Chapter 24
Here’s your translation, keeping to first-person POV and without commentary:
—
Let me see, I need to think about this.
Why did this situation come about?
So I’m trying hard to think it through.
Not only was she clinging to my side, but with her arms wrapped around me, her smiling face was so close that it made my head feel like it was on fire, making it hard to think properly.
Still, I shouldn’t slack off in thinking.
Because that’s what keeps me going.
Yeah, a few days ago, after having deep conversations with Asulin, from the day I comforted her when she was crying…
There were signs that something like this might happen.
Feeling Asulin’s body heat, which still hasn’t left me, my mind drifts back to not too long ago.
—
From the moment we ended our heartfelt conversation and fell asleep, until a new day began,
Even though I was aware that I was a hostage, living each day with some form of restraint felt surprisingly smooth.
It was a life so peaceful that calling it a carefree existence at the Duke’s residence would be an understatement.
Of course, there were busy moments, like when Asulin got injured by that mad Khalid during the demon hunt in the Zakarat Mountain Range.
Even though she had fully recovered physically, she wanted to join the demon hunts in the Sword Domain, but we stopped her, including myself.
Thanks to the Knight Order of Guangik dividing and conquering the scattered demons efficiently, the hunt was successful, and there weren’t major damages within the territory.
After the hunt, issues regarding rewards for the knights who contributed and compensations for the people affected by the damage naturally came up.
But thanks to Asulin, who managed to overcome her disappointment and get back to work, these matters were handled smoothly.
Ever since she was forcibly taken to the Sword Mansion, and while she was still concealing her identity, serving as my older brother’s guard and advisor, I couldn’t help but admire his skill in handling all the affairs of the Count’s domain over his shoulder.
Asulin was even more capable than my brother, managing to handle the aftermath of the demon hunt and the resulting problems with ease.
She’s a true successor, taking over the Duke’s Residence instead of a Count’s residence.
I stood there in awe, watching her handle her duties effortlessly, until she caught me staring blankly.
When she asked why I was staring so blankly, I told her I found her desk work more proficient than expected.
Asulin puffed out her cheeks in anger, misunderstanding my words.
Life at the Duke’s Residence was peaceful, almost idyllic.
While I was assisting Asulin, pretending to do so, I spent my time killing time appropriately.
I devoted myself to recovering her damaged mana core, and before I knew it, a whole day had passed.
This wasn’t something trivial, was it?
Of course, even in such a peaceful and uneventful time, there were challenges I had to face.
Sometimes, Asulin, tired of just doing paperwork, would ask for a practice duel.
Though it might seem strange to train with real swords when she’s already exhausted, considering how she’d often demand a spar under the pretense of tradition, it wasn’t unexpected.
In fact, it surprised me how much restraint I had shown, and I thought I should engage more with Asulin.
Of course, despite my preparations, I couldn’t handle the duel easily.
Asulin was strong. She had fully recovered from the injuries she sustained from that mad Khalid, and even without a fully restored mana core, she was in top shape.
Her beautiful face hid a terrifying strength that made me understand why she was called the Sword Demon.
Despite my less-than-perfect condition, avoiding her attacks was a struggle, but thanks to Asulin’s consideration and not using her martial intent, we managed to continue the duel.
Our duels always started and ended in a deadlock, resulting in a tie every time.
Someone once said that enduring any kind of trial that doesn’t lead to death makes you stronger.
Though the situations weren’t exactly the same, every duel with Asulin improved my swordsmanship.
The contrasting styles of our swordplay greatly elevated both our skills.
If we had faced each other on a battlefield, she would have been a deadly threat, but since our duels were for the purpose of honing our skills rather than生死决, it wasn’t an issue.
The problem was…
“Truly, I look forward to when you’re completely healed.”
After every duel, I couldn’t help but smile brightly, despite the courteous tone I used, revealing my anticipation.
It wasn’t because I disliked seeing her smile; it was because seeing her smile made my heart race uncontrollably.
Where did it make my heart race? Of course, it was my heart.
When I endured her powerful strikes or parried them, the impact on my body would heal with time, but if my heart were wrong, I wouldn’t recover, no matter who I was.
— Hmm, did I digress too much?
Anyway, aside from a few minor issues, everything else went smoothly.
I thought I could enjoy a peaceful life here for a while.
I never expected that my bed would become a trap, causing me trouble.
At first, this bed didn’t seem like a problem.
Thanks to correcting Asulin’s habit of drinking to fall asleep, there was no alcohol smell in the bedroom.
For the first few days, Asulin struggled to sleep, but soon she became accustomed to it and slept peacefully.
Seeing her peaceful expression, I felt relieved and fell asleep.
“I’ve definitely gotten closer.”
Thinking carefully about the situation, I recalled how, despite Asulin’s closeness, I was still cautious.
It was only a few days ago that I noticed the distance between us narrowing.
Initially, I dismissed it as nothing serious, but the next morning, I felt a strange unease.
The gap between us had narrowed even further, and I tried to dismiss it as overreacting.
But then, the next morning, I experienced the most intense anxiety.
I woke up to Asulin’s sleeping face right in front of me, causing me to startle and feel my heart nearly stop.
It was as if her smiling face was a death sentence sent by an angel.
Someone might scoff at me for overreacting over such a small thing, but I’m confident I can confidently tell anyone who dares to mock me.
“How could anyone resist such a lovely presence suddenly getting so close?”
Legally speaking…
“…but that ends today.”
Those were my thoughts last night, as evening approached and I prepared for bed.
Before I slept, I resolved.
“…I must prevent her from dying defenselessly.”
I sat at the table and firmly made this vow.
Believe me. It was a sincere pledge.
A promise to completely block Asulin from coming closer to me.
But even if my promise was firm, waking up to find Asulin hugging me with no pretense was a shock.
“…Sigh.”
I couldn’t help but sigh, feeling helpless.
To be honest, even facing a high-ranking demon lord who controlled the chaos caused by the demons in the Zakarat Mountain Range didn’t make me as flustered.
—
Let’s rewind time. Last night, after finishing my daily tasks and meditating to restore my damaged mana core, I felt a proper level of fatigue.
Having finished my meditation and preparation, I decided to resolve not to let Asulin overpower me today, reflecting on my vulnerability.
“As boring as it may be, I have to keep you from wandering around the Duke’s Residence freely, as there are those who would raise concerns.”
Seeing Asulin apologizing sincerely for limiting my movements, I responded with a composed demeanor.
“Even if I’m confined forever, don’t feel too bad about it.”
—
We continued our conversation, and when Asulin reacted with a pleasant moan to something I said, I finally lay down to sleep.
“Good night.”
Even though her words were polite, they carried a hint of warmth, and silence filled the room.
“Such a beautiful face.”
I confirmed again how beautiful Asulin looked even in sleep, and I too surrendered to sleep.
Despite this, I made sure to lie slightly farther away from where I usually slept, ensuring there was enough space.
“Should be fine now,” I thought to myself, falling asleep with confidence.
But as soon as I woke up, I realized how arrogant that thought was.
The first thing I sensed was a pleasant fragrance that seemed to calm my mind.
It was a scent that naturally brought peace, unlike artificial perfumes.
—
My senses registered the softness of something wrapping around my upper body, and the third thing I perceived was a sight that filled my vision with a beautiful blue cascade.
Only then did I realize the source of the fragrance was Asulin’s natural scent, which felt like she was right beside me.
The softness I felt was her body enveloping mine, similar to how I had enveloped hers a few days ago.
The blue cascade was her hair, which naturally drew my gaze.
Alongside this, I noticed her outfit, which was drastically different from her usual tight-fitting attire, revealing a much more flowing design.
—
Thump-thump-thump—
My heart, which hadn’t beaten this fiercely in a while, raced wildly.
“God…”
I felt the need to curse as I wished for freedom, even in a place where I couldn’t move my hands freely.
—
My mind returned to the present, and I searched desperately for a way to escape the embrace of Asulin, who still held me.
It was as difficult as finding a way out when surrounded by demons.
I tried to think of a way to escape, but the answer was clear.
“…Asulin? I know you’re faking sleep.”
I deliberately made noise to wake her, but…
“Mmm…”
All I heard was a soft sound indicating she was still in a dream.
Gulp—
With utmost caution, I managed to free myself from Asulin’s embrace, despite my careful movements.
Even though it should have been a simple task, it took three minutes.
—
Even though it was just a matter of moving from the bed to the edge of it, it took three minutes.
The relief of knowing Asulin remained undisturbed in her sleep was evident in my smile.
— I should go wash up and then head to the training ground to practice my swordsmanship, where I can move freely.
With this thought, I went to find another small room designated for me to change clothes.
—
Creak!
The door opened quietly, and the soft sound echoed in the room.
The bedroom, which had been bustling with my racing heartbeat, grew quiet again.
But this tranquility didn’t last long.
“…”
Just as the door closed, Asulin, who was lying on the bed, suddenly sprang up like a spring.
Even though she looked as if she had just woken up, her face was full of energy, something I wouldn’t expect from someone just waking up.
Normally, she would have moved her upper body off the bed to prepare for the day ahead.
However, Asulin released her overflowing vitality in a different direction.
Her cheeks were puffed out, and her emerald eyes, which were unusually lively, expressed clear dissatisfaction towards someone not present.
“…Idiot.”
Her lips, which curled up in annoyance, revealed her irritation.
Andy must be relieved, having escaped the beauty that almost killed him.
But he doesn’t know yet.
How much trouble he’ll be in today because of his actions in secretly leaving the room while Asulin clung to him.