Dereck sighed and continued, "Isabe insisted that you be given a chance. She believes there''s more to you than meets the eye."


    Isabe finally looked up, and her eyes met mine. There was a mix of determination and a hint of regret in her gaze.


    I nodded appreciatively at Isabe, silently thanking her for vouching for me. Dereck observed our interaction with a discerning gaze.


    "Lucas Datkheart, I''ve heard from Isabe that you have a way to save my eldest daughter who has beena state for 5 years but think why should I believe in you? Give me one reason."Dereck questioned, his tone measured.


    ''This is it! This is the moment I have been waiting for. I can''t let this chance go by!'' I exim inside.


    Taking a deep breath, meeting Dereck''s gaze with earnestness. "Sir, can I call you sir? Of course I can, I understand the gravity of the situation regarding your daughter. I know that you don''t have any reason to believe me but you can believe in [Healberry] fruit."


    Dereck eyes widened for a split second before turning to normal.


    ''As I suspected he also knows about Healberry.'' Like I said before after the ck market auction house everyone will know about the legendary fruit, Healberry, and that includes Dereck too who has been searching for a way to solve his daughter''s curse.


    In the novel, someone had bought this in auction but this time I can''t let that happen so I bought it instead.


    Of course, it was expensive as hell.


    Dereck''s eyes narrowed, studying me intently. "So you''re the one who brought it, Healberry fruit I mean."


    I just silently nodded my head.


    Isabe, still standing beside her father, spoke up, "Father, I''ve witnessed Lucas''s actions, and there''s something different about him now. I believe he''s genuine in his intent to help. I don''t know what this Healberry is but if it can help big sister Alice then please give him a chance at least."


    My eyes widened as I heard Isabe''s words. I don''t know if she believed me that much knowing that we always argued with each other.


    Now I''m feeling a little guilty because I''m doing this for my benefit and the plot so that Isabe won''t be a crazy mage who wants all the magic for herself.''


    But as I said I''m only feeling a little guilty soon enough all these emotions will go away.


    Dereck sighed, a mix of desperation and hope in his expression. "If what you say is true, Lucas, and you can truly help my daughter, then I''m willing to give you a chance. But understand this, if you betray my trust or if this is some kind of deception, there will be consequences."


    "I understand, Sid. I give you my word that I''ll do everything in my power to help Alice," I affirmed, the weight of the promise settling upon me.


    Dereck nodded a reluctant eptance in his gaze. "Very well, Lucas Datkheart. Prove the sincerity of your intentions through your actions. Alice''s well-being is of utmost importance to me."


    "Isabe, take Lucas to the guest house for now, I''m sure he would have been exhausted after this long trip."


    Dereck said ncing at his daughter and I nodded in appreciation, acknowledging Dereck''s decision.


    Isabe gestured for me to follow her, leading the way to the guest house within the Evergreen n''s territory.


    As we walked, Isabe spoke, "Lucas, I didn''t expect you to have the Healberry fruit. How did youe across it?"


    I decided to provide a partial truth, "It came into my possession through certain connections. I knew of its significance, especially for someone like Dereck''s daughter, and I wanted to offer it as a means of assistance."


    Isabe seemed to ept my exnation, though a hint of curiosity lingered in her eyes. We reached the guest house, a serene structure surrounded by the natural beauty of Sylvanwood.


    "Here''s where you''ll be staying for now. Rest up, and we can discuss further ns tomorrow," Isabe suggested, her demeanour more neutral than before.


    ''She is upset because I didn''t tell her where I got the Healberry fruit. Paraph...''


    "Hey, Isabe," I called her out, hearing my voice Isabe turned towards me with a confused expression on her face.


    "Just sec..." Saying that I quickly focused my attention on the bracelet.


    Channelling my mana into it, after a couple of seconds, I took out a familiar-looking fruit.


    The Healberry fruit, and the fruit responsible for curing Isabe''s sister of her curse.


    Feeling the fruit in my hand, it suddenly felt a lot heavier than I thought. It felt as though I was holding onto arge five-hundred-kilogram dumbbell.


    I knew that this was all fruit of my imagination and aplicated look shed across my face, however, realizing that Isabe was here, I forced a smile and handed it to her.


    "…This is the fruit that can cure your sister."


    With her eyes locked onto the fruit in my hand, Isabe didn''t speak. However, I could see hope glimmer inside of her as she eyed the fruit in my hand.


    Extending her hand, Isabe flinched and retrieved it before turning to look at me and politely asking.


    "…May I?"


    "Go ahead."


    I replied whilst extending my hand, urging her to take the fruit.


    Mustering some courage, Isabe eventually extended her hand and took the fruit. Then, retrieving it, she started to carefully examine it in her hand.


    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 aical scene for me to see.


    "Hahaha."


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


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


    "Is something funny?"