8 The Village of Beginning - Part 3

Thankfully, Only Aura is aware of the content in the bottle. Since I am a foreigner on this continent, I will pretend not to know the drug.

We cannot rest in the afternoon. It is an awkward situation.

"You can take the bed Aura, I will sleep on the floor."

"No, Cory. You are the one who needs rest. You fight harder."

Our communication was exchanged like that without a conclusion. In the end, we just sit back on each other, waiting until the night of the party. I can feel the heat coming out from her back.

"Aura, can you teach me how to use magic?"

Aura turns over. "You cannot use magic? What about the healing magic you used before?"

I forgot, and almost slap my forehead. "No, that was...how do you say it here? A nano heal summon fairies." I just blabbered every nonsense I could think of.

"A fairies? Do you mean Ashtary's goddess little helper? You can summon them?"

Aura's gaze filled with curiosity and glittering full of excitement. I backed out a bit, surprised by her reaction.

"Yeah right, it was different from the magic."

"Can you show it to me? Can I use it too?!"

"They are very small for our eyes to see. And they are a bit naughty."

[I am not]

-- Just let it be -- I hushed Nia in my mind.

[For full ability, a full connection is needed. Proceed?]

-- No --

Aura looks crestfallen with her scarlet eyes downcasted. "I see. Too bad."

"But they can listen to you. Try to speak in your mind and the fairies will pass it to me."

"Really? Wait."

Aura zealously thinks hard, with her eyes closed. Then suddenly her face becomes red. Then she shakes her head, her red hair fluttering around. It looks amusing to see her variety of expressions. I smiled unknowingly.

"Wait! Wait! Can I retract that back?" Her face flushed red. " A mixed thought comes out."

I am really curious about what is she thinking when her face becomes redder.

Maybe a tease could be fun.

"Alright fairies, time's up. Time to tell me?" I clap my hands.

"Noo!" She jumped.

Accidentally, she pushed me out of the bed. Since the bed is small we both fell on the floor.

I tasted something sweet in my mouth, and there is something soft touched my lips. When I opened my eyes, the scene in front of me was so unbelievable.

We accidentally kissed.

I never know the lips of a woman could be this soft and sweet tasted. I can feel her breath sweep down on my face, like a smooth wind on the valley. Her red long hair touches my face, very delicate. I can feel her heart on my chest, thumping fast.

We keep silent for a moment. Not a word. Not a Voice. Just our breath on each other faces.

Aura closed her eyes. Unconsciously, I reached the back of her head. My fingers slowly ride between her hair and pushed her head towards mine subtly. It is only three centimeters before our lips meet again.

Knock, knock.

Aura jumped out from her position, away from me. I stand faster than lightning, trying to smooth my clothes.

I opened the door. A bulky man stands in front of me, gazes at me, and then changed his gaze to Aura. It is Gandor.

"Oops, looks like I come at the wrong time," Gandor said closing his mouth.

I shut the door without replying.

***** ***** *****

"Welp, it was an accident, Cory. Hope you forgive me. Sana, the mother of Kloa and Darren insists that I give the food to you. She is grateful for her children's safety." Gandor sips his wine from the wooden cup.

It is already night. The festive has already begun to celebrate the safe returns of the children. Foods from the forest line up on the table.

Meat, vegetables, fruit, bread, and wine. It looks delicious. The food in the Federation is artificial, they put important artificial nutrition in it, enough for the body to keep functioning. The taste? don't ask.

A bonfire was placed in the middle of the field. A man and a woman danced around it. The festive is so hyped, that a lot of laughter can be heard.

"I don't mind at all," I said while gulping down the wine.

"Three big bucket glasses. Never thought you are a good drinker. That's a man." Gandor laughed a big laugh.

I am not.

[Alcohol detected, cleansed the body]

Nia prevented me from getting drunk. I can taste the wine, but I feel like I missing out on something. I need to keep sober.

"By the way, are you both nobles?"

I put down my glasses, and gaze at him. "What do you mean?"

"Don't get me wrong, I was a merchant in the past. Your speech and manner, the clothes you wear. It's different."

I glanced at Aura. She is playing with the children and humoring the village women. The Bonfire light just gives her hair a more luster red color.

"You guys saved my boy and Sana's children, I am forever grateful for that. I will not pry your business. Where do you guys plan to go?"

"Thanks. We are heading to the Cromgrain."

"Hmm." Gandor then waves his hand to a teen boy. The teenager comes at him. "This is Grish. My first son, and the elder brother of Gran. He and Saft will go to Krim Town, the east of Cromgrain Kingdom for monthly trade. Will you guard them?

"I can do that, but we will not go back to the village."

"It is fine, they will hire adventurers for an escort back. But I will only pay you with food, ordinary clothes, and a small sack of silver and copper."

I catch the meaning of what Gandor just said.

He is a good man, isn't he?

"Give us that job. I will make sure the two of them save." I offered my hand.

Gandor smiled and shake my hand strongly. "Great. Now is the time for drinking! Everyone! Cheers!"

He lifted his wooden cup high, the other villagers follow up. Even Aura lifts her glass high while laughing heartfully.

-- Geez. I want to enjoy the festivities too. Nia turns off the intoxication function --

[It is not suggested to turn it off. Proceed?]

-- Yes, let's have fun tonight. --

We drinks, and laughed a lot like there is no tomorrow. And the disaster happened the next morning.