Volume 14 Chapter 33: 

Volume 14 Chapter 33: 

Eri was out in the garden running around. Behind her were Mir and Lei, who chased after her. This was her usual afternoon. After going with Nephele to help run the cart and eat food, she would return home to run around and burn the calories.

"Lei! Here!" With all the force she could muster, she tossed the ball to the little fellow. Lei waddled over to grab it and return it to her. If you have to ask who Eri talked with the most besides Keith, it'd be Lei and Ruby. It might be because of their similar age. 

“Yay!” The little fox girl hugged, but that was when Mir also came over. The snowball tackled her down and snuggled her body. Not to be done in by his big brother, Lei also started to do the same. 

“Hehe! It tickles.” The girl’s life had been quite enjoyable. With the double snowballs stuck by her side all the time, she did not need to worry about being alone. Also, Diana and Nephele always bring her out to play, giving her fresh air. 

Nephele and Undine were drinking tea in the pergola as they watched over her. The great spirit of wind sighed, “This is the best.”

“Indeed.” 

“You shouldn’t be the one to say this.” Nephele's eyes narrowed at the great spirit of water. 

"What do you mean? I'm watering the plants." While the two went out, Udine was on gardening duty with Fira. She would provide water for the garden. 

"That's the only thing you do." Besides watering, there was no need for her to do anything else. Actually, it was because no one would allow it. Cleaning dishes and mopping the mansion; such simple labor was extremely dangerous with a ditzy person like Udine. 

Out of the three, she was a couch potato. 

Udine added, "That's because you also love to cook." Nephele and Diana were quite content and enjoyed cooking. 

"You will too!" 

"No, I love being the taste tester."

"You!" Everyone loved that job! While the two talked with one another, Eri waddled over to Udine, "Big sister Undine, water."

"Here." A ball of water was created; she got the memo. Whenever she needed to clean, she would come to Udine. 

"Thank you!" Cleaning her hands, she returned to playing. Fira entered the mix this time.  

"When did you become so close with her?" Nephele was surprised at how the fox girl hugged Undine. Eri had always been wary when she entered this mansion; it was surprising to see her so touchy with Udine. 

While they talked, Diana came over. 

“Eri, dear. Come over here. Let’s go hand some snacks over to the others.” Carolyn and the others were focused on their finals as well. Studying from the get-go. 

“Okay!” Eri and the others rushed over to Diana, where she held onto her hand, “What dessert?”

“Pie.” There was a delicious blueberry pie just for all of them. 

“...” The group was rolled in paperwork as they were stared down. Eri noticed their expression; this was the first time she had seen him like that. Alfia then looked down at her and rubbed her head, “Apologies.”

“Did you make something sweet?”

“Mmhmm, I’ve made pie for all of you.”

“Thank you so much, dorm mother Diana!” “You’re the best!” While everyone was having their only meal, that was when their expressions lightened up as they savored their meal. 

Eri was on the side eating her slice as well while she was staring at Alfia’s book. She didn’t know what the words were on it. But she could tell that it was something important. The elf princess caught on and stroked her head, “You wouldn’t know. This is too hard for someone your age.” 

“Yeah! Eri, just have fun with your childhood and never become an adult!” Herrick roared as he munched on the pie. Eat and play. That should be the end goal of everything. But that only caused Faelyn’s eyes to narrow, “Don’t even think about it. Eri, you should also study and have some fun as well.” Studying and learning was also important as well. 

“Play!” “Study!” 

“Now, now.” Long Lihua shook her head, “There’s no need for her to choose. She’s still a kid.” Why were they the ones to decide on the future of this child? 

“Besides, Keith is the one you need to talk about with.” Keith was the child’s guardian. No one else would have a say in all of this. Herrick pouted, “I miss him!”

“Yeah!”  “Where could that man had gone?” Scarlet held her face, “Don’t tell me Krystal and Keith are having their romantic getaway from us?” 

“...Where did that come from?” 

“What is Jack in this situation?” Sarah chuckled. 

“The dog?” ”Third wheel?”

“...” For some reason, she felt so bad for her brother because it felt so true! 

Gabriel chuckled, “The group should be returning in a day. So we can calm down and do whatever we can right here.” 

“Understood!” It was back to returning to tasting the pie while they studied. What they didn’t notice was the expression Eri had. Later in the day, Diana was stretching her hand into the air, prepared to go to bed. 

Keith really didn’t have to make my bed bigger than it should be? That small house she had before was now a secondary mansion. With it came a large bedroom. She watched the two marvel at their new rooms. It was more about them than her. 

While she was prepared to go to bed, a knock came on her door, “Eri, why are you here?” She was surprised to see the fox girl here. She would sleep in Keith’s bedroom all the time. 

“Please!” Eri then raised a book in front of her. 

“Eh? You want me to read for you?” This was a surprise. Eri had been pretty silent for the most part. She was sensible. She understood that the others were working, she wanted to let them focus on their work than to do anything else. 

“Okay, then let me read you a book.” Diana didn’t mind as Eri snuggled into her arms as she started to read the book over to them.