Riveria Ljos Alf looked at the stubborn young man before her, speaking earnestly. She didn't want Bete's words to create misunderstandings or influence him; she saw potential in him.
His unique constitution indicated powerful magic within him. Once mastered, his future achievements would rival her own.
But this didn't change the fact that he was weak—a newly debuted Level 1 adventurer.
Riveria Ljos Alf pondered why she hadn't accepted his confession.
Was it because of his weakness? Had she dismissed the possibility immediately?
Had she never considered a commoner, someone weaker than herself, as a partner?
Was it because she was from the Loki Familia, never considering someone outside the Familia?
"But I'm weak, right? I'm a Level 1 adventurer, not in the same world as you, a Level 5."
Arthas said this calmly, making his intentions unclear.
"If I were as strong as you, a Level 5 adventurer, confessing to you, perhaps you would accept me?"
Arthas said this, and Riveria Ljos Alf lowered her head, looking helpless.
"That's a sly question, Arthas. Love is sacred to elves; it shouldn't be tied to strength. If I don't like someone, I'll reject them, no matter how strong they are, even a God."
"So you… don't like me?"
Arthas pressed again, making Riveria Ljos Alf speechless.
She wanted to admit she didn't like him, but seeing his clear eyes, she couldn't bear to directly reject him, to crush a young adventurer's hopes and dreams.
He was just a child, naturally drawn to beauty, strength, and brilliance. His attraction and aspiration drove him to strive, to grow stronger. Looking back after experiencing heartache, he might find his past aspirations laughable.
Rejecting him, crushing his dreams… would that ruin his future?
"Riveria Ljos Alf, you're so heartless! Are you really going to reject him?"
"Yes, yes! If you don't like him, let my sister and me have him! That slap he gave Bete was manly; it was satisfying!"
Tiona and Tione giggled, approaching Arthas. The enthusiastic Amazons, ignoring the gazes of others, surrounded Arthas, their bodies touching his without hesitation.
"Alright, you two, enough! Stop teasing Arthas."
Riveria Ljos Alf said helplessly. Looking at Arthas, awaiting her answer, she cleared her throat.
"Let me put it this way… you're Hestia's Familia member, right?"
Arthas nodded slightly.
"You know inter-Familia relationships are practically impossible, right? As a member of the Loki Familia, I can't be with you."
Riveria Ljos Alf's refusal was subtle, but the equally simple-minded Arthas seemed not to understand.
"If there were no such restrictions… would you accept me?"
You're doing this on purpose, aren't you? I've made it clear, why do you keep asking? Do you want to see me embarrassed?!
I've given you an easy way out!
"Perhaps… I would?"
Unable to meet Arthas's gaze, Riveria Ljos Alf's mind raced, settling on the image of herself hugging him, reluctant to let go.
Blushing, Riveria Ljos Alf gave an ambiguous answer.
The tavern erupted in cheers. The young man's confession was accepted—by Riveria Ljos Alf, one of the Nine!
If not for their different Familias, he might have won her heart tonight!
Some understood it was a polite refusal, a way to discourage the persistent young man. But this didn't stop the cheering.
Even Riveria Ljos Alf's companions stared at her in surprise. Riveria Ljos Alf was kind, but today, she was overly kind.
Though the answer meant nothing, it was a clear evasion, and it would cause a huge stir.
Why not just refuse firmly? Riveria Ljos Alf had countless suitors; she always rejected them directly. Why was she so hesitant this time?
"I see… I understand."
Arthas nodded, and before anyone could react, he leaned forward and kissed Riveria Ljos Alf lightly on the lips.
"Wait for me… my Riveria Ljos Alf."
Riveria Ljos Alf was completely stunned. She'd been kissed?! In front of everyone?!
The other Loki Familia members were also stunned, watching the bold young man leave the tavern.
After the shock, Riveria Ljos Alf looked amused. This was a situation she couldn't escape; stories about her and Arthas would spread like wildfire.
Her feelings were complex—helplessness, fondness, but no anger. Touching her lips, feeling the lingering sensation, Riveria Ljos Alf didn't know what she felt for Arthas.
Wallenstein looked at the frost that had formed around Bete, then at the direction Arthas had left, showing a worried expression.
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