That night.
After finishing that daily routine with Tier, Shien emerged from the large bath, still steaming with moisture and heat, looking refreshed and invigorated as he prepared to return to his room.
However, he was stopped along the way.
"Getting ready to rest?"
The one who said that was Vivian, who had come from the other direction and seemed to have been waiting for Shien.
"Vivian?" Shien paused slightly, then smiled as he walked over. "What is it? Did you need something from me?"
"Something like that." Vivian did not deny it. Returning his smile with a gentle one of her own, she glanced toward the bathhouse and said, "Why didn't you come out together with Tier?"
The smile on Shien's face instantly froze.
Seeing that, Vivian wore a rare teasing expression. "You didn't think I hadn't noticed, did you?"
Upon hearing that, Shien had only one thought.
Damn it, I'm screwed.
Whether Vivian saw through that thought or not, she could not help but laugh.
"Don't worry. I'm not here to hold you accountable, much less make you take responsibility." Though Vivian sounded like she was teasing him, she said, "This is undoubtedly a good thing for Tier. Seeing her like this, I don't feel worried at all. Instead, I feel much more relieved."
"Is that so?" Shien gave a dry laugh. "You trust me that much?"
"Of course." Vivian answered without hesitation. "After all, you're the Hero. No matter how unreliable you may seem, I believe there is justice in your heart."
Vivian said those words without the slightest embarrassment or doubt.
Shien did not know how to respond to her.
Was she giving me a nice-guy card?
That was the only thought in Shien's mind.
However, Vivian did not seem to mean it that way. She