"Chaos seems like the right word," I flinched slightly when As said this because for a moment it seemed as if he knew what I was thinking, but the disgusted expression he wore made me realize that he simply noticed similar things.

The guard captain who led us stopped at the counter.

"Daiana, this man wants to join the guild. I think he's suitable, as he's exceptionally devoted for a mercenary," the woman looked at As again in that strange way and with a slight smile.

I couldn't stand it and stepped forward, clearing my throat.

"Actually, I'M the one who wants to join. He will go wherever I go, so he's registering too," I wanted to say it as usual, emotionlessly, but my voice trembled with unfamiliar emotions, causing both the captain and As to look at me attentively.

I didn't know what was going on, but I knew I wanted to emphasize that this dragon belonged to me. Apparently, flowers of my kind are possessive and territorial... maybe that's why?

"Oh, how charming, but I don't know if the Guild is a place for little girls... Perhaps I can help? Your bodyguard can join my guard, he would surely find it easier to support you," the woman laughed lightly and again looked at As, moving closer to him and reaching out her hand as if expecting him to accept her proposition. And... wait... did she just wink at him?

I raised my eyes and looked into As's eyes. I don't know if he read anger, fear, or a silent message that I would kill him if he followed this woman. But he understood something because his eyes sparkled strangely for a moment, and a mischievous smile appeared on his lips.

"Your flattery is appreciated," he bowed exaggeratedly to the guard captain, then glanced at me again.

"But as you heard, Miss Omora is the lady of my life, and it's her words that determine whether I live or die... and we both know that one can have only one such person in life, so I cannot commit to your command, but I appreciate the offer," he said with a charming smile in her direction.

I didn't fully understand everything he said, or maybe I didn't understand the subtext... but Daiana, who was behind the counter, blushed, and the guard captain looked angry at me for a moment... and then smiled again, albeit a bit... sarcastically?

"Oh, I understand, I understand. I wish you all the best and hope your lady finds a good home and family in this city, my offer will still stand," she said as if she wanted me to go out on the street right now and find a husband with a home. Then she headed for the exit.

"And... when you put her to bed and read her a bedtime story, I invite you to the Dragon's Paw Inn," she winked, and I was certain that one day I would disembowel her.

"Thank you, I will remember," As replied politely.

I said nothing, but I think I correctly assumed that the woman tried to insult and demean me. And I promised myself that one day she would regret it.

A moment of silence was broken by As's clearing his throat, who crossed his arms on his chest and looked at me with a slight smile.

"You don't like her, do you?" he said softly so that Daiana, who was preparing some documents or something for us, wouldn't hear.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I replied, furrowing my brows in surprise. Why was my voice trembling, and my heart beating much faster?

"Ah... so, what... should I read you a bedtime story?"

"I don't like pretending to be a little girl."

"Have you ever thought that you are one?"

"No. Maybe I'm a grown woman, hm?"

"Girl... you were born just over a week ago, you're 150 cm tall, you're flat, and overall small... It means that you're currently a child," he shrugged.

"The physical shell I currently have is not me... it's my mental maturity that counts."

"Sure, but others can't know that... And it's easier when they don't take us for something as sick as a couple," he shuddered and laughed lightly.

"Ladies and gentlemen, everything is ready," Daiana announced, sliding a sphere and silver dog tags towards us.

"Oh, excellent! I'll go first," As approached the counter.

I stood and watched in silence. Something was bothering me... something made every such exchange of words... hurt? I don't understand it.