Chapter 03 Feeling the Mana

A sense of confusion washed over me as Alitia's words sank in. "Wait, then how did I survive? I may not be an expert, but even I knew a wound like that was fatal."

Alitia's gaze shifted slightly to the side, a faint blush gracing her cheeks beneath her eyes. Her voice was hushed as she spoke, revealing a hint of vulnerability in her words. "Well, we had to administer a red potion. It was much less effective compared to healing crystal but it was enough to save your life."

Locking my gaze with Alitia's, I voiced my confusion, seeking clarity amidst the uncertainty. "Red potion? The health-restoring potion? How is it possible that I drank one while I was unconscious, half dead on the ground? I highly doubt you had a medical team on standby just for me."

Alitia hesitated for a moment before answering me, her voice tinged with a mix of awkwardness and concern. "Yes, the health-restoring potion. It was done... mouth to mouth. Lumi acted swiftly, as she always carries her backpack filled with various utilities. Since you were unable to move and do it yourself, she had to... administer the contents of the vial through a kiss. A very sloppy and wet kiss."

Alitia, seemingly aware of the discomfort her words had caused, quickly added, "It was the only way to ensure your well-being. Lumi acted out of concern for your life. There was no other choice at that moment."

As Alitia's words sank in, a steel-like poker face decorated my features, concealing the flurry of thoughts and emotions swirling within me. However, deep inside, a flood of excitement erupted, causing my inner voice to yell, "Kyaa! She practically kissed me. That girl, with her angelic allure, granted a kiss upon me. God damn it! And I missed it, Ah! I missed the opportunity to have a kiss with her."

Alitia's voice took on a gentle and apologetic tone, her words giving a genuine sense of concern. "Please, don't be angry with Lumi for kissing you like that. I understand that, as someone from another world, it may have been uncomfortable for you to be touched by a race like ours. We are unfamiliar to you, and there is the possibility that you find us grotesque or, worse, harbor any negative perceptions." 

I reassured her with a gentle smile, "You have nothing to worry about, I'm not angry or mad at all. And I don't think ill about different races, in fact, I find Lumi and you really stunning, anyone from my world would say the same. So, you don't need to apologize or feel bad for what she did, besides it was to save my life." 

Alitia began to giggle and burst into a low charming and playful laugh, "I'm sorry, I was just kidding and you went so serious about it. Of course, we are pretty." 

I thought to myself with my teeth gritted in annoyance, "Oh, this long-ear elf, she is messing with me and here I am trying to look cool and considerate." But I didn't let it show on my face and finally asked, "Did you come here to make fun of me? Or are you going to give me that crystal?"

As she handed me the crystal she said, "Although I jest, you should say that to Lumi, she would like that. She had received discrimination and hate in the past because of her half-breed race and appearance. Please, try to be nice to her."

I took the crystal from her to my hand and asked, "The people who discriminate against Lumi for her angelic look are out of their minds. She looked like such a nice girl, how could you hate someone like her?"

Alitia cheerfully spoke, "Right? She is so cute and tiny, only fools could do anything to hurt her. But enough of that, I think we need you to heal up first, we can idle chat later. The time is coming short, Lumi's parents will be coming soon." 

"Why in such a hurry, Is it really necessary to do this today?" I asked while trying to figure out how this crystal she gave me worked.  

Alitia seemed a bit more serious as she spoke, "The Ruler of Luminecia is meeting with Lumi's parents later today, to discuss the whole thing that happened and to speak with the assassin. So it will be a busy day but you don't need to worry about that, there will be no suspicions on you. Just heal up, greet the parents and you can get back to rest." 

I felt a bit at ease now, "Huh, just like that. Well then, how do I use the crystal? I tried to figure out how it works as we spoke but I just can't seem to make it work."

"You need to infuse your mana to activate the crystal."

"Umm... and how do I do that?"

Alitia's playful demeanor returned as she said, "Oh, silly me. I keep on forgetting you're not from this world." She placed her gentle palm on my forehead and asked, "Can you feel my warmth?" 

I said, "Yes," with a bit of blush showing on my face.

Alitia's voice softened as she explained, "Good. Now, close your eyes and focus. Try to feel a similar warmth coursing through your body. Don't force it, let it flow naturally. Once you sense the sensation, try to direct that flow toward the crystal in your hand. Just imagine it as a flowing river."

As I focused on the sensations within my body, a gentle warmth began to tingle through me. It was a sensation that had gone unnoticed when I first regained consciousness, overshadowed by the pain that consumed my senses. Yet now, as the pain gradually subsided, I became more aware of the growing warmth coursing through me. Suddenly the crystal began to shine and my body was cloaked in a dim green light, my pain disappeared and the wound was completely gone. The crystal in my hand turned to dust right after.

Alitia moved her hand and asked, "Well? Feeling much better now, right? It completely healed your injuries but it will not restore fatigue so you may still feel a bit weak. And with the healing crystal applied, you will be fine, and with that taken care of, I think I should be going now."

Before I could say anything a knock on the door echoed through the room. A beautiful tall elf stepped through the door. Her slender figure oozed grace, every movement she took radiated fluid elegance. Elongated, pointed ears peeked through a long lustrous, flowing hair, the color of moonlight itself, A straight long hair ornamented with delicate silver decorations that shimmered with every step she took. Her eyes were deep emerald green, framing her captivating gaze.

The elf of noble stature stood before me with refined elegance. Clad in a pristine white tunic, its delicate outlines highlighted her graceful curves. Golden linings traced detailed patterns along the attire, lighting her dress with a touch of royal extravagance. Each stitch, each thread, spoke of the master craftsmanship that had gone into its creation, befitting her noble status and embodying the model of refined elven fashion.

The elegant woman introduced herself, "Greetings, Kazuki. I am Lumi's mother, It is a pleasure to finally meet you. I trust that Alitia has taken good care of you. My name is Elysara, Elysara Bronzeleaf. I hold the position of the head of the elven race in Luminecia, and I am one of the ten founding council members of this town." 

My glance turned to Alitia with a sudden thought, "Oy! You jerk, why didn't you tell me Lumi's mother was such an important figure, it's like being in the presence of the prime minister." 

Alitia turned her gaze away from me like it wasn't her problem with a playful smirk playing in the corners of her smile. Another thought crossed my mind, "Oh you just look at that smug elf, she acting like it's not her problem." 

But my thought got interrupted by Elysara's gentle voice, "Kazuki, are you alright? Why so quiet?"

I quickly jumped in to respond, "Apologies, my lady. I did not intend to be rude I was simply stunned by the beauty that presented itself before my eyes. I am Kazuki, Kazuki Silvercrest, nothing more than a humble low-class noble. It is my utmost pleasure to make your acquaintance."

But our pleasantries were suddenly interrupted by the echo of an unannounced slam of the door. Bursting in without warning, a short and robust man entered, accompanied by a rowdy laugh. "Haha! Well now, young lad, ye've finally awakened! Look at ye, all skin and bones! Ye had us worried there for a moment, me boy! Haha! But where are my dwarven manners? I am Haldor Frostbeard, Lumi's father, and this here is my wife, Elysara." 

The man before me was unmistakably a dwarf, resembling a character straight out of a fairy tale. This noble dwarf stood at a short stature, exuding a childlike aura, yet possessing a strong and sturdy build. His long beard, flowing and gray with the passing of years, dangled down to his chest, a true testament to his dwarven heritage. Despite the visible marks of time etched upon his face, his eyes sparkled with a mischievous twinkle, reflecting a playful spirit that emanated from within. Every action and movement he made bled a sense of joy, portraying him as a person who embraced the pleasures of life.

 Without waiting for my input, he grasped my hand in a firm handshake, his grip clamping like a vice, tightly squeezing my fingers. With a few hearty shakes, he continued speaking in a friendly manner, "Don't be rattled now, lad! Speak your mind freely! No need for that uptight noble tone and formalities. So, what's your story?"

With both of Lumi's parents present, I reintroduced myself, following Alitia's guidance on my fabricated background. We engaged in conversation for a few minutes, exchanging pleasantries while Alitia prepared tea for us. Observing Lumi's parents, it became evident that they held genuine affection for their daughter and harbored no ill intentions toward her. The atmosphere seemed wholesome, and I couldn't bear to deceive them any longer. The weight of my deceit chewed at my conscience, pushing me to come clean and reveal the truth.

"Actually, I am from another world. Lumi summoned me here," I confessed, attempting to mask the gravity of the situation with a jesting tone.

Upon hearing my confession, Alitia choked on her tea, and a sudden eerie silence engulfed the room. The once cheerful and childlike figure before me transformed in an instant. His joyful facial expression shifted into that of a battle-hardened warrior, radiating an intimidating presence that seemed to fill the entire space. Though his stature remained unchanged, it felt as if a towering giant loomed over me. Muscles bulged, his fists clenched, the sound of knuckles cracking filling the room. His gaze pierced into me, his voice dripping with menace as he demanded, "What did you just say? Boy! Lumi did what?"

At that moment, I deeply regretted my decision. Hastily, I downplayed my previous statement, dismissing it as a mere joke. "I'm just joking, that would be absurd. Another world? Me? A lowly noble like myself? Hehe, I wish. It was just a silly joke to lighten the mood."

As suddenly as it had emerged, the tension dissipated from the room, fading as swiftly as it had appeared. The dwarf resumed his cheerful spirit, and the weight of his threatening presence lifted.