---- Topened the door, stepping outside just in time to see Sss back ---- he was talking to someone.


    The air was tense.


    Vtile.


    WHAT?! a raspy female voice shriekedlike an angry old woman.


    WHAT DID YOU DO IN My BED?! GODDESS HELP ME.


    I should have gone out first! Why the hell did I send Mr.


    Blunt-as-a-Brick to negotiate?! 1''m so sorry, maam" I started to step forward, but Ss shoved me back.


    This is my parents house.


    They built it.


    We dont need to ask permission.


    If anything, you''re the intruder.


    Who let you stay here? Aaaahhh! Ss, SHUT UP! youe into my hut, screw like rabbits on my bed, and IM supposed to apologize?! the old woman raged.


    You insolent brat, I''ll beat you to death with my broom! EVERYONE CALM DOWN! Lets all take a deep breath! I yanked Ss back, stepping between themand almost got a face full of straw broom for my efforts.


    The weapon of mass destruction stopped mid-swing.


    We stared at each other.


    A hunched old woman, silver-haired, dark-eyed, glowering at me.


    Her gaze flicked between me and Ss, sharp and judging ---- With that broom in hand, she looked one wing p away from taking off like a witch.


    For a second, I even thought she might be some supernatural being but no, she seemed like an ordinary elemental.


    alright, then.


    Exin to me what a decent girl like you was doing with a perverted man in the home of an old healer! Lets hear it! No, better yet,e stand by me.


    Where are your parents? Did he take you by force? Did he vite you?! WHAT?! Ss roared, the sound rattling my skull.


    SHES MY WOMAN, YOU DECREPIT OLD BAT! The olddy grabbed my arm.


    Ss grabbed the other.


    I didnt know whether tough or cry.


    What the hell is this these two stubborn idiots?! How the hell do I settle a fight between And WHO THE HELL is this grumpy old hag?!