CHAPTER 134: CH 134: I’M BACK - PART 1

Kana sat stiffly on the sofa, feeling Irielle’s sharp gaze drilling into her. She tried to calm the tension with a nervous laugh, raising her hands slightly.

"W-Wait, it’s not what you think! I can explain everything—"

"Explain? No messages, no updates. And then you come back smiling? Do you have any idea how worried we’ve been? AND NOW YOU WANT TO EXPLAIN?"

Irielle’s voice was dangerously soft, yet every word carried weight.

Kana winced under the accusation, quickly shaking her head.

"I-I wasn’t ignoring you! I really wasn’t! I wrote a letter to explain, but—"

Before she could finish, Irielle leaned in even closer, her grip on Kana’s shoulders tightening until Kana struggled to breathe.

"Irielle—! I... can’t... breathe!"

Kana squeaked, her face turning slightly pale.

Just then, Lysera, who had been silently watching from the side with crossed arms, finally sighed and stepped in.

"That’s enough, Irielle. If you suffocate her, we’ll never get an explanation."

She said firmly, reaching over to gently but decisively pry Irielle away from Kana.

Irielle reluctantly released her hold, pouting as she crossed her arms and plopped down on the other end of the sofa, her cheeks puffed out in frustration.

"Hmph. I’m still not happy with what happened."

She muttered, glaring at Kana.

Kana took a deep breath, finally free, and tried her best to offer an apologetic smile.

"I know, and I’m sorry. I really should have communicated better. But the resort went into lockdown for a while... there was an issue with their local security, so I couldn’t send any messages."

Lysera’s brows furrowed slightly, but after a moment, she sighed.

"...Is that so?"

Kana nodded quickly.

"Yes! That’s why I couldn’t tell you sooner. But I did write a letter. I just... forgot to send it before coming back."

The tension in the room slowly eased as Lysera and Irielle exchanged glances. Eventually, they both sighed almost in unison, choosing to let it go — at least for now.

"Fine. But don’t think we’re happy about it."

Irielle said at last, though her voice was still laced with dissatisfaction.

Kana nodded meekly, her shoulders relaxing just slightly.

"...I understand."

Wanting to change the mood, Kana quickly reached into her bag and pulled out two small, carefully wrapped boxes.

"Oh! I brought something for you both."

The moment she revealed the necklaces, both Lysera and Irielle’s expressions shifted. They exchanged a surprised glance, sensing the faint but distinct power radiating from the items.

"This...Where did you get these?"

Lysera murmured, her fingers brushing lightly over the delicate chain.

Kana smiled sheepishly.

"From a local vendor near the resort. An old lady told me they were part of a set of three... apparently, they’re special."

Irielle took her necklace, inspecting it closely, her eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to analyze it.

"...It does feel strange. Almost like it’s alive."

Kana tilted her head.

"So... do you like them?"

Lysera raised a brow, her lips twitching into the faintest smirk.

"We’ll accept them."

"But don’t think this bribe is enough to make us forgive you."

Irielle added immediately, wagging a finger at Kana.

Kana puffed out her cheeks in mock offense, sighing dramatically.

"I knew you’d say that. And I didn’t get these to bribe you anyway! I just... wanted you both to have them."

Lysera’s expression softened a little as she fastened the necklace around her neck.

"...Thank you, Kana."

Irielle pouted but reluctantly muttered.

"Fine... thanks, I guess."

Kana finally smiled in relief, tension melting from her shoulders. For the first time since she arrived, the atmosphere began to warm again.

After a brief pause, Kana spoke up hesitantly.

"...Ah, I also need to visit the temple tomorrow. I brought a gift for High Priestess Jenna too."

At that, both Lysera and Irielle froze for a moment.

"...High Priestess Jenna, huh?"

Irielle mumbled, her voice tight.

Lysera’s eyes narrowed slightly, but instead of commenting, she only exhaled softly and looked away.

Neither of them said anything further, their moods clearly dampened, but the sight of the radiant necklaces around their necks kept them from arguing.

Kana, blissfully unaware of the silent tension, smiled brightly, feeling like things were finally settling down.

Once that topic was done, she decided to bring the next one up. Kana hesitated for a moment, fiddling with the edge of her sleeve as she glanced between Lysera and Irielle.

The heavy silence in the room hadn’t completely lifted since she mentioned visiting the temple, and she could clearly see the subtle displeasure in their expressions.

Taking a quiet breath, she decided to ease the tension.

"You know you... don’t have to come with me if you don’t want to."

Kana began softly.

Both Lysera and Irielle immediately turned toward her, their gazes sharp and unyielding.

Kana quickly raised her hands defensively, trying to explain herself before either of them could get upset.

"I just mean, I can handle it on my own! I’m just going to deliver a gift to High Priestess Jenna. It won’t take long, and I promise I’ll be careful."

She continued nervously.

Her words, however, had the opposite effect she intended. Irielle’s brows knitted together, and she stepped forward, placing her hands firmly on her hips.

"Absolutely not. After everything that’s happened, you think we’d just let you wander off alone?"

Irielle said flatly.

Kana blinked, taken aback by the firmness in her tone.

Lysera, though calmer, nodded in agreement.

"Irielle’s right. It’s too risky, Kana. You’ve already gotten caught up in enough trouble lately. We’ll go with you."

Her voice softened slightly as she added.

"But—"

Kana tried again, only to be cut off by Irielle’s sharp glare.

"No ’buts.’ We’re coming."

Irielle declared, crossing her arms with finality.

Kana hesitated, biting her lower lip before finally sighing in defeat.

"...Alright. If you’re both fine with it, I’ll gladly accept your company."

Irielle’s expression eased slightly, and Lysera gave a small, approving nod.

With that, the tension in the room finally lessened. Kana managed a faint smile, grateful for their support despite their earlier displeasure.

Deep down, she knew it would be safer — and perhaps, just a little less lonely — to have them by her side.