Chapter 210: The Beauty of the Dreamwell

Nolan’s command—delivered without ceremony, in a tone that brooked no argument—instantly eased the tension of the Holy Hammer Division, whose young soldiers had been left dizzy by the succession of astonishing sights along the way. A few of them couldn’t hold it in any longer; the corners of their mouths twitched upward as they struggled not to laugh.

The mood of the entire group lightened at once.

From the day they had joined the Black Armored Legion, these warriors had endured relentless training and constant battles. Opportunities like this to truly relax were rare.

Kayan exchanged a glance with Nolan and spread his hands helplessly. Nolan smiled in return.

“Left behind by the women again, I see.”

“Come on, Kayan. Chances like this don’t come often. The Dreamwell is one of a kind on this continent. It’d be a waste not to enjoy it.”

With cheerful shouts, the Holy Hammer Division soldiers followed a Wood Elf attendant toward the largest pool in the distance, while Nolan and Kayan headed for the nearest wooden house.

Inside, the structure was divided into multiple rooms, likely for changing or resting. The moment he stepped in, Nolan was greeted by a fresh, calming scent of wood that alone was enough to clear his mind.

He had just reached for the door when he suddenly noticed two young Wood Elf girls approaching him, their movements slightly hesitant. Their eyes avoided his at first, yet they could not help stealing curious glances in his direction.

On a rack in the corner hung two robes woven from some kind of emerald-green leaves.

One of the girls picked up a robe and brought it over. “This is made from ‘silk leaves,’ a specialty of Forest Home,” she said. Her voice carried the same cool clarity as most Wood Elves, though it trembled slightly.

Nolan thanked her and accepted it. The texture was astonishingly fine, as smooth as the most luxurious silk, giving no hint that it was made from plant material. He couldn’t begin to imagine how the Wood Elves accomplished such craftsmanship.

The other girl gathered her courage and spoke softly, a faint blush rising on her pale cheeks. “Honored guest… please allow us to assist you in changing.”

Nolan had been about to do it himself, but froze at her words. He waved his hand awkwardly. “Thank you for your kindness, but that really isn’t necessary.”

The two Wood Elf girls exchanged glances. Humans were said to be greedy, lustful, even fearsome in appearance—but this human lord seemed unexpectedly innocent, completely different from what they had imagined. And rather handsome, too. They had even worried about being taken advantage of.

Seeing his refusal, they grew a little anxious instead. “We must insist,” one said quickly. “Sister Romina specifically instructed us to take good care of you. If we fail in our duties, she will hold us accountable.”

At the mention of Romina, Nolan found himself with little room to argue. He nodded at last.

It wasn’t a big deal, he told himself. He simply wasn’t used to troubling others—especially not lightly dressed beauties.

With a series of crisp clicks, the plates of the Immovable Bulwark armor unfolded layer by layer, revealing the fitted black outfit beneath. The snug fabric outlined the well-trained musculature he had forged through years of battle, drawing more flushed, furtive glances from the two Wood Elf girls.

They had never left Forest Home. Everything about Nolan, this outsider, filled them with irresistible curiosity. Yet by nature reserved, they kept their questions to themselves.

No matter how easygoing Nolan was, he still felt uncomfortable undressing in front of two strangers. When the girls stepped closer to help unfasten his clothing, their slender fingers occasionally brushed his skin. The brief, unintended contact sent a ripple of goosebumps across his body.

At last, he slipped into the smooth silk-leaf robe, gave a quick nod of thanks, and hurried out as though escaping.

Watching his retreating figure, the two girls covered their mouths and whispered.

“This human… he’s really not like the elders’ stories at all.”

“Exactly. No wonder Sister Romina keeps mentioning him lately. She’s never treated anyone like this before.”

***

Nolan made his way swiftly to the Dreamwell and finally let out a breath of relief. If he had stayed any longer, he feared he might have reacted inappropriately.

The closer he drew, the richer the floral fragrance became, and the golden motes in the air grew denser. He reached out, trying to touch one of the drifting lights, but his fingers met nothing. With a small shrug, he stopped hesitating and stepped into the pool.

“Hiss…”

The warm water enveloped his body, its sensation distinctly unusual. Though it looked no different from ordinary water, it felt denser somehow, and near the bottom there was even a soft, gelatinous smoothness.

Nolan found a comfortable spot and sank fully into the pool. The water felt like countless gentle hands, massaging every inch of his tense muscles, soothing the fatigue from days of travel.

At that moment, a system notification appeared before his eyes.

【First contact with “Dreamwell.” Constitution slightly increased.】

At the same time, a status effect labeled 【Soothing】 appeared, granting a 10% boost to strength output for the next two hours.

Refreshing.

Leaning back against the smooth edge of the pool, Nolan let out a long, satisfied breath. The pride of the Wood Elves lived up to its name. Even a brief soak brought tangible benefits.

Kayan had yet to come out, and the other soldiers were in a larger pool farther away. The surroundings were quiet.

Closing his eyes, Nolan began to plan—how he would negotiate with the Wood Elf elders, and what steps would follow. As a lord, he had to chart a clear path for the development of his territory.

Just then, faint voices drifted over, accompanied by laughter. Though some distance away, the sound carried clearly in the stillness.

“Wow! Sister Romina, your figure is incredible—let me feel!” Vivi’s voice rang out, laced with playful mischief.

“Hey, don’t tease me. Lady Ailindel has an even better figure. As expected of a Moon Elf,” came Romina’s laughing reply.

“I wouldn’t dare touch Lady Ailindel. I’m afraid she’d stab me with her spear…”

“Vivi, at the time I had nearly lost my mind. It was Nolan who called me back with my true name. I’m sorry.”

“No, no! I was joking, really!”

“Don’t mind her, Lady Ailindel. Vivi is always the mischievous one. If you ask me, though, Vivi looks best in her usual tight outfit—even our lord sometimes can’t help sneaking a glance,” Rehanna chimed in.

“Oh? Rehanna, just you wait—take this!”

The women burst into laughter, splashes of water mingling with their bright voices.

Hearing his name, Nolan instinctively turned his head.

And froze.

Between his pool and the women’s was a natural barrier of green vines and broad leaves. But by sheer coincidence, a gap had formed in one section.

From where Nolan sat… he could see straight through it. Through that opening, several graceful figures were faintly visible in the pool beyond. Pale skin shimmered under the glow of the cyan water, carrying a soft, alluring sheen.

Nolan swallowed. His throat felt dry, his heartbeat quickened, and a rush of heat surged upward.

He had only taken a couple of glances and was just about to avert his attention when a steady voice suddenly sounded behind him, “My lord, you’re out already?”

Kayan, wearing the same silk-leaf robe, approached from the wooden house.

“You seem rather… invigorated. Did something happen?”