Travel Plans

“So, you were the one who caused that massive explosion?” Loviki asked, her expression somewhat subtle as she held a cup of Moonlight Grass tea, her chin resting on the rim.

“Yeah. The Forest of Death will be back to normal very soon,” Chen Mian replied with a nod, popping a grape into his mouth.

“What exactly was that Child of the Rot? I haven’t seen any records regarding such a thing.”

“It’s not just you; I haven’t heard of it either,” Chen Mian said with a smile. “It’s possible that any relevant records were lost long ago.”

“Even though it’s settled, you should tell us before you go off to do something like that again! Otherwise...” Loviki paused, her gaze drifting to the side before snapping back as she added quickly, “Otherwise, Flora will be worried!”

“I know.” Chen Mian watched Loviki’s expression, the corners of his mouth turning up slightly. “I’ve already compensated Flora.”

“Compensated?” Loviki pursed her lips, looking a bit dissatisfied. “Then why don’t I get some compensation too?”

As soon as the words left her mouth, the air suddenly went still.

Flora’s face flushed, but a small, mischievous smile played on her lips as she looked at Loviki. “Are you sure you want it, Loviki?”

“...Want it?” Loviki’s eyes darted between the two of them, her gaze filled with hesitation. Her intuition told her something was off. “Wh-What’s wrong?”

Flora shook her head, her face still red. “Oh, nothing~”

“Human, after you destroyed that Child of the... Rot-ten Tofu, it seems my wounds can finally heal on their own,” Velyan said while munching on grapes.

“I see. Then it’s about time for you to head back, right?”

“I am not going back! I must observe human life to supplement my survival guide,” Velyan said solemnly. “Besides, you promised me that I could stay until I grew tired of Flora’s cooking.”

“And when will that be?” Loviki asked with a playful smile.

“I... I am probably still a little ways off,” Velyan whispered, sounding a bit guilty. After a moment of hesitation, she pulled out a dark-red gemstone and handed it to Chen Mian. “I will not eat your food for nothing.”

“This is a gem I found after searching through ruins for a very long time. It is very precious!” Velyan introduced it earnestly.

Chen Mian took the gem. The moment it touched his hand, he could feel a soft yet powerful surge of pure mana flowing within it, forming a sort of natural rune structure. He was certain that even simply absorbing the mana inside would significantly boost the strength of a powerful adventurer.

“What specifically does it do?” Chen Mian asked.

Velyan tilted her head, thinking for a moment. “The bloodline inheritance of the Chaos Dragons mentions this. It is called a Crimson Heart. It contains the world’s purest mana and can be absorbed directly to increase one’s power, but its most common use is to enhance the effects of magic potions.”

“Human, aren’t you planning to brew wine? If you add a bit of Crimson Heart powder, the effects will be much better!” Velyan said seriously. “Some of my Chaos Dragon elders have done exactly that.”

“This would be useful for you too, wouldn't it?” Chen Mian looked at her.

“I do not drink wine, so it is of no use to me!” Velyan shook her head firmly.

“I thought you were going to give him a mountain of gold and silver jewelry,” Loviki said, looking at Velyan with surprise.

“Gold and silver... I do have plenty of that, but I do not believe you lack such things.” Velyan shook her head, her expression uncharacteristically serious. “My life was saved by this human and Louise. This little thing is nothing, especially since I still get to eat Flora’s grilled fish.”

“Alright, I’ll take it then.” Chen Mian looked at Velyan’s earnest face and nodded with a smile. “I’ll see if the fruit wine we brew turns out even better.”

“I want to drink it too,” Velyan said, looking up with anticipation.

“I thought you didn't drink?” Loviki arched an eyebrow, looking at her with a grin.

“If it is wine brewed here, I can make an exception. The wine on the terrace... was delicious.”

Loviki chuckled, standing up to stretch. She picked up the empty fruit platter and headed toward the kitchen. “Fine, just make sure you don't get drunk and tear the house down.”

“I will not.”

“Why is Louise up so late today? Lunch is almost ready.” Loviki asked as she brought out a fresh platter of sliced fruit and placed it on the coffee table.

Hearing this, Chen Mian focused his senses on the apartment for a moment before standing up and heading upstairs. He stopped in front of Louise’s door and gave it a light knock.

After a moment, the door slowly opened. Louise stood there with her silvery-gray hair draped messily over her shoulders. Her nightgown was as loose as ever, and she looked like she hadn't fully woken up yet.

Chen Mian’s gaze lingered on her for a few seconds. Louise looked up slightly and said with a smile, “Mesmerized by my beauty?”

“Yeah, mesmerized,” Chen Mian said, withdrawing his gaze. “Get ready to come down for lunch.”

“Okay~ Just let me change.” With that, Louise gently closed the door.

Chen Mian glanced down at the floor, noticing some scattered dirt and dust. He didn't say anything, simply turning to walk back downstairs.

A short while later, Louise came down wearing a black coat and a new pair of shoes, looking quite refreshed.

She walked into the kitchen to help Flora bring out the food that had been kept in the warming box, then took a seat at the dining table.

“Did you sleep well today, Louise?” Flora asked with a smile as she sat across from her.

“Very well. I even had a wonderful dream.” Louise rested her chin on one hand, speaking through a mouthful of bread. “In the dream, I was in a very deep dungeon, carrying someone on my back and running and running.”

“Huh? That counts as a wonderful dream?” Loviki asked, confused.

“Of course it does. The person I was carrying was almost dead, but in the end, I actually managed to save them.” Louise took another bite of bread and smiled.

“I’ve probably just been healing Velyan too much lately, which is why I’m having dreams like that.” Louise shrugged and looked at Velyan, casually shifting the topic.

“Thank you, Louise!” Velyan stopped what she was doing and looked up to speak earnestly.

“Once things settle down here, we’re going to the Royal Capital of Hella,” Chen Mian announced.

Upon hearing his words, Loviki’s movements stiffened slightly. She looked up at him.

“Yeah! We’re going to help Loviki break her engagement!” Flora added with a smile. “We’re not letting you marry some Second Prince of Hella.”

“That’s right. If you’re going to marry anyone, you should marry me and Flora,” Louise said with a laugh.

Loviki stared at them blankly. For once, she didn't argue. She simply smiled and said, “Yeah! I don't want to marry some prince!”