“Pah!”
Ain suddenly bent down, forcefully sucking the thick, ink-like black blood from the wound, then turned his head and spat it into the dirt.
“How can there be a toxin that even the Rain of Purification can't remove?”
Seeing the person before her bending down to treat her wound without the slightest hesitation, Sevis felt a pang in her heart. The scolding that had been on the tip of her tongue vanished instantly, leaving behind only a rush of indescribably complex emotions.
“Just wait a moment.”
Sevis nodded. She subconsciously wanted to turn her head and close her eyes to pretend everything was normal, hoping to calm her chaotic thoughts.
However, the warm sensation on her arm followed her like a shadow, forcing the blush on her face to deepen even further.
Ain's tongue was on her arm...
Mph!
A bit embarrassed, Sevis clenched her other hand.
Even if he's treating a wound like this, there's absolutely no need to use his tongue, right?!
Is he doing this on purpose?!
A few minutes later, Ain finally spat out the last puddle of black blood. He slowly stood up and said, “My tongue is so numb...”
“Why did you have to use your tongue?”
Sevis finally couldn't help but ask.
“Ah? Oh, the first stage of learning healing magic is like this. You coat your tongue with mana, then cast Tier 1 Purify to help patients deal with some low-tier toxins.”
“However, there have been great academic advancements in potionology and healing magic in recent years, so almost no one uses this traditional method anymore.”
Ain frowned slightly, resting his chin on his hand as he fell into deep thought.
“But the black blood on your arm just now seemed like a low-tier toxin, yet it couldn't be cleared by healing magic...”
Ain shrugged.
“So I had no choice but to use this method.”
“By the way, have you... have you seen me before? Or rather, someone who looks very much like me?”
Ain felt a bit awkward. He couldn't exactly say, I'm Sevis, may I ask if you know where Sevis is?
He was still quite worried about her.
It can't be that my Boss has already been taken out, right?
Sevis first frowned, putting on a thoughtful expression, and then came to a sudden realization.
“Oh! You're... Senior Sevis! Right?”
“Didn't you say earlier that you were going to the Titan Prosecution Office to find someone to help—”
Before she could finish, Ain's pupils dilated instantly, as if he had been struck hard by something unbelievable. He took a deep breath, clenched his fist, and swung his right arm. When he spoke again, his tone was filled with a solemn, heroic resolve.
“No! How could a proud Tier 4 Mage like me abandon you and flee alone!”
“Those words were merely meant for this fellow hiding in the shadows!”
Ain pointed at the trapped girl behind him, who just stood frozen in place, staring at him with utter bewilderment, completely lost.
I don't think I ever heard those words, though?
“Wait, I didn't even—”
“Shut up!”
With a flick of Ain's finger, a ball of emerald-green grass condensed from mana shot out. The moment it hit the ground, several tiny vines erupted from the earth, sealing her mouth shut.
“What a despicable scoundrel! I discovered you long ago! My departure was merely a ruse to deliberately create the illusion that I wasn't here!”
“In reality, I've been watching you the entire time!”
He's been watching me from the shadows the entire time?!
The girl was shocked.
Impossible! My magical beast clearly has the ability to conceal its presence and mana fluctuations. How on earth did he see through me?
Did he know of my existence from the very beginning?
So he didn't just happen to arrive here by chance!
A piercing chill crept up her spine. She had never imagined that the stealth techniques she took such pride in would be completely useless before him, having been laid bare from the start.
Is this Sevis before me really just a fourth-year student, like the intelligence reports said?
Ain felt a bit sheepish, unable to help but silently complain about Sevis.
Boss, I know your health is poor, but you can't make up such an excuse to run away!
What a terrible impression you're leaving on others!
And now I have to cover for you!
A few seconds later, Ain felt something was off. Sevis didn't seem like the type of person who would abandon a student and flee.
Could there be some misunderstanding here?
Without overthinking it, Ain lowered his eyes to build up his emotions. When he looked up again, only sorrow remained in his gaze.
“Though this was all part of my plan, my beautiful lady, I must still apologize for allowing you to get hurt. This is, ultimately, my failure.”
“Seeing you trapped in such a dangerous situation makes me feel like I deserve a thousand deaths! Even if you were to merely graze your skin, it would feel as if a blade were slashing directly across my heart. The pain is suffocating!”
Ain clutched his chest tightly, his brow furrowed in agony, his face filled with an unresolvable sorrow. His heart-wrenching expression made it look as if he were the one who had been injured.
Dammit, tears... I can't squeeze out any tears!
Ain grew a little anxious.
I hope I didn't blow my cover, right?
He stole a glance at Sevis.
Taking in her dumbfounded and utterly bewildered expression, Ain nodded in great satisfaction.
Excellent. It seems my words just now have successfully stunned her!
Even though I just made it all up.
Just as Ain was about to stand up, the plot details of Sevis in Act Five suddenly flashed through his mind.
At his family's grand ceremony, he had not only loudly declared in front of all the guests that there was no girl in this world he liked, but he had also ruthlessly rejected the marriage his family had meticulously arranged, stating that he would remain unmarried for life.
This rebellious act instantly ignited the anger of the entire clan. Because of this, he was completely marginalized, becoming the most neglected nobody in the family.
When Ain had read this part of the plot back then, he couldn't help but complain.
She was a royal princess! In terms of looks and family background, she was one in a million. This guy actually looked down even on her. Isn't his standard way too high?
Ain's gaze fell back onto the young girl before him. Suddenly, a strange gleam quietly flashed across his eyes, and a brilliant idea popped into his mind.
Hiss... The person before me seems to be a bit more beautiful than that royal princess, doesn't she?
If Sevis really rejected the princess because he found her appearance mediocre...
Ain slapped his forehead.
Then wouldn't it be perfect if I seduced the girl before me using Sevis's name?!
This would not only fulfill Sevis's future marriage but also preserve his position in the family. Wouldn't that give me a much greater say in the chess game of Act Five?
I'm simply a genius!
Boss, for the sake of your lifelong happiness and the layout of Act Five, I have no choice but to sacrifice myself!
Alas, heroes only operate in the dark; their deeds need no recognition!
【Tier 3 Magic: Cognitive Disruption】
【Mental Magic】
【Description: Mages of Tier 3 and below cannot recognize or remember the user's specific appearance, but for those familiar with the user, this effect will be bypassed.】
After ensuring that Cognitive Disruption had plenty of duration left, Ain secretly cast a few more spells that could enhance his personal charm.
Though I've never been in a relationship, it's not like I've never played a galgame!
Raising a favorability rating is no hard task!
He stood up calmly, bowed slightly, and took the young girl's hand with the utmost gentlemanly grace, speaking in a gentle tone.
“Allow me to escort you to a safe place first, my beautiful lady.”
Sevis felt a sudden shiver, a fine layer of goosebumps quietly rising along her back. His actions and tone were so incredibly cheesy that she could hardly bear to watch.
“I'm sorry, I... can't really stand up.”
Sevis sighed. The exhaustion that had accumulated for so long left her with no strength to make any other movements.
Ain looked back at the bound mysterious girl, frowning slightly. Sensing its master's plight, Mordred let out a cry and wriggled its body, letting Sevis lie on its back.
“Ah...”
It was fluffy and quite comfortable.
Sevis suddenly felt the pressure on her body instantly released.
As if feeling it had done a good deed, Mordred poked out its tongue slightly, its eyes filled with anticipation and a silent plea for praise.
Yet, what answered it was Ain's murderous gaze.
I'm trying to raise her favorability for the Boss! Why are you butting in?!
Then, Ain turned his head slightly, his eyes shifting toward the bound girl.
Mordred tilted its head, its face a picture of confusion.
Ain couldn't help but click his tongue inwardly.
Seeing that the beast didn't understand his intention, Ain had no choice but to raise his hand and casually point in that direction.
Our Trust Level is already so high, yet you still don't get what I mean?
Mordred pondered hard for over ten seconds. Finally, it wriggled its body and tentatively lowered Sevis from its back.
“Eh?”
Sevis was a bit dazed.
Where did my bolster go?
“What's wrong? Why did it put me down?”
“I don't know. Maybe it doesn't like you?”
“Oh...”
Seeing Ain's approving look, Mordred finally took light, brisk steps toward the bound girl. It bit down on the hem of her trousers and dragged her away like prey.
“Alright, let's go too.”
A gentle smile curled the corners of Ain's lips. Stretching out his long arms, he smoothly scooped her up into a firm bridal carry.
“Wait?!”
Having never been held by a man like this before, how could Sevis handle such a situation? Feeling his warm chest, she felt her entire body stiffen, her face instantly flushing red with embarrassment, and even her voice became a bit stuttery.
“What's wrong?”
Ain asked with great concern.
“...”
“How about... you carry me on your back instead?”
Rate on N.U.
