WLWES 5

Rio froze, too confused to move. He quickly gathered his thoughts and started looking around the room to understand what situation he found himself in. It seemed like he was on a bed, and beside him was Gideon, hugging him. Gideon was lying there with his gown still open, exposing his chest, which only added to Rio’s confusion.

Rio thought he had calmed down, but after seeing Gideon’s chest, his heart started racing.

Wait a minute, he didn’t do anything to me, did he?

Oh, it looked like he was fine. He was still wearing his pants and underwear, and his lower body wasn’t uncomfortable. So, nothing must have happened. Rio had passed out after just two drinks, and Gideon let him sleep on his bed afterward. He could have left me on the floor, but he made the effort to let me sleep on his bed. He’s a nice guy, despite his appearance. But did he really need to hug me? I’m not soft like some girl. I don’t even have much muscle, so I can’t hold it comfortably.

His chest was pressed right up against Rio’s face. When I looked up, he was sleeping soundly, his breathing soft and even. His long eyelashes fluttered occasionally, but it didn’t seem like he’d wake up anytime soon.

Feeling a bit awkward, Rio carefully slipped out from under Gideon’s heavy arm and climbed out of bed while trying not to wake him. Rio glanced around the room and spotted a pen on a shelf near the entrance. Grabbing a piece of paper, he scribbled a quick note, apologizing to Gideon for what happened last night and thanking him for looking after him.

Then, as quietly as he could, Rio slipped out of the room, making sure the door didn’t creak and his footsteps made no sound. Back in his own room, he quickly packed his things and headed downstairs. The innkeeper and Nora were already up, so Rio thanked them for their hospitality. They gave him the remainder of his earnings after they deducted the cost of his meals and lodging. Afterwards, Rio left the inn.

Rio walked briskly away, and with every step, he started to feel lighter. After a while, he glanced back to make sure Gideon wasn’t following him, and then he finally allowed himself to slow down.

“Phew… What a mess.”

Rio realized he had been rude to Gideon, who appeared to be a high-ranking knight. Knights were typically cold and stern toward those of lower status. Gideon had likely been too drunk the night before to take offense, but he might have lost his temper if he’d woken up and found him sharing the same bed as him that morning. Rio was relieved he’d left before that could become a possibility. He hoped the note he’d left behind with his apology would be enough. Even if it wasn’t, they were unlikely to cross paths again.

“Shit… I forgot to get payment from Gideon for bringing him the booze last night. Ahhhh, whatever. Even when he gave me silver coins yesterday, they just got stolen anyway.”

As Rio strolled down the street, muttering and mumbling, he finally noticed that his head was aching. When he woke up this morning, he was too shocked by the situation he found himself in to realize he had a headache. But now that he has managed to calm down, he can’t help but notice it.

“Ugh… Is this a hangover? Was the alcohol from last night really that strong?”

The sake had tasted surprisingly good… He let out a long sigh. Even so, he was no fan of alcohol. No matter, he always carried some painkillers, so he’d manage. If the headache didn’t ease up soon, he’d just find another inn to rest at before continuing on his way.

He walked in silence, careful not to do anything that might worsen the pounding in his head. Then, in the distance, something caught his attention. Something had fallen. He squinted, trying to get a better look. It was lying near the entrance to the forest.

A black lump rested in the shade of the grass on the other side of the road. It looked like an animal, but it wasn’t moving.

“What…? A puppy?”

He approached quietly, careful not to startle her. Lying on the ground was a small dog, so tiny it could fit in both his hands. For a moment, he thought it might be dead… but it didn’t seem to be.

“What’s wrong, little one? Are you okay?” he whispered, kneeling down to get a better look. One of her legs was bleeding.

“This… it looks like a beast or magical creature attacked you.”

As if in response, she slowly opened her eyes and gave a slight nod.

“You understand me?” he said with a soft chuckle. “Heh, you’re smart. Don’t worry. I’ll fix you up right away. Just stay still, okay?”

She nodded again, just like before.

He gently ran his fingers through her fur, then placed his right hand over the injured leg. Focusing his thoughts, he visualized the wound closing and the pain easing. A white light began to glow from his palm. Startled by the sudden brightness, the dog squirmed and tried to wriggle away, but Rio held her steady with his other hand.

After a few moments, the light faded. His right hand tingled slightly as he pulled it away to check the wound.

“See… It’s healed now. Try moving a little.”

He released his hold and gently patted her head.

The dog tilted its head briefly, then stood up and walked a short distance away, testing its steps while jumping around. But instead of running off, it turned back and rubbed its nose against his arm, refusing to move away.

“What is it? Are you thanking me? It’s fine, just go back to your parents,” he said gently.

But she barked, “Woof!” a sharp, almost defiant sound as if protesting the idea. It felt like the little creature was saying it didn’t want to return.

The odd but endearing bark made him laugh. It was definitely still a young puppy, and he couldn’t help but wonder if its parents were out there searching for it. But Rio couldn’t sense any presence nearby, so he figured it might have gotten separated during the attack.

“It’s such a weird bark, but it’s cute,” he murmured.

The dog, now lying on his lap, nuzzled against him even more. He smiled. After just one encounter, she was so affectionate and attached. Despite its intense gaze, the dog was undeniably adorable.

With a soft sigh, he traced his finger under its chin and tilted his head.

“Hmm? I thought you were a dog, but maybe you’re not? Could you be a wolf? You’ve got quite a serious face. Did you get separated from your parents?”

He paused, then added with a gentle smile, “Well, I don’t have a house, and I’m always on the road… but if you want to, will you come with me?”

“Woof!”

The pup barked again as if it understood him perfectly.

He laughed. “Alright! Let’s go together. From now on, your name is An.”

It was the simplest name that came to mind^[1], but somehow, it felt just right. He hugged the little creature to his chest and stroked her soft fur, already feeling a new bond beginning to form.

She looked like a wolf. At least, that had been his first impression. But something about it didn’t quite fit the image. Its fur shimmered in shades of black and silver under the light, and its eyes were a striking gold. It might have been some kind of magical beast. Still, An was far too beautiful and gentle to match the usual image of one. Unlike the fierce and wary creatures often spoken of in stories, An was friendly, affectionate, and even cute.

Carrying An in his arms, he continued his journey. The little creature stayed perfectly still, quiet and calm. A soft sense of happiness settled in his chest. He’d grown used to solitude, but now, for the first time in a long while, he felt the warmth of companionship.

They walked for about half an hour, but they still remained deep in the forest. Eventually, they came upon a small clearing, and he decided to take a short break.

As An chased after butterflies and bounded through the grass with puppy-like energy, drowsiness crept up on him. Unable to resist it, he laid back and drifted into sleep.

In his dream, An had grown much larger, with magnificent wings spreading from her back. It soared high above the clouds, flying with effortless grace. The sight was so breathtaking, so majestic, that all he could do was watch in awe. A part of him felt envious as he longed for that same freedom, to rise above the world and fly wherever he wished.

His mother had once told him his magic was strong. And it was true that magic could do many things. But not even his magic could give him wings.

An landed before him in the dream, powerful and proud, yet still familiar. She barked, “Woof!”

“Heh,” he chuckled, “even with that fierce look, you still sound the same?”

The contrast made him laugh, and that laughter gently pulled him from his sleep.

When he opened his eyes, An sat quietly on his lap, gazing up at him with those deep golden eyes, filled with concern.

He smiled and stroked its head. “An, you were amazing.”

“Woof!” the puppy barked happily and nudged its nose against his hand, as affectionate as ever.