Chapter 5: I want to see your face.

“Sorry, I can’t accept.”

The moment these words left his lips, a hint of disappointment flickered in Vivian’s eyes.

But it quickly faded, replaced by calm.

This was within her expectations.

“Miss Mero saved my life and took me in for a full ten years. I could never betray her.”

“Besides…”

As Alet spoke, he lifted his helmet slightly, revealing the skin beneath.

On his neck, there was a blood-red mark, almost like a scar.

It was deeply etched into his flesh, forming a crescent shape.

“When Miss Mero took me in, I was branded with the Bloodline Mark.”

“As long as this mark exists, I can’t leave her.”

Even though she wasn’t surprised, Vivian couldn’t help feeling a bit displeased.

She reached out a slender, jade-like finger, twirling a lock of her snow-white hair by her ear.

“Honestly… back there, when you were surrounded by Molten Slugs down below, I was the one who saved you.”

“By that count, I saved your life too, didn’t I?”

As soon as she finished speaking, she leaned forward, her soft chest pressing against the table and changing shape.

Her bewitching eyes were so close, they nearly touched Alet’s faceplate.

“You can’t play favorites, you know. I deserve… an equal token of gratitude.”

“A token of gratitude…”

Alet felt a pang of guilt.

Because, just as she said, she had also saved his life.

Without Vivian’s timely rescue, Alet would have died from his own mistake on the Underground City, Sixth Floor.

Given his own nature, he really didn’t want to be guilty of double standards.

But to leave Mero’s side and join Vivian…

That, he simply couldn’t do.

“Very well, say whatever you wish.”

“As long as it’s within my ability and doesn’t cross my boundaries, I’ll do my utmost to fulfill your request.”

Alet nodded slightly, waiting for Vivian to state the “token of gratitude” she wanted.

What could it be?

A precious treasure?

A heap of money?

A rare spellbook?

“Take off your faceplate.”

“I want to see your face.”

“…?”

Alet was confused.

“Lady, if this is your idea of a token of gratitude for saving my life, I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t joke about it.”

“Who’s joking? Come on, take it off. I want to see your face!”

“That’s it. I’ve decided.”

Vivian lifted her chin slightly, regarding Alet with an intriguing gaze.

“This… this, very well.”

Though her request was odd, since she asked for it herself, he had no grounds to refuse.

So, as instructed, he slowly removed his faceplate and helmet.

Vivian, sitting across the table, rubbed her hands excitedly, her eyes shining with anticipation.

It was as if, under that helmet, lay a feast of delicacies rather than just a face.

Under her eager gaze, Alet took off his helmet, revealing his mysterious visage.

The moment she saw his face, Vivian’s eyes widened, an irrepressible smile blossoming across her face.

It was unexpected.

Beneath that heavy, battle-scarred armor was the youthful face of a boy.

His features were well-proportioned and delicate, short gray hair clinging to his forehead with sweat. His blue-green eyes were exceptionally clear.

He was indeed handsome—one of the reasons Mero had taken him in back then.

Across his fine features, there remained several scars—like medals of a warrior.

“Oh… a bit different from what I imagined, but still…”

Vivian narrowed her eyes, a pink tongue flicking over her lips.

“Quite to my taste.”

Being so intently gazed at by Vivian, Alet couldn’t help but feel shy. He quickly turned his eyes away to avoid meeting hers.

“Lady, just let me know when you’ve seen enough.”

For the next full five minutes, Vivian studied Alet’s face with fascination.

She even reached out and poked and prodded his face.

Alet had considered asking her to stop, but thinking it over, since this was her reward for saving his life, letting her go a little overboard wasn’t too much to ask.

At last, Vivian was satisfied and allowed Alet to put his helmet back on.

“Alright, alright, I’m quite satisfied with this token of gratitude.”

Smiling, Vivian pulled a small glass vial from within her cloak’s inner garments.

She placed it on the table, gently sliding it in front of Alet.

“Little Knight, if I’m not mistaken, you should still have some unhealed wounds.”

“The deep burns from the Molten Slug can’t be healed by a bit of healing magic alone. You’ll need Healing Medicine.”

“There are two pills in this tiny bottle, made primarily from Mandrake. They’re very effective for deep injuries. Just take them both now.”

“You behaved yourself just now, so this is your extra reward.”

“Besides, these are rightfully yours, so I brought them for you as well.”

With that, Vivian produced a small cloth pouch from somewhere and set it before Alet.

“These are the Shells and Cores from the Molten Slugs you killed earlier. They’re worth a fair bit.”

“It would’ve been a waste to leave them behind, so I brought them for you.”

She then pulled back her chair and stood.

“That’s it, I’ll be going now.”

“Take care of yourself, and remember to take your medicine. Don’t let that Vampire Lady at your place bully you again.”

“Bye-bye, Little Knight.”

Before Alet could thank her, Vivian strode out of the tavern and vanished into the night like a phantom.

Looking at the items on the table, Alet took a quick inventory.

Inside the pouch were over a dozen intact Shells, along with four or five Molten Slug Cores.

They were his earlier spoils of battle.

For a moment, he didn’t know what to say.

“Thank you.”

Even though no one could hear, he still gave thanks to the person who had already left.

Lifting his faceplate, he swallowed the pills.

His mouth tasted bitter for a while, but soon his body grew warm, and the pain rooted deep inside began to ease.

“Phew.”

“Much better.”

Just as he was stowing away his spoils, another voice called out from behind him.

“Sir Knight, your milk is here!”

“Ah, sorry about the wait. We’re a little busy tonight. Sorry to have kept you waiting so long for just a glass of milk.”

Alet shook his head, indicating it was nothing.

He picked up the wooden cup and took a light sip.

The milk, rich and warm, was sweetened with just the right amount of sugar.

It wasn’t as good as he remembered, but it was still plenty sweet.

Something sweet always improves the mood.

At least, that’s how it was for Alet right now.