Chapter 50
Chapter 50
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 50
Chapter Title: The Twenty-Fourth Fragment, Carpe Diem
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A gentle stroking sensation on his head roused Judah to open his eyes. Reflected in his still-unfocused pupils was Tia, her bare body radiating a warm, unreserved gaze. The touch he'd felt in his sleep had been hers.
"Did you sleep well?"
Judah nodded. Last night's events hadn't been a dream. She'd pounced on him first, but soon enough, they'd eagerly explored each other with pleasure. He'd said the words he'd longed to tell her, and she'd accepted him. The order had been reversed, but the outcome was satisfying.
He'd wondered if she'd only said those things because of the alcohol, but seeing her so clear-headed now, that didn't seem to be the case. It was a far cry from last year, when a single kiss in the carriage had left her utterly flustered.
"Are you okay?"
Tia's lips curved into a smirk at Judah's question, loaded with multiple meanings.
Was he asking about her hangover, or about what happened last night? Probably both. The answer to that was no.
Not okay at all. Despite her smile, her head throbbed from the hangover, and a twinge of guilt lingered in her heart for sharing love with her young disciple while drunk.
But that guilt soon turned to pride. She was a beast at her core, after all—a tiger in human form. She'd wanted it, so she'd done it. What was the problem?
If anything, she was glad and happy to have finally released the desires she'd suppressed for no good reason. And Judah had even whispered sweet words of love in her ear. That was enough.
'No, actually... maybe it's not enough?'
As Tia stroked Judah's head, her eyes took on a seductive glint. Memories replayed in her mind: his voice ragged with ecstasy, his melting expression, the way he'd shaken his hips like a beast in heat, panting heavily. She wanted to do it again. Her long legs itched to wrap around him, but she held back. It was morning now. She could wait until night. Hiding her intentions, Tia flashed an innocent smile.
"I'm fine, see? Perfectly okay."
"Amazing. I never imagined Tia—the one who struggles to get up every morning—would wake up first and be watching me like this."
She stuck out her tongue and laughed at his words. She'd thought the same thing before he woke. For her, who had lived for ages, this was the first time she'd realized mornings weren't so bad. Her eyes had opened on their own, and stroking his head while touching his face and body had been a profoundly meaningful time. Then, a soft rumble from her stomach made her pause with a puzzled look before bursting into laughter.
"Hungry, huh? Go wash up and get ready. I'll make something delicious."
With a voice even softer now, Tia spoke to Judah, rose from the bed, and headed for the door.
'At least put on some clothes.'
Judah blinked in disbelief at the cartoonish sight of her heading to cook naked, then tilted his head. Something felt off, and sure enough, he realized he was lying on a bed, not the sofa.
'Weird. I could've sworn I fell asleep on the sofa last night.'
She must have carried him to bed during the night. Yawning, Judah got up and headed to the living room. The moment he stepped out, a musty smell hit him. Sniffing around curiously, he froze behind the sofa.
"Ugh."
Traces of last night's lovemaking remained untouched. Soaked in fluids and semen—and he recalled her even peeing—the smell was no surprise. Wiping with a wet cloth wouldn't cut it; the sheets needed a full wash. With a small sigh, Judah headed to the bathroom to clean up first. After a thorough wash and changing into fresh clothes, he started cleaning while Tia cooked. He flung open the windows for ventilation, replaced all the sofa sheets and cushions, and scrubbed the table and floor with a clean rag.
He wiped so vigorously it squeaked, swapped the sheets for new ones, and spritzed air freshener from the general store. The ventilation had worked—no trace of the smell, just a fresh scent. As Judah considered sitting on the sofa for a quick rest, Tia's voice called from the kitchen. There, she'd prepared a feast for breakfast.
"What are you staring at? Come sit already."
She beamed proudly, hands on her hips. Judah felt embarrassed at the sight of her still naked.
"Tia, put on some clothes first."
"Oh."
Tia glanced down at herself. Just an apron. She'd been about to approach him smiling like that but paused, then nodded. True, there was plenty of time left—no need to tempt him first thing in the morning. She grinned sheepishly.
"Sorry, eat without me. I'll change quick and be right back!"
Watching her dash to the bedroom, Judah smiled warmly. She was giving him memories he'd never forget. A beautiful woman with a healthy figure, cooking in nothing but an apron—probably a once-in-a-lifetime thing.
'I have to remember this forever.'
With that pointless vow, Judah sat at the table waiting for her. On it: tomato pasta mixed with sausages— a bit heavy for breakfast—grilled meats, and rice. Spaghetti and rice... an odd combo, but it looked appetizing enough to enjoy despite the richness. Noises of hasty dressing thudded roughly from the bedroom, and she soon bounded back.
"Huh? You haven't eaten?"
"Obviously I'd wait. How could I start without you?"
Touched, she sat beside him, and they began eating—feeding each other bites amid laughter and joy. Judah felt happier than ever since arriving in this world as they spent the day together.
Not just one day.
For the three months leading up to her coming-of-age ceremony, they spent every moment tangled in sweet intimacy.
Walking paths together, shopping together, sleeping together, hunting together.
Everything, together. Outsiders who saw them as master and disciple even teased that they seemed like lovers. Every night, moans filled the air from their lips. When she giggled at his whispers of love, dismissing it as childish ignorance, he'd reply that wanting to always be together was love.
She'd look surprised, then smile softly and pull him into her arms—like handling something precious.
It was happy. Truly.
So happy it felt like a dream.
Blink, and a day was gone.
The sweet times flew by. Today was no different. Judah leaned against her on the sofa, eyes closed, chatting in her embrace.
"Judah, your coming-of-age is tomorrow. Anything you want?"
"Hmm—anything from Tia is fine by me."
"Anything? What if you don't like it?"
He nodded at her chuckling.
"Then it's still from Tia, so I'd treasure it."
"Really? Then maybe I'll give you a special gift tonight?"
A hand reached from behind, fingers teasing his body like piano keys—hardened from forest runs and training.
"Sorry, not tonight."
"Why not!"
Pouting like a sulky child, she watched as Judah slid off the sofa. Turning back, he saw her dissatisfied face—sometimes a brilliant master, sometimes a mature woman, sometimes adorably childish. He smiled.
"I want to sleep alone tonight. Thought I'd have a sentimental night—"
Her expression darkened. Judah cupped her cheeks, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. Just a light touch, savoring the feel, then pulled away. Short, but the aftertaste lingered intensely. Meeting her saddened eyes, he bid her goodnight and climbed the stairs.
Alone time in his room was rare these days. Judah walked to the window, exhaling deeply from within as he opened it. Cool night air flowed in, along with distant drunken revelry.
He looked up at the night sky. Stars twinkled, forming the Milky Way. No pollution here made it pristine, like a quiet countryside.
"Tomorrow..."
Just a bit longer until June 25th—his coming-of-age.
That was all he'd been waiting for. A special day. That's why he'd turned down her offer to sleep together. He opened <Bag> and pulled out the pouch Sian had given him.
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[Name: Unknown Pouch]
[Grade: Legendary]
[Effects]
EXP Gain +20%, Physical Growth Speed +15%
[Description]
A mysterious pouch left by Sian. It looks just like a luck pouch... but who knows if it really brings fortune? Something precious seems to be inside, but a powerful seal prevents opening it.
-Seal (Passive): Unseals on the day of your coming-of-age ceremony.
-I'm Inside You! (Passive): It contains exactly what you desperately desire. Probably.
└??? (Passive): Some of the sealed item's power leaks out, affecting you.
-Faster and Better Than Anyone (Passive): Infused with Sian's power, this pouch is special. Simply owning it grants its influence—improved learning ability and talent development bonuses.
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No matter how hard he tried, it wouldn't open; even a knife couldn't tear it. The palm-sized pouch remained sealed even now. Gazing out the window, Judah turned, lay on the bed, and stared at the ceiling, lost in sentiment.
Honestly, it had been a long time.
Summoned to this world by Sian, forced into sudden murder, surviving alone without understanding why.
No friends to confide in, so he befriended library books.
Knowing only strength could protect him, he trained his stamina daily, then sought training from Kaseun.
Wary of Cain, he strove to surpass him.
After all that time, he met Tia—Gentia.
He still remembered their first meeting vividly.
Her golden tiger eyes looking down with intrigued black pupils. The first woman he'd thought beautiful—and the despair of his child's body then.
Time passed, and finally, they made love, whispering affections in a deep bond. For the first time here, he felt true happiness, cherishing their time together. But now, the end approached.
Ten days at most, five at least, and he'd leave Serenia Castle. Bittersweet to depart this place of memories, but he needed all twenty-four fragments to finish. No choice.
He'd considered settling here forever, growing old and dying. Stability sounded nice, but dying of old age wouldn't send him home or end it.
Likely, it'd loop back to the day he got a fragment—or a saved point. Eternal repetition. Best to end it somehow.
"......"
No more thoughts; he stared blankly at the ceiling. Like waiting for a game update, sleep evaded him. Pitifully, he spent a couple hours zoning out.
The outside noises had stopped. In the quiet, he sat on the bed, gazing at the distant night sky through the open window.
Pop!
The string on the pouch in his hand untied itself. Startled by the sound, Judah looked down to see the cord fall onto his hand.
[The Unknown Pouch's seal has been released.]
After years in this world, the unopenable pouch finally opened on its own.