn't help but chuckle at his eagerness.
"It seems we owe it all to you," Morgan remarked to Melusine.
"It's nothing," Melusine replied casually.
"Let's go inside and rest for a while," she suggested.
As they entered, Leah chimed in, "I'll get you some juice." She sensed that Melusine had something to discuss, so she found an excuse to leave them alone.
Once Leah was gone, Melusine turned to Lott, observing, "You two don't look like ordinary fairies."
"How so?" Morgan challenged, curious about Melusine's perception.
"I can't quite see through you," Melusine admitted, shaking her head. "But I can tell you're not malicious."
"Indeed, we have no malice toward you," Morgan affirmed, relieved.
"We only want to help," Lott added, hoping to reassure her. "It's nearly winter, and your child is still in a short dress. We can provide you with everything you need in Camelot. You won't have to worry about warmth or clothing anymore."
"I feel like you might have a bit of malice after all," Melusine quipped, raising an eyebrow at Morgan's eagerness.
Morgan quickly backtracked, realizing her enthusiasm might have come across as too strong. "Oh, no! That's not the case."
Melusine didn't press further, and Lott seized the opportunity to ask, "By the way, why are you here? Are you planning to join the battle against Vortigern's army?"
Given Melusine's formidable strength, Lott worried that if she joined the battlefield, she might endanger Altria. Without her scabbard, Altria was at a disadvantage.
"No, I don't need to participate in the battle for the time being," Melusine replied, her tone thoughtful.