02 Picking Up a Dark Elf

(Ella's Pov)

After seeing off Mary who came secretly for treatment, I hold my notebook, thinking about how to prepare the potion.

The patient is an ordinary person, so I need to use fewer herbs containing magic power. But in my knowledge base, ordinary herbs can't achieve the ideal effect. Perhaps I should make a trip to the library in the city, or ask Theo. He's a student at the magic academy...

"Bang!" A loud noise comes from behind the house.

I put down the notepad in my hand and listen carefully for a while.

There's no sound at all.

Did I hear wrong?

My heart rises with tension. I pick up the "Knockout Agent" placed nearby, quietly push open the door, and walk toward the back of the house.

Although I can't cast spells, this pharmacist's poison is no joke!

I'm nervous inside, but my steps aren't slow. Thornville's public security has always been good. If there really is a bad person wanting to do something, then I'll throw the knockout agent first, then light the alarm fireworks...

I peek over. It's pitch black, I can't see anything.

Tonight's moonlight isn't bright. There seem to still be dark clouds covering it. Perhaps it will rain soon.

This is really unusual.

I look again, indeed I can't see anything. Maybe I really heard wrong.

Have I been staying up too late recently? It seems I should rest properly.

"Boom!" Suddenly a lightning flashes, followed by a thunderclap.

I'm startled badly, involuntarily crying out in fright: "Ah!"

I seem to have stepped on something. My right foot twists, and my whole body is about to fall.

"Waa—"

My body loses balance. I widen my eyes, only seeing the moon appearing and disappearing in the night sky.

Then the moon is covered by a shadow. In that shadow, deep emerald green gems are sparkling.

My waist is covered by a warm palm, broad and powerful, almost pulling me into an embrace.

I cover my startled cry with my hand, looking in disbelief at this person who appeared before my eyes.

How could this person appear here, appear in my backyard?!

Damn it, this is a fugitive!

A dark elf!!!

The emerald green gems narrow dangerously, warm breath spraying onto the tip of my nose.

"You..." The moment he opens his mouth, I've already made my decision.

This is a desperado who betrayed his faith. Meeting him, nothing good will happen to me! Then I might as well take a gamble—

My right hand gripping the "Knockout Agent" adjusts the angle, seizes the opportunity, and smashes it directly into his mouth!

Oh, damn it, the quality of the potion bottle is too good. Smashing it on his face didn't break it?!

I see the dark elf's eyes widen. I have to admit, his eyes are really extremely beautiful... no, now is not the time to admire!

My left arm tightly hugs his neck, my whole body almost hanging on him, then my right hand forcefully squeezes the potion bottle.

"Pop!" The potion bottle is crushed by me. Glass shards cut my palm. The smell of blood and bitter potion blend together, flowing into the dark elf's mouth.

Afraid the dosage is too small to knock out the dark elf, I stick my fingers into his mouth, pressing down hard on his tongue.

Those deep emerald green eyes stare at me. The hand on my waist suddenly tightens.

"Mmm!" I can barely breathe. My legs tightly clamp around his waist, pressing my entire body weight on him.

Fugitive, go down for me—

As if receiving my strong wish, thank the gods, the dark elf's body sways, finally falling backward.

I follow his movement, falling onto his body. Thanks to his solid muscles, I land smoothly without much feeling.

Afraid he's pretending, I continue pressing on him for about another minute before getting off him.

Only now do I realize that the position between him and me... really can't be called elegant. Fortunately, only the two of us are at the scene.

I stand up gasping for breath, kicking the dark elf's body. He doesn't move at all. It seems he's really been knocked out by me.

Finally I can relax. Next I must immediately notify the knight order.

"Splash~" Heavy rain falls without warning.

My first instinct is to run back into the house, then I remember that this guy lying on the ground is a walking "elven generous gift." I must guard him carefully.

I grab the dark elf's arm, wanting to drag him back first.

I didn't expect this guy's clothing quality to be so poor. It actually tears when I pull it.

That mark the size of a human palm is faintly glowing on his chest.

I'm stunned.

My hands are trembling somewhat. No, my entire body is trembling.

My legs go weak. I kneel on the ground, my right hand hovering over his mark.

Taking a deep breath, I remove my hand and look again.

Look carefully once more.

This is a silver-blue brand deeply embedded in the skin, about the size of an adult's palm.

Seven upward branches, three downward roots, seemingly forming a tree. In the center of the canopy, a nine-pointed star is embedded. The outer edge is a circular ring. The upper left corner of the ring has an obvious gap, as if split open by something forcefully.

On the inner side of the ring, there's a circle of text I can't understand.

Although I don't know what this says, I know for certain.

Yes, for certain.

This mark is identical to Wayne's.

I could never be mistaken.

The rain falls heavier and heavier, but it can't cover the sound of my heartbeat.

I've waited too long, far too long.

I miss you so much, I really miss you so much, Wayne.

The dark elf before me doesn't look anything like Wayne, but facing this identical mark, my longing still floods out uncontrollably like a torrent.

Heavy rain drenches the entire world. Tears mixed with rainwater make me so disheveled.

I press my palm on his mark, feeling the sound of his heartbeat.

I'm sorry, Mr. Fugitive.

Just for a moment, please let me briefly treat you as the person I admire.