Chapter 60
Alnazir’s thoughts were in turmoil. Touching her and sharing a bed with her felt good. That much made sense, something any human male would naturally feel.
But simply calling Fay pretty didn’t quite fit. She was far too cheeky for that. How many times had she dared to act like his equal without knowing her place? Even now, she was leaning against his chest, giggling for no clear reason…
“Putting it into words lets us know we feel the same. It’s reassuring—and it makes you happy.”
I like you too. Fay confessed in a voice so soft it barely heard. The warmth of her face, buried against his chest, seeped through his clothes.
Yes—she could be irritating at times, but she was also undeniably adorable and lovable. That much he couldn’t deny.
She said it would make him happy to confirm their feelings. And it did—so much it was almost overwhelming. His heart began to race, carrying that joy through every part of him, and he nearly nodded without thinking.
“Alnazir… My friends and I were talking about the emperor’s army coming.”
The Golden Army. You remember? Fay slipped into his arms, anxious.
“My fate is either to die by their hands, or for all of us to work together and defeat them.”
“You won’t die.”
“Because you’ll protect me?”
For a moment, Alnazir was speechless. Even he didn’t know why he had spoken so firmly.
“I think you could defeat the Golden Army. But, Alnazir, once that’s over, we’ll have to part ways.”
“…What?”
“That was our contract. You didn’t forget, did you?”
“I help you, and I get my reward. Was there anything else?”
His tongue nearly tangled in shock. His thoughts felt sluggish, as if they’d stopped completely.
“That’s the problem. Once the emperor’s army is defeated, the contract ends, and I’m obligated to send my invoked back to their original world.”
“….”
“So, Alnazir… if, maybe…”
“….”
“If you’d feel even a little sad about parting like that… Alnazir? Are you listening?”
He was so stunned he didn’t even hear her calling his name again and again.
He had endured all kinds of inconvenience just to stay here—to talk to her, to be with Fay. He’d even given her flowers, humoring and pampering her.
And yet, once he was no longer useful, he’d simply be sent away?
“Alnazir!”
Fay grabbed his arm and shook him. He finally blinked and looked at her.
“I’ll be honest. I don’t want to send you away. If I can help it…”
The tension in his brow suddenly melted. So she wasn’t planning to use him and discard him after all.
“I know what you’re trying to say.”
“Really? I’m not sure you do…”
“You want me to stay by your side.”
“You got it right!”
Fay’s eyes widened in surprise. Alnazir cupped her cheek and smiled with his eyes.
“Fine. I’ll stay. Your fragile life would be in danger again soon enough even without the emperor.”
“Hey! I might not be strong enough to protect others, but I can take care of myself!”
Fay protested indignantly. She’d lived through two wars already, this would be her third. No matter how messy it had been, surviving meant something.
Alnazir leaned in and lightly kissed her pout.
“I’ll make sure you survive gracefully this time.”
“Oh? You really think you can do that?”
“Do you doubt who I am?”
“I would, if you’d actually tell me who you are.”
Fay glanced around and lowered her voice.
“So… you really are a jellyfish?”
“That jellyfish again. I told you I’m a ruler. If you need a term you understand… you could call me a god.”
“A god?”
What a boast. No matter how confident he was, calling himself a god seemed a bit much. Fay assumed he was exaggerating.
Then again, even after the emperor’s purges, people still secretly worshiped all sorts of gods. In Aldehallow, she’d even seen people worship a mushroom—an actual mushroom.
“Mushroom?”
A sudden thought struck her. Mushrooms were worshiped as gods… and they didn’t have hearts. Just like someone else she knew.
“Your true form—it’s a mushroom, isn’t it?!”
If he were a plant-type being, then octopus or jellyfish would have been ridiculous guesses!
She beamed, convinced she’d cracked it—until her hand against his chest felt a steady thump, thump.
“Alnazir, that’s strange. It feels like your heart is beating.”
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