Chapter 138: Capital (2)

Chapter 138: Capital (2)

After my walk with Arwin came to an end, we returned to find that a feast of drinks had erupted among the royal soldiers.

Was it because we were almost at the capital?

It could have been the moment the king acknowledged their hard work.

Of course, I found it curious.

Why throw a drinking party at this moment?

I held Arwins hand, slightly tipsy, and observed the scene.

Arwin spoke from beside me.

...Its probably because its difficult to have such a feast in the capital.

She provided an explanation for the small question I had been pondering.

Huh?

Given the ongoing war, resources arent exactly plentiful. But they cant demoralize the soldiers, so they must have decided to have it here.

...

I nodded at Arwins explanation.

Regardless, I wasnt too concerned.

Looking around, I noticed my Head Hunter Unit mingling and drinking with the dragonian soldiers.

There was a subtle rivalry among the men, but they also shared laughter and camaraderie.

-Thud.

Suddenly, Arwin staggered and leaned on me.

Her cheeks were flushed.

I quickly realized why she hadnt been drinking until now.

She didnt seem to handle alcohol well.

...Im drunk, Berg.

Lets go inside and rest.

I said, taking care of her as we moved along.

I found myself mulling over the conversation I had shared with Arwin.

We had reconciled, and reaffirmed our affection for each other.

But that didnt mean there were no issues left to consider.

Arwins words echoed in my mind.

If it werent for the lifespan issue...I would have fallen in love with you long ago.

Under normal circumstances, I would have been overjoyed by such a statement.

It signified progress in our relationship.

...But perhaps due to the recent strains between us, it also sounded like an admission that she couldnt love me to the fullest.

The issue of lifespan...wasnt something that could be fixed.

...

I shook my head.

Perhaps it was a needless worry.

I decided to take her words in a positive light.

It must have been meant in a good way.

...Berg?

As Arwin and I walked, a familiar voice called out from behind.

...

It was Ner,

With drooping tail and ears.

Arwin and I exchanged glances before speaking.

...I was looking for you.

The rest of the sentence was swallowed, but the tone was unmistakably tinged with disappointment.

It made sense, given that only Arwin and I had gone for a walk.

In the midst of the growing laughter from the drinking party, I silently regarded Ner.

The decision didnt take long.

I turned to Arwin.

...Arwin, Ill walk you back to the lodge. Rest there for now.

...And you?

I need to have a word with Ner.

...

Perhaps it was because we had just reconciled.

Arwin nodded.

Ner, having heard me, also relaxed her expression at my decision.

She slowly approached and supported Arwin, who was leaning on me.

You seem drunk, Arwin-nim.

...

Arwin gave a brief nod.

...But its alright, Ner. Berg is here to support me.

With a subtle movement, she gently declined Ners offer of assistance.

We proceeded to walk, the lodging not far off.

-Swish.

I brought Arwin to the temporary tent and seated her on the bed.

Arwin, rest here. Ill have another drink and come back.

The drink I had shared with Arwin had been light-hearted.

I also wanted to make amends with Ner.

Arwin nodded, then collapsed weakly onto the bed.

Her eyes, blinking sleepily, watched me.

Ensuring she was safe, I moved on, with Ner following behind.

****

Before a large fire that had sprung up at some point, Ner and Berg sat quietly.

With the fire blazing, Ner recalled the many memories she had shared with Berg.

They had danced together and watched the circus.

Such happy memories often brought a light smile to her face, regardless of the atmosphere.

It was inevitable when reminiscing about those times.

Perhaps today would be another day to create such memories.

Though they had made up, there was still an awkwardness between Berg and her.

She didnt want that to continue, especially with their impending arrival at the capital.

There, undoubtedly, other women would vie for Bergs attention.

Berg just chuckled as he pulled away.

Ner touched the cheek where Bergs lips had been, blinking in disbelief.

Finally, she managed to speak.

...Does...does this mean the bet...

I lost. Ill grant your wish.

Berg said cheerfully, almost looking relieved.

............

Ner was at a loss for words.

She could feel her face flushing red, realizing she had been tricked...yet feeling a sense of happiness.

The awkward tension dissipated like a mirage due to his playful act.

Was this his intention all along, to approach more boldly?

She entertained the thought that it might be true.

Afterwards, Ner remained silent, as if frozen.

Pretending to be unaffected was all she could manage.

Blinking, she simply watched the revelry unfold before her.

One by one, the soldiers and women, previously engaged in wanton displays of affection, began to disappear.

Holding hands tightly, they set down their cups of wine and left for elsewhere.

As someone who had spent a long time with the mercenary group, Ner knew all too well what these departures entailed.

The sequence was always the same.

Talk, touch, kiss, and then leave like that.

They were clearly heading off for more intimate conversations.

Ner swallowed hard.

...Do you also...

She didnt know why she was curious enough to ask such a question.

Yet, before she knew it, she was asking Berg.

...?

...Do you want to...do that?

...

Berg looked at the departing soldiers upon hearing her question.

His eyes scanned them momentarily, as if piecing together the context.

Ner, despite the trembling in her voice, had to wait a long while for an answer.

The beating of her heart was almost audible.

As he watched them and took another sip of his drink, Berg extended his hand at that moment.

-Swish.

...?

Then, wiping away the earlier trace of a smile, he looked at Ner.

Bergs scarred hand was laid out before Ners eyes, silently asking her to take it.

...

Ner hadnt thought her heart could beat any faster.

But there Berg was, offering his hand with a steady gaze.

By taking his hand, she had some idea of what might unfold...

What breaths would be shared.

What ecstasy and warmth would be exchanged.

Arwin was already lost to the drunkenness.

Berg seemed to say he was always ready.

As if he was only waiting for Ners change.

Ner looked at his hand.

...I was just asking.

But in the end, she did not take his hand.

The reasons were countless.

It felt like skipping too many steps all at once.

Recently, due to constant traveling, there hadnt been a chance for a proper wash.

Uncertain about how to act.

Unfamiliar with how to please a partner.

The embarrassment was overwhelming.

Worried about the slight belly that seemed more pronounced lately.

Having never exposed herself to someone else before, the concern was even greater.

Moreover, she didnt want her first time to be in such a place.

She longed for it to happen in a more beautiful location, with a more relaxed heart.

She wanted it to follow endless whispers of love shared between them.

She was waiting for the perfect moment.

Considering the years ahead...there wouldnt be a lack of opportunities.

She wondered if Berg, too, wasnt in a rush at the moment.

Berg shrugged at Ners reaction, then withdrew his hand.

As if he had anticipated such a response from Ner.

...Ner.

Then Berg spoke.

...I just need you to be ready.

...

He whispered.

He seemed to have no intention of hiding his desires.

As if there was no reason to.

...

Ner envied Bergs honesty.

She harbored a hope that maybe, someday, she could be like him.

...She just needed a bit more time.

Today, she had even offered her tail.

She was taking steps closer.

Moving forward like this, the right moment would come.

Ner, clutching her racing heart, thought so.

The End of The Chapter

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