Chapter 29
Chapter 29
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 29
Chapter Title: In a Dream
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Why is there always that one thing?
You pick up a sword that stands out in a regular shop, and the owner shows up saying it's cursed and won't sell it.
I checked out the surrounding shops just in case, but unfortunately, there was nothing noteworthy.
"Nameless, it's getting late, so we should head back to the inn for today."
"Yes. How about buying some simple food to take with us before we go?"
The fried fish Nameless bought was definitely too little for both of us to share.
I'm fine since I don't eat much anyway, but Nameless is still growing, so he should eat plenty.
I nodded slowly.
"Alright, let's do that."
"Yes."
For some reason, Nameless let out a sigh of relief.
When we checked into the inn, just like last time, we filled out the registry—but to avoid any hassle, I only wrote our given names, skipping the family name.
If the same lord governs this village, it might be annoying, but Nameless said it's a different lord, so there shouldn't be any issues.
Probably.
We entered the room we'd booked and looked around.
I'd glanced at it briefly last time we stayed somewhere like this, but unlike the previous inn, this village was larger, and the room reflected that—it was in great shape.
The room was spotless, of course, and the furniture like the table and chairs had fine patterns etched into them. It was worth the coin.
Above all, Nameless seemed thrilled about the two beds.
It felt a bit odd, like he didn't want to share one with me, but honestly, having my own bed was more comfortable than sharing.
I quickly washed up and dove into bed.
"Ahh... paradise."
"Master, your bandages... ah, never mind. I'll wash up quick too."
Nameless, who had been frowning at the bandages tossed carelessly on the floor, bowed to me and headed inside.
I didn't reply, just waved him off lazily, pulled up the covers, and buried my face in the pillow.
Hmm, anyway.
Even if we gather the materials for Nameless's sword ourselves, finding someone to forge it is a whole other matter.
I don't know any skilled blacksmiths, and asking a run-of-the-mill one to make his first sword from me feels half-hearted and unsatisfying.
Maybe I should just ask Lily for a decent one next time we meet.
The demon king's side must have some spares lying around.
"Oh."
Thinking about it, asking Lily doesn't sound half bad.
A sword from the demon king's forces? That might even be cooler in its own way.
My mood lifted, and I started swinging my legs playfully.
Still, no telling when I'll see her, so tomorrow, I should at least hunt down those materials.
"Sigh..."
The thought of gathering materials made my body sag again.
As I lounged there for a while, Nameless put out the room's candle and lay down on the bed across from mine.
"Master, I'm back from washing up."
The room plunged into darkness in an instant.
"You washed up fast."
"Yes, it's late, so we should get some sleep."
Hmm, true. It was already full night when we arrived at the inn, so it was pretty late even before washing up.
"...I see. Then let's sleep."
I closed my eyes quietly.
Why was Lily right in front of me?
"Hmm, I must have fallen asleep."
I rolled my eyes, taking in the familiar scenery around me.
Hmm, the mountain cabin.
And straight ahead sat a chair that felt out of place in a mountain hut—far too ornate—with Lily lounging in it arrogantly.
I tilted my head, lost in thought.
I couldn't have actually returned to the cabin, so this must be a dream.
But why was Lily in my dream?
It wasn't like I missed her so much she appeared subconsciously.
I shot her a cold glare, but Lily just smiled brightly, completely unfazed, and waved.
"Hello! Heaven Cleaver! Long time no see!"
Had Lily trapped me here?
If this really was a dream and she was pulling strings, it'd be embarrassing, but I needed to test the waters.
"Hah, you summon me on your whim and act all casual? Where is this place?"
Lily kept her irritating smile, crossing her legs as she sat in the fancy chair.
"It's a dream! I'm a succubus, remember? Dreams are my turf! Whoa, no way you didn't figure that out?!"
Lily covered her mouth with the back of her hand and giggled.
Her smug attitude made my fist clench for a moment, but I summoned superhuman patience and held back.
First things first: assess the situation.
"...When exactly did you cast this sorcery on me?"
I hadn't seen her since we parted, so no opportunity—and with our skill gap, how did she even enter my dream?
Lily tilted her head.
"Uh... around the time I got that lump on my head...?"
True, that might've been possible. I wasn't in my right mind then and didn't pay proper attention.
It stung my pride that I hadn't even reacted properly to her trickery. I clicked my tongue.
"Tch. So what's the point of this?"
"Ehh? We haven't seen each other in ages, and you go straight to business? How rude~"
Lily crossed her legs and smiled.
"This is a dream—plenty of time here! No need to rush!"
"Hah... Your face alone gives me a headache. Spit it out already."
I waved dismissively, and Lily's smile faded, replaced by her usual sultry expression—which, to me, just looked obnoxiously smug.
"Oh? Even in a dream, you gonna act all high and mighty?"
Lily uncrossed her legs, stood, and approached me slowly.
"This isn't some magic-made space. It's my domain, crafted by succubus powers?"
"So what? You gonna do something about it?"
Honestly, I felt like I could break out anytime if I wanted—no sense of danger at all. I kept a bored expression.
Lily saw that and grinned deeply, sitting beside me and bringing her face right up to mine.
"Hmm, keep talking like that, and I'll get sad?"
"Sigh... I don't want to see your ugly mug. Get lost."
I pushed her face away with my hand.
"Huh? What? How are you moving?"
Lily blinked her big eyes rapidly, tilting her head. Sweat beaded on her forehead.
Everything she did grated on me.
Come to think of it, I remembered her dressed like a harlot, flashing lewd smiles at Nameless.
He hadn't reacted, but with her looks, I couldn't let my guard down.
Tsk, maybe I should teach her a lesson.
I furrowed my brow, seriously considering it, but decided to let it slide since we were cooperating.
"Tch, just get to the point."
"Ahaha, yes! Of course! Sorry!"
Lily paled and backed off, then quickly recovered, pressing a finger to her lips.
"See, we didn't have a good way to contact you!"
"True, that could be an issue."
"Right?!"
Lily jumped up and struck a bizarre pose—thrusting out her ample chest, hips back, flashing a V-sign by her eye.
"So! I came myself!"
It was dizzying just to watch. I flushed despite myself, embarrassed for her.
"A succubus your age, and you strike poses like that without shame...?"
"Huh? You're saying that, Heaven Cleaver? That hurts..."
What?
"Tch, I've never struck a vulgar pose like that."
"...You have, ahh!"
I flicked Lily's forehead for her nonsense and got back to it.
"Anyway, you dragged me here without warning just to say that?"
"Ah! Yes! I might visit regularly from now on? Wouldn't that be convenient for you?"
Fair enough. A contact method was useful, even if it meant seeing Lily.
"Fine, got it."
As I wrapped up and tried to leave the dream, a thought from before sleep popped up.
"Oh, right. Can you do me a favor?"
"Huh? You, asking me for a favor?! What is it?!"
Hmm, such a big reaction.
Was it that surprising? I scratched my head awkwardly.
"Can you get me a sword? Not for me—for Nameless."
Lily licked her lips and smirked.
"Ah... that handsome guy."
Nameless was handsome, but I didn't need to hear it from her. I glared.
"Ahaha... kidding! Even I don't touch taken men! Hmm, I'll swing by next time!"
"Hmm, not ideal, but... whatever. Good enough."