Averting her gaze, Riveria Ljos Alf said this, her hand still resting on Arthas, the healing magic uninterrupted.
This might be excessive, but the mana-depleted Riveria Ljos Alf needed to replenish her mana quickly.
Natural recovery would take too long. If there was a faster method, why not use it?
Her actions wouldn't harm him, so a little selfishness shouldn't matter, right?
At least… she had never been this intimate with a man before. Consider it a bonus for him.
Riveria Ljos Alf thought this, her face blushing adorably. Fortunately, she had turned away; otherwise, Wallenstein and Bete would have seen her bashful expression.
"Riveria Ljos Alf… do you know him?"
Sensing something amiss, Wallenstein tilted her head curiously.
"Ah… no, I've never met him before. Why would you think I know him?"
Her blush subsided. Riveria Ljos Alf gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, speaking playfully.
"Tch… what's so great about this guy? He's just a pretty boy. Aisha acted like this, and now you too, acting so intimate with him. It's infuriating."
Though calmer, Bete still wasn't entirely appeased. He glared at Arthas, baring his teeth.
"You, as Loki Familia's elite, Level 5 adventurers, are associating with such trash. Aren't you ashamed?"
"Are you finished with your nagging? Bete, your strength and status in the Loki Familia don't give you the right to insult others. Apologize to him!"
"Ha? Apologize? To him? Are you joking, Riveria Ljos Alf? Calling trash trash is perfectly fine."
"Enough! Go rejoin your squad. I'll report everything to the Goddess."
"Tch… fine, this is a drag."
Seeing Riveria Ljos Alf's genuine anger, Bete didn't dare say anything more. Muttering under his breath, he turned and left quickly.
"Sorry… Bete is just outspoken. He didn't mean to target you, but…"
Riveria Ljos Alf said, looking at the bewildered Wallenstein, finding it difficult to explain.
Bete's feelings for Wallenstein were known throughout the Familia. Such a strong and beautiful woman would attract attention.
Unfortunately, Wallenstein was oblivious to matters of romance, her naive nature preventing her from understanding her admirer's advances.
"It's fine, I'm not angry. Strong people have the right to look down on the weak. I'm weak, he's strong; his actions are understandable. After all, I've touched something sacred to him."
Arthas wasn't stupid; Wallenstein didn't understand Bete's outburst, but he did.
"This…"
Riveria Ljos Alf was momentarily speechless. She wanted to comfort him but felt her words might sound ironic.
"Aren't you angry or upset?"
"Why should I be? He disdained me, looked down on me. If I were angry, wouldn't that prove him right?"
"Anger born from wounded pride is the mark of weakness."
Arthas said, a sarcastic smile playing on his lips.
"I don't consider myself weak, but I can't change a strong person's perception. He's a Level 4 or 5 adventurer, a recognized strong person, and I'm only Level 1. Even you and Wallenstein, while you might not look down on me, you still view me with pity."
Riveria Ljos Alf was speechless.
They were about Level 4-5 adventurers; the difference between them and Arthas was immense. Normally, they wouldn't even speak, let alone be this intimate.
Though she'd favored Arthas, as he said, she'd felt that way herself.
She'd even thought that being intimate with him and using him to replenish her mana was justified.
Feeling ashamed, Riveria Ljos Alf lowered her head, unable to meet Arthas's gaze, whispering,
"I'm… so sorry…"
"Why apologize? If we have to feel guilty for unintentional thoughts, we might as well not live… we wouldn't have enough time for repentance."
Arthas said this, smiling slightly, and to Riveria Ljos Alf's surprise, gently stroked her face.
"You're beautiful… I want you to be mine."
"Eh, eh, eh?!"
Arthas's sudden boldness almost made Riveria Ljos Alf cry out. Like a shy girl, she pushed him away, taking several steps back.
"Many men have felt this way about your beauty and gentleness. The difference is they keep it to themselves; I said it aloud."
As Riveria Ljos Alf stepped back, glaring at him, the playful smile vanished from Arthas's face, replaced by his usual indifference.
"By the way, what I said was simply a compliment; nothing more."
Though Arthas said this seriously, Riveria Ljos Alf felt teased. But she couldn't get angry.
Or perhaps… looking at the young man before her, she simply couldn't bring herself to be angry.
____________________
for more advance chapters visit my p@treon
[email protected]/kane45
Casual Reader - 15 Advance Chapters
Intermediate Reader - 30 Advance Chapters
Expert Reader - 60 Advance Chapters