CHAPTER 514: HELP

Kairo’s eyelids fluttered open, his vision gradually clearing as he became aware of his surroundings.

He could feel someone’s chest heaving up and down beside him, his head was lolled to the side and the person— who was caring him quite closely with their hands holding him securely— seemed to be smaller than him because of how his neck felt a little numb.

Fortunately, his senses slowly returned, but unfortunately, he found himself cradled in Coco’s arms, her grip both comforting and embarrassing.

Behind Coco, he noticed the presence of both Sinclair and Heiren, their worried expressions mirroring Coco’s own concern, but it was quite clear that they had not noticed him to be awake yet.

Kairo’s gaze shifted, his eyes darting between the three individuals as realization began to dawn upon him.

Oh, goodness.. Did.. Did I pass out in the cave? The mediator thought, a horrified look settling on his beautiful face which soon got accompanied with embarrassment.

Kairo couldn’t help, but squirm in Coco’s arms, attempting to adjust his position and get off.

His action made three heads snap to his direction, all three looking quite surprised to see him open his eyes and already eager to be on his feet.

"Kairo— no, wait, hold on." Coco uttered, her hands tightening on him.

Hearing her words, he slowly stopped his movements, albeit reluctantly and turned his gaze to her.

Coco’s face lit up with relief and concern as she spoke, her voice urgent yet tender. "You must remain still, okay? We’re on our way back to the gate now so there’s no need to get down."

Heiren and Sinclair exchanged glances, their worry showing in their expressions as they observed Kairo and Coco’s interaction, but honestly, Sinclair doesn’t care much.

He’s only worried because Coco is worried.

If his master is worried, then he’s also worried because if Coco worries too much, she might push herself too hard.

So the three continued on their way, their focus fixed on reaching the gate and ensuring Kairo’s safety, but while they were walking, Kairo gritted his teeth, his lower lip caught between them in a grimace.

A strange sensation arose within him— an odd, pulsating pain in a specific area of his neck, more likely down to his collarbone.

It wasn’t intense, but it felt like a persistent, burning heat that refused to subside.. Like that annoying itch that wouldn’t go away no matter how much you try to scratch it.

Despite the discomfort, however, he managed to maintain his composure, not wanting to draw more attention to him and cause more trouble than he already did.

He tried to focus on the surroundings, distracting himself as his gaze shifted while he clenched his jaw tighter, silently enduring the strange pain.

"We’re almost there." Coco spoke up, her chest rumbling against Kairo’s arm which made him swallow thickly, the feeling of her soft beasts pressing on him causing his mind to wander.

It’s not the right time! Kairo scolded himself and forced himself to keep glaring on the tree lines.

Finally, the four of them reached the gate of the city and when they were about to enter, the five senior hunters emerged from the gates who rode their horses.

They came to an abrupt halt, her focus immediately shifting to the unexpected sight before her.

Heiren and Sinclair, following close behind, also slowed to a stop, their attention drawn to the same sight as Coco’s.

The group of hunters seemed to be in a hurry, their mounts saddled and ready for a journey, but Greiner suddenly stopped his horse upon seeing Coco and the group.

His eyes widened in surprise and relief upon spotting Kairo on her arms.. "Hughes! You got him!"

"Woah! You really did!"

"That’s a relief, Coco."

"You were so quick with it.. What in the world?"

The other hunters in the group followed suit, their expressions shifting from serious to slightly more relaxed while voicing out their own thoughts regarding the sight.

They were about to set out to look for Coco who looked for Kairo, but it appeared that their search had come to an end before it even started.

Coco acknowledged Greinzer’s words with a nod, her focus unwavering.

Kairo tensed up when he felt several eyes on his form and couldn’t help, but sought refuge in Coco’s shoulder, instinctively wanting to conceal himself by burying his face on her shoulder.

Greinzer and the other senior hunters watched as Kairo attempted to conceal himself by burying his face in Coco’s shoulder which immediately made them understand how uncomfortable it may have been.

Greinzer’s expression softened, his usual stern features shifting into a more understanding frown.

He exchanged glances with the other hunters, wordlessly sharing their collective sentiment of sympathy and having a silent conversation using their eyes.

Akane, the most empathetic and apparently the kindest among the five of them, spoke up, her voice gentle. "Coco, there’s a carriage waiting by the gates."

Coco looked up at the blonde huntress, her eyebrows furrowing.

Akane continued, ignoring the confused expression on Coco’s face. "Use it to reach the guild more quickly and don’t bother concerning yourself with the fee; I’ll handle it myself."

A carriage would indeed quicken their journey back to the guild, providing a more comfortable and efficient means of transportation, but..

Coco initially shook her head, intending to insist on paying for the carriage ride. "No need, but thank you for the offer. I really appreciate it—"

However, as Coco darts her gaze back on the blonde huntress, the sight of Akane’s disapproving frown prompted her to reconsider and made her purse her lips.

"Okay.. Thank you so much for the help, Miss Akane." Coco conceded, her tone dripping with appreciation and resignation.

Akane’s smile widened into a pleased expression, her satisfaction evident "That’s a good junior~"

Then, she nodded her head to the direction of the gate. "Now, hurry back to the guild and inform the guildmaster about the situation, then you and your mediators should head home."