93 A little chat with a Spring Flower (2/2)
”And you should have been more subtle, given that you're a little unassuming sparrow.” Gray merely smiled defiantly as he leaned against the wall near the table to make himself comfortable. The elf merely received a smirk from the human girl in response to the former's teasing.
”If what it's worth,” Gray added with a slightly apologetic tone. ”Master really never means you any harm and even allowed you to tag along with us despite being fully informed of your affiliations. He's actually a kind person within that thick, scaly exterior of his, hahaha. Did you know that he used a cursed seal to inhibit our Magic control as a way of training and torture in one go? I swear I felt that ass of an instructor enjoying every moment of my torment. Yes, he may be strict and harsh in his teachings, but because of it, Selena and I were able to learn and grasp many things that proved nothing but only beneficial to the both of us. For that, the two of us are truly grateful to him.”
Upon seeing the tranquil expression gracing forth on the elf's face, Lily could not help but smile at the demeanor that he is displaying at this very moment.
”And how about yours?” Gray asked Lily.
”Pardon?” The Druid could not quite get what the elf meant in his question as she was caught off guard a bit.
”I mean your Master.” Gray clarified her. ”I know that my Master and yours are not exactly on good terms, but I'd also like to hear from you in person about your opinion about him.”
”Oh, so we're now getting in the pleasantries, eh Baron Gray?” Lily playfully said to him in response.
”Well if you don't want to answer, then I'll respect your decision and won't force you.” The elf responded casually. His tone then shifted to being charming as he added. ”Although, you can't blame me if I show some interest in you and this Order that you belong to, and the High Druid who leads it. After all, we Mages are known for our... endless curiosity and lust for knowledge.”
SPEECH CHECK: 51
SPEECH REQUIREMENTS: 45
\u003cPERSUASION SUCCESS!!\u003e
RECEIVED 190 XP
”Heeeh, really, so you're saying that you are interested in me,” Lily said as she rubbed her chin with an intrigued look at how Gray responded to her. If she didn't know any better, then she might think that the elf is flirting on her, especially by the husky and strapping way of his speaking. But who knows? The young woman is inexperienced in the affairs of anything romantic, given that she spent most of her life at the Druidic Order, so she still has some doubts about it.
”And the Order, to be more specific, your Master.” Gray nonchalantly added as he reminded.
”Oh, right, of course.” Lily agreed with his request. ”Very well. Since you have provided me an insight about your Master, then I might as well return the gesture.”
Gray smiled with approval as he began to listen to Lily's story.
”The High Druid of the Order, Master Ivurnas.” Lily started to regale her tale as he told the High Druid's name. ”He's a man of great knowledge and power, capable of many remarkable things that we under him can only dream of. Master is also a man of great virtue and benevolence as many revere him for the many good things that he contributed to this land. Despite all that, I've also witnessed how merciless he is to the enemies of this land, and won't hesitate to smite the wickedness at where they stand, no matter what the cost. He's also the man who saved me back when I was a child. And for that, I'm eternally grateful of him, just like how you and your sister feel about Rarsu.”
”A child huh.” Gray nodded in acknowledgment. ”I'm sensing a dark tale from your past if the frown on your face is an indication.”
”Y-yes,” Lily muttered with a sad tone. ”Let's just say that without him, I won't be breathing and standing here having a chat with you this very night. I'm sorry, but I'm not comfortable to speak any further about the topic, I hope you understand.”
”Alright.” Gray was not so blind to not notice the hurtful tone on Lily's statement. As such, he won't pester her any further of the issue of her past that might be a key in some valuable information about the High Druid and will respect her privacy until such time that she's willing to tell him at her own accord. Aside from that, Gray at least learn some small insight about the High Druid, so not all is wasted in this conversation of theirs.
'Kind and benevolent.' Gray thought with deep ponder at Lily's description of the High Druid. 'Two sides of a coin indeed. Rarsu told his story about the High Druid with contempt while Lily told hers with worship on her every tone. Not that I don't believe Rarsu or anything but maybe I should also listen to what the other party also has to say and consider their point of view sometime in the future.'
After everything is said and done, Gray took a step forward away from the wall he was leaning in preparation to leave the basement.
”Well, now that I'm done with Enchanting, I suppose we should hit the sack,” Gray said. ”All that Alchemy and Enchanting made me drowsy.”
”Back to the sofa, I suppose.” Lily shared his sentiment with a giggle. ”You know, I did find our conversation rather pleasant, Baron Gray. Would it be so much trouble if you and I chat like this alone some other time in the future?”
”I don't see a problem with that.” Gray nodded in agreement as he thought of more opportunities for him to find out more about the Order. ”I too feel the same way.”
'Although, I'm not sure if my sister will be agreeing of such a prospect, given her current disposition towards her.' Gray added inside his thoughts with a sweatdrop.
And with that, the pair of Arcanist and Druid finally made their leave as they went upstairs to the living quarters, with Gray going to his room while Lily into the sofa.
Due to how sleepy he is, Gray ignored the sudden notification that was presented to him by the System in favor of having a good night's sleep and allowed unconsciousness to take him in his bed. He'll check it sometime tomorrow.
\u003cQuest Start!!\u003e\u003cThe Spring Flower among the Order\u003e
[It appears that you and Lily are getting along nicely with each other. Perhaps your relationship with one another will evolve into something more? Or simply delve into a mere friendship or worse… enmity. Either way, this is also a good opportunity to know more about her and the Order that she's affiliated with.]
\u003cQuest Completion\u003e - Talk to Lily as more opportunity arises.
\u003cQuest Bonus\u003e - (???)
\u003cQuest Rewards\u003e - (???), (???)
\u003cACCEPT QUEST?\u003e YES / NO