I heard a gulping sound coming from Fei. I could see him sweating profusely and his cheeks were red. The same as me but I felt like wanting to die at this point!
Honestly... forcing a girl to say such things! If he rejected, I'm going to bash his head with Radiata even if it curses me!
"....err... Charlotte...? Don't... don't you think something is strange here...?" Fei tried to divert the topic.
I glared at him with an upturned gaze. He froze over and forced a smile. After a long silence, he gave up and hung down his head.
"I'm sorry, alright. I didn't mean to embarrass you..." He apologized.
I frowned a bit. Was he joking or not? I don't think so judging from his reaction. Also, Fei liked to insult with sarcastic remarks rather than lying.
"But the measurement thing... is not a joke... right?" I asked.
"...yeah. It's not but still..." Fei's voice faded into silent muttering.
He stole a glance at me, then turned around slightly. After inhaling air, he breathed out as if reorganizing his thoughts. Once he did that, he turned back and faced me.
"...Milady, are you fine with me measuring you...?"
...Ergh. He's trying to conceal his embarrassment. But if I complained now, nothing will advance so I nodded albeit a bit late.
Seeing that, Fei sighed, "You're such a handful Princess..." With a tone full of resignation.
However, I could recognize his lips curving up slightly. It's been a while that he smiled in front of me and it caused my heart to flutter.
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"............"
"............"
Silence permeated in the room. Among the crates filled with rough ores and tools for forgery, the only sounds that existed were only the rustling of fabric and rough breathing of two persons.
"U...Uuu... is... is it done yet...?" I asked as I held back from moaning.
"It's only the beginning.... Just follow my lead, Milady." Fei whispered from behind my ear. Tickling me with his warm breath and it caused me to shiver all over.
"B...but... this is... shameful..."
"There's no part of your body that is shameful, Milady..."
"N-No... Don't...! Fei... it's embarrassing...!"
"All is well. There is nothing to be afraid of and let me do the rest, Milady..."
...
........what the heck? Is this an eroge?
Mind you, there's nothing wrong with this other than the fact I'm wearing something like a worker apron on top of my 'almost' bare naked body. I was wearing only my underwear too.
The reason behind the odd conversation was simply because I finished undressing and had Fei helping me in tying the apron from behind. Even if he has a Sage Mode, as if I'd let him to see from the front.
"Raise your arms." Fei ordered. His soft breath tickled my nape and under my ear I almost let out a moan.
Holding down my embarrassment, I nodded and did as he told so. Then I saw his two arms appearing under my armpits, one holding a tape with measuring scale like a flexible ruler and he encircled my chest with it.
Although there was no conversation, I was restless unlike Fei. I mean... for Fei, he's probably used to measuring someone like this. I doubt the genius him would want to learn weapon smithing halfway through so he probably expanded his expertise in forging various things.
Honestly, he's so amazing in doing things. If he could understand how to cook then what good am I to him? Fortunately, his social skill is next to none. Negative even.
"Hyau!?" I shrieked as I could feel the measurement tape wrapping my chest a bit too tight.
"Bear with it a little. It's for your own good, Milady." Fei said like a professional.
"...yes..." I gazed down in shame.
Uu... he's acting cool again. But I couldn't help it. I didn't know measuring armor could cause me this much of an agony. It feels like the time when I shopped for undergarments with Anise and Alia.
...still... I heard him blurting out, "Un. 71... Quite average."
Agh. To think he had the nerve to jab me in this situation... As expected of Fei. I saw him scribbling on parchment and after he finished, he began to measure me again.
From height to width. Length of arms and even my waistline... Uuu... it really feels like my privacy is being violated. I tried to look up at the ceiling so as not to let blood staying in my head but it was of no use.
"...hm. Milady, if you want to rest. You can sit on the crate." Fei said, surprising me. "After this is only measuring your legs."
Uwaaah... he said that so nonchalantly. Considering the age difference, that's an awful line to say. Still, it does feel tiresome to stay put for a while.
With that, I sat on a crate and closed my legs. As much as I'd like to spread them, it feels not right now that I am aware of the surrounding. Or rather, aware of myself being a woman...
"Haa..." I sighed due to thinking about it.
"Milady? If you feel unwell, it's fine to stop here." Fei raised his head.
No, not that, I replied. While shaking my head, I decided to meet his gaze and stared into his eyes.
He's so oblivious. At times he was caring to a fault and at times he was a nonsensical rebel. This person who I love really has many sides but he's probably well-known with his ignorance in dealing with relationships.
Judging from his character, I doubt confessing in this kind of delicate time will result in anything good. Fei seemed to be less resistant against straightforward appeal so he'd probably run away and maintain the status quo.
Hmm... since he's quite smart, maybe he probably pretends to be a Beta. That led me to one question though and I decided to throw rock to break the calm water surface.
"...why are you referring me as that again in this kind of timing?"
"Excuse me...?"
"That 'Milady' thing. Can you stop it?"
I pouted. To be honest, I'm not comfortable with someone who's my childhood friend treating me as someone higher than him. I mean, sure it's fine if it's on public as we are both nobles but in private times, modesty and humility have no priority.
After all, a guy who can't treat which moment is correct to put up a front fails as a gentleman. Well, I don't really expect anything from Fei but...
"......you never even called me with my petname now. What's wrong with you?" I asked.
But... Fei was speechless. As his eyes began to have strange light in them, he formed a smile and laughed. Hey! Laughing is bad when I tried to make a serious conversation here!
"...you noticed again. I could never expect less from you, Charlotte." He said. "It's because I promised."
Promised? I never promised him to revere me. In fact, the only thing I ever told him was for him to see me as an equal. What I sought from him is a relationship where we don't need lies nor reverence as we share life and death.
It's more or less a proposal in a way but unfortunately, it's not official.
"I will protect you... That's what I vowed five years ago." Fei said.
Then he placed the measuring tape and raised his hands. They touched mine which were on top of each other on my laps and I could feel the warmth transferred to my body.
"...Regardless of my sufferings. Regardless of how tall the hurdle is. Regardless of how strong my foe is... I want to protect you from anything that will make you unhappy."
"........."
Th-this is... what kind of thinking process does this guy have? Even more, is he swearing fealty to me? As a knight to his Lord...? Or...
"Charlotte. I don't deserve a peaceful life. My hands are already stained with the blood of my allies and enemies. And to forsake the meaning of their Deaths... I can't possibly do such irresponsible thing."
While saying that, Fei took my hands, clasping them with his. Even though is hands felt warm... even though he was this close to me...
Why? Why did it feel as if he was distancing himself...? Farther than before.
"In fact... I... I don't think my life has any meaning. None at all." Fei laughed in disdain.
He laughed as if insulting himself. As if despising his existence and cursing himself for being alive. Even though he put so much emotion in hating himself... How... could he laugh? Why are you laughing...?
Then, I heard a 'but...' coming from him. It was feeble yet audible to me and I did not know why I let myself be drawn in by his voice.
"...if I can have a wish granted... I want to at least protect you, my dearest person from harm."
"......."
"Just once is fine. I want to devote myself in protecting you, defending you from calamity that may befall upon you. With all of my life."
This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
...Fei let go of my hands. As he kneeled down in front of me, he put his right hand on his left chest. As his gaze became solemn, the air surrounding him too changed and followed after his tranquil aura.
"Even if this life were to vanish. Even if this worthless existence be extinguished by the passing time. Even if I lose myself and be forgotten by everyone... I wish to protect you. That - is my oath to myself... and to everyone who gave me the meaning to be a human."
".........."
After saying all he wanted, Fei curled his lips into a satisfied smile. Even though a hint of helplessness could be seen... he still forced himself to convince me.
But for me... I wanted to deny his claims. I just can't accept that. Just how much efforts had he put to finish his goal? Just how much hardships had he gone through for my sake...?
Even though he could be rewarded more than what he wished for. Even though he had the right to be greedy and achieve something even bigger...
"......alright. With this, we're done." Fei nodded down.
As he stood up, he tidied the parchment and quill also the measuring tape. Fei then walked to the pile of clothes which were my uniform and he made a sound.
"Right. Milady, do you have other clothes with you?"
"Huh...? What are you saying all of a sudden?"
Well.... he paused. Fei put a hand under his chin and seemed to ponder about something.
"Milady, would you like to buy some underwear too? I recalled a few are no longer fit for your current size."
"Nha....!?"
I choked, blood rushed to my head as my head grew extremely dizzy. I couldn't even think of anything until something clicked inside of me and caused me to bedeathly silent.
Probably sensing the change, Fei approached me with a confused look. When he was right before me...
"......d..."
"...d...?"
"DON'T GET A HEAD OF YOURSELF, YOU PERVERTED BRAAAAAAAATTTT!!"
Aura erupted from my entire body and I jumped from the crate. My fist tightened and I struck Fei's chin from below, executing the world-famous classical killer uppercut blow!!
"Ghaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!?"
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"Oh, you're done? That took quite some time."
"Here's the result. I would like you to make it light and flexible, old man."
Shut it, you brat, Mr. Theodore snarled as he snatched the parchment from Fei's hands. Seeing them bantering like normal, it was as if everything he had shown was a facade. Although...
"...that big bump suits you." Fraulein pointed out with a grin.
Mr. Theodore snickered, "Yep. You're always doing the dumbest thing as expected."
"Mind your own business." Fei snarled.
Hm... I wonder why. He could talk to these people like that but not to strangers. Maybe he sees a different thing compared to the people out there.
"Well, since I don't have much experience, all I can rely is probably gramps' method." The blacksmith said. "Don't expect anything fancy."
He sent a glance at me but... somehow, I lacked the energy to answer. I forced a smile and nodded.
"Un... Well, at least wearable and protective enough." I said.
The man tilted his head a bit and even the daughter looked at me with an estranged gaze. Um... I don't really want to cause trouble so let's just leave.
"Milady? Is something wrong?" Fei chimed in.
"I'm fine." I replied bluntly.
Although... somehow, I don't want to stay close to him for now. From words alone, I could tell he had ransacked my room with a prepared excuse of 'securing the perimter' like a private bodyguard would.
But he intruded a lady's room! And he did as he pleased when I was not around! What if he sniffed my bed sheet!? Or rather, I would die in embarrassment if I found out he used my underwear as you-know-what material!!
More like, he must have realized he was destroying the mood while knowing it! There's no way someone like Fei could slip his tongue like that!!
Looking away, I walked to the front door.
"I forgot that I have to do some errand. I'll return to the Academy first, Fei." I said.
Opening the door, I ignored him saying 'Wait, Milady?!' and simply walking out of the alley.
But not even after five minutes had passed, Fei found me and he exasperated.
".........Hmph!"
I looked away and pouted. Fei frowned seeing me like this but it's his fault this time! Whoever told him to scan a lady's belonging!?
And then... After a long while where I strolled around with Fei chasing after me frantically, he gav up and bowed down.
"I'm sorry! I'll do anything you want so please stop avoiding me!!" He pleaded.
Hmm... does he really mean it though? I glanced around stealthily and the people around seemed to gossip around. Talk about mood killers.
However... Among the stores behind them, I found one particular shop and another click resounded in my head.
"......Fei. You said that you'll do anything, right?" I turned to my knight.
"Huh...? Uh.... Yeah..." He stuttered but still nodded.
Good. Taking his hand, I dragged the confused Fei to a shop that gave out tempting scent. It's the smell of baked bread... but there's some degree of sweetness that could never be missed! And I know this scent well!!
"Wait... that's..." Fei paled upon seeing the store's banner.
I chuckled, "Then today, I want to eat the Deluxe Assortment Anfle! Also with chamomile tea sets!!"
Oh my, there's also an opening promo! So the greatness of my beloved sweet has reached the East End of Human Territory! I'll definitely check AAAAALLL the items in the menu!!
"No, wait...! At least not sweets...!!"
"Ufufufuuu! A gentleman's duty is to escort the lady! And you are my knight so... Let's have fun together!!"
"Gh...!?"
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The day went on like I wanted. Touring around the Upper Layer, I dragged Fei around since he said he'd do anything.
Just as planned!
Is what I wanted to say but other than sweets, the stores are all quite common with ridiculous price tags. I thought I'd have paid for my equipment too but Fei said I didn't have to as it helped them too.
Still, the Upper Layer is just... I don't know. Lavish?
The walls were made from painted bricks, the furniture was adorned with gold coating, the roads were made from smooth river stones and the people dressed with extravagant clothes.
What's more, almost all of them were nobles and high-ranked knights. Comparing them with the inhabitants of Intermediate Layer and Bottom Layer felt like comparing heaven, earth and hell. It's baffling how much the disparity was.
"Milady?" A voice asked me from the side.
I gave a glare at him and the youth with black hair gulped, vehemently coughing as he corrected himself.
"...Charlotte." Fei called out.
"Yes. What is it?" I replied.
"......are you sure you want to stay here?" Fei asked.
...what does he mean? I tilted my head.
As Solaris slowly sank in the west, shadows stretched and darkness seemed to creep into houses' interiors. It caused the Spirit Ember to light up and the town soon shifted the mood to welcome the night.
Working people returning home, travelers finding places to sleep, adventurers entering the tavern and street vendors were preparing to close their business for the day.
Other than taverns and some stores or guilds, the only business that would flourish when night came over would be one thing...
"...this is the red light district. It's not a proper place for you to bear witness of."
At that, I quickly hurried away from there. I didn't know why I even held Fei's hand but once I recalled an exotic beauty wearing risqué outfit winking on him, I felt humiliated.
Damn! So many of them are big-breasted beauties! Is the world against me or has my growth been stunted!?
But unknowingly, the person whose hand I held tight seemed to chuckle. Without tension or any manner, just like any ordinary teen. Just like a lively boy unchained of any responsibility dragging him down.
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A/N: And~ Cut! To be continued!
Can't help it. One more chapter for a finishing touch today. Also, we'll resort to the climax after this chapter so... L-O-L