**TITLE: She Bloomed Like Spring After Surviving a Winter No One Saw by Lillian Rosewood**
**Chapter 66: Princess Leona’s Reward**
Alden feigned enthusiasm, his expression carefully crafted to mask his true feelings. “Sounds like a decent deal,” he said, his tone betraying none of the skepticism brewing within him.
“Hold up,” he interjected, his voice suddenly serious as he pivoted to face Clarice directly. “When exactly are you planning to fulfill that promise you made?”
Clarice’s gaze met his, unwavering. “When Princess Veyla ascends the throne and takes her place as ruler.”
Alden shook his head vehemently, his frustration bubbling to the surface. “If that’s the case, then I might as well be waiting for an eternity.”
He could see Clarice pause, her thoughts visibly churning. “Well, Princess Leona is the ultimate reward. But if you lend me your assistance this time, I can offer you a complete bronze archer set,” she proposed, her tone shifting to one of persuasion.
“Is that all? I can farm that myself,” Alden replied dismissively, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.
Clarice froze for a moment, realization dawning upon her. He was absolutely right; with his formidable strength, acquiring a Level 20 bronze gear would be a trivial endeavor.
“Then what do you desire? Attribute Points?” she asked, her voice tinged with exasperation.
Alden leaned back slightly, a mischievous glint in his eye. “I’m looking for movement skills, special equipment, and unique skills.”
“Movement skills?” Clarice echoed, her mind racing as she considered his request. After a moment’s contemplation, she responded, “Alright. If you assist us, I’ll grant you Blink. It has no casting time, releases instantly, and even at One Star, it boasts a maximum range of 4.5 yards.”
Alden raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the skill’s potential. “Plus 200 attribute points,” he added, his tone insistent.
Clarice’s expression shifted, her brows knitting together in frustration. “This is merely a quest. It benefits you, costs you nothing, and Blink is already considered a rare skill!”
“Then it’s no deal. I’ll just grind mobs instead,” Alden declared, his resolve unwavering.
“Wait,” Clarice said, hesitating. “One hundred attribute points along with Blink.”
“Make it two hundred,” he countered, unyielding.
“One hundred twenty,” she offered, her tone growing more desperate.
“Two hundred,” he repeated firmly.
“One hundred fifty,” she negotiated, her eyes narrowing.
“Then we’re done here,” Alden stated, a note of finality in his voice.
Her eyes hardened, a flicker of anger igniting within them. “Fine. We’re done here. I’ll send you back to the revival altar for a nice, long soak,” she spat.
As the words left her lips, a palpable force emanated from her body, crackling with energy.
Alden’s immediate instinct was to store his gear, his heart racing as he prepared for the confrontation ahead. He flashed her a crooked smile, attempting to diffuse the tension. “Let’s talk it out. There’s no need to jump straight to killing.”
“So you’re agreeing to my terms?” Clarice questioned, her voice laced with suspicion.
Alden shook his head, his expression serious. “No. I’m raising it to 300 Attribute Points. Not one less.”
Her glare sharpened, her fury evident. “I’ll kill you!”
Her eyes locked onto his with a ferocity that could cut through steel, her presence radiating lethal intent.
But Alden remained unmoved, staring back at her with a defiance that suggested her threats were of little concern. “Do it. But if I die here, I’ll ensure the queen’s dealings with the Phantom Clan echo throughout all of Astralon.”
The weight of his words struck Clarice like a chilling gust of wind. Yet, her aura did not diminish; it intensified, her resolve hardening.
“You think anyone would believe a criminal like you?” she shot back, her voice dripping with disdain.
Alden shrugged nonchalantly. “Probably not. But I’ve got enough gold to ensure the story is told three times a day on loudspeaker.”
He shifted his focus, eager to claim his reward. “What about my reward for helping you kill Grayson?”
“Tell me what Clarice wanted from you first,” she countered, her eyes narrowing.
“So you’re denying me the fruits of my labor? If that’s the case, I’ll inform the king that you only succeeded because you had help from yours truly, a grave sinner,” he challenged, his smirk unwavering.
Her expression tightened, irritation flickering across her features. “I’ve never met anyone as shameless as you.”
Alden leaned in closer, his smirk growing. “Hand it over.”
Leona retrieved a scroll, a skill book, and a talisman, presenting them to him with a hint of annoyance.
“That’s all?” he asked, feigning disappointment.
“I selected these myself. They’re perfect for you,” she replied, her tone sharp.
“Eternal Scroll (Special) — Consumable. Effect: Enchants a piece of gear so it’s permanently bound to you. It can’t be destroyed, stolen, or dropped.”
Alden’s eyes widened, excitement coursing through him. This was a survival treasure, an invaluable asset. In the early stages of the game, rare gear could be lost upon death, but this scroll would ensure that wouldn’t happen. His mind immediately raced to the Bloodthirst Necklace; it was a perfect fit.
And finding something better? With his decade of past-life knowledge, he knew it was nearly impossible. Gear that restored a percentage of max HP remained powerful regardless of the stage.
He didn’t use it right away, however. Instead, he examined the second item.
“Abyssal Frost Wings – One Star. Effect: Summons a pair of Abyssal Ice Wings for five minutes of flight. Consumption: 300. Cooldown: 60 minutes. Proficiency: 0/100.”
Alden raised an eyebrow, impressed. A flight skill was a rarity in this world. Before Level 50, flying monsters were virtually nonexistent, and even afterward, they were few and far between. If he found himself in a losing battle, he could simply take to the skies with this skill. It was nothing short of a lifesaver.
And then there was the talisman…

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Game Over Not Over for Me