The elven race was known for being homebodies. The vast majority of elves never left the Adventure Continent in their entire lifetime.

Other than a few nobles' gilded cages in their castles, or the high-end nightingale halls owned by the major slave groups, it was very difficult for commoners to see elves.

So it goes without saying how exotic elves were to the lower classes.

When Lagren and the others inadvertently realized they had saved an elf, they couldn't hide their curiosity.

When it came time for someone to treat the elf's wounds, they even erupted into a minor quarrel over who got to be the one to have close contact with the elf.

In the end, it took the rare outburst of cleric Carlotta for the crowd to settle down.

...

After much coaxing from Carlotta, elf Hathaway Tenuvir finally emerged from her immense shame.

When the food aromas began wafting, Hathaway, supported by Carlotta, came to the campfire.

The elf was met with an enthusiastic welcome.

Nothing could be done about it - Hathaway was just too beautiful.

Lagren, who had been ready to chop down Hathaway earlier, now had an infatuated look. Not to mention the other males - they were practically drooling.

Of course, there were exceptions. Ronald and the dwarf Hammerfist acted normally.

The former understood that "even fairies poop and fart," while the latter simply had different aesthetics.

To the old dwarf warrior, only female dwarves with beards longer than his and who could drink more were true beauties.

Hathaway was an elf who dared to admit her mistakes. She walked up to the campfire, glanced around at everyone until all eyes were focused on her, then solemnly spoke:

"My name is Hathaway. I feel extremely remorseful about what happened today. If there is anything I can do to help you all, please let me know."

After speaking, Hathaway deeply bowed to everyone.

Hathaway's voice was very distinctive - the low notes were as soft as winter sunlight, clear and bright. The high notes were as cold as steel balls bouncing on ice, with a crisp, distinct clarity.

Seeing the sweet-voiced silver-haired beauty not far away, Lagren felt her annoyance at the delayed mission sweep away. She was about to go help the other up, but was shoved aside by a figure behind her.

Unable to restrain his desire to "seem holy in public," Anderson squeezed past the team captain and rushed up close to Hathaway.

"Beautiful Miss Hathaway, there is no need to dwell on this. My mentor taught me that aiding the weak is a quality every mage should possess. If it were anyone today, we still would have stepped in to help. So please, don't take it to heart."

Anderson had reason to be so attentive.

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Aside from his strong possessive desire towards beautiful things, he also sensed obscure elemental fluctuations from Hathaway.

Legend said human magic originated from elven magic, so it followed that elves, being closer to the source, would naturally be more adept at controlling the elements than humans, right?

Anderson felt he had found the true caster of the "illuminating warning shot." So how could he miss this chance to make first contact?

He thought his performance just now was perfect - neither aggressively opportunistic, nor lecherously unable to walk from seeing a beauty. Even the most meticulous etiquette master could find no flaws in his mage's courtesy.

Anderson felt good about himself, but to the elf, a member of the long-lived races, he was full of holes.

Although most elves developed frank, non-contentious personalities due to their enclosed environment, it didn't mean they were silly or naive.

On the contrary, their extremely long lifespans made each of them masters of psychology.

Although Hathaway was only 65 years old, not yet an adult, under her family's constant reminders she was not unfamiliar with humans.

From the self-righteous mage before her, Hathaway sensed hypocrisy and malice.

The young silver-haired elf badly wanted to give the arrogant human mage a lash of her soul whip, smashing his dog head in. But as he currently hadn't actually offended her, Hathaway could only swallow her impatience and say:

"I appreciate your kindness, but as the aided I cannot overlook your loss of income from saving me. I really want to compensate you now, but unfortunately I do not have human currency. However, I can join you as a team member - I am a spellblade, proficient in nature magic and elven combat arts. I believe I can certainly help you all."

Ronald nearly laughed out loud. Only an elf could say so haughtily that she had no money.

Before Anderson could reply, Hathaway did not give him a chance. After speaking, she immediately walked over to Agatha.

"Great Goddess of Nature, please grant me..."

Accompanied by the lilting elven words, a wheel of light similar to a sucking disk appeared before Hathaway.

The elven girl reached inside and rummaged around, finally pulling out a bottle of glowing green potion.

"Elven life potion!" Anderson whispered in awe.

More than the unknown elixir, Ronald was concerned about the sucking disk of light on Hathaway's chest.

Was this elven magic through the elven tongue?

What were its principles and effects?

Ronald's interest was suddenly piqued. He turned to exchange some intel with Anderson, but when he looked over he found unconcealed desire in Anderson's eyes...

The more someone excelled at performing, the less they liked others seeing their true side. Ronald did not want trouble, so he shifted his gaze to Hathaway - she was another path to answers, although likely more difficult.

After Hathaway fed Agatha the life potion, a wondrous sight occurred - her wounds actually began slowly healing, soon scabbing over.

The Blazing Rose members watched dumbfounded. Some looked at the life potion with burning gazes.

Ronald recalled rumors of elves being extremely gifted with healing magic. It seemed they were not false reports.

Just as Ronald pondered how to extract elven magical secrets from the pointy ears, Hathaway slowly walked up to him.

Seeing Ronald huddled in his cloak, Hathaway's brows furrowed slightly.

The young elf tried convincing herself that this shady figure, like Agatha, was also her life-saving benefactor. But no matter how many times she tried, Hathaway still didn't like the man before her.

"What an arrogant human!"

"Facing an elven royal of the Dawnstar elves, yet not even lowering his hood! How rude."

Although she was slandering him inwardly, outwardly Hathaway showed nothing, understanding that she had been rude first. He had kindly saved her, yet she had slashed at him upon waking - anyone would probably react poorly.

Hathaway stood biting her lip before Ronald for a while. Seeing he made no move to get up, she squatted down.

The elf had a slender figure. Even squatting, Hathaway was still taller than Ronald.

"Um...I'm very sorry about attacking you. I had just woken up then...wasn't very clear-headed..."

"I understand. I forgive you."

Seeing the silver-haired elf's ashamed face, Ronald directly replied.

Hathaway let out an adorable exclamation. She asked incredulously: "You forgive me?"

"Yes, I forgive you."

After confirming again, Hathaway saw Ronald in a much better light.

The elven girl even felt that Ronald remaining hooded perhaps had some unavoidable sad reason...

But this thought had barely surfaced when Ronald's tone shifted.

"Miss Hathaway probably doesn't want to bring disgrace to the elven people. So, could Miss Hathaway help me with a small favor?"