Chapter 80
Chapter 80
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Translator: Mod7
Chapter: 80
Chapter Title: Chapter 8 - A Pious Heart
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Allow me to continue the narration in Juho's stead, offering a slightly subjective perspective on his situation.
If you are concerned for Juho's safety, I assure you, he will not die.
Nefer, his companion, is a devout and pious woman.
She is a priestess of Aaptukemen, a faithful soul with unwavering devotion to the sun.
“…”
To ensure Juho’s peaceful slumber, Nefer burned incense made from sleeping herbs. A deep silence settled within the tent.
“I mean him no harm. However, males, upon hearing the devils’ whispers, often make irreversible choices.”
A wise decision. Juho, consumed by loneliness and fear of isolation, had been swayed by the succubi outside.
Nefer’s selection for this mission was a testament to her wisdom and unwavering faith.
She was a woman worthy of praise, her devotion unshaken by years of solitude.
“Begone! Return to the darkness from whence you came. The sun will rise again tomorrow. You have no place in this desert.”
Nefer held the two daggers together in a gesture of prayer. The succubi, unable to endure the sacred words, covered their ears and fled.
With Juho asleep, they could no longer influence him. Nefer’s actions had saved his life once more.
“…”
Having fulfilled her duty, she prepared to sleep-
“Hmm.”
-But she hesitated.
Nefer set aside the daggers and turned towards Juho, her gaze lingering on his sleeping face.
Judging by her usual demeanor, I doubted she would attempt anything untoward…
“…”
But Nefer’s expression was different now. A soft, almost yearning look in her eyes, something I had never seen before.
I wanted to warn her, to guide her, to urge her to focus on her mission and take Juho to Aaptukemen,
But I had no way to communicate with her. We would only be able to connect once we reached Aaptukemen.
“…”
So, Juho and Nefer remained alone within the tent.
Unable to communicate with Juho, I could only watch as the two of them, their bodies close, their breaths mingling, shared this intimate space.
To understand Nefer’s unusual behavior, I must explain the customs of her tribe, the significance of Aaptukemen, and the nature of the desert.
Nefer was a priestess of Aaptukemen, chosen to serve the Sun God. As such, she had endured years of rigorous training and strict discipline.
This was to cultivate prudence and self-control. A priestess couldn't afford to be impulsive, to make mistakes.
After years of training, after inheriting the knowledge and wisdom of her predecessor, she had finally earned her position.
A priestess sensed things others couldn't, understood the harsh realities of the desert, and guided her people, her decisions shaping their future.
That was the role of a priestess,
A priestess of Aaptukemen.
From now on, I will use the term “priestess.” While “priestess” and “priest” were often used interchangeably, “priestess” seemed more appropriate in this context.
The priestess of Aaptukemen wouldn't let this opportunity pass her by.
Having lived a life of abstinence and self-denial, she was undoubtedly excited to finally embark on this sacred mission.
Nefer’s discipline had manifested as respect and consideration for Juho, but now, seeing him asleep, unguarded, her curiosity had been piqued.
Maintaining a life of celibacy, especially during one’s prime, wasn't easy.
And for Nefer, who had dedicated her life to serving a dying sun, the frustration and loneliness must have been amplified.
But I prayed she would resist the temptation. Nefer couldn't afford to become entangled with Juho.
She was a foolish priestess, serving a dying sun, the only one who could answer my call,
And I prayed she wouldn’t be swayed by her desires. I hoped my silent plea would reach her.
“No. What am I thinking…?”
Fortunately, Nefer resisted her impulses, her burgeoning desire. She couldn’t jeopardize the Sun God’s plan.
“…”
But,
She turned again, her gaze fixed on Juho’s sleeping face.
She couldn't sleep.
While Juho slept soundly, his breathing even, Nefer lay awake, her face inches from his, watching him.
“…Just a little…”
A female’s instincts, her primal urge to possess a desirable male, were difficult to suppress.
Nefer was drawn to Juho. His appearance, even among the diverse array of off-worlders, was unique and captivating.
His face, his body, possessed a beauty that would make any creature envious. It wasn't simply about bone structure or the perfect proportions of his features.
“Just a little… is that alright, Elder?”
Juho and his companions…
Humans,
Resembled [her].
Kiss-
Nefer, lifting her veil slightly, gently kissed Juho’s cheek.
The act sent her heart racing, her cheeks flushing, her body tingling.
“…”
She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, then turned away, lying on her back.
It was a new sensation. Nefer had never been attracted to a male before, but after that brief kiss, she was acutely aware of Juho’s presence, his maleness.
His scent, a sweet, musky aroma, unlike the desert dwellers, a mixture of sweat and honey, was intoxicating.
“Oh, Sun God, forgive my transgression, and grant me the strength to resist the devil’s temptations…”
Nefer recited a prayer, seeking forgiveness and guidance. Her voice, barely a whisper, filled the tent.
She was,
In this moment,
More tempted than ever before.
***
“Mmm…”
I awoke to the sight of shimmering sand, the dry desert wind brushing against my cheeks, urging me to open my eyes.
“Huh…?”
I was leaning against something that felt like a saddle. And the gentle swaying suggested that Nefer had started moving while I was asleep.
“You are awake.”
“Wh-what happened…? Wait, put me down! What did you do-”
“Please calm down. I meant you no harm.”
I started to protest, demanding an explanation, but Nefer, her face filled with remorse, apologized.
“I did not intend to cause you any distress. However, males, upon hearing the devils’ whispers, often lose their composure, so I… I sedated you. I apologize for not seeking your permission.”
She stopped walking, her apology so sincere, so earnest, that I couldn't bring myself to be angry.
“Uh…”
“I apologize again. I am truly sorry.”
Not only could she apologize,
But her excessive remorse made me uncomfortable.
“No, it’s… it’s okay… I understand…”
“And… you were sleeping so soundly, having inhaled quite a bit of the incense, that I decided to start moving. I hope you do not mind.”
“It’s fine, yes. Really…”
While we were still strangers, I couldn't help but feel a certain fondness for Nefer.
I had definitely made the right choice, not following those devils. I should avoid the moon’s followers.
Except for Jenny.
She still saw me as her father, and with proper guidance, perhaps she could become a… good monster?
“…Thank you.”
Anyway,
To escape this planet, I needed allies, and I had to employ various strategies.
Perhaps the fingers and Nefer would become valuable companions. I had a good feeling about this.
Perhaps the fingers had led me to the desert specifically to meet Nefer?
Were they truly trying to help me? Why? What did they gain from this?
Was it purely altruism? Or did they benefit from my escape?
Perhaps I was being paranoid.
Doubting the fingers, who had helped me,
And doubting Nefer, who had been sent by them.
But I had been betrayed too many times, and I couldn't shake my suspicion, my distrust.
“I look forward to working with you.”
I offered a friendly greeting, a small gesture of trust,
Hoping she would become a valuable ally.
We walked together.
“This is an oasis. It is rather small, so there are no other travelers here, but larger oases often serve as resting points for trade caravans.”
“Shade, water… a good place to rest.”
We walked for an entire day before reaching the oasis,
Set up the tent,
Built a small fire, and ate some dried meat stew.
It was idyllic.
It felt like a vacation.
For the first time since arriving on this planet,
I felt a sense of peace, of unconditional kindness.
“Is it to your liking?”
“Yes, it’s… quite good.”
Nefer’s voice, as always, was calm and gentle.
I had never seen her face beneath the veil,
But I imagined her lips, soft and delicate, matching her demeanor.
“Let us retire early tonight.”
Nefer lit the incense.
And I,
Breathing in the soothing fragrance, drifted off to sleep…
“…”
“Are you asleep?”
“Elder, are you sleeping?”
“Uh…”
“…”
“Kiss-”