Chapter 106: (Self Edited) Heart to Exchange →

‘Did we walk about three kilometers?’When the sun began to set, I sat down as if I was exhausted.

“…Let’s rest here today.” (Yuri)

The blood was drawn from my head. For some reason, the base of my neck was so painful that it was throbbing.

When the tree branches picked up assembled roughly, they were lit with a lighter. It was about time the lighter’s fuel ran out…

“Phew…” (Carol)

Carol sat beside me, putting her weight on the cane.

While waiting for the bonfire to burn, I took out the map from my luggage. Checking the current position, I marked the place where I moved two fingers with a pencil.

‘I think it’s roughly right, but with this such a rough marking, it’s undeniable that it’s off. It seems wise to take a path that is slightly to the north and aim for the road leading to the village, not the Nyuka village itself.’

I checked the map.

“We’ll be having a lot today. It’s meat after a long time.” (Yuri)

“Yeah, the last time we ate it was like a week ago.” (Carol)

From the crash to the road where I saw the big stone sphere, I killed one rabbit and ate it. That would be it.

“The blood is drained, it’s a good meat.” (Yuri)

‘Gin Toga, whom I met in the forest before, was eating rotten meat that the blood hadn’t drained, but in the end it was the same if you were in a hurry. I couldn’t afford to do the pre-treatment leisurely, and I could only think that it’s the same once I get into my stomach.’

“This is a fine ham. There’s even salt.” (Yuri)

‘Perhaps, this was managed by the commanding officer, Canker, as a reward element in the unit. Smoked and baked pork ham had already been halved. Even if it is halved, it seems that the amount is a lot.’

“This is a feast.” (Carol)

“Yeah. Let’s cook it right away.” (Yuri)

I opened the ham wrapped in cloth and sliced it vertically with a knife.

I put each of it on a skewer, and handed one to Carol.

“Here, there’s also bread.” (Yuri)

“Alright.” (Carol)

‘Regarding food, it is ironic that it is easier after the pursuit is put off.’

The smoke ham, which was roughly cut into thick pieces, began to burn as the fat layer bubbled up when it was put over the fire. While turning it further, we baked it to the front of the charcoal. The smell was so good that we seemed drooling.

“I wonder if I can put it on the bread.” (Carol)

Carol said. She didn’t have a plate, so the bread could be used as a plate. It was fine to stick with the skewers.

“Wait a sec.” (Yuri)

I handed my skewer to Carol and prepared the bread myself. It wasn’t a bread in a rectangular shape, but something like round French bread that was baked tightly so that it could fit in the bag.

The surface of the bread was tinged with flour powder.

‘Is this a way to eat the bread by knocking off the powder when it gets dirty? Anyhow, the meat doesn’t seem to fit it, but it doesn’t matter if I pinch it.’

I cut the bread with a knife as much as 80% of its length and opened in two. I made two of them.

“I did it.” (Yuri)

“Alright.” (Carol)

I exchanged the meat, and put out a skewer while sandwiching it with bread. When I bit the protruding meat, the burnt and smoked aroma of the meat filled the mouth.

The meat was too delicious, probably because the body wanted it. The oil and gravy with the smoked aroma felt sweet like sweet dew.

When I picked up a pinch of salt similar to rock salt that was roughly crushed and sprinkled on it, I felt very satisfied as if the nutrients that weren’t enough for my body were filled.

‘How about Carol?’

As I thought so, I turned to Carol. She opened her mouth and chewed the bread. She was also eating happily. Her face was fluttering. However, it seemed that it was difficult to chew because the bread was hard.

She hurriedly moved her mouth and swallowed it. When she noticed that I was looking at her closely…

“Wait a sec.” (Carol)

For some reason, she said with a slightly sloppy voice.

“Hmm?” (Yuri)

“Isn’t it embarrassing to see that?” (Carol)

“See what?” (Yuri)

“There’s no knife and fork, so I don’t want you to see me opening my mouth wide like saying ‘Ooh’.” (Carol)

‘Aah. It’s too late already.’

“Alright, I’m not looking.” (Yuri)

‘I wouldn’t be uncomfortable if she’s looking at me, but I would like to be careful about what I do.’

“P-please.” (Carol)

When Carol replied, I put the rest of the bread in my mouth while watching the bonfire.

—

“It was delicious.” (Carol)

Carol said with satisfaction.

“Are you full?” (Yuri)

“Alright.” (Carol)

There was a lot of bread left. Maybe she was already full, and she couldn’t eat any more.

“Then, shall we sleep soon?” (Yuri)

“Yes, but before that…” (Carol)

“Hmm?” (Yuri)

‘What?’

“Yuri, thanks.” (Carol)

‘What are you saying?’

“Why are you suddenly saying that?” (Yuri)

“I mean, we’re going to arrive at the Nyuka village tomorrow, right?” (Carol)

“Well, that’s the plan.” (Yuri)

‘I calculated that we had already somehow walked about 200 kilometers, but there’s a possibility that it may be off. So, I’m not too confident.’

“Maybe, the unit and helpers are waiting in the village?” (Carol)

“Well. There seems to be a good chance of that.” (Yuri)

‘I think that possibility is low, but even if it’s low, I think it can be about 10% to 30%, so I have enough expectations. What I don’t expect is that, in short, the searcher doesn’t know about Carol’s injuries. If the information is unknown, they would think that Carol is safe. Maybe.’

‘Since we can walk on foot and both are trained in martial arts, we could overcome some difficulties. If that is the premise, we would go through the road along the seashore. That would be a common route selection.’

‘The reason I think so is that Liao confirms that I, who crashed in the same way, is safe. Since Yuri Hou was safe, Carol Full Chartres would be safe as well. It’s foolish to decide from the start, but it will be a basis for judgment. Therefore, if they anticipate the action, it will come up as the highest expectation.

“If that happens, we may soon be rescued, and I may not have the opportunity to thank you.” (Carol)

“I don’t think that will happen though.” (Yuri)

‘We won’t be separated forever.’

“That’s true, but when it comes to thank you again later… I feel a bit empty. That’s why I wanted to say it now.” (Carol)

“I see.” (Yuri)

‘There’s no need to say thank you. However, to say that, it may sound rude. I feel that it’s better to receive it obediently.’

“Well. But I’d like to thank you too.” (Yuri)

“Why is that?” (Carol)

“It’s about you being alive. As I’ve said before, if you’re die, I’m not going to be depressed.” (Yuri)

“You know… I’m not sure if you should hear this, but on the way here… I wish I had died. Didn’t you think so?” (Carol)

‘What is that question?’

A satisfied smile came out, and it suddenly changed to a grin.

“I can’t reply with an honest answer if you ask such a question, you know.” (Yuri)

“…Yeah, I think so too. But… I supposed it’s natural.” (Carol)

‘She’s really straightforward. I can’t conclude that allies are waiting for us, but we are approaching the village and she may be relaxed.’

“I didn’t think so.” (Yuri)

“I see… may I ask why do you think that?” (Carol)

“I can only say that’s how it is.” (Yuri)

“But I think that’s how you usually think though.” (Carol)

‘You don’t seem convinced, is it?’

“Say, what’s the most important for you?” (Yuri)

“What? Why are you hitting around the bush?” (Carol)

“Well, just answer me. It’s the flow of the talk.” (Yuri)

“Hmm… I think it will Shaalta.” (Carol)

‘The country, is it? The size is large, but there may be cases like that. Especially in the case of her, this is where she was born.’

“As for me, I give the highest importance to myself.” (Yuri)

“I think that’s normal.” (Carol)

“Well. For humans, self is the most important thing. Well, for that matter, I wonder how my life would be in the future.” (Yuri)

“Yes. I understand. I also don’t want to die if possible.” (Carol)

“But the self that is the most important is lifeless.” (Yuri)

I think so much more because my life was like that before I came here.

“Is that so?” (Carol)

“If the self is the most important, I will care about myself for the rest of my life. However, if you find something more important than your important self… a worthless life will become a little more valuable.” (Yuri) S~ᴇaʀᴄh the Nʘvᴇl(F)ire.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

“Hmm… is that why you rescued me?” (Carol)

“Well, yeah.” (Yuri)

“…That’s difficult.” (Carol)

“If you don’t understand, that’s fine. You don’t have to work hard to understand the life philosophy of other people.” (Yuri)

“That… Then, for you, am I more important than your own life?” (Carol)

“If that’s not the case, I wouldn’t have a hard time rescuing you until I almost die.” (Yuri)

‘Actually, even if I don’t care, I won’t leave her there. I will dig a hole, give her food, and wait for help. I might have said that.’

“Is it because I’m a princess?” (Carol)

“Huh?” (Yuri)

A voice that sounded due to something unexpected came out involuntarily.

‘She is thinking something foolish.’

“You know… do you think I’m the kind of person who works hard to death to be thanked by the royal family?” (Yuri)

“No, I don’t think so.” (Carol)

‘If you can answer that immediately, don’t ask that question. Although it was a good scene…’

“I see. Well, that’s true.” (Carol)

Whether she understood it or not, Carol muttered something.

“Shall we sleep soon? It’s fine to talk more in the village tomorrow.” (Yuri)

“Are you going to put out the fire?” (Carol)

“It’s better to put it out. I don’t think that guy will follow me because I fought him off once, but it would be silly if I got hit on the neck.” (Yuri)

‘At such times, doing this is necessary.’

“I see. Alright, let’s put it out.” (Carol)

Carol struck the bonfire with the tip of the crutch. When she scattered as it was, the bonfire that had gathered collapsed. The flame on the tree branch was burning, but it would soon became a smoke and disappear.

I stood up, and put my back on the trunk of a tree.

‘In this way, I don’t need to worry about getting back at me, and although it’s tight, I can sleep without worrying about my back.’

When I took the oil paper poncho as usual, Carol approached me.

—

“Hey…” (Carol)

Carol said. As she wrapped up in the same poncho, I felt a warm body temperature over the cloth. I could hear her breathing as her face was near.

She whispered in a small voice, but I could hear it well because of the closeness. After all, Carol’s head was so close that it stuck to my cheek.

“What is it?” (Yuri)

“Can I ask you something?” (Carol)

“What?” (Yuri)

‘Do you still want to talk? It’s fine since I’m not sleepy.’

“Well… do you have a fiancé?” (Carol)

“…Haa?” (Yuri)

‘This girl has been asking a lot of unexpected questions. Usually, she’s nervous.’

“I don’t have one… why?” (Yuri)

‘What is this?’

“Then, who’s the woman you’re dating?” (Carol)

“No one.” (Yuri)

When I answered, Carol suddenly leaned over. She turned her body half a turn over my legs and laid down with her face facing me.

The warm feeling touched my cheek.

“!?” (Yuri)

“Hmm…” (Carol)

She kept kissing my cheek two to three times as it was.

“Oi…” (Yuri)

I couldn’t stop her, and my voice was somehow confused.

“…Do you dislike it?” (Carol)

Carol whispered to my ear.

“What’s wrong? This isn’t like you.” (Yuri)

“Answer me first. Did you dislike it?” (Carol)

Carol’s voice sounded as if she was having a fever. It was captivating.

“I… don’t dislike it.’ (Yuri)

“I see.” (Yuri)

When I said that, Carol once again kissed my cheek. She was now close enough to the edge of my mouth, and when she pulled back a little, she lightly licked the edge of my lips with her mouth.

“That’s my feeling.” (Carol)

“I’m not… that dull either, you know.” (Yuri)

‘After all, I was aware of Carol’s affection. However, rather than being in love, I think that the childhood hostility at the time of enrolment gradually changed. I think it was something that turned to curiosity and then, became a favorable feeling.’

“If you’re going to thank me for the help…” (Yuri)

“That’s not it. I… live the way I want to live. As long as it doesn’t bother others… that’s why I wanted to confirm.” (Carol)

‘Was she trying to confirm just now? She probably thinks that if I had a love or fiancé, I would be offended if she did something like.’

“If you don’t dislike it, just accept my feelings.” (Carol)

“I don’t dislike it.” (Yuri)

“Then…” (Carol)

“But I don’t want to take responsibility.” (Yuri)

“As for responsibility, it doesn’t matter.” (Carol)

‘It doesn’t matter, huh?’

“If I’m going to kiss you back, just so you know, I’m a man. I want to go beyond that.” (Yuri)

‘I haven’t relieved myself for almost a month, and I’m sick of bloody stuff. Murder requires a violent impulse, which, if peeled off, lead to a sexual impulse. I’m wearing a stoic expression to conceal my true feeling, but I don’t know what will happen if that is peeled off.’

“I don’t care.” (Carol)

‘Uhmm.’

“Well, the problem is that, I’m not going to be your husband right now.” (Yuri)

‘That’s a matter of course.’

“I don’t care about that as well.” (Carol)

Carol’s reply was quick, probably because she had the answer in advance.

‘It doesn’t really matter, is it?’

“There’s no way that it doesn’t really matter.” (Yuri)

“I don’t want you to take responsibility and marry me. I don’t mind if you think this is just a hallucination at night, and you want to cut off our relationship. I’m not going to say anything if you sleep with another woman.” (Yuri)

Carol, who had a tight body and good hygiene, said such a line. A line that wasn’t supposed to come out from Carol’s mouth was said immediately.

“The problem is…” (Yuri)

“Yes, the problem. But I won’t bother you later. After this, I just leave it to you.” (Carol)

‘Carol’s will seems firm. It’s funny to worry about that in a situation like now, but what would I do if she could have a child?’

“I can’t treat you like a convenient woman. Like I said, I care about you.” (Yuri)

When I said that, Carol seemed a bit confused. However, after a while…

“Hey…” (Carol)

Carol said the continuation.

“You said that it was your convenience to help me. Then, it’s my convenience for me to do this now. I want to exchange my heart with you this time. That’s it. If you don’t like to do it with me, please say something about it. That’s what I want… yeah, so…” (Carol)

Carol seemed to choose her words carefully.

‘You want to convey your thoughts without creating a misunderstanding.’

“Rather than doing it quickly, I would be happier if you treat me roughly.” (Carol)

‘It was a thoughtful line. In such an emergency situation, there may be some things that are strange, but her feelings for me are real. I get it. It’s similar to a confession when you get drunk, and I can’t do this without knowing the true intention.’

I supported Carol’s body with both hands and snatched her lips. I pressed her lips and when I let go, Carol, now with both hands free, put her arms around my neck and grabbed my lips back.

“Hmmph…!” (Yuri)

The excitement increased, the body became heated, and the brain was swelled with emotions.

“Hmmph… phew, haa… haa.” (Carol)

Carol’s sigh was disorganized at a close distance, and her face dyed with red. We were wanting each other. However, I mobilized all the reasons in my head, and stopped the desire of the beast.

“…Let’s stop here today.” (Yuri)

“Uh… why?” (Carol)

“This is probably your first time.” (Yuri)

“Of course. Aren’t you the same?” (Carol)

“Yeah.” (Yuri)

‘I haven’t done it until I came here, and it won’t be a lie since it’s my first time.’

“There will be a lot of difficulties for the first timers. I don’t go out of my way to do it in such a cold, pitch-dark forest you know.” (Yuri)

“It’s warm.” (Carol)

Certainly, since we were excited, there was heat in the body. It was warm that I couldn’t think we were outdoors.

“Even if it’s warm, it’s too dark to care for your body. Our bodies are dirty… it’s bad.” (Yuri)

“Uhh… did you smell it?” (Carol)

‘Well, it smells a little. Even if Carol bathed in the river, she is injured to begin with. I don’t want to do it because it would be more harmful, like putting ice-like water on the body.’

“It’s nice to like each other. But I’m not in a hurry.” (Yuri)

“Hmm~~…” (Carol)

Carol made an indescribable growl.

“Alright. I give up today.” (Carol)

Carol lifted her arm off my neck. She turned around and put her back on my chest.

In the series of love affairs, the poncho was torn a little on the neck part.

‘It’s a good thing that we have a spare, but… It’s not like we’re going to do it while wearing it.’