At that moment, three options presented themselves in Elian's mind.
Should I act defensively, play dumb, or beg for forgiveness?
From the frigid chill entering Elian's bones, he could only guess how livid his master was at his words. And while he did regret them, at that moment his mind could only process his joy at her return.
When you're in trouble, the best option is usually to double down!
With his mind made up, Elian quickly ran toward his master, roaring at the top of his voice.
"Master?! You're here! You really came back!"
Like a dog about to pounce on its owner, the boy leapt toward the beauty before him. Arms outstretched, he wanted to feel her warmth even before she smacked him into oblivion.
But sadly, life was not so kind.
"Ehh?"
Despite Elian's fervor, his body passed through the visage of Bianca Valestra as if she were nothing but a mirage.
The boy who failed to feel anything looked at his hand in bitterness.
I already knew. And yet I couldn't stop myself.
However, what he heard next completely threw him for a loop.
"Y-You! How insolent! How could you just throw yourself at a chaste woman like that! Y-You are such a… such a… A SPOONY BASTARD!"
Completely opposite her usual frigid self, Bianca now covered her mouth as she pointed at Elian. She shouted spiteful words, but her body language showed something else.
Her pale skin was now flushed red, from her face all the way to her neck. Hearing such vulgar words from the ice goddess who saved him caused Elian to chuckle in happiness.
"HAHAHAHAHA!"
[Talent: Adamant – deactivated.]
[Talent: Driven – deactivated.]
"WHAT? Why are you laughing! Stop that at once! Does my anger humor you? STOP IT!"
Despite knowing it was rude to laugh at another's expense, Elian couldn't help it. It was as if the emotions he had suppressed during the battle all came flooding out. But rather than rage, he felt relief and joy instead.
Elian's first impressions of Bianca had been, for the most part, unrealistic.
Her imposing presence, majesty, and outward beauty were quite memorable. But it also caused the boy to place her on a pedestal. Her recent outbursts, however, made him feel immense happiness.
If before she had seemed like a figure he could not reach, now she seemed more human.
Bianca liked praise. She felt shame. She felt like a sheltered rich lady—maybe a noble.
Ah, how adorable.
Seeing the imposing woman pout her cheeks unhappily made Elian's heart beat erratically. And while he felt disheartened that she truly was dead, just being able to see and hear her was enough. For now, at least.
I wonder… let's try something, Elian schemed.
Although it was hard, the boy stifled his chuckles and straightened up. He stood at attention, placed his right arm across his heart, and bowed slightly.
"I beg your forgiveness, master. It's just that I could not help but leap in joy at your return. I was lonely. Forgive me. I couldn't bear the thought of never seeing you again."
Elian peeked with one eye at Bianca's response.
She coughed awkwardly and regained her composure. Then she spoke with her eyes closed. And while Bianca might have believed she was subtle, the boy noticed her lips twitch into a smile.
"I see. Is that so? You missed me, huh? As you seem unlearned, know that declaring such things is not commonplace and is considered rude. Pay heed that it doesn't happen again. But I guess I cannot fault you for that. Never mind, I forgive you."
Heh, just like I thought—Master is starved for both attention and affection.
As an avid reader of books, Elian often came across literature describing the world of those with money. Even during the dungeon era, there were those who lived like they were still in the Middle Ages. Much like stereotypes for poor people, there were those also present for the rich.
In stories, nobles rarely married for love. They wed for legacy—and left their children to rot in gold-plated prisons. Just this once, I hoped the stories were wrong.
"Thank you for your kindness, master. While I cannot ensure that it will never happen again, I will try my best."
Bianca gave a quiet nod before continuing.
"Congratulations are in order. Despite being a complete amateur, you did rather well. Minus points for letting one run away, but overall a decent victory. Tell me, how did it feel?"
With starry eyes, the woman waited for Elian's reply.
Why does she look even more excited than I do? Does she have a personal stake with Forged?
"It was completely unbelievable, Master! The ants—said to be tough for even soldiers—fell apart with my simplest attacks. They couldn't even pierce my armor. It was like I became a superhero! Forged is amazing!"
Bianca nodded calmly and observed Elian's body.
"I see. Do you feel any discomfort? Do your organs feel strained? Do you resent me?"
"Resent you? Why would I? What do you mean? I feel fine. Apart from drinking the black sludge, I haven't even felt pain…"
At that point, Elian stopped. Visions of his painful ordeal resurfaced. His skin had melted off, and his bones had turned metallic.
How would my internal organs even function when my body was literally reshaped by molten metal?
"It seems you failed to understand what happened. Forgive me. I guess I wasn't able to give you a proper explanation. One of my jobs is called Alchemist. I was the one who designed the Talent Forged."
She paused. Even Elian could notice her hesitation.
"This Talent grants immense power at a cost. It reshapes your body to become one of metal. It alters your base form into something else. Simply put—you are no longer human."
"If I'm not human… what am I?"
At that point, Elian's heart began to beat loudly. He could feel his body heat up and his vision narrow.
[Talent: Adamant – activated. Elian Reed is now immune to fear and psychological effects so long as the Talent remains active.]
Immediately, Elian felt his body calm—against his will. The rising emotion and uncertainty were once again suppressed by his Talent in order for him to function. It gave a complicated feeling.
"A golem. I bound your soul to a body made of metal. This procedure is illegal and forbidden. If you hate me… I won't stop you. But know that I am a selfish master who will use anyone for my goals. For my needs—I need not a man, but a weapon."
"…"
A weapon, huh? So… Elian Reed really did die today.
"…"
A stifling silence pervaded between the two of them. Elian contemplated. But ultimately, the specifics didn't matter. What did was that he was no longer powerless.
"I see. Then it's fine."
"…Do you regret your decision to follow me?"
"No."
Surprised, Bianca began to raise her voice, seemingly frustrated on Elian's behalf.
"Why? You should be livid! I lied and cheated you for my own purposes. I was prepared to earn your hate and spend the rest of my life in recompense. Why do you accept it so easily? Is it because of Adamant?"
Seeing her so insistent that Elian should hate her, the boy couldn't help but smile.
How kind. She's trying to play the villain so I have someone to blame.
"Master, you are mistaken. I am not some dumb sheep. You did not trick me—I chose willingly. As a human, I was weak, powerless, and unneeded. Now as a golem, I can protect and fight. You gave me something no one else ever did—purpose. For that, I thank you."
At once, Bianca suddenly turned around to hide her face.
"Master?"
"Do not come near me! Stay where you are! That is an order."
Ignoring her commands, Elian approached his master—only to see her shedding tears.
The guilt of turning me into a golem must have been eating her up inside. Yet something compelled her to do it. Just what is my dear master fighting against?
And so the villainess wept for a few moments, as her weapon silently guarded her.