He frowned. Broken glass and a ruined concoction's dripping irritated him the most. His attention shifted to the soft click of the laboratory door, and her mirthful eyes returned his gaze.

"Did you make a mistake?"

"No. I'm thinking it was recorded incorrectly," the elf said.

She walked to the open spell book on the table and tilted her head.

"I can read it...but I'm not sure what the words translate to."

He began to clean up the mess. "I'm still surprised you managed to learn a language or two."

"Well, I managed to convince Kero to-"

"It isn't hard to do that."

She twirled a lock of hair. "Well, I also managed to get you to teach me. Aren't you proud?"

He disposed of the glass into a container and blinked. "Am I?"

They continued to chat, and Ezarel noticed how she clenched her side. While she admired one of the bottles on the shelves, he brushed his hands against the side of her rib cage. She jumped and hissed as he applied more pressure.

"Oh? You usually like these sorts of things," he said.

"I...I do. But not right now."

"Please explain."

She tugged on his sleeve, but he refused to budge. "Some fools decided to follow me. Probably to report back. Of course, it was my duty to beat some sense into them."

"And?"

The woman sighed and leaned back. "Don't worry about it. Though, this type of wound isn't exactly treatable."

"You doubt Eweleïn's capabilities?"

"It's not a matter of capabilities. Rather, I know she can't treat it. Those kinds of weapons inflict a specific type of injury. No healing or magic can fix that." She closed her eyes. "Though, spare me an encounter with Nevra. Definitely not ready for that."

They stayed silent for a moment before he moved away. She turned around and flashed a smile.

"What are you gonna do now?"

"Might take a break. And at least provide an offering if you want my help."

She followed him as he left the laboratory. The woman talked most of the time and only received short responses on occasion; however, he allowed her to hold his hand. When she spotted Nevra, she stiffened her posture and hid behind Ezarel. He let out an exasperated sigh as the vampire approached them.

"You look quite annoyed," Nevra said.

"A certain girl thought it'd be cute to disappear from me. Do you know where she is?"

"Pfft...That's part of her charm. Though, it's great that you understand how I feel."

His smile disappeared as he saw her. "I'm sure your cute bird has a reason for why I'm smelling her blood right now."

"She's an ugly duckling if anything."

"Now, now, Ez... Even Miiko knows that ugly duckling is greatly loved."

"Y'know, I'm pretty sure the real love is between the two of you. So, if you'll excuse me..."

As the woman tried to escape, Ezarel pulled her into an embrace. He kept her from moving while the vampire smirked and made eye contact. She gulped.

"Now then..."

Afterward, Nevra decided to report to Miiko and left the two. She let out a groan and pressed her hands against her face.

"That could've been worse, dear."

"Why did you intervene?"

"I did say you needed an offering in order to get my help." The elf rested his chin on top of her head. "Are you feeling fine at least?"

"My pride is wounded. My dignity shattered. Tell my husband I love him as I sink into an eternal darkness."

"...Your husband?"

"What? Don't you remember back then when you fainted in my arms?"

He scoffed. "I'm certain I told you not to touch me."

"And look at where we are now! Quite the accomplishment," she said.

While he muttered under his breath, the woman heard snickering and running footsteps. She frowned.

"Karenn."

"What about her?"

The woman shook her head. "Nothing. Anyway, shall I escort you back to the alchemy lab?"

"I'm not going to get ambushed on the way," he said. "You're not even in the condition to defend effectively."

"Yeah...But I'll won't make the same mistake."

"Don't make such empty promises. It's a waste of time."

He started to walk back in the direction they came, but she tugged on his sleeve again. With a hesitant expression, the woman grabbed his hand and led the way instead.

"I know I can't apologize for making you worry, but you still believe in me, right?"

"That's quite harsh to assume I stopped."

They stood in front of the entrance to the laboratory; the elf untangled his hand and patted her head.

"You'll set aside time for me later?"

He opened the door. "More so of Miiko's orders. Admittedly, even if that weren't the case, I'd find a way."

She smiled a colorful smile and he couldn't help but let out a laugh.