Countless stories crisscrossed outside the window, but Teest's gaze was fixed only on Nol.
Teest stood with his back to the light while Nol's face was slightly upturned, his golden eyes shining brightly in the sunlight.
'How wonderful,' Teest thought, having seen himself in the mirror countless times. He had never imagined that the same gold could become so scorching.
[Since you still remember, this is a good time for an answer. That guy still has a long way to go in his painting.] Teest tightened his grip on the back of the chair.
He hadn't looked forward to something like this in a long time—even the second before he threw the corpse at the doorstep of the Evergreen Church and the bishops discovered it, Teest's heartbeat hadn't been this fast.
What kind of reward would Nol, with his personality, offer?
What reward would the Creator of this world give him?
Teest realized that his palms were starting to sweat.
There was a bit more tension in Nol's smile. He looked straight into Teest's eyes and finally gave his answer.
[A conclusion you will like,] Nol said slowly and seriously.
[A conclusion?]
[Yes, the conclusion between you and me,] Nol said.
Teest felt somewhat dazed.
He had guessed everything from "mysterious artifacts known only to the Creator" to "special vows" and "love", but he had never thought in this direction.
Teest was mentally prepared to receive a bag of cookies. But when the blindfold was removed, he found himself standing in a candy house.
[Even if the conclusion is "I betray you first", or "I want you to stay".] Even in his mind, Teest still spoke softly. [Is that okay? You really want to give me this? Are you sure?]
The smile on Nol's face didn't waver.
[If you betray me first, why should I cling to a traitor?]
He was bathed in light, without any coldness of an undead.
[If you want me to stay, then I will look for a way that allows us to be together,] Nol said.
[Even if there is no such way?] Teest's question collided with Nol's unfinished sentence.
[If there isn't one in the world, I will create it. If you are concerned about empty promises, we can add terms to the marriage contract,] Nol answered decisively.
…This was his treasure.
Through those eyes, Teest finally confirmed this.
There was no need for daily temptation, no need for constant planning. Nol was indeed his—his companion, his puzzle, his private god.
But why didn't he feel a bit of peace of mind?
Nol seemed completely different from his family—
Teest had thought that if one day his family had to give him up, he wouldn't object. He was aware of his anomaly and knew they had once "loved" him and had tried for him.
It was a pity for such an ending, but there would be no regrets. It was fine for everyone to live their own lives; there was nothing to care about.
But Nol couldn't do it.
The moment the treasure was in hand, the fear of loss and emptiness became more pronounced.
[You've changed.] Teest clenched his fingers tightly, as if to grasp the invisible "ending". [You used to have so many concerns.]
[Because I realized I like you more than I thought.] Nol admitted frankly. [This world is too chaotic, with countless problems to solve. I don't want to dwell on this—if I can't let go, I must hold on tight.]
[You asked about our relationship. This is my answer.]
Teest fell silent. He instinctively felt he needed to do something yet didn't know what to do.
The Eternal Church had taught him how to charm hearts but not how to properly preserve "love". Once the plan succeeded, they would kill or abandon the object of seduction. "Heart-to-heart" was never part of the curriculum.
He felt like he was wearing a nightgown and holding a pillow, suddenly brought to a battlefield of flashing swords and shining armor.
[I haven't decided on the ending yet. I want to keep it.] The Mad Monk spoke cautiously but couldn't quite hide a trace of helplessness in his tone.
[Whatever you want,] Nol said. [It's a gift for you, after all.]
Liking this guy, he hadn't expected any normal romantic relationship. The Mad Monk blinked; his eyes filled with hundreds of thoughts. Rather than watching Teest go in circles probing, it was better to give him what he pursued.
Teest looked dazed by this gift. He gazed at Nol groggily for a while before finally speaking up.
[If it's to be written in a marriage contract.] Teest imitated Nol's tone, speaking seriously. [I've also changed some thoughts. It can be added.]
[Before I said I wouldn't give you my life, loyalty, or love. But I've found that I'm more willing to take risks for you than I thought. So, well, my life could be considered.]
[Really?] Nol raised his eyebrows amusingly.
[I have to admit the truth,] Teest replied earnestly. [Among these three, I only have 'life' to offer. I did my best.]
[Yes, yes.] Nol couldn't help but reach out, his fingertips brushing over Teest's hair.
Teest breathed a sigh of relief, that subtle fear of loss finally suppressed. His gaze swept over Nol's upturned lips, suddenly yearning for a warm, soft kiss.
Now they were each other's lord and knight, entrusted with their lives. A close kiss should be okay, right?
A few steps away, the painter put down his brush.
"It's done, Lord Drake," he said respectfully. "Please see if there's anything that needs to be changed."
Nol stood up, slipping away from Teest's view.
The knight, too late to kiss, pursed his lips silently. He turned on "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and followed Nol.
The moment Teest saw the painting, he paused.
In the painting, sunlight poured in through tall windows, making everything incredibly bright.
Nol sat in a high-backed chair, looking at Teest standing beside the chair, the colors so pale they seemed to melt into the sunlight.
Teest, with black hair, stood backlit. His shadow was cast on Nol, the position of his head resting on Nol's shoulder, like a covert embrace.
The painted Nol smiled tenderly, his eyes full of undisguised soft emotions. And the painted Teest looked down, his gaze focused and fiery, as if burning.
Teest subconsciously touched his eyes.
Strangely, that look was very similar to Nol's just now.
"How affectionate," the painter remarked. "You must have seen such a look in your lover's eyes to reproduce it so realistically."
"No need to modify this painting." Nol didn't pick up the conversation. "Remember your promise. It's not to be exhibited."
"Of course! The Blanco family has always valued their reputation. I'll wrap it in silk cloth right away, and even the servants outside won't see it," the painter quickly assured, patting his chest, forgetting his earlier sentiment.
"Ah, and there's this small sketch." He hurriedly picked up a small piece of cloth from the easel. "You can take this as a souvenir."
Nol examined the photo-sized piece of fine cloth. It depicted the same scene as the painting, but in even finer detail. It looked more like a photograph than a painting.
"This was 'captured' using magic—not strictly a painting, but it's easier to preserve," the painter quickly explained. "If you don't like it…"
"No, I like it very much." Nol tucked it into his chest.
Later, when everyone had left, he planned to sew it into the last page of "The Complete Recipe Book".
[I want one too,] Teest protested at his side.
[Having two would be excessive. "Drake" isn't the type to collect one and play with another,] Nol rejected mercilessly. [You can look at mine.]
The sound of the saluting cannon outside the window finally diminished, as if someone was giving a speech. Just as the servants were about to move the painting out, an earth-shattering cheer erupted outside.
"Ah, the king's speech is ending. I must take my leave." The painter packed his tools in a hurry and rushed out the door.
[After the speech, they'll scatter gold wheels, silver hooks, and copper coins,] Teest said. [But there's no need for us to join that crowd.]
The king must have announced the news of "the threat of The Manor being eliminated". Then—
[You have completed the rare area quest: Monster Manor.]
[You have met the perfect completion conditions for the quest "Monster Manor": Help Eternal Day City resolve The Manor's threat; Unravel the mystery of the Lord of The Manor's power.]
[Quest rewards: Prestige in Eternal Day City [Normal] being calculated; Monetary reward [Normal]; Skill Enhancement Stone [Perfect]; Permanent Land Deed (Small) [Perfect], among other rewards, will be settled with subsequent events.]
By now, both of them were used to such prompts.
[There's no experience points for this quest,] Teest casually mentioned.
[Since we didn't kill anyone in The Manor…] Nol paused mid-sentence.
"The system that promotes 'strengthening oneself through killing' is in operation. Under such rules, you still expect peace?" The shouts of Zhuang Shuhang surfaced in Nol's mind again, and he pressed his temples.
They needed to inform Paradise as soon as possible and continue their research.
The heroes of Eternal Day City had to exit the stage.
...
On the silver tray, three items were neatly arranged.
A mountain of gold wheels, two crystal-clear light golden gems, and a small scroll emitting a faint glow.
Standing behind the tray, Eugene stood neatly, smiling.
"This is a token of gratitude from the Temple of Life for you, Mr. Drake," he said, his eyes burning as he gazed at Nol. "Your performance far exceeded my expectations, and I would like to recommend you as an official Investigation Knight in my personal capacity."
Just as expected.
Nol remained composed.
[Eugene must have consulted the oracles.]
The true Chosen One, Teest, murmured while draping an arm over Nol's shoulder. [I bet this guy found nothing and just wants to keep an eye on you… Poor thing. His god completely ignores him.]
[I know all this,] Nol said patiently. [We've discussed it before.]
[But saying it again in front of him feels especially good.] Teest, still mindful of Eugene's sword, obediently hid behind Nol.
Nol suppressed a laugh, his expression slightly twisted.
"I'm sorry, but I must decline," Nol said. "Drawing a sword for the Goddess is my honor. But even without joining the Investigation Knights, I can still wield my sword for Lady Tilia."
…As if he was a swordsman.
"I see," Eugene responded easily, his gaze locked on Nol. "Do you mind telling me the reason?"
Nol sighed deeply, tapping his head impatiently. A glimmer of light passed, and the light golden hue in his hair quietly faded, leaving only moonlight-like silver white.
With white hair and golden eyes, Nol now resembled Teest. Even Eugene narrowed his eyes in a moment of doubt—if not for the significant difference in their features and physique, he might have been confused.
"The people will not accept a 'White Demon'. It's one of the reasons why I disguised myself to enter the city." Nol said gravely, "I have no intention of hiding in front of God, nor do I wish to tarnish God's glory. Please allow me to continue fighting for God in the shadows."
Eugene narrowed his eyes. "You…"
"I am a distant relative of the Blanco family. Saving Dia Blanco wasn't out of sheer altruism," Nol said. "Now you know the truth."
Beside him, Teest silently grinned.
Eugene hummed. "You initially said you were going to save an acquaintance…"
"He has gone far away." Nol added mentally, 'Hopping away on one leg.'
It wasn't a topic suitable for elaboration, so Nol swiftly changed the subject. "The two with me…"
"Sadly, Mr. Sean died for the glory of the Goddess. We found his remains in the shallow layers." Eugene sighed. "Mr. Damori is fine, just a bit shocked. We'll compensate him well."
Sean went for revenge. Having no relatives in this world, it was unclear whom the Temple of Life would compensate.
Nol grabbed a handful of gold wheels from the tray, slowly releasing them, clinking in front of Eugene.
"This is my personal gesture for Mr. Sean," Nol said. "If there's no one to claim it, buy a bouquet of flowers for me."
"…I still hope you'll fight for the Goddess," Eugene said.
"I also hope to maintain a good relationship with you," Nol replied calmly. "If the Goddess wills, we shall meet again."
Eugene pulled out a light green crystal from his pocket and added it to the tray.
"If necessary, you can contact me through this. Of course, I might also ask for your help," he said. "Regarding the king…"
Nol showed no interest. He packed everything from the tray into his backpack and nodded at Eugene.
"May your life be full of vitality." Nol turned and left.
"May the Goddess's light forever shine upon you." Eugene smiled again.
As the door closed, Eugene's smile slowly faded.
"You're letting him go just like that?" A knight listening in couldn't help but speak.
"He's a peculiar character. Forcing him might backfire." Eugene said, "Have someone thoroughly investigate the Eternal Church's Chosen One, reconfirm theTtemple's oracles, and uncover this man—since the Goddess has shown him to me, She must have noticed him first."
"Yes! And about this…"
"Don't interfere, don't track. Show as much friendliness as possible," Eugene instructed. "I have a feeling we'll meet again."
Meanwhile.
Not long after leaving, the two found a dark alley and jumped back to the Lost Tower through a ring of fire, leaving no chance for anyone to track them.
Nol set his destination to his own room and almost immediately collapsed onto the bed. Kando lay on the carpet, still fussing over its missing candle tears.
Teest rushed to the desk, delightfully counting the spoils of war—mainly skill enhancement stones and a permanent land deed.
"Why is there only one?" Teest shook the deed scroll.
"Oh, the permanent land deed." Nol buried his face in the pillow. "You can use it to designate a piece of land and expel all visitors if necessary… This one is a small version, not very valuable. In an emergency, it can be used as a small base, to store some items…"
"Give it to me." Teest weighed the scroll in his hand.
"Take it if you like. I need to rest for a while… I have to explain the situation to everyone tonight…"
Considering Kando's recent anomaly, he had to interrogate the candle thoroughly; then, he needed to decide how to use the skill enhancement stones and adapt to the body of a Dracolich. The workload awaiting him was immense.
Teest climbed onto the bed, causing a slight depression at the foot of it.
Nol, too lazy to move, closed his eyes, feeling the weight shift around. Teest's hand caressed his neck, then his spine. Nol hummed twice, still motionless.
Suddenly, a heat of magic ignited behind him. Nol jerked up, flipping over. "What?"
Before him, Teest held a torn scroll, looking earnest.
"I'm following your teachings, looking for useful loopholes." Teest tossed the damaged scroll away, grabbed the wary Kando, and placed it on Nol's shoulder.
"Expel!" Teest cleared his throat.
With a whoosh, Kando instantly flew out, accompanied by a scream of "Are you crazy?!"
Nol: ".….."
Nol: "You didn't…"
Teest leaned in satisfactorily, his fingertips brushing Nol's neck.
"My permanent territory."
His tone carried a hint of pride. "See, it can also become a shield to protect you."
Nol gazed into the close golden eyes.
"Thank you."
He grasped Teest's shoulders, kissing them. Teest hummed comfortably, relaxing completely.
Sunlight flooded the bed, and the trees of the Black Forest rustled.
'Thank heavens,' Nol thought. Now he had a "home" where he could relax completely—at least for tonight, he could sleep without worries, holding the person he liked.
Regardless of the outcome, he loved this moment.
Far away in Eternal Day City, people didn't notice the hero's disappearance.
Old Dill brought the oil painting deep into the mansion's cellar, to a room specifically for storing paintings.
Drake wasn't the first benefactor whose portrait wasn't made public. There were hundreds of paintings here.
The temperature and humidity in this room were perfectly adjusted, coupled with enough magic, keeping the paintings vibrant.
The Blanco family was large, with many descendants having some Wilder blood. When members of the Blanco family set out to establish themselves, they often secretly took a benefactor's portrait to ward off potential misfortune.
Old Dill moved the painting forward, stopping at an empty spot.
There remained faint traces of a hung painting. If he remembered correctly, that painting was gifted to the now-destroyed Flama family. The night the Flama house was destroyed, it was probably taken by the Temple of Life. Who knows if it was destroyed.
Unfortunately, that painting couldn't avert their disaster.
Speaking of which, who was in that painting? Old Dill furrowed his brows, pondering for a long time, but couldn't recall. Well, their new painting fit perfectly here—this was the hero of Eternal Day City, sure to dispel the previous painting's shadow.
The old man bowed slightly to the hero in the painting.
"May you bless the bloodline of the Blanco family," he said.
The author has something to say:
White Cat Teest: Hmph, I'll set up a trap to catch my favorite fish!
White Cat Teest: (Busy preparing) (Casting the net finely) (Various temptations)
Fish God Nol: (Struggling) (Contemplating) (Decided)
The cat is still busy with various enticements, only to be swept ashore and caught by the Fish God.