After he had practiced for quite a while in the countryside, Austin went back to Reuben's palace.
In the small hall which Austin had been given, the two girls were chatting with Mike.
"Ivy, when will that little beggar come back? It's been so long."
The girl in the red dress asked, resting her chin on her hands.
"That's the thousandth time you're asking me that, Sue." Ivy answered in irritation, shaking her head slightly.
"He told us, didn't he?
He told us he had to prepare for the Outstanding Talents Exchange Games and was going to the countryside to practice a skill.
You know, he looks assured of claiming victory. But it's not going to be so easy, if you ask me. So many young fighters will join this game. Just think about that. How many competitors will he have? This will be an extremely fierce competition and he'll have to be very strong indeed to win the first prize."
"Huh! I believe in him. He's very strong. He even defeated and killed our master or have you forgotten that? He's sure to win the Outstanding Talents Exchange Games!" The girl in the red dress whose name was Sue, pouted with disapproval.
For some reason, every time Austin's name was mentioned, her face would lighten up and her bright eyes would fill up with longings and shyness. Apparently enough, she was looking forward to being loved.
"Oh... I see what's going on here. Someone's in love! Someone has desperately fallen in love! Hah-hah!" Ivy, the girl in the white dress, laughed naughtily, covering her mouth with a handkerchief.
"What? No I'm not! Oh, Ivy! You're teasing me! I won't spare you!"
Sue grumbled. She pounced on Ivy like an angry little tiger and started tickling her waist. The house was ringing with the cheers and laughter of these young girls.
'Same here, sister, ' Ivy whispered inside her heart. She had also been thinking about Austin all these days.
Austin had saved their lives twice and therefore, was their savior. And after getting along with him for some time, they had found him to be a really nice guy and were infatuated with his qualities and abilities.
Mike had known the two girls since they were children. He knew exactly what they were thinking about.
Looking at the girls, he laughed secretly.
'It looks like the two girls are in love with Austin.
He is quite a virtuous and talented young man and no wonder girls fall for him. Young as he is, he is already an outstanding fighter. He has a bright future ahead and I'll be really glad if he is the one to take care of these girls.
The question now is whether he will accept them or not.
But I don't think he'll refuse. They are very pretty and men like beautiful girls.
I think I should have a talk with Austin after the Outstanding Talents Exchange Games.'
Mike made up his mind. He wanted to know what Austin thought of the girls.
"Ahem. You girls seem to be in a good mood."
Suddenly, somebody walked into the room, interrupting the girls' frivolous fight. It was none other than Austin.
"Ah! It's you! Little beggar!"
"You are back!"
The two girls cried at the same time. There was a thinly-veiled and delighted surprise in their tone.
"It's you, Austin. Finally you are here."
Mike greeted him.
Sue didn't realize how excited she had been until she cooled down a little bit. 'Has he been outside, listening in on our conversation? Then, oh god, he must have heard what Ivy said!' Sue was seized with remorse. She glanced at Austin secretly. Austin was smiling gently as usual, which put her mind at rest.
But she couldn't help blushing with shame anyway.
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