Chapter 294: Chapter 294 - Ilex and Mysst(Part 2)

Point-of-View: Ilex Sarralot

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"Here, I just bought this, let’s try it out," Remarked Mysst, as she took out a bottle of whiskey and a couple of glasses.

"Woah, this is some pretty top-shelf stuff...you sure about this? Seems like the kind of drink someone would normally save for a special occasion," I replied, but she was already opening the bottle.

"I get a pretty generous pay, being a Knight Captain and all, so it’s fine, I can just buy another one if I want to," She shrugged in response, pouring it into the glasses before handing me one as she sat down beside me, on the carpeted floor in front of the bed.

Hm...now that I think about it, it might not be the best idea for me to be alone with a female Knight in her bedroom, let alone a Knight Captain. I mean, we hang out like this pretty often, but still...her subordinates in this outpost might think there’s something going on between us.

Not that I would mind if they thought that, if I’m being honest, but it might be bad for her reputation.

Well, I guess there’s no point in saying something at this stage...even if I do point it out, knowing her, she’ll probably just shrug it off and pretend she doesn’t care. So, it’s probably for the best if I just act the way I usually do around her.

"Well, if you’re really sure. Thanks," I accepted the drink gratefully, before taking a sip.

W-wow, that’s strong...

"Hm, probably should’ve gotten a mixer for this, a soda or something...whew, that burns," Said Mysst with a sharp exhale, as she took a deep gulp.

"You know, since you’re being paid enough to be able to afford such high quality liquor and all, you should probably actually carry out your duties properly, at least every now and then," I remarked with a wry smile.

"Ugh, can we not talk about work? You’re basically the only person I can just carefreely chill with, don’t ruin that," She responded dryly, before adding as she took another sip from her glass, "By the way, you haven’t been around much lately, you used to drop by more often."

"Uh, yeah, I’ve been taking on a lot of Quests to earn money...unlike Knights, we Adventurers don’t have fixed salaries, after all, we only get paid if we complete Quests," I pointed out, as she refilled our glasses.

I’m already feeling pretty strongly buzzed, I should slow down...

"Then, why don’t you try becoming a Knight? You’re powerful enough to be made a Captain, and the King recently approved the Commander’s proposal to start allowing Commoners to join the Knight Order," She suggested, an expectant look on her face as she waited for my answer.

"Huh? Are you serious? I’ve never even considered that, becoming a Knight...but no, I’m afraid I’m going to have to turn you down. You see, I’m...I’m actually planning on moving soon, I’ll be leaving Obsidian and moving to a different nation," I blurted out before I could stop myself.

Crap, it just came out...

"Oh...okay. I see...you’re leaving, huh? Yeah, a lot of Commoners have been moving to Agate and Zircon, both of which have also taken strides to eliminate prejudice against Commoners. From what I’ve heard, even though things have improved for Commoners here in Obsidian, a lot of them have so many bad memories in this nation that they want a fresh start in a different nation. Is it...is it the same for you?" She asked me quietly, her shoulders slumping slightly.

"Wow, uh...I didn’t think you’d be so disappointed," I remarked in bemusement.

"Wh-what? N-no, I’m not-...okay, yeah, I guess I am. You’re the only person I can really be myself around, there’s no one else in my life with whom I can speak with as freely as I can with you. So, yeah...you leaving would definitely suck," She sighed despondently.

"Oh, I...I see. I’ve really enjoyed hanging out with you, and you’re one of the only people with whom I can talk normally, without stuttering or getting nervous. I doubt I’ll change my mind, I am committed to leaving the nation, but...if nothing else, I’ll miss you," I admitted with a slight, wistful smile.

"C-come on, no need to get all sappy...um, when do you plan to leave, exactly?"

"Well, I don’t have an exact date yet, but probably soon. I’ll try to drop by here at least a couple more times before then," I replied, as I quietly sipped on my drink.

"Mhm...," She mumbled with a slight nod, going quiet as she stared down at the carpeted floor, setting her glass down with a muffled thud.

As I began to take another sip from my glass, I paused and looked down as I felt her hand on top of mine, her fingers curling around my hand before I lifted my gaze as my breath got caught in my throat.

Our eyes met as I raised my head, my heart skipping a beat as I got a look at her expression...she’s normally not the most outwardly expressive person, but right now, she had a vulnerable look on her face, her eyes glistening slightly as she began to open her mouth, her lower lip quivering before she suddenly leaned forward and pressed her lips against mine, leaning into me and pushing me down onto the carpet.

As she landed on top of me, the near-empty glass falling out of my hand, she squeezed my hand as her other hand moved up to my chest, caressing my lips with hers softly before pulling away and meeting my gaze, her face flushed and her breathing slightly labored...

"Wh-wha...," I stuttered as I felt my face heat up, my chest pounding as I struggled to wrap my head around what just happened.

"I thought you said you could talk to me without stuttering," She whispered with a slight smile.

"Th-that’s-...w-wait, what brought this on?"

"Isn’t it obvious? I’m not gonna say it out loud...instead, I’m going to keep going. Push me off if you don’t want that," She responded quietly, as she closed her eyes and leaned in.

My mind blanked as my body then began to move on its own, my right arm wrapping around her waist as I cupped her cheek with my left hand, tilting my head up and meeting her lips with mine...

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