...Why is it taking so long?
Even as the sky darkened, turning a shade of purple, Berg did not return. So Ner posed the question to Jackson.
Both Ner and Arwin had stepped out of their rooms, keeping a watchful eye on the village entrance.
Shawn and Jackson were doing the sa.
It seed they were also worried about their colleagues who had yet to return.
In response to Ners question, Jackson frowned as if he didnt know and slightly tilted his head.
Well...
Ner responded to his noncommittal answer.
What?
Haha... If its the Vice-captain, hell be okay.
...
But even if the Vice-captain doesnt return, I promise to safely escort you to Stockpin. So, dont worry.
Jackson chuckled, making light of the situation.
However, both Arwin and Ner didnt react, maintaining stern expressions.
...
...
As Jackson scratched his head, feeling embarrassed, Shawn suddenly smacked the back of his head hard.
-Thump!
Despite witnessing their foolish behavior, Ners mood did not lighten.
Her heart felt heavy, as if it had sunk into a quagmire.
They managed to swiftly defeat even a larger monster that was known as the boss, so why was it taking so long just to handle a few monsters? She couldnt help but worry if they were injured and lying powerless sowhere.
...Haa.
This was nerve-wracking.
Disturbing thoughts swirled in Ners mind.
She had felt this nervous during the Celebrien request as well.
Indeed, there were no perks to having a husband whose job was a rcenary.
Did she always have to feel this anxious?
Is it common for this to happen?
Arwin continued, seeking answers.
Shawn shook his head, looking out towards the villages outskirts.
His response, indicating that such occurrences were uncommon, further hardened Arwins expression.
Ner could understand Arwins sentints.
Even if she wasnt yet in love with Berg, she couldnt deny her fondness for him.
Who could resist Bergs shining character?
He was beloved by the leader of the Red Flas, its mbers, the residents of Stockpin, and even the children of Stockpin.
rely based on his looks, won were attracted to him like a magnet, and his character was just as admirable.
How could anyone possibly hate him?
Ner felt this more profoundly than anyone else.
Berg, who would support her at any given mont, was impossible to resent.
His presence was reassuring, and he always made her smile.
Berg was also her first true friend.
Thus, she could empathize with Arwins rigid deanor.
All she wished for was Bergs safe return.
She hoped that no issues had arisen.
Knowing him as soone who frequently returned battered and bruised, she prayed that hed co back unhard just this once.
...What happened...?
Shawn, wearing a heavy expression, whispered his question to Jackson.
Ners keen ears didnt miss the quiet exchange.
The fact that even the squad mbers were anxious made Ners heart sink further.
...Had he been gravely injured?
...
Gathering her senses, Ner realized she was lightly biting her nails.
-Click... Click...
It was a thod she employed to overco the mounting ntal stress.
Thus, another stretch of ti passed, and darkness began to fall.
As the temperature started to drop, Jackson spoke up.
Ner-nim and Arwin-nim, perhaps its ti to head inside. Ill inform you both when the Vice-captain returns-
-Haa... Really making one anxious...
Interrupting him, Shawn let out a sigh of relief, relaxing his posture.
Jackson followed Shawns gaze, and he too sighed in relief.
Both Ner and Arwin rose simultaneously, their eyes landing on a group approaching from afar.
...Haa...
Only then did Ner feel the tension lt away from her body.
She sank back into her seat, letting the wave of relief wash over her.
Her tail began to sway involuntarily.
However, only complaints found their way out of her mouth.
...Why are they so late?
Arwin took a deep breath, her expression returning to its usual calm.
Shawn and Jackson stepped forward to greet their colleagues.
Ner attempted to follow them, but her previously tensed legs failed to support her now.
Ner? Arent you going to greet them?
Upon Arwins query, Ner shook her head. Admitting her legs had given out was sothing she was too embarrassed to do.
Ill wait here.
At her response, Arwin nodded and headed towards Berg.
****
Vice-captain! Why are you so late?
Shawn voiced his dissatisfaction with a scowl.
However, there wasnt much else to say.
There were more monsters than expected. They were hiding in larger numbers than anticipated.
I explained, conveying the days fatigue.
Baran stuck out his tongue and also added his two cents to Shawn and Jackson.
The number was greater than we had predicted.
At least give a heads up... Thought we were going to die from worry.
I left the irate Shawn behind and started walking towards the villages interior.
I first encountered Arwin, who had co out to et .
She gazed at with a stern expression.
With a smile, I asked, Have you been resting well?
...
At that greeting, Arwin furrowed her brows.
Youre late.
Chuckling, I continued walking, and Arwin naturally started trailing behind .
I must sll like sweat.
...
But Arwin walked alongside as if she hadnt heard a word.
In the distance, I spotted Ner, sitting by herself.
Seeing her tail wag at my sight sohow brought joy.
As I approached, she asked, Are you hurt anywhere?
Not at all. I told you it wasnt that challenging.
Hmph.
What?
If it wasnt challenging, why are you so late?
Seeing Ner make the sa point, I shrugged.
It seed both of them had been sharing the sa concerns.
Soon after, Nox appeared and looked my way.
Kayla peeked out from among the rcenaries and headed toward her father.
She seed utterly exhausted from todays work.
It seed her pestering finally reached its end.
Vice-captain, thank you for your hard work, Nox said.
Simultaneously, Kayla said to her father, ...Dad, there were way more monsters than we thought.
Nox drew a breath, looking shocked and slightly guilty.
Kayla continued, ...I think we should treat our guests more diligently. After all, the rcenaries practically eradicated the monsters in the vicinity.
Of course! Its only right, Nox said, turning to , Would you like to eat first? Or would you prefer to wash up?
I looked back at my n.
They all appeared rather worn out, and to , they seed pitiable.
Even if we were to relax, it was better to wash up first.
Ill wash up first, I told him.
Nox nodded vigorously, Then, in the anti, Ill prepare so alcohol and at for you.
I gazed up at the sky, letting out empty words.
Is it alright even though its getting late?
Of course. Its the least we can do for the heroes who saved our village.
****
The rcenaries all took their seats one by one in the inn, sharing tales of the day and preparing to enjoy the feast that awaited them.
Berg was no exception. He took a seat beside Arwin, letting out a lengthy sigh.
The innkeeper, having heard of the tales from Nox, approached Berg first.
If theres anything in particular youd like to eat, please let know. Ill make sure to bring it to you.
After pondering for a mont, Berg responded, Just bring any at.
And for drinks?
Berg glanced at Arwin.
Soon after, he smiled and asked, Do you have Bardi liquor?
Arwin felt a sudden jolt in her heart.
That seemingly inconsequential word made her body tense up.
Bardi liquor?
The innkeeper looked puzzled, not recognizing the na.
Berg then nodded in understanding and said, Just bring any drink then.
...
Arwin watched the retreating back of the innkeeper and then spoke to Berg once more.
...It seems youve truly grown fond of Bardi liquor.
Berg nodded in agreent, As I said, the more I drank, the more I liked it.
...
He then grinned, adding, Besides, it was the first drink you ever gave , wasnt it?
...
Arwin found herself unable to et Bergs gaze.
However, deciding she had no reason to feel guilty for not having done anything, she responded, ...Thats right.
.
.
.
The evenings drinking session carried on.
Listening to Berg recount the days events, Arwin discreetly filled his plate.
After a grueling day, she felt an urge to do sothing for him.
Having comforted her through her nightmare and consequently missing out on sleep, he must be more exhausted. It was the least courtesy she could offer.
-Thud.
The mont Bergs plate was empty, Arwin slid so at from her own plate over to him.
...
...
Both Ner, who had been in conversation, and Berg fell silent at her unexpected gesture of affection.
Even Arwin hadnt thought shed make such a tender move.
...Yet, part of it was because Berg had once asked her to play the role of the loving wife.
Arwin rolled her eyes to lock gaze with Berg, communicating the reason behind her gesture through her look.
Its just pretend, she conveyed with her eyes.
Berg seed to understand, raising an eyebrow before smiling gently.
Thank you.
Then, without hesitation, he accepted and ate the at Arwin had passed to him.
...
Witnessing that small gesture, Arwin had to resist the urge to smile.
How long had it been since shed felt this lightness, this desire to smile?
She wondered if she was foolish to be so affected by such a simple act.
She shouldnt forget that he was a short-lived species, after all.
...Still, that fact didnt prevent a budding affection for him.
...
Arwin glanced cautiously at Berg.
Perhaps it was okay for them to beco closer.
Unbeknownst to herself, the door to her heart was gradually opening towards Berg.
Excuse ...
At that mont, soone approached their table.
When Arwin looked back, she saw a woman with long ears protruding from her head.
It was Kayla, who had spent the entire day with Berg, battling monsters.
Arwin unwittingly wore a stern expression.
All the more since Kayla was from the Cat tribe, notorious for their licentiousness.
...Why?
Ner mirrored Arwin, addressing Kayla with an icy deanor.
Kayla hesitated briefly before pulling out a bottle of liquor from behind her.
It was the sa Bardi liquor.
I... I heard you were looking for it earlier...
Kaylas eyes were fixed solely on Berg.
Where she had gotten that bottle from wasnt the issue.
Arwin simply didnt like the look in Kaylas eyes.
Was it because Kayla disregarded them, who were nobles, and only looked out for commoner?
Arwin couldnt tell.
...Leave it and go, Ner commanded.
Her tone indicated she would continue the charade for Bergs sake, treating Kayla coldly.
...
Yet, Kayla did not back down as easily as before, even in the face of Ners words.
The hesitant Kayla made a proposal.
...May I pour just one drink for Berg-nim?
...
...As a token of gratitude for protecting all day.
Arwin didnt want to leave Ner alone with the burden of their act.
So she spoke up too.
...Leave. Theres no place for you here right now.
No place... for ? But the humans practice polygamy...
Arwin was taken aback by Kaylas response.
Was she genuinely clueless about the insinuation, or was it a provocation?
...Kayla. Leave.
But Berg interjected.
As Ive said before, I have no intention of taking another wife.
Disappointnt clouded Kaylas face.
Yet Berg seed unshaken, as if hed seen that look many tis before.
Thats enough. Youre out of line.
...
Finally, Kayla nodded.
She placed the bottle on the table and slowly turned away.
Berg shifted the topic as he looked at Ner and Arwin.
By tomorrow, you both will find out why we ca to Dams village.
Seeing him like this, Arwin felt an odd sense of satisfaction.
She couldnt quite pinpoint what it was.
****
Ner entered the room with Berg.
As he carelessly threw off his top, Ner unknowingly held her breath.
...
For so reason, the sight of his once intimidating physique now made her heart race for entirely different reasons.
With ti, she began to understand why people often remarked on Bergs good looks.
The only flaw now was the scar marring his cheek.
A remnant left thanks to Arwin.
Whew.
With a long sigh, Berg lay down on the bed.
The scent of alcohol wafted from his breath.
Still, Ner felt an increasing sense of joy.
She rejoiced in the fact that Berg had safely returned and that she wouldnt have to sleep alone tonight.
She couldnt help the smile that ford, nor could she stop her tail from wagging.
All her worries about him not coming back now belonged to the past.
Berg seed to let himself be consud by the alcohols haze, showing off his signature smile.
While lying down, he gazed at Ner.
She didnt avert her eyes from him.
Co.
Berg stretched out his arm, offering sothing.
...
Ner imdiately knew what he was suggesting.
They had tried it once in the Celebrien territory.
He was offering his arm as a pillow once more.
...
Casually and lightly, as if it ant nothing at all, Ner nestled into his arm.
As if she were simply going along with the mood.
If she hesitated or showed any sign of embarrassnt, Berg might think she was making a big deal out of it.
Tomorrow will be fun, Ner,
Berg whispered at the sa ti.
We will play until late without any reservations.
Ner looked at him and nodded.
Then lets go to sleep now,
She suggested.
In truth, she had a different agenda in mind.
Her night hadnt even started yet.
Arwin had spent a long ti conversing with Berg... now it was her turn to share ti with him.
At her words, Berg nodded.
Whether he was tired or tipsy, Berg swiftly fell asleep, his breathing ragged and deep.
...
Ner reopened her eyes, which she had montarily closed.
Lately, she found herself becoming addicted to Bergs scent.
It had been a challenge resisting it all day.
Though her mind protested, her body kept searching for his scent.
It wasnt because she had feelings for Berg.
It was simply that she couldnt help but be drawn to Bergs body odor.
Once he settled into a deep sleep, Ner lightly pressed his cheek with her finger to check his consciousness, and then... she sat up.
Her shimring eyes slowly drifted toward Bergs embrace.
Arwins World Tree leaf pendant that hung around his neck felt out of place, so she brushed it aside sowhat roughly.
With all the unpleasant events that had happened since yesterday, it was hard for her to suppress her urges.
Ner leaned in, burying her face into his chest.
Taking a deep breath
......................
Ner froze mid-breath.
Her heart felt as if it dropped, sinking into a quagmire of emotions.
There was sothing else mixed in with Bergs scent.
It didnt take her long to recognize it.
Not just body odor... pheromones.
A scent with clear intent emanated from Bergs body.
It was a scent left by another woman.
A fragrance that lingered even after a bath.
Ner instinctively understood the aning of the scent.
The current pheromones indicated...
I want to mate with you.
She had suspected it might be from that catwoman, but she didnt expect it to be this blatant.
-Grit...
Ner gritted her teeth.
It had been a long ti since she felt this level of discomfort.
For a mber of the werewolf tribe to leave such a scent on their mate was a massive provocation.
Berg seed unaware, but... for such a potent scent to emanate from his body, there must have been contact.
I distinctly told her not to touch my husband...
Ner reminisced about her past warning.
Did that hussy understand the implications of disregarding a Blackwood?
Ner couldnt precisely pinpoint which aspect infuriated her more.
Was it the audacity of the woman to act this way with the mate of soone from the werewolf tribe?
Was it the underestimation of the Blackwoods?
Or... was it her approaching Berg?
...
It couldnt have been the last reason.
She wanted to believe that wasnt the case.
Regardless, that wasnt important to her now.
Ner quietly gazed down at Berg.
Then, she did sothing she had never thought she would.
Hssss...
Almost instantly after making up her mind, a distinct scent surged from her.
It was subtle enough for Berg not to detect, but for those who could perceive pheromones, it was overwhelmingly intense.
In essence, Ner too was a Blackwood.
She emitted a rich and intimidating scent that the village hussy could never produce.
Soon, she gazed at the soundly sleeping Berg.
Slowly, very slowly, she drew closer.
...The closer we seem... the better, right?
Ner whispered to Berg with weary eyes.
So... this is what you wanted, wasnt it?
In the end, Ner nestled her cheek against his chest.
-Thump.
The warmth of his embrace brought a sense of comfort.
But she wasnt one to stop there.
With intention, she rubbed her face against his chest.
-Swish... Swish...
With her long white hair, she wiped away Kaylas pheromones.
Marking her territory.
To ensure that hussy wouldnt dare approach again.
At the sa ti, she inhaled the gradually returning scent of Berg.
In that fragrance, Ner felt increasing solace.
...Haa...
She took a deep breath, becoming intoxicated by his scent.
Throughout the night, Ner continued to rub herself against every part of his chest.
The End of The Chapter
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