Chapter 31: Human Village (4)

Chapter 31: Human Village (4)

As the sun descended, darkness enveloped the surroundings.

And as if the darkness swallows the sound, silence comes along.

Only the chirping of crickets, the snorting of horses, and the soft footsteps could be heard.

The laughter and commotion that once filled the air now felt like distant memories.

...Lets head inside.

I gazed blankly at the lit fire and spoke to Ner.

I also put down the empty wine glass on the floor.

-Thud

Since the earlier incident, a warmer atmosphere had formed among us.

Ner, who had been looking at the moon, nodded at me.

We put out the fire we had set up and moved away.

-Swish

Soon, we entered the makeshift tent prepared by the others.

The interior wasnt exactly small, but it wasnt particularly spacious either.

It was comfortable enough not to complain.

...

...

...Instead, the bed was narrow.

Well, what could I complain about at a campsite... at the same time, I could sense the intentions of the members.

A bed made by spreading animal fur over straw laid on the ground.

They could have made it slightly wider if they wanted.

The makeshift bed was slightly larger than half the size of the bed we used to sleep in at the Blackwood Manor.

...Uh...

Ner opened her mouth, looking puzzled.

I already knew what her concern was.

It felt like we would inevitably end up sleeping with our bodies touching on that bed.

To avoid touching, both of us would have to be extremely uncomfortable.

I let out a soft laughter.

We had been pranked.

Of course, their intention must have been to strengthen the bond between a couple, but I couldnt help but imagine the members laughing to themselves.

Realizing this a little too late, I felt a bit embarrassed.

I took a deep breath.

In the end, there was nothing I could do.

Asking the members to fix the bed again would be strange, and no one could sleep on this cold floor comfortably.

Lets go to sleep.

I said.

Yes?

Ner asked back in surprise.

I casually took off my outerwear as usual.

Ner glanced alternately between me and the bed.

Over... there?

It cant be helped.

I spread my clothes over some nearby luggage and lowered my voice as I looked at her.

...I wont do anything, so dont worry.

No... its not like that...

Youve been riding on a horse all day, so you must be tired. Both of us will fall asleep quickly anyway.

I assured her, settling on the bed illuminated by the flickering lantern in the tent.

The soft feel of the fur beneath me was quite comfortable.

Looking at the tense Ner, I spoke again.

Come quickly. We have to leave early again tomorrow.

I knew this was an unwelcome situation for her, but it seemed like I had to lead her to this situation to resolve it quickly.

I was not completely comfortable with the current situation either, but since we were a married couple, I didnt feel any discomfort because of the favor I received from Ner earlier.

If it were another woman, I wouldnt have gone this far.

Perhaps the vows I repeated to myself after marriage helped in this situation.

Ner hesitated, took a step, then stopped.

Her yellow-glowing eyes scanned my body.

She kept staring at me like that for a while.

...Are you just going to keep looking at my body?

I teased her lightly.

Ner covered her mouth and nose with her hand, feeling embarrassed, and shrank back.

While taking a step back, she accidentally bumped into the luggage that was lying there.

She looked at the clothes I spread over the luggage, then glances between me and the clothes, and picked up the clothes that were neatly laid out.

Uh... please wear these.

...

Please...

Upon hearing her words, I reconsidered my thoughts.

Surely, it would indeed be unpleasant to have a skinship with someone I didnt like

I nodded and reached out for the clothes she offered.

Give me.

As she handed me the clothes... at the same time, I grabbed her wrist.

Ah...!

I gently pulled her and led her to the bed.

Ner lost her balance and softly sat on the bed.

Meanwhile, I put on the clothes again, bit by bit.

Once she sat on the bed, she didnt get up again.

Wearing the uncomfortable clothes, I used my thumb and index finger to put out the lantern.

-Swish

Now only Ners yellow eyes shone faintly in the tent.

Im wearing clothes now, so its fine, right?

I assured her, lying down at the edge of the bed to give her ample space to rest comfortably.

I created enough space between the tents wall and myself to accommodate her.

Ner, despite sitting on the bed, remained stiff, still deep in thought.

I told her, If there were mischievous ones, they would come to spy on us.

What?

If we were lying on the floor then, it would look strange. So lets not think too much about it and rest.

Ner looked toward the entrance of the tent at my words.

Dim moonlight seeped through the gaps in the swaying fabric.

...

I looked at the entrance and turned my back to Ner.

I thought this way would be more comfortable for her as well.

I even closed my eyes.

Perhaps falling asleep first might be in her best interest too.

Then her expression suddenly furrowed.

...Sore...ah...

And then she let out a groan.

What?

When I asked, Ner opened her eyes with difficulty and shook her head again.

Ah... Its nothing.

Why, what is it?

With my continuous questioning, Ner hesitated before speaking.

My... thighs hurt. The muscle pain has gotten a bit... worse...

I felt concerned at her words.

Todays journey was still long.

At this rate, she would be struggling all day.

I glanced at Baran for a moment.

He shook his head as if to say it was unfortunate.

It seemed like there were no empty seats in the carriage.

...

Indeed, it might be a challenging journey for a noble lady to endure.

I should think it was incredible that she had come this far.

A person who couldnt even ride a horse had made it hereit was almost like a miracle.

I needed to find another solution.

By the way, Baran. How is Shawn?

Continuing my thoughts, I asked about Shawns condition.

Baran smiled.

Shawn is fine. He woke up early yesterday. Now hes resting.

I let out a sigh of relief as well.

Even though I went to check on Shawn right after dawn, seeing him fast asleep made me unsure if he was okay.

Its all thanks to your wife.

Baran said with a smile.

I thought about what to do with Ner again.

Looking at her, I called out to her, but...

Ner

...burst into laughter.

Once again, she had fallen asleep.

.

.

.

.

We organized the camping site. After Ner finished washing up, she appeared more refreshed.

She didnt look as tired as before.

However, it seemed like her muscle pain had worsened, and her walking was awkward.

Her expression was also more furrowed.

I finally made a decision.

It wont work.

What?

Ner, lets ride together today.

Ners eyes widened.

I explained the reason to her.

Since you have muscle pain, you might not have enough strength. Its dangerous to ride a horse without using your legs properly.

Baran nodded beside her.

If you cant grip the horses sides with your thighs, it could be risky.

Besides, youre dozing off.

...

Ner blushed.

She showed such a blatant dozing off, and yet she seemed embarrassed about it.

Her dilemma didnt last long this time.

Then may I ask you a favor?

She had already ridden with me once... and it seemed like her muscle pain was severe.

Using muscles that werent normally used could make ones whole body ache.

I whistled, and my horse came to me.

Let me give you a hand for a moment.

Ner nodded in response to my words.

I held her waist and lifted her up.

As before, I made her sit sideways.

Then, I mounted the horse as well.

Surprisingly, this position was quite stable.

With her body between my arms, I could respond directly to any direction.

Seeing us like this, admiration and praise erupted from all around.

You two look great together already.

Its like a painting, vice-captain.

I shook my head and remained silent.

I asked Ner, who sat in front.

Does it hurt?

She shook her head.

Doing it like this, I can endure it. Thanks, Berg.

I replied as if it were natural.

Were a married couple after all.

.

.

.

.

I rode the horse in the forefront.

Adam Hyung also approached from the side.

There you are. Berg, where did you leave your precious wife? Oh.

I looked at approaching Adam Hyung.

His eyes were now fixated on Ner, who had leaned into my embrace and fallen asleep.

She was breathing peacefully in her sleep.

Out of all the looks I had seen from her over the past few days, this one looked the most comfortable.

Adam Hyung smiled at us.

Then he swallowed the words he was about to say.

End of Chapter

[ TL: Join Patreon to support the translation and to read up to 5 chapters ahead of the /readingpia

Join Our Discord for regular updates and have fun with other community members: /invite/SqWtJpPtm9 ]