Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey
Chapter 233: Alice Evergreen [4]

We walked for 20 minutes but we didn't reach Alice's room. The Evergreen Clan is sure very big.

"This way." Saying that Isabella again turned in a different direction of corridors.

'It feels like we are walking in the maze...' I thought as I quickened my walking pace.

And just like that, we walked another 10 minutes before reaching the area where Alice's room belonged.

Alice's room was taking up almost half the floor.

Not only was her room protected by a magic barrier, but there were also three Evergreen clan members guarding the entrance. I could see at a glance that they were easily comparable to A-rank Heroes or Hunters.

"Congratulations, Young Miss."

A particularly intimidating man walked up and gave a big smile.

Isabella nodded with a surreal expression.

"Y-Yes, thank you."

"...Is he also going in?"

The man pointed at me.

Isabella nodded.

"Yes."

"Hm. He'll need the Clan's head permission...."

"I'll give him a permit and I'm sure Father will do that too. After all thanks to him, my sister is alive."

"Kuhum."

The man opened the door without any questions however he was giving me a weird look as we walked inside.

The room's clean, flowery air entered my nose.

It was a room with magic power density reaching the 'propitious' level.

A masterpiece painting hung on the wall to give the room colcolournd placed around the room was pictures of Isabella and Alice.

In this homely room, Alice was lying down in her bed, from the look of it it seemed she was resting. Her body still needs some time to recover.

Silence filled the room.

Isabella stared at Alice's resting figure with a gentle smile.

My eyes widened when I saw that smile. This was the first time I ever had seen her smiling like this.

Alice, the once lifeless figure trapped in a coma, now lay peacefully in the bed, bathed in the soft glow of the room. Her features were delicate, with a complexion that held a newfound vitality. Strands of Silver hair framed her face, and her closed eyes hinted at the serenity of her slumber.

As my gaze lingered on her, I couldn't help but marvel at the ethereal quality she possessed. It was as if the room itself responded to her presence, creating an ambience of comfort and healing.

Isabella's smile, a mix of relief and affection, painted a picture of the profound bond between the sisters. It was a smile that radiated warmth, dispelling the shadows of uncertainty that had haunted their lives.

Alice's eyelids fluttered, and her eyes, once vacant, now held a gentle glimmer of awareness. The subtle rise and fall of her chest indicated the slow, rhythmic dance of breath—a testament to the life that had returned to her.

"Sister," Isabella whispered, her voice filled with a tender familiarity that only siblings share.

Alice turned her head, and for the first time, I saw her through my own eyes, not as a creation of imagination but as a living being. Her eyes, a shade of hazel, held a mixture of curiosity and recognition. The smile that graced her lips transformed her face, bringing a genuine, heartfelt joy.

"Isabella!," Alice greeted, her voice filled with warmth.

I said, "Hello, It's a pleasure to meet you."

Isabella smiled at the reunion, "Sister, He Was the one who helped cure you. If it weren't for him, we wouldn't be having this conversation."

Alice's eyes widened in gratitude. "thank you. I don't know how to express my gratitude. Isabella told me everything."

I scratched the back of my head, feeling a bit awkward. "It was the least I could do. I'm just glad you're okay."

"By the way what's your name?"

What? She doesn't know my name?

I turned my head towards the Isabella and gave her a long look. Seeing my stairs Isabella turned toward Alice and said,

" Lucas, His name is Lucas, Sister. "

Alice's eyes sparkled with curiosity, "Lucas, huh?" She glanced between Isabella and me, a playful smile forming. "Is he your boyfriend? Well, I have to say catch quite a good look man, I can trust Isabella's judgment."

"E-Eh? What are you talking about? He's not."

Isabella denied it strongly but take sneaking a peek at me.

Alice chuckled, thoroughly enjoying Isabella's embarrassment. "Is that so? Well, Lucas, thank you for helping my little sister. You seem to have made quite an impression."

I could feel my face heating up, caught in the teasing atmosphere. "I, um, just wanted to help. I'm not... uh, her boyfriend."

Alice raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Not yet, at least. Time will tell."

Isabella, blushing furiously, tried to change the subject. "Sister, you need to focus on recovering. Don't tire yourself with these conversations."

Alice grinned, clearly enjoying the situation. "Oh, don't worry, Isabella. I feel much better already, thanks to Lucas and this mysterious Healberry fruit."

Isabella sighed, realizing her attempt to divert the conversation had backfired. "Lucas, we should probably leave Alice to rest now."

I nodded, happy for the excuse to escape the teasing. "Yes, of course. I'm glad to see you're doing well, Alice. If you need anything, just let us know."

As Isabella and I exited the room, the door closed behind us. Isabella shot me an apologetic glance, clearly embarrassed by her sister's playful banter.

"Sorry about that," she said, rubbing the back of her neck. "Sister has always been like that, teasing and playful."

I chuckled, feeling a bit relieved. "No problem. It's good to see her in high spirits. And, um, thanks for clarifying that I'm not your boyfriend."

Isabella blushed again, but this time it was accompanied by a shy smile. "Well, you're not, but... I appreciate your help, Lucas. Truly."

We walked through the corridors of the Evergreen Clan, leaving behind the maze-like structure. The playful teasing and warmth of the reunion lingered in the air, creating a sense of newfound connection.

As we stepped out into the open grounds of the clan, Isabella turned to me with a genuine expression of gratitude. "Lucas, I can't thank you enough. You brought my sister back to me. If there's ever anything I can do for you, just name it."

'This what I have been waiting for but now is not the time. Let's play the good guy role.'

I smiled, touched by her sincerity. "I'm just glad I could help. Your family has been through a lot, and seeing Alice awake and well is the best reward."

Isabella nodded, and as we continued walking, I couldn't help but feel that this unexpected journey had woven stronger bonds than I could have imagined.