Some light mature theme ahead. Mention of asses and kisses. Proceed at your own risk.

----------------------------------------

Chapter 8: Pillar of support

“Hold on Celes, let me check what’s up with that crowd,” I said to Celes after we walked past the stone bridge that leads directly to the city’s central plaza.

On my far right, gossipers and the like had gathered around the city’s bulletin board.

It made me wonder what was going on—I immediately went that way to find out.

“Another death… And it seems to be a lot brutal this time.”

“It’s too scary to leave the walls these days. Even trained adventurers are getting killed.”

“Where did they found the body?”

“Just north of town, not even a day’s travel off a carriage from where we are.”

I stretched my ears out and listened to the murmurs left and right.

Rumors says there was a monster indiscriminately killing whoever it lay its eyes on.

Now the townsfolk were filled with unrest due to the mysterious slaughter happening outside the city gates. The death toll was just too high. And it was exactly because of that reason that I went out of my way to pick up Celes today.

“Quite a foolish move, don’t you think?”

A male’s voice spoke behind me.

The owner of that voice soon walked to my side and looked at the board from a distance.

His albino appearance and sharp blue eyes sparked an obvious resemblance in my head—as if I had seen him somewhere before.

I took a moment to think about it, but I still couldn’t remember.

It seemed like I’m really bad at remembering people.

Oh well, I decided to just disregard it and answer his question.

“Foolish move? What about it?”

I hid the fact that I couldn’t properly read what was written in there.

It would be quite embarrassing for a guy of my age to not know how to read.

“The mayor offered a bounty of two Xeno gold coins to anyone who could subdue it. But you know how money blinds men, they don’t see the danger in front.”

With his eyes narrowed, the young man replied in a serious tone.

He folded his arms and continued.

“It wasn’t even that long since it killed several knights and adventurers working for the city, and now we have this…”

I held my chin with one hand. “I see. It explains why those adventurer looking men were guarding the city gate. They have a shortage of knights because of this monster appearing too strong for them to handle.”

While that story was highly depressing and was definitely none of my business, I couldn’t help but show my concern in the matter.

“Exactly. And for the mayor—a man of such high stature—to make such a poor decision, I could not help but think that something is amiss.”

After saying what he wanted, the young man shifted his eyes on me.

He looked somewhat mature, but it doesn’t seem like our ages were that far apart.

Nonetheless, it seemed like he’s intent on hearing my opinion on this matter.

His blue eyes focused on my own told me so.

“I have not met the mayor myself so… I’m afraid I do not know.” I replied after giving in to his stare. “However, in my opinion, only a really shrewd person can govern a merchant city, even manipulative.”

He’s around dangerous entities known as “Merchants” after all.

I learned in games that merchants are not to be trusted until proven otherwise.

Show a hint of naivety and those sagacious beast would take advantage of you.

I know because I am one of them.

“And why is that?”

“I don’t know… Just my intuitions working at their best.”

“Heh, you’re one funny guy,” he smiled out of nowhere. “I would like to speak with you more regarding this, but I’m afraid I’m out of time. If fate decrees, I’m sure we would meet again.”

And just like that, without even introducing himself, the young man left the crowd and waved a hand on his back.

What an interesting guy to talk to.

Since there was no use dangling in that place, I returned back to Celes.

“Well?”

Good. She didn’t seem annoyed after waiting for so long.

“Nothing much, the same as usual,” I replied casually.

“About the indiscriminate killings?”

“Yes. And that’s also why you need to refrain on frequenting the streets at night. Honestly, if you need a job, the old man could use some help in the shop.”

I picked up the things I set aside and started walking, leaving Celes no choice but to follow after me.

“I can take care of myself you know. No need to fret about me all the time. You make me seem like a child,” Celes complained on my side.

Honestly speaking, she’s right.

“I don’t have the right to force you to do what I want, but suppressing that desire takes a heavy toll in my mind. I would do my damndest just to keep you out of trouble.”

As embarrassing as that sounds, I still said it.

Maybe it was due to my feelings taking over—I don’t really know.

“So if I did something to mislead you, I beg your pardon,” I added.

I wonder when was the time I started to think like this.

Spending time together with Celes had really changed me. A lot.

“Yet another apology,” Celes grumbled. “As I previously said, Reimuz doesn’t need to apologize about everything. Sometimes, it makes me wonder if you’re hiding something from me. You always play the fool as if you’re trying your hardest not to arouse suspicion…”

“Ahaha, I have nothing to hide.”

“See? Even your smile looks idiotic.”

Celes suddenly paused her legs, making me turn around to see if there was something wrong. She blew on her cheeks and turned sideways with her arms crossed.

Sometime indeed, I just want to blurt these feelings in my chest.

I fear that the next day, everything would just be a dream.

Nothing more, nothing less.

That I would wake up in a hospital bed with a virtual reality headgear attached to my head.

----------------------------------------

Ah, while washing the dishes, my mind can’t help but go back to dinner.

An indescribable feeling—a food too sensual for my taste buds.

I think that’s how I would describe Celes’s cooking.

After finishing my daily tasks, I headed upstairs.

I heard a whimpering cry after passing through the old man’s room.

It made me wonder what’s going on behind his door, curious enough to make me step back and listen at least.

He did have a lady come over to help him in the shop while I was gone.

Was it because of “that” after all?

“Aaaaaaaagh!”

Another cry vibrated inside his room.

I shook my head in disbelief, but I know the old man was just a regular guy, too.

He must had his callings from time to time. Actually, it would be weird if he didn’t.

Nevertheless, it was rude of me to eavesdrop on the old man’s “sexy time”, so I continued to my original destination after listening for a few more of those pained screams.

When I entered our room, there was no sign of Celes.

Hmm, she did said she’d be taking a bath thirty minutes ago.

I grabbed my little notebook on top of our dresser and leaned my back against the bed. Flipping through the pages, I reviewed what Celes had taught me so far.

If I would have to describe the main language in this continent, it is very similar to english.

Not that very hard to learn in my opinion.

Just need to find a knowledgeable someone that could teach you.

According to Celes, there was even “spirit language”,“dragon’s tongue” and many more.

However, those were out of her expertise.

And from what she told me, words sung using dragon’s tongue strengthens the body to a certain degree. Not even dismissing the fact that dragonkins were said to shatter mountains with ease, having access to body fortification abilities just made me want to scream the word “CHEAT.”

How I wish there is a certain balance, but this world is broken in so many ways.

*tog*

Suddenly the door opened while I was reading and a sweet scent clung to my nose.

Fresh from the bath, Celes sat on her bed as she dries her hair with her towel.

I’m afraid she’d gotten too used to my presence that she never bothered to ask me to leave these days. It sure makes me happy, but this carelessness is fatal.

I am a blooming young man after all.

Her soft looking thighs so vulnerable in front of my eyes.

When presented with such a magnificent treasure, how could I not react?

This calls for a retreat.

I took my bed sheet underneath the bed and lay it down to its rightful place.

But damn, her lips were tempting as a siren’s song.

Could I perhaps push the blame on my pounding heart to her pinkish lips?

“What? If you want to say something, say it.”

Celes caught wind of my stare and retorted back in a mocking tone.

It seemed like she was still upset from our conversation this afternoon.

I guess I’ll tell her now.

I sat on her bed, beside her, while trying my best to ignore her sleepwear.

It felt like with a mere brush of my fingertips, those thin straps would fall loose on their own. And with nothing to hold onto, that silky dress would reveal everything. But that would equate with me betraying her trust—something that I would want to avoid at all cost.

“I forgot to tell you… that I’m leaving for a few days,” I stretched out an arm and reached for her hand that was tightly gripping the bed sheet. “It’ll be a week at most and I’m sure the days would pass you won’t even notice I’m gone.”

I do not want to see her saddened, but I do not want to leave without even telling her about it.

“When… When will you leave?”

“I’ll be leaving on a carriage tomorrow morning.”

“How come you told me just now?”

“I haven’t had the chance to do so.”

“Liar,” her voice was full of accusation when she spoke. “You have plenty of chances.”

“I’m sorry.”

Celes looked so small right now—almost like a doll I wanted to embrace.

She kept her silence and it had me worried.

Perhaps it was my affection for her that moved my conscience.

Her eyebrows raised and her shoulders lifted in a shrug—but I ignored all of it.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

My grasp had brought her so close, feeling mesmerized by the flowery scent that she wore. She turned her head away from me, but she did not fully denied it.

I have no right to do this.

Celes has been my biggest pillar of support ever since I got here—to this unknown world.

Even though she refused to explain many things.

Even though she’s shrouded in mystery.

She’s the person I care about the most.

In this world or in my world.

Those were my honest feelings.

But I couldn’t find the confidence to utter such words.

I fear that if I do, this simple lifestyle of ours would change drastically.

“Hey, Celes… Is it alright if we stay like this for a short while?”

“………”

“I’m gonna keep hugging you until you tell me to stop.”

Deep inside me, I feel like I could not bring myself to pull away anymore. My urges that had lain dormant for a very long time suddenly resurfaced, demanding attention.

It was also my signal to stop.

This was not right after all.

I ignored that demanding attention, resolutely pushing aside all the unnecessary and unwanted attention in my heart.

I pulled away and lay down on my sheet, sideways, facing the wall.

Celes did not utter anything else and just quietly turned herself to sleep.

I had my chance to kiss her, to prove my point. I should’ve done it then and there. But I knew it was wrong if I continued. It was not right. Not when she wasn’t steeled and ready. Not when my words and actions made her feel so helpless and vulnerable.

Was my decision somehow wrong?

Should I have done it all the way after all?

Even though I knew there was no use on thinking about it now, these questions kept me awake through the night.

----------------------------------------

Early and cold as it is, I started washing my upper body in our room.

I stripped to the waist and grabbed the towel I soaked in this basin of water.

After squeezing the towel dry, I sat on the bed and rubbed my nape.

Celes is awake, but she hid herself underneath the bed covers.

It didn’t seem like she wanted to bid me farewell, so I pressed on with my stuff.

The only clothes left for me to wear was my school uniform, so I donned the familiar clothing. After that, I attached my hammer to my leather belt, diagonally on my back.

I was ready to go, however I sat on the bed once more and called out to Celes.

“Celes, I’m leaving.”

As soon as I said that, she jolted out of the bed, fully clothed—on a green bodice tucked inside a brown leather shorts, delicious black leggings, and matching leather shoes—and ready to blast off. And unlike the usual twintail, her long green hair was tied up in braids, complemented by a simple white ribbon on the lower end.

“You mean we’re leaving?”

I don’t think my brain even have the time to comprehend.

It was a definite surprise that I was not prepared for.

Since her reaction from last night, I thought she would be sulking.

“But…”

While I was debating in my head if I should take her or not, she surprised me even further.

“……Ce-Celes?”

Celes collapsed on my lap and handed me the pair of amber earrings I got her yesterday.

“I want Reimuz to put it on me…”

She declared what she wanted, feverishly—like a girl in love.

Her sudden softness left me speechless.

But, above all, it made me smile.

“Neh, Reimuz… I’ve been thinking… It wouldn’t be a problem if I came along, right?”

While I’m shaking and trying my hardest to put the earrings properly, Celes whispered those words in my left ear. I shivered slightly, and she grinned an exotic grin.

“Probably not… I don’t think I can convince you to stay anyways. And besides, with the way you are right now, you’ll probably only take yes as an answer.”

I needed to concentrate on what I’m doing as to not accidentally hurt her, but this lump of feminine warmth hitting my manhood was exposing my inner desires.

“………And done,” I sighed in relief.

“Muuu…”

“What’s wrong?”

I asked dumbfounded after seeing her pout again.

I did what she wanted and surrendered to her selfishness, and it was still not enough?

Please tell me what to do my lord.

“I don’t like it when Reimuz is being indecisive.”

Ah, I think I understand what was wrong now.

Celes is right—I’m indecisive as fuck.

But what should I do?

Gah, there was only one thing left for me to do to solve this mess.

After realizing my foolishness, my fingers crawled to her waist.

Celes didn’t seem to mind, although her cheeks were beet red.

I don’t even know what’s the status of our relationship and I’m not the type of assertive guy to do something like this without confirming her feelings. But I guess that’s also what’s hindering me to advance our relationship.

My hands went to her back and I pulled her towards me, until her small breasts smashed against my chest. Our faces were so close, so close that my lips would leave their mark on her cheek with a slight push.

“Celes… Just to make sure…”

“……What is it?”

“You won’t hate me if I kissed you, right?”

Celes shook her head, and her nose softly brushed the tip of my own, implying that she has no desire to push me away. I’m sure of it. If I back off here, it will be the end.

Ah, dammit it all!

I lowered my mouth down to hers.

Gently my lips claimed hers.

A straightforward and tender kiss.

A kiss to let her know how I feel.

“Mhmm…”

It feels like I was munching on strawberries with a hint of citrus.

A never before explained sensation was brewing in my chest.

Like a premonition of something unprecedented yet to come.

When our lips parted, silence filled our cramp room.

“How was it?” I asked after catching my breath.

I reached to her face and brushed her lower lip with my thumb, her eyes turning moist with every caress.

“…Idiot. That was my first kiss, how am I supposed to know?”

Celes smiled and pressed my hand more firmer on her cheek.

Trapped between my arms, I could feel her heart fluttering in panic.

I don’t know how to follow through and I’m guessing Celes doesn’t either.

Silence fell between us yet again.

The kind of silence that needed to be filled or quickly extinguished.

I have to do something. Celes opened herself willingly already.

As if I my desires employed me, I lifted Celes and carried her to the side of the bed.

She wrapped her arms around my neck as I gently push her down.

“The carriage might leave?”

She reminded me, but there was no stopping my uncontrollable emotions now.

“We can ride another one.”

Softly I kissed her cheek to start.

I dipped my head on her neck and just drift my lips along.

I was sucking, to the point of biting, and the bed shook whenever she gasped.

“Mhmmm, Reimuz!”

I heard her cry so I pulled away, yet Celes drew me closer and initiated another kiss. A kiss so wild that we rolled to the side and changed positions, my erection humping her ass. Celes moaned against my mouth. She rocked her body forward, excavating my mouth with her tongue, my lips sticky with her spit.

She devoured me completely.

Before I realized it was happening, she was kissing me again.

Kissing me in the most seductive and delicious purpose—like a sweet lollipop.

I reached to her face and forced my tongue inside her mouth. Her kiss was so intense, but so damn sexy as hell. Dark desires coursed through me when our teeth clashed.

Again, we rolled and cluttered the sheeting.

It resulted in me being on top.

I pushed myself up, just enough for me to get a clear view of her face.

Her eyes gave me consent and I wasted not a single moment.

“Re-Reimuz!! Why my ears?!”

She complained the moment I pressed my lips on what I would assume her most sensitive part. But her tone was more on the lines of a moan, so I paid it no mind. My lips trailed from the softest part of her ear up to the pointiest tip.

I could feel her resolve melting away like morning dew before the rising sun, and she was left with no choice but to hold me tightly.

“Haaaah!! I… You… Pervert!!”

“I don’t care.” Cause you’re so damn cute when you act like that.

And thus, our conflicting feelings were resolved in the most unreasonable manner.

----------------------------------------

“Is there a next time?”

Celes replied with a slap and I got a nice red mark on my cheek in return.

However I think our actions today shattered the invisible wall between us.

I couldn’t stop grinning.

Oh great grandfather in heaven, today, your great grandson became a man!

Downstairs, I meet up with the old man and explained why I have to bring Celes with me.

Surprisingly, it was already in his deductions.

I guess I am the predictable one.

“You’re a real man!” He patted my shoulder and gave me a thumbs up. “I have another gift for you before you leave.”

The old man handed me a pair of black armguards made from steel that I was not familiar with.

“The integrated grooves on this piece of equipment are set to deflect swords or any other weapon used for cutting,” he explained.

“Hmm, sounds great.”

I nodded at his words.

It made a clapping noise and I felt a sense of security as soon as I wore it.

But for the old man to make a gauntlet means that he was opening up his world. If memory served me right, the reason why he refused to forge armor or shields was because of his sad past.

“Remember what it is to become a blacksmith, Reimuz.”

Before I left, the old man showered me with such comforting words.

“I will. And I’ll be sure to grab this spirit.”

With everything prepared, I left the shop with Celes and headed towards the gate to meet with the carriage driver.

Thankfully, we were just in time.

And after confirming my resolve, I hopped on the carriage with a goal in mind.