That thought flashed through his mind, but Arthas quickly suppressed it. Riveria wouldn't be happy.
He felt foolish; after confessing, he didn't know what to do.
Dating… he had no experience.
Should he ask her out now?
Dating… usually starts with a date, right?
As they neared the surface, Arthas glanced at Riveria.
Her profile was flawless; she was the embodiment of elegance, unlike his clumsy self.
Arthas chuckled; he was nervous just walking with her, let alone dating.
But if Arthas had looked directly at Riveria, he would have seen her equally flustered.
Riveria was merely maintaining composure; her pupils were constricted, her lips pressed together, her movements stiff.
Arthas was nervous; Riveria was afraid. She feared being with him, worried about losing herself.
Have I fallen for him?
Glancing at Arthas, Riveria felt conflicted. She didn't understand her feelings.
Riveria was kind and accommodating to others, but not with Arthas. It was something new, something she couldn't define.
Love?
Sighing softly… Riveria wasn't a hater; she didn't disdain men. Elves were discerning in love, but Riveria longed for someone to rely on.
As a strong adventurer in the Loki Familia, a vital team member, and with her gentle nature, everyone treated her like an elder. She had admirers, but none dared to confess.
Perhaps she'd fallen for him the moment he confessed?
Elves were like that; pride and elegance were masks; their hearts were delicate; once they fell in love, it was forever.
Had she fallen for Arthas?
But… it's impossible. They're incompatible.
Sighing inwardly, Riveria decided to confess to Arthas.
A clean, decisive rejection. Only that would make him give up.
This mistake had lasted too long.
"Well, goodbye…"
Knowing the route, they reached the surface in minutes. Ais and Riveria's appearance in the plaza attracted attention, but it quickly shifted to Arthas.
Who is he… why is he with the Sword Princess?
"Goodbye."
At a street corner, Arthas hesitated; he didn't ask her out.
"Goodbye. See you again."
Riveria averted her gaze, unable to look at Arthas.
Ais, looking at Arthas and Riveria, suddenly said,
"It's early… want to train?"
"Eh?"
"Eh?"
Arthas and Riveria were surprised.
"Arthas… you want to master your power, right? Swordsmanship and magic control."
Ais looked at the sword on Arthas's back.
"You seem interested in swordsmanship. I can teach you. Riveria is Orario's best mage; she can teach you magic effectively."
Arthas's eyes gleamed. Hestia had asked Loki for this, but Arthas had refused.
He'd been thinking of Hestia, not wanting to rely on her status.
But now it was Ais's offer.
"Is that alright? Will Riveria have time?"
Arthas looked nervously at Riveria, making her pout.
He's still cunning; he asked about her time, not her willingness, as if she'd already agreed.
"I'm free until the next expedition."
Averting her gaze, Riveria said distractedly.
"Thank you, Ais and Riveria."
"No problem. The reward is that you must accept my challenge once you master your power."
"Of course."
Arthas smiled; Riveria noticed this and felt strange.
Wh… what is this feeling… is it jealousy?
No… it's just a few words between Arthas and Ais… they're friends.
Riveria didn't dare look back; her face was probably red.
Her usual elegance and composure were fading; she looked like a jealous girlfriend.
No… I need to… confess. This is shameful, Riveria.
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