Chapter 227
Chapter 80: Satisfaction
Seeing that the other party had no doubt about his identity as the Sword Demon, Roy could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
The broken pendant had been repaired.
As Roy was about to put it back on, Nia excitedly interrupted him, “Wait, let me help you!”
“I can handle this little thing myself.”
“Come on, don’t be shy! It’s just putting on a pendant.”
Unable to win against her, the young boy reluctantly allowed her to fuss over him.
Roy thought to himself, it’s one thing if others put on a pendant, but she’s not just anyone!
Being so close to her, with her soft and radiant presence, made it hard for Roy in every sense.
Typically carefree, Nia slowed her movements, leaned closer, and deftly draped the pendant around his neck.
She almost pressed against him, her amber eyes sparkling softly as she looked up at him. Without saying a word, her gaze seemed to convey unspoken affection.
Those glistening eyes, her gentle form, the soft warmth, blended with a jasmine fragrance that carried a hint of sweetness.
This overly intimate distance made Roy hesitate to move.
Nia encircled his neck with her arms, her brows conveying emotions as she leaned in, making it seem like they were a pair of young lovers sneaking a rendezvous!
In fact, quite a few Adventurers were secretly watching the ‘couple’ while downing drinks.
From Roy’s perspective, Nia’s smile seemed to glow even brighter than before, and her slightly flushed cheeks formed adorable dimples, like a gentle breeze blowing over tranquil waters, utterly intoxicating.
Even his heart, which had remained steady while battling legendary thieves, began to race at this moment.
Is this one of the three great illusions of life? Could this girl possibly…
Just then, Nia suddenly pinched Roy’s face, snapping him back to reality.
“I told you this pendant suits you perfectly!”
With that, she playfully pulled away like a little bird escaping its nest.
Nia picked up the honey wine she had set aside, taking delight in Roy’s slightly flustered expression as she sipped away.
Only she knew how scorching her cheeks felt, having just entertained such bold thoughts in her head.
But this was fine; there was no need to rush things… Nia immersed herself in the sweet flavors, finding an excuse for her sudden withdrawal.
Feeling somewhat awkward, Roy took a sip of wine, swallowing the embarrassing thoughts that tried to creep in.
“By the way, you seem to be in a great mood?” Roy remarked, noticing Nia’s radiant smile, more cheerful than usual.
Nia paused for a moment, turned away, and casually replied, “Of course! This adventure has been amazing.”
“You almost lost your life! You really are carefree,” Roy commented, a bit embarrassed.
Nia shrugged nonchalantly: “But I came out fine, didn’t I?”
She leaned out the window, gazing up at the vast, dazzling starry sky, slowly extending a hand.
It was as if she were counting the beauty of their journey, and she slowly raised one finger after another.
“Jungle exploration, castle ruins, treasures from the Blood Clan, even encountering a group of thieves to deal with the wicked…”
Nia paused, bathed in the glittering, dreamlike starlight, and then turned to Roy, flashing him a smile that was even more brilliant than the Milky Way.
“And of course, I met the Sword Demon.”
“So, I’m really satisfied with this adventure.”
Just like so many times before when he was touched by her energy, Roy found himself smiling sincerely back at her enchanting face.
Compared to dodging life-threatening dangers, the Certificate of Kingship, the Sword Demon’s reputation, and the Elven girl’s smile were incredibly trivial. Yet somehow, Roy felt that this was indeed the greatest reward of his journey.
As long as she found satisfaction in this adventure, that was enough.
“But…”
Nia suddenly looked down, a hint of melancholy crossing her face.
She scratched her cheek and forced a wry smile, “Thinking that such an amazing adventure is coming to an end makes me feel a bit lonely.”
It’s precisely because she cherished it so much that the impending end was hard to bear.
“Ah, sorry, saying that probably ruins the mood.”
“Not at all,” Roy interjected suddenly.
Looking at the night sky, a hint of nostalgia glimmered in his eyes, “There’s a saying in my hometown: the end of a journey is just the beginning of another story.”
He turned back to the girl beside him, speaking softly: “So even if this adventure ends, there will definitely be a next one.”
Nia froze for a moment, her heart stirred by feelings more intense than wandering in a starry sea.
That’s right, their adventures were only just beginning.
From now on, she could continue such adventures with Roy.
Nia playfully raised an eyebrow: “Oh, so you’ll accompany me next time?”
Roy shrugged: “If I’m free.”
The two exchanged glances for a moment before bursting into laughter together.
Under the starry sky, the young boy and girl clinked glasses, drinking together as they dreamed of the future, making a promise that belonged only to them.
“Then I’m counting on you for the next adventure, partner!”
“As long as someone doesn’t mind having me, the former ‘bad boy’.”
“Uh, well, that’s just a misunderstanding…”
——————————
On the same night, at the edge of the Academy City, a squad of giant eagles descended through the clouds, slowly landing from the darkness.
Dismounting from the giant eagles were figures cloaked in dark green, with sharp ears, handsome features, and graceful figures—handsome men and women.
The giant eagle was one of the few animals that could be tamed in Veszyra, aside from the fierce wind griffins. Only one army in all of Veszyra could tame such intelligent magical beasts.
That would be the direct troops of the Chair of the Verdant Council, the Emerald Rangers.
Elves generally keep a low profile, so their presence wasn’t unexpected in the Academy City, the center of Veszyra.
However, the arrival of an elite squad composed entirely of Extraordinary Beings, representing significant power, certainly caught the attention of the city guards.
But as the guards formally welcomed these rangers, they realized they had underestimated the situation.
Among the rangers was a woman.
A woman whom the guards would never mistake!
One of the seven leaders of Veszyra, the Chair of the Verdant Council, the esteemed Janthea Molly, had actually come to the Academy City!
No matter the era, a leader of one nation visiting another was always a significant event.
Yet, Janthea was so low-key that it raised curiosity about her motives.
Was the Demon Race invading? Or had a disaster-class magical beast awakened? Surely, Veszyra wasn’t going to war, right?!
Just verifying identities took the guards through a frightening array of ideas.
Of course, despite their curiosity, the guards wouldn’t dare question Janthea‘s purpose.
Yet the captain of the wall guards, bound by duty, had to muster the courage to ask another question.
“Esteemed Chairwoman, might I inquire why you have come to the Academy City?”
