Redeem The Villain [Quick Travel] Chapter 12

Chapter 12 Treatment: So Comfortable He Fell Asleep

Aleksi met the slightly evasive gaze, and his tone unconsciously softened. “Is the Holy Son not going to explain it to me? I am also curious how I supposedly forced you.”

He wasn’t angry, but the frustration and melancholy in his heart remained. He had deliberately avoided seeing Lu Qinian these past few days, yet the feeling hadn’t lessened in the slightest. He knew what had happened between the Elf and the Deer Beastman in the Dungeon, and he only showed up here when he heard the Elf had sent the Beastman away.

What is more embarrassing than having gossip and rumors confirmed by the person involved? Lu Qinian swallowed awkwardly, his face flushing.

The Beastman group had already walked far away, and the Merfolk who had been watching the excitement had been dispersed at some point. Now, only the two of them remained here.

Aleksi was wearing dark red, intricate robes, and his deep pupils were gazing at him faintly. Surprisingly, Lu Qinian felt no coldness; instead, it seemed more like a look of grievance.

Lu Qinian had wanted to sincerely apologize for a long time. These past few days, he had been trying to explain the rumors and even asked Yang Luo to step forward and clarify. The Merfolk of the Merfolk race already knew it was a misunderstanding, and gradually, no one brought it up anymore.

It was just that Lu Li, having been locked in the Dungeon, didn’t know much, and his thought process was peculiar. He hadn’t even considered whether saying such things would cause the Merfolk to detain him Undersea.

Lu Qinian took a few steps forward. Their eyes met, and he took in Aleksi’s unnatural demeanor before sincerely saying, “I apologize. That day at the Sea Demon camp, I spoke carelessly, which led everyone to misunderstand your character. This is my fault.”

His green eyes were filled with determination; he was genuinely apologizing.

Aleksi was stunned. He had never received an apology from anyone. Since childhood, the humiliation he received was considered deserved by everyone because of his black tail. But he was also a person, and he deserved the dignity of receiving an apology from others.

“I will explain this matter clearly. I will compensate you for the impact it has caused. Also, regarding your headache problem, I am the only Elf Undersea right now. Let me know how we can arrange a time. I will heal you, and I hope you can forgive me.”

Aleksi had never experienced anything like this and didn’t know what to say. No one had ever told him. He could only coldly utter two words: “It’s fine.”

He wasn’t an unreasonable person. Furthermore, the rumors about him were countless times worse than this. Even an explanation would be useless. Moreover, he was the one who had wronged the Elf in the first place, so how could he blame him?

Aleksi’s eyes dimmed slightly.

Lu Qinian didn’t notice the other party’s abnormality, only smiling gently. “Then I will come find you tomorrow to treat your injuries.”

Aleksi looked up in surprise, his lips moving for a moment without uttering a word. When those green eyes looked at him, he almost couldn’t resist the urge to flee. He was becoming increasingly strange. In the past, he wouldn’t have blinked an eye even if he had killed an Elf.

He didn’t answer but turned and walked away.

Lu Qinian paused in thought, subconsciously taking a step forward, then slowly stopping in place.

Aleksi moved quickly, his long, black curly hair swaying in the water.

“Holy Son, His Majesty asked me to bring this.” Xiao Guo smiled sweetly, placing the clothing in Lu Qinian’s hands.

Seeing the little Merfolk holding a piece of silk-woven clothing adorned with some gold threads, Lu Qinian took it with a strange expression.

Xiao Guo’s eyes sparkled. “Holy Son, Guo’er heard that you went to the Sea Demon camp yourself and even killed a Sea Demon to save His Majesty! You are so amazing!”

Lu Qinian put the clothes down and then asked gently, “Does Guo’er think it’s amazing?”

“Of course! That was a Sea Demon! We Merfolk can’t fight Sea Demons at all. If His Majesty hadn’t protected us, Ling-jie and I would have already…” Xiao Guo paused, scratching his head sheepishly. “I’m sorry, Holy Son, I shouldn’t have said that.”

No wonder Ling Tang was more worried about Aleksi than Yang Luo. Yang Luo, as the High Priest, and Aleksi’s ascension were mutually dependent and indispensable. However, Ling Tang had no official position. If she had one, it was probably like a general commanding soldiers in ancient times.

“It’s alright,” Lu Qinian said, then asked, “Where did you and Ling Tang meet Aleksi?”

Xiao Guo didn’t mind the Holy Son calling His Majesty by name. To him, His Majesty was a good person, and so was the Holy Son.

The little Merfolk answered cheerfully, “It was in the Drifter’s Territory. There are many Merfolk there who don’t have homes. Unlike other races, the Merfolk race doesn’t gather everyone together. Resources Undersea are limited and non-renewable. If everyone gathered, they would starve to death, so Merfolk only gather in small groups with their families.”

“The Drifter’s Territory is where Merfolk without homes live. I was very young then and don’t remember much. Ling Tang-jie said she found me on the road and then took me to the Drifter’s Territory.”

“At that time, the Sea Demons occupied the Merfolk’s territory and killed many Merfolk. The blood even soaked the entire ocean, and the Merfolk population was reduced by more than half, almost to extinction. The Old King was old and frail, and the little prince was a weakling with no power. The Sea Demons even invaded the palace. Later, the Old King ceded a large area of land to survive.”

Lu Qinian raised an eyebrow. No wonder the Merfolk and Sea Demons were sworn enemies; the hatred between the two races was built on piles of corpses.

“Later, His Majesty stepped forward and single-handedly drove away all the Sea Demons occupying the Reef Zone, saving Ling-jie and me in the Drifter’s Territory.” After Xiao Guo finished speaking, he lowered his head, his mood low.

Lu Qinian gently rubbed the top of his head. “Don’t be sad. How about I take you out to play?”

Xiao Guo instantly looked up. He hadn’t been out to play in a long time. His heart was full of longing, but he didn’t want to bother the Elf, so he asked weakly, “Really?”

“Of course. I just need to trouble Guo’er to trim my hair again.”

“Guo’er will definitely give the Holy Son the coolest haircut.”

“Then I thank Guo’er in advance.”

“You’re welcome, hehe.”

The next day.

Lu Qinian woke up very early. After a simple wash, he walked out of the bathroom to change his clothes. His eyes fell on the silk and gold-thread woven garment. His fingers paused, and after a moment, he gently picked up the clothing.

With a shake of his hand, an extremely eye-catching garment was displayed before him.

The fabric of the clothing in his hand was excellent, soft and smooth to the touch, with a cool, icy feeling, similar to modern ice silk, but the texture of this one was much better.

If it hadn’t been delivered by Xiao Guo’er, Lu Qinian wouldn’t have dared to unfold it. What if it was another…

Lu Qinian quickly changed his clothes, turned, and left the room. After walking for more than ten minutes, he stopped outside the familiar door and gently knocked a few times.

“Knock—”

“Come in.”

The voice was indifferent but not hoarse, indicating that Aleksi had slept quite well yesterday. Lu Qinian slowly pushed open the door. The Merfolk was staring intently at the memorial in his hands, while Ling Tang beside him was staring straight at Lu Qinian.

Lu Qinian smiled at her. The next second, Ling Tang rolled her eyes and turned her head away, no longer looking at him. The Elf awkwardly rubbed his nose.

Aleksi’s long, curly hair draped over his shoulders. His brows were slightly furrowed, and his expression was impatient, as if he was extremely dissatisfied with the memorial in his hand.

“Speak.” His tone was full of impatience. Aleksi still didn’t look up, seemingly mistaking Lu Qinian for a minister who had come to report.

Lu Qinian said, “It’s me. Does your head still hurt today?”

Aleksi paused his action of turning the page. He instantly looked up at the Elf, frozen in his seat for a long time. He had thought the Elf was just saying it, after all, no one would genuinely want to see him.

The Elf’s appearance was still top-notch. His short golden hair had been trimmed at some point and was now neat and clean. The eyes he liked the most were gazing at him with a smile.

“It doesn’t hurt,” Aleksi said in a flat tone.

Lu Qinian slowly walked forward. “How should I heal you? Just by releasing affinity?”

Aleksi: “Yes.”

Ling Tang quietly moved. During their conversation, she had already reached the doorway. Hearing her King’s answer, she couldn’t help but roll her eyes and said, “Please massage His Majesty’s head while releasing affinity, Holy Son.”

Ling Tang’s tone wasn’t particularly good, but it was much more respectful than in the previous days. Lu Qinian didn’t mind the NPC’s inexplicable unfriendliness and pressed, “How long is best?”

Ling Tang met the dark-haired Merfolk’s gloomy gaze, and a chill ran down her spine, but she still said, “Half an hour is optimal.”

“Ling Tang,” Aleksi frowned, warning her in a low voice.

Everything that needed to be said had been said. What was the use of Aleksi scolding her now? Lu Qinian didn’t speak, slowly stepping forward to close the distance. “Since I promised to treat you, I must keep my word and not just talk.”

Aleksi’s deep eyes trembled, and he didn’t make a sound.

This was Aleksi’s study, where he usually handled some government affairs. Most of the ministers’ messages were relayed by Yang Luo. Lu Qinian wasn’t afraid of someone coming in and seeing something, but Aleksi’s expression surprised him. He hadn’t expected a fierce beast to also have moments of embarrassment.

Lu Qinian seemed to have found amusement. He lowered his head slightly, leaning close to Aleksi’s face, and whispered, “Then, Your Majesty, will you continue to handle government affairs, or should we treat you first?”

Aleksi’s Adam’s apple bobbed a few times. Since the Elf spoke, he couldn’t calm down anymore. The memorial in his hand should have been turned long ago, but he hadn’t moved. Now, the Elf was so close to him, even… even about to touch him. He could even see himself reflected in his favorite eyes.

In an instant, his mind exploded with a bang, and his thoughts couldn’t turn over.

“Let’s treat it.” His deep voice became much lighter. Beneath his wheat-colored skin, a rosy interior was hidden.

“Okay.”

Lu Qinian smiled, which made Aleksi even more stunned for a long time. He didn’t snap out of it until a pair of large hands rested on his head. He could feel the Elf carefully massaging the back of his head, which had been aching for a long time. The gentle movements made Aleksi involuntarily close his eyes. A scent he loved the most spread out, enveloping them completely.

Lu Qinian massaged gently for a long time. Standing behind Aleksi, he couldn’t see the Merfolk’s expression, but he could feel the unnatural stiffness of the Merfolk’s body.

Before long, the stiff body suddenly relaxed, almost bumping into Lu Qinian’s fingers, startling him into instantly letting go. The Merfolk in front of him lost support and instantly tilted, falling toward the ground.

Lu Qinian quickly leaned down and caught the person entirely in his arms, asking urgently, “What’s wrong?”

Aleksi was instantly startled awake by the movement. When he opened his eyes, he was so shocked he almost jumped up. The Elf was kneeling on one knee, supporting himself on the ground, his back leaning against the table leg, and his strong arms wrapped around his chest. He could even feel the warmth radiating from the Elf.

Aleksi then realized that he was entirely lying in the Elf’s embrace.

“!!!” The Merfolk’s fingers tightly gripped the edge of the table. With a forceful pull, he straightened up. His wheat-colored skin couldn’t hide the redness on his face.

It wasn’t until he suppressed the inner turmoil and turned around again that the Elf was standing to the side, looking at him worriedly.

Aleksi’s throat tightened, and the thread in his mind instantly snapped.

He finally understood why he was acting so strangely.

Seeing that he seemed fine, Lu Qinian breathed a sigh of relief and slowly asked, “Why did you faint? Was it discomfort, or some other reason?”

Aleksi pursed his lips. He was a little embarrassed to say that he had fallen asleep, not fainted.

The Merfolk’s voice was flat but contained no trace of coldness. Seeing the Elf worried about him, his heart felt much lighter. “Treating the headache also requires medicine. Ling Tang has gone to brew it.”

Lu Qinian left the study only after Aleksi drank the bowl of dark, murky medicine.

Aside from the treatment, Lu Qinian had nothing else to do in the afternoon, so he explored the Undersea with Xiao Guo.

Time passed quickly.

Lu Qinian went to Aleksi’s room on time every day to treat his headache. Except for the first day, when the treatment process was unexpectedly unsuccessful, the following days were completed smoothly.

Today, after seeing Aleksi drink the medicinal soup, he left the study as usual, but was called out just as he was about to return to his room.

Ling Tang’s expression was somewhat unnatural. “Holy Son, I would like to talk to you.”

Lu Qinian raised an eyebrow. After thinking for a long time, he couldn’t figure out the reason, so he could only reply, “Alright.”

The Beastmen reached the surface, and their gloomy moods finally relaxed. Having been imprisoned for a month, some had even contemplated suicide. Everyone harbored deep hatred for Aleksi, wishing they could immediately find their tribe leaders to launch a punitive expedition against the Undersea tyrant.

“Where are you going?” The Sheep Beastman grabbed Lu Li’s wrist. The Deer and Sheep Beastmen were both herbivores, and the distance between their tribes was the shortest of all the races, so their directions were naturally the same. However, Lu Li was walking in a different direction.

Lu Li didn’t pull his wrist away but answered with a firm voice, “I’m going to the Elf race.”

The Sheep Beastman was startled and suddenly understood something. “Why go to the Elf race? Your tribesmen must be very worried about you. We should prioritize returning to our tribes to report that we are safe.”

As a junior, he should prioritize preventing his tribesmen from worrying, but Lu Li shook his head and said, “The Elf Clan Leader is of advanced age and must dote on Thor the most. We were saved because he risked his life, and his current imprisonment Undersea is partly our fault. I can’t do anything else, but reporting that he is safe is easy.”

The Sheep Beastman said no more, and Lu Li didn’t intend to listen to anything the other party had to say. He turned and walked straight toward the Elf race.

His father and Xiao Yang’s father were both tribe leaders. When the two young children were young, they secretly ran out of their tribes and met in the forest, quickly becoming friends. The distance between the two tribes was the closest, and because of the deep friendship between the children, their relationship was naturally the best.

Lu Li could understand Xiao Yang’s meaning. As the son of a tribe leader, he should prioritize returning to his tribe. But when he thought of the Elf Holy Son, who had almost lost his life for them, the first feeling he had when he learned they could leave the Dungeon was not happiness, but worry.

He had always heard that the Elf Holy Son was aloof, arrogant, and lacked human emotion. But after getting to know the Holy Son, he only felt that he was a meticulous and reserved person.

The Holy Son should be a sacred person. He should return to the Elf race clean and flawless, not be insulted by some tyrant Undersea.

The more Lu Li thought about it, the more convinced he became, and his steps quickened significantly.

The Elf race was isolated from the world. In this world, besides the Merfolk race’s innate singing ability to captivate the soul, the Elf race’s ability to communicate with plants and even the world was the most feared by outsiders.

Lu Li walked for many days, even doubting whether he had strayed from the direction, but the moment he saw a treehouse in the distant forest, he instantly became excited.

“Finally found it!”

His steps were fast, and he quickly ran toward the forest.

The next second, an Elf wearing cloth armor appeared in front of Lu Li from behind a hidden tree trunk. He held up a longbow, and a pair of emerald green eyes glared fiercely at Lu Li.

“Who are you?”