Crimson Servant.

Chapter 220 Frankness
Dalia had been in a state of extreme tension since she saw Francis walking out of the wooden house. She couldn't figure out the source of her fear, was it because of the blood in the room or because of the purple-black skin under the blood-stained warrior's protective gear, which one had a greater impact on her mentally, or was it because of both that made her feel uneasy.

Now they were staying in another relatively intact room. Because Lucien was sitting next to Dahlia, the illusionist felt the young Dahlia's inner nervousness. At this time, he did not say anything, but silently expressed his support with actions.

Dalia was very grateful for Lucien's presence. She asked herself if Lucien had not been there and if the issue of the dark elf Francis had not been mentioned, she didn't know what attitude she should have towards the other person in front of her, the sorcerer John.

He came with the dark elf Francis. From the sorcerer's calm expression, it can be seen that he is not completely ignorant of the dark elves' situation. His lack of reaction to her repeated overtures is enough to show the close relationship between him and the dark elves. Dalia doesn't like to treat people around her with stereotypes, but she also understands that the wisdom of the world is worth learning from. If conditions permit, she would rather take certain control measures against danger, rather than relying on the tolerance of others for her own safety as she does now.

The door was gently pushed open, and Francis came in from outside. His body was stained with water stains left by the melting snow, and his dark skin was slightly reddish due to frostbite. The dark elf spent about half an hour using the snow to wash the blood off his body. Combat efficiency is bound to bring other troubles. A fatal attack would cut the enemy's aorta and cause severe bleeding. In the severe situation at that time, Francis could not slow down to dodge the blood stains. As long as it did not affect the battle, Francis would be bloody in most cases.

Francis, who can live alone in the wilderness, certainly does not have mysophobia, but considering that he has to face a companion who does not understand him, dressing neatly is the most basic way to show sincerity.

Francis noticed the clear division in the room. He nodded implicitly to Lucien, walked to John, and sat down facing Dalia and the others.

John noticed the slight frostbite on Francis' body, and the fact that the room had cooled down after he came in, and he frowned slightly. The best way to clean the blood stains was certainly not to use the snow. If there was no water source at the scene, his crimson spell could do it. He was confident that he could make Francis look brand new without causing corruption.

However, dark elves hated being touched by crimson magic, and John knew this.

"Those vampires were chasing us. I hope I didn't disturb you." Francis leaned forward and bowed slightly to Dalia to show his apology.

This is a good start to a conversation.

"No, you dealt with all the enemies by yourself. We didn't help much." Dalia looked at Francis' beautiful eyes. The clear and pure eyes made the priest realize that this dark elf was a little different from his own stereotype.

Francis took out the fake leather mask, which was no longer necessary to wear.

"My race is notorious on the surface world. I wear this mask to hide myself and avoid unnecessary trouble."

"I am the dark elf Francis Blade, from the Underdark. I received the same education as any other dark elf, but my choices are different from theirs, and my beliefs and values ​​are also different from theirs."

"I have no intention of deceiving you."

Francis' explanation made Dalia feel much better, although she was still wary of his exaggerated fighting scenes. But overall, Dalia found that her mentality was quickly adjusting from the high pressure, thanks to her father's family's rigorous training, which helped her develop a psychological ability to withstand pressure.

Lucien also provided his assist at this time.

"Imagine that an evil and cruel dark elf created those corpses. Doesn't it feel more acceptable than a handsome and fair elf prince doing the same evil?"

Lucien's words made Dalia's bloody scene reappear in her mind. Blood flowed out from the cracks, and the terrified pale faces of the dead overlapped. Dalia covered her mouth and continued to dry heave. This was a bit too stimulating for a noble lady.

The illusionist used his own way to ease Dalia's guard against Francis by diverting her attention.

John and Francis left Dalia's cabin. She needed time to recover, and they both realized that they had to give enough space to this young noble lady who was not very worldly-wise.

In the middle of the night, the only sound was the sound of boots pounding the snow. They walked one after the other, and the cold did not cause any discomfort to John, while Francis had already put on an extra coat. They came to a place far away from the cabin and talked about vampires.

Francis' left hand rests on one of his scimitars. He has two magic scimitars. One is called Fraz's Blade, which is an evil cursed weapon with a cold touch. The other is called Grik's Fury, which is a burning weapon with sacred properties. Just touching the handle will make the dark elf feel warm enough and a little burned. This magic scimitar, which is mainly used to fight the enemy, is also one of the reasons why Francis is called "Darkness Destroyer".

One hurts the enemy, the other hurts the friend. Not many people have used the cursed power of Frazee's evil blade.

"Did you eat those vampires?" With the help of dark vision, the dark elf could clearly see the cabin that was once full of vampire corpses. The smell of blood did not evaporate, so he made a guess.

"It's been cleaned up. Apart from the magic item taken away by the illusionist, there's nothing valuable on these vampires." Francis had come into contact with many people, and he knew that normal people were more fragile than his friends, both in life and in spirit. "Dalia will be shocked again when she sees those corpses suddenly disappear tomorrow."

Tolerating the weak is one of Francis' characteristics. He is as cruel to his enemies as he is to his weaker companions. This is limited to strangers who are not yet friends. When it comes to acquaintances, Francis will add some more intimate interactions, including but not limited to physical confrontations.

"Then tell her it's buried."

Francis looked at John who didn't care much. Unlike himself, John didn't show any sign of being humble to Dalia. He didn't know if it was his illusion, but the sorcerer who was traveling with him was not as mature and cautious as before. When he came into contact with Lucien and Dalia, he acted a little... casual.

Was it because he relied on his own foresight, thinking he could warn him of all his troubles?

Francis was not one of those people, preferring to let his setbacks serve as a warning to the young warlock.

"I don't think there will be any more vampire attacks. The disappearance of a team is enough to warn Smelky. He is indeed not as smart as Marianna, but he is not a fool either. He will reassess the value of this silver pendant." John said as he looked at the silver cross pendant that the dark elf put away.

Francis looked at him oddly.

"I know the answer to both the vampire attack and whether or not Marianna is smart."

For a moment, both of them remained silent, but the tacit understanding of many years allowed them to successfully complete the task of finding another campsite to rest without verbal communication. The two of them lay in their respective sleeping bags, back to back, and fell asleep.

The night in Northrend is so quiet and cold.

On the other side, the communication between Lucian and Dalia in the cabin was more harmonious.

The illusionist was very good at conversation, and he gradually eased Dalia's anxiety with his sense of humor.

"I can see that, Lucien, you knew it a long time ago." Dalia's eyes were slightly reproachful, blaming the illusionist for not reminding her in advance, which caught her off guard and made her perform somewhat awkwardly in the team.

"You have to experience something yourself and find the answer from your heart."

Dalia let go of her hand. Before that, her fingers had been placed on the handle of the hammer at her waist as a simple psychological comfort.

"I thought the hardships of my family had made me realize my own shortcomings, but this time, well, the gap in ability is the source of my uneasiness. I am too weak, Lucien. Compared to you, I am just a rookie, so I am afraid."

Lucien smiled and patted Dalia on the head.

"Everyone has been through the rookie stage, and fear is a common emotion. But now, we are a team, Miss, you can regard the strength of your companions as your own strength. Don't be afraid. Believe me, Francis is a trustworthy warrior, and so is John. We will be invincible. What could be more exciting than commanding a legendary team?"

“Become part of a true legend.”

"Oh, then you really should work harder, and start by getting a good rest."

"Thank you, Lucien."

"You're welcome, Dalia."

Dalia curled up in her sleeping bag, closing her eyes and listening to the soft sounds Lucian made as she laid down, feeling warm and comforted.

(End of this chapter)