Chapter 73: Dems Village (4)

 

“...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 same.

 

It seemed they were also worried about their colleagues who had yet to return.

 

In response to Ner’s question, Jackson frowned as if he didn’t know and slightly tilted his head.

 

“Well...”

 

Ner responded to his noncommittal answer.

 

“What?”

 

“Haha... If it’s the Vice-captain, he’ll be okay.”

 

“...”

 

“But even if the Vice-captain doesn’t return, I promise to safely escort you to Stockpin. So, don’t worry.”

 

Jackson chuckled, making light of the situation.

 

However, both Arwin and Ner didn’t 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, Ner’s 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 couldn’t help but worry if they were injured and lying powerless somewhere.

 

“...Haa.”

 

This was nerve-wracking.

 

Disturbing thoughts swirled in Ner’s 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 mercenary.

 

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 village’s outskirts.

 

His response, indicating that such occurrences were uncommon, further hardened Arwin’s expression.

 

Ner could understand Arwin’s sentiments.

 

Even if she wasn’t yet in love with Berg, she couldn’t deny her fondness for him.

 

Who could resist Berg’s shining character?

 

He was beloved by the leader of the Red Flames, its members, the residents of Stockpin, and even the children of Stockpin.

 

Merely based on his looks, women 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 moment, 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 Arwin’s rigid demeanor.

 

All she wished for was Berg’s safe return.

 

She hoped that no issues had arisen.

 

Knowing him as someone who frequently returned battered and bruised, she prayed that he’d come back unharmed just this once.

 

‘...What happened...?’

 

Shawn, wearing a heavy expression, whispered his question to Jackson.

 

Ner’s keen ears didn’t miss the quiet exchange.

 

The fact that even the squad members were anxious made Ner’s heart sink further.

 

...Had he been gravely injured?

 

“...”

 

Gathering her senses, Ner realized she was lightly biting her nails.

 

-Click... Click...

 

It was a method she employed to overcome the mounting mental stress.

 

Thus, another stretch of time passed, and darkness began to fall.

 

As the temperature started to drop, Jackson spoke up.

 

“Ner-nim and Arwin-nim, perhaps it’s time to head inside. I’ll 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 Shawn’s 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 melt 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? Aren’t you going to greet them?”

 

Upon Arwin’s query, Ner shook her head. Admitting her legs had given out was something she was too embarrassed to do.

 

“I’ll 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 wasn’t much else to say.

 

“There were more monsters than expected. They were hiding in larger numbers than anticipated.”

 

I explained, conveying the day’s 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 village’s interior.

 

I first encountered Arwin, who had come out to meet me.

 

She gazed at me with a stern expression.

 

With a smile, I asked, “Have you been resting well?”

 

“...”

 

At that greeting, Arwin furrowed her brows.

 

“You’re late.”

 

Chuckling, I continued walking, and Arwin naturally started trailing behind me.

 

“I must smell like sweat.”

 

“...”

 

But Arwin walked alongside me as if she hadn’t heard a word.

 

In the distance, I spotted Ner, sitting by herself.

 

Seeing her tail wag at my sight somehow brought me joy.

 

As I approached, she asked, “Are you hurt anywhere?”

 

“Not at all. I told you it wasn’t that challenging.”

 

“Hmph.”

 

“What?”

 

“If it wasn’t challenging, why are you so late?”

 

Seeing Ner make the same point, I shrugged.

 

It seemed both of them had been sharing the same concerns.

 

Soon after, Nox appeared and looked my way.

 

Kayla peeked out from among the mercenaries and headed toward her father.

 

She seemed utterly exhausted from today’s work.

 

It seemed 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 mercenaries practically eradicated the monsters in the vicinity.”

 

“Of course! It’s only right,” Nox said, turning to me, “Would you like to eat first? Or would you prefer to wash up?”

 

I looked back at my men.

 

They all appeared rather worn out, and to me, they seemed pitiable.

 

Even if we were to relax, it was better to wash up first.

 

“I’ll wash up first,” I told him.

 

Nox nodded vigorously, “Then, in the meantime, I’ll prepare some alcohol and meat for you.”

 

I gazed up at the sky, letting out empty words.

 

“Is it alright even though it’s getting late?”

 

“Of course. It’s the least we can do for the heroes who saved our village.”

 

****

 

The mercenaries 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 there’s anything in particular you’d like to eat, please let me know. I’ll make sure to bring it to you.”

 

After pondering for a moment, Berg responded, “Just bring any meat.”

 

“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 name.

 

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 you’ve truly grown fond of Bardi liquor.”

 

Berg nodded in agreement, “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 me, wasn’t it?”

 

“...”

 

Arwin found herself unable to meet Berg’s gaze.

 

However, deciding she had no reason to feel guilty for not having done anything, she responded, “...That’s right.”

 

.

.

.

 

The evening’s drinking session carried on.

 

Listening to Berg recount the day’s events, Arwin discreetly filled his plate.

 

After a grueling day, she felt an urge to do something 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 moment Berg’s plate was empty, Arwin slid some meat 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 hadn’t thought she’d 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.

 

‘It’s just pretend,’ she conveyed with her eyes.

 

Berg seemed to understand, raising an eyebrow before smiling gently.

 

“Thank you.”

 

Then, without hesitation, he accepted and ate the meat Arwin had passed to him.

 

“...”

 

Witnessing that small gesture, Arwin had to resist the urge to smile.

 

How long had it been since she’d felt this lightness, this desire to smile?

 

She wondered if she was foolish to be so affected by such a simple act.

 

She shouldn’t forget that he was a short-lived species, after all.

 

...Still, that fact didn’t prevent a budding affection for him.

 

“...”

 

Arwin glanced cautiously at Berg.

 

Perhaps it was okay for them to become closer.

 

Unbeknownst to herself, the door to her heart was gradually opening towards Berg.

 

“Excuse me...”

 

At that moment, someone 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 demeanor.

 

Kayla hesitated briefly before pulling out a bottle of liquor from behind her.

 

It was the same Bardi liquor.

 

“I... I heard you were looking for it earlier...”

 

Kayla’s eyes were fixed solely on Berg.

 

Where she had gotten that bottle from wasn’t the issue.

 

Arwin simply didn’t like the look in Kayla’s eyes.

 

Was it because Kayla disregarded them, who were nobles, and only looked out for commoner?

 

Arwin couldn’t tell.

 

“...Leave it and go,” Ner commanded.

 

Her tone indicated she would continue the charade for Berg’s sake, treating Kayla coldly.

 

“...”

 

Yet, Kayla did not back down as easily as before, even in the face of Ner’s words.

 

The hesitant Kayla made a proposal.

 

“...May I pour just one drink for Berg-nim?”

 

“...”

 

“...As a token of gratitude for protecting me all day.”

 

Arwin didn’t want to leave Ner alone with the burden of their act.

 

So she spoke up too.

 

“...Leave. There’s no place for you here right now.”

 

“No place... for me? But the humans practice polygamy...”

 

Arwin was taken aback by Kayla’s response.

 

Was she genuinely clueless about the insinuation, or was it a provocation?

 

“...Kayla. Leave.”

 

But Berg interjected.

 

“As I’ve said before, I have no intention of taking another wife.”

 

Disappointment clouded Kayla’s face.

 

Yet Berg seemed unshaken, as if he’d seen that look many times before.

 

“That’s enough. You’re 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 came to Dams village.”

 

Seeing him like this, Arwin felt an odd sense of satisfaction.

 

She couldn’t quite pinpoint what it was.

 

****

 

Ner entered the room with Berg.

 

As he carelessly threw off his top, Ner unknowingly held her breath.

 

“...”

 

For some reason, the sight of his once intimidating physique now made her heart race for entirely different reasons.

 

With time, she began to understand why people often remarked on Berg’s 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 wouldn’t have to sleep alone tonight.

 

She couldn’t help the smile that formed, nor could she stop her tail from wagging.

 

All her worries about him not coming back now belonged to the past.

 

Berg seemed to let himself be consumed by the alcohol’s haze, showing off his signature smile.

 

While lying down, he gazed at Ner.

 

She didn’t avert her eyes from him.

 

“Come.”

 

Berg stretched out his arm, offering something.

 

“...”

 

Ner immediately 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 meant 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 embarrassment, Berg might think she was making a big deal out of it.

 

“Tomorrow will be fun, Ner,”

 

Berg whispered at the same time.

 

“We will play until late without any reservations.”

 

Ner looked at him and nodded.

 

“…Then let’s go to sleep now,”

 

She suggested.

 

In truth, she had a different agenda in mind.

 

Her night hadn’t even started yet.

 

Arwin had spent a long time conversing with Berg... now it was her turn to share time 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 momentarily closed.

 

Lately, she found herself becoming addicted to Berg’s scent.

 

It had been a challenge resisting it all day.

 

Though her mind protested, her body kept searching for his scent.

 

It wasn’t because she had feelings for Berg.

 

It was simply that she couldn’t help but be drawn to Berg’s 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 shimmering eyes slowly drifted toward Berg’s embrace.

 

Arwin’s World Tree leaf pendant that hung around his neck felt out of place, so she brushed it aside somewhat 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 something else mixed in with Berg’s scent.

 

It didn’t take her long to recognize it.

 

Not just body odor... pheromones.

 

A scent with clear intent emanated from Berg’s body.

 

It was a scent left by another woman.

 

A fragrance that lingered even after a bath.

 

Ner instinctively understood the meaning of the scent.

 

The current pheromones indicated...

 

‘I want to mate with you.’

 

She had suspected it might be from that catwoman, but she didn’t expect it to be this blatant.

 

-Grit...

 

Ner gritted her teeth.

 

It had been a long time since she felt this level of discomfort.

 

For a member of the werewolf tribe to leave such a scent on their mate was a massive provocation.

 

Berg seemed 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 couldn’t precisely pinpoint which aspect infuriated her more.

 

Was it the audacity of the woman to act this way with the mate of someone from the werewolf tribe?

 

Was it the underestimation of the Blackwoods?

 

Or... was it her approaching Berg?

 

“...”

 

It couldn’t have been the last reason.

 

She wanted to believe that wasn’t the case.

 

Regardless, that wasn’t important to her now.

 

Ner quietly gazed down at Berg.

 

Then, she did something 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, wasn’t it?”

 

In the end, Ner nestled her cheek against his chest.

 

-Thump.

 

The warmth of his embrace brought a sense of comfort.

 

But she wasn’t one to stop there.

 

With intention, she rubbed her face against his chest.

 

-Swish... Swish...

 

With her long white hair, she wiped away Kayla’s pheromones.

 

Marking her territory.

 

To ensure that hussy wouldn’t dare approach again.

 

At the same time, 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 – – –