Despite the atmosphere becoming awkward, the next three days of travel were quite pleasant.
The journey would take seven days without interruptions.
The group just travelled into the Mull forest and planned to stop at a small campsite. The Mull forest bordered the Munat village area halfway from their destination.
Sylvie and Erina became less guarded and comfortable over the trip. They sometimes became a little brave when speaking with Leonhardt and asking him questions, and they no longer blushed or ran away when left alone with him.
"It seems that we'll be camping tonight…" Sylvie's soft tone couldn't disguise her dislike of the idea. Her gaze shifted to the loud group beside them. Once again, the guards and other merchants became rowdy when the caravan stopped.
"Ugh, again? I hope they don't speak to us."
Erina's lips slowly curved into a bitter smile. Because there were very few beautiful women in the caravan, it made camping irritating for Erina and Sylvie.
"I agree," Sylvie added.
Asuka wasn't human and thus didn't get the same trouble, but they would whisper insults to her back, which soured the meal for their group.
"Well, it's good because we can eat those delicious meats that Leon brings, haha."
Asuka's eyes shone as she ate a piece of steaming meat, her eyes narrowing in delight. Over the past few days, she had learned how to become more social and no longer became shy around Leonhardt.
Well… almost completely.
Sylvie's smile grew bigger while gazing between the group. She took an exaggerated breath before kicking the wooden seat with her heels. "Hmm. Yeah, that meat is really yummy."
Erina nodded silently as if deep in thought and agreed without talking too much.
"I'm bored, no more wolves appeared since then…" Leonhardt couldn't help but complain. He wanted to stretch and get some exercise because sitting on the wagon most of the day made his body ache and become stiff.
"It has been quiet, hasn't it?" Erina, on the other hand, seemed happy about that.
He closed his eyes, the calm sound of chatter filling his ears before he communicated with Zafira.
Leon enjoyed this time because their chats were longer. Her speech also became softer and showed him more respect. The arrogant and stubborn princess that he first met was replaced with a close friend who supported him.
'Zafira, how are you doing?'
[◊ Leon, is that you? ◊]
A genuinely shocked voice responded, the sound of splashing water and rapid movement echoing from the connection. 'Zafira? Is there something wrong?' He frowned, worried for a second when she didn't respond immediately.
After half a minute or so, the familiar tone replied with a slight cough, her voice a pitch higher than usual, the sound of something swishing in water still present.
[◊ Sorry, I was just in the middle of something and you surprised me! Do you need anything, Leon? ◊]
Leon's body bounced as the carriage hit a rock, his mind at ease when hearing Ifrit or Zafira's voice, 'Oh, not really… But tell me what are you doing? Are you okay?'
She let out a sigh, as if he just said something idiotic, but then replied with a snort. It sounded like she had a blocked nose and was breathing through her mouth before a low, muffled giggle sounded in his mind.
[◊ I'm great, no… You could say I feel better than ever right now. The dungeon is doing well, and I could finally take a break. ◊]
'Good, look after yourself. I cannot do this without you.'
Splash!
The loud echo of water, followed with silence, made Leon worried.
By now he had gathered she was having a bath, but to stop his mind picturing her body, he focused on her voice and the sound.
'She's only having a bath… why am I getting so excited.'
[◊ Eh?! ◊]
'Ah?'
Leon forgot to create a barrier around his thoughts.
Normally, when speaking with Zafira, he masks his thoughts so that she only hears the things he wants to share.
This time, Zafira heard his true desires and the lewd thoughts that came to his mind. A muffled moan leaked from her lips, which startled him. Leon's muscles tightened as his chest throbbed from hearing a succubus engaging in a carnal act.
The sudden rush of adrenaline caused him to pause before continuing.
He wasn't sure exactly what went through his mind, but he worried about Zafira's reaction.
'She was so erotic…'
Her moan so enchanting he thought his soul might leave his body, thankfully shielding this thought, worried it would give her some ammunition to tease him.
[◊ Somehow, it's strange to not see you every day. ◊]
'What, do you miss me?' He joked, the sounds echoing clearly, something a little different to bathing, but Zafira was his aide and a succubus.
Thus, he couldn't judge her for having needs. Especially when he and Asuka did the same each night, unable to resist the heat that grew throughout the day.
When not eating with Erina and Sylvie or resting, Leonhardt took time alone with Asuka.
On the first day, he chased her.
However, on the second night, Asuka started sneaking into his sleeping bag or tent and repeated the actions they had taken the night they had spent together in the inn.
[◊ If I say I miss you… Would you come home? ◊]
Home…
The dungeon, Embervale, was his home?
It was a strange feeling.
His chest became hot, not with lust or desire, but a comfortable and gentle heat that spread and warmed every inch of his body. The gentle breathy moans of Zafira filled his mind. It seemed she could not hide things from him like he could.
The soft beating of his heart made Leon unconsciously touch his chest. Pressing hard against the fabric, he slightly crumpled his shirt.
[◊ I miss you too… ◊]
He didn't know what more to say, but understood that if he mentioned missing the goblins and rabbits along with her, it would dilute his words and cause Zafira to become upset.
'Thank you, Asuka, for helping me grow as a male!'
[Your words have touched the depths of Zafira's lonely heart, helping her reach a moment of bliss]
• Affection + 10
• Loyalty + 10
Zafira's Affection has surpassed 60. Her feelings cannot drop lower than this amount unless you severely upset her or go against her values and trample on her affection.
Zafira's Loyalty surpassed 70, her loyalty will no long drop below this amount.
The sudden information caused Leonhardt's lips to tremble, both from the happiness of the change in their relationship and from the rather delightful sounds of their connection.
If Asuka was a deep, husky female whispering sweet and passionate words in your ear, then Zafira was a sweet and intoxicating song caressing your soul, playing a tune so alluring you couldn't help but shudder.
'It's unfair—both are too sexy!'
Even though Zafira didn't answer back, her soft breaths and silence showed her intense satisfaction and helped him relax.
He assumed she was enjoying herself, and somehow his words helped her. Leon didn't want to ruin the moment by embarrassing her or speaking, so he quietly broke their connection.
'Even a princess needs some alone time, huh…'
When his eyes opened, he noticed the carriages stopped, with most of the merchants sitting around in a circle as the servants started a bonfire in the small clearance in the forest.
"You're finally awake?"
A soft hand grabbed his shoulder, the amber eyes like flames gazing at him from close as Asuka, who looked exhausted after the busy trip, sat next to him, staring intently while massaging her thighs and ankles.
"Did we stop?" Leon asked, a little confused since he could still feel sunlight on his face.
"Yeah, we're going to eat in a while, tonight we can rest."
Asuka's shoulders lightly leaned against his, her voice a low whisper as she explained the situation.
The loud yells echoed from outside, along with the crackling fire and shouts of the guards who brought a keg of ale, some throwing several coins into a hat they passed around.
"Do you want to enjoy some wine?" He asked, brushing the glossy bangs from her cheek, the sunlight illuminating her shiny red scales. "We can share?"
"You're on! It tastes better than their watered-down piss," Asuka added with a giggle.
"Then shall we go help those two, since none of you can cook?"
"Anytime, Leonhardt."
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"Let me escort the dragon princess, take my hand."
"Haha… idiot." She giggled, holding his arm as he assisted her down from the wagon.
The fading sunlight and the forest wrapped around the campsite added to the atmosphere, as their appearance drew the gaze of others.