章節 21: Chapter Twenty: A Bright Shining Light
On that early morning, Alum walked in a daze throughout the halls. He eventually arrived at Rigeld's office. The guards nodded at him and signaled to Rigeld, who was supposed to find Alum's figure, as the metal door slid open.
It was silent at first. At which Rigeld heaved a sigh, shortly voicing his thoughts.
"You know… you won the bet, so don't you have a day off?" he inquired, raising a brow.
The door behind Alum closed, and there was a slight silence in the air—the only source of noise was from the little phoenix Coral, who flapped her wings and flew over to him, resting on his shoulder.
"I… suppose," a hollow reply left his mouth as he stroked Coral's cheek with a finger and was enveloped by the healing warmth as she nuzzled against him.
Despite Alum's hard-to-read complexion, Rigeld could there was something bothering the boy."Haaa…?" he openly sighed as he put down his pen. "So? Got rejected by the saint or something?"
"No—I haven't even left the base…"
Rigeld smirked in response. "Oh? Then why are you here? Shoo-shoo!" he added as if to brush him away. But then, his eyes lit up. "Oh! But Luna is free!" he exclaimed.
"…"
That's… I don't want anyone to feel like they're a second choice…
"…"
Seeing how the boy wasn't reacting to jokes, Rigeld kicked him out of the office. Then, Alum found himself at the gates.
Because of the alley incident, he was stuck with two guards who watched him from the shadows. His head hung low as he sighed, looking down at the clean heptagon and pentagon pavement. Apparently, the number seven was also a bit special in this world—why bother otherwise?
Supposedly, it has something to do with the virtues and whatnot, but the only way Alum could interpret them right now was the seven stages of grief—it was perhaps a little melodramatic.
…
..
After taking the levethren into the main city, Alum wandered around aimlessly—the buzz of the streets, the aroma of food, and the fresh smell of the ocean. None of which registered in his mind—even the treats he bought didn't taste sweet.
—Sigh…
His eyes were still on the pavement, thus failing to notice the glances cast his way as he passed. Alum had golden eyes and jet-black hair—only a few in the entire capital had those features. A few more features to take notice of was the large pin holding his cloak together. Inside it were three mechanical gears.
Essentially, he was an eye magnet for different reasons. Hence, the rumors about Saint Amethely potentially having fallen for a wanderer only seemed to confirm their suspicion as they laid their eyes on him. Voices began to echo throughout the crowds.
"Could that be him?" one said.
"Wow… he's handsome…" another seemed surprised.
"Nah, can't be… he's a little gloomy… Would The Saint like someone so gloomy?"
"Really? But even so, he must be talented. If he really is the wanderer, then getting a personalized attire is honestly impressive considering they just arrived."
"—Would someone like that really be suited for her?"
"Wait, aren't they supposed to come from a magicless world?"
It kept going, but despite the apparent attention he was getting, he mindlessly wandered until he reached a familiar fountain in a certain park. Before he realized it, spirits surrounded him like the first time he visited.
—Sigh…
Again, he heaved a deep sigh. His eyes shifted toward the blue sky, where the white fluffy clouds soared. The defused light peeking through the different colored leaves created a sense of mysticism in the atmosphere, filling it with different shimmering colors—yet all of it was desaturated.
But as he was in a daze, almost dozing off, a soft, soothing voice suddenly enveloped his mind, pulling him out of the haze.
"—Al?"
All it took was a simple call. A call that voiced his nickname was all it took to blow away the fog and illuminate his mind with clarity—his aching heart skipped, warmth cradled his chest as his eyes shone, illuminating his world.
His eyes widened. In front of him stood a girl. Pinned on her black veil was a purple five-petal flower, but also a red silk ribbon tied beside it—the very one he'd given her on a whim.
"Ame," he muttered her name.
Amethely's pupils shook, and her pinkish-purple iris' gleamed with light. A subtle breeze passed, fluttering the white golden accent shoulder cloak, pushing her silver-gray hair into a dance, freeing each strand under the soft golden sun. Her lips parted slightly as her chest rose slowly along her shoulders. She pressed her clasped hands onto her bosom whilst heat rose to her cheeks, reddening them into a fully bloomed blush.
I thought I was seeing things… Amethely thought, her head spun as her heart throbbed loudly—her face practically reeked of steam when she'd recalled how they last saw each other off with a long comforting hug.
"I-I've wanted to see you… a-again, Al," She finally spoke, but it had escaped more sheepishly than she thought. "S-see you again…" she added in a murmur.
At that moment, he wanted to pull her into his arms: her nervous stammer, fidgeting, and clasped hands—everything she did overwhelmed him, and without a doubt…
I really am…in love with her—I don't know why and how… But does that really matter…?
"Y-yeah… I wanted to see you too… Ame."
"?!"
Each time Alum called her name, it was as if her heart was pierced; a jolt shook throughout her body, making her all light-headed—especially when he flashed her a subtle, warm, adorable smile. But little did she know that following hesitant words would fry her brain.
"—Ame… Will you hug me?" Alum asked. After prolonged eye contact, he glanced sideways, scratching his cheek lightly as his face slowly reddened.
—Poof
Her thoughts swirled in various ways, but she ultimately managed to utter a bashful reply. "G-gladly…" she said in a low voice.
Alum gulped, swallowing dryly as he broadened his chest, opened his arms, and looked into her eyes. His heart was beating out of his chest. And despite the soreness from the previous day and despite the burning sensation making his muscles cry, the euphoria of her reply washed it all away.
"Ready…?" he inquired softly, hesitating a little despite her already agreeing to it.
"Nn," Amethely nodded, heading straight into his embrace.
As she closed the distance between them, the spirits that cuddled Alum moved away, yet there were no other places for her to sit except his lap. And noticing this, Alum glanced at the spirits but they refused to move.
"…"
"…"
The silence was getting increasingly awkward. Not only that, but he was waiting for her with open arms—was this how she felt when she asked me for a hug the last time? He thought, wondering how she was enduring the embarrassment.
Meanwhile, Amethely's eyes darted around all over the place. She noticed some room between his legs and recalled her conversation with Keilyn—we-well… it might've not been appropriate before… but does this count as "later development…?" she wondered.
Although those thoughts crossed her mind, she already found herself in his embrace, sitting sideways between his legs and nuzzling the side of his neck. His arms gently but firmly held onto her. But what made her heart skip even more was that he rested his head on hers. His warmth eased her into comfort as she forgot about all her anxieties while not seeing him. Quietly, she squeezed him tighter, clinging and not wanting to let go.
"U-um…" Amethely's voice quivered lightly. "I-I wasn't… using p-paddings that day, s-so… my ch-chest isn't this small, o-okay? I-I'm not flat, okay? I'm, you know, fl-flattening them! As a saint, I thought I should appear more modest…" she confessed suddenly while hiding in the crook of his neck.
"…"
Alum solidified on the spot; his mind tried to process her words but failed as he drifted through empty space—how am I supposed to react?! He exclaimed inwardly.
"I-I see…"
He didn't think much of it last time, but when she mentioned it, he recalled how her chest softly pressed onto him—but then again, everything felt soft at that time as he'd essentially melted. So, he couldn't help but notice her slim yet soft thighs resting legs over his, but also the subtle softness of her buttocks pressed against his leg—even her now smaller left chest emitted softness and continued to stir him, making him recall what they were really like.
"…"
Did she have to say that?! Now I'm all conscious of it! His mind was now in turmoil, and his usually organized thoughts were scattered everywhere. She… smells good as usual, too, sweet and flowery…
At the same time, Amethely's heart thumped; she looked up into his eyes as she felt a subtle stiffness poking her. Her eyes shook with embarrassment and confusion as her face glowed red. Only now was she conscious of her own physical reaction—weak in the knees and slightly damped. But instead of shame, she was overflown with happiness from his reciprocal response.
"Um… sorry… it's um… yeah…" Alum tried to say something but shyly averted his gaze.
"I-it'sh okay… I-I don't mind… It's you, after all… I…" Amethely fumbled a little. "I-I am… too…" she added in a soft whisper.
Aaaaawwwaaaaa?! Ame, did you just say that? Ugh… my dignity…
"…"
The whole ordeal was awkward but neither wanted to let go. Amethely was shy yet happy by his physical response, and Alum was relieved she wasn't appalled by it, not realizing she felt just as exhilarated.
After a while, they composed themselves. Amethely found herself at ease in his lap, hugging him, but it made her drowsy. On the other hand, Alum watched her calmly as he found it most soothing.
"You know… I've frequented this park more as of late—hoping to see you again…"
"Mm. I see. I wanted to see you too, but I was busy. Sorry."
Amethely shook her head lightly. "It's okay… I know how it is in the military—Sis is a high official there, after all…" Her reply was oddly somber. But she soon perked up again. "Oh! But how are you doing? Are things going well?" she asked with eyes brimming with curiosity.
Alum thought about it momentarily. And despite the torturous tasks Rigeld put him through, he hadn't thought much about it—he was used to extreme mental workloads, after all. Still, his body was aching from pain, and now that Sinister and Monochrome were slumbering, both physical and psychological fatigue bothered him more than expected.
"I'm doing well. Although I currently don't know what the dam—Sir Rigeld has in store. He hasn't told me what my role would be. But I work under The Head Command—so I should be fine."
"I-is that so?"
Amethely's eyes widened. She didn't expect it at all—he'd only been in this world for a short time—it seems like I've fallen for someone amazing… she thought.
Immediately, Alum noticed her mood change—she looked almost sad for some reason. But before he could bring it up, Amethely spoke with enthusiasm.
"Oh, right, I spoke to Big Sis yesterday… did you receive the caramels?" she inquired; she looked up, her lips slightly parted as she eyed him with anticipation. "Did you?" she added, leaning her head to the side.
"I did. But I haven't tasted them yet."
"I see," Amethely replied softly, closed her eyes, and leaned her head on his shoulder again. "Ehehe~ I look forward to it," she said as she giggled.
At which, Alum chuckled. "I should be the one to say that. So… thanks, you must've been busy, but I'm glad you made them for me…"
Each time he spoke, she didn't know why, but the vibrations reverberating constantly made her heart skip while also soothing her. She couldn't stop thinking about him when they were apart but when it was just the two of them, her mind became filled with only him.
His broad chest that supported her was more firm than she anticipated. She didn't notice it back then because she was overjoyed he'd accepted her request to hug her. One wouldn't know because he looked slim. But he was rather lean and had muscles in the right places.
Amethely, on the other hand, would be considered superhuman. Compared to him, her muscle fibers were different, and the mana within her body made it so she wouldn't bulge up even after all the exercise she did every day. Her arms were firm but soft like other girls her age.
—I'm so glad I'm a descendant of a swordmaster and a saint, she thought with small tears in the corner of her eyes.
Alum, who noticed her strange behavior, called out to her. "Ame, what's wrong?" she asked gently.
"O-oh… um… I was thinking that you're rather lean," she said, abashed by her admission.
"Huh?" Alum leaned his head to the side. "Didn't we just talk about the caramels…?" he chuckled.
"R-right… so, um… I wasn't that busy—I wanted to make them for you."
For some reason, Amethely's expression became slightly somber again. He knew something was bothering her but wondered if it was okay to ask.
"I see. I was planning on visiting you at the monastery. I worried you might've been busy."
"Oh… Will you still go?"
"Yeah. Do you mind? I was going to look around and see what goes on inside the monastery."
Amethely shook her head and smiled warmly. "I don't." But as if realizing something, her eyes brightened even more. "—Al, I've got a suggestion!" she added, her ribbon swaying back and forth as if it was a wagging tail.
"Yes?" he replied, smiling outwardly while clenching his chest inwardly.
"Would you be interested in—"
"Yes."
"…"
"…"
"I-I see! Th-that would be wonderful!" she exclaimed, her voice soothing.
Amethely hadn't even made her suggestion, and just like that, Alum had agreed to spend the whole day with her, observing as she worked and trained.
"Mm. But to let you know, I have two guards always watching over me."
"…"
Amethely froze. She knew people were watching Alum when she first approached him and assumed them to be guards, but she'd completely forgotten about them while blissfully indulging herself in his embrace.
"I forgot to tell you. I was happy seeing you that it slipped my mind."
"Meanie…" she murmured, pouting a little. "Now they know their saint isn't all that graceful—I'm so embarrassed!" she exclaimed, covering her face by burying herself in his shoulder.
"You're not really helping," Alum let out an amused chuckle as he leaned his head on hers.
"Hmph…"
As she huffed, he could feel the softness of her inflated cheek on his neck, thus deciding to tease her a little more.
"—Well, they weren't the only ones. We're in a public park," he noted calmly.
"Huh…?"
Yet again, Amethely seemed to have forgotten as she solidified into a statue. Rumors would spread throughout the capital like wildfire. Most of which were positive—their precious saint had finally fallen in love, after all. But it also meant—there was no going back, especially after such an affectionate exchange witnessed by many.
…
..
Extra:
In the shadows, the two elite soldiers watched the scene play out. Their mouths were hanging as they didn't think the rumors were true—that their saint had fallen in love with a wanderer.
But they could not deny the truth in front of them—not only that, their chest began to weigh with guilt as their minds told them they shouldn't be watching. Yet, they couldn't since they were ordered to watch over Alum.
"I feel increasingly single by the second…" one of them said.
"Sigh… I miss my wife…" the other sighed.
"…"
"…"
—Screw you…!
A/N
It's a slightly shorter chapter(than usual), but I hope that's fine.
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票