Chapter 17: Just a Little Longer
Elves are the darlings of nature, and a girl’s smile is supposed to be complemented by sunshine and flower petals.
But right now, Nia looked more like a branch drooping under the weight of rain, head down and silent.
“You know, even if your bloodline is a bit behind right now, it’s okay; I don’t really mind.”
Nia suddenly lifted her head: “But I care—”
“Even though you’re lazy and playful, skipping classes and doing nothing all day, letting your bloodline go to waste…”
Nia’s eyes widened in shock.
Wait, are you here to compliment me or throw shade?!
Shouldn’t you be giving hugs and high-fives right now?!
Just as Nia’s cheeks puffed up like a balloon, Roy turned back, articulating with each word, “But I like you just the way you are.”
The balloon popped, and Nia became speechless, her heart racing like a frightened deer.
Roy pinched her silly little face and teased, “Only in terms of adventure are you always brimming with passion and energy, never willing to give up. So what if you’re a little behind? You’ll catch up someday.”
“Nia, I believe in you; one day you’ll become a great adventurer.”
No hesitation, with unwavering confidence, Roy gazed into the girl’s eyes, utterly convinced.
Not only because she was the destined heroine in the original story, not just because she had a golden-level bloodline, but because of her dedication and hope for adventure.
Soaring freely like the wind towards the horizon.
That was what captivated Roy.
The unmasked hope in her pitch-black eyes reflected in the emerald of her gaze, and the green of the elven girl finally shone brightly again.
Once upon a time, the adventures Nia longed for were tales of breathtaking exploits left behind by her unknown father.
It wasn’t until her first adventure away from home, her first unrestrained encounter, her first moment freed from her mother’s grip, and her first facing the fate of being a Forest Elf, that so many firsts shared with a boy redefined her concept of adventure.
Her blushing cheeks trembled slightly, and the corners of her mouth lifted gently.
“Guess you do have an eye for talent!”
Nia jumped up, gave her cheeks a hearty slap, and instantly radiated vibrant colors again.
“Since you say so, let’s work hard together to become amazing adventurers!”
To become an adventurer as great as you.
“And then, I’ll take you on even more exciting adventures!”
The gentle breeze played with the girl’s smiling face, while petals like her delicate hands invited the boy to embark on the future she envisioned.
Without hesitation, Roy took her hand.
“I think this adventure is already pretty amazing.”
“What are you talking about? This is just the beginning! If you’re satisfied now, aren’t you being a bit too eager…?”
With a playful smile, Nia raised a finger to her lips and quipped, “After all, the adventure isn’t over yet.”
Roy was a bit taken aback.
What’s left besides hunting ferocious monsters and hidden flower fields in the forest?
Nia beamed with pride: “Do you know how adventure stories usually end?”
“After the adventure, there always has to be enough rewards for it to feel complete!”
“Endless treasures and fame that echoes through the ages… well, we don’t have that now, but I can offer you a little advance on the last part, okay?”
“The last part?” Roy questioned curiously.
Under the blue sky and white clouds, as the gentle breeze swirled, colorful flower petals danced around like a brilliant painting.
Yet everything paled in comparison to the smile of the elven girl.
What adventurers seek is simply treasure, fame, and—
“And a romantic and sweet love.”
Before he could respond, the girl’s lips, softer than petals, fell like the wind, imprinting the moment in their hearts.
Who knows how long it passed before they slowly parted, both of them slightly trembling as the wind died down and the petals fell.
She didn’t ask Roy if this adventure was satisfactory because she already had her answer from the fervent heartbeat.
“Just you wait, one day I’ll bring you an adventure a thousand times mightier than this and an even more fulfilling ending,” Nia said with gleaming eyes, her smile radiant.
Roy smiled slightly: “I believe in you.”
“But until then, can I get a little advance from you?”
“Honestly, I can’t handle you…”
Muttering playfully, petals came drifting back with the wind.
——————
On the way back, Nia was in high spirits.
The Fog-Hiding Mantis had successfully completed its mission, so Nia generously handed it over to Reid and the others, along with the commission reward.
Reid was a bit shy at first, but seeing the satisfied girl linked arm-in-arm with the boy, he smiled knowing she’d received enough reward, and they all relaxed.
A high-ranking Extraordinary Being, and the chief daughter of the Verdant Council, really didn’t want the Materials from Tier 5 monsters.
The Fog-Hiding Mantis was just a part of their play.
After saying goodbye to Reid and the others, Nia didn’t need to turn in the quest, so she and Roy strolled around a bit more before heading back to the Academy.
All the way, Nia was beaming, but when the dormitory came into view along with the figures of two girls in the distance, Nia froze in place, suddenly aware of a serious problem.
This date turned out pretty well.
Three sentences and Roy healed her anxiety; one kiss made her forget her worries.
But it was only at this moment that she finally remembered what she had forgotten.
I was supposed to win over Roy, push him onto the bed, so how did I end up being the one taken down?!
Nia originally planned to dramatically defeat the Fog-Hiding Mantis, confess in the flower fields, and then, using the romance of the night, take it even further with Roy.
But after an intense battle that day, Nia was just too tired, or maybe it was just that boy’s embrace was too warm, and she ended up falling asleep right in Roy’s arms!
What a golden opportunity, and I let it slip through my fingers?!
Thinking about it now, Nia felt like crying!
And upon returning to the dorm, a nightmare of cats and dogs awaited her.
Compared to that, Alice’s cooking didn’t even seem appealing; Nia stood frozen in place, not wanting to go back.
Noticing her unusual demeanor, Roy turned back: “What’s wrong?”
Claiming I didn’t look forward to that kind of thing would be a lie, but as long as I was with that boy, even if we didn’t make it to the final step, it was already enough.
Yet, even the best of adventures have to come to an end.
With summer vacation approaching, Nia knew very well that once the break started, Roy would be tied up with responsibilities, either off with the princess or hanging out with the Saintess of White Harbor, meaning they’d definitely be apart.
At that point, she wouldn’t hear even the peculiar sounds from next door.
A long summer vacation, filled only with loneliness.
Unless… she could stretch this adventure a little bit longer.
“By the way, do you have any plans for the summer vacation?”
Before Roy could respond, Nia quickly said, “How about coming back to my hometown for another adventure?”