LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 6
Chapter 6: Hidden Time (2)
When I held your face in my hands, the warmth I felt was unexpected.
At first, I naturally assumed it would be cold. I thought the snowy white hair would exude a chill like frost, and that perhaps our touching skin would even form a thin layer of ice. Such was the pitiful scope of human imagination, driven by starlit dreams.
But I was wrong. Beyond the scarred hands I touched, your skin carried the warmth of human life. Not the distant, untouchable glow of a star, but the living warmth of a breathing being who loved just as I did.
The moment I realized how close you had become, I could no longer hold back. I tilted my head, and the much-praised honor of a hero shattered in a single breath.
“Mm…”
“…”
It wasn’t a gentle kiss. Rather than aligning, our lips collided awkwardly, and our breaths remained trapped, unable to blend.
Yet, she didn’t resist. She merely kept her lips shut and endured the moment until it passed. I, too, refrained from pushing further and slowly pulled away.
“Ah…”
“Haa…”
It seemed she had also been holding her breath, as a shallow sigh escaped her lips. Perhaps it was my imagination, but her cheeks seemed ever so slightly flushed.
Of course, her expression remained as cold as ice. A fleeting thought crossed my mind that she might slap me, but what followed instead was a dry rebuke.
“You’re bolder than I expected, aren’t you?”
“I’m sorry.”
“I didn’t think you’d approach like this from the start.”
“I’m not the type to speak carelessly.”
“Very much a hero, in both good and bad ways.”
After finishing her words, she raised a hand toward me. This time, I was certain she would strike my cheek, and I braced myself.
However, her touch didn’t aim for my face but instead reached for the back of my neck. Her fingers gently curled around, and when they pressed lightly against my throat, I finally opened my mouth.
“What are you thinking right now?”
“I was measuring the length of rope to hang around your neck. It mustn’t be too loose, but I also wouldn’t want to prolong your suffering.”
“How kind of you.”
“I’m thoughtful in many ways. So, what material would you suggest for the rope? Thorny vines? Or perhaps the roots of a viburnum tree?”
“Who knows? Your hands alone might suffice.”
Cautiously, I grasped her wrist and lowered her hand. Then, taking a step closer to her, I replied, “But I won’t die. Instead, the king will need to keep his promise.”
“Confident, aren’t you? Is that the pride of a hero?”
“It’s simply taking what I am owed. And since you touched my neck, I suppose I must return the favor.”
“Hah.”
“I’ll be gentle.”
A soft breath brushed against my nose. When I lightly wrapped my arm around her waist, a reflexive tremble coursed through her body, her warmth flowing into my hand.
Was she finally feeling nervous? Pushing aside the rising questions in my mind, I pulled her closer. Then, I left a deep mark on the base of her neck with my lips.
“…”
“…Ah.”
It was a spot that any human would react to, and she was no exception, letting out a faint sound. Her breath spilled out from deep within her chest, spreading an irresistible scent into the air.
Her skin wasn’t smooth, but rather soft with a faint hint of moisture. At that moment, I could understand the mind of a vampire. Something akin to the urge for blood drew out this kiss, making it linger and deepen.
Had the knock not come from the door at that moment, I might have truly crossed the line.
“Your Majesty, it’s time for the guards to patrol.”
“…”
“Forgive my impertinence, but I believe it’s time for you to return to your chamber.”
The composed voice of the lady-in-waiting cooled the heat in the room. Only then did I manage to pull away and release the breath I’d been holding.
“Haa…”
“…Haa.”
A glistening trail lingered on her reddened neck. Mirian touched the spot with her hand, gazing out the window as she spoke.
“Looks like a bug bite.”
“Yes, a bug bite.”
“Are you satisfied now?”
“I won’t answer that.”
“It wasn’t a question I expected an answer to.”
Was it time to retreat? Swallowing my regret, I slowly stepped back. Yet the taste of her lingered in my mouth, stubbornly refusing to fade.
Even Mirian still seemed affected by the encounter, her cheeks tinged faintly with red. But that delicate blush was soon carried away by the autumn breeze, leaving no trace behind.
“This meeting was entirely due to my goodwill. I have no reason to extend further courtesy. So, if your night vision serves you well, find your way back to where you came from.”
“Yes. Have a good night, Mirian.”
“Pain can sometimes lead to lessons, you know. As you’re well aware, some only realize things after enduring suffering.”
“I…”
“But then, there are times when lessons must come with pain.”
Suddenly, a thorny vine coiled around my wrist. Like a snake, it darted and buried a long thorn deep into my skin.
“Ugh…!”
Even though the pain wasn’t intense, I couldn’t suppress a groan. My body instinctively recognized the danger of the blow—it had struck a vital point. Had the thorn shifted slightly, it might have pierced an artery, causing blood to gush out.
Thankfully, the vine disappeared into dust after stabbing just that one spot. A single crimson droplet emerged from the wound, its sting sharp.
“You don’t need to return this one.”
“…”
“Farewell.”
Her parting words were colder than ever, leaving a biting chill that crept into my ears, freezing my skull.
Yet, even as the blood trickled from my wrist, the warmth I had felt didn’t fade. It lingered, defying the pain.
***
“Thump, thump, thump.”
“Alf! Alf!”
“…”
“Thump, thump, thump.”
“Alf! Are you still sleeping, Alf?”
“Thump, thump, thump.”
“Alf!”
“For crying out loud, who’s being so noisy this early in the morning? Do you want me to shove a chicken head down your throat?”
“Go back to sleep, Siha. I’ll handle it.”
Having spent the night wide awake, I dragged my heavy body to the door. Even before opening it, I could feel the hurried breathing of the person on the other side.
When I turned the handle, what greeted me was the flushed face of a princess. The moment she saw me, she rose on her toes and planted a kiss on my cheek.
“Good morning, Alf.”
“Did you sleep well, Your Highness?”
“Please, stop being so stiff with me. I’ve told you that before.”
“Understood. But why did you come here yourself and not send one of the ladies-in-waiting?”
“I wanted to see where you’re staying for myself. So, was everything comfortable?”
“Yes, Your Highness. His Majesty was considerate enough to let me share a room with my party members.”
“Hmm…”
The princess’ eyes narrowed as she surveyed the room. Jorfe, who had already risen with the dawn and was neatly dressed, offered her a polite greeting.
Siha, on the other hand, lazily stretched an arm out from under her blankets to give a half-hearted wave.
Naturally, the princess’ gaze wasn’t exactly kind as it swept over them. Yet her displeasure melted away quickly, replaced by a cheerful smile.
“Well, it seems like you slept well enough, so that’s good. I suppose staying with your companions is still more comfortable for you, right?”
“It’s hard to let go of what you’re used to, Your Highness. Even a luxurious bed feels a bit strange when you’re not accustomed to it.”
“Same here. Then maybe the four of us should pitch a tent outside and camp for fun. What do you think?”
“Ugh, no way! Just take Alf and go sleep outside yourselves!”
“Really, Siha? Can’t you read the mood?”
The princess’ gaze shifted to Siha again. To ease the tension, I gently took the princess’ hand in mine, wrapping it with a light touch.
“I think it’s a lovely idea, Your Highness. Creating memories before they leave could be a meaningful experience.”
“That’s true. Once we part ways, I might miss it. So, maybe just once…”
“Of course, we’d need His Majesty’s permission. Suggesting his precious daughter camp outside might make him a little upset.”
“Alf, you’re always so thoughtful. But—wait, what’s that on your wrist? Did you hurt yourself?”
“…It’s nothing. I must’ve scratched it in my sleep.”
I subtly tugged down my sleeve to hide the wound from last night. The princess, seemingly unconcerned, just shrugged.
But Jorfe didn’t let it go. He studied the spot with a sharp gaze before speaking to the princess.
“By the way, Your Highness, it seems you came in quite a hurry. Is there something urgent you need to tell us?”
“Wise men are always impatient, aren’t they? I would’ve told you eventually.”
“I often feel my lifespan is too short to uncover all the world’s knowledge. Besides, I have a hunch this might be good news.”
“You’re right! Especially for Alf and me—it’s wonderful news. Guess what?”
The princess paused for dramatic effect, but her excitement soon bubbled over.
“We’re getting engaged! Tomorrow!”
“…Tomorrow?”
“Yes, tomorrow!”
The princess’ joyful proclamation filled the room, but I couldn’t match her energy. All I could muster was an awkward smile. Gratitude for her affection was overshadowed by confusion, and lying was never my strong suit.
Jorfe seems similarly caught off guard. After a moment of thought, he spoke with noticeable unease.
“That seems… rather sudden. I thought it would take at least a month or two for the timing to feel right.”
“Why drag it out? You think too much, Wise One.”
“With Your Highness having just returned, I believe the focus should still be on stabilizing things. After that, we could celebrate Alf’s accomplishments and announce the engagement so the citizens can fully enjoy the moment.”
“The people have lived in fear of that dragon for so long. Sharing good news quickly could help lift their spirits.”
“That’s true, Your Highness. But rushing something like this might make it seem… impulsive.”
As Jorfe expressed his concerns, the princess’ cheerful expression dimmed slightly. Watching their exchange, I finally spoke in a low voice.
“So, was this decision made suddenly, Your Highness?”
“This morning. I came straight here as soon as I heard.”
“Did you strongly voice your opinion on this matter?”
“I didn’t. I barely had the chance to talk about it.”
“Then… was it Her Majesty’s idea?”
As I eliminated the possibilities one by one, my voice grew quieter. Jorfe, too, seemed to consider last night’s events as he listened closely to the princess.
The princess, oblivious to our suspicions, answered in a nonchalant tone.
“No, it was Father. He called me this morning to tell me. He’s always been a bit capricious, but… I wonder, did something happen yesterday?”