Legacy of Hatred-Chapter 189: Looks

Truth was, as beautiful as Melissa was, the black-haired cultivator’s goal had been the Sects themselves.

After all, the man was still young. He was almost ten years older than ordinary disciples, but he could still be worthy of being groomed into a proper cultivator.

Nevertheless, the man needed to join a Sect to gain access to proper channels where his foundation could finally bloom, and Liam and Melissa could provide that opportunity.

As long as the man managed to build a connection with cultivators of superior status, he could hope for them to vouch for him. He just had to show his use, maybe even getting a few favors owed, before making that request.

Needless to say, that initial approach had threatened to shatter the man’s hopes. He had only wanted to be polite, truly meaning nothing disrespectful or deeper, but his statement had still ended up intruding on a romantic relationship.

"Forgive me, Senior!" The man promptly bowed. "I failed to recognize your value. You clearly are a hero among men, worthy of your beautiful Sister’s love!"

Panic built behind Melissa’s emotionless mask. Her relationship was young, barely a few weeks old. Even if true, it was far too early to talk about love, especially in public.

As for Liam, he felt some unexpected shyness, but those pleasantries made him ignore the matter altogether, keeping him grounded on the main issue.

"So," Liam muttered. "Does ... Junior still want to guide us through the spring?"

"Of course," The man exclaimed. "I’m Elliot. I hope Seniors will forgive my mistake through my services."

Liam had gone full-hunter there. The mission involved an unknown place with an unknown layout and dangers, so he knew a guide would come in handy.

Everything looked just about departing now, but Mary had a different suggestion.

"Esteemed guests," Mary called. "If you wish, the third floor has private quarters and baths. They are at your disposal. You can spend the night here, while the Mercenary Guild will take care of providing a carriage in the morning."

Liam wasn’t really tired, and he believed Melissa wasn’t, either. Yet, they had both accumulated dirt during the travel, and resting could be wise before the probably unavoidable confrontations against magical beasts.

Besides, the mission had just been decided. Liam wanted to make the point of the situation with Melissa, at the very least to express his real intentions when it came to the spring.

Naturally, it never crossed Liam’s mind that spending the night with Melissa could be improper. He honestly couldn’t see any difference from when she watched him concoct.

"We’ll spend the night here," Liam decided, performing a polite bow at Mary. "Fellow Daoist, thank you."

"The Mercenary Guild only wishes to serve," Mary declared, bowing back at Liam. "Please, esteemed guests. This way."

Liam glanced back at Elliot, wondering how he fit in all that, but the man merely kept his head down, having no intention of lifting it.

Actually, Melissa mimicked that trend, seemingly trying to hide the redness rising through her emotionless face as the two followed Mary up the staircase to the third floor.

The third floor consisted of a simple corridor with a series of sliding doors on its left side. Mary opened the first one, not questioning whether Liam and Melissa wanted separate rooms after the previous interactions.

Once Mary stepped aside, Liam and Melissa entered the quite barren room. The place featured a praying mat and even an actual bed, other than having another door that probably led to a bath.

Mary closed the door to leave the two to their privacy, and Melissa didn’t hesitate to shoot toward the bath at that point, leaving Liam alone and quite speechless.

Of course, Liam didn’t think much of the matter, removing his pouch and quiver to sit cross-legged on the mat. He even closed his eyes to meditate, but his brain kept churning thoughts.

’Is a spring like a river?’ Liam wondered. ’Will there be someone checking what I retrieve? Can someone force me to hand out the spirit stones?’

Much was still vague. Clearly, cultivators from the Sects possessed greater authority in that world, but Liam didn’t know how far that stretched.

After all, Liam was considering stealing, which was probably a grey legal area. He didn’t really care about rules, especially when they came from forces that had tried to kill him, but being smart about it sounded necessary.

Still, the bath’s door eventually opened, and Liam interrupted his meditation to involve Melissa in his reasoning, only for the scene to clear his mind of those thoughts.

Some steam accompanied Melissa’s exit from the bath. Her face had grown rosy, and her golden hair was down, its wet strands clinging to her graceful neck.

The room had candles, but Liam believed new light had invaded it, radiated by Melissa herself, surrounding her in a halo he couldn’t help but stare at.

Melissa noticed Liam’s stunned look and lowered her head in embarrassment. She adjusted her robe before slowly approaching Liam, sitting beside him.

Liam felt that something was off. Melissa had joined her hands on her lap and was slightly bent forward, as if trying to make herself small. If Liam had to guess, he would think that she was anxious.

Still, Melissa spoke before Liam could ask her anything.

"I-if you w-wish so," Melissa muttered, "I c-can cover my f-face from now o-on."

Liam frowned. Nothing in his brain connected those words to any specific topic, but the fact that Melissa looked distressed about it made him take it seriously.

"Why would you cover your face?" Liam asked.

"N-not to attract a-attention," Melissa explained, her face still lowered. "You l-looked uncomfortable with m-men watching m-me."

Liam’s frown vanished, replaced by understanding. It seemed Melissa had noticed that something had been off ever since the trip through Thornvale, and she had blamed herself for it.

"I d-don’t need anyone to s-see me," Melissa continued, gulping. "Only you."

Liam opened his mouth, but no words came out, and Melissa was the first to speak anyway.

"I’m fine only being looked at by you for the rest of my life," Melissa declared.