Chapter 25: Under the Candlelight (Patreon)

In the silence of the Witch's Cottage, strange sounds continued incessantly.

Under the canopy of a reasonably spacious room, two figures overlapped. In the candlelight, their shadows flickered and swayed incessantly, their outlines completely indistinguishable.

"Mmm—"

It was impossible to tell how much time had passed. In the end, Erika gazed dazedly at the ceiling with clouded eyes.

Her originally clear pupils were now mostly glazed over.

Her fair cheeks had also turned as red as ripe apples. She remained in a daze for a moment before finally recovering.

Embrace—

"S-stop fooling around."

"So you're sober now?"

"..."

How was she supposed to answer that?

Originally, she had just felt lonely and wanted him to stay by her side.

Maybe to chat, or just to have someone with her.

But what Erika hadn't expected was... whether her meaning was unclear, or the guy beside her had misunderstood, or he simply took advantage of the situation upon seeing an opportunity...

Then, without giving her a chance to react or explain, by the time she came to her senses, she found he had already swiftly breached her defenses.

At that point, Erika naturally acquiesced completely.

Especially when, in the candlelight, she saw his handsome face and the tender, affectionate way he looked at her.

In Erika's heart, all those defenses immediately became meaningless.

Then, in a moment of heated passion, she went with the flow. After all, she was drunk at the time, and she didn't dislike him.

Besides, what was done was done. She couldn't deny she had feelings for him, so she half-heartedly resisted but ultimately yielded to his wishes. Even she hadn't expected herself to be so bold.

Since it had already become a fact, regretting it was useless anyway. Moreover, deep down, she felt an inexplicable joy about it!

It wasn't love at first sight, but her impression of him was definitely high. Coupled with his heroic rescue earlier, her favorability towards him had naturally skyrocketed.

Then, influenced by the alcohol and the atmosphere, she couldn't help but make a "mistake."

But the problem was, she was sober now!

Although she didn't regret it deep down, looking at Haru beside her, Erika felt intensely embarrassed and awkward.

What the heck?

Why did it seem like she was the one who took advantage of him?

Clearly, just moments ago, she truly hadn't meant that... although she did have strong feelings for him.

But wasn't this way too fast?

They had just met for the first time today, spent only a few hours together at most, and while they had shared some danger... how could she so casually give herself away like this?

"Ugh~"

Thinking of this, Erika felt too embarrassed to face anyone, so she played "ostrich"—pulling the sheets over her head.

At this moment, her face was flushed with embarrassment, and she didn't dare look at the person beside her.

She was worried he might misunderstand or think less of her.

"What's wrong?"

Shake shake~ (Head shake)

"Uh, aren't you suffocating like that?"

Shake shake~ (Head shake)

"Are you hurt somewhere? Do you want me to take a look?"

"Stop talking!"

"..."

After all, they had already... you know. Haru was naturally very concerned about someone who was now his, especially in their current state.

So, seeing Erika's behavior, while he was resting and recovering, he also pulled her closer and asked with concern.

But where was the imposing "lioness" image Erika usually projected now?

After all, no matter what, she was just a sixteen-year-old girl who had just gone through an important transformation in her life.

But despite her embarrassment, she didn't resist or reject Haru's actions; she just kept her head covered, not letting him see.

Faced with the girl's antics, Haru could only hold her and comfort her, surprised to see this cute, vulnerable side of her.

As for their relationship?

Well, he hadn't expected it to progress this quickly either.

Just moments ago, when Erika grabbed his sleeve and looked at him with those expectant eyes...

In that instant, Luo Chen felt a flame shoot straight into his mind, as if igniting him.

Then, naturally, no further explanation was needed.

With such a perfect opportunity right in front of him, if he let it pass, wouldn't he definitely regret it later?

At that moment, it was like dry wood meeting a fierce fire.

Especially after seeing Erika's "acquiescence," things naturally progressed further, making the Witch's Cottage livelier than usual.

However, the Witch's Cottage was located in a remote area, and there was no one else inside, so neither of them paid it any mind.

Haru even suspected that Erika might be "provoking" Lukulazia?

"Alright, alright, I won't say anymore. Come on, why so shy? This isn't the Erika I know."

"Eh? Then what is the 'Erika' you know like?"

"Cheerful? Strong-willed? A lion? A fierce horse?"

"Hmm~ I can understand the first two, but what are the last two supposed to be?" (Puffs cheeks)

"Hehehe~"

Given their current relationship, the dynamic and atmosphere between them had changed.

For instance, when Erika heard Haru say that, she immediately peeked out with half her face to ask.

Then, upon hearing his answer, she pretended to be angry and tapped his shoulder, gradually settling into the role of a partner.