Reflection Naclis leaned against Loren's chest and spoke:
"Actually, my thoughts are independent from the original's. She cannot interfere with my thinking, and I gradually fell for you through my interactions with you."
This was sothing Loren hadn't considered. He had assud Reflection Naclis's feelings for him originated from Naclis herself.
"I just never had the chance to be near you, let alone talk with you.
"I suddenly feel like laughing. In one hour, I've said all the words Naclis wanted to say in a lifeti, hahaha..."
Reflection Naclis suddenly let out a laugh, a mockery directed at the original.
Loren could see it too. She was actually quite dissatisfied with Naclis. Out of fear, Naclis had been suppressing her all along.
Although Reflection Naclis was a creation of the Arcane Ability, she possessed independent thought. Yet, she had been suppressed by Naclis for so many years.
It was only when Naclis sent her to protect Loren that Reflection Naclis felt a bit of joy, because she finally had a legitimate chance to be close to the person she loved.
"I'll talk to Naclis when I get back, ask her to give you freedom..."
This was also Loren's oversight. He too had previously treated the reflection as a tool, completely overlooking the fact that she possessed self-awareness.
"I love you the most, Master ntor."
Reflection Naclis suddenly wrapped her arms around Loren's neck and planted a firm kiss on his cheek:
"We're almost there. I'll return to your shadow for now. Otherwise, I'm afraid Naclis might get jealous."
After giving Loren one last kiss, Reflection Naclis's figure vanished.
At that mont, Loren had also returned to the city.
The people had listened to him well. Outside, Loren couldn't see a single soul.
"Finally, it's over..."
Loren stretched lazily and walked back at a leisurely pace. He first returned to the basent where the children were hiding. After bringing them out, Loren then went to the Church to inform the others.
"Hmm, saved another country. I'm truly magnificent."
Loren sighed with emotion, saying this right in front of the Church personnel. And no one present felt there was anything wrong with Loren saying that. Loren had indeed saved this country.
After explaining the general course of events to the Church, Loren prepared to leave. However, before departing, he emphasized once more:
"You know , I, Loren, have never cared for fa or fortune. All my life, I've enjoyed studying magic. It would be wonderful if I could research so high-level magic from the Night and Thunder sequence...
"Oh, and personally, I'm also very interested in alchemy. It would be even better if I could find so rare dicinal ingredients."
Loren didn't have anything specific he desperately wanted right now. Magic was sowhat useful, and for dicinal ingredients, he could simply purchase them through the Falling Star rchant Guild. After all, Loren had plenty of money.
But if he could get a little sothing extra, Loren intended to do just that. He had indeed done the Church of Night and Thunder a great favor. Asking for just these things, the Church really should properly thank Loren.
"Alright, I'm off to enjoy my vacation."
Loren yawned and walked out. Several Night Watchers gathered around Loren, intending to escort him, and Loren let them.
Earlier, Loren had disclosed what Count Aisaco had done and claid credit for dealing with both Aisaco and the Corrupt Blazing Sun, though he didn't specify how he managed it.
Loren wasn't one to do good deeds and leave anonymously. Having lived here for so long, Loren deeply understood the importance of reputation.
Just like now, no matter what Loren said, the Church people would believe him. They felt Loren was above lying, and besides, the truth of Loren's words this ti was easy to verify.
There was only one situation where Loren wouldn't claim credit for a good deed he did: if that deed would attract soone's hatred, and he couldn't imdiately wipe out their entire family.
...
anwhile, the others had long since returned to the hotel. This crisis had passed with more fright than harm. Count Aisaco's final sche didn't even cause as much damage as his earlier plans ant to mislead others.
Simultaneously, the newspapers were extensively reporting on Loren's achievents. With so many Vampires dead, control over the newspapers and discourse had shifted to the Church. Perhaps other Vampires would take over later, but at least for now, it remained in the Church's hands.
During this period, the credibility of the newspapers temporarily rose a notch. People beca aware of this because they finally saw the Vampires' dirty laundry aired in the papers.
Consequently, they trusted the newspaper content more and admired Loren even more.
By now, Loren had already returned ho and t Naclis in person.
Even her aura was completely different from her reflection's. So, even though they looked exactly alike, Loren could tell at a glance who was the original and who was the reflection.
"Naclis, I'd like to talk with you."
With the crisis resolved, the pleasant and peaceful atmosphere had returned ho. After settling matters with the Church, the first thing Loren did upon returning was to seek out Naclis for a conversation.
He rembered his promise with Reflection Naclis. Clearly a conscious being, living as a shadow for so long, she truly had so grievances.
Loren led Naclis back to his small room. They sat on the edge of the bed, close together.
"Please speak."
Naclis's usual tone was cold, but when speaking with Loren, it beca gentle, though still composed.
"I hope you can reach a reconciliation with your reflection..."
"Did she tell you about what happened back then?"
When it didn't touch upon certain areas of knowledge, Naclis's reactions were still swift. She imdiately understood what had transpired.
"Yes."
Loren also admitted frankly. Since the conversation had reached this point, Reflection Naclis no longer hid. She sat on Loren's other side. The two Naclises sandwiched Loren between them.
Naclis looked at her reflection, then at the look in Loren's eyes. At that mont, the look in her mother's eyes surfaced in her mind once again.
This scene should have been a shadow over Naclis, but the current Naclis wasn't as afraid anymore.
Because the look in Loren's eyes also surfaced in her mind, filled with tenderness and affection. That gaze seed to tell her that no matter what happened, Loren's feelings for her would not change in the slightest.
"I'm sorry."
Naclis suddenly apologized to her reflection with great seriousness. The speed of this developnt sowhat exceeded Loren's expectations.
"Actually, you let go long ago. You just didn't know how to express it. Not just about this matter.
"In your heart, Master ntor's status has long surpassed anyone else's, even your mother."
Imdiately afterward, Reflection Naclis spoke up, each sentence hitting right at the core of Naclis's feelings. Naclis remained silent.
"I accept your apology. I hope one day you can also accept my apology."
Saying this, Reflection Naclis suddenly revealed a mischievous smile.
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