The time spent flirting was light and brief, and the convoy soon left the deep forest. Once back on the main road, the Ganesha Familia prepared carriages, and their speed increased significantly.
Toward evening, the gates of Orario came into view. The liberated captives were moved to tears. The Guild, as the ruler of Orario, sent staff to care for the victims, providing food and lodging. After all, an incident on their doorstep could damage commercial confidence if left unaddressed. Royman Marde might be known as the "Pig of the Guild" for his gluttony and greed, but his capability as a leader was top-tier. One had to separate personality from professional ability.
"Goodbye, Mr. Roy."
Eina and Misha were taken in by Guild staff. Roy knew it wouldn't be long before the Guild gained two new iconic receptionists. Roy turned away and declined a celebratory drink with the merchant he had saved, instead heading home with his 20,000 Valis reward.
Crossing the streets, he returned to the Starry Court. After being away for a while, the familiar building gave him a slight sense of nostalgia. He pushed open the door. It was quiet, but with his Level 2 peak stats, his perception was sharper than ever. He heard a soft breath ten meters to his left. He turned his head and, as expected, saw her.
"You finally decided to come back."
The blonde, elf girl stood by the window. Her clear, sky-blue eyes settled on Roy, a hint of helplessness crossing her beautiful face. Roy gave a cheeky grin. He understood her reaction; adventuring was a high-risk job. If an adventurer disappeared for three days without word, they were usually presumed dead. Roy had been gone for over twenty days without a peep; most would assume he'd been reduced to ashes.
"Where are the Goddess and the two newcomers?" Roy asked, glancing around the quiet living room.
"Out buying supplies," Ryuu answered. "Someone has to guard the base."
Roy's eyes sparkled. So, it was just him and Ryuu in the mansion? He wasn't thinking anything inappropriate; he wanted to learn magic! Learning brought him joy!
"I'm sorry," Ryuu sighed softly, a look of guilt on her face.
Roy asked cautiously, "What's wrong? Did you do something behind my back?"
Ryuu glared at him, the serious atmosphere ruined by his comment. "I broke our agreement." She bit her lip. "I've been so busy with Familia matters that I haven't helped you hunt monsters."
Originally, their contract was that she would help him level up while he helped her find a resurrection method. But now, Roy had joined the Astraea Familia, wiped out the Dark Faction remnants, paid off the Familia's debt, and brought in new members. He had single-handedly revived the Familia. Ryuu felt like she had done nothing while Roy did everything. She lowered her head in shame.
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My : https://[email protected]/AuAuMon
Starting with an Elf (232 Chapters, Ongoing)
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Seeing the usually stoic elf girl on the verge of tears, Roy said, "That's it? If you feel guilty, do me a small favor right now."
"Name it," Ryuu said seriously. If Roy told her to go kill someone right now, she wouldn't hesitate.
"Teach me your magic."
Ryuu looked at him with pity. Did he lose his mind out there? Magic was either innate or awakened through Falna. She had never heard of anyone "learning" magic like a textbook. She wondered if she should take him to Amid of the Dian Cecht Familia to get his head checked.
Seeing her look at him like he was an idiot, Roy snapped, "Hurry up, just cast it once so I can see."
Pressed by him, Ryuu couldn't refuse. She began to chant. She chose Noah Heal instead of Luminous Wind to avoid blowing up the house.
"Song of the distant forest, melody of past life. Please grant your mercy of healing to those who seek it. Noah Heal!"
A gentle, life-filled green light emanated from her hand. Roy blinked. He didn't get it. Is my 'Elven Kingship' skill a fake?
"Give me your other hand. Do it again." Roy reached out.
Ryuu froze. An elf's skin was only to be touched by those they accepted. Until now, she had only accepted her dear friend, Alise. She looked into Roy's eyes for a long time and found no lust, only curiosity. She sighed.
"You really aren't joking." She reached out her left hand. When Roy grasped it, the warmth of his palm made her body tremble slightly. A blush crept onto her face. She bit her lip to suppress her shyness. "...Noah Heal!"
She took a deep breath to stabilize her mind, as emotions could affect casting. She repeated the chant, and the emerald light appeared again.
This time, Roy felt it. His eyes seemed to see through Ryuu's delicate skin, perceiving the way her spirit moved the mana and converted it into the light of life within her petite body.
"Whew!"
Roy closed his eyes, replaying the process in his mind. Ten seconds later, he opened them, brimming with confidence.
"Song of the distant forest, melody of past life. Please grant your mercy of healing to those who seek it... Noah Heal!"
As the last word fell, a brilliant green light erupted from Roy's large palm.
Magic: Noah Heal—Successfully Learned!
"????" A cluster of question marks practically appeared over Ryuu's head. Are you for real?