Chapter 135: Hold Me
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 135: Hold Me
“Me?”
“...Who else would she be calling, Lord Ferda? It’s not like she knows anyone else.”
Ruri replied bluntly. It was a question so foolish that her irritation was entirely understandable.
“I see.”
Ferda finished changing with uncharacteristic haste and headed toward the Lair.
He stood before the iron doors, which were far too massive for a human. It was the first time he had visited this place since the day she had first suffered from the surge of blood energy.
Ferda knocked cautiously on the heavy metal. As if someone had been waiting, the door swung open immediately.
“Lord Ferda.”
Valdrova, who came out to greet him, was dressed in a flowing gown rather than her usual armor. Ferda nearly lost his breath, feeling as if his soul were drifting away, but he quickly regained his composure and offered a formal greeting.
“I greet the Archduchess. Thank you for inviting me to the Great Dragon’s nest.”
“No, it’s nothing. I... I’ve been wanting you to visit at least once, Lord Ferda...”
Her delicate voice was tinged with shyness. That fragile tone made Ferda’s heart hammer against his ribs.
Ferda turned his gaze to observe the surroundings. The space was vast, dark, and arid. Yet, this was Valdrova’s room—his fiancée’s chamber. Even though it was a far cry from the typical bedroom of a noble lady, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of nerves.
“M-may I ask for what reason you summoned me?”
He was so tense that he actually stammered. Valdrova didn’t seem to mind as she answered.
“Well... I heard you were heading out on a campaign. To a place filled with massive monsters...”
“That is correct.” Sensing her anxiety, Ferda added, “But there is no need to worry. Their numbers have dwindled significantly; the strength of humans alone will be more than enough.”
“Yes, I believe in you, Lord Ferda. That’s why I called you.” Valdrova fidgeted with her fingers. “I wanted to... help you, so that I could be of some strength to you.”
Help? How?
When Ferda’s expression posed the question, Valdrova cleared her throat with a light cough. Then, as if performing in a grand play, she extended both hands forward.
“Ferda!” she proclaimed. “Shouldst thou return safely from thy conquest, I shall grant thee the most precious treasure from My hoard...!”
Ferda stared at her blankly.
Valdrova faltered for a moment, then reached out again and added, “...Thou shalt!”
Realizing she was expecting a specific reaction, Ferda bowed his head. “I am deeply moved that you would offer a reward in recognition of my service.”
Only then did the awkward atmosphere dissipate.
“However, there is no need to give me any treasure.”
“But... I heard that’s what other Dragons do. They say if someone does their work for them, they give them something nice...”
“That is how it works for others, but am I not your fiancé?”
At those words, her posture slumped as if the world were ending. Did I say something wrong? Ferda wondered.
“Does being a fiancé mean you don’t need my treasure?”
“I meant that I would do it even without a reward.”
“Oh.”
Valdrova finally understood. She covered her face with her hands. A mix of shame for misunderstanding him and embarrassment at his declaration of devotion made her face flush hot.
“Still, I want to give you something. You’ve worked so hard even when I wasn’t around... May I?”
“Yes. To refuse any further would be a discourtesy to my fiancée.”
“Yes, yes...”
The conversation trailed off. Both were at a loss for what to say next.
“Master,” Ruri interjected. “Why don’t you let Lord Ferda choose a gift for himself?”
“Huh? Oh, right! Of course!” Valdrova nodded vigorously and cleared her throat once more. “W-would you like to see... my warehouse?”
Ferda wondered if he was being possessed by some lewd demon, as he found himself interpreting her words in a completely different way.
“If you allow it, I would be honored to accompany you.”
“Yes, then come with me.”
Valdrova led the way toward the treasure warehouse. Upon reaching the entrance, Ruri stopped following and gave a polite bow.
“I hope the two of you enjoy your time together.”
Only the two of them entered. Unlike the cave-like Lair, the treasure warehouse connected to it was properly decorated.
“Wow...” Valdrova seemed more excited than Ferda, who was visiting for the first time. “There’s so much when I look at it in human form. I always thought it wasn’t much because I only saw it as a Dragon...”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, yes! Isn’t it a lot?”
“It is.”
To be honest, Ferda wasn’t so sure. While it might be considered a lot for a human, it was quite meager for a Dragon. Usually, the hoards possessed by Dragons were dozens of times larger than what was piled here.
Evil Dragons made a habit of blatant pillaging. Even those called Guardian Dragons received enormous amounts of gold and artifacts under the guise of "protection funds." However, the infamous Valdrova had never engaged in such thuggery, choosing instead to live in seclusion. It was only natural that her hoard hadn't grown.
Valdrova toyed with a gold coin as she spoke. “I heard this money is being used to build your village, Lord Ferda.”
“I always feel apologetic toward you for that.”
“Huh? Why?”
“Because I am using your property...”
“What’s wrong with that? It only makes me happy.”
An aura as bright as the morning sun radiated from her. He could feel that she was smiling contentedly. This woman was genuinely happy just because her things were being used. Ferda found her purity endearing.
“Please, only say such things to me.”
“Why?”
“If you said that to your little attendant, she would surely come charging at me with daggers in her eyes.”
“Ah, I-I’ll do that!” Valdrova nodded repeatedly, showing a hint of fear.
They continued their tour of the treasure warehouse. Ferda followed behind her, scanning the items. There’s nothing useful.
Dragons have a hoarding instinct, and most collect things related to their own Aspect. Iorga collected water-related items and magic tools, while Silverwind collected wind-related items and steel. Following that pattern, it was only natural for Valdrova to collect fire-related items or weapons. Yet, Ferda couldn't find a single item befitting the Aspect of Power. He had expected at least one lost or sealed magic sword.
Just as he was wondering if there truly was nothing, he finally spotted a weapon.
“That is...”
Well, it was a weapon, but he questioned whether it could truly be called one. It was a plain, ancient, and worn-out spear. Its gray color and uncertain material stood in stark contrast to the room that glittered brilliantly with gold.
“Do you want that?” Valdrova asked, seeing him staring.
“May I ask what that is?”
“It’s something I used a very long time ago.”
“How long ago?”
“Um... well... around the beginning of time?”
It was an ancient relic on a completely different scale.
“It’s the weapon I used when I fought the chaos that covered the world. It has been with me my entire life.”
It was literally an object that had shared the history of her birth. Since the conversation had turned toward weapons, Ferda followed the flow and asked her.
“Are there no other weapons besides that spear?”
“Probably... not? I haven’t used a weapon since then... and even if I did, they all shattered after a single swing, so I stopped touching them.”
“I see.”
It sounded less like weapons were useless and more like she was afraid of them breaking.
“If you want it, I’ll give it to you.”
“No. How could I take something that has been with you your entire life?”
It was an object with too much history; he couldn't bring himself to ask for it. More importantly, it was useless to him.
“Do you want to receive a weapon, Lord Ferda?”
“I was hoping for one, yes.”
“There probably aren't any weapons... Hmm, then should I give you the materials instead?”
“Materials?”
“Then... should I pluck my Reverse Scale and give it to you?”
A Dragon’s scale was an incredible material. Though difficult to work with, a single scale could be used to create a legendary relic. Some Dragon Spawn were granted scales to craft weapons or armor. The efficacy of a Dragon’s scale was proportional to its size, and the greatest of them all was the Reverse Scale. The one behind the ear that covered their weak point was the largest.
Offering that was equivalent to saying she trusted him with her life.
“...I will take the sentiment. Please, cherish your own body.” Ferda naturally declined the offer.
The tour resumed. Valdrova was barely acting as a guide; whenever she saw something interesting, her curiosity would pique, and she would scurry over to it. Ferda passed by the decorative gold, trying to find a magical artifact.
“...Hm?”
He saw an object in a shape he hadn't seen before in this room, much like the spear. It was a large frame—a painting of a size that would be hung in the most prominent spot of a castle’s entrance.
I didn't think she had a hobby for collecting art...
Curious as to what the painting was, Ferda turned it over.
“Ah, that’s...!”
Valdrova tried to stop him too late; Ferda had already flipped the frame.
“Oh.”
He understood why she had overreacted. The person depicted in the frame was Valdrova herself. In the painting, she wore a dress, her long red hair flowing, smiling toward the artist. Her mouth was definitely smiling. But her eyes had been torn away by something large and sharp, leaving them invisible.
As he stared silently at the painting where half her face was missing, Valdrova spoke.
“I... I received that a long time ago... and I accidentally scratched it.”
“...”
“I didn’t... really like the painting anyway. That’s why I just... left it in the warehouse.”
She tried to laugh the situation off, her voice trembling as she explained. But Ferda knew. He knew her lie was far too clumsy. If she truly hadn't liked the painting, she wouldn't have kept it like this.
“It’s unsightly, and it looks like a ghost might come out of it... it’s scary, so stop looking and let’s find something else.” Valdrova tugged at Ferda’s sleeve, urging him along.
Ferda didn't answer or react. The painting was whispering something to him. It spoke of the life she had lived, her desires, and her emotions trapped within an endless cycle of contradiction. As he continued to gaze at the painting, the Dantian below his chest stirred strangely. Was this regret, or was it affection?
“...I’ve found it.”
“Pardon?”
“I’ve found what I want.” Ferda looked down at Valdrova and asked, “If I return safely, will you give this to me?”
“Wh-what? Why?” Valdrova stammered in confusion. “Why? The painting is torn, and if you keep something so hideous, Lord Ferda, you’ll...”
Valdrova’s voice trailed off. Ferda’s eyes were fixed on her. He didn't say a word, merely watching her, but she seemed to shrink under his gaze.
“Alright,” Valdrova finally conceded. “If you return safely, Lord Ferda, I will give you this painting.”
Human hearts are fickle; having received her consent, he felt a strange sense of guilt. Asking for this torn painting could be interpreted as asking her to show him her deepest shame.
So, Ferda took a step back. “If you do not wish for it, I will give it up.”
“No. It’s what you want, isn't it? I can’t give you a gift you don’t want.”
Ferda could sense what she was feeling through those words. Thus, he asked, “Are you afraid of me leaving?”
“...”
Valdrova couldn't easily open her mouth. Silence was an affirmation. She was afraid. Calling him late at night was to soothe her own anxiety. Offering him treasure was her way of wishing for his safe return. It all stemmed from her fear of Ferda’s death.
Moved by her plight, Ferda gently took her hand. “I am your fiancé.”
He comforted her, hoping to ease her anxiety even a little. “Half of my life already belongs to you. As long as I live as your fiancé, I will think only of you and live for you.”
“...”
“So, for your sake, I will surely return alive.”
Valdrova’s hand fidgeted within Ferda’s palm. He couldn't imagine what kind of expression she was making behind that white mask.
“Lord Ferda. May I ask one favor?”
“Please, speak.”
Ferda prayed inwardly. Please, don't ask me not to go.
“Will you... hold me?”
“...Pardon?”
Ferda asked again, thinking he had misheard. But Valdrova answered clearly.
“They say that when a man and a woman embrace, a positive energy flows between them. Dark thoughts vanish, and... I want to give you good energy, Lord Ferda.”
“Good energy... I see.”
Ferda instinctively placed a hand on his face. The temperature of the skin his fingers touched was as hot as the flames of a hearth. Why am I getting so embarrassed over this? He had held her once before when they danced.
“I understand.”
“Yes...!”
Valdrova also composed herself and spread her arms solemnly. Ferda carefully slid his arms around her neck. He was the first to wrap his arms around her. As they pressed close, Valdrova’s hands finally moved to embrace him as well. Her hands moved past his waist to his back.
She’s warm.
The sensation felt through the thin fabric was as soft and warm as a baby. A cozy, subtle scent like sunlight wafted from her red hair, putting him at ease. It made him a little worried. She was so warm that he feared she might dislike him for being too cold.
He’s warm.
But Valdrova felt the same. It was her first time learning that hugging someone could be this warm. It’s similar to when I received mana, yet different. Receiving mana felt like something was being calmed down. But this embrace made something boil within Valdrova’s chest.
More...
A sprout of greed grew within the timid, girl-like Valdrova. I want this warmth to seep deeper into me...
She leaned her face against his chest and pulled him tight.
Squelch.
“...Squelch?”
A sound and sensation that completely ruined the atmosphere. Feeling something strange being driven in near her horns, she pulled her head back.
“Huh?”
Valdrova blinked. What caught her sight were two holes in Ferda’s chest. The holes were exactly where she had wanted to lean her head. How on earth did those holes get there?
“Uh...?”
No matter how foolish she was, she wasn't so dense that she couldn't realize what was happening. The situation organized itself into a complete sentence in her mind.
“U-u-u-uhhh?!?” Valdrova recoiled in a panic. “U-u-u-u-u-uhhhhhh!?!?”
“Master, what on earth are you doing to cause such a fuss—?”
Ruri, who had assumed it was just another trivial matter, stood with her eyes wide. There were two holes in Ferda’s chest. Ruri also screamed in horror.
“What is this?! This?! What on earth...?!”
“I-I don’t know!”
She wondered if she had accidentally touched a cursed weapon, but that wasn't it. There were exactly two holes in Ferda’s chest. And there were two lethal weapons of exactly the same width attached to Valdrova’s head.
Veins popped on Ruri’s forehead.
“Master!!” Ruri shrieked. “How many times have I told you?! Your horns are sharp, so you have to be careful! How could you think of hugging him like that?!”
“I-I’m sorry...”
“Don’t be sorry to me, be sorry to Lord Ferda! Seriously, what is this?! Can’t you see Lord Ferda has gone completely dazed?!”
“Waaaaah! I’m sorry for being a fool! Lord Ferda!”
“No, I’m...”
“Stay still! Keep your mouth shut! Oh, honestly!! I’ve seen so many things while serving you, Master, but why do you always do this to me every single time—!!”
Ruri huffed and puffed as she scolded Valdrova. Valdrova apologized repeatedly, crying that she was a fool.
And the victim, Ferda, was actually fine. Although he had been pierced by two horns and they went somewhat deep, they had missed his blood vessels, so the bleeding was minimal and there was no pain.
However, he had to admit that he was indeed "dazed," as Ruri had put it. At this moment, he was thinking:
I can die happy now.