The Masquerade Ball (6)
“...Haa.”
In the end, Ashu let out a sigh and opened the door.
The room was surprisingly well-kept and tidy. And without a single servant to manage it, no less.
...Cleaner than my own room, even.
But our situations were different. I was a full-fledged adult in society. Not like this kid who could play and eat all day without a care. Our social positions were worlds apart!
So it was perfectly reasonable for me not to clean my room.
...Probably.
“Y-Your clothes... why are they...”
Ashu stood frozen in the doorway, still holding it open.
My clothes? What was wrong with them? They were comfortable.
...Maybe a bit too loose?
But whatever—a ten-year-old wouldn't know better. Back at the orphanage, everyone dressed like this. Huddling close for warmth had only felt nice.
“...Haa, never mind.”
Ashu's lips mumbled for a moment before he sighed again.
“So, why do you wanna sleep... t-together?”
He crossed his arms and grumbled curtly.
...Should I say it's because of the assassination risk?
No, better not. This was Ashu's first real assassination attempt. He wouldn't admit it, but it had to have shaken him.
What if the one adult he (sort of) trusted (sort of) heard, “It's because of the assassin”? A kid would naturally feel even more anxious.
“...Um, no real reason.”
Ashu's eyebrow twitched at that.
“Then— ”
“M-My room's a bit cold... Your room's warmer, at least.”
“...”
It wasn't entirely a lie. Damn that duke. Now he was skimping on my heating bills too? Paid me a fat salary but stuck me with this crap housing. No unions in this world—what a tragedy.
“...Haa, fine.”
Ashu nodded reluctantly.
“R-Really?”
I blurted it out before I could stop myself. I'd figured he'd never allow it...!
That prickly little gold nugget was okay sharing a room?! Had my mentoring philosophy finally paid off?
I was so thrilled I could cry.
“There's a sofa over there. Sleep on it.”
Ashu pointed to the sofa, a bit away from the bed.
...That wouldn't work. To guard against assassins, I needed to stay as close as possible. Best would be not sleeping at all, but that wasn't realistic.
...My light sleeping helps, though.
Thanks to my past life, the tiniest noise woke me right up. Sleeping right next to him was ideal—I could react instantly.
But how do I convince him?
I wanted to be honest, but I couldn't show him more of the world's dark side. Kids needed to grow up seeing only the bright stuff.
“B-But... I want the bed.”
“What...?”
Ashu's right eyebrow arched. He looked utterly baffled.
“...Fine, you take the bed. I'll sleep on the sofa.”
He waved it off and started getting up.
...Ashu being considerate?
For a moment, the unbelievable sight nearly brought tears to my eyes. A child's growth was this moving, huh?
No, focus—not the time.
I grabbed his retreating hand firmly.
“I-I mean...”
Now that I had it, what was I supposed to say? No good excuse came to mind.
As I fumbled, Ashu gave me a suspicious look.
“You... aren't scared, are you?”
“Huh...?”
Ashu suddenly turned serious. He glanced at me, then— for some reason—nodded like he'd figured it out.
“...Makes sense for a kid.”
I was dying to know what image of me was in that head of his, but that could wait.
...But isn't 'scared' a perfect excuse?
Saying I wanted to sleep together because I was scared was extremely embarrassing, but it was legitimate. Mortifyingly so.
...Should I go with it?
No—my inner manhood screamed in protest. What grown man in this world admits he's scared to sleep alone at night?!
But I couldn't think of anything else—
As I agonized internally, Ashu prodded.
“...You really scared? You're an adult.”
“...”
His teasing tone made me bite my lip hard. Endure it. I had to—for Ashu's sake. I was the adult here.
Embarrassment's just for a moment...
My lips quivered. My manhood wailed inside.
But I had to!
“Y-Yes...”
Ashu leaned in at my whisper.
“What?”
“...Y-Yes! I'm scared of the dark, so I've never slept alone and came to your room begging to sleep together!!”
Together—gether—gether— My words echoed away.
Ashu and I both fell silent for a while.
Gyaaaaah...!
My manhood clutched its head in agony. I wasn't a man anymore....
Hot steam seemed to pour from every orifice.
“...O-Oh. Okay.”
Ashu nodded, a bit surprised. He crossed his arms tightly, pondered, then spoke like he'd made a big decision.
“...If you're scared, wanna sleep together?”
“...Yes.”
No defeated soldier from war felt this pathetic. I nodded, half-sobbing.
Ashu was going insane right now.
“...Hehe, Discipleee...”
“...”
The reason? Ideal, who kept clinging to his side like a koala.
...Driving me crazy.
She hugged him tight like he was her security plushie. Every time that soft squish pressed against his shoulder, his chest felt like it would explode.
It was comical how she gripped her sword in one hand even while sleeping like that.
...Why the sudden change?
She'd slept alone fine until now, so why insist on sharing tonight? He was full of questions.
Thinking of her clumsy self, maybe she really was scared.
The assassin? Nah, no way.
But her earlier reaction nagged at him. The teary-eyed, blushing confession kept replaying in his mind.
...Was it real?
Maybe she'd been trembling through sleepless nights all this time. It sounded just like Ideal.
Then why now, after holding out so long?
Whatever the reason, it didn't feel bad. If anything, his pounding heart kept messing up his breathing.
“...”
He carefully rolled to face her. Her sleeping face came into sharp focus, oblivious to the world.
Long lashes. Peach-tinted lips. Her soft, warm breaths brushed his skin.
“Ideal...”
The name slipped out in a murmur. The quiet room felt dreamlike, like only they existed. Moonlight dimly lit the bed, and Ashu stared, entranced.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
His heart ached. Just looking made him feel good.
...Don't wanna let her go.
To no one. He didn't want to miss a single moment of her.
I want her.
His gaze locked on her lips. Memories from the subjugation war flickered by.
...Just once more.
Fierce desire surged impulsively. He touched his own lips, the soft sensation from back then vivid as ever.
“...Come to think of it, I never made a wish.”
She'd promised to grant any one wish. Too much had happened after the war—he'd forgotten.
A thought flashed through his mind, but he shook his head.
...Too precious to use now.
Save it for much later. Ashu quietly closed his eyes.
First night since the war's end. Despite the racing heart, he wanted to shake off the fatigue fast.
“Discipleee...”
Squeeze. Grip.
“...”
Grip.
“Nngh!”
I stretched luxuriously, bones popping satisfyingly. Felt great. How long since I'd woken so refreshed?! Why so invigorated today? The bed that good?
My body felt lighter overall. Even the birds chirping outside sounded welcoming for once.
“Disciple. Sleep well?”
I turned—and there was Ashu, looking haggard. His already fierce face with bloodshot eyes was downright ghostly.
“...Dis-Disciple?”
“You...”
His raspy voice echoed softly. Those red-rimmed eyes stared straight at me.
“...Sleep on the sofa from now on.”
“Huh, wha?”
“On the sofa, I said.”
Ashu yanked the blanket over his head.
What the hell? Did I kick him in my sleep or something?
But that didn't hold water. I'd had zero sleep habits even in my past life.
So he must've tossed and turned on his own. Like that pacifier incident—always blaming others. My precious disciple still had a long way to go.