Chapter 46: What is this?The dim light from the lanterns flickered, casting eerie shadows across the room, and then suddenly, Carla's face began to change.Her average features started to morph subtly. Her skin became smoother, her cheekbones higher, and her lips fuller. The transformation wasn't just physical—it was as if the very essence of her appearance was altering before their eyes.Carla's brown hair, which had been a simple, unremarkable shade, began to shift as well. The brown strands darkened, then transformed into a deep, vibrant red that cascaded down her back in elegant waves. Her entire appearance seemed to glow with newfound radiance, turning her into a strikingly beautiful woman—an image of nobility and grace.Both Sevi and Noemi froze, their eyes wide in disbelief. "What... What is this?" Sevi muttered under his breath, eyes glued to Carla's changing features."I think she is wearing a disguise, a high quality on top of that," Noemi said, her voice steady but laced with curiosity. She leaned in slightly, scrutinizing Carla's transformed face.Suddenly, the air around Sevi seemed to shimmer.The system tab, then materialized before him with a sudden flicker.Sevi blinked in surprise as his eyes quickly scanned the notification that appeared in front of him.[4th Heroine Profile Unlocked!]________________________________Heroine Profile:Clementina(Carla) Medici || 15 || Human
● Tags: Daughter of the Duke of South (House Medici), Smart, Cautious, Independent...
● Background: ???
● Likes: ???
● Dislikes: ???
● Relationship Potential: ???
● Favorability: ???
________________________________'Clementina Medici? The daughter of the Duke of South?'He hadn't expected this. Not in the slightest. Carla—no, Clementina—was nobility, a highborn with a title and a powerful lineage.'I didn't know about this household, I should ask the system,' Sevi thought as she glanced over Noemi. He knew better not to ask Noemi directly—she would be suspicious if he didn't already know about the powerful noble family.'Hey, system. Can you provide more information about the House of Medici? And their only daughter please, 'The response came almost instantly:[The Medici House is one of the four strongholds of the Everheart Empire, with influence that stretches across both noble society and the church. Clementina was said to be sent to the Holy Church to be groomed as the next Saintess]'Said to be? If she's going to be the next Saintess then why is she here? Why is she a part of the Red Crescent dark guild?'Noemi's voice broke through his thoughts. "What's wrong, Sevi?"Sevi looked up, quickly hiding any traces of surprise. He forced a small, casual smile."Nothing. Just thinking."Noemi didn't look convinced, but she didn't press him further. She turned her attention back to Carla, concern still evident on her face.Sevi glanced at Carla, now understanding the depth of her identity. The daughter of the Duke of South, hiding here under a different name.'There were too many questions, and Noemi was already suspicious enough as it was. The last thing I needed was to stir more doubt in her mind.'Sevi decided then and there that he wouldn't reveal what he had learned about Clementina, not yet anyway. He will feign ignorance, at least for now.As the silence lingered, Sevi shifted uncomfortably, glancing at Noemi who was sitting near the bed, her eyes still fixed on Carla. "Noemi," he said softly, his tone tinged with guilt."What?" She answered, turning her head slightly."I just... I'm sorry," he began, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. "For earlier in the forest. I panicked, made mistakes, and I might have made things harder for you." "I get it. You care about people and... that's not a bad thing," Noemi sighed, leaning back against the chair. " But you can't let it cloud your judgment in dangerous situations."Sevi nodded, her words cutting deep. "I know. That's why need to get stronger mentally and physically,"Noemi raised an eyebrow, her gaze softening slightly. "Good. But strength isn't just about muscles or skills. It's about keeping a clear head when everything's falling apart."Sevi looked down, clenching his fists.'I want to be someone who can protect others, not someone who has to be carried out of danger.' Sevi thought as he remembered how useless he was earlier, how he was only a deadweight to Noemi.Sevi took a deep breath and looked up at Noemi, his expression earnest. "And thank you, Noemi," he said softly. "For pulling me out of the forest, for saving Carla, and... for not giving up on me even when I was a burden." Sevi continued, his voice steady but laced with sincerity.Noemi blinked, caught off guard by his gratitude. You weren't a total burden," she said, crossing her arms. "Just... mostly one."Sevi couldn't help but chuckle, the corners of his lips lifting despite the lingering weight in his chest."Still," he said, his voice quieter but no less sincere, "You didn't have to carry us both out like that. But you did."Noemi shrugged, her expression softening ever so slightly. "I knew you'd do the same if our roles were reversed."Sevi met her gaze, the teasing warmth in her tone only fueling his resolve. "I'll make sure I'm strong enough next time, so you won't have to. I promise."Noemi raised an eyebrow, the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at her lips. "Just make sure you actually keep that promise, Sevi."He straightened, his voice firm, "I will. I mean it."[Noemi's favorability has increased!][Noemi's favorability: 30 --> 33]==========================