TEB Ch 65
by STAR***
How many hours had passed? I slowly became bored watching the sky below my feet and the scenery change in an instant, as if I were flying in an airplane. Renard, who seemed happy to relieve his sore body after a long time, was seen becoming more and more bored.
“From the outside, it just looks like a giant lizard, but it’s amazing that he can show his expressions.”
Liev observed Renard’s changing expressions while tightly holding onto the reins that were connected to his body. He was still a magnificent creature. It was unreal to think that this huge dragon was once a small hatchling that fit in his palm.
“He grew up so fast…”
When Suhyuk was in school, the lunch ladies at the cafeteria scolded the tall, skinny Suhyuk. They would say, “How can someone so big not even get a bowl of rice? It’s so pitiful,” as they gave him extra food. They would also add comments like, “I hope our son doesn’t give us a hard time like this and just eats whatever we give him.”
To be exact, he didn’t expect to get anything to eat at home other than when he was at the school cafeteria. He was introverted and tall, but he was slim and thin. He even carried a special access card to the advanced study room for only the students who wanted to study hard. He unintentionally received the cafeteria lady’s attention. Thanks to them, he could graduate without suffering from malnutrition. And now, he can relate to their words. Liev let out a bitter laugh as he looked back at Renard. At that moment, Renard suddenly spoke, as if sensing his gaze.
“If you’re uncomfortable, just say so. I will see if there is some way.”
It seemed like Renard was worried that something was bothering him, as he kept fidgeting. Seeing this, he thought about doing something good as his guardian… Suddenly, Liev thought of Renard as his adopted son and blushed, remembering what they did yesterday. No, you can’t do that with your son. Of course, you should never do that with a pet, either. If Renard wasn’t his son or pet, then, if you only looked at their appearances, they could be mistaken for brothers.
Renard seemed to be concerned about Liev, who was leaning against his back. Liev quickly answered to reassure Renard.
“It’s okay. I’m not uncomfortable. I’m just a little sleepy because it’s been a long time.”
It’s not that bad right now, but if they had to fly for another hour or two, he might really start dozing off. Ugh. Stifling a yawn that suddenly came out while Liev was talking, he covered his mouth. Renard asked again,
“Then, can I ask you something?”
Why would he give notice in advance before asking a question? Liev had a bad feeling about this and wanted to say “No,” but since he was currently riding on Renard’s back, he just nodded obediently.
“What is it?”
“I mean, what we did yesterday. You really have done nothing with anyone else, right?”
“hiccup”
Why is he suddenly curious about that? Liev was embarrassed to have been questioned about his chastity, but he had no reason to lie, so he answered honestly.
“What, you’re saying that? Have you seen me being that close with someone else to the point of doing such things?”
Liev didn’t know what kind of provocation Sigrid used to persuade Renard. He was completely shocked. But Renard was very serious.
“You’re always so nice to everyone, for no reason. Surely there were people who misunderstood. And on top of that, Liev is so indecisive that I was worried if someone would take advantage of him as they pleased, Liev would be dragged around.”
“What nonsense are you talking about?”
It was absurd for Renard to accuse him of being indecisive. The only person he couldn’t treat harshly and be dragged around was Renard. Of course, when he saw sick animals, he would act like it was his job and do whatever it took to help, but that was a completely different situation from when Renard was concerned. Liev pouted, feeling genuinely wronged.
“If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have put up with it like that. I would have hit them in the head right away.”
But why am I talking about this now? Liev suddenly came to his senses and regretted saying something he shouldn’t have said.
“So, I’m okay then?”
Ha got caught. Falling into such an obvious trap. He felt both disappointed and stupid, and he let out a sigh of despair.
“I don’t want to talk about this right now. Just focus on flying.”
“But every time Liev is close to me, he smells really sweet. It’s obvious, but I guess you’re lying.”
Just as the argument with Renard was about to drag on, they heard a voice coming from below that had been quiet all this time.
“I’m sorry to interrupt your conversation, but we really don’t want to know about your personal matters!”
Only then did Liev realize that their conversation with Renard was being heard by everyone below. Ugh. Thankfully, it wasn’t anything more than suggestive conversations.
Only then did Liev realize that the whole conversation he was having with Renard was being heard from below. Fortunately, they didn’t exchange any more lewd conversations than that. It was a private conversation meant for just the two of them. This took the other members aback and they were uncertain of how to react.
“Oh, I’m sorry!”
Liev buried his face in Renard’s back, with not only his face but also the back of his neck burning. As they ascended higher into the sky, the cool breeze felt refreshing against Renard’s scaly skin, made him feel good. He didn’t lower his head to feel the warmth, but rather to avoid having any unnecessary conversation with Renard. It was better to stay quiet than get caught talking about nonsense with Renard.
***
But how much time had passed? They had left in the morning, and by the time the sun had risen mid-sky, Renard had dropped the group off at their designated location. With a loud thud, the heavy carriage landed on the ground, causing a gust of wind to blow. The lord, who had been noticed in advance through communication, was waiting to welcome them.
“Oh, we’ve been waiting for you! It’s an honor to finally meet you in person!”
There had been several villages attacked by monsters in the surrounding area, so they seemed to have chosen this place as their first stop. The wealthy Lord, who was said to have amassed a great deal of wealth from developing the local resources, bowed down to Sigrid, who took on the role of leader of the group, and responded by greeting him with a friendly face.
“We are grateful for your warm welcome. These are my companions.”
“Wow, it’s truly a pleasure to meet such distinguished individuals. Please, come inside and rest!”
There is always a reason behind that kind attitude. Not everyone in the group seemed clueless that they didn’t know that. The group didn’t seem too anxious, but there was clearly something they needed help with. Something that can’t be solved with ordinary force. As they walked inside, Renard, still in his dragon form, spread his wings and carefully checked his body for any signs of injury. He then changed into his human form and looked down at Liev.
“Liev, come stand by my side.”
Then, naturally, he stuck close to Liev, making sure he couldn’t go anywhere.
“Oh, it seems that even Lord Renard, whom I’ve only heard rumors about, has graced us with his presence. It’s truly an honor for me, as I’ve never seen a dragon in my entire life. Shall we have a meal first? I have prepared special local delicacies with great care. Please enjoy to your heart’s content!”
Renard wouldn’t be able to fill his stomach with human food, but every time Liev took a few steps and glanced at Renard, he spoke first.
“I’ll be fine, but Liev has to eat human food. I’ll go with you.”
So why bother…No, let’s not try to find a reason. When he came to the conclusion that Renard liked him too much and was too obsessed with him, his face got hot for no reason.
