Chapter 103

“Mmm~”

“Mph~”

When our lips met, we shared a deep, passionate kiss. The first time, I only demonstrated it to her. The proper angle, level of intensity, and even the timing of the tongue movements were all crucial.

“How is it?” I asked once we broke off our kiss.

“It’s… different.” She replied after a moment of thought. I smirked and pushed, asking, “Can you describe the difference?”

“The difference? Why?” She asked.

“Just so I could explain it well to someone having the same problem.” When I gave her a very simple reason, she nodded and went into great detail.

"I am uncertain as to whether it actually makes a difference, but the manner in which you place your hands on my body is different. Regardless of whether it is your intention, it contributes to the kiss."

Very observant, I’d say.

After that, I believe your tongue is the second element. "You combine your tongue with mine in a manner that renders it impossible for me to distinguish which is mine and which is yours." She continued her explanation, hitting all the right marks.

“And then it is your… suction? I am uncertain if that is the appropriate term, but the act of you sucking in your breath, as if you were occupying my lungs for yourself, draws me to you even more." Her final observation even surprised me. Before, I didn't know that pulling your partner in while kissing could be seen that way.

Well, that summed up the whole thing. The next thing that happened was a ten-minute sloppy kissing session.

Of course, I didn’t do any degenerate stuff. Strictly, the deep kiss material, in which saliva exchange was minimal. She expressed gratitude to me and added, "In exchange, I will permit you to relieve yourself in my vagina tonight."

Although her offer was alluring, I had other plans for the deal we made. “May I ask for something else in exchange, my lady?”

“Worry not.” She seemed to sense my worry and told me, "It's just your reward for doing such a great job. Whatever our deal required me to do earlier is separate.”

Oh, so she was giving me a bonus, huh?

Well, that worked for me as well.

“I can only be thankful, young lady,” I replied.

As a result, I had a nighttime appointment to release the tension that had been building over the past few days. But I didn't know then that a twist would be in store for me at night.

~~

“So? Surely you have brought me something.” Redford said as soon as I entered his office. He did not even allow me to sit; he simply threw the question at me. I didn't react at all and asked, "May I ask that we have this conversation alone?"

Observing my composed expression, which should have been agitated considering the situation, the knight put his hand on his sword as a precaution. I was certain I could beat him because he was a B-ranked knight. But not without creating a scene that would expose me to everyone, so using words to resolve it was preferable.

“I swear it would be helpful to the lord.” I simply stated, not one bit unsettled by the knight’s actions. Still, the knight didn't move, but Redford didn't think I was a threat.

Then again, what could a commoner who had just awakened do?

“So? What is it?” Redford asked.

“She already knew.” I simply stated.

He didn’t need to hear more. Even though he was just a minor character, he got where he was and stayed there for a long time, right? He wasn’t stupid, in other words.

So, he let out a sigh and asked, "And?"

“And she also knows about your illness.” His eyes opened quickly when I said that, but only for a moment. He made a brief mistake and realized what he had done, but the ship had already set sail.

He remained silent for a while and then asked, “And?”

“And she has a proposal for you,” I replied.

“A proposal, you say?” Redford asked, “What could she possibly offer me?”

“A cure.” I simply replied.

“Hah! That’s not possible.” Redford scoffed and said.

“But what if it is? Are you willing to lose that chance?” I asked.

“…” After some time, he maintained his silence before inquiring, "Is it she who is aware of my illness?"

He was indeed sharp.

“Yes.” I straightforwardly replied.

“Very well.” He nodded and asked, “And what if she cannot cure me?”

“Then you still have the queen as your backing, don’t you?” The question I asked again made his eyes widen in shock.

“So she did have something to do with those who went to the sewers.” He mumured.

Not exactly, but who was I to intervene?

“And what does she want in return?” Redford asked.

“Nothing much. Just change sides.” I replied.

“That is not that easy.” He replied.

“It is if you have what she seeks,” I replied.

“You… have it?” He asked in disbelief.

“The dragon flowers, you mean? Of course we do.” I replied.

“…” Now he remained silent. There was silence for a long time before he asked, "And what are your requirements?"

“Loyalty.” I simply replied.

“Hah! You haven’t seen too much of the world, have you?” He asked, the ridicule in his voice clear as a sunny day.

Actually, I did. I had witnessed the grim realities of the world on numerous occasions, and I was aware that loyalty was nearly impossible to come by. Not difficult, but impossible.

After all, human nature’s first rule was survival. As long as one survived, loyalty didn’t matter. It wasn't necessary for whom it was. As long as one survived, that was all that mattered.

So I wasn’t foolish enough to ask for his loyalty. I wouldn’t get it anyway. I was just trying to build an impression. An impression that displayed that his opponent was just a child, nothing more.

“So? Do we have a deal?” I asked.

“Very well. We have a deal.” He said and extended his hand forward.

I grabbed it with meaningful eyes, and his eyes displayed the same intentions. A partnership was formed that was doomed from the start that night.

~~

Let me know if you come across any mistakes.