Frieren turned her head to both sides, making sure the officer was actually speaking to her.
Then she pointed at herself. "Me?"
The police officer's expression shifted the moment he saw her face up close, first surprise, then concern.
"A… little one? What are you doing out here? At this hour?!" the officer asked.
Why do they always call me 'little one'…? she thought.
Her gaze flicked to the officer's uniform, trying to understand his intentions.
She twisted her fingers together and stared at the ground for a moment.
Then she lifted her eyes again to the officer, her gaze deliberate and natural.
"I seem to have lost my way… Could you show me the nearest inn?" she said.
The chilly night air made her shiver, her fingers tightening around the folds of her cloak.
The officer let out a broken, confused smile.
"Come with me, then!" he said, entering his police car. He turned off the police lights.
"Inside… that creature?" she whispered.
She hesitated a moment longer, watching the red and blue lights fade, unsure if this human could be trusted.
Frieren pressed a hand to her chest, feeling the unfamiliar rhythm of excitement and caution mingle.
I've observed many humans in that beast… and none appear harmed. She nodded slightly, then rose from the chair.
Her ears twitched at the faint vibration of the car, curiosity battling caution.
A small shiver ran through her as she straightened.
Her steps were soft, hesitant, barely making a sound on the car's floor.
The officer yawned and muttered to himself, "Ah… I could really use a coffee too."
The scent of oil and metal drifted toward her.
Her fingers traced the metal, marveling at its cold, unyielding texture.
"It feels… comforting," she whispered, eyes closed.
"There you go!" the officer chuckled, turning the keys.
A flicker of light from the dashboard reflected in her wide eyes, capturing her quiet wonder.
For a moment, she made a movement to summon her staff, but stopped when the heavy engine sound ceased.
Then the car moved, its vibrations echoing in her chest.
Frieren exhaled softly, thinking,
It's so light… as if the world itself floats beneath me like I'm sitting on a moving feather.
"Perhaps I could even sleep through this journey," she mused.
Frieren's hands relaxed on her lap, fingers curling slightly.
"Little one… what's your name?" the officer asked.
But Frieren was already asleep.
The officer smiled as he turned to drive.
hey drove for a few minutes through quiet streets A few sounds of dogs barking reached Frieren's ears, her ears twitched slightly, but she didn't wake
When the car stopped, Frieren's eyes lifted slightly. She saw a light and a few officers talking.
She blinked slowly, trying to focus through the fog of sleep, the world feeling slightly unreal.
"Humans dressed like him?" she murmured, rubbing her eyes.
Frieren exhaled softly, thinking, "These humans… seem so serious with their gathering."
"This doesn't seem to be an inn," she whispered, staring at the police building.
Police lights painted the row of buildings in bleeding color
"I have a few questions, little one, and then you can go," the officer said, adjusting his hat, his eyes lingering on her for a moment