Chapter 114: Approaching Shadows (4)

Chapter 114: Approaching Shadows (4)

The next day I woke up early in the morning.

I was startled by the heavy weight on my body.

Looking closely, I saw Ner lying half on top of me, asleep.

Her tail was wrapped around my thigh, and her head rested on my chest.

Her fine, white hair was sprawled carelessly over my bare upper body.

She was also in an embrace, a gesture that seemed affectionate at a glance, yet somehow coincidental at the same time.

Looking around, I noticed our blanket had fallen to the floor.

Perhaps she hugged me tighter because it was cold.

But one thing was certain, she had changed a lot from before.

Unlike in the past, it was noticeable that she no longer felt tense by my side.

Originally, she wouldnt have come this close to me.

...

If it was like this in the past, I might have liked this.

But now, Arwins words faintly come to mind.

I was trying not to think about it, but it wasnt easy.

A destined partner.

I click my tongue lightly.

Then I gently stroked Ners hair.

Oblivious, she rubbed her cheek against me.

I carefully pushed her away, trying not to wake her.

...Hmm.

But unexpectedly, she resisted, making it hard to detach her.

A smile escaped me as I gently pushed away the arms wrapped around me.

No matter how much I tried to free myself, she kept clinging to me.

I also loosened her tail wrapped around my thigh.

I always thought this, but her tail fur was very soft.

I wanted to stroke her all day long, but I couldnt as much as she disliked it.

Would there ever come a day when I could touch it to my hearts content?

It was hard to tell.

She said we should gradually progress in the future... but whether that was sincere, only time would tell.

Finally, after some struggle, I detach her white tail from me and get out of the bed.

I rolled my shoulders to loosen the tense muscles and checked Arwins World Tree leaf around my neck.

Then, looking at Ner, who was sound asleep, I picked up the blanket from the floor and covered her with it.

I stroked her again, looking peacefully beautiful in her sleep.

Lastly, after checking on her, I put on my top and stepped outside.

-Thud.

This time, both my wives and I took a rest at the inn.

The village, true to its dwarven nature, had many intricately made things, which were quite satisfying.Follow the latest novels at novelhall.com

Our room was on the second floor.

Going down the stairs, I run into the members.

Vice-captain, did you sleep well?

I nodded my head.

Baran then asked, Where did you put your sword?

Ah.

Distracted by thoughts of Ner, I had forgotten my sword.

I turned lightly and headed back to the room.

And then, I carefully opened the door, taking care not to wake Ner.

-Thud!

...?

At that moment, a loud noise came from inside, followed by something moving hastily.

...In truth, the only one who could move that quickly was Ner.

I stepped into the room and quietly observed Ner.

Her position had slightly changed from before.

...

...

I scratched my ear as I walked towards my sword, without taking my eyes off Ner.

...Were you awake?

I asked, but Ner didnt respond.

She seemed to be soundly asleep, snoring softly.

I fastened my sword to my waist and approached Ner.

...Ner...?

No response from her, even when I called her name.

Was it my imagination?

I tilted my head towards her again.

Ner was deep in sleep, breathing steadily.

There really was no need to check if she was awake.

But if she had been...the way she had clung to me earlier would have felt quite different.

Also, I wanted to greet her and discuss the mission before leaving.

...Huh.

I gently blew into her perked ears.

Ner twitched and shivered.

Then, she sleepily opened her eyes and murmured in a daze.

...Berg?

She squinted against the bright sunlight pouring in.

I felt a twinge of guilt at her reaction. She really was asleep.

...Sorry. I woke you up.

...Complaining about waking me after blowing in my ear, whats that about...

She giggled as she spoke.

I stroked her hair.

Go back to sleep. Ill be back soon.

Ah, Berg.

At that, she rubbed her eyes and got up.

Hmm?

...You need to receive the energy before going.

...Ah.

Hearing that, I took off my top again.

She, who had been sitting on the bed continuously, spoke.

Sit down. Show me your back.

I sat beside her.

I took a deep breath, bracing myself for the impending spell.

-Thud.

Then, Ners body leaned onto mine.

She entrusted her entire body to me as if climbing on my back.

A soft sensation heavily pressed against my back.

Im sleepy... Ill do it like this, she murmured.

Soon, she hugged my neck and began to whisper something into my ear.

A strange shiver ran down my spine.

It wasnt an unpleasant kind of shiver.

A familiar orange light escaped from Ners body and entered mine.

Now I realized, it almost felt like becoming one.

No wonder it was said to be a spell only performed between spouses.

Gradually, Ners chanting subsided, and the orange light extracting from her body began to diminish.

Ner, sweating, took slow, deep breaths to calm herself.

...Is it over? I asked Ner.

-Tap.

But instead of answering, Ner gently nibbled on my ear.

Startled, I flinched, and so did she, releasing my ear.

Ah, so, sorry. I did it unconsciously in my sleep...

I looked at the startled Ner, feeling an odd impulse.

Perhaps I felt proud of her for trying so hard for me, or maybe it was my own desire to get closer to her.

...

...

I gently pulled Ners head closer by the distance and pressed my lips against her cheek.

Without turning my head, I looked at Gale as Arwin placed her hand on my cheek.

She pulled my face towards her.

Berg. Trust me-

-Okay.

I said.

Arwin seemed more surprised by the decision than I was.

...What?

I repeated.

...Okay. Lets do that.

I looked up at Gale again.

He smiled faintly and nodded.

****

Felix, who had retreated, was pouring out his anger.

He grabbed the collar of Dricus, the eldest son of the late Lord Jacksons second wife.

Why did you hesitate back there! I clearly ordered you to push back the monsters!!

The hero party had taken on the role of a decoy, engaging the boss monsters.

The plan was for the remaining forces to deal with the swelled ranks of the monsters during this time.

However, while the hero party selflessly acted as bait, Dricus displayed a passive attitude... resulting in the sacrifice of numerous soldiers who followed the hero party.

Dricus raised his arms as if to protest his innocence.

How could I possibly enter that place...! With so many monsters...!

This... damn...!

Felix clenched his teeth, his fists shaking as they gripped Dricus collar.

The saintess understood why he was so furious.

He wasnt just blaming Dricus for being cowardly.

Felix was reacting this way because he sensed Dricus filthy intentions even in this war.

The hero party continued the fight alongside the troops of Prin, the first in line for succession.

The role of the decoy was also shared with Prins soldiers.

However, due to Dricus passive attitude and the resulting delays, many of Prins soldiers met their deaths... Felix naturally sensed malice in these actions.

A suspicion that could never be proven with evidence.

But the circumstantial evidence was more than convincing.

-Thump!

The hero forcefully pushed Dricus, throwing him to the ground.

Is your selfishness really that important, more so than the lives of countless others?

What are you saying...!

The saintess closed her eyes, lamenting the sight of Dricus, blinded by immediate power, selling the future.

His foolishness was beyond her understanding.

Yet, on this journey, she had seen even more foolish beings.

Especially those with much to lose were often more so.

The stubborn dragonians.

The tradition-bound Elves.

The reckless werewolf.

The lustful and greedy Humans... and so on.

In times like these, she yearned for one being in particular.

The one who was willing to sacrifice everything, even in their moments of hardship.

She realized again how miraculous this being was to her.

A man who was willing to share whatever he had... ready to sacrifice himself for others.

...

Sylphrien stepped in front of the enraged Felix.

She began to mediate.

Enough. We dont have time for more quarreling here.

Sylphrien was right.

This retreat was only temporary.

The war was still raging.

Like a beehive that had been stirred, the attacked monsters began to rampage.

One might be able to start a war at a desired moment, but that didnt mean it could be ended at will.

...Felix. Ill talk to Dricus. Go cool off your emotions for now.

...

Felix, clenching his fists and grimacing, sighed and turned away.

He left the situation to Sylphrien and walked off.

Acran and the saintess followed the agitated Felix.

.

.

.

If it werent for this place...

Felix muttered, trying to suppress his anger.

The Jackson family controlled the supply route leading to the front lines of the battlefield.

Felix openly expressed that if not for the circumstances, he would have abandoned this group of Humans.

...Felix.

The battle-scarred Acran calmed down the agitated Felix.

The saintess reached out her hand, healing Acrans wounds.

...Just catch your breath. Theres no room for such intense emotions now. Ah, thank you... Saintess-nim. I am indebted to you again.

Felix took deep, ragged breaths.

Then he whispered.

...The Jackson family... will have to answer for this after the war.

He revealed his dragonian-like anger and temperament.

Acran didnt say anything in response.

He just nodded and patted Felix, maybe empathizing with him.

...In fact, the saintess shared the same thought.

She couldnt fathom how much pointless time was wasted because of them.

Even as fellow Humans, their actions were indefensible.

Soon, Sylphrien returned.

Her expression was stern as she spoke.

...Ive secured a promise of vigorous support for the next battle.

Felix continued his deep breaths and nodded at her words.

Heat poured out of his mouth, creating a shimmering mirage.

...We have to go back, Felix, Sylphrien said.

The war is in full swing.

The battle had been ongoing for an entire day.

Yet, there was no time for rest.

Felix nodded and got up.

Having calmed his anger to a manageable level, he spoke to his companions.

Controlling his emotions, he said, ...Sorry. Lets try a little harder.

Felix always faithfully took care of his comrades.

Everyone nodded in agreement at his words.

.

.

.

The saintess followed Sylphrien from the rear.

Sylphrien quietly chanted a spell from behind.

The saintess quietly observed her actions.

Soon, a red hawk appeared and perched near Sylphrien.

Sylphrien whispered something to the hawk.

The saintess questioned Sylphriens unfamiliar behavior.

What kind of request did you ask for?

Sylphrien gently kissed the hawk on its face.

With that kiss, the hawk soared high into the sky.

Turning around, Sylphrien spoke.

...I asked it to keep an eye on our situation.

The saintess watched the hawk ascend.

Sylphrien added to her explanation.

...And if we run into trouble... to immediately ask Gale for help.

The End of The Chapter

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

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