Reunited in Her Embrace
The next day, Hayeon rolled up her sleeves early in the morning, looking determined. To forget the chaotic emotions of the previous night, she actively sought out chores. She didn't shy away from hard labor, scrubbing the worn wooden floors of the lodging, hanging mountains of laundry on the clothesline in the garden, and hauling heavy kegs of alcohol. As the sweat poured down, she felt the clutter in her mind slowly clearing away.
Serena, who had been watching her, stepped up behind her and gently wiped her sweat-drenched neck with a handkerchief. Her touch was tender, but the voice whispering in Hayeon's ear was as sweet and dangerous as honey.
"Our little Hayeon is quite the hard worker. To think such a pretty girl could be so diligent, too. Maybe this eonni should give you a special reward tonight, just like yesterday?"
Serena's fingers slyly wrapped around Hayeon's waist. At the familiar temptation, Hayeon's shoulders gave a sudden flinch. But she didn't let herself get swept away like before. Steeling her resolve, she spun around and firmly brushed Serena's hand off.
"No. We can't do that anymore, Serena-ssi!"
Steadying her trembling heart, she looked Serena straight in the eye. She never wanted to collapse into pleasure and repeat that cycle of confusion again.
Serena's eyes widened in brief surprise, but her lips soon curled up in an amused smile.
"Oh, is that so? Well... if you ever change your mind, you can always let me know, my sweet Hayeon."
Right then, the door to the lodging swung open, and a sly, teasing voice drifted in.
"Is there something good going on, you two beauties?"
It was Gold Sun. Walking in as familiarly as if it were his own home, he looked back and forth between Hayeon and Serena. The moment his gaze landed on her, Hayeon's face flushed crimson as memories of being held in his arms inside the dungeon rushed back.
"I-I'm going to go get my gear sorted out before heading to the dungeon!"
Terrified of what might happen if she stayed there any longer, Hayeon scrambled for an excuse and bolted up the stairs to her room. She grabbed her gear and practically fled the lodging.
Meanwhile, Serena kept her eyes on the door where Hayeon had vanished, wearing a playful smile as she carefully poured tea into Gold Sun's cup.
"Hoho, that was quite a cute reaction."
Gold Sun chuckled as he accepted the cup.
"Then... I guess I should take it slow and tease her a bit more, keep her wanting?"
The two exchanged a brief look, their expressions showing a silent, mutual understanding.
Hayeon's first destination was Belka's Workshop, the place she had visited before with Ksenia. The rhythmic clanging of hammers and a wave of sweltering heat welcomed her.
"Well, look who it is! If it isn't Ksenia's little lady. What brings you here? Don't tell me you've already gone and broken your weapon?"
The blacksmith, Belka, wiped away her sweat and laughed heartily. Beside her, Molt, who was silently sharpening a blade on a whetstone, looked up at Hayeon, twitching his wolf ears slightly as he gave a small nod of greeting.
"N-No, nothing like that! I just... wanted to get my gear checked and maybe learn how to maintain it properly."
Hayeon held out her sword. Belka inspected the blade from various angles, a satisfied expression settling on her face.
"Hmm, you've put it through some rough use, but the edge isn't chipped. That's proof your form is good. Alright, hand it over. From oiling the blade to treating the leather grip, Auntie Belka here will give you a special lesson."
Under Belka's guidance, Hayeon spent over an hour maintaining her weapons. Oiling the sword, wiping down the leather grip of her shield, and grinding out minor scratches with a whetstone calmed her mind far more than she had expected.
Leaving the workshop, she headed toward the Green Leaf Pharmacy. The shop was still filled with the refreshing scent of fresh herbs. Tisia, the pharmacist, welcomed her warmly upon seeing her.
"Oh, Lady Hayeon. Welcome! What brings you by today? Your complexion looks even better than last time."
"Hello, Tisia-ssi. I just... wanted to stock up on some basic herbs and antidotes. I can't keep relying on Ksenia-eonni forever."
"My, how admirable. Yes, that's very wise of you. Basic herbal knowledge is essential for any adventurer. Come over here. This herb stops bleeding, and this one restores vitality. If you're ever poisoned, you use this..."
Tisia kindly explained the effects and uses of each herb. Hayeon did her best not to miss a single detail of her explanations, purchasing several herbs and bandages. Preparing for the future with her own strength gave her a quiet sense of pride.
On her way back to the lodging after leaving the pharmacy, a familiar voice called out to her from the bustling street.
"Oh? Hayeon!"
It was Riena, the guild receptionist. Dressed in a breezy, flowing dress instead of her usual stiff uniform, she looked exactly like any other young lady her age.
"Riena? What are you doing here? It's rare to see you in casual clothes."
"I'm on leave today! What perfect timing. If you have some free time, why don't we grab some tea? There's a newly opened teahouse, and rumors say the atmosphere is absolutely lovely."
Riena linked her arm through Hayeon's and pulled her along. Hayeon hesitated for a moment, but drawn in by Riena's bright energy, she nodded.
The teahouse was just as charming and pretty as Riena had described. With fragrant black tea and sweet cake set before them, the two began to chatter away.
"By the way, what's going on between you and Gold Sun? Rumors are spreading like wildfire at the guild. They say Gold Sun is totally head over heels for you and follows you around all day. Is it true?"
Riena's direct question nearly made Hayeon spit out her tea.
"N-No! It's nothing like that! I just... owe him a few favors..."
"Oh, come on, 'nothing like that'? We're talking about Gold Sun here. He's a legendary playboy who's supposedly dated almost every woman in Akron. For a guy like him to be sticking to you like glue, it's definitely not nothing. He's clearly wrapped around your finger. But wait, aren't you dating Ksenia-eonni? Are you... two-timing?"
Riena's teasing joke turned Hayeon's face bright red, leaving her utterly speechless. It was a fun chat, but the moment Ksenia's name was mentioned, a heavy weight settled in the corner of her heart.
After chatting for a long while, Riena excused herself first, saying she had another appointment. Left alone, Hayeon sipped her tea and tried to organize her thoughts. Her conversation with Riena had allowed her to feel the simple joy of an ordinary day, but it also forced her to face the reality of her complicated situation once again.
When she returned to the lodging, warm dishes were being set on the table one by one, and Serena was busily moving around with an apron tied around her waist.
"Serena-ssi, should I help you?"
As Hayeon spoke up softly, Serena was about to reply with a bright smile, but at that exact moment—
Chime— The worn door of the lodging swung open with a cheerful ring. Hayeon reflexively turned her head toward the entrance. And in that instant, her world ground to a halt.
Though they looked slightly weary from their long journey, two majestic and beautiful women stood in the doorway. Leather armor covered in dungeon dust, and beyond it, the faces she had missed so desperately. It was Ksenia and Lilia.
"...Eonni."
Hot tears spilled from Hayeon's eyes before she even realized it. The longing she had bottled up, the loneliness she had endured alone, and the overwhelming relief of their reunion erupted all at once. She bolted from her chair and, without a moment's hesitation, threw herself into Ksenia's arms.
"Eonni! Ksenia-eonni...! You're really... you're really back...!"
Burying her face in Ksenia's firm chest, she sobbed like a child. The scent of sweat and leather clinging to Ksenia, mixed with her own subtle, unique fragrance, felt sweeter and more comforting than any perfume. This scent, this warmth—it was everything she had yearned for.
"Yes, I'm back, Hayeon. Have you been well? You must have had a hard time while I was gone."
Ksenia gently patted her back, whispering in a tender voice. Just hearing that voice brought stability back to Hayeon's world.
"Ugh... hic... Welcome back... I missed you... I missed you so much..."
"Ahem. I guess I'm completely invisible to you? What a tear-jerking reunion."
Lilia, standing beside them, grumbled petulantly with her arms crossed. Yet, a faint smile played at the corners of her lips.
Still nestled in Ksenia's embrace, Hayeon looked up at Lilia with a tear-stained face.
"Lilia-eonni... welcome back to you too."
Just then, leisurely footsteps echoed down from the second-floor stairs.
"Oh, you're finally back. I've been waiting for my beauties for quite a while."
Hayeon's body instantly froze. The owner of that voice was Gold Sun.
"Oh, Gold Sun. You were here?"
Lilia waved to him happily.
"Did you look after Hayeon for me like I asked?"
"Haha, of course. I was worried about how lonely our cute little rabbit would be all by herself, so I personally took extra special care of her. Right, little lady?"
Gold Sun walked down the stairs, staring intently at Hayeon with eyes full of mischief. The moment his gaze locked onto her, memories of their encounters flashed through her mind, causing her to instinctively bury herself deeper into Ksenia's chest and turn her face away.
Ksenia looked back and forth between Hayeon's reaction and Gold Sun's blatant stare, then immediately shielded Hayeon behind her back. Her eyes turned icy in an instant. A sharp, defensive aura radiated from her, like a mother wolf protecting her pup.
Finding Ksenia's reaction amusing, Gold Sun walked over to Lilia and gently wrapped his arm around her waist. Then, right in front of everyone, he pulled her into a deep, passionate kiss.
Hayeon's eyes widened in sheer shock.
T-Those two... are kissing...? Wait... so he wasn't in a relationship with Serena-ssi? Then what on earth was that night all about...?
Her mind tangled into a chaotic mess.
Breaking the kiss, Lilia saw Hayeon's dazed expression and smirked.
"He's my boyfriend. Pretty handsome, right?"
"What? Your boyfriend?!"
Hayeon blurted out before she could stop herself. Realizing her voice was far too loud, she quickly clamped her hands over her mouth.
"Why are you so surprised? Did you fall for my boyfriend because he's too good-looking?"
At Lilia's teasing joke, Hayeon waved her hands frantically, her face burning red.
"N-No, that's not it! It's just... you two look so good together... Yes, that's why I was surprised!"
She hurriedly tried to change the subject, tugging at Ksenia's sleeve.
"Eonni, you must be hungry, right? Serena-ssi was just setting the table, let's eat together! Come on!"
Desperate to escape this awkward and confusing situation, she guided Ksenia toward the dining table.
Gold Sun watched Hayeon's flustered display with a knowing smile. He swept Lilia up into his arms and carried her up toward the second-floor rooms, making sure everyone saw.
Hayeon and Ksenia quietly began their meal. Once Lilia and Gold Sun disappeared, a peaceful atmosphere returned to the dining area. Ksenia took a spoonful of the warm stew and looked at Hayeon with warm, affectionate eyes.
"So, my Hayeon. Have you really been doing well while I was gone? Training hard?"
"Yes, eonni. I trained every day and even completed a few simple errand requests from the guild. And... look, I became a Bronze Plate adventurer!"
Hayeon proudly puffed out her chest and pulled out the Bronze Plate she had been keeping safe in her pocket.
Ksenia's eyes widened in surprise as she took the plate, a proud smile quickly spreading across her face.
"That's incredible, Hayeon. I didn't expect you to earn your Bronze Plate so quickly. I'm so proud of you."
She gently stroked Hayeon's hair. Hayeon giggled happily at the touch, but then she noticed Ksenia's expression turning serious.
"But Hayeon. Earlier... when you saw Gold Sun, why were you so startled? Did something happen between you two?"
At Ksenia's sharp question, Hayeon's heart sank. She didn't want to worry her eonni, and above all, she couldn't bring herself to confess the shame and sense of betrayal she felt. In the end, Hayeon spoke, weaving a mixture of truth and lies.
"...Actually... he saved me."
"He saved you? What happened?"
Ksenia's voice dropped. Hayeon confessed in a quiet murmur.
"Luo... do you remember him? The man who brought me to Akron before... He found me. But then, Gold Sun-ssi showed up and..."
"What? That bastard dared to touch you again...!"
Ksenia's face instantly contorted with rage. A chilling bloodlust rolled off her body.
"I'll find that piece of trash right now and tear him limb from limb. How dare he!"
"No, eonni! It's okay! Gold Sun-ssi... already took care of him. That's why... I didn't want to tell you because I didn't want you to worry..."
Hayeon hurriedly held her back. Ksenia took a moment to catch her breath at Hayeon's words, then let out a heavy sigh, her expression conflicted.
"I see... Then... I suppose I'll have to express my gratitude to that bastard. I don't like him, but it's a fact that he saved your life."
"...Ahaha."
Hayeon could only offer a strained laugh. The more she looked into Ksenia's warm, loving eyes, the more guilt choked her.
Eonni doesn't know anything... If she finds out what I did with Gold Sun and Serena-ssi while she was gone... she'll despise me, won't she? She might call me dirty and disgusting, and abandon me.
The wild night with Gold Sun, the secret pleasures shared with Serena. Those memories tore through Hayeon's mind. It was undeniably a betrayal of Ksenia, yet her body remembered the ecstasy with vivid clarity. The reality of deceiving this pure, strong woman pierced her heart like a thousand needles.
The two of them went up to their room, and Ksenia went to take a bath first to wash away the fatigue of her long journey. Left alone in the room, Hayeon stood before the mirror, meticulously inspecting her reflection. She checked to see if any traces of the past few days remained on her skin, or if she looked haggard.
What if eonni finds out? What if there are still traces of another man on my body...? What if Serena-ssi's scent is lingering on me...?
Hayeon wanted to show Ksenia only her most beautiful self, but at the same time, she was terrified of her defiled body being discovered. She carefully tidied herself up, changed into clean clothes, and sat neatly on the bed, waiting for Ksenia to come out. Hayeon's heart pounded wildly with anticipation, anxiety, and a profound sense of guilt. Now, finally, their private time was about to begin.