Chapter 369: Relaxing Restrictions
Although Rhodes allowed Solitär-Flamme to follow him, his daily life was incredibly monotonous.
Aside from research, he spent his time with the elf lady.
If it were just that, Solitär-Flamme might have still learned some human emotions. Unfortunately, Serie wasn't having it.
She couldn't stand a ghost-like presence hovering beside her rare moments alone with Rhodes.
Like right now. Solitär-Flamme stood quietly in the corridor outside Rhodes's room, her eyes placidly watching the tightly shut door before her.
Seconds ago, the door had closed rapidly behind her, shutting her out.
Serie had spoken in an impatient but unquestionable tone: "Important magical research requires an absolutely quiet environment today," and then used magic to blast her out directly.
Standing at the door, Solitär-Flamme lowered her head in thought.
It seems observation cannot continue today. My subconscious tells me that continuing to observe the interaction between Rhodes and Serie might be life-threatening.
Then where should I go next?
Rhodes hadn't lifted the restrictions on her. There were very few places she could go—even the Association library was off-limits. Either continue waiting at the door or return to the basement.
Finally, Solitär-Flamme decided to return to the basement and see how the situation was tomorrow.
On her way back, she ran into several people.
Flamme, Frieren, and another beautiful woman with pale golden hair—Olivia.
Flamme was holding Frieren's small hand. Frieren still wore her expressionless face, but the slightly upturned corners of her mouth indicated she was in a very good mood.
Unfortunately, this good mood vanished instantly upon encountering Solitär-Flamme, turning into a slight pout.
Olivia, walking on Flamme's other side, also narrowed her eyes upon seeing Solitär-Flamme.
She had been observing this demon quietly for some time. After all, a demon possessing holy power was a first in history. Coupled with her complete lack of the cruel and cunning emotions typical of demons, she might truly become an important part of restructuring the demonic life composition, as Rhodes had said.
Flamme saw Solitär-Flamme walking down the stairs first. Her steps paused slightly, and a trace of surprise crossed her face. "Solitär-Flamme? Why are you here? What about Master Rhodes...?"
She remembered Solitär-Flamme was with Master Rhodes in the top-floor room this morning. Why had she come down alone?
Solitär-Flamme stopped and answered truthfully, "Lady Serie stated there is important magical research today requiring an absolutely quiet environment. My continued presence might cause interference, so she asked me not to interfere."
Flamme understood.
She realized immediately this was likely Master Serie's excuse. It seemed the teacher finally couldn't stand Solitär-Flamme as a third wheel.
She could somewhat empathize.
Glancing at Frieren beside her, who clearly showed dislike for Solitär-Flamme, then at the demon's calm demeanor, a thought suddenly struck Flamme.
Unilaterally restricting Solitär-Flamme within the Association meant she only encountered highly magical environments and very few people. This might be of limited help in understanding broader human emotions.
Since Master Rhodes allowed her to observe by his side, expanding her range to contact more ordinary human life scenes... perhaps that was also a viable path?
Moreover, with herself and Senior Olivia present, a mere Solitär-Flamme couldn't stir up any waves.
Senior Olivia might look gentle, but her strength was unfathomable—a legendary existence who had slain a god alongside Master Rhodes.
Thinking of this, Flamme spoke up. "I see. So, do you intend to return to the basement now?"
Solitär-Flamme nodded.
"Hmm... Frieren, Senior Olivia, and I are preparing to stroll through the market in the West District of the capital to buy some things." As she spoke, Flamme shook Frieren's hand gently. "Do you want to come with us?"
As soon as the words fell, Frieren's small face collapsed. Her emerald eyes filled with reluctance as she tugged hard on Flamme's hand, whispering, "I don't want to go with her!"
She instinctively felt repulsed and uncomfortable around this taciturn demon.
She even thought that if the demon suddenly went berserk one day, it would be great—then she would have a legitimate reason to kill her.
Olivia also frowned slightly, looking at Flamme with inquiry.
She understood Solitär-Flamme's danger. Although the demon had always appeared harmless, with demons, one could never be sure.
Facing Frieren's opposition and Olivia's doubt, Flamme didn't back down. She gave Olivia a reassuring look first, then crouched down to Frieren's level, explaining patiently.
"Frieren, Solitär-Flamme is... learning. Learning to understand humans. Keeping her locked in the Association won't teach her anything."
"With Senior Olivia and me here today, nothing will go wrong. Besides, she has Master Serie's restriction on her; she cannot attack humans."
Frieren curled her lip, clearly uninterested in Solitär-Flamme understanding humans. But Flamme's gentle explanation made it impossible for her to refuse forcefully. She could only turn her face away and stay silent, sulking in tacit consent.
After appeasing Frieren, Flamme stood up again and looked at Solitär-Flamme. "However, Solitär-Flamme, the movement restriction Master Rhodes placed on you..."
"Still exists," Solitär-Flamme finished. "I cannot leave the designated area of the Association. The Imperial Capital is outside the restriction range."
"Is that so..." Flamme pondered for a moment, then made a decision. "Wait here a moment. I will go ask for Master Rhodes's instructions. If Master agrees, perhaps part of the restriction can be temporarily lifted."
Solitär-Flamme nodded quietly and waited where she stood.
Asking Olivia and Frieren to wait, Flamme hurried back to the top floor.
Moments later, she returned, holding a silver metal bracelet faintly emitting special mana fluctuations.
"Master agreed." Flamme walked up to Solitär-Flamme, showing the bracelet. "This is a mana suppression item. Master intended to put it on you today and relax your movement range appropriately, just... um, he got busy and forgot."
She embellished Rhodes's explanation slightly before continuing, "After putting this on, all your mana will be sealed, retaining only basic physical stamina. Moreover, if you attempt to resist this seal, it will issue a warning immediately."
Solitär-Flamme's gaze lingered on the bracelet for a moment, then she calmly extended her wrist.
"Understood."
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