Chapter 145
Chapter 145
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 145
Chapter Title: A Different Daily Life (1)
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I helped Ceria with her swordsmanship. I had a premonition, or something like it, that the others would get up to some nonsense in the meantime, but I couldn't worry about that, too.
“How is it?”
“Perfect. I think you just need to keep progressing like this.”
I wasn’t just saying that. Ceria’s swordsmanship had reached a considerably high level. Since the original Jace had taught her, there was no room for criticism.
It was clear she would awaken as an S-rank soon. Despite that, she couldn’t hide her anxiety.
“Should we take a break?”
“No, I’m still fine. Just a little more…”
I suggested a break again, but her attitude was firm. I had a rough idea of how she was feeling.
“To be honest, I feel a bit self-conscious…”
She was the only A-rank in the group. It wasn’t that the others were pressuring her, but it seemed she herself was uncomfortable with it. Also…
“I want to be a source of strength for you. To do that, I must surpass my current limits.”
“Hmm…”
I readily nodded. I deliberately refrained from telling her not to push herself. Just as I cherished Ceria, she wanted to do something for me in return.
Simply protecting her wasn't the answer. This process of understanding each other was more important than anything. Perhaps her desire to protect her lover would be the catalyst for her to grow stronger.
“Is there anything else you want to say?”
Hmm, why does she look so beautiful? My mind went blank without me realizing it. For some reason, I found her especially lovely today.
Beyond her beautiful appearance, her upright heart stirred my emotions deeply. In the end, I was seized by the impulse to do something.
“It’s been quite a while since that time…”
I subtly brought it up. For the roughly ten days it took to clear the dungeon, we hadn’t shared any real affection.
A downside of group activities, I suppose. Of course, we’d stolen a few light kisses when we found the chance, but that was far from enough.
We were young, brimming with energy. It was a time of boiling passion. Wouldn’t it be alright to share some deep affection for just one day?
Trying this and that… To stay healthy, it was only right to expend our pent-up energy in a timely manner.
Suddenly, Ceria’s face flushed red. It seemed she had perfectly understood my intentions. *I’m ready whenever you are!* With that kind of feeling, she shyly murmured.
“Training is important, but… if we’re talking about priorities, then of course…”
Our hearts were in sync. There was nothing holding us back. I strode toward her. I expected her to open her arms with a wide smile, but instead, she startled and put some distance between us.
“W-Wait a moment!”
“—?”
“Not right now. I’m a bit sweaty from swinging my sword…”
Huh? What’s the big deal about that? Her reaction was understandable, I guess, but her girlish charm only made my heart burn with more desire.
“Someone might suddenly barge in, you know. So…”
A needless worry. I had already told them I was helping Ceria with her swordsmanship. It was unlikely anyone would come looking for us.
I glanced at the door of the private training hall. The firmly shut door showed no signs of open—
“Hey, something terrible almost happened!”
“…”
As if mocking my thoughts, the door swung open and Aruru came in. It was a very sudden situation, but there was no need to panic. I wouldn’t mind anyone else, but she was fine.
My little cutie.
You must have wanted to see your lovers’ affectionate display, but you were a little early, weren’t you?
“Ah, this situation is, don’t tell me…”
The fox beastkin grasped the entire situation at a glance. Her expression was a mix of apology and regret. She sent me a pleading look, as if telling me not to mind her and to carry on.
“What’s going on?”
“The girls are targeting you two.”
“—?”
Ceria’s eyes widened. She could understand them targeting Jace… but why her? That question seemed to cross her mind. Aruru’s explanation soon followed.
“For one reason or another, they’ve decided to try and win your favor.”
“Ah, I see.”
The girl flashed a meaningful smile. It seemed she had already formed a plan in her head. As if she intended to turn the group’s impure intentions to her advantage…
“How cute of them. I suppose I should play along a little.”
“…”
She was going to respond coyly, giving them just enough to keep them guessing. I wasn’t sure if this was the right move, but I decided to just stay quiet. It seemed like it would be quite entertaining to watch.
For the time being, the party’s atmosphere was expected to be peaceful, and even if it was a false peace, I welcomed it.
“Well then… I’m going to go wash up.”
Ceria left with a refreshing smile. It was a signal that she intended to share a moment of affection after being fully prepared. Soon, Aruru sidled up close to me.
“It was really dangerous, you know? I skipped over the details because Ceria was there, but Ilensia was spouting nonsense from some book, talking about framing someone and banishment!”
“…What on earth was that book?”
“Something about a villainess? Or being banished from the hero’s party? She was saying it’s a popular trend these days, but I didn’t understand any of it.”
Hmm, so they have those here too… Well, it wasn’t that strange if you thought about it. This was a world where villainesses were real, and heroes openly existed.
Coincidentally, it matched Ceria’s situation quite well. As a noble lady, she met the conditions to be framed as a villainess. She was also the weakest member of the hero’s party. Of course, the finer details were completely different.
It would never happen, but if we were to banish Ceria, would she awaken a hidden power and take bloody revenge, just like a protagonist? Would I be the last one she eliminated?
“…”
The elf girl’s foolishness had sent me into a strange delusion. What a harmful elf. From what else Aruru said, it sounded like they were all just spouting nonsense.
Then again, she wasn't a bad person at heart. Just a bit odd. In any case, thanks to Aruru’s efforts, it seemed there were no major problems.
“I worked so, so hard!”
Pressing her body against mine, the fox beastkin looked up at me with sparkling eyes. She wagged her tail, as if desperately wanting something. A plea to be praised for her achievement in stopping the girls’ scheming.
My little cutie.
Want to play with your big brother for a bit? Until Ceria comes back, you can unleash your desires to your heart’s content.
“Aah, I love it so much!”
She pounced as if she had been waiting for this. Her momentum was almost enough to tackle me. Despite her incredibly cute appearance, she seemed to retain the wild instincts of a beastkin.
“Can I lick you?”
“That’s a bit…”
“I’m starting to want to try some different kinds of play, you know?”
“…”
Was it just my imagination? She seemed even more proactive than usual. Her hands grew bolder. In that short time, she was already in a state of bliss.
She had instantly filled up an excitement gauge that usually took an hour of play to fill. Huh? At this rate, my stamina won’t last.
“Actually, I have a confession to make. That time of year is coming soon. I’ll probably lose my senses a bit, so when that happens, don’t panic and just roll with it.”
She added that everyone else already knew. I understood the general context, but the core of it was missing.
“That time of year?”
“Mhm, a fox beastkin falls under a spell once a year.”
“…”
Ah, I get it now… I understood why she was avoiding a direct mention. No, wait a minute… then this is a huge problem, isn't it? So everything until now has been the mild version? The spicy version would be far beyond anything I could imagine.
Aruru in rampage mode. Could I really handle that? Unlike in the novel, reality had such distinct details. According to her, she would likely act out erratically until spring arrived.
“I’ll try to hold back as much as possible… but in the end, I’ll have to rely on you. Please, soothe me with your warm touch and calm me down.”
Her gaze, her voice, her expression—everything exuded a subtle, bewitching scent. She showed both desperation and apology at the same time. I felt myself being drawn into the girl’s pitiful state.
My little cutie.
I don’t mind whatever happens to me, but will you be able to endure that suffering?
“I wonder… I probably won’t even be in the right mind for that.”
“…”
True, she would be overflowing with endorphins, lost in a state of endless bliss. She wouldn’t be able to contain her joy and happiness. It would be my role to quell her excitement. I gently stroked the fox beastkin’s head.
“Anyway, don’t worry. You can trust me.”
It was a bit sudden, but not that surprising. It was just a situation you'd have to face if you were raising a pet. A true owner should accept every part of her.
“I can endure anything for you.”
“—!!”
As I whispered sweet nothings, she became incredibly excited, showering me with affection. Watching her, a smile naturally formed on my face.
She was like a spoiled child. Still, as if not forgetting her duty, Aruru barely managed to exercise some self-control.
“This is enough for now. I’m going to go manage the others. If I’m not there, they might get up to some other strange things.”
She was going to stabilize the party’s atmosphere by keeping the girls in check. I was very proud of her for making an effort on my behalf.
“Well then, enjoy the rest of your time with Ceria!”
Leaving behind a mischievous smile, she scurried outside. Just as my little cutie said, Ceria was next. A continuous stream of overwhelming happiness. Was it okay for me to enjoy such luxury?
There would be no interruptions. Aruru would surely keep the others occupied. It was like we had a telepathic connection. Our relationship had reached a point where we understood each other without needing words.
Soon, Ceria appeared, looking pristine. Maybe it was my imagination, but she seemed to be exuding a strange allure.
“Where’s Aruru?”
“She just left.”
“It seems she tactfully made way for us to have some time alone. Though I’m sure she had her fill of you first…”
“…”
“Well, I suppose I can overlook that much. It might even be for the best…”
She smiled and approached me without hesitation. Her desire to feel her lover seemed stronger than her shyness, as she burrowed into my arms just like Aruru had. Now it was time to exchange sweet words…
“Just as I thought. Your body… it’s nice and warmed up.”
“—!!”
Ah, that comment is a bit dangerous! If someone heard that, they’d think I was turned on because of Aruru. I hoped there wouldn't be any misunderstandings.
My little cutie was large for a pet and had energy to spare. Playing with her left me panting and exhausted, too.
“It’s alright. I understand completely. Aruru is a girl, after all.”
“…”
I could neither deny nor confirm it. Suddenly, a good idea came to mind. In the end, this could be easily solved by shutting Ceria’s mouth… I ambushed her, stealing her lips.
“—!!”
After a brief moment of surprise, we closed our eyes simultaneously, as if by agreement. A fiery passion burned like a flame. Where we touched, I could feel the girl’s emotions vividly.
A certain conviction came to me. In the novel, Ceria grew stronger with the resolve to deal with her lover who had fallen to darkness. She didn’t have that motivation now, but I felt her desperate desire for me would have an even greater effect.
In other words, sharing our love would hasten her awakening. Then I had no choice but to work harder… I finished my thoughts and pulled Ceria into a tight embrace.
Now was the time to focus all my attention on her. Soon, an electrifying ecstasy washed over us. The two lovers’ affectionate display continued late into the night.