CH890

A few more games and a few more losses before it was time for rest, Mora still struggling with using mortal biology left him rubbing his eyes shortly before falling asleep against Thera’s arm, letting Ben scoop him up and tuck him into bed before wishing Sonya and Abel a good night.

Thera pulled out some blankets for the summoned using their couch and made sure she was comfortable there before meeting Ben in bed, laying against him as she did.

“Mmh, that was nice,” She muttered as she closed her eyes, not quite tired enough to sleep yet but happy to get there. “And also nice that we don’t need to wake up so early for Mora now that he’s sleeping. Make sure you get more than just a couple hours, okay?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll get a full night,” He said, no matter how wide awake he felt. “But before that, you mind if I bother you about something?”

“Are you going to do something stupid to get yourself killed again?”

“No, not this time.”

“Okay, then let’s hear it.”

“You think it would be a good idea to get Delair to cover teaching Abel blacksmithing tomorrow? I think it would be a good experience for both of them. Delair getting the chance to teach and Abel having to sit down and take lessons from someone who’s significantly weaker than her.”

“Mmh, I think you’re just trying to force a friendship between your old daughter and your new one.”

“Excuse you, I feel compelled to point out that only one of us has ever genuinely adopted someone.”

“Yeah, but it was cute when I did it,” She said, smiling sweetly. “And I’m sure it will be fine. You already told Abel not to try taking any bites out of Delair?”

“I did.”

“Then what’s the problem? I’m not going to lie, she definitely doesn’t make the best first impressions but I think you’re right. She’s a good kid and your little student is a social butterfly and well, even if Abel’s a bit older, the maturity levels are about the same. I’m sure they’ll get along. Is getting Delair to get some teaching experience a priority though?”

“I mean, not to brag but she is at her fourth level already. Since the shop’s closed while your uncle is off being worked to death by the gods she’s not getting any direct sales experience but some teaching experience is always handy too. Plus, teaching someone else is a good way of looking at what you know in different ways. I’m sure it would be a good experience for her.”

“Gods above, Ben, you’re helping her level way too fast if she’s already at the fourth,” Thera said as she nestled in closer. “Just how high are you trying to get her?”

“Well, the original goal was fourth level before the next wave for crafting and enchanting but as things stand, I think sixth should be doable, right?”

“I think you’re going to give the girl a warped sense of what sort of progress is even possible.”

“Ha, I just want her to have the best foundation she can for continuing to grow in the future. She’s a hard worker and she’s talented enough, I’m just doing my best to make those talents bloom.”

“Like a faaaather,” She teased in his ear. “Between her, Abel, and Mora, I wonder who’s going to break and call you dad first.”

“Again, gonna point out that if Mora ends up calling anyone anything, chances are just as good he’s going to call you mom.”

“Well, if that happens… I’ll worry about it then.”

“I’m also even closer to Abel’s age than I am Delair’s.”

“Ha, fine then, mister mind reader. How’s Abel feeling about being here? You can’t tell me she’s not having fun.”

“She is having fun,” He sighed. “Way more than I was expecting. Even if she’s not unhappy with her life, the impressions she leaves with both her skills and her well-”

“Desire to eat people?”

“Take bites out of people,” He clarified. “Are leaving her a bit isolated in ways that honestly might be depressing me more than they’re depressing her. I don’t know, I can tell she’s way happier right now than usual but if she still feels pretty good normally then maybe I’m just overthinking. Or maybe I’m just comparing our situations and it’s making me care more than I should.”

“Mmh, I like that you care about this sort of stuff though,” Thera yawned. “It shows off your good traits.”

“I’m nothing but good traits.”

“Just a little reminder for me, you’re the what of sacrilege again?”

“Probably not important.”

“And those affinity skills you have?”

“I can’t begin to imagine what might be wrong with soul affinity for you to bring it up.”

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“Ha, stop being cute.”

“Impossible, I’m downright adorable, through and through.”

“Well, despite however true that might be, it’s nice you’re worried but just do what you can. You’re already trying to help out in your own way and it seems like she’s enjoying it. You’re also offering up way too much blood so just make sure I’m around the next time you do.”

“Ha, sure.”

“Good,” Thera told him, quieting down for a moment, making Ben briefly think she’d gone to sleep before she said one last thing. “And if by some chance you do decide to adopt her, I’ll support it. Then we can be even.”

“Well, if that seems like it’s going to come up I’ll at least give you a heads up.”

“I got paid!” Ben yelled as he went to Myriad’s realm, leaving the two within it to jump. “Finally, sub-ten minutes to regenerate all of my mana. Thank you both, my wonderful friends.”