Chapter 110: Confession (2)
Can we get a bit closer?
Iriel asked, her voice trembling, yet she still faced away. Her question was tricky, given they were already quite close. Was she suggesting they sleep in each others arms?
I think were close enough already
I, I just didnt want to make you uncomfortable.
They didnt speak much after that.
Was their silence due to Iriels sudden suggestion? The touch of their shoulders and forearms became more pronounced.
Her arm felt unbelievably soft, which was unexpected from someone trained in swordsmanship.
Iriels warmth seeped into him.
Despite her facing away, a tremble was perceptible from where they touched.
Sleeping was impossible in such a close, confined space.
Iriel was likely feeling the same way.
As Ray considered casting a sleep spell on himself, Iriel spoke up.
Ray Can we hold hands?
Hmm?
Maybe itll help us get comfortable enough to sleep?
His silence indicated understanding. The human brain adapts quickly, becoming accustomed to sensations. Initially, holding hands might feel conscious, but eventually, it would become natural.
Ray quietly grasped Iriels hand.
She jumped slightly, taken by surprise.
Ah You could have warned me!
Iriel murmured softly.
The warmth of her hand was tangible, so delicate it seemed it could break upon touch.
Despite being trained in swordsmanship, her hand was remarkably soft.
Iriel mumbled,
Rays hand is different than I thought. I was worried it might be softer than mine, but its surprisingly rough.
His rough hands made sense, given his frequent training and climbing in the elf village.
Iriel, guessing his thoughts, covered her mouth and chuckled.
I never really had to work with my hands.
Is that something to brag about?
Well, who would ask a saint to do menial tasks?
Thats true. No one would expect that from you.
But, if asked, I would do it. Maybe I should practice for you know, marriage someday
Marriage? Can saints even marry?
Why not? If a saint finds someone they love, they can marry.
The common belief was that saints devoted their lives to the divine. Ray had thought the same, but apparently, they had the freedom to marry.
Iriel asked Ray, In that sense, what kind of woman would you like to marry someday?
Ray seriously pondered her question. Well First, someone who laughs a lot.
Iriel giggled in response. Hehehe.
Ray looked at her with a puzzled expression as she continued to laugh contentedly.
And what else? she prodded.
Someone who makes me feel happy when were together?
Thats a bit of a childish thought, isnt it?
No its important to be happy with your partner, right?
Well, thats a given. But dont you have something more specific in mind?
Ray had never thought so specifically about a marriage partner. He had been too busy with life before, and since arriving here, he had been too absorbed in the excitement of this world. If he had to choose a life he preferred, he would undoubtedly choose his current one.
A thought then struck him. It might sound childish, but someone I can immediately think of when asked, Who do you like more? Someone I wouldnt hesitate to choose. If such a person exists, Id like to marry them.
And whos the most likely candidate now?
Ray thought for a moment before answering, Im not sure.
Now Im motivated, Iriel said, laughing. Leave that spot open. I plan to take it.
Ray did a double-take, wondering if he had misheard. Was this an unexpected proposal?
Ray turned to Iriel, flustered. She quickly cut him off. Goodnight.
After such a statement, she was going to sleep just like that? Was this some kind of joke from another world?
Iriel seemed determined to sleep. Perhaps she chose sleep to avoid further conversation.
However, she held onto their interlocked hands firmly.
Lady Aira, an elf village wishes to relocate this time, one of the elders reported.
Hmm
With her long white hair cascading down, Aira scrutinized a few parchments.
After briefly scanning them, she returned the parchments to the desk.
I understand the content roughly. I grant permission for the relocation. However, instruct them to come within a week, will you?
Understood. I will relay your message.
As the elder bowed his head, Aira propped her chin and gazed out the window.
She fixated on a certain spot before casually inquiring,
How is the Holy Kingdom doing?
To which the elder responded with a soft laugh.
It feels like Ive heard that question hundreds of times already.
Elves cannot lie. Aira must have really asked the elder hundreds of times.
Aira puffed her cheeks slightly and retorted,
But I cant just go there, can I
Pondering her words, the elder then suggested,
With the elves relocating here it might be okay to leave things to the guardians for a day.
Really?
Life flickered in Airas eyes, which had been blankly staring out the window.
She seemed ready to leave at any moment, her body twitching with anticipation.
Seeing this, the elder nodded with a smile.
But you must promise to return after a day. There could be trouble in your absence, Lady Aira.
I promise!
Exclaimed the high elf.
Her words alone were evidence of a significant promise.
The elder bowed his head in acknowledgment.
I shall take my leave now. Please also convey my regards to that child.
I didnt say I was going to the Holy Kingdom?
But arent you planning to go to the Holy Kingdom?
Well, yes, but Alright. Ill pass on your regards.
As she spoke, Aira extended her finger into the air.
Magically, the remnants of mana left by her finger in the air spread out like a painting.
Airas hand traced complex formulas, transforming the drawing into a large-scale magic circle.
The elders eyes quivered with astonishment at the incredible magic unfolding before him.
The immense magic, nonchalantly released as if by a child at play, reminded him once more that she was a high elf.
Teleport gate.
As the activation word was uttered, mana sufficient for one person to pass through gathered and formed a passage.
Aira, standing before the gate, briefly patted her cheek.
Sigh Has half a year already passed? Well, its time to go.
The elder, noticing the girlish expression on the face of the high elf who had lived for hundreds of years, chuckled and waved his hand.
Safe travels.
With the elders parting words, Aira stepped through the teleport gate.
As dawn broke, Ray awoke feeling refreshed.
Usually, he chose not to sleep, allowing mana to flow through his body for a rejuvenating sensation.
But, indeed, a good sleep was beneficial for the mind.
Huh?
But it appeared he had overslept.
For he saw someone before him who shouldnt be there.
Aira, petite in stature, stood there with her arms crossed, looking down at Ray.
Hmm I see. So this is the task you mentioned in the Holy Kingdom. Indeed, its something you couldnt do in an elf village Right?
Aira!
Ray called out to her, seemingly overjoyed.
A smile appeared on Airas lips.
But she desperately tried to suppress that smile.
If she showed joy upon seeing him after witnessing this scene, shed be admitting defeat! She shook her head vehemently.
Look! Rays hand was still intertwined with the Saints!
Following her gaze, Rays eyes also fell on his own hand.
Aira surveyed the room and then murmured softly,
Why in such a room
The inn only had this room available.
Hmm having to share such a narrow bed with someone
There was no explanation for that.
And even holding hands
Nor for that.
As they conversed, Iriel seemed to wake up, covering her mouth with her hand as she yawned quietly.
At least you fell asleep Huh?
She said with a broad smile, then glanced at Rays side.
There, a small girl with hair as white as Rays cascaded down, her clear, bright eyes and elegantly curved nose seemed to embody all the worlds beauty.
Moreover, her long, elf-like ears were striking.
Iriel had definitely seen this figure before.
Ha, a high elf!
Have you been well? Trying to snatch my Ray away while I was gone, you audacious human girl.
Aira spoke with a hint of sarcasm.
Then Ray, after casting a spell on himself, said,
Clean. I thought I wouldnt see you for another three years! Its really nice to see you like this. What brings you here?
Aira quietly gazed at Ray and replied,
I came to see you. I wish I hadnt seen this woman, though.
Saying this, Aira took Rays hand.
As Ray and Iriel looked on, puzzled, Aira grimaced and said,
The hand I reserved has been tainted. It looks like it needs purification; thats why I grabbed it.
Iriel reacted to her words.
What do you mean! Whats wrong with my hand?
A bad hand that was stealing what belongs to someone else.
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