Kneeling beside the crystalline pool was a vision draped in turquoise silk. Her long, golden hair shimmered like sunlit strands of flax, and soft droplets clung to her pale skin. She turned, startled, clutching a floating lily in her hands as her wide blue eyes locked onto his.

“Ah—oh! Y-You’re hurt...!”

Her voice was barely above a whisper, trembling with concern. She dropped the flower, hurrying to his side with a flustered flutter of motion. Her hands glowed faintly as they hovered near his wound, and the adventurer could feel the sting melt into cool relief.

“You shouldn’t push yourself like this,” she murmured, eyes cast down. “Please... sit. I—I’ll take care of you.”