Chapter 7

Elise leaned in with a mischievous glint in her eyes, her voice laced with playful curiosity. "So, how did your month-long adventure turn out?"

She was well aware of the brutal clash I had with The Lich, and the toll it had taken on me. While my remarkable physique would allow me to bounce back in about a week—far quicker than most—I knew better than to plunge into the EYE while still nursing these wounds. Sure, I felt a surge of confidence, believing I could push deeper despite my current state, but I understood that overconfidence could lead to dire consequences. At just eighteen, I had to consider the long-term effects on my body. I couldn't afford to keep pushing my limits; each injury would eventually take its toll, affecting not just my own life but also my partnership with Elise and our shared ambitions.

"Aah... This is so refreshing. Thank you very much." [Alfin]

"Is there anything else you need?" [Elise]

"I'm all set for now. Just a bit of rest is what I require." [Alfin]

"Got it. I'll let those who wanted to see you know to come back another time." [Elise]

"Thanks a lot." [Alfin]

Elise, the white-brown fox beastman, stands out as my closest companion. More human-like than most beastmen, she shares my age and has become an integral part of my life. Unlike me, hailing from a noble family, Elise comes from a merchant background. Her family faced a devastating turn of events that would change their lives forever. In a heart-wrenching move, she was sold to settle her father's debts. Yet, with her sharp intellect and street smarts, she managed to gather enough funds to secure her own freedom. Although her treatment as a debt slave was relatively better than that of others, it still speaks volumes about her resilience.

Given our similar ages and experiences, Elise and I formed a strong bond, and now we are inseparable friends. She alongside the two princesses of this country hold a special place in my heart. Each morning, I awaken filled with gratitude for the presence of these three remarkable friends in my life.

"Thank you; I hope to see you again soon. " [Elise]

While I venture into the depths of the EYE to gather treasures and fulfill customer requests, Elise will be the one managing our store. Her keen intuition and merchant instincts far surpass my own. Take, for instance, a flaming sword I might find in the EYE. I could easily sell it for a quick profit at market value, but Elise would take it a step further. With her vast expertise, she can assess the sword's durability, identify the ideal wielder, suggest the best enhancements and adornments, and skillfully adjust the price to maximize profit without scaring off potential buyers. This unique blend of knowledge and skill not only attracts customers to our store for purchases but also for her invaluable advice. I've lost count of how many times her insights have saved me. If she possessed even half my strength, I have no doubt we could explore the dungeon more deeply than anyone else.

Let's not overlook another significant reason for her popularity, particularly among men... She is undeniably beautiful. With the grace of a refined noblewoman, she carries herself with elegance. Her hair and fur are luxuriously soft, and she exudes a delightful fragrance, reminiscent of a peach enveloped in a garden of blossoms. Her smile has a healing quality, and her eyes radiate sincerity. While many may view me as a creature of darkness, they still acknowledge my beauty; some even claim I bartered my soul for everlasting allure. Yet, even as a woman, I can assert with confidence that I pale in comparison to her and our two princesses.

"Ah, Alice! It's wonderful to see you. I understand the purpose of your visit, but Alfin specifically requested not to be interrupted. Would you mind coming back another time? [Elise]

"I apologize for the inconvenience, but Her Highness personally requested that I facilitate a meeting between her and Alfin." [Alice].