56. Aftermath

It wasn’t until today that I realized: although the “process” of some things is undoubtedly enjoyable, exhilarating beyond words, when everything ends and it’s time to “clean up the battlefield,” it becomes tedious and troublesome.

After everything was over, including but not limited to cleaning up some crumpled paper with Ke Fei Er and throwing it out; tidying up the clothes and sheets to wash and hang them; taking a shower one after another… After all these things were done, I finally lay down in bed with Ke Fei Er and realized: it was already deep into the night.

Is this what they call… “afterwards”? Or is it some kind of “sage state”? Even though Ke Fei Er was lightly dressed, cuddling my arm and lying beside me, the only thought left in my mind was “my wife is so beautiful,” with no other distractions, pure as a blank sheet of paper!

Perhaps… I still felt a bit “empty,” after all, Ke Fei Er beside me looked so spirited, giving off a strong sense of “wanting more.”

Is it because of “satisfaction”? At this moment, Ke Fei Er didn’t dwell on the matter of “which woman I was thinking about tonight,” and even casually teased me about it.

“So, are you going to do something with Nilu again? Clearly, I haven’t said anything yet, and you’re already nervous. It wouldn’t be something strange, would it?”

Of course not!

And I’m not nervous at all; it’s just that you, my dear, are too proactive, right!? What I initially wanted was to tell you my plans at the table, not in bed late at night.

Of course, I would never say that out loud. Some things, regardless of who comes first, once they happen, the man has to take the blame.

“There’s been a ‘leak’ about the ‘secret’ of the Saint Candidate, and since it’s in other towns of the church, Ke Fei Er, I must take Nilu with me to hide these ‘secrets’ well. Uh… to put it simply: I’ll be leaving with Nilu for a while.”

Pausing, I turned my face to meet Ke Fei Er’s gaze. In this plan, I wasn’t lying, so I had to look her in the eyes and say it seriously.

At this distance, not to mention the sound of Ke Fei Er’s breathing, even the sound of her fingers brushing against my sleeve was clear. As for the image that seemed to stir my thoughts again, it was better to hold back; if this went on endlessly, by the time I was exhausted, it would probably be dawn.

“Moreover, it’s about being alone. After all, Ke Fei’er, you can’t come along, right? The upcoming events with the queen still require your presence.”

As our eyes met, I lost track of time. Ke Fei’er, somewhat displeased, puffed out her cheeks and said, “You silly charlatan, even if you spoke to me normally, I would agree. Why do you have to flatter me like this? Do you not trust me?”

What a misunderstanding, big shot! I couldn’t say it at other times, but tonight, it was definitely you who made the first move!

Seeing that I didn’t respond, Ke Fei’er reached out to poke me: “Feeling guilty?”

“No.”

“Then why are your eyes wandering?”

“Because I saw too much…”

Who told you, Ke Fei’er, to reach out like that? From my angle, my gaze could easily… linger in certain places, reminding me of things that had just happened. Back and forth like this, even if I am currently a “blank slate,” I couldn’t help but have some “impure thoughts.” How could I not let my gaze drift?

“!”

Finally realizing this, Ke Fei’er hurriedly covered her chest with one hand and pushed my chin with the other, trying to “redirect” my gaze. Gradually, her voice lost its confidence.

“Then just go. I don’t want to say much about Nilu’s identity, but when you encounter trouble, she will still help you, right?”

“…”

That is indeed the case. Although Ke Fei’er’s “protagonist halo” can spare me from the threat of a death script, as the “big boss,” Nilu, even without any “protagonist halo,” can still use her identity to achieve similar things. The strengths of the two women are comparable, and their attitudes toward me are entirely genuine. Aside from some extremely serious threats that might require Ke Fei’er’s halo to “defy fate,” ordinary little troubles can be resolved perfectly by Nilu.

Moreover, judging from Ke Fei’er’s response, she seems to have tacitly acknowledged this fact and accepted Nilu’s existence; otherwise, she wouldn’t have agreed so straightforwardly, trusting both me and Nilu. Although the two women have been subtly bickering lately, the earlier incident with Ula Xilu has indeed brought Ke Fe’er and Nilu closer together, to some extent.

So, I had to say this.

“You understanding this is more than enough; I won’t bother with any boring thank-yous. However, Ke Fei’er…”

This time, disregarding the shy Ke Fei’er’s attempts to push me away, I insisted on turning to look at her. I felt that only by locking eyes could my thoughts and intentions be conveyed precisely to Ke Fe’er’s heart.

“Don’t forget, the only one I look forward to and who can protect me is you.”

“You… what are you suddenly saying, you fool…”

Ke Fei’er’s reaction was so adorable that at any other time, I would have cherished it. Unfortunately, this time was different; not now.

“Kephir, do you understand?”

I… repeated once more, “Only you, just you alone, you are the one and only.”

“……”

The cute and flustered reaction gradually faded. The silence that followed seemed to indicate that Kephir had come to some understanding after a moment of contemplation. She cautiously lifted her head and murmured softly.

“Ogilith, you mean…”

“Don’t overthink it, but don’t be too nervous either, Kephir. Can you listen seriously to what I’m about to say?”

Because I have something I want to tell you, something meant only for you.

The response came quickly. Kephir’s hand reached around my waist, gradually pulling me closer, and at the same time, I heard her gentle whispers by my ear.

“Hold me tight.”

It was as if she wanted to understand me not just through words, but also through her body and soul.

“Come closer, whisper it in my ear. I will listen carefully.”

“Kephir, tomorrow I will temporarily leave with Nilu, and during this time, I hope… you can make some ‘preparations’ with the Queen. I don’t know what’s right or wrong, nor the outcome, because the ‘prophecy’ reveals nothing. So… just consider this my desperate plea for support, hoping you will still believe in me as you did before.”

I knew what Kephir’s answer would be.

So, on top of that, there was something I truly wanted Kephir to do.

“And then, based on this…”

“Just endure a little longer, Kephir. Because, as I said before, the only one who can protect me is you.”

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