Chapter 632: Chapter 632 - Aerin’s Warmth


    ?


    Aerin beamed brightly as she sat opposite Broken.


    "I have some good news for you, Broken," she began. "There''s a cave nearby where the Forest Elves do their mining. Inside that cave, you''ll find the Mithril you''re looking for."


    "That''s wonderful news," Broken replied. "But can an outsider like me mine these resources? Is there a price I need to pay for it? After all, Mithril is incredibly valuable."


    Aerin nodded enthusiastically.


    "Mithril is one of the most valuable minerals out there," she said. "It contains powerful magical properties, making it ideal for crafting weapons and armor. Unfortunately, the Forest Elves haven''t been able to make good use of it for a long time-weck skilled cksmiths here. But from what I''ve heard, you''re free to take as much as you need."


    Broken furrowed his brow as he processed her words.


    "Free?"


    Mithril was a highly valuable resource, and he found it odd that they would so freely allow an outsider like him to im it. He had no real influence over the Forest Elves, and the offer


    seemed almost too generous.


    Nothing in this world is truly free.


    Should he be a bit more cautious?


    "Alright," he said. "When can I start mining? Can I do it immediately, for example, tonight?"


    "You can do it whenever you want," Aerin replied warmly. "But there''s no need to rush. We still have plenty of time. I suggest taking a break and resting first. This ce will look even more beautiful in the morning."


    Broken nodded, her suggestion seeming reasonable.


    One thing-one thing that Broken had increasingly noticed ever since Princess Alora began using her identity as Aerin-was how much cuter her way of speaking had be with this persona.


    Yes, he was certain about it. The Princess Alora he knew was undeniably friendly, but she tended to speak more directly, especially when they were alone. In fact, they often ended up in heated debates over various topics, their dynamic more blunt and intense.


    But this Alora-no, this Aerin-spoke with a gentler tone, her words carrying a cheerful softness that was almost disarming. Was the influence of her Aerin identity truly this strong? Could this be her original personality?


    Perhaps the weight of her responsibilities as a crowned princess had forced her to harden her demeanor. After all, she was constantly under immense pressure, required to remain steadfast against the burdens and challenges closing in from all sides.


    Broken couldn''t help but wonder-wouldn''t she be better off staying here with the Forest Elves, living a peaceful life free from the suffocating demands of the throne?


    After all, her current path came with the looming threat of arge-scale war, a risk she would have to shoulder alone.


    But he quickly pushed the thought aside.


    Alora had already chosen her path, and it was evident that she didn''t waver in the slightest, despite the monumental challenges she faced. Her resolve was unshakable, and Broken knew that whatevery ahead, she would confront it head-on.


    "Very well, then," Broken said. "I think it would be best for you to rest first since I''ll need you to apany me when I go to the cave."


    "No, Broken," Aerin replied gently. "They said you can go on your own. I have something else I need to take care of here. But don''t worry; some Knights will apany you in case you run into any monsters."


    "I''m not letting you out of my sight," he said. "I understand this is your second home, but I need to ensure your safety."


    Aerin shook her head, a soft smile tugging at her lips.


    "There''s no need to worry," she said. "They''re my family. The leader of the tribe is my uncle. I''m safe here we both are."


    Broken shook his head. "But..."


    His experiences with the Moonlight Fae lingered in his thoughts. Though he had tried to help them, they had ultimately betrayed him, teaching him a painful but vital lesson: trust should not be given lightly.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Aerin," he said. "I understand that they''re your family, and the leader of the tribe is your uncle. But don''t forget... You also have an uncle in the Kingdom. You know how he treats you." "But, Broken..." she started, her voice soft and uncertain, trailing off into silence.


    She seemed to search for the right words, her gaze thoughtful.


    Finally, she spoke again. "I''ll try to talk to them so I cane with you to search for the Mithril. You don''t need to worry-I understand your concern. And... Thank you for caring."


    See?


    Princess Alora wouldn''t have responded like this. She would have stood firm in her decision, insisting that Broken go to the cave alone.


    But this Aerin—she yielded so easily, reconsidering her stance without hesitation to amodate his concerns. Her gentleness and willingness topromise were markedly different from Alora''s resolute andmanding demeanor.


    Which personality did Broken prefer? The friendly yet assertive Alora or the gentle and kind- hearted Aerin, who seemed to prioritize harmony over dominance?


    Aerin had mentioned that the Forest Elves were working to restore the World Tree.


    Broken couldn''t shake the feeling that their scheme had broader implications-something that could deeply affect the Dissidia Kingdom, especially since the Forest Elves lived within its borders.


    What troubled him further was the mystery surrounding their generosity.


    "Broken," she murmured, "is there something that''s worrying you?"


    Broken hesitated. After a moment, he sighed and finally replied, "Yes, actually, there is..."


    Aerin let out a soft giggle. "You know, my knights usually aren''t this protective of me. They just follow my orders without question. But this is the first time someone has tried to protect me and tell me what to do."


    "Is that a problem for you, Aerin?" he asked. "I am the leader of this expedition, after all. And you''re not a princess here, so it''s only natural that you''d listen to me, right?"


    Aerin shook her head, smiling. "No... I''m okay with it. So, what''s the n?"


    Broken hesitated, ncing around. He wasn''t sure if this was the right ce to discuss his


    ns with her.


    They were in the Forest Elves'' territory, and he didn''t want to risk anyone overhearing something sensitive. Additionally, he had no intention of entering the Moonlight Dimension unless it was necessary, preferring to keep it as ast resort for emergencies.


    Finally, he responded, "The n is for us to rest for the night. Tomorrow morning, we''ll head


    to the cave you mentioned and explore it."


    Aerin nodded. "Yes... that sounds good."


    Broken found himself debating whether to log out of the game for the night. It would save him some ytime, but in the end, he decided to stay and enjoy the serene evening in the


    room.


    He couldn''t deny that the natural beauty of the Forest Elf vige was captivating. The harmony of the sights and sounds was a feast for his senses.


    The two of them spent time sitting side by side, sharing a simple meal and drinks. Aerin spoke


    with enthusiasm about her past experiences in the vige.


    It was the first time Broken had seen her talk so much-and with such joy. She truly seemed to


    love this ce.


    Perhaps there''s no need to worry so much about the Forest Elves?