CHAPTER 484: IS THIS A FAMILY BONDING OF SOME SORT?

"So, Sir Alfred decided to help you find the cause of the plague? Does he really know where to find them?" Princess Margaux asked while helping Elaina pack up the items on the table, and to also gather information regarding the problem that involves the latest plague.

"Yeah. It would have been great if it were my grandparents helping out, as they know the enemy enough compared to Alfred, but I can’t be choosy when it comes to someone who can help out. If we wait for my grandparents to return from their jobs, it might be too late before it is too late; it’s best we take action before it gets worse."

"Why not wait for our specialists and soldiers to help? Although I can’t help since I barely have the skills that can be used and applied in combat, perhaps asking my sister for help would also be a good idea," Princess Margaux suggested.

"I can’t impose something like that on Princess Tabatha, considering that she’s quite busy most of the time."

"Well, true. She said that work has been piling up for quite some time now and she wanted to have some good rest for some time. Might be punishing more if you drag her into this all of a sudden."

After helping Elaina out, Princess Margaux gave a reminder to her that she will not be staying in the farmhouse in the next few days, since her parents are worried and are forcing her to stay at the castle for the time being. That way, she is far from harm. Elaina understands their reasoning as well and agreed to send her back.

As for Julia and Yona, they are currently helping the Grand Sage analyze the insects with great interest to ensure that they have an idea of how the once extinct insect is once again flying in the air and as numerous as they were back in the distant past.

Elaina didn’t want to disturb their experiments, as there is a chance that they know whether it was a dangerous sign of the locust’s return or not. While finalizing the preparation, Adelaide and the others went downstairs with their usual getup when they are hunting enemies. The only difference is that this time, Layla is now among them and is holding the staff that Julia gifted to her not too long ago.

"Hmmm? You kids going to the mines today?" Elaina asked her children.

"No. I overheard the conversation you had with the Princess and decided that we will be assisting in this fight, Mother. We don’t want to be left out on this if it means we can protect the farm further. We will go with you, and we don’t take no for an answer, Mother."

"How about Layla? I know I can count on you guys, but Layla has been a noncombatant for quite some time. Sure, she does know healing magic and regular elemental magic, but she barely has any experience in fighting. Layla, are you sure you are also coming with us?"

Layla sighed, and her face turned serious. "I am tired of getting left behind by everyone in terms of progress. I don’t want to be left out again, and this time, I will join them to prove I can do things as well. Besides, my healing is quite potent. Even if I am useless in combat, I can at least clear debuffs and heal injuries very fast."

Elaina nodded and smiled. "With how reckless my boys in a fight, Adelaide is usually stuck in healing duty most of the time and it isn’t her best perk. If you decided to join in this, we will have a dedicated healer that can help everyone that will be in need and Adelaide can focus on attacking instead of healing reckless kids."

Arthur wanted to argue, but Adelaide put her hand to his mouth to stop him. "Don’t argue with Mom. She is right."

Although Elaina is reluctant to bring everyone on this mission, considering that she isn’t even aware of how strong the Plague Bringer is or if the enemy has already transcended to Calamity Summoner already, she couldn’t deny that she needed a backup. Sure, Alfred can be a good backup considering that he is also a good fighter himself, but considering that Alfred works with her Grandparents, who are strong enough to deal with anything that are not world-enders, Elaina wanted to ensure that they are strong enough to deal with the enemy.

"Alright, fine. Since everyone is adamant about joining, prepare the items that you need. Don’t bring too much of it as we will not be staying out too long."

Even when she said that, Elaina had already packed up a lot of stuff with her to ensure that she was fully prepared. It’s just not fully visible, considering all the luggage she is carrying is inside the dimensional backpack, but if one can see it, that bag would not fit in the doorway due to the size of the stuff she stuffed inside.

After waiting for a while, Elaina instructed Shardu and Zaza to guard the farm like always. She also asked the Feys if either Yona or Julia is looking for her, they should tell them that she has gone to hunt.

The first place they headed in is the Town Center. This is where Elaina and Alfred decided to meet before they will be going. When the group arrived, Alfred was already waiting, and he seemed to be reading the bestiary book he had borrowed last time. Upon seeing Elaina and the others, he was surprised, considering that he wasn’t expecting to see his ex-wife bring the children along.

"Elaina? What is going on? Why are the kids here? We are going on a dangerous task!" Alfred looked at the kids who were also looking at him.

Before Elaina could speak, Arthur decided to talk first. "We persuaded Mom, Dad. Don’t blame her since we wanted to help out. You might not know, but we have gotten stronger since then. We even hunted monsters with Mom not too long ago. Whatever monster Mother and Father are going to hunt, we will at least be able to contribute!"

Alfred was a bit speechless and didn’t know what to do about it. It wasn’t part of his calculation that the kids would be coming along as well. Despite this, Elaina reassures Alfred about it.

"Don’t worry. They might be children, but they know what to do in a fight. Don’t underestimate them just because they are kids, and it is better to have them earn some experience to fight monsters both strong and weak, to build up their capabilities in defending themselves against monsters. They might not necessarily need it, but sooner or later, if they have to do it because there is no other choice, the kids can do whatever they need to do."

Alfred couldn’t say anything that he could use for rebuttal on Elaina’s words and only sighed in resignation. "Hah...is this some family bonding of some sort that you thought of, Elaina? Because this is certainly unique. But I don’t mind it at all."

Hearing Alfred say that, Elaina realized that they are indeed going to do some sort of family bonding, considering everyone in their family is there. Although Raye and Layla are not Alfred’s blood and flesh, he treats them like his son when he first visited the farm after his brainwashing was lifted. Unlike his detestable behavior back then, Alfred has returned to the same man that she once loved in the past. It’s just unfortunate that the incident regarding the brainwashing stuff happened, and Elaina has been wounded and cannot be healed anymore.

Elaina smiled. "Hmmm, perhaps it is. After all, this is the first excursion we would be doing as one family for once."