Chapter 55: The Invitation
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 55: The Invitation
"So, you're already married."
Muen glanced at Eluka’s ring finger. He hadn't noticed before, but a diamond ring was now sparkling there.
"Mm-hmm. Just got married last night."
"Last night?"
Muen blinked.
Who gets married in the middle of the night?
"I guess customs are just different here," Muen thought to himself, not dwelling on it.
After all, this was another world. He’d already encountered a gay man who looked for true love while committing highway robbery; at this point, nothing seemed impossible.
"Happy wedding, Eluka."
"Thank you."
"Speaking of which, it’s your first day of marriage and you’re out here in the middle of nowhere?" Muen asked, puzzled.
"I’m heading to Belland to handle some business regarding my husband’s work, and to pick up a few things while I'm at it." Eluka pointed to the small backpack behind her.
"Work..."
Muen took in Eluka’s outfit and the sword-emblem badge pinned to her chest.
"You’re an adventurer, right? Is your husband one too?"
"Yeah. But since we just got married, neither of us plans on going on any adventures for a while. That’s why I need to stop by the Association and let them know. Otherwise, if we disappear for too long, they might assume something happened and slap a 'deceased' label on us. The Association makes those kinds of blunders every year."
"I see."
Muen smiled. "Doing so much on your first day as a newlywed... you really have it rough."
"It’s not rough at all."
Eluka’s cheeks flushed slightly. "These things are necessary so we can have a better life together."
"Haha, it sounds like you two are very much in love."
Muen continued, "I’m actually a bit curious what kind of man your husband is. To win the heart of a beauty like you, he must be someone quite exceptional."
"You’ve got a smooth tongue, don't you? I bet you’ve charmed plenty of women," Eluka teased, covering her mouth as she laughed. "My husband is just an ordinary guy, though it’s true that he loves me very much."
"Nonsense. I don't even have a girlfriend right now," Muen sighed with mock solemnity. "It’s a shame I didn't meet you sooner, or I could have crashed your wedding and met a bridesmaid or something."
"I wouldn't have let you crash it," Eluka joked.
"How cruel..."
"By the way, my home is right by the lake at the end of this river. Do you want to come over for a bit?" Eluka suddenly suggested. "After all, you did technically rescue me from those bandits."
"I’d hardly call myself a savior. In the end, I had to rely on you."
Muen scratched his head awkwardly. If Eluka hadn't stepped in, he probably would have been hauled back by that Scarface to be a bandit’s bride.
"As for stopping by your house..."
Muen hesitated.
Normally, it wouldn't be an issue. But the couple had just gotten married; they were supposed to be enjoying their private time together. Barging in as a third wheel seemed like bad form.
"I think I'll pass, I'll just—"
Gurgle—
Muen was about to decline when his words were cut short by a low, rumbling roar.
"Huh? Was that thunder?"
Startled, Eluka looked up at the sky.
The sky was cloudless for miles; it was a beautiful day.
Confused, she looked back and saw Muen’s face was bright red, looking exactly like someone who had just been caught with a stash of smutty books under their bed.
"You..."
"Haha..."
Muen let out a strained, awkward laugh.
Dammit. He’d forgotten he hadn't eaten anything for a day and a night. Between that and the prolonged, intense physical exertion, his stomach was practically stuck to his spine.
"I see."
A mischievous smirk played on Eluka’s lips. She rested a hand on her cheek and sighed with feigned disappointment.
"Well, since Mr. Muen is unwilling, there’s nothing I can do. I can't force you, after all. It’s just a shame about the feast I was planning to cook tonight. I guess it’ll just be for the two of us."
"A feast..."
"That’s right. Roast whole lamb."
Gulp. "Roast... whole lamb."
"Sigh, it’s going to be quite difficult for just two people to finish an entire lamb. But what can you do? Since—"
"I am so sorry, Miss Eluka—no, Madam Eluka!"
Under the temptation of roast lamb, Muen abandoned all dignity. He pressed his hands together in a prayer of supplication.
"Please, allow this shameless man to brazenly crash your dinner!"
"Oh? I thought you weren't coming?"
"Who said that? To taste Madam Eluka’s cooking, I am willing to be a thousand-watt lightbulb, shining and radiating heat all night long!"
"You certainly know what to say."
Eluka, who hadn't intended to tease him too much, couldn't help but smile.
"Let’s go, then."
"Thank you, Madam Eluka!"
Overjoyed, Muen grabbed a fallen branch to use as a walking stick and followed Eluka toward the lake at the end of the river.
...
I love you.
...
"Huh?"
Muen frowned and looked around.
Strange. He thought he’d just heard someone speaking.
"Um... Eluka?"
"Hmm? What is it?"
"Did you say something?"
"Say something?"
Eluka turned around, looking puzzled.
"I didn't say anything."
"That’s weird. Maybe I’ve been hungry for so long I’m starting to hallucinate?"
Muen scratched his head and didn't think much more of it.
A breeze blew past, and the rustling of leaves masked all discordant sounds.
...
"This is my village."
Muen followed Eluka all the way to a small fishing village situated on the lakeshore.
"Whoa. This is actually quite nice."
Muen looked up. From the village entrance, the lake water was crystal clear and the scenery was breathtaking.
He recognized it—this was Lake Bepol, where he had come with his family for a trip last year.
"Living in a place like this, with such a beautiful view every day... I’m jealous."
"It’s not that big of a deal."
Eluka gave a shy smile. "No matter how beautiful the scenery is, it starts to look ordinary after you’ve seen it long enough. Besides, living by the lake comes with plenty of inconveniences."
"Still, it must be good for the soul."
Having recovered some of his strength, Muen tossed aside his stick. He clasped his hands behind his head, feeling the breeze off the lake against his face, savoring this hard-won moment of tranquility.
Thinking back, ever since he had transmigrated into this world, he had been constantly chased by one thing or another. He hadn't truly relaxed once.
Because of that, he appreciated this beauty all the more.
"Let’s go."
Sensing the time was right, Eluka led Muen deeper into the village.
"It’s so quiet."
Muen looked around. He noticed that all the houses had their doors tightly shut. He didn't see a single soul.
"Because everyone is busy right now," Eluka explained.
"The autumn fish are fat, and the harvest is about to begin. Most of the villagers are out working. It’s perfectly normal for them to stay overnight on their boats or in the fields."
"That sounds like hard work."
"It is. Everything happens at once, so even the children don't have a moment to rest. But that’s what a harvest is. Once this period passes, only the joy remains."
Eluka suddenly stopped in front of a small courtyard. With a hint of delight in her voice, she said:
"We’re here."