Page 17 of I Dated a Retired Hero

“I can do a lot of the textile designing anywhere and send it to my machines. Right now, I am less than inspired.”

Zera swallowed and nodded. “Fair.”

“We will talk again if I ever calm down. Right now, the unfairness of life is hitting me like a toddler deprived of candy. It is either keep busy or head to the sun. I am not much in the mood for anything else.”

Zera looked sad. “Got it. Petrov is waiting.”

“Petrov? I thought he was a botanist.”

“He is, and he also has the transporter activation.”

“Oh. Okay. See yah.” She walked out and saw the Erradian in her garden, checking on the dormant plants.

She watched as he stroked the plants and then turned his head to her. “They are radiation-resistant.”

“Well spotted.”

“Would you let me bring samples?”

“Why don’t you come back and raid my garden after we finish clearing that canister?”

He stood straight and nodded. “Fair enough, ready?”

“Yeah.”

He walked out of the black and green rows and said, “I will have to hold you to pull you with me.”

“Sure. I am keeping everything under wraps, so you should be safe.”

Petrov nodded. “I am not worried. Ready to go?”

Litha smiled slightly. “Yup.”

He wrapped her in his arms, and she remained stiff and straight while he laughed. “This won’t hurt.”

“I know. I am just trying to prove I am paying attention to control.” She looked toward her house and saw Zera staring. She called out, “Lock up, would you?”

A dark green mist wrapped around them, and when it dissipated, they were back in Erradia.

She smiled. “Right. When do we crack open the canister?”

“I thought you needed to rest first.”

“I can get this over with and then go home afterward.”

“I am only able to transport once per day.”

She looked up at him. “That’s a lie.”

He shrugged. “Perhaps. The local villages are relieved that the site has been neutralized. They would like to throw you a party.”

She stepped back. “A party?”

“Yes. Music, dancing, a variety of dumplings that will make your head spin.” He chuckled. “Oh, and pickles. Lots of pickles.”

Litha cocked her head. “Tempting.”

“Well, it is part of the agreement that got you here.”

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