The striking dark elf girl, once disheveled and ragged, had now transformed completely.
She was like a gem polished to reveal its brilliant luster, unabashedly displaying her newfound beauty.
Her formerly tattered and worn garments had been replaced with sleek, dark silk attire that concealed her former vulnerabilities and highlighted her newfound strength.
Her once gaunt face had filled out, showcasing a more defined and alluring beauty, with her crimson eyes gleaming with a captivating, otherworldly allure.
More importantly, her spirit had blossomed. The withered bud of a flower, nearly ready to perish in the wasteland, had finally received the nourishment it needed to bloom in vibrant splendor, replacing her previous desolation with exuberance and confidence!
"You're already twenty-four, and yet you're still so impulsive, like a child!"
Ethan gently touched the girl's white hair. Though his words were reprimanding, they were devoid of anger or dissatisfaction. Instead, his tone was filled with warmth and affection.
The long years of solitude had been incredibly lonely. Having a companion like this elven girl was quite pleasant.
"Hehe… You're the one who calls me a child!"
Krea nestled into the comforting embrace, deeply inhaling the familiar and cherished warmth before reluctantly pulling away, playfully pouting.
A little over a month of close companionship had made them quite familiar with each other. Who would have thought that such a rough beginning would lead to such a life-changing turn?
She had once thought her best fate was to rot away in a garbage heap. Never had she imagined such a wonderful life.
Everything she had now was thanks to the man before her.
This man, who had left a deep and warm impression on her heart.
So wonderful that it left her somewhat anxious.
So wonderful that it seemed almost unreal.
Was this her reward after years of hardship?
Had fate really favored her, despite all her curses?
She didn't know!
All she knew was that, no matter what, she wanted to stand by his side forever.
Krea didn't believe in fate, but she believed in Ethan!
"Have you finished your assignments?"
Ethan asked with a smile.
If she were just an ordinary girl, Ethan wouldn't have paid much attention. But since her name was Krea, things were different!
The saviors' faction was bound to have some uniqueness, right?
Over the past month, Ethan had been teaching Krea various dark magics, shadow spells, and stealth techniques. She had shown exceptional talent, making rapid progress and often offering her unique insights.
In no time, she had become quite skilled.
"Ah~~~ Big Brother Ethan, you're asking this just as I've returned?"
Krea responded playfully, her demeanor a stark contrast to her usual aloofness.
The patrons looked on, momentarily stunned by the dark elf's rare display of warmth.
"Haha, only our Mr. Drake can make Krea smile like that!"
"Wow, Krea, it's so good to see you smiling!"
"Exactly! Krea, you should keep smiling. Mr. Drake surely likes a cheerful girl!"
"Haha, truly our Black Rose!"
...
Some regulars couldn't help but tease, their comments light-hearted and affectionate.
The boisterous drinkers had no ill intent, merely enjoying the playful banter.
After all, Krea's thoughts were not difficult to guess.
And with someone like Mr. Drake, it was hardly surprising that many young women were drawn to the tavern.
Unlike other taverns, this one had many female patrons. They might be interested in the food and stories, but their real reasons were... elsewhere.
Interestingly, whenever Ethan was present, more female patrons would arrive at the tavern.
The reason was obvious.
This mysterious and young owner was charming, gentle, enigmatic, mature, elegant... and full of charisma!
Girls would steal glances, inquire about him, and approach him...
Who wouldn't be enamored?
Of course, this was provided one could avoid the dark elf's sharp gaze.
...
"Mmm…"
Fondness...
Krea's bronze skin flushed with a hint of charming red.
The patrons' teasing made her somewhat shy, but she didn't mind at all.
In fact, she loved it!
She loved being associated with Ethan!
She didn't respond to the teasing but subtly glanced at a few women in the tavern who had dressed up flamboyantly.
Then she moved closer to Ethan.
"Alright~ Alright~ This is the stone you left in the north of the city, and this is the one you left in the south, and this is…"
Krea meticulously took out several items from her storage bag and placed them on the table.
"This is my stopwatch, and I've mastered the shadow magic you taught me!"
She lifted her head proudly, her crimson eyes glinting as if seeking praise.
Big Brother Ethan was truly impressive!
She had never seen this always calm and gentle man unable to do anything!
At least in terms of thievery skills, he was far superior to the old man from the thieves' guild who wanted to take her on as an apprentice.
Naturally, she wanted to meet his expectations, diligently practicing to complete the tasks he set.
"Very good!"
Ethan glanced at the items and nodded with satisfaction, not holding back his praise.
Good work deserved praise.
He was curious to see where the savior inscribed in destiny would reach.
"It could have been faster! But I ran into Kahn, who kept insisting I join his adventure group. It was so annoying!"
Krea's bronze face showed a hint of displeasure as she recalled.
"Oh? Do you want to join his adventure group?"
Ethan paused, his eyes reflecting a mix of emotions, as he asked with a smile.
"Ah? Of course not! It's such a bunch of naïve fools—talking about saving the world and eliminating darkness. They don't even know what true darkness and despair are. It's like playing house!"
Krea scoffed, her voice cold.
Though Kahn was a well-meaning, passionate man, Krea, having experienced many hardships, felt no common ground with someone from a privileged background who had a naive view of the world.
They were simply not on the same wavelength.
She didn't understand why Kahn was so insistent on bringing her into his adventure group after meeting her.
According to him, it was "destiny's guidance," that from the moment he saw her, he felt she should join his group.
Krea dismissed this as nonsense.
It sounded like a perverted old man trying to seduce a young girl!
If not for Kahn's sincere demeanor, Krea would have considered stabbing him.
Wasn't it enough to enjoy a happy life with Big Brother Ethan in the tavern?
Why bother with those childish games of saving the world based on some ridiculous notion of destiny?!