84: Chapter 84 For Frederica

When his full name came out of Frederica's mouth, Zhang Mu understood that she had been waiting specifically for him.

There was no need to slip away then. Sitting generously on the couch made from the fur of some unknown beast opposite her, Zhang Mu asked with a smile, "Aren't you drunk?"

Frederica didn't answer and asked on her own, "Are you going to look for the Burg Magic Family?"

"Yes."

"Why?" Confusion appeared on her face. Her hands, stacked and resting flat on her closed thighs, clenched into fists. "I don't know the exact Magician level of the Burg Magic Family patriarch, but he can conjure a Magic Shield, which means he is at least a High-level Magician. Not to mention a frontal confrontation, even if you ambushed them when they were completely unprepared, you wouldn't have the slightest chance of victory."

Zhang Mu didn't explain much, only saying, "I have a way."

This answer clearly didn't satisfy Frederica. Her chest, which had been puffed out, sank back down; she buried her head very low and fell silent.

"Zhang Mu, I sincerely acknowledge your courage. Your excellent quality of taking responsibility is something I yearn for immensely."

"But this is a pointless death. You have a bright future, Zhang Mu. You could completely wait until you are stronger before returning..."

"That would be boring." Zhang Mu suddenly interrupted her increasingly agitated emotions.

"Ms. Frederica," he said in a solemn tone, "if the patriarch of the Burg Magic Family were a Magister, I would absolutely not go looking for him right now."

A Magister is an advancement from a High-level Magician, but it's not as simple as just one rank higher. With Mental Energy that has successfully undergone a qualitative change, one can easily pierce a High-level Magician's spiritual sea without even needing to use magic. This level cannot be dealt with using simple traps.

"But he isn't." Zhang Mu supported the back of his head with his hands and leaned his entire body against the back of the sofa. "While I was searching for your tracks in the city these past few days, I investigated his Magician level. He is a High-level Magician, which is within the scope of my abilities."

"Therefore, Frederica, I don't think I need to endure it."

"I cannot understand," she said, her voice somewhat muffled. Because her head was lowered and her long emerald hair was draped over her chest, it was impossible to see if there was a smile on her face.

"I've said it before, people always need to have some persistence," Zhang Mu consoled her. "I'm just this kind of broken person. Enduring an opponent I can't beat is already painful enough for me; if I have to endure one I can defeat, I might as well just die."

Frederica, who had been enveloped in a quiet atmosphere, suddenly flew into a rage upon hearing this and stood up abruptly. "I cannot understand, Mr. Zhang Mu!"

"You told me there are things more precious than life. Is revenge really such an existence!"

Her fists clenched until they creaked, her eyes were bloodshot, and her slender body and ear tips trembled slightly. "For a lover, for family, for a close friend—I could accept it. But for revenge, and against an enemy who hasn't even caused you any substantial harm—why, why can't you just wait!"

Her angry shout echoed through the lobby. Several passing guests and the receptionist girl behind the bar all looked over in surprise.

Zhang Mu tilted his head slightly to meet her gaze and smiled dashingly. "A person lives for a breath of dignity."

The two were silent for a while. She sat back down on the sofa, resuming her previous posture with her head buried. "Sorry, Zhang Mu, I shouldn't have taken my emotions out on you."

"It's just..." Her voice was very low, more like a murmur compared to when she was speaking before. "You are very much like my mother. My mother was willing to sacrifice everything for the Elf King's throne, even her own life. But that cold and hard throne—what is there in it worth pursuing? Wouldn't it be better for a family to live happily together?"

"That would certainly be good," Zhang Mu stood up. "But I think your mother had a reason why she had to ascend the throne. For instance, can you imagine where an Elf like Vag would lead the Elf Clan if he became your King?"

She was silent.

"We don't need to force others to accept our own..."

"Bang—" Frederica suddenly rushed forcefully into Zhang Mu's embrace, burying her head against his chest, her hands tightly wrapping around his waist. Zhang Mu stiffened all over, his arms spread out, not daring to move.

"My mother died in front of me, for the sake of the throne. Because of that, I tasted the sorrow of loss—the pain that kept me awake all night, as if an invisible hand were kneading my heart."

"Frederica is selfish. Frederica holds feelings for Zhang Mu, so, for the sake of Frederica, can, can you not go..."

Is this... a confession? Zhang Mu was stunned. Am I really that attractive, ah no, that popular among Elves?

The Adventurers who were there just a moment ago had already gone upstairs, but the receptionist girl, who was constantly paying attention to this side, cast a gossipy look.

Ignoring them, Zhang Mu's gaze became gentle as he gently stroked the head that was rubbing against his chin. "Since when?"

"Since the moment I watched you, always unafraid of strong enemies, bravely taking responsibility."

"Well, that's just how it is," Zhang Mu chuckled. "If I don't go to look for the Burg Magic Family, then, would I still be the Zhang Mu you hold feelings for?"

"Or rather, is a cowardly Zhang Mu worthy of your feelings?"

"I don't know." She was always so lost.

He felt something wet and warm on his chest. Supporting her shoulders and gently pushing her away a little, Zhang Mu stared at her reddened eyes. "I have my own persistence, Frederica. I have to be myself. You too, you must be yourself."

"Must you go?"

"I must."

"Then, I will help you."

"No."

"Why?!" She raised her head, unwilling to give up.

"I won't die. Besides, you are a Trainee Archer, you would only end up becoming a burden to me." Zhang Mu didn't have the slightest intention of being tactful.

"This explanation cannot convince me."

"In short..."

"Alice, don't push me!" Saldari's startled cry rang out from the stairs, and the two of them rolled down the stairs together in a heap.

After a commotion, they climbed up awkwardly, straightened their messy hair and clothes, and said in unison, "We weren't eavesdropping."

Zhang Mu twisted his mouth. "I didn't say you were eavesdropping."

"Alright." He interrupted Frederica who was about to speak. "You know clearly that your current strength cannot help me."

Zhang Mu, whose apparent strength was about the same as Frederica's, understood that this statement was a bit far-fetched, but he couldn't explain further. "Well then, that's it. Wait for my good news."

Finishing this, he didn't linger, turned around, stepped out of the hotel entrance, and walked into the darkness.

"Your Highness." Saldari and Alice ran behind her and asked anxiously, "What about us..."

"Zhang Mu didn't say anything wrong; we truly cannot provide any help."

"But..."

Shaking her head to stop the two Elves, Frederica raised her hand. A white button lay in her palm. This was what she had secretly plucked from Zhang Mu's shirt just now; she didn't know if he had noticed.

"We will just wait for him at the hotel."

"Your Highness, if Mr. Zhang Mu doesn't come back..."

"He has never broken his word to me. I firmly believe it will be the same this time."

"But Your Highness." Alice was so anxious she started hopping. "He hasn't responded to your..."

The glare of feigned anger that Frederica shot her blocked the rest of her words. Without saying anything more, she turned and walked toward the stairs.