We walked for 20 minutes but we didn't reach Alice's room. The Evergreen Clan is sure very big.
"This way." Saying that Isabella again turned in a different direction of corridors.
'It feels like we are walking in the maze...' I thought as I quickened my walking pace.
And just like that, we walked another 10 minutes before reaching the area where Alice's room belonged.
Alice's room was taking up almost half the floor.
Not only was her room protected by a magic barrier, but there were also three Evergreen clan members guarding the entrance. I could see at a glance that they were easily comparable to A-rank Heroes or Hunters.
"Congratulations, Young Miss."
A particularly intimidating man walked up and gave a big smile.
Isabella nodded with a surreal expression.
"Y-Yes, thank you."
"...Is he also going in?"
The man pointed at me.
Isabella nodded.
"Yes."
"Hm. He'll need the Clan's head permission...."
"I'll give him a permit and I'm sure Father will do that too. After all thanks to him, my sister is alive."
"Kuhum."
The man opened the door without any questions however he was giving me a weird look as we walked inside.
The room's clean, flowery air entered my nose.
" Lucas, His name is Lucas, Sister. "
Alice's eyes sparkled with curiosity, "Lucas, huh?" She glanced between Isabella and me, a playful smile forming. "Is he your boyfriend? Well, I have to say catch quite a good look man, I can trust Isabella's judgment."
"E-Eh? What are you talking about? He's not."
Isabella denied it strongly but take sneaking a peek at me.
Alice chuckled, thoroughly enjoying Isabella's embarrassment. "Is that so? Well, Lucas, thank you for helping my little sister. You seem to have made quite an impression."
I could feel my face heating up, caught in the teasing atmosphere. "I, um, just wanted to help. I'm not... uh, her boyfriend."
Alice raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Not yet, at least. Time will tell."
Isabella, blushing furiously, tried to change the subject. "Sister, you need to focus on recovering. Don't tire yourself with these conversations."
Alice grinned, clearly enjoying the situation. "Oh, don't worry, Isabella. I feel much better already, thanks to Lucas and this mysterious Healberry fruit."
Isabella sighed, realizing her attempt to divert the conversation had backfired. "Lucas, we should probably leave Alice to rest now."
I nodded, happy for the excuse to escape the teasing. "Yes, of course. I'm glad to see you're doing well, Alice. If you need anything, just let us know."
As Isabella and I exited the room, the door closed behind us. Isabella shot me an apologetic glance, clearly embarrassed by her sister's playful banter.
"Sorry about that," she said, rubbing the back of her neck. "Sister has always been like that, teasing and playful."
I chuckled, feeling a bit relieved. "No problem. It's good to see her in high spirits. And, um, thanks for clarifying that I'm not your boyfriend."
Isabella blushed again, but this time it was accompanied by a shy smile. "Well, you're not, but... I appreciate your help, Lucas. Truly."
We walked through the corridors of the Evergreen Clan, leaving behind the maze-like structure. The playful teasing and warmth of the reunion lingered in the air, creating a sense of newfound connection.
As we stepped out into the open grounds of the clan, Isabella turned to me with a genuine expression of gratitude. "Lucas, I can't thank you enough. You brought my sister back to me. If there's ever anything I can do for you, just name it."
'This what I have been waiting for but now is not the time. Let's play the good guy role.'
I smiled, touched by her sincerity. "I'm just glad I could help. Your family has been through a lot, and seeing Alice awake and well is the best reward."
Isabella nodded, and as we continued walking, I couldn't help but feel that this unexpected journey had woven stronger bonds than I could have imagined.