Reward (1)

It has been a day since after the sudden appearance of the giant squid and monsters.

Eveline and I are currently living in one of her estate that was owned by her family.

"Hahaha!" While drinking our wine, we both had a friendly chat, with her doing almost all the talking while I listened carefully.

Thanks to her being slightly drunk, I was able to gain enough information that I could use whenever I want to exploit her other secrets. I know her likes and dislikes, and other stuff like the place she likes to visit after talking to her.

While we were drinking, after Eveline emptied her glass, she placed it to the table as she leaned to the couch.

"I recall you mentioning during our carriage ride that you've been traveling extensively to refine your sword skills. However, observing you in the heat of battle against the squid, I must admit your movements appeared somewhat... uncoordinated. Your stances lacked the finesse I would have expected, and your attacks seemed rather awkward." Her words struck me like an unexpected blow, and my expression froze momentarily. Because of this, I mentally kicked myself for not concocting a more plausible cover story, some sh*t like claiming I was delivering the sword to its rightful owner.

"It was as if you were wielding a sword in battle for the first time," she continued, scrutinizing me with a suspicious squint. Panic welled up within me, and I struggled to find a suitable response. Ugh, what kind of dumb lie should I say now!?

My lips parted, but no words emerged. Thankfully, she dismissed her inquiry with a light-hearted laugh, her tone teasing as she offered a reassuring perspective.

"Oh, dear me~ I'm beginning to feel quite impolite, bombarding my savior with such needless questions. Without you, countless soldiers, myself included, might have met our demise." Her words washed over me like a wave of relief.

Man, I like this girl already! Thank you for acting like how a normal person SHOULD react to their savior. "Appreciating" rather than "Interrogation".

I just couldn't help but appreciate her sensible approach... It's very unlike those infuriating heroines from countless light novels and anime who seem to lack any ounce of trust, even after feigning an intimate connection for a year or more with their main protagonist.

"I'm curious though, traveller?" Her playful tone promptly took my full attention back to her.

"Who are you, really?"

"..."

Eveline's unexpected query prompted a few blinks of surprise from me. Should I reveal my identity, or should I keep it to myself?

Well, it's not like she'll know....

"I am just secret hero passing by," I replied casually, my sarcastic tone masking the hidden truth.

"I understand... If you're not comfortable disclosing your true self, then so be it. Your identity holds no paramount importance to me. Hence, I shall continue addressing you as the 'traveller' for now."

Ah, the relief of not having to endure an thorough interrogation of her and the reminiscent of those persistent women prying into every nook and cranny of my previous life.

Eveline's pragmatic approach was very refreshing~

However, the conversation pivoted, as she assumed a proper knightly posture and bowed her head in gratitude. "Allow me, The Commanding Officer of the Kingdom of Rose, Eveline Silverhelm, to personally express my profound gratitude to you, traveller. Your timely intervention undoubtedly safeguarded my kingdom. If it weren't for your help, many lives would have been lost."

I waved away her gratitude with a modest smile. "No words of thanks are necessary. Lending aid in times of need is merely my duty."

Eveline chuckled playfully, teasing me with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Of course, traveller. If there's anything you desire as a reward, don't hesitate to ask. I can offer items or even grant you the prestigious position of Commanding Knight in the Kingdom. Although..." Her voice trailed off as she playfully added, "I must clarify that my body won't be part of the reward."

Upon hearing this, my expression straight up and froze like an ice.

"Hahaha... Rest assured, I was only teasing. There's no way I would do that. My type of guy should be handsome and stronger than I am rather than ALL TALK." When I heard her say this, I unconsciously pinched my other lap with my free hand in order for me to calm my nerves down.

Both of us resumed laughing heartily at her teasing comment, as we enjoyed each other as company. However, despite my outward composure, inwardly, my patience was starting to run out. Was that insult really the best way to thank your savior?

Still, I kept up my heroic facade, continuing to play the role of a gallant individual willing to assist those in need. "Haha, no need to go to such lengths for a reward. I'm just really glad I could be of help," I replied with a charming smile, masking the amusement and slight annoyance I felt.

Secretly, though, I couldn't help but think that her overly generous offers earlier were rather tempting. After all, who wouldn't want to accept such rewards? Yet, I knew better than to exploit her gratitude. For now, I would play the role of the noble hero, content with the knowledge that I had made a difference and earned her appreciation.

"Traveller, but His Highness did prepare some gifts to express his gratitude. He mentioned that you're welcome to choose three items of your liking from the treasury after the event that will happen later," Eveline revealed, her tone sincere and earnest. The news immediately piqued my interest, causing a spark of excitement to flicker within me.

I couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions. On one hand, I was "genuinely" touched by the offer and Eveline's thoughtfulness. On the other hand, a sense of amusement bubbled up within me as I contemplated the extravagant reward being presented to me.

Oh, come on~ There's no need to give me this much reward since it was already fated for you to be able to save the Kingdom of Rose even without my help, but... I would gladly accept your gift~

I mentally chuckled at the situation. Yes, it was true that my intervention had aided in averting a disaster, but the extent of the gratitude expressed through such a generous offer was almost comical. Nonetheless, I appreciated the sentiment behind it, and my eyes shone with a newfound enthusiasm.

I maintained my composed demeanor, offering a gracious nod to Eveline. "I'm genuinely humbled by His Highness's generosity. While I didn't expect any rewards, I'll accept them with gratitude," I replied, my words sounding sincere. Though, even I couldn't help but doubt my own words.... I mean, really?

I'm feeling sincere, ha? Is this a joke?

While I mocked myself inwardly, Eveline look towards my sheath. She then proceeds to shook her head as she stood up from her seat, making a hand gesture for me to follow her.

"Where are we going?" I asked out of curiosity as I stood up and walked behind her, looking at her back without revealing what's under my façade.

"Well, you don't have a sword, right?"

Eveline's question caught me slightly off guard, and I instinctively reached for my sheath to confirm her statement. True enough, it was empty. My sword, the one I had carelessly let go during the chaos, was nowhere to be found.

"I guess I did lose it during the battle," I replied with a sheepish smile. "Not the most knightly thing to do, huh?"

Eveline chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Don't worry about it. Happens to the best of us. Besides, it gives you the perfect opportunity to pick a new sword from my treasury as a thank you."

I followed her as she led me through the corridors of the mansion, the stone walls echoing with the faint sound of our footsteps. We arrived at a grand hall, its doors ornately decorated with intricate carvings and symbols. Eveline pushed open the massive wooden doors, and I stepped inside, marveling at the sight before me.

The treasury was a treasure trove of valuable artifacts, gleaming gold, and glittering gemstones. Swords, shields, and armor adorned the walls, each crafted with unparalleled craftsmanship.

Damn, this girl is rich. What I try and marry her so that I can get enough pocket money... Nah. That's troublesome.

As I wandered through the room, my eyes were drawn to an exquisite display of swords. Each one had a unique design and a powerful aura, almost as if they were calling out to me. I approached them, running my fingers along the blades, feeling the raw power emanating from each one.

Eveline stood by my side, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Take your time. Choose the one that resonates with you the most," she encouraged.

I carefully considered each sword, evaluating its weight, balance, and craftsmanship. It was a difficult decision, as each one had its own merits.... Ayo, that one looks cool.

As I was walking around to find a new sword as a replacement, I suddenly heard a faint whisper from the side. When I turned towards it, I saw an odd-looking sword at the distance.

The black blade of the sword glimmered under the dim light as it was plunged into the rough, weathered surface of the stone. Its obsidian-black hue contrasted sharply with the grayish tones of the rock, making it stand out as a striking enigma amidst the simplicity of the surroundings.

The blade itself was few inches larger than a dagger, its slender form adorned with intricate etchings that seemed to come alive in the flickering shadows. The hilt was wrapped in a fine, braided leather, offering a firm grip for its wielder. A small, circular pommel adorned the end, adding a touch of elegance to its otherwise unassuming appearance.

Despite its diminutive size, there was an unmistakable aura of power emanating from the blade. It seemed to hold secrets and stories within its very core, as if it had witnessed countless battles and had been wielded by warriors of old. The sharp edge gleamed with an aura of danger, hinting at its lethal capabilities.

Found it!

"This one," I said, my voice filled with certainty.

Eveline smiled, nodding in approval. "Excellent choice. It suits yo - Wait, you can't have that!"

"Why?" I abruptly stopped myself, my curiosity piqued by Eveline's revelation.

"It's a cursed sword that slowly devours the life force of its holder. To control it, the wielder must possess a heart darker than the sword itself. And not only that, but-"

While she was explaining, I leaned forward, drawn by an irresistible force, until my finger touched the sword's hilt. At this point, there was no turning back. Without hesitation, I pulled the sword out of the stone and raised it above my head.

"You!"

By the time Eveline noticed me, it was too late.

She tried to take the sword away from me, but a black miasma began to wrap itself around my arm, coiling tighter as it climbed up until it reached my neck.

This shit is good, I could feel it!

"You... How can you control that sword? Are you really a human?"

Turning my head towards her, I pondered what to say.

"Well, maybe the sword acknowledged me because of my pure heart like a saint. I have never committed any sins in my life!" I replied with a hint of pride, though deep inside, I cringed at my own lies.

"What about-"

"I only tell white lies."

I didn't let her finish her question, knowing it would only lead to more complications because of my actions.

Eveline eventually gave in as she heaved out a deep exasperated sigh in defeat. "You know what? I give up..."

As I threw my old sheath aside and strapped the new one with the sword to my side, I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride.

With a newfound sense of determination, I looked at Eveline, genuinely grateful for the reward she gave me. "Thank you for everything," I said sincerely. Gosh, I'm still feeling uncomfortable calling myself sincere...

Eveline forced a smiled, but her eyes reflecting a sense of gratitude.

"The pleasure was all mine, traveller."