CHAPTER 65…………………………….
Upon hearing the report, Nahia slammed the table as if startled.
“No way… such a strange magic actually exists?”
The ability to perfectly transform into someone else, regardless of one’s own body type, would be a terrifying disruption to an enemy.
Anyone you know could potentially be a spy.
“In my estimation, it’s probably a method only that person could pull off. Raising mana that easily… under normal circumstances, it’s impossible.”
Sierra recalled Adrian, who would change into someone different at every moment.
The way he transformed before anyone could even sense his mana was strange, yet smooth and without awkwardness.
But even a fairly powerful mage would likely struggle to use other magic while in a transformed state.
“Yeah… I doubt there’s another like him.”
“Yes. Transformation magic consumes far more mana than expected, so in the kingdom, the most they can manage is changing hair color or eye color, and even that requires concentrated potions.”
“I see… and since black magic has long since died out, there probably aren’t many strong practitioners left.”
Nahia pressed his throbbing head.
“Finally finished that slow, dragging meeting… and now we have more work.”
Sierra spoke the thought that had come to her while observing him.
“Even if the appearance is identical, it doesn’t make someone completely that person. If you look closely, there are always strange details.”
Whether he was in Ashur’s form or her own.
His expressions and speech patterns remained those of the peculiar Adrian.
When they first met, when barely exchanging words, maybe you could fool someone for a short while.
Perhaps that was why, when Adrian took her form, he moved so swiftly that there was no time to speak to him.
“We need to carefully trace where he’s been.”
“Yes.”
After the brief report, the two left the conference room.
“Sigh… well, that’s over for now.”
“Not tired? Do you want me to escort you?”
“No, I’m fine. But… shall we walk a bit?”
At her cheerful suggestion, Ashur nodded without hesitation.
“Good.”
What a wonderful idea.
It had been far too long since he last saw Sierra.
A brief moment together like this wasn’t enough.
“I like that too.”
She smiled softly and held out her hand.
Startled by the unexpected warmth, Ashur stiffened.
The sun was still bright; villagers could see them.
Hadn’t she wanted to keep this hidden for now?
As if reading his thoughts, Sierra whispered in his ear:
“Actually… everyone already noticed what’s between us.”
“Huh?”
“Hmm… I guess we were the only ones who didn’t realize.”
Ashur couldn’t take his eyes off Sierra as she leaned gently against his shoulder with a sweet smile.
At this moment, nothing else mattered.
Sierra lightly rested her hand on his forearm and urged him.
“Come on, let’s go for a walk.”
Her flushed face was truly, unbelievably beautiful.
I want to look at her only.
“…Let’s go.”
He slowly matched her pace.
The warmth of her hand fit perfectly in his.
They walked together in peaceful silence along the forest path.
Sierra wanted to ask about the divine beast but couldn’t bring herself to speak.
‘Right… Ashur probably has a plan. I’ll wait.’
She also didn’t want to disturb the current tranquility.
They couldn’t even know how the current situation would unfold.
Someday, they might have to travel between the Sanctuary and the Kingdom.
‘Maybe I should try making a small-scale teleportation magic circle…’
Traditional teleportation magic was so large-scale that not just anyone could use it.
Many suffered side effects, so other means of transportation had developed much more.
‘Still… if I take the train, I can get there in a day…’
It didn’t stop in front of Eshkal, so he would need to figure out a safe way to get off mid-route.
‘I remember the trouble caused by accidentally falling off in the past.’
Just walking quietly through the forest with her was enough to make Ashur happy.
Seeing her cute expression lost in thought made him want to speak up for no reason.
“Sierra, what are you thinking?”
“Huh? Um… about you?”
Hearing her words naturally spill out made him pause.
“…Me too.”
Lately, all he could think about was her.
Being able to spend time together like this still felt unbelievable.
He wanted to keep confirming it.
He wanted to feel Sierra’s warmth.
Just then, they spotted a hot spring ahead.
“It’s been a while. Want to dip your feet?”
“Sounds good.”
It was early, so no one else was there.
Splash—
Sierra took a seat first.
“Want me to massage them?”
Ashur looked at her bare feet in the water and spoke plainly.
“Huh?”
“You’ve been through a lot, haven’t you? It must have been tiring.”
Her memories of Sherzan and the illusions flashed through her mind at his sudden offer.
“Ah, no! It’s fine.”
But for some reason, Ashur was insistent.
“This is a time you’re allowed to accept.”
“Uh…?”
Ashur stepped into the water and took a seat in front of her legs.
“Hhh…”
She was actually very tired, so his hands grasping her already damp feet felt particularly sensitive.
“Does it hurt?”
“No… um, it feels good.”
“Really?”
His gentle touch made her whole body melt.
She must have been tense without realizing it.
“Haa…”
Ashur furrowed his brows in concentration as he continued to massage her feet.
“Mm… hh…”
Even embarrassed, Sierra gradually became comfortable with the sensation.
“…Sierra.”
“Ah… hmm?”
Ashur’s hand brushed behind her knee.
“Ugh!”
“Phew.”
He let out a small sigh, brushing her hair with wet hands.
“That’s all I’ll do.”
“Ah, okay. Thanks.”
He lightly nodded and sat beside her.
Completely relaxed, she leaned naturally against his shoulder.
“It’s nice… being together like this.”
Sierra’s whisper made his mind swirl.
Of course, it felt good—but he wanted to do more.
Whether she knew it or not, she playfully traced his arm slowly.
Her fingers tapped lightly, as if touching something protruding.
He felt his arm tense at her light touch.
Drops of water splashed as her white, dangling feet moved.
A cool breeze blew from deep within the forest.
“Shall we go back in the water?”
Seeing her bare calves made him subconsciously try to hide the subtly swelling muscles of his thighs.
“Hmm?”
Sierra, with a dazed look, questioned.
See? She has no idea.
It was only his head full of beastly thoughts.
Splash—
His movement made the water cling to his clothes.
Seeing this, Sierra blushed and snapped back to attention.
‘I want to touch her.’
He remembered the smooth feel of her when their hands had brushed before.
“Hmm, I’ll go in too.”
She approached calmly, as if she hadn’t been dozing off.
He noticed her fists tighten under the rippling water.
‘She’s paying attention to me too.’
For a moment, her gaze flicked to his thighs.
‘Uh… hmm.’
Looking up, she saw Ashur squinting and closing his eyes tightly.
‘Hmm… maybe now’s not the time?’
She glanced around.
Still, no one was there.
‘I shouldn’t… but I can’t help wanting to tease him.’
Sierra’s mischievous hand brushed against his thigh.
Ashur flinched in surprise.
“Sierra, we should head back—”
Before he could finish, Sierra grabbed his head and turned it.
“How long are you going to avoid looking at me?”
“Ugh.”
Ashur’s eyes turned red.
His hands gripped her shoulders.
“Right now… it’s dangerous.”
“Huh? There’s nothing around. What’s dangerous?”
Sierra peered at him with her bright eyes.
Though she was speaking playfully…
‘This is impossible…’
Her slightly parted lips looked irresistibly enticing.
Unable to resist, he captured their moist fullness in a kiss.
