"Umm.. Could you please step back a bit? I feel uncomfortable," I said to the white-haired elf who was currently resting her left hand on the sofa armrest, with our faces just a few inches apart, close enough for me to smell the refreshing scent of her minty breath.
It took a strong resolve not to immediately pull away or succumb to the temptation of placing her on my lap, especially with her mesmerizing gaze from her golden honey-colored eyes.
"Oh, forgive me. It's been a while since I've seen someone as adorable as you. I'm tired of seeing someone else," she replied, glancing towards Zhao Feng and then returning her gaze to me. Now, her right hand gently touching my cheek and caressing it. "Tell me your name, and I'll give you a special reward."
I swallowed my saliva, trying not to glance at her enticing curves that were clearly displayed by her tight white dress with a low neckline. At the same time, I attempted to ignore Z's continuous remarks, urging me to look at her.
I don't know what's wrong with his brain.
"Euna, stop bothering him, or you'll face a terrifying red-haired female knight who has chosen him as a partner," Zhao Feng interjected, ignoring Iona's attempts to embrace while keeping her head far away.
The female elf appeared offended, turning to Zhao.
Her teasing gaze was now replaced by a deadly sharp stare. "What did you say? He's been taken? By whom? Red hair?" She pondered for a moment before her eyes widened, now filled with vengeance. "CELINE!" she shouted, too loudly, attracting the attention of others.
Black hair quickly stood up, bowing repeatedly and apologizing to the other patrons before returning to sit on the sofa. "Do you really have to shout like that, Euna?" he murmured softly, expressing his exasperation.
"Quiet, poker face! You'll never understand the battles of a woman!" she retorted angrily, then suddenly took a seat, causing me to be caught off guard and become her seat.
"WOOOOHOOOO!!"
Shut up Z!
"Celine, damn her. She always comes and disturbs. Why do men always run towards her? Even that handsome commander. Can't he give me even just one?" she grumbled softly, turning to me again. "Why did you choose her? I want you to be honest with me."
What's with women and their sudden questions? Can't they live without such questions even for once?
"Because I love her," I replied curtly, causing Zhao Feng to choke on his drink, spilling a few drops outside, which then turned into blue particles of light and disappeared shortly after.
Meanwhile, next to him, Iona appeared flushed with embarrassment, not expecting to hear someone say that, and the black hair coughed several times while adjusting his posture as he himself trembled with embarrassment.
What caught the most attention was Euna's reaction.
At first, she fell silent.
Slowly, her eyes began to twitch until her frustration could no longer be contained, and she rose to her feet, turning her back to us, taking a deep breath so intense that it made me worry she might choke on her own breath.
Then, she exhaled deeply and roughly, "Fine, Celine wins... for now," she said as she faced us again, especially me, with a wide smile adorning her face. "You two aren't married yet, so there's still a chance for me. I will definitely make you mine."
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
Should I blush with embarrassment now?
I don't think so...
Unfortunately, reality proves otherwise.
I know I can't see my own face, but I can feel the blood rushing to my entire face, turning it as red as a boiled shrimp.
I take a deep breath, trying to calm the emotions filling my chest, and stand up to face her, only to realize that we are actually the same height.
She may be wearing high heels, but she's already tall for a woman, considering my own height reaches 180cm. "Listen.. Euna," I say, slightly delayed as I try to remember her name, which sounds similar to Iona. "I don't know what has happened between the two of you in the past, but...
I am not an object that you can simply claim as if I have no feelings. Moreover, I have promised to return to her, so it would be better for you to find someone else. I am not as attractive as you may think," I explain, hoping she won't be offended.
Euna looks to the side, unable to see my face for a few seconds that feel like minutes. Making the room, filled with people, suddenly feels empty, as if it's just the two of us.
It can be heard so clearly, the sound of my heart beating faster and faster, and I hope it's not heard by anyone else.
I know it's impossible, but I'm panicking, okay?
This is the first time I've rejected a woman, especially someone who could easily become famous for her beauty like Euna.
The elf snorts softly, turning back to me with a warm smile. "Don't worry. I was just testing you. Celine is my bestfriend. At first, I was interested, but when I found out that you were Celine's partner, I intended to see if you were the right person for her or not."
Euna looks to the side again, murmuring to herself, "Still, she's annoying for taking away someone I was interested in," before turning back to me. "Well, I apologize for taking up your time. Therefore..." She walks past me, takes my place and rests her feet. "I will make it up to you by helping you three find someone."
"Do you know that we're currently looking for someone?" Zhao Feng asks, feeling intrigued and wanting to hear more. It's evident from his wider-than-usual eyes.
Euna chuckles softly.
Her laughter sounds like honey, so gentle, beautiful, and enticing. "Don't underestimate the gaze of a bar owner like me. I've met so many people and learned what they want as soon as they walk through those two doors behind me," she explains proudly, pointing to two wooden doors not far behind us, on the same side as our window.
"Two Murim individuals, and not just any Murim people, but the two strongest from that world, have come to visit Elecya along with someone new. He likely come from a world that has recently arrived in this realm. Doesn't that say something to you?"
"What if it turns out that we just want to enjoy our time and relax?" Zhao Feng asks again, taking a sip of his remaining drink.
Euna realizes this and flicks her finger.
In less than two seconds, a waiter arrives, carrying a large glass pitcher filled with the same drink.
She pours the blue liquid, bows to ask for permission to leave, and returns to her previous activities. "That may be true for other visitors, but not for the two of you. You guys are too famous for the trait of never taking a vacation. Work, work, and work. So it's not that difficult to guess that you came here with an agenda."
Zhao Feng takes the glass, drinks from it, and places it back down. "Thank you," he says, and Euna acknowledges it with a nod. "Well, you're right. We are indeed looking for someone. However, before that, I would like to apologize in advance and promise you that we will compensate for any damages caused because..."
Before Euna could finish her 'why.. ' sentence, Zhao Feng stomped his right foot, sending forth a transparent green wall of light that blocked a man in his thirties from exiting the room.
The visitors screamed, startled by the sudden occurrence.
The man in the back, a human dressed in dark brown and black attire reminiscent of a medieval thief, hurriedly ran towards the staff door, only to be halted in the middle of the room when black hair were already there without us knowing it.
"Dale Riveria, you don't want to die do you?" Zhao Feng asked, his palms emitting a green aura, ignoring the man who now looks scared.
He retrieved a transparent blue cube from an old leather shoulder bag with holes here and there.
"Ahh, it seems you understand. Hand it over to us immediately, if you value your life, of course. Or we can take it by force, it's your choice."
He slammed the cube down, creating a large wave from the wooden floor that swiftly moved towards Zhao Feng before shattering into pieces upon hitting the door, while Zhao Feng leaped high towards him.
"Then, second choice it is. I hope you won't regret it."