She raised her head, rested her chin on his shoulder, and looked at him sideways. Her amethyst-like eyes sparkled with a smile, yet they were like a deep pool, making it impossible to see the emotions beneath.
That gaze seemed to say: I understand, but I won't say it out loud, let's see what you do then.
Linde turned around and pulled her into his arms.
Looking down into those eyes that seemed to steal one's soul, I frankly admitted:
"Hmm, I was thinking about Alice and Leonis. I'm taking you back tomorrow, so I should... bring them some gifts."
He paused, his fingers gently stroking her still slightly damp, silvery hair.
"After all, these two people in my territory are also very important to me."
He chose to be honest.
In the face of a clever fox like Nazla, concealment and lies will only backfire.
Nazla's smile remained unchanged, still bright and charming. However, she tightened her arms around his waist slightly and gently tapped his waist through his clothes with her fingertips, a gesture that carried both a hint of coquetry and a warning.
"Oh? Someone important?"
She drew out her words, her eyes darting around.
"How important is it? More important than me?"
Although it was said in a joking tone, Lind could sense the subtle probing.
"Different in nature."
Linde cupped her face in his hands, his thumb gently stroking her smooth, delicate cheek, his gaze focused and deep.
“Alice is the cornerstone of this territory; her wisdom is indispensable. Leonis is my comrade-in-arms, her loyalty and strength protecting our rear. And you…”
He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her smooth forehead, his voice deep and magnetic.
"You are my flame, the bond that keeps my heart focused even on the battlefield, and... the treasure I can't wait to bring home."
Sweet words flowed effortlessly from her lips, half-truths and half-lies, yet they always managed to strike a chord with Nazla's heart.
Her eyes lit up instantly, as if filled with stars, and her cheeks flushed slightly; she was clearly enjoying it.
She gave a soft hum, buried her face in his chest, her voice muffled but filled with contentment:
"Smooth-talking... well, you pass."
She snuggled closer to him, then looked up, her mischievous expression returning.
"Have you decided what to bring them yet? Do you want me to give you some advice? Otherwise, if you give them a gift that they don't like, I'll end up being the 'culprit' when we get back."
Linde's heart stirred slightly; this was indeed a good suggestion.
Nazla is quick-witted and observant; she might actually be able to offer good advice.
Moreover, involving her is, to some extent, a gesture of "goodwill" and "integration".
"I couldn't have gotten it."
Linde laughed, "I was just having trouble figuring things out. Alice is obsessed with research, especially ancient ruins and magical principles. I have some ideas about her gift. As for Leonis... she's a pure Holy Knight who pursues faith and power."
“I see…” Nazra tilted her head, her silver hair falling over her shoulder, revealing her beautifully shaped neck. She tapped her chin with her finger, her purple eyes flashing with thought, before finally brightening.
"Miss Leonis's words..."
Linde noticed the cunning glint in Nazra's eyes and felt a slight stirring in his heart.
This fox-woman is very perceptive and insightful; she might actually come up with some unexpectedly good ideas.
Nazra's lips curled slightly, a knowing smile playing on her lips.
“A pure knight of holy punishment, pursuing faith and power… What she cherishes most is probably not material possessions, but symbols closely related to faith and protection. Especially… symbols from those she serves.”
Her gaze swept meaningfully over the simple, unadorned sword hanging at Linde's waist, a sword stained with countless drops of blood and fire.
That was the weapon he used in the Rust Rift and in countless battles. It had been baptized by the Holy Light and tainted by the filth of the Shadow Abyss, but was eventually cleansed by the power of the Light Veins, becoming an extension of his strength and will.
"For a knight who regards protection as his life, what could be more trustworthy and expected than a weapon that his lord uses personally, fights alongside, and ultimately entrusts him with?"
Nazla's voice was soft yet possessed a peculiar penetrating power.
"It is an epic in itself, a recognition, and a heavy responsibility. It will remind her that her sword and her master's sword once pointed in the same direction, and will continue to do so in the future."
Linde was slightly taken aback, then his eyes lit up! The problem that had been troubling him suddenly became clear.
"Great idea!"
He couldn't help but admire her, his gaze towards Nazira filled with appreciation.
“Nazira, you are truly… insightful. This suits Leonis's character better than any expensive gift!”
With her worries gone, Linde felt much better.
He took Nazla's hand and led her back to the warm and private room.
The doors were closed, isolating the outside world.
The lingering fragrance of last night still hung in the air, but at this moment, both of them were filled with a deeper desire to know what they had experienced since their separation.
Lindra pulled over two chairs, gesturing for Nazra to sit down. He personally poured two glasses of warm water, handing one to her.
“Now, my little fox,” Lind said, sitting across from Nazla, leaning forward slightly and looking intently at her, “tell me about your experiences these past few days.”
Linde's gaze, almost tangible, was fixed on Nazira with undisguised inquiry and concern. That burning intensity wasn't just concern for her experiences, but also an anticipation of the unfolding game.
Nazla held the water glass, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the warm glass. Her eyes appeared particularly deep behind the steam, as if she were organizing her thoughts to recount that thrilling period of her life.
"Everything unfolded exactly as you predicted... The pro-war faction quickly fell silent because of my presence, and the pro-peace faction came to me because of it. I took out what you had prepared, that crystal fragment."
"Soon, the existence of the crystalline remains attracted the attention of the Fox Lord..."
Nazira's voice had a peculiar rhythm, as if she were telling a distant and mysterious legend.
She rose, her bare feet stepping onto the soft carpet, and like an elegant feline, gracefully walked towards the clothes scattered around the bed.
The passion of last night has faded, and my clothes look a little disheveled.
Without a second thought, she deftly pulled out an inner lining from the pile of clothes, her fingers deftly reaching into an extremely well-hidden, almost invisible inner pocket.
“Here,” she turned around, holding an envelope between her fingers.
"This is it. I've already verified it for you. Only an oracle can see the contents of this letter."
Linde took the letter and carefully opened it. There were two paragraphs written neatly on it.
A common language, a beastman language.
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