"My daughter is such a good girl. But ever since she contracted Black Pox, she's become a bit cold and short-tempered. Please forgive her if she causes you any trouble, Young Master Merlin," Lisa said, her expression sheepish.

Merlin smiled reassuringly. "It's okay. I won't be angry or blame her. I understand the situation."

Who wouldn't feel depressed and tormented after years of suffering from illness?

If it were him, Merlin was certain he would also be easily irritated and consumed by misery.

So he wasn't surprised that Nivis's personality differed from what was described in the novel.

After all, Nivis in the novel was already recovering, with Abel there to support her emotionally.

His task now was the same as Abel's: to be a pillar of support for Nivis so she could heal.

They continued walking until they reached room 146.

"Before entering, please wear this mask, Young Master Merlin," Lisa said, handing him a special white mask.

The mask covered the entire head, especially the nose and mouth, because Black Pox spread through respiration before slowly destroying the body.

Merlin had known this from the start, so he didn't ask many questions.

Lisa slowly opened the door, and they stepped inside. There, they found another white metal door, tightly locked.

Lisa took the key from her bag, inserted it into the keyhole, and opened it.

A click echoed, and Lisa pushed the door open. In that instant, the room revealed itself to Merlin.

Instead of being shabby or messy as he had expected, it was neat and orderly. A bed occupied the center, flanked by two windows.

Of course, the windows weren't fully open to the outside. Special nets filtered the air coming in—and out—ensuring safety.

Sitting on the edge of the bed was a girl of about eleven or twelve, calmly reading a book.

She was quite pretty. Her hair was long and black, and the roundness of her cheeks made her look adorable.

Unfortunately, black spots blemished her face and body, writhing like living veins.

The sight was terrifying—even Merlin flinched slightly.

'Is that Black Pox?' he thought, his mind heavy with concern.

He had thought he was prepared to see Nivis's pitiful state—but now, he realized he had overestimated himself.

Seeing his reaction, Lisa wasn't surprised. It had to be admitted that Nivis's condition was already at a critical stage.

Her chances of surviving to adulthood were less than five percent—a reality that had left Lisa frustrated and worried for months.

"Nivis, Mother is here. How are you today? Feeling any better?" Lisa greeted softly as she stepped closer.

Nivis paused in her reading for a moment, then continued as if nothing had happened.

Her indifference pierced Lisa's heart. Yet she did not show anger. She stayed strong, placing the fruit she had brought onto the table.

"I heard from the nurse that you've been more active in your room today. Are you feeling happy? If you are, please tell me—I want to know," Lisa said, sitting in the chair next to the bed, her eyes filled with hope.

But from start to finish, Nivis remained silent, as if she didn't exist.

Tears pricked the corners of Lisa's eyes, yet she forced herself to ignore them, continuing to ask questions full of care, even though it seemed hopeless.

Merlin watched everything from a distance, his expression dark.

He understood Nivis was suffering—but her treatment of Lisa was completely unacceptable.

He had seen firsthand how much Lisa had struggled to care for her daughter, only to receive such coldness in return.

Unable to stay silent any longer, Merlin stepped forward, his voice sharp. "Don't you have ears? Your mother is talking!"

Instantly, the room went silent. Lisa froze, surprised by Merlin's unexpected words.

Nivis paused, then set her book on her lap and turned to face him.

Until now, Merlin hadn't been able to see her face clearly from his position. But now he could—and the sight was horrifying.

The black spots had spread beyond her arms and legs, crawling across her forehead and nose.

Her eyes were blue and lifeless, as if she had long since lost the will to live.

"Who are you?" she asked flatly.

Lisa opened her mouth to reply, but Merlin stepped forward and gently patted her shoulder.

"Auntie, could you step outside for a moment? I want to talk to Nivis alone," he said softly.

Lisa hesitated, then let out a deep sigh.

"All right. I'll leave her to you. But please… don't be too harsh on her, okay?" she pleaded.

She trusted Merlin, yet she also knew how difficult her daughter could be. She worried that Merlin might lose patience and lash out.

Merlin chuckled and reassured her. "Don't worry. I won't. Trust me."

Lisa said nothing more. She stood, walked away, and didn't look back.

Since Merlin had promised, she trusted him completely.

On the other hand, Nivis was taken aback by her mother's reaction.

In her entire life, this was the first time she had seen her mother place so much trust in someone else.

Even the professional nurses had struggled to earn that kind of confidence.

Naturally, she felt both curious and wary about the boy before her.

"Who are you? And why are you so close to my mother?" she asked again, her voice tinged with jealousy.

Although she had ignored her mother earlier, it would be a lie to say she didn't love her.

After all, her mother was the only family she had left.

Merlin said nothing. He studied Nivis with an unreadable expression, then whispered, "Open the status panel."

Name: Nivis Astrala

Age: 11

Identity: Supporting Character in the Novel The Lost Hero

Talent: B

Rank: –

Bloodline: Cooking God (Blue)

Favorability: 10

When the panel appeared, Merlin's eyebrows lifted slightly in surprise.

'The Bloodline of the Cooking God? What a unique name,' he murmured.

Bloodlines weren't just about granting power—they could also confer special skills, like Nivis's.

No wonder the girl had become such a talented cook in the novel. Her rare bloodline explained everything.

"Hey! I'm talking to you! Why are you just standing there? Are you deaf?" Nivis's sharp, angry voice pulled Merlin from his thoughts.

He looked at her furious face and felt not an ounce of fear. He sat down where Lisa had been, crossing his legs casually.

"My name is Merlin Clay. You've heard of me, haven't you?"

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