Chapter 47
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 47
Chapter Title: Strategy Revision (1)
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『Gob's Perspective』
Around 10 PM.
I took a shower much more meticulously than usual.
After finishing, I put on some clothes. Kids' pajamas.
A few days ago, Sera had given me a few outfits, and this was one mixed in there.
I checked myself in the mirror one last time.
Hmm... Still ugly as ever. Can't do anything about the looks. As long as I don't come off as dirty.
Preparations complete, I stepped out of my room.
The moment I did, my eyes met a woman's.
Kasha. She'd just popped out of Sera's room.
Why's she coming out of there?
...Well, they're close, so nothing weird about it.
"Tch."
Kasha clicked her tongue and shot me a sharp glare. Her face was full of displeasure.
What're you looking at, you punk? I glared right back.
"Arrogant little shit."
Kasha spat it out however she pleased, then turned on her heel and walked off.
Thought she'd make more of a fuss, but surprisingly, she just left?
Good for me. Guess she's decided not to bother me anymore.
I practically floated to Sera's door.
Thump thump. I'd been sulky when we made the promise, but now that the moment was here, my heart was pounding.
How long had it been since I last slept with Sera?
Less than a month, probably, but it felt like forever.
Like the distance between enlistment day and discharge.
Hoo— I took a deep breath and reached for the door.
-Knock knock. I rapped on Sera's door.
"Coming~."
Sera's voice came from the other side.
Creeak... The door opened, revealing Sera in her pajamas.
The white pajamas gave off a cozy vibe.
Today, I could hug that soft, voluptuous body tight and sleep.
Even back in the cabin, it was soft, but now that it's bigger, how much softer will it be?
"You made it."
Sera smiled with her eyes.
She's so damn pretty... My mouth twitched reflexively.
Can't let it show too much. I consciously controlled the muscles around my mouth.
If I show I like her too obviously, it might burden her.
I'm not here with ulterior motives. Purely for treatment.
To save her from nightmares.
"Come in."
I followed Sera into the room.
The room was filled with the vibrating scent of ripe peaches.
Smells so good... Is it always like this? Or did she prepare because I was coming?
No way she didn't care at all.
Imagining Sera getting ready because I was coming made my lips curl up.
"Should we lie down right away? Or chat a bit first?"
Sera tilted her head slightly as she asked.
[Let's chat a bit first.]
I pulled out my notebook and pen to answer her question.
I wanted to spend as much time with Sera as possible.
"Sure. I had something I wanted to ask anyway."
Sera sat on one of the chairs by the table.
I took the chair opposite her.
The chair's warm. Someone must've been sitting here just before.
Was it Sera?
That thought cheered me up, but then I remembered Kasha from the hallway.
Might've been her. Hope it was Sera's spot.
Anyway, something Sera wants to ask me? What could it be?
If she asks if I'm up for dating, I could answer right away.
[What do you want to ask?]
I asked, secretly hoping for a romance-related question.
"How've things been with Kasha lately?"
I furrowed my brow hard.
Sort of romance-related, but the exact opposite of what I expected.
"From that look, not well, huh?"
Sera gave a wry smile.
[We're fine.]
"Liar."
[For real.]
We really are getting along as best as we can.
Ignoring each other cleanly.
"Did Kasha apologize? For what happened?"
[She did.]
In the world's most horrific way, but she did.
"Did you accept it?"
[Yeah.]
"Good. I was worried she'd let her pride get in the way."
So Sera made her come apologize.
That explains the massive ego trip.
"What do you think of Kasha now?"
[Nothing much.]
Really nothing. Just wish we didn't cross paths. Seeing her sours my mood.
"Seems like she has some interest in you."
[We're nothing to each other. Never will be.]
Draw a hard line. I'm only looking at you, Sera.
And even without you, I wouldn't glance at that foul-mouthed beast.
"Did you notice her interest?"
[No. I knew she hated me, though.]
"Ahaha... You totally misread it. From what I saw, she likes you. Why not try getting along with her?"
[Not my type at all.]
"Why? Isn't she pretty?"
[She is. Just not my type.]
Honestly, Kasha is pretty. Calling her ugly would be an outright lie.
But I won't say another woman is pretty in front of Sera.
"She can be foul-mouthed sometimes, but she's a good friend. Kind, surprisingly sensitive, loyal."
Sera went on like Kasha's personal lawyer, listing her virtues.
"I think you two would match well."
What? She's openly trying to pair me with Kasha.
Doesn't she know I like her?
It felt like a rock was pressing on my chest.
"You're weak, so it'd be reassuring to have Kasha as a friend. She'd protect you from anyone."
Squeeze. I clenched my fist under the table.
Hearing I'm weak from the girl I like isn't fun.
I don't need someone to protect me. I want to protect you.
But I'm a goblin. Bottom of the barrel among monsters.
Can't even say I'll protect someone. Just get laughed at.
Cute kid at best. Ugly dwarf monster at worst.
I looked at Sera, then dropped my gaze to the table.
Should've said let's sleep right away if I knew it'd be this talk. Shouldn't have chatted.
"Uh... I think I rushed it. How about starting as friends with Kasha?"
I stared at the table without responding to Sera's question.
I don't even want to be friends with that beast.
You saw what she did to me, Sera. And you still want to pair us up?
I gritted my teeth. My stomach churned.
"Haha... Natural is best. Forget what I said today."
Sera's awkward smile stung.
When will you ever look at me? Will you even?
I thought you liked me too. Got hopeful from you approaching first.
Now, I'm not sure.
"Anything else you want to talk about?"
-Shake shake.
I shook my head weakly.
"Shall we sleep then?"
The word "sleep" was welcome.
I stood from the chair in reply.
Squeak... We lay side by side on the bed.
The bed was soaked in Sera's scent, the ripe peach aroma tickling my nose.
"How about just holding hands tonight? Hugging right away might be..."
Sera extended her hand toward me.
I reached out and clasped her soft hand.
Just hands feels lacking...
But soon she'll pull me in anyway, so I'll hold back for now.
"Good night."
Sera closed her eyes, keeping about 50cm between us.
I closed mine too, but my mind was wide awake.
Thump, thump. My heartbeat echoing in my ears.
Falling asleep tensed up like this is impossible, but that's fine. Never planned to anyway.
I waited for Sera to fall asleep first.
...
...
...About five minutes later.
"Mm..."
Sera let out a soft moan and started pulling me closer.
Here it comes. I let myself be drawn in without resistance.
"Gob..."
Something felt off in Sera's voice calling me.
It was the clear, bright voice from our cabin days.
Her voice had deepened and softened with her matured body, but now it was back to the old one.
"Come here. Let's sleep together..."
She mumbled softly, drawing me in.
The old voice again. Goosebumps prickled my nape.
Is another Sera trapped in this body?
I approached her as if entranced.
Sera hugged me tight, like she'd been waiting.
My face sank into her plump breasts. Blissful sensation against my skin.
Her scent so sweet... I missed this...
"Hehe... Gotcha..."
Sera giggled playfully.
Thought she woke up, but her eyes were closed.
Am I appearing in her dream?
"Where'd you go... I kept looking..."
Sera mumbled again.
She's definitely dreaming.
But for some reason, it felt like she was talking to me.
"Why do you keep running... It's scary alone..."
Her whimper made my eyes heat up. Nose stung.
I'd been hurt by your changes plenty.
Sometimes wondered if I should give up.
I thought you were gone too.
Didn't realize you were here from the start.
"Stay together forever... Hehe..."
Sera stroked the back of my head.
Like a mother cradling her newborn. Gentle touch.
Something surged inside me. Impulsively, I hugged Sera tight.
I'm not going anywhere. I'll stay with you.
I'll protect you.