NOVEL NEXT C8
Chapter 8: Exposure (2)
“This place is all clear.”
“Understood. Then, have a restful night, milady.”
As if to reassure her, the guard saluted and walked away down the corridor.
“…”
Once the guard’s footsteps faded entirely, and she confirmed that no one else was moving outside, Milia cautiously closed the door. She entered the room, let out a short sigh, and sat down at the table by the window.
“So…shall we hear your story now?”
“Well, you see…”
In response to her words, Schwarz, who was hiding behind the wardrobe and kneeling, broke into a cold sweat.
‘She’s terrifying.’
Though she wore a smile, anyone could tell she was angry.
If he were caught lying now, he’d be lucky to escape with his bones intact.
With that thought, Schwarz began to explain everything that had happened—excluding the fact that he was from another world.
He didn’t want to be branded insane, after all.
When Schwarz finally finished his tale…
“Haa…”
Milia let out a short sigh and stared at him. Her eyes took in the horns atop his head, the tail poking out from his pants, and the midnight-blue hair tinged with a hint of blue, shimmering in the moonlight like the night sky.
His amber eyes glowed even in the darkness.
It was a story difficult to believe, but ironically, the boy’s very existence was proof of his own claims.
“Ugh…”
The surreal sight made Milia groan softly as she rubbed her throbbing forehead.
“Uh…milady?”
“What?”
At that moment, when Schwarz timidly called out to her, Milia answered curtly.
“What will happen to me now?”
“I don’t know. No…I’m not even sure if I’m awake or if this is just a dream.”
She let out another sigh, thinking it would be easier if it were all a dream.
A dragon turned human—what a fairytale-like story.
“This must be a dream, right?”
“…”
Dream or not, it was hard to believe. Schwarz could only nod silently in response.
A brief silence followed…
“Schwarz.”
“Yes, milady.”
Milia, who had been staring at him with narrowed eyes, called his name. Schwarz nodded in acknowledgment.
“Come here.”
“…?”
Though puzzled, Schwarz tilted his head and approached her as instructed. It wasn’t like he had a choice—he was there to obey her.
When he reached her, Milia patted the empty seat next to her.
“Don’t act so clueless. Sit here.”
“Ah, yes!”
Schwarz nodded quickly and sat down as instructed.
“Turn around.”
“Yes…?”
“Now.”
“Ugh…”
Though bewildered, Schwarz turned around after hearing the sharpness in her voice.
The next moment…
“Hmm… hmm…”
“Um, milady? What’s happening…?”
Feeling the soft, warm touch on his head, Schwarz cautiously asked Milia.
“Just stay still.”
“Yes…”
Her cold tone made him lower his head quietly.
Minutes passed…
“Um, milady? Are you okay? Your breathing sounds a little labored.”
Hearing her ragged breathing behind him, Schwarz turned to look.
“I said look forward!”
“Ah, understood!”
At Milia’s urgent tone, Schwarz turned back, bewildered.
“Hoo…hoo…”
Meanwhile, Milia continued running her hand through his hair, exhaling raggedly.
There was a reason for her unusual reaction.
‘I can’t let him see my face like this…!!’
Her mouth stretched into a smile so wide it nearly hurt.
A smile she’d never shown anyone before and she was determined not to let him see it now.
“Hmm…”
“Milady?”
How much time had passed? Milia was still stroking Schwarz’s head, but now she fixated on the horns atop it.
Schwarz sensed something ominous in her behavior.
“Ahh!”
“Hmm…harder than I thought.”
Feeling a bizarre shiver run through his body, Schwarz let out a shriek.
“What are you doing!?”
“Just hold still. It’s fascinating.”
“Good grief…”
Feeling like a toy, Schwarz sighed helplessly.
“Hey, Schwarz.”
“Yes, milady.”
Still playing with his horns, Milia suddenly spoke, prompting Schwarz to respond without turning.
“Well, uh…”
“Milady…?”
She hesitated, unable to continue. Her hesitation made an inexplicable unease rise within Schwarz.
Then, finally…
“Would you…call me ‘big sister’?”
“…What?”
Schwarz, unable to comprehend the request, let out a stunned noise.
“What are you talking about…?”
“You see…I’ve always wanted a little brother like you. Could you call me that, just once?”
“…”
What on earth was she talking about…?
Schwarz stared at her, but Milia’s eyes shone with an anticipation that made it impossible to refuse.
“Ugh…”
How had things come to this?
Letting out a short sigh, Schwarz turned to face her. Milia sat there, her lips tightly pressed together in nervous anticipation.
With great effort, Schwarz managed to stammer, “Uh…b-big sister…?”
“Ah!”
Milia let out an odd sound and swayed as though she might collapse.
“M-milady!?”
“This…is bad for my heart…”
Schwarz, startled by Milia’s voice, raised his hand to calm her down. Milia, still breathing heavily, steadied herself. Her strangely flushed expression left Schwarz visibly flustered.
“Um…would it be okay if I asked one more time?”
“Big sister…?”
“Kyaa…!!”
At her repeated request, Schwarz reluctantly responded, causing Milia to sway dramatically as if she might faint, gasping for breath.
“Are you alright…?”
“Y-yes…”
Suppressing the furious beating of her heart, Milia slowly straightened herself. A sense of happiness and exhilaration filled her chest, as if she owned the entire world.
It should be fine, just for a moment. Thinking so, Milia closed her eyes to savor the feeling.
Time passed…
“Earlier, you asked me what would happen next, right?”
“Yes…”
“Honestly, I don’t know either. It’s not a big deal to me, but I can’t predict how Father and Mother will react.”
“That makes sense.”
In the worst-case scenario, they might view him as ominous and try to kill him.
Though Milia’s reaction suggested otherwise, the saying ‘You never know a person’s heart’ wasn’t coined for no reason.
“Don’t worry too much. Nothing bad will happen. Did you think I would abandon you just because you look different?”
“No, it’s not that, but…”
Though the thought had crossed his mind, Milia’s demeanor made it clear that such an outcome was unlikely.
“If so, trust me. Even if Mother and Father reject you, I’ll protect you.”
“Milady…”
In this situation, all Schwarz could do was trust Milia.
“For now, let’s continue the discussion tomorrow. It won’t be too late to decide on your situation then.”
“Understood. I’ll take my leave, then.”
Milia stretched with a tired groan as Schwarz nodded and rose from his seat, heading toward the window.
With a soft click, he opened the window. Peeking cautiously outside, he checked to ensure no one else was around.
“Ah, I almost forgot.”
As Schwarz prepared to jump out the window, Milia’s voice stopped him.
“Yes? What is it?”
“Good night, Schwarz.”
Seeing Milia offer a simple farewell, Schwarz watched her for a moment before offering a faint smile.
“You too, milady.”
With that, Schwarz leaped out the window. As the cold night air rushed in, Milia closed the window and slowly made her way to her bed.
“Haa…”
Letting out a short sigh, she gazed at the ceiling.
[“You too, milady.”]
Schwarz’s words echoed repeatedly in her mind.
“Hehehe…”
Milia let out a silly laugh that would make anyone think she’d lost her mind, hugging the pillow beside her tightly.
Thus, the night deepened in the count’s estate.