Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey
Chapter 229: Evergreen Clan [3]

As all of her attention was focused on the fruit, I took this chance to finally take a good look at her, and the moment I did, a thought suddenly crossed my mind. 'She looks like a cat that just found its favourite toy.' It was quite cute.

The way that her eyes would dart around the fruit, and her subtle changes in facial expressions were quite a comical scene for me to see.

"Hahaha."

Before I knew it, a small laugh escaped from my mouth. I instantly covered my mouth when I realized what I had done.

Unfortunately, it seemed as though I had laughed a little bit too loudly as Isabella's voice soon reached my ears.

"Is something funny?"

Suppressing my laughter, I cleared my throat and looked at Isabella. "No, it's not that. It's just... you looked so focused on the fruit, like a cat playing with a new toy. It was amusing, that's all."

Isabella's gaze shifted from the fruit to me, her expression a mix of curiosity and slight embarrassment. "Well, it is a precious treasure, isn't it? If it can truly cure my sister, then it holds immense value to us."

"Isabella. It's a rare and powerful fruit, and I'm confident it can make a difference for your sister," I reassured her.

Isabella's eyes softened with a genuine smile, and she nodded. "Thank you, Lucas. I appreciate your efforts in bringing this to us."

"It's my pleasure. I believe in the potential of the Healberry, and I want to see it help those who need it," I replied earnestly.

As the conversation continued, the initial tension seemed to dissipate, replaced by a shared understanding of the importance of the Healberry. Isabella began asking more about the fruit's properties and how it could be administered, delving into a discussion about the specifics of her sister's condition.

We talked for a while, exchanging information and insights. Isabella's genuine concern for her sister's well-being became increasingly evident, and I found myself opening up about my experiences and the motivations behind acquiring the Healberry.

As the evening progressed, our conversation shifted towards more personal topics. Isabella shared anecdotes about her family, and I reciprocated with stories from my past. The air became lighter, and a sense of camaraderie formed between us.

Later, Isabella glanced at the Healberry in her hand and then back at me. "Lucas, I want to formally thank you for bringing hope to our family. If there's anything we can do to assist you, please don't hesitate to let us know."

I smiled, appreciating Isabella's gratitude. "Thank you, Isabella. Right now, my focus is on helping your sister, and I'm confident we can achieve a positive outcome together."

Isabella's eyes held a genuine warmth as she spoke, "Lucas, I never thought I'd say this, but I appreciate what you're doing for my sister. Despite our differences, it seems you've changed."

I chuckled, acknowledging the irony of our evolving dynamic. "Well, life has a way of surprising us. Circumstances change, and people change with them. I'm here because I want to make a difference, not just for your sister but for everyone affected by these curses."

Isabella nodded thoughtfully. "I suppose you're right. It's just hard to let go of preconceived notions sometimes."

"I understand. We all carry our own baggage," I replied, reflecting on my own journey and the misconceptions others had about me.

As we continued our conversation, the topics shifted from the immediate concerns of Alice's condition to more personal aspects of our lives. Isabella shared stories about growing up in the Evergreen Clan, her experiences with magic, and the challenges she faced as Dereck's daughter.

I reciprocated by delving into my past, discussing my time at the academy, the formation of the mercenary group, and the various adventures I had undertaken. The exchange of stories created a bridge, connecting our worlds and fostering a deeper understanding.

At one point, Isabella's expression grew pensive, and she asked, "Lucas, do you ever regret the choices you've made, especially considering your family and the responsibilities you bear?"

The question struck a chord within me, and I took a moment before responding, "Regret is a complicated thing. I've made choices that led to hardship, but I also believe those choices define who I am now. My family, in a sense, extends beyond blood. It includes those I care about and those I've met on this journey."

Isabella nodded in understanding. "I never thought I'd replace common ground with you, but here we are."

Life has a way of surprising us, indeed.

As the night progressed, the conversation flowed seamlessly between us. Isabella and I discovered shared interests, exchanged laughs, and, in an unexpected turn, found a camaraderie that transcended the initial tension.

Eventually, the topic circled back to the Healberry, and Isabella expressed her gratitude once more. "Lucas, I can't thank you enough for bringing this fruit. If it can truly help my sister, it's like giving us a second chance."

"I'm glad I could bring a glimmer of hope. We'll work together to ensure the best possible outcome for Alice," I reassured her.

Isabella glanced at the clock, realizing how late it had become. "We should get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day, and we need to discuss our plan of action."

"Agreed," I said, rising from my seat. Isabella led the way to the guest room, and as we reached the doorway, she paused, looking back at me.

"Lucas, thank you again. I never expected this, but I'm willing to give you a chance—for Alice's sake."

"Thank you, Isabella. I won't let you down," I promised, a genuine determination in my voice.

As the door closed behind her, I settled into the guest room, contemplating the unexpected turn of events. The journey to help Alice had just begun, and with Isabella's support, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. Little did I know, the challenges ahead would test not only my abilities but also the bonds forming in this unexpected alliance.