My (Monster?) Hero Life

Chapter 239: A Pretty Flower

A few days later, Kace finally woke up feeling refreshed. It seemed like he had been transferred to a new room. Where before there was a blurry stone ceiling above him, there was now the bark of a tree. He turned his head to the sides to discover that it was not actually a room, so to speak. A circular opening gave him the impression of being inside a hollowed-out area of a tree.

The bed was made of ornate wood, while a pile of straggly soft leaves served as his mattress. A thin but warm layer of red coloured leaves was held together by some means to make a blanket. There was a bit in wardrobe to the wall, its door lay ajar to reveal his clothing and armour. Sylvan also stood quietly against them. 

After a few minutes of getting his bearings, Kace attempted to sit up. It was difficult, but in doing so, it revealed that he had not yet fully recovered. When his arms came into view, his skin was quite tight and wrinkly. Giving him the appearance of an elderly individual. 'I guess the skill consumes the naturally stored energy in my body. This Is quite dangerous.' Kace gave out a loud sigh.

It seemed like using this skill as a reliable trump card was still a long way off. Seeing the state of himself, he could guess that would have to get significantly stronger so that his body could store greater amounts of energy to fuel the skill. 'Why did it not have the same effect when I was not in control?'

This question that he had troubled him. There was no logical reason that he could think of, so he had to think outside the box. 'Is it possibly because my mind does not synchronise properly with the new body?' He had to admit that it was possible if a bit vague. Since technically speaking, it should consume as much energy either way. Unless the natural 'Beast' mind had a way of regulating the energy consumption that he was not aware of.

A unique scent suddenly invaded his senses. It could only be described as fresh, young and alluring like the first smells of spring. Like the start of a new season. Kace's eyes almost bulged when he properly beheld the sight of Lilly for the first time as she entered the hollowed room.

Her body shape and size was that of a human woman. Her skin was the colour of a light green, while fiery red hair reached down to her slim waist. She wore a short dress of autumn coloured leaves, giving off shades of yellow, orange and red that went well with her hair colour. The dress did nothing to make anyone guess at her body shape as it hugged her body tightly. Especially as it drew the eyes to naturally look at her ample chest.

Her legs were slim, but the short dress made them appear longer than they actually were. She did not wear shoes. However, there were lilac coloured flowers woven into her hair as ornaments. Her facial features were quite soft, giving her an overall innocent look. Though it was quite the contrast when compared to her seductive body and choice of clothing.

Lilly gave out a cute giggle as she covered her mouth with a slender hand, as she fixed her lilac coloured eyes on Kace. Kace was startled by the sudden sound, making him realise that he had foolishly been ogling her from head to toe. 'Shit! I completely lost myself there!' Kace fe4lt as though he was in a dangerous situation. With a beauty like this hanging around, he could easily lose himself just by looking at her.

'It was hard to imagine someone beating Sophia in the looks department, but she's definitely taken the crown.' Kace coughed as he felt his mind starting to wander again. This line of thought was dangerous, he would have to be careful with his facial expressions if Vaskra or Sophia were ever around the two of them.

"So, it looks like you're on the right track to a full recovery." Lilly eventually broke the silence, she even did not seem to mind Kace's eyes wandering on her.

"Yes It seems so, Ms?"

"Lilly. Just Lilly is fine." She let out another innocently attractive giggle at Kace fumbling his words. "I've been taking care of you since your friends returned. I have to say the Eljein is quite skilled to have kept you alive until you got here. Make sure you thank him properly."

"Thank you, I'll be sure to do that." Kace pondered for a moment while studying her seriously. It took him a moment to realise what was wrong with the picture. "Forgive me, but I don't remember seeing anyone like you in Stonefall? If you don't mind me asking, what are you?"

"Hmm, it's not surprising you haven't seen us around. We live in the Treants groves. We tend to keep ourselves secluded. I'm a Dryad if you really must know." Lilly smiled in a way that really flattered herself, adding to the mysterious air surrounding her.

Kace, on the other hand, struggled to stop his jaw from dropping. 'A fucking Dryad!' Kace immediately swore to himself. He knew some things about them based on games he used to play. Most fiction or games described them as the Enchantresses of the Forests. Men were known to almost go crazy whenever they met one.

It was like their entire race was designed to prey on men specifically. Every one of them would be a breathtaking beauty and could communicate fluently with both flora and fauna. In this regard, the Eljein's could not hold a candle to them. Seeing one in the flesh, Kace could understand why all of those men pursued these creatures. However, he could not put a finger on why, but he felt like there was something wrong with the way they had met.

It felt planned, and that troubled him. 'Surely someone else would have been able to help me? Or am I just overthinking it?' This was but a fleeting thought in his mind as those doubts melted away as Lilly flashed another radiant, warm smile towards him