******
"Is he still not up?"
"No. As I said, he should be needing a long rest. It isn't going to be up anytime soon."
Raphael was still lying on Lia's lap as she answered Azekiel about the status of Raphael. Two books were placed beside her.
"We can't force him to get up, but we can't stay here for long either. Time is of the essence. I'll carry him with me. Our destination is far. By the time we get there, Raphael might be up."
Azekiel kept the two remaining apples that were given to Lia and Raphael in his ring. He also placed the two books in the storage ring, using it to the fullest. Since he had the ring, he didn't need to carry anything in his hands other than Raphael.
He bent forward, inserting one hand under the neck of Raphael. To help him, Lia raised his head a bit from her lap. Azekiel placed his other hand under the knees of Raphael before picking him up.