~Chapter 106~
Elcayan’s mouth slowly fell open at Delphina’s words.
“Delphina?”
“Yes~.”
“I think you’re drunk.”
“I’m not drunk.”
She tried to open her eyes wide, but they were already half-lidded. Elcayan gave up on trying to make her admit it.
Instead, he thought of another way to end the situation. He turned to Johannes.
“Your Highness, perhaps it’s time you go in and rest.”
“Huh?”
“You seem very drunk.”
“I’m not drunk.”
“You are drunk.”
So, he decided to send the others away first. Issian quickly stood up, sensing the mood.
“I’m drunk, so I’ll take my leave. It was a pleasant evening, hmhm. Your Highness Johannes, please come with me.”
“Eh?”
“I have something urgent to discuss. About developing northern tourist attractions.”
“I don’t like work…”
“Don’t lie. Those who dislike work have no desire for power either.”
Issian, being a merchant, was quick-witted. With no good rebuttal, Johannes was dragged away to work.
Elcayan’s gaze shifted to Pepper, who was eating chocolate cake in the corner.
“Bird, you should go to bed too.”
<Pepper>
‘But I didn’t drink…?’
Of course, Elcayan couldn’t hear him. Under that cold stare, Pepper shivered, flapped his wings, and flew back to Duke Huat’s residence.
Elcayan dismissed the servants as well. With her cheeks faintly flushed, Delphina looked adorable — so much so that he didn’t want anyone else to see her like this.
Delphina blinked wide eyes.
“Oh… everyone left?”
“Yes. You’re fine, but the others seemed too drunk.”
“They’re weak to alcohol, I guess…”
Johannes would’ve shouted in protest if he heard that, since he was as strong with alcohol as he was with spice.
Elcayan took Delphina’s hand.
“You may do what you said you wanted earlier.”
“What I wanted earlier?”
“You said you wanted to… rub my cheeks.”
“Can I really?”
Elcayan frowned, troubled. His conscience pricked him.
She was drunk. Even if she said she wanted to, would she regret it when sober?
But unlike his worry, Delphina’s intent was very real.
<Warning>
Due to your status effect, your honesty level is too high. At this rate, you may end up speaking every truth in your heart.
Truthfully, Delphina had always wanted to touch Elcayan’s cheeks.
Northerners had paler skin than those from the central regions, and despite constant monster hunts, his skin was still good.
‘Is it thanks to my cooking?’
She studied his face closely. Maybe her dishes that improved physical ability also influenced his looks. But honestly, he had been handsome from the beginning — just even more dazzling lately.
‘No wonder the women in the capital like him.’
How could a human face be like this?
‘Did God Frad sculpt Elcayan’s face with extra care…?’
But Delphina knew the truth — even without his looks, she would have liked him. His gentle smile, his sincerity in protecting the North, even the awkward way he once offered her the Hydra’s head as a gift.
She chuckled softly at the memory.
Elcayan tilted his head.
“Delphina?”
His expression was serious, but his gaze was warm. Delphina felt satisfied deep inside.
She placed her hand on his cheek. His skin wasn’t as smooth as she thought, a little roughened by cold winds and battles. She rubbed his face gently. The more she touched, the redder his face grew, like a ripe persimmon.
Without thinking, she murmured:
“Our contract… it’ll be ending soon, won’t it?”
She had only made the contract because of Duke Rikeion, but now he was gone. No one threatened her anymore.
If the North’s tourism business stabilized, then the North would stand on its own. When that happened, she and Elcayan would have no reason to stay bound together.
She had done everything to strengthen the North, all for that initial quest reward — the Wish Ticket. Maybe soon, the quest would complete. And when it did, she was prepared to leave for his sake… if he didn’t feel the same way she did.
‘He seems to like me… but maybe it’s just my wishful thinking.’
Elcayan asked softly:
“Do you wish to end the contract?”
“Hmm…”
“Do you want to leave?”
“No, that’s not it.”
“Then why did you say the contract would end?”
“Because… the North doesn’t need me anymore.”
Delphina fell silent. Her eyelids drooped as drowsiness swept over her.
“Delphina, are you falling asleep? After saying something so sad?”
“Sad… words?”
“Yes. If you leave, many people will be sad.”
His voice was gentle and tender. He placed his hand over hers, still resting on his cheek.
“Warm…”
Delphina thought: He probably doesn’t even realize how good his voice is.
Even the servants sometimes looked dazed when he gave them orders. His voice was better than any lullaby. Her eyes grew heavier.
That pitiful voice whispered again:
“The North still needs you, Delphina.”
“Do I really matter that much?”
“My mother barely eats unless it’s your cooking. If you left, she’d be truly heartbroken.”
His words carried weight. Delphina tried to force her eyes open. Through her blurry vision, Elcayan looked like a helpless, rain-soaked kitten.
If Johannes saw him like this, he’d have scoffed, claiming it was an act. But Johannes wasn’t here, and Elcayan could show weakness freely.
Delphina’s heart softened, and she replied:
“Maybe… you’re right.”
She couldn’t help but agree, guilt tugging at her.
“The knights of the North feel the same. They truly follow you.”
“….”
“The servants too. Without you, everyone would feel empty.”
Elcayan sat beside her. Her head slowly leaned onto his shoulder.
He checked to make sure she was asleep, then whispered:
“All those things I just said were excuses.”
Delphina stirred faintly.
“The truth is… I don’t want you to leave.”
He slowly embraced her, speaking the selfish wish he could never tell her directly.
“I want you by my side forever.”
The night was still cold. It reminded him of the first time he carried Delphina to her room. Back then, it was only to spare the servants discomfort.
But now, his thoughts were different.
‘I don’t want her to get sick.’
If she caught a cold, it would hurt him too. He wanted her to be healthy.
And if she did fall ill, he hoped it would be by his side — so he could protect her.
But if she truly wished to leave…
Even imagining it made his chest ache. Elcayan pressed his lips tightly together.
