CHAPTER 159: CHAPTER 159: ARE YOU ALL... THIS CLOSE?

"Theresa, that’s enough. So many people are watching."

After holding her for a while longer, Charles quietly urged. Only then did Theresa finally release her grip on his arm, her eyes reddened, her voice thick with remorse: "I’m sorry. I should have stayed by your side. Then you wouldn’t have been in danger."

"And I failed to kill Ilthreza..."

Charles shook his head. "It’s alright. We can discuss that later. Besides, you forced her to reveal her allies. Now we know this Drider is also colluding with Montport—that’s enough."

"Don’t worry about it. Let’s head back first. Several wounded need your healing, and then we’ll decide our next steps."

With that, he and Theresa returned to the miners’ rest camp, making their way to Bonnie’s side. "Well, Theresa? Can you do anything about this?"

At the moment, the dwarves had contributed the camp’s only reclining chair for Bonnie’s comfort. Sensing her potential savior’s arrival, Bonnie’s eyes flickered with desperate hope.

Though Theresa specialized in light-based spells, her sheer power meant she had mastered some lower-tier healing spells as well—after all, she had been the one to cure Lisa’s illness.

Yet, faced with this situation, she hesitated. Her yellow-green eyes shimmered with magical light as she assessed the problem. After a long pause, she finally shook her head with regret. "I’m sorry. This is too complex. I’m afraid I can’t help."

"With my mana, I could remove the spider eggs, but I can’t guarantee Bonnie’s safety during the process or rule out permanent side effects." She added, "For safety, it’s best to return to the city and seek more specialized help."

Though they had braced for this outcome, disappointment still washed over the group. Bonnie, staring at her swollen abdomen, imagined her husband witnessing her in this state and nearly broke down again. "If my husband sees me like this... I..."

Anno and the female brass Dragonborn rushed to comfort her, assuring her that true love would overlook such things—but their words did little to soothe her.

Charles sighed. Adventuring came with risks, even death. Of their eight-member squad, only four had survived. Compared to those who had lost their lives, Bonnie was fortunate.

He had no intention of interfering, but then Andny’s mosquito landed on his ear and whispered: "Master, I want the eggs inside her. Let’s take Bonnie to our monastery!"

Suddenly, Charles looked up and proposed: "Perhaps Madame Bonnie could stay at our monastery for a while?"

The group turned their attention to him. Unfazed, Charles continued calmly: "To be frank, one of our nuns has some medical knowledge and should be able to handle this safely."

"And this way, we can avoid unnecessary misunderstandings with Bonnie’s husband."

As he spoke, Andny quickly explained her reasoning via the mosquito: "The giant eggs inside her could hatch a powerful new race of creatures. They’re incredibly valuable for study."

"Thank you, Master. Andny will serve you well tonight!"

This was Andny’s wish. As an Insect Witch, she was fascinated by anything related to bugs. Charles gave a slight nod of agreement, then added to Bonnie: "You’ve seen our abilities, Madame Bonnie. Trust us. The Church of the Goddess of Life exists to help all lives escape suffering."

Hearing this, Bonnie’s emotions steadied. The married warrior’s greatest fear was her husband witnessing her in such a state, so the possibility of a discreet solution ignited hope. "Yes, thank you, Priest. I trust your abilities!"

Charles smiled faintly. Meanwhile, Andny’s voice whispered in his ear again: "Thank you, Master. Tonight I’ll serve you!"

Charles remained composed, feigning nonchalance as he arranged the evening’s tasks—setting up tents, preparing a pot, and cooking dinner. The journey back to Rockseeker’s Outpost from the Tide Caverns would take a full day, and with night already fallen, there was no need to rush. They could depart at dawn.

As for the minotaurs possibly emerging from the mine and raiding the camp?

Previously, he might have worried. But now, with Theresa reunited with them, there was no cause for concern!

In fact, Theresa alone could overpower those fewer than ten minotaurs!

With this sense of security, they lit a bonfire, set up a large pot, boiled water, and tossed in ingredients like turnips, cabbage, jerky, and salt, simmering a thick stew. Each took a bowl, gathered around the fire, and enjoyed a hearty meal with hardtack.

After dinner, the group cleaned up. Everyone except Bonnie, who couldn’t move easily, pitched in. Charles stuffed trash into a sack to dump in the distant woods. As he walked, Anno hurried to catch up, stepping close and asking softly: "Charles, um... I have a question. Don’t take it the wrong way."

Charles continued toward the woods without turning. "Say it, I don’t mind."

"Well, it’s just..." Anno bit her lip, still feeling awkward. "The nuns in your monastery... are they all as... close to you as Theresa was earlier?"

Hearing this, Charles felt a surge of panic internally, but his expression remained calm and composed. "You mean earlier?"

"Yes," Anno nodded, then quickly added, "Though I understand that when she reunited with you and saw you were safe, she was emotional, so a hug to celebrate is normal, but... but..."

But I really do mind a little.

After all, that was zero-distance contact!

This was the resentment in her heart, but unfortunately, she still couldn’t bring herself to say it outright. After all, they hadn’t officially established a romantic relationship yet. "It’s just... you’re both adults, and Sister Theresa’s... figure is so... well, when you hugged like that, it could easily lead to misunderstandings..."

"After all, she’s a nun, and you’re a priest. It’s not good for either of your reputations... I don’t mind personally, but you should take care of your own image..."

She stammered through her explanation, growing increasingly flustered. Charles thought to himself, If only you knew—we’ve gone way beyond hugging. A simple embrace is already us being very restrained.

But these thoughts could never be spoken aloud. He didn’t rush to respond. Instead, he took a moment to dump the vegetable scraps from his trash bag, buying himself time to think. After careful consideration, he said softly, "Actually, uh, Sister Theresa may look young, but her age is older than the two of us combined."

As he spoke, he turned to look Anno in the eyes, serious. "But she’s never married, and naturally, she’s never had children. So... her emotions toward me are... somewhat special."

Anno’s expression turned startled, her mind racing with assumptions. This girl hadn’t experienced such convoluted social dynamics before, so with just a little guidance, her thoughts automatically veered in the direction he wanted.

Before she could finish processing, Charles quickly added, "Of course, the other nuns naturally don’t act this way. Uh, if it bothers you, I can remind her to keep a little distance from me."

Anno’s train of thought was interrupted. She snapped back to reality, then turned her gaze toward the depths of the woods, her cheeks flushed. "No, I know your relationship is purely one of faith. Of course, I wouldn’t mind you hugging in front of me..."

Charles raised an eyebrow. "Really? Then I won’t remind her."

"You—" Anno turned back sharply, flustered by his teasing smirk. Embarrassed and irritated, she lifted her foot and stomped hard on his.

Charles winced in pain but then wrapped his arms around her body. Anno offered no resistance, taking half a step back until she leaned against a tree, cutting off all escape routes, and let him embrace her fully.

It was already deep autumn, and the yellow leaves had long fallen from the branches. The pale moonlight filtered through the bare branches, casting faint light on the leaf-covered forest floor, which emitted a quiet, earthy fragrance.

Anno closed her eyes, savoring the embrace of the one she loved, the scent and warmth unique to him filling her senses. Her mind felt hazy, unwilling to think of anything else, her body melting like heated cheese in his arms.

A cool breeze rustled the fallen leaves, carrying a faint chill. Anno’s burning cheeks cooled slightly, and her overheated mind began to clear.

"Charles," she suddenly called out, "would you... like to join Force Grey?"

Charles was also enjoying the warmth of the girl in his arms, wishing time could freeze in this moment. At her question, his expression shifted. "Me? Join you?"

"Yes!" Anno opened her eyes and nodded lightly. "I can tell you have a strong sense of justice and great ability. Most importantly, I feel... you’re also willing to protect the port, uphold its order and justice..."

Her eyes shimmered with emotion as she spoke. "So, will you come with me?"

This way, we can always be together from now on.

This was her true thought, but she couldn’t bring herself to say it aloud.

Hearing this, Charles chuckled softly. He stroked her soft golden hair, carefully choosing his words to decline.

"I have my own mission," he said gently. "But I’ll always stand by your side and fight alongside you."

He had no intention of joining Force Grey. It wasn’t that the organization was bad—in fact, Force Grey was a highly influential and respected faction. For an adventurer without backing, joining them meant gaining the strongest support in Liberl Port, the thickest "thigh" to cling to, with undeniable benefits.

But this was the optimal path for newcomers, not veterans. Just like how taking quests from Alan, the owner of the Foggy Fisherman Tavern, was the best choice for new players, for experienced players seeking efficiency, the leveling speed there was too slow.

Veterans should go straight to grinding the Rubble District!

Ahem!

In short, for seasoned players, starting their own company and running their own business was the optimal path.

Though more challenging, this route offered the greatest rewards, allowing them to reap all the benefits. For example, once the company grew, he could ally with factions like Force Grey as an independent leader, directly earning titles like "Defender of Order."

Though risky, with his game knowledge and cheats, Charles was confident he could grow his organization.

Thus, he had to decline Anno’s request.

Being outright rejected by the one she loved, Anno couldn’t help but feel disappointed. She bit her lip, making one last attempt. "But if you don’t join Blackstaff Tower, between us, I’m afraid..."

Her cheeks flushed, leaving the sentence unfinished, but Charles understood. The gap in their status was too wide. Even with mutual affection, it would be hard to reach a happy ending.

After all, she still had her family behind her.

Charles gently stroked her hair, knowing this girl needed some reassurance. Softly, he whispered, "Don’t worry, my dear. I promise you."

"I will purify that Abyssal Lord and become a hero worthy of marrying you."

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