Volume 4 Chapter 23 It Feels Like A Ticking Clock, But...
While we enjoyed the sweet atmosphere, as soon as we stepped outside the royal capital, we both sobered up. Though we felt reluctant, it was time to get to work.
Mercenary work always comes with risks. Herbal gathering areas are frequented by monsters. That's why mercenaries get hired. Even though it was a job for 5th-ranked adventurers, it wasn't a reason to let our guard down. Aina and I understood that well.
Thanks to that, we completed the job without any hiccups. We delivered the herbs we collected to the guild without any issues and received our reward safely.
Afterward, we enjoyed skewered meat from a food stall, just as Aina wished. It seems Aina has developed quite a taste for skewered meat—or rather, the taste of food stalls.
I also have become addicted to the bold flavors made at food stalls, even though I used to prefer delicate delicacies.
My immediate goal is to try all the food stalls in the royal capital.
Having a goal adds excitement to life, even if I sometimes wonder if it's the right choice. I have experienced this before.
――And so, that day came to an end.
I had a great day, hanging out with Aina, doing my work seriously, and enjoying delicious food. It was a perfect day.
But the day is not over yet.
The sun is starting to set.
"Well, shall we head back now?"
Aina took my hand as we prepared to return to the clinic. She seemed really happy today, smiling all day long, even while working. There was nothing special, yet she kept smiling.
Aina's smile in the sunset is different from before.
When we first parted ways, she had a sad smile on her face. We had resigned ourselves to the fact that our paths wouldn't cross again.
But now things are different.
As long as I don't let go of her hand, she won't wear that lonely smile again.
That's why I stopped in my tracks while holding her hand.
"...Yukina-san?"
"Aina. Just one more thing, please accompany me to a place."
――And so, we arrived at a certain inn.
"Yukina-san, is this...?"
"This is an inn Kyunei used to frequent."
"That means――"
I've explained Kyunei's situation to Aina as well. That she's a succubus and used to work as a pr**titute to survive.
Aina is smart. With my brief explanation, she seemed to understand what kind of place this inn is.
Yes, this inn was a brothel where Kyunei spent nights with clients during her time as a pr**titute.
The place not only arranged for pr**titutes but also provided a space for men and women to spend the night together.
The reason I brought Aina here was, of course, for the latter.
"Aina, I love you."
We've already confessed our feelings to each other. Our feelings have been communicated.
But I just had to say it.
"We looked for a job together, held hands, worked, ate delicious food, and laughed a lot. As we do these things, my feelings of 'love' for you have only grown stronger."
With each step we took together, my feelings for Aina swelled to an uncontrollable extent.
"I want you. I want all of you, body and soul."
I want Aina to know and feel that she belongs to me, that she is my woman. Such desire swirls within me.
Besides, I don't want to let go of Aina ever again. Deep down, I wish for something solid to hold onto her. That's why I'm longing for her so strongly.
"But if you don't want to, I'll stop."
When it was Kyunei's turn and Mikage's turn, they welcomed me in. So, I responded to their feelings as they invited me.
Now, I realize.
Expressing your feelings takes a lot of courage. Just thinking about being rejected makes my legs feel like jelly.
Perhaps, the fear I feel now is incomparable to when I faced the evil dragon.
Did Kyunei and Mikage endure this kind of fear to express their feelings to me? Once again, I realize how amazing they are.
Feeling the fast beats of my heart, I continue.
"If you think it's too soon, I'll give up this time. But if not――"
Before I could say anything, Aina leaned her head against my chest as if entrusting her body to me.
"It's okay, Yukina-san."
I can't see Aina's face from where I am. But I can feel her warmth and heartbeat.
"Even though I'm certainly inexperienced, that doesn't mean I'm completely clueless, you know? I understand the meaning behind why Yukina-san brought me to this place and what you want."
After a teasing little remark, she firmly grasped my clothes.
"It's the same for me. Spending today together made me realize just how strongly I feel about Yukina-san."
As soon as I heard those words, warmth surged in my chest. I felt joy knowing she shared the same feelings.
"Besides, I didn't actually expect things to turn out like this..."
The end of the sentence became quieter because she was aware that what was being said was embarrassing.
"Do you... think I'm a shameless woman?"
"That's not true. If anything, it just shows how much of a cowardly person I was, making a woman go through all that, while I lived carefree until now."
Maybe I was holding back because I knew that Aina was originally a princess. Was I unconsciously avoiding 'that kind of thing'?
"It's okay, Aina."
"Yes. Just as you wanted to leave your mark on me, I also want to leave my mark on you. This is my true feeling right now."
When Aina lifted her head, her face was so red that it was clear even in the darkness. But I was the same way, my face was burning up.
We both ended up bursting out laughing when we looked at each other's faces.
Ah, I really do like Aina after all.
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