Emily's refusal was no surprise to Shui since he expected her to act like this, but he couldn't help sighing on the inside.
"Why?" Shui asked without taking back the artifact.
"It's too precious. Far more so than my title and ability as a tier 3 array master."
When they heard her evaluate her title and skills below this artifact, Alicia and Adrian had different thoughts. To Alicia, it wouldn't be impossible to find an artifact worth more than a tier 3 array master, but it would still be rare, so she grew more interested in the scepter. If Emily firmly declined it, then she wouldn't mind spending several thousands of high quality spirit gems to buy it from Shui, but she doubted he would give up so easily.
Adrian, on the other hand, knew how much pride Emily had in herself, so he couldn't believe that she would rate the artifact so highly and assumed that she was exaggerating... despite the fact that that was even more unlikely.
When Shui heard Emily's answer, he was glad that it was just as he predicted, but also disappointed.
'I know you think it's inappropriate, but can't you just take it?'
Nevertheless, his mental preparations had been made in advance.
"You underestimate yourself. Even this artifact can't compare to your potential," Shui replied.
"Maybe not, but I already owe you for saving us. I can't take on another debt dependent on my 'potential'."
It was a solid point, which made it harder for him to keep pushing, not that he would stop.
"Fine, let's change perspective then. In return for me saving you, I want your help in the future when your potential becomes skill. But you seem to be targeted by some dangerous people, and I can't always be there to protect you, so I'm lending you this artifact so you can protect yourself."
"You're lending it to me?" Emily asked with suspicion.
If it was just a spirit-rank artifact, then it might not sound as odd given the wealth of tier 3 array masters, but both of them knew this artifact was so precious that she might not even be able to afford the cost to borrow it for a day. Shui wasn't planning on taking it back in the first place, so he didn't see a problem with this, but Emily was different. Although his reasoning was wearing her stubbornness down as she recognized that she was in danger, she was still reluctant to take on such a huge debt, so he had to push her again.
"That's right. You don't have to worry about its value too much."
Emily couldn't sense any malice from his carefree smile, but she was missing a motive strong enough to make her accept this charity, so she clenched her fist and looked him straight in the face. As she seemed to be making her resolve, Adrian hurriedly intervened. He didn't know what abilities the scepter had, but regardless, he didn't want Emily to get any closer to Shui.
"My junior sister is grateful, but I believe this gift is far too extravagant. I understand your worry, but you don't have to be concerned about her safety with me-"
Part way through his persuasion, Shui glanced at Adrian with silent eyes that made his blood run cold. He did nothing else, but it was enough to stop Adrian from making any more sounds.
With Adrian silenced, Shui returned his gaze to Emily. Since he could tell that clever arguments weren't enough to make her buckle, Shui showed his sincerity.
"Although this artifact is certainly precious, your safety is much more important to me. Even if it crumpled to dust right here, it would be worth it if that allowed you to live another day. You'll certainly encounter danger and I probably won't be there to stop it, so please let this stay by your side instead. Surely it's a fitting accessory for the successor of Nikolai Nien of the Staile clan."
Shui's words could easily be taken as a profession of love, but for some reason, Emily didn't have those thoughts when she heard them. Rather than romantic love, it seemed closer to the familial love that she had only received from her parents when she was young and from Nikolai afterwards. She had never been reluctant to accept a gift from them and since he mentioned her master, there was no way she could back down from his implied challenge.
Emily reached out her hand and accepted the scepter. She restrained her spiritual sense in advance so she didn't fall into a trance again.
"Tell me something. Why do you want to help me so much? Everything else could have been explained by us having a chance meeting, but not this."
This question did not surprise Shui, but he showed a wry smile. It would be much easier for him if he could tell the truth, but she probably wouldn't believe him.
"You look like someone I considered a little sister. Unfortunately, I won't be able to call her that again, but I think it would be nice if I could see you live up to your potential."
Shui was deliberately vague in his explanation, but it was true for the most part.
"I see. I can't replace your little sister, but as the successor of Nikolai Nien of the Staile clan, I will prove that your faith in me was not misplaced."
"I'll look forward to it."
With the blazing flame of ambition in her heart, Emily left to refine the scepter as soon as possible and Adrian left with her.
"Are you sure it's okay to leave him with her?"
"It's fine. As long as she has Dull Harmony, neither him nor the one behind him will be able to hurt her."
"Oh, you're making me more curious. Would you forge an artifact like that for me one day?"
"Why do you think I forged it?"
Instead of answering, Alicia showed a confident smile with not a hint of doubt. Given that they met soon after he was done forging Dull Harmony, she might have noticed something he missed, so Shui didn't press on denying it.
"By the way, I heard someone mention that the best performers are strong candidates in the evaluation of the new Alterna Array Master Minor Ranking, but how do they decide the ranking?" Shui inquired.
"Well, I'm not aware of the finer details, but I know that the evaluation is split between a general screening and a final examination. Once the association announces the beginning of the evaluation period, they'll screen potential candidates based on two criteria; achievements and ability. Achievements can be anything as long as they add to your reputation as a skilled array master, but you can't be a candidate without proving that your ability is up to par as well. Only those deemed to have the requisite reputation and skill can move on to the final examination."
"I see. That means Emily's at a disadvantage."
Her skill as an array master was obvious, but she hadn't had many opportunities to show off her ability so that could prevent her from passing the general screening.
"Yes. While her talent and competence are undeniable, there will definitely be voices that say she lacks experience. The evaluation period will start soon, but if it's her, then she might be able to build up her reputation in time."
Shui was curious about what means Emily would use to enter the final examination of the evaluation, but he could only wait for that time to come.
"Say, since I was such a good guide today, would you mind escorting me somewhere?"
Shui felt both suspicious and curious when Alicia posed this question, but his curiosity won in the end, so he agreed.
"Sure. Where do you want to go?"