She nervously waved one hand.
"Y-you should refrain from suspecting weak old men like me. I'm practically harmless."
The handsome elf raised an eyebrow. "Harmless?"
"Yes."
Aira nodded confidently. "Look at me. I can barely walk without bumping into people."
The handsome elf stared at her. "You bumped into me because you weren't paying attention."
"Exactly. See? I'm weak and clumsy."
"That's not what I meant."
Aira smiled awkwardly. "Of course it is."
The old elf chuckled. "You certainly are an interesting old man."
Aira's smile twitched. Why does everyone keep calling me interesting? I just want to survive.
Aira glanced at the enormous tree.
"Uhmm... about the tree. Why did it suddenly move? I thought something was happening. Is it bad?"
"No."
The old elf shook his head. "It's just unusual. It rarely happens."
He walked toward one of the roots and placed his hand against it. The golden markings beneath his palm immediately brightened. Then he looked at her.
