His entire body was a wreck. Only the two legs and arms, which had been continuously healed by recovery magic throughout the day, somewhat retained their normal function. Bones shattered inside his body stabbed mercilessly, and except for his legs and arms, none of the other parts moved as he willed.

From the torn flesh, blood continued to flow, and every part except for the legs and arms hurt as if internal organs were being squeezed with all the strength.

“Can you return immediately?”

“It’s possible.”

“I’ll get things ready.”

While the subordinates prepared for portal opening, Reynald, breathing heavily, recalled the massive tree trunk that had stretched out like a raging beast.

It was exhilarating. The magic that had been so spectacular was of a scale usually seen only in large-scale demon subjugations.

Experiencing the magic, which one might see once or twice in a lifetime, right in front of him and, moreover, experiencing it barehanded, left a memorable moment in his memory.

Although his whole body had become a wreck, it was a good harvest.

“…She could really be Lysten’s descendant.”

“It was an impressive magic, but you shouldn’t be so sure she’s Lysten’s descendant.”

“I know, but even if she’s not Lysten’s descendant, it doesn’t matter. A mage of that caliber? Anyone would covet such talent.”

“….”

“However, that woman’s magic was unstable. It wasn’t a properly activated magic. Now, I understand why she was doing something foolish. She doesn’t have a body that can control magic on her own. Even so, she showed that scale of power and impact. Isn’t that amazing?”

“Yes… honestly, it’s terrifying.”
“It’s evident that she’s not proficient in using magic. The magic a moment ago seemed instinctively activated in a crisis, and perhaps… she might not be in a state where she can intentionally use magic freely.”

“Then, should we expedite the process as much as possible?”

That’s right. The present, where she is not skilled in handling magic, is probably the most comfortable time to deal with her.

“There’s no benefit in keeping such a woman close to Gibben. No matter what happens, she must be intercepted.”

It’s not just because of Count Ermaintz’s request. That woman must be removed from Gibben’s side at all costs. Keeping such a talent by Gibben’s side was too risky.

With the balance of power disrupted as the enemies of the Lianster family devoured the Horizen’s Mausoleum position, having such an incredible talent on his side was not favorable in the long run.

‘Where did he find such a gem? Even if she’s not Lysten’s descendant, it doesn’t matter, but if she really inherits Lysten’s blood… it’s highly probable that she is Emily! She must be her! If she really came into the world through Emily’s womb… I must obtain her! Absolutely!’

Reynald’s eyes sparkled.

“The portal is open.”

The man who finished opening the portal supported Reynald.

Then, he quickly disappeared into the portal.

“Don’t worry too much. Although it looked severely injured on the surface, the injuries aren’t as severe as you might think. There are severe fractures, but fortunately, internal organs are not damaged. Bones can be reattached with magic anyway, so you should be able to move from tomorrow.”

After the doctor’s diagnosis, Gibben could finally relax.

After the doctor cast healing magic and left, hotel staff took the dirty Riley to the bathroom to wash her body. The bed sheets, dirty with mud and blood, were replaced with clean ones.

During that time, Gibben also used another bathroom to lightly wash his body. When he came out after washing, Riley, who had changed into new clothes, was lying on the bed. Despite having just washed up with the magical tools provided by the hotel, her hair was fluffy and dry.

After drying his hair with the magical tools available in the hotel, Gibben lay down next to Riley while wearing a gown.

His usually pale face looked even paler today. It wasn’t originally such a lifeless face. The doctor said there was no big problem, but frankly, looking at her sleeping figure was enough to mistake her for a corpse.

Even though she already had an image of being frail and powerless, seeing her lying down like this was not a pleasant sight.

“Sister.”

“…….”

“Riley.”

“…….”

Calling her without a response for a long time, Gibben gently reached out and embraced Riley. Despite looking like a corpse on the outside, her body was surprisingly warm. Finally feeling reassured by the warmth that was transmitted, Gibben hugged her even more tightly.
The uncontrollable anger began to subside little by little. The gloomy feeling that seemed like it would last a lifetime was washed away in an instant.

“Ha.”

What a completely different experience this is.

This woman has been toying with him all day long. Isn’t it truly remarkable? Even now, thinking about the intense emotions he experienced for the first time since bringing her here, it was truly inexplicable. During the few days she stuck around, ostensibly to take care of him, he wondered if he had developed some inexplicable affection for her.

Of course, he didn’t dislike her originally, and rather, he had quite a favorable impression. However, he never expected to lose control of his emotions to this extent. Absolutely not.

This is really not a good sign. If he develops feelings beyond protecting her, things will become very difficult in the future. Personal emotions towards someone he needs to protect were a luxury. It was also a waste of unnecessary emotions.

However, even though he knew this in his head… he couldn’t help but feel intrigued.

“…Just how far will she surprise me?”

What is she really?

Gibben, who had been staring at Riley’s face for a long time, closed his eyes while tightly embracing her. Whether it was because of the warm temperature or because the heightened emotions had subsided, fatigue struck him belatedly. Considering the hardships he went through in such a poor physical condition, it was only natural that his body would be exhausted.

He closed his eyes in the fading consciousness.

It was truly a night that could be counted as one of the most exhausting.