Saintess? Not Anymore! I'd Rather be a Destroyer-Chapter 296 - 233: Let’s be friends

"Welcome home, my little brother," Gura greeted with a warm smile.

"Sister," Claw replied, his voice devoid of emotion.

"Eat. I know you’re hungry," she said, guiding him to the dining table laden with food.

"Do you feel disgusted when you touch me?" Claw asked, his voice barely a whisper.

"Never say that. I would never feel that way about you. I’m your big sister, no matter what. You’re always my lovely little brother, okay? So eat up!" Gura insisted, sitting beside him and feeding him, her gentle touch and warm smile lifting his spirits.

"Sister," Claw whispered, his voice thick with unshed tears. He paused, his gaze fixed on the lavish meal before him, before finally forcing himself to eat.

But oneday the village elder, her voice harsh and urgent, burst into their home. "You two, wake up!" She demanded. Before they could react, they were dragged from their home, slave collars and were immediately placed unto their neck, before being dragged to a woman standing outside if the village with a medium sized flying ship. Their buyer, a woman named Mavis, regarded them with a cold gaze.

"Thank you for selling these two to me," she said, her voice eerily cheeful. "As promised, here are five able-bodied Floop men." As she spoke, her bodyguards presented their cargo, a group of terrified Floop male slaves.

The villagers, blinded by their desperation, cheered. They had sacrificed two of their own to save their village. The elder saw it as a very good trade.

They sold me and my sister to Mavis I first saw it as a relief from our former suffering but she turned out to be so much worse.

"Come on, move yourself more," she taunted, prodding Claw with her finger. Claw, his spirit broken, stared at her with a vacant expression. His defiance was met with a brutal lash of her whip, leaving angry, bleeding welts across his face.

"If you screamed and cried more, it would have made you more cute," she sneered, her laughter echoing through the silent room. Claw could only clench his fists in silent fury as she continued to torment him.

Day after day, I had endured her abuse and her physical abuse, so I became a lifeless husk along with my sister who also suffered abuse from that woman.

Yet, somehow I clung to hope. It was a nightmare to be honest. The bad stuff outweighed the benefits. Me and my sister could heal ourselves so we’re lucky. However the other children who suffered in that disgusting woman’s mansion weren’t so lucky, most died when they couldn’t survive her abuse.

Then, she arrived. Aurianna, my light.

"You saved us," Claw said, his voice filled with gratitude. "You killed her, and you helped us rescue those children. I am forever grateful to you." As he gazed upon Aurianna, his heart filled with a warmth he hadn’t felt in a long time.

"I hope you understand now why I won’t go back," Claw said, his gaze fixed on Shuwi’s pained expression as well as the others who had uncomfortable expressions as well. Only Aurianna was unfazed.

"Yes, I understand," Shuwi replied, her lips pursed. "I never saw it from that perspective. Back in my country, men were often given more privilege, not treated the way you were."

"It doesn’t matter anymore," Claw assured her. "That’s all in the past. Now, I’m just so happy to see Aurianna again. Fate truly brought us together!"

"Yeah, yeah, and where are those kids now? The ones from Mavis’s mansion?" Aurianna asked, her curiosity piqued.

"They all work with me in this teleportation tower!" Claw beamed with pride.

"But I’m surprised," Claw mused, his gaze lingering on Aurianna’s rapid growth. "Humans aren’t supposed to age like this." 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

"I’m simply special," Aurianna chuckled, a mischievous glint in her eye.

"Haha, that’s good. I’m glad you’re growing. I remember when I first met you, you were so small," Claw said, gesturing to her former height.

"Ugh, creepy," Aurianna winced, taking a step back.

"No, no, no, that’s not what I meant!" Claw protested, his eyes welling up with tears.

"Hmm, where are they? I’ve been waiting," Aurianna sighed, her patience wearing thin as Jade and the others were still absent.

"Since they aren’t here, why don’t we catch up a bit? I would have loved for all the children to meet you," Claw suggested.

"Nah, I’m good," Aurianna declined, raising a hand dismissively.

"That’s fine then," Claw replied, a hint of disappointment in his voice.

"Oh, so have a seat," Claw said, gesturing to a nearby chair.

"Hmm, you guys, I’ll be heading out. I need to do some stuff," Shuwi announced, a forced smile on her face.

"I’ll follow her," Juvin said, quickly following behind Shuwi.

"Shuwi, what was that back there?" Juvin asked, noticing the frown on Shuwi’s face.

"I feel so stupid for saying that," Shuwi blurted out, her voice filled with regret.

"Yes, it was stupid," Juvin agreed, nodding his head.

"I was definitely sure that the Floop men weren’t mistreated. They always looked like they enjoyed themselves, being surrounded by many women. That’s why I..." Shuwi trailed off, rubbing her arm nervously.

"You resented them?" Juvin asked, his voice steady as they walked out of the teleportation tower.

"Something like that," Shuwi admitted, her cheeks flushing.

"Then I believe it’s better for a new change in mindset," Juvin suggested, smiling warmly at Shuwi.

"Yeah, let’s go back. I’ll start by apologizing first," Shuwi said, a determined smile on her face as she turned back towards the teleportation tower.

"Oh, you guys are back!" Elena greeted them with a bright smile.

"Well, I did plan to wait for Aurianna to leave first," Shuwi explained.

"Also, Claw, I apologize for my rude behavior today," Shuwi said, turning to Claw.

"No offense taken," Claw chuckled, waving her off.

"Also, Aurianna, may I ask how old you are?" Claw asked, curiosity piqued.

"I’m 27 years old," Aurianna replied, her voice calm.

"Eh?" Claw exclaimed, his jaw dropping.

"It’s complicated to explain, but that’s simply my age," Aurianna said, a subtle smile playing on her lips.

"Alright," Claw replied, still a bit bewildered.

"So, we’re friends now, right?" Claw asked, his eyes sparkling with hope.

"Yeah, I dunno," Aurianna replied, her tone indifferent.

"Why?" Claw asked, his eyes welling up with tears.

"I see no benefit," Aurianna stated bluntly.

"Aurianna, friendships aren’t based on benefits," Juvin interjected, his gaze fixed on Aurianna.

’Ugh, I don’t like his eyes. Looks way too... hawk-like,’ Aurianna thought.

"Well, if you make friendships based on benefits, it’s very helpful in the long run," Aurianna retorted, a smug smile on her face.

"Hmm, then let’s be friends. And I promise to help you whenever I can!" Claw declared, extending his hand.

"Hmm, alright then," Aurianna agreed, reluctantly shaking his hand.

"You know, your hands are actually very soft," Claw complimented, his voice soft.

"Ugh," Aurianna grimaced, quickly pulling her hand away.

"Why are you acting like that?" Claw asked, confused.

"I don’t like touching people much," Aurianna replied, her tone cold.

"Master, I’m here!" Hadina exclaimed, rushing towards Aurianna and enveloping her in a tight hug.

"I’m so jealous that she gets to hug you, Aurianna," Claw said, a playful grin on his face.

"Well, obviously I’m Aurianna’s wife, of course!" Hadina declared boldly, snorting at Claw.

"Not this again," Jugi sighed, rolling his eyes at Hadina’s antics.

"Eh, you’re married?" Claw gasped, his eyes widening in surprise.

"Not really, but since Hadina’s contract states marriage, then so it is. But it’s not in that way," Aurianna explained, and Claw visibly relaxed.

’What is he sighing for? It’s not like he’s getting a chance,’ Batholem huffed, pouting.

"Well, I feel like I’m delaying you, so why don’t we proceed?" Claw asked, standing up.

"Sure, let’s go. It seems like my subordinates are here," Aurianna said, rising to her feet.

After a short walk, they entered a large, circular room with a glowing floor adorned with beautiful magic circles and rune markings. Three people stood at the far end of the room, their hands resting on a stone monument that displayed a world map.

"Wow, this is huge!" Avriel exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder.

"Yes, we make it big in case many people are traveling to the same place at once. We have many rooms like this as well," Claw explained excitedly.

"That’s cool," Aurianna replied, her tone indifferent.

"A pity, though, I’d like to chat more with you," Claw sighed, his gaze lingering on Aurianna.

"Not me, though. I just want to go," Aurianna said, forcing a smile.

"Hahaha, you’re so funny, Aurianna," Claw chuckled.

"Stop staring at her so much," Batholem muttered, his voice filled with annoyance.

"Who are you guys, anyway?" Claw asked, finally acknowledging their presence, his face clearly annoyed.

"We’re friends!" Elena declared proudly.

"Since when?" Aurianna questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"Hey, what does that mean?!" Elena exclaimed, shaking Aurianna’s shoulder.

"Well, I know Peter and Batholem are my friends," Aurianna replied.

"Am I not your friend?" Elena asked, her eyes welling up with tears.

"Well, I guess you are," Aurianna sighed, relenting.

"Hehehe," Elena giggled, her mood instantly brightening.