They walked in comfortable silence for a while along a worn dirt path that cut through the grasslands. Rick took the opportunity to study Carmilla more closely now that he wasn't in immediate danger or making a fool of himself.
She walked like someone who had been fighting for years, with her hand always close to her sword. The scars on her arms weren't just for show, there was probably a story behind each one.
Sebastian appeared next to Rick's head and spoke in a voice that only Rick could hear. "Since you have some time, let me explain how the Mature Affinity System actually works, because you clearly have no idea what you're doing."
"I'm listening," Rick thought back, having figured out he could communicate with the system mentally.
"As I said before, your level, stats, and abilities are all linked to your relationships with older women. But it's not as straightforward as just talking to them and getting experience."
"The system measures emotional connection through affection levels, which range from zero to ten." A small window popped up in the corner of Rick's vision, showing Carmilla's profile.
[CARMILLA CRIMSONFORD]
[2 out of 10 for affection]
[CURRENT STATUS: Interested and Amused]
[EMOTIONAL CONNECTION: Shallow (Surface Level)]
Sebastian went on with his explanation. "At affection level zero, you don't get any experience from interactions. At level one or two, you only get a little experience from big emotional moments."
"The higher the affection level, the more experience you get from both big and small interactions. At level ten, you unlock special abilities and benefits that only that person can use."
Rick thought, "So, I really need to get to know people. I can't just use cheap tricks or lie to them."
"That's right. The system is set up to encourage real emotional connections. Fake or forced affection gives you a lot less experience."
"Also, different types of emotional connections give you different benefits. For example, a mentor relationship, a friendship, or a romantic relationship all give you different stat bonuses and abilities."
Rick looked at Carmilla as she walked in front of him. "What do I need to do to make her love me more?"
Sebastian said in a dry voice, "Be yourself, I guess. And don't even try to use your stupid knowledge about MILFs. You need to respect women."
"More importantly, your complete lack of social skills somehow worked in your favor earlier. She likes how honest you are. But I think you should keep your thoughts about her thighs to yourself from now on, and try not to discuss the size of her chest because your eyes are looking at them."
"That was one time!"
"Once was enough to leave a mark on my memory forever."
Rick let out a sigh and walked faster to catch up with Carmilla. She looked at him with an eyebrow raised.
Rick said, "So," and then he tried to think of something to say that wouldn't make him sound stupid. "How long have you been a knight?"
"About fifteen years," Carmilla said. "I joined the Thornwick town guard when I was twenty-three and worked my way up to captain. Now I mostly patrol the area and kill monsters."
"That's amazing. You must be very strong."
"Strong enough to live," she said with a little shrug. "Strength isn't the only thing you need to do this job. You also need to be smart, patient, and lucky."
Rick was interested in what she said because there was something in her voice that made him think she was sad or tired. He wanted to ask more, but he wasn't sure if it would be okay. He did change the subject a little bit, though.
"Do you like what you do?"
Carmilla was quiet for a moment as she thought about the question. "I used to. Now it's more of a job than a hobby."
"But someone has to keep the roads safe and keep the town safe from monsters. If not me, then who?"
Rick nodded, knowing there was more to her story but not wanting to ask. They walked in silence for a few more minutes before Carmilla spoke up again.
"What about you? What do you plan to do when we get to Thornwick? Do you have any skills or training?"
Rick laughed in a nervous way. "To be honest, I'm not excellent at anything useful."
"I've spent most of my life doing nothing but slack off... I don't know how to fight, I've never done any real work, and I definitely don't know how to survive in a fantasy world full of monsters."
"At least you're being honest about it," Carmilla said with a small smile. "That's more than I can say for most young men who come to Thornwick and say they're great warriors or mages."
"The adventurer's guild is constantly looking for new members, even if they're not very experienced. They can give you basic training and give you easy quests to start with."
"Is there an adventurer's guild?"
"Of course. How else would people make a living hunting monsters and exploring ruins?" Carmilla looked at him like he had asked if water was wet. "Where do you live that you don't know about adventurers' guilds?"
Rick said quickly, "Very far away. Different traditions and all that."
[CARMILLA CRIMSONFORD'S LOVE: 2 → 3]
[REASON: THANKS FOR BEING HONEST ABOUT YOUR WEAKNESSES]
[NOTE: She likes that you're being honest with her.]
Rick could still hear Sebastian's voice in his head. "Interesting. She seems to respond well to being open and honest about her weaknesses."
"Most knights respect people who can admit their flaws instead of bragging about things they haven't done."
Rick put that information away for later. As they walked, Carmilla told him more about Thornwick and the area around it.
It was a medium-sized town with about two thousand people living there. Thornwick stood at the intersection of several major cities. The town had a busy adventurer's guild, a bustling market, and, it seems, one of the best taverns in the area.
"The Rusty Tankard," Carmilla said with a smile. "I've spent more nights there than I care to admit."
"The owner, Margot, makes the best stew you'll ever taste. She's also the nosiest woman in town, so be ready to answer many questions if you go there."
"Is she a friend of yours?"
"She's friends with everyone," Carmilla said with a laugh. "And she's like everyone's mother, grandmother, and therapist all in one. You'll understand when you meet her."
Rick saw that Carmilla's face changed when she talked about Margot and the tavern. There was real warmth there, a side of her that was different from the serious warrior he had first met. He wanted to see more of that side of him.
Rick said softly, "You must really care about this town."
Carmilla's smile faded a little. "I do. It's the only place I have left to live."
Rick didn't quite understand the meaning of those words, but he could feel the emotion behind them. Sebastian's voice broke into his thoughts before he could answer.
"Quest progress update. You need to make her feel something real before sunset that makes her smile."
"Just making her laugh earlier was good for affection points, but this quest needs something deeper, which is a real connection."