As she gulped down the potion, Dian stepped back, his breathing a little husky.
"She's like… strawberry," he murmured, touching his lips.
"Oh? So… you like strawberry?" the system teased, her playful tone returning.
This time, Dian didn't shy away or hush her. Instead, he replied, "Hmm… you could say that," a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Suddenly, a blinding light enveloped the woman lying before him. Dian groaned softly, instinctively shielding his eyes. When the light faded, he lowered his hands and looked toward her.
Her wounds were healing, bruises vanishing. A radiant shine returned to her light green hair. Then, she shuddered.
"Uhm…" she groaned, trying to move. Her eyelids fluttered before they opened fully.
For a moment, she didn't speak, her gaze sweeping across the unfamiliar room. When her eyes landed on Dian, her expression twisted.
"No!" she screamed. "P-please! Please… d-don't hit me anymore…" She curled into herself, shielding her body with trembling arms and legs.
Dian stood silent for a beat, watching her. He understood—she needed time. But her eyes… they were filled with fear.
Fear of the whip.
Fear of that cold, dark prison.
Fear that no one would save her.
Fear of being left utterly alone.
"Hey," he said softly, his voice gentle. "Look, you're safe now. With me here, nobody's going to hurt you. Okay?" He smiled at her—warm, heartfelt.
She hesitated. Slowly, her body relaxed. Her hands fell away from her face. "R-Really?" she whispered, voice trembling.
Dian walked over and carefully sat beside her. "Yes. Nobody's going to hurt you anymore," he said as he draped an arm around her shoulders.
She stiffened at first, her body instinctively recoiling from the contact—but as his warmth spread over her, she eased into it, resting her head on his shoulder.
They sat like that for a while, her head nestled against him, his arms wrapped around her, shielding her with comfort and safety.
Breaking the silence, Dian spoke again. "So, what's your name—if you don't mind me asking? Mine's Dian. Dian Skyster."
She stirred. Her lips parted, and with a shaky voice, she replied, "M-My name is Gianna… Gianna Measter."
"You're so warm…" she murmured, rubbing her cheek against his shoulder.
"Hm? What?" Dian asked, not catching her words.
Realizing what she'd just said, Gianna's eyes flew open. A blush bloomed on her cheeks as she pushed at him with small, embarrassed hands.
Sensing her reaction, Dian gently let go. "You okay now?"
"Mm. B-But I think I—"
**Growl!**
A loud growl broke the moment.
Dian's gaze flicked to the source—Gianna. Her stomach.
Flushing scarlet, she looked down at her lap and softly clutched her belly.
"Hm, sounds like it's dinner time," Dian said, glancing toward the window. "You'll need a bath first. I'll call the maids."
As he moved to call them—
"W-Wait," Gianna called out.
"Hm? What is it?"
"D-Did you… save me?" she asked. She had her suspicions but wanted to be sure.
"Yeah, that was me," Dian replied, offering a gentle smile.
Gianna blushed even deeper, her thoughts running wild. D-Dies that mean he was the one who… kissed me?!
The moment the first drop of the Supreme Potion reached her stomach, her senses had begun to return. She'd felt something warm and soft against her lips. After a few seconds, she realized what it was—but unable to move, she'd simply laid still.
Her eyes had fluttered open just enough to glimpse him—his lips.
They were sweet…
Ahhh! What am I thinking?!
She tried to look down again, but her gaze betrayed her, flicking back up—just for a heartbeat—toward Dian.
He stood near the arched window, bathed in the pale glow of enchanted moonlight. His black robe flowed like living shadow, his trousers dark silk. He moved with the grace of a swordsman, yet with the stillness of a mage—lean, lithe, and dangerous in a way he seemed unaware of.
His skin was pale, untouched by time or sun. And his face—gods. A sculptor would weep to carve it. Sharp jaw. Straight nose. Lips like chiseled marble. And those eyes—brown, deep, and quiet—held the weight of storms long passed.
She stole another glance.
Just once more.
"H-Handsom…" she murmured—unaware that she'd said it aloud.
Dian looked toward her, a knowing smile on his face, but said nothing. Instead, he turned.
"Let's go," he said, offering her a hand.
Still flushed, Gianna took it.
Together, they left the room. Hand in hand.
They're warm… she thought, glancing at their joined fingers. Her heart fluttered, a shy smile blooming on her lips.
---
When they reached the hall, Dian instructed the maids to take care of Gianna and help her freshen up.
Gianna hesitated, but after a reassuring nod from Dian, she followed the maid.
Now alone, Dian sat on the central sofa, eyes scanning the blue screen before him.
"You couldn't have given this to me earlier?" he asked.
"Host, missions are triggered based on events and your actions. I don't control that," the system replied.
---
[Ding!]
[Mission: Rescue the Third Princess of Elves]
Duration – 65 minutes
Rewards – Eye of Perception, 250 L.P
Penalty –
1. If failed, the host will lose the chance to obtain the Eye of Perception permanently.
2. The host will remain under constant threat.
[Status – Completed!]
[Distributing rewards…]
1. Eye of Perception – Host can now view others' profiles. Illusions no longer affect you. Eyesight enhanced. You can now perceive the unseen.
2. 250 L.P (Host has already spent them in advance. A penalty of 100 L.P has been deducted.)
[Balance: 0 L.P]
---
As he finished reading, a sudden, searing pain stabbed through his eyes.
"Aaah!"
Dian collapsed to his knees, hands clutching his face. One hand muffled his cries, the other braced him against the floor.
Time passed. The agony slowly faded. Dian lay on the floor, drenched in sweat, panting.
Then a soft chime rang in his mind.
---
[Eye of Perception integration complete!]
---
As his breathing steadied, Dian opened his eyes—slowly, deliberately, remembering the earlier pain.
The moment his eyes adjusted, a floating blue screen hovered before him.
W-What is this? Dian thought.