𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟗: 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐰𝐨

After passing through the mountain path for about an hour, we arrived at a forest where tall coniferous trees thrived.

As we proceeded through the forest at a slightly slower pace, we arrived at a slightly open area.

“Miss, we will be camping here today.”

Cid said so and quickly got off the horse, extending his arms towards me.

I felt a flutter in my heart as his hand was offered to me as if it were a given, but I maintained composure and took his hand before leaping off the horse.

In addition to the lamp attached to the horse, Cid took out a lamp from his backpack and lit it, making the area bright enough to see clearly.

“If we’re around here, there shouldn’t be any large demon beasts or man-eating plants.”

“. . .That’s a relief!”

Man-eating plants are not allowed in romance novels. It’s too fantastical.

Of course, as long as Cid is here, I won’t suffer any injuries, but I still want him to rest a little.

Compared to me, who is just riding on the horse, Cid, who held the reins and kept watch of our surroundings while guiding the horse, I think he must be exhausted.

“Miss, could you take out the blankets? I’ll make a sleeping place over here.”

Cid pointed to the base of a large tree and walked while holding the horse’s reins.

I took out blankets and a waterproof sheet from my bag and placed them where he instructed.

“You must be tired. Your magical power seems to have recovered considerably, but just to be safe, please don’t get into any fights for two or three days.”

“Please don’t call me a violent woman as if it’s a given!?”

I am not the type of person who goes around hitting others indiscriminately. Absolutely not.

Cid laughed happily and unloaded the luggage from the horse. 

The hooting of an owl echoed, and the breeze that brushed against my cheek was pleasantly cool. It wasn’t freezing cold, but nights do get chilly.

The forest ground was damp, and the scent of fallen leaves grazed my nose.

“It’s cold. . .”

Seeing me rubbing my arms as if hugging myself, Cid brought out hot water and made a sweet drink for me.

In front of the dimly lit lamp, we leaned against the trunk of a large tree and sat down.

As I held the wooden cup handed to me with both hands, a gentle warmth spread through me.

“Miss, please be careful not to burn yourself.”

“. . .”

“Miss?”

Cid, who sat within arm’s reach, peeks into my face as I remain silent without responding.

“Hey, how long are you going to call me Miss?”

“Huh?”

As I stared into his crimson eyes, I saw myself reflected in them. If I shifted my gaze slightly, his well-shaped lips were right in front of me.

“Well, Miss? Is it not okay?”

As I lower my gaze to the cup, Cid says with a troubled expression.

“It’s not that it’s not okay, but. . .”

Although I have been manipulated by Cid, who suddenly said he would marry me or changed our destination to Nice, I want him to treat me as just Viara, not as a master and servant, at least from now on.

But how do I explain this feeling?

As I remained silent, Cid, feeling defeated, hesitated before speaking.

“Is Vi-sama okay?”

“You don’t need the sama, and you don’t have to use polite language.”

“Uh, okay.”

“Is that not okay?”

As I glanced up, Cid was unusually flustered. 

“No, that face is unfair. . .I have to call you Miss to maintain my composure. . .”

“I want you to call me Viara.”

“Ugh. . .! Endure it, endure it. You’re a man who can endure. The person in front of you is not Miss, it’s Ethan-sama. Ethan-sama. . .”

No, I’m starting to escape from reality.

In the end, he even started calling me “Ethan-sama” when he looked at me. Who’s Onii-sama, who?

My siblings and I don’t resemble each other in terms of appearance. My brother takes after our father, and I take after our mother!

I drank the warm soup and ignored Cid.

I wonder if Cid really likes me. 

Maybe he’s only sticking with me because my big brother told him, “Take care of my little sister.”

Even if I were to say “I like Cid!” here, would it be the same level of liking?

I don’t know. . .

I have no idea.

As I stared intently, Cid suddenly realized something and grasped my left hand, which held the cup.

“C, Cid. . .?!”

“Vi-sama.”

My heart skipped a beat.

As we silently gaze at each other, I can’t help but think that this might be a good atmosphere. 

Wait, wait, could it be that we’re going to kiss?!

As I nervously stare straight into his eyes, he tightens his grip on the hand holding the cup, causing my heart to race even faster. 

And yet. 

The words that come out of his mouth are heartless. 

“A bug got in. Don’t drink it anymore.” 

“Eh.”

The cup was swiftly pulled out of my hand.

An indescribable emptiness overwhelmed me.

“A bug. . .?”

“Yes, a bug.”

I’m such an idiot. . .!!

I’m such an idiot, idiot, idiot!!!!

I regret it so much that I want to smash my head against the tree behind me right now.

I can’t help but look at Cid, who is washing the cup with magic, with resentful eyes.

Covering my face with both hands, I reflected intensely, and Cid, who had returned next to me, looked at me with a puzzled expression.

“Are you sleepy?”

“Yes. I feel like I want eternal sleep.”

I say it in a sulking and careless manner, and Cid immediately raises his right hand and releases magic around us. He must have set up a barrier and blocked our presence. He prepared for me to sleep.

As expected of a mage with a purple spinel, he skillfully controls high-level magic.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Although I’m not sleepy, I’ll really go to sleep.

For now, let’s think about difficult things tomorrow.

With that thought, I leaned against the trunk of the tree and squirmed around to find a comfortable position to sleep.

Just as I thought I found a nice hollow. . .

I was pulled back firmly by an arm that slipped behind me, causing my body to tilt diagonally.

“I’m supporting you, so please sleep peacefully.”

“〇△×〇△×〇△×?!”

In a state of being held by one arm, an inaudible scream spins around in my mouth.

Resting my head on Cid’s chest, there’s no way I can sleep in this situation!

Is he planning to kill me? Is he planning to kill me?!

I want to get away, no, I don’t want to let go.

What should I do? I shouldn’t do anything.

Thank you very much!

Grateful for his kindness, I thought I would stick to him even if I couldn’t sleep.

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