Chapter 44: Breeder (4)

Chapter 44: Breeder (4)

It's a shame. If only I could have held out a little longer, I could have seen something great. That's what I was thinking to myself.

It wasn't that I considered it a waste to see that kind of trivial thing, but rather, I had missed an opportunity to observe their techniques.

Wouldn't they suspect something if I went back now after only doing that much? They must have wanted to finish the sparring first.

In the game, the story unfolds such that the player's location is revealed during the sparring process.

"So, so, what I mean is how did this happen!"

Luna, who should not have seen that secret, was in a state of panic.

Her eyes spun wildly, and her hands fluttered aimlessly. Anyone could see she was reacting with confusion.

The couple discovered in their secret romance was no different, showing faces of complete surprise and embarrassment.

"Anyway, you managed to slip through our detection quite skillfully, didn't you?"

Gloria fanned herself and spoke, her tone not reproachful.

For her, assessing the situation was the priority. First, they had to figure out how we followed them here.

I bet they had been wary up till just before we entered the forest, never letting their guard down in anticipation of such an event.

Rather than being angry that we had broken through their defenses, they must have been filled with questions.

"That, that"

In response to Gloria's question, Luna glanced at me, stammering.

She seemed to be wrestling with whether or not to mention me.

As far as I knew, Luna was incapable of lying. And after much deliberation, she gave an honest answer.

"Sivar said"

"Sivar did?"

"Yes. It was Sivar who said we should follow"

That was the truth. Luna went because I suggested it. That was all she could really say.

But Gloria appeared to think otherwise. Wrinkling her pretty face, she spoke with a voice tinted with disappointment.

"I'm disappointed, Luna."

"Yes, yes?"

"We've heard about Sivar too. That he lived in the wilderness, in the forest."

Luna stood there with a dumbfounded look, apparently not understanding why she was being scolded.

"If you are going to lie, you shouldn't tell that kind of lie. Do you think Sivar knows nothing?"

"Yes, yes? No, that's not what I meant"

There's an expression for this situation: it's both dumbfounding and stifling. That must be how Luna felt.

Sure that she spoke the truth, she suddenly found herself mistaken for a liar, a truly bewildering circumstance.

"It's true Sivar, say something, please."

"Okay."

"But not just that. You're the one who said we should go."

"I did."

Indeed, I did.

"Sigh Luna?"

"Yes?"

"You're becoming more disappointing."

"Why?!"

That's another matter, irrespective of whether those people would believe us or not.

Luna might have spent a lot of time with me and knew me to some extent, but Gloria and Kronos did not.

They likely regarded me as a naive person from the forest, someone easily swayed by Luna that seemed probable.

For Luna, it must be incredibly frustrating. She did not lie, yet she was being accused of falsehood.

"I've never lied! It's true, Sivar"

"Enough. Let's let this slide for now. The important thing isnt that. Instead, I'll commend you for getting past not just my detection, but also Ria's."

Luna gave up after realizing they did not trust her at all. Injustice filled her expression.

Then, with a deep sigh, she spoke in a voice close to resignation.

"Alright. So, you two are in that sort of relationship, right?"

"If you mean a romantic relationship Yes, that's correct."

"But aren't your home countries at odds with each other?"

"To explain that would take a bit longer"

Gloria, sensing what Luna might say, turned to look at Kronos.

Kronos was just as uncomfortable with the situation, managing only an awkward smile.

They'd never believe it was love at first sight.'

No empty wordsthey had fallen at first sight for each other, even if they denied it initially.

However, after directly confronting each other with weapons, they began to feel an attraction and thus started their secret romance.

What does it matter if their countries are hostile? One cannot resist when the ideal person is right before ones eyes.

Moreover, it isn't a one-sided affair; their compatibility is painfully obvious.

This kind of information is something you learn once a certain level of favor is achieved. It's an indicator of just how much favor has accumulated.

"The important matter isn't that right now. Luna and Sivar know our secret, and we have to prevent it from spreading."

"What if I did spread it?"

"The Marta Empire and the Granada Empire would lose valuable human resources. We would just have to flee, that's all."

Hearing the blunt reply, Luna muttered, "A love's escape?" That's certainly one way to interpret it.

While it sounds romantic, reality is anything but. If the secret leaks, they would live their lives as fugitives.

Whether it's the Marta Empire or the Granada Empire, they would be branded traitors and pursued. A happy life would be far out of reach.

To prevent that, they had to meet in secret. They had no choice but to comply with any demands.Read latest chapters at nov(e)lbin.com Only

"However, neither Ria nor I want that. Sadly, we each love our homelands in our own ways."

"I see."

"As a condition for not disclosing the secret, we will help you as much as we can, even materially."

Kronoss plea shows that they are well aware of their own standing.

Reluctant or not, they are representatives of their nations. Weapons that both countries can proudly brandish.

Gloria exemplifies the justice and honor preferred by Marta, and Kronos represents the strength and pragmatism adored by Granada.

Both faces indulging in a secret romance? The moment this secret becomes public, things will go from complicated to downright chaotic.

It would make an excellent romance novel plot.'

But reality is a quagmire. To turn reality into fiction, a good deal of toil is necessary.

Should the promise be broken and the secret spilled, not only would favor plunge, but honor would also hit rock bottom.

I really want some candy. I'm feeling dizzy for it.

*****

After our agreement (?) to maintain the secret was reached, we had various conversations.

Though the secret was out, we didn't give up on sparring altogether. It just took more time.

Moreover, as there was another sparring session planned after this one, taking a long time didn't raise any suspicions.

"You have another round of sparring after this? What do you mean?"

"It's just as I said. Have you ever heard of body dialogue'?"

""

"You don't seem to know. It's a thing."

Luna was puzzled with Gloria, who seemed to dote on her, tilting her head not understanding what body dialogue' meant.

Anyway, the situation was wrapped up nicely, and Luna and Sivar were planning to leave.

Staying here would mean gaining nothing, and they would just be in the way of training.

Moreover, lunchtime was nearly over. They couldn't be late for the afternoon classes.

"Um Miss Gloria."

"Please, just call me Gloria. So why did you call me?"

"Uh"

Luna's gaze drifted for a moment. In the direction she looked, Sivar was observing Kronos's weapon.

Whizz! Whoom!

"Wait a moment! Be careful, you might get hurt!"

"Whoa."

Sivar was swinging the giant battle axe like a baseball bat with one hand. It was a moment that displayed his incredible strength.

Luna, looking at the two men enjoying themselves, turned her head back to Gloria.

Up close, Gloria was truly beautiful. Snow-white hair and skin, and eyes that shone a clear blue.

Luna briefly marveled at the breathtaking beauty but then asked the question she had been curious about.

"How long have you and Kronos been together, Gloria?"

"I'm turning 30 now so about seven years."

"Did no one ever find out in all that time?"

"No. There were a few close calls, but no one ever suspected."

Luna wore a look of amazement. It was like walking a tightrope without getting caught.

How did they keep from getting caught? It was curious how they managed to create situations like today naturally.

Luna glanced back at Sivar. He was playing with the battle axe, balancing it on top of his head.

He was precariously balancing the end of the handle on his forehead, which was yet another incomprehensible act.

"Then, may I ask you something?"

"What do you want to know? About how we met?"

"Not that. I'm curious how you can be alone together without raising suspicions."

"Oh."

Gloria put her hand to her mouth, shocked. She hadn't expected to be asked that.

She then whispered so quietly that others couldn't hear us, facing Luna who was earnestly waiting.

"Do you find yourself in a situation where being alone together might raise suspicions?"

"Um"

Luna glanced at Sivar again. Gloria realized something from that look.

There could be something between Luna and Sivar. Thinking about it, there were many odd things that pointed to it.

First of all, the fact that Luna and Sivar had followed them here was where her suspicions started.

Could it be that Sivar student?'

While Luna was mulling over this, Gloria took a look at Sivar. Objectively, he was quite handsome.

Yet, overall, he was too sleek for her tastes. Her preference was for the bear-like build of Kronos.

I have a unique taste. But I'm one to talk.'

Still, she ought to support them enthusiastically. It sounded like Luna had brought Sivar here first.

These kinds of connections accumulate and eventually lead to affection. It was the same when she first started with Kronos.

While Gloria was stacking up her misinterpretations, Luna blurted out without much thought.

"That might be it. There's hardly ever a case where the two of us are alone."

"Um~"

"How could it not be?"

"There's no reason it couldn't be."

Luna beamed at Gloria's answer. She sensed that soon there would be a chance to be alone with Sivar.

"But it's hard to go on words alone."

"What?"

"If you gain my trust, Luna, I will pass on my know-how to you."

Luna felt disappointed upon hearing the rest of Gloria's words. But it was a logical statement.

What would make Gloria trust her enough to teach her that? Building trust was the priority, as Gloria had said.

The more time they kept the secret, the more trust would gradually build. They just had to wait until then.

There's plenty of time.'

Time was on her side. Only she and Ratatoskr knew about the cave wall paintings that Sivar used to live by.

Since Ratatoskr showed no interest in the paintings, it was okay to leave him out. Thus, she was the only one who knew about the wall paintings.

"I understand. I'll try to gain Gloria's trust."

"Thank you. I don't believe Luna would break our promise, but given our circumstances, we can't help but be cautious."

"I can understand that."

"But this much I think I can share."

Just as Luna nodded and was about to move on, Gloria gave a hint that she was about to offer some advice.

Luna perked up and faced her, and at that moment, Gloria spoke with a graceful smile.

"Love transcends borders. Just as it was with Kronos and me."

"Really?"

"You won't be any different, Luna. I'll be here supporting you."

Luna made a quick judgment upon hearing that advice.

"Understood."

It seemed best to affirm for now.