Chapter 8: Parting in the Morning Sun (Patreon)

The next morning, the red sun began its ascent.

Outside the thatched cottage, the trees were lush and green, their leaves brilliantly illuminated by the dawn light. Morning birds chirped noisily on the branches.

Chirp chirp~

"Mmm..."

Sometimes having overly sharp hearing wasn't ideal—like right now, being woken up so early in the morning.

But last night had been, without a doubt, the most peaceful and serene rest Haru had experienced since arriving in this world.

Of course, it was also the most comfortable and content he'd felt.

So, even though he'd been awakened, he wasn't the least bit irritated.

Instead, after opening his eyes, he found himself gazing at the breathtakingly beautiful face mere inches from his—fair-skinned with a faint blush on her cheeks, like peach blossoms tinged with pink and white.

The room was filled with the subtle fragrance of flowers, making the beauty before him seem like an ethereal fairy—elegant, peerless, and utterly captivating!

The longer he looked, the more entranced he became.

Then, almost as if guided by some unseen force, a surge of courage rose from within him. After staring at the Sect Leader's delicate features for a moment, he couldn't resist leaning in and planting a soft kiss on her forehead.

Even in rest, the Sect Leader exuded an aura of authority and dominance.

Yet now, there was an added touch of purity and innocence, a youthful charm that made her seem like a lovely young maiden, evoking a desire to protect and adore her.

When Haru realized what he'd just done, a wave of nervousness washed over him. He feared he might wake her—or worse, anger her.

Fortunately, his worries seemed unfounded. As he carefully pulled back, he noticed the Sect Leader's breathing remained steady and calm.

Thump-thump Thump-thump

Even her heartbeat showed no change.

It was his own heart that was racing, pounding nervously from his bold act.

And, captivated by the peerless beauty of the Sect Leader, he unconsciously tightened his arm around her.

'Still asleep? Then maybe...'

Seeing that the Sect Leader hadn't stirred, Haru felt a secret thrill. His gaze drifted downward from her fair forehead.

Long eyelashes, a perfect face, an adorable upturned nose, and finally...

Huff Huff

As if summoned and drawn in, Haru felt his perspective narrowing, getting closer and closer. He didn't even realize he was holding his breath, his eyes fixated solely on the Sect Leader's beautiful face.

Closer, closer.

"Mmm..."

"?!"

He lowered his head and closed his eyes!

But the next second, whether due to his actions or simply natural movement, the serene face before him furrowed slightly. Her long eyelashes fluttered, and those beautiful green eyes slowly began to open.

In that instant, Haru didn't dare make another move. He reflexively shut his eyes and bowed his head—only to realize a moment later that his action was perhaps even bolder.

It was nothing major—just that he was now literally "blinded"!

Is this... the Sect Leader's breast..?

Thump-thump-thump Thump-thump-thump

For some reason, Haru felt both nervous and excited, worried that his actions might have upset or angered the Sect Leader.

"..."

But he was overthinking it. From start to finish, Luo Hao's eyes remained calm—even when her boobs were assaulted, and even after his earlier bold move.

Those authoritative eyes, now open, simply gazed calmly at the back of his head.

Her fair cheeks might have flushed slightly—or maybe it was just a trick of the light—but the blush faded quickly, leaving her expression as serene and unreadable as ever.

As for Haru's even closer embrace, Luo Hao didn't push him away. Instead, she kept one arm around him while raising the other to rest on top of his head, then—

Head pat Head pat

How long had it been?

She couldn't even remember the last time she'd rested like this. As for Haru's feelings toward her...

Of course, Luo Hao understood them perfectly.

It's just that she had never experienced matters of love and romance, so she wasn't very familiar with such feelings.

But she was quite fond of Haru. Yet, she didn't fully understand her own emotions, so she chose to let things take their natural course.

If Haru truly wished it, she wouldn't resist the idea of the two of them secluding themselves here together. She had gradually grown accustomed to having Haru by her side.

It was just a pity that he had to leave, even if only temporarily.

"Little brother?"

"Mmm...?"

"It's already morning. Time to get up. And remember to return quickly."

"Huh? Yeah."

Nuzzle nuzzle

At that moment, Haru, completely immersed in her breasts," was naturally reluctant to leave.

But since the Sect Leader had spoken, he had no choice. After a final, clinging embrace, he let go. Seeing the Sect Leader's still-calm expression, he couldn't help but feel a surge of joy.

His biggest worry had been that his actions might bother or anger her.

Now, it seemed his behavior fell within the bounds of her silent permission.

This discovery thrilled him.

If it weren't for matters he absolutely had to attend to, he would have truly wanted to stay with the Sect Leader forever.

But thoughts of the original Campione plotline and a sense of urgency prevented him from losing himself in this gentle comfort. After quickly washing up and packing a few essentials, he resolutely prepared to leave.

Just before departing, he looked at the Sect Leader, who had come to see him off.

Summoning his courage once more, he pulled her into an embrace, both of them bathed in the morning sun.

"Sister, you are mine!"

Then, after leaving those words whispered in her ear, he turned decisively and began his descent down the mountain. All that remained was Luo Hao, her beautiful face slightly dazed, standing outside the thatched cottage, watching his retreating figure...