"I haven’t reached Exalted rank."
Charlotte’s expression shifted rapidly.
Neo’s words seemed to bolster her thoughts.
Her gaze flickered with countless emotions—shock, disbelief, and finally acceptance.
She sighed before releasing Neo’s wrist.
"Congratulations, Neo Hargrave. Now you are one of the strongest warriors we have," she said.
"Thank you," Neo replied.
He didn’t bother explaining further.
He knew that no matter what he said, Charlotte wouldn’t believe him if he told her the truth—that he was Paragon, not Exalted.
Charlotte turned around.
"Follow me. The Sphinx told me you are going to take Elizabeth somewhere with you," she said.
"….?"
"You don’t know about it?" Charlotte asked, noticing his expression of surprise.
"The Sphinx hasn’t revealed the complete details to me," Neo replied.
"I see," Charlotte nodded thoughtfully. "From what it told me, it will send you to some place to get the cure for Elizabeth.
"But that place is far.
"By the time you return with the cure, Elizabeth would no longer be with us.
"That’s why it wants you to take Elizabeth with you," she explained.
"And you’re okay with it? What if I can’t get the cure and instead put Elizabeth in more danger?"
For one, everything seemed too convenient.
It was as if Sphinx had another goal for which it was sending Elizabeth with Neo.
’Whatever task the Sphinx has for me seems to be dangerous.’
’It’s counterproductive to take Elizabeth along given her condition.’
Charlotte’s steps slowed, and she turned to face him.
"I was worried before, but after seeing you now, I trust you."
"…."
"You are an Exalted, and your track record speaks for itself. Above all, Elizabeth trusts you."
Neo nodding with an imperceptible gaze.
He stepped through the portal, and he found himself in Elizabeth’s medical room.
The room was quiet, expect for the faint beeping of monitors and the soft whoosh of ventilators.
Elizabeth lay on the bed.
Her pale face was serene as if she lost in a fleeting dream.
"Go on. Use your Shadow Space," Charlotte said.
Despite her words, Neo noticed the way her arms clutched tightly around herself.
Her knuckles whitened, and her gaze lingered on Elizabeth.
It was clear she was deeply worried about leaving Elizabeth in his care.
Neo turned to Charlotte before he used his Shadow Space to bring Elizabeth along.
"What about Amelia?"
Charlotte stiffened.
She looked to the side.
"I will tell her I’ve sent Elizabeth to a healer."
"So we’re planning to lie to Amelia?"
"Yes, because…."
Charlotte’s words trailed off, and her lips were pressed into a thin line.
Her expression revealed everything.
"Is she angry with me?" Neo asked.
"Angry would be putting it very nicely. After you visited Elizabeth last time, Amelia ordered the guards to not let you in again," Charlotte sighed
Neo didn’t know what kind of expression to make at the revelation.
He made his decision after thinking carefully.
"I will talk with Amelia and ask for her permission."
"She hates you, boy. I doubt she will leave her mother in your care."
"It’s better than lying to her and…."
Neo’s gaze shifted toward the mermaid plushie resting beside Elizabeth’s bed.
He had left it there.
If Amelia truly hated him, she would’ve thrown the plushie out without a second thought.
"I think she will be okay with leaving Elizabeth in my care."
"Fine."
Charlotte left the room after making sure of Neo’s decision.
Neo was left alone, surrounded by the soft hum of medical equipment.
He glanced back at Elizabeth.
"…"
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