Chapter 28
Chapter 28
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 28
Chapter Title: Puppy and Fox
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In the midst of this strangely intimate atmosphere.
Feeling the warmth in Lea's embrace, I could sense my embarrassment slowly creeping back.
"......"
"So cute..."
I've noticed it since last time, but why was Lea's embrace so incredibly comforting?
'Warm and fluffy...'
If someone could read my thoughts, they'd probably call me a pervert.
But I was just telling myself it was like being held by a cute golden retriever—trying hard to ignore the truth.
"Hey, Lea... mind letting go now?"
"Sigh! Not yet. I'm nowhere near satisfied."
The problem was that this puppy was insanely clingy toward me.
At this point, Lea should have been blushing and shy herself.
Maybe because we'd opened up to each other, her behavior had become incredibly bold.
...I absolutely could not give in.
They say even if a tiger bites you, you can survive if you keep your wits.
I had a strong feeling that if I let my guard down even for a second, something dangerous would happen.
...Honestly, as a guy, I wondered if this was even appropriate.
I'd already picked up on Lea's affection and trust toward me to some extent.
Including the fact that she had romantic feelings for me.
I'm not an idiot; how could I not notice?
A thought that would leave Lea dumbfounded if she heard it.
Even so, Rowen stubbornly pressed on with his thinking.
'...I might make a mistake if I'm not careful.'
Even I thought that once I let go, there'd be no turning back.
Especially against someone as alluring as Lea.
The Demon King was set to destroy the world; I had to give it my all.
'...But if the day comes when everything ends.'
If we smoothly defeated the Demon King and restored true peace.
Then, I wanted to spend the rest of my life with someone who loved me.
Of course, assuming Lea would wait for me.
If, by some chance, she did wait.
I'd do whatever it took to make her happy.
"What're you thinking about, Rowen?"
"...Huh?"
"Ehehe, just from the scent wafting off you while you're lost in thought, I can tell it's making even me embarrassed."
...Oh right. Lea—
"Shh. Don't say it, Rowen. I know exactly what you were thinking."
She hugged me even tighter, as if refusing to let me utter those words.
Thanks to that, I couldn't even breathe freely and had to stay perfectly still.
...Any movement, and my last thread of reason might snap.
Soft, with a wonderful scent...
"...You like it that much?"
Lea gazed at me with a mysterious expression.
Her face flushed with what seemed like shyness, but mixed with a hint of satisfaction and a 'just as I thought' look.
If she'd looked at me with contempt, it might've been easier, but that expression only amplified my guilt...
It felt like I was tricking pure Lea into something awful.
Even the tiny shred of conscience left in my heart was crumbling.
"...Anyway. I know your heart has no room right now. And that there's someone even more precious to you."
Lea spoke softly, as if understanding me completely.
Yet at the core, there was a resolute determination.
"Still, I'm not giving up. If there's no room in your heart, I'll force my way in. If there's someone more precious, I'll take her place."
...Huh?
Something about that conclusion felt off...
Lifting my head to look at Lea's face, I couldn't help but tremble in fear.
Her eyes burned with a strange fervor, her face still flushed with unrestrained excitement.
And finally, that confident, bright smile.
"It's your punishment for saving a naughty girl like me. So it'd be best for you to accept it nicely, Rowen."
As if my opinion didn't matter, she cut off any chance for a reply.
...What happens if I don't accept it nicely?
I could only shiver at Lea's words, unsure if it was a confession or a threat.
Meanwhile, at the academy.
"...Hm? What is it? I suddenly feel a chill..."
Serin, resting in her room in her nightgown, sensed an inexplicable feeling.
An instinctive premonition as a woman that her position was in danger.
"It feels like Rowen's in some incredibly dangerous situation..."
Like her precious person was being inexorably drawn into an irreversible fate, crossing a river of no return.
It reminded her of the naughty novel she'd secretly read out of curiosity as a child.
"...What weird thoughts am I having?"
Her lover being stolen by someone she liked? Back then, she'd thought it was absurd and slammed the book shut.
...Though she'd ended up reading it all eventually.
It was just following her family's creed: once you start something, see it through.
...Really!
"Rowen's not the type to do that anyway..."
With such a patient and beautiful mentor like her, he wouldn't fall head over heels for another girl.
...She knew for sure he absolutely wouldn't.
Yet once the worry started, Serin's anxiety wouldn't stop.
Though for some reason, her cheeks were flushed.
She could only comfort herself by fiddling with the black ring Rowen had slipped onto her finger.
...Even indulging in strange fantasies right up until she fell asleep.
A little time passed.
After enduring Lea's storm of petting, Rowen finally managed to extricate himself from her arms.
Of course, Lea licked her lips with a regretful look until the very end.
But keep pushing, and he might run away.
It was just a strategic one-step retreat for a two-step advance.
'...No, but seriously, what the hell happened?'
◆ Name:Rowen◆ Title:Freshman
◆ Traits
[Swordsmanship Lv. 5]
ㄴ[S: Serin-style Swordsmanship Lv. 1]
◆ Skills
[A: Weakness Perception]
[S: Eye of Truth]
◆ Unique Traits
[EX: ??]
[A: Tenacity]
I'd perfectly acquired the free stat points and Eye of Truth.
Puzzled, I asked Lea about it.
"Huh? I did finish off the guardian, but I didn't see any artifacts."
That was her only response.
...Even if there was one, it probably got pulverized.
She must've needed something to vent on; the surrounding area was a total wreck.
Libramon's lingering thoughts almost seemed pitiful.
No achievement notification either. And Eye of Truth isn't a replica.'
Unlocking the hidden achievement [Sage's Recognition] required way too much time and materials.
I'd aimed only for the replica Eye of Truth and achievement [Seeker of Truth] from clearing the mage's workshop.
But somehow, while I was out cold, even the hidden achievement got cleared.
"...Sigh. It's nagging, but good results are what matter."
Normally, I'd be full of unease, but oddly, I felt a firm conviction that there was no need to worry.
"Hehe, this kinda feels like a library date with Rowen. Right?"
While rummaging through the usable items left in the mage's workshop.
Lea seemed taken by the old-fashioned bookshelf and grinned brightly.
[Lea]◆ Title: Freshman
◆ Traits
[Shield Mastery Lv. 6]
◆ Skills
[S: Guardian Barrier]
◆ Unique Traits
[S: Indomitable Oath]
Gazing at Lea the same way I did for my status window.
A translucent panel appeared, displaying her stats.
...But is this for real?
Strength and Vitality stronger than most knights.
And her Shield Mastery had reached Lv. 6 without any special training—must be innate talent.
If I had to pick flaws, it'd be Agility and Mana.
But with morning workouts together, those could improve steadily.
Besides, Hero party members always reached mastery by late-game, no matter how poorly managed.
With my active support, she could climb even higher.
Most striking were her Skill and Unique Trait.
Guardian Barrier, which spread aura widely from her shield to block all attacks.
And Indomitable Oath, granting unyielding strength as long as she had the will to protect.
In the game, this combo was so strong it was a staple in top parties.
Though Indomitable Oath depended on Lea's resolve, sometimes faltering easily.
But now that she'd resolved her deep-seated issues, that was no longer a concern.
"Hmmm... what're you thinking about again?"
Oh no, trouble.
Distracted by the new Eye of Truth, I missed Lea's words.
Now she pouted, glaring at me.
True to its name, Eye of Truth even read the opponent's mind.
It was hugely helpful, but to avoid needless misunderstanding, I quickly dismissed it and spoke up.
"Ahaha, the gift I said I'd give you, Lea. I was thinking where it might be."
"...Really? Doesn't feel like it... But your excuse is too perfect, so I'll let it slide."
Lea couldn't fully hide her suspicion, but soon cheered up, humming with a smile.
Fortunately, my hasty excuse worked.
I'd already secured the gift, anyway.
Handing it over in this dim, musty bookshelf felt wrong; better in a pretty, romantic spot.
We'd camp in the forest anyway since it was late, so I'd give her the bracelet after exiting the dungeon.
Tell her we couldn't find it, let the disappointment linger.
Then surprise her under the moonlight—she'd love it.
If Lea could read Rowen's thoughts, she'd probably say, '...Is this him seducing me?'
Of course, self-proclaimed keen-sighted Rowen believed his plan was flawless.
Recalling the coachman's words that women are weak to gifts, Rowen felt smug watching Lea.
Oblivious that he was one step closer to a captivity ending...