My Demons

Chapter 28

Chapter 28

Upon Ellens request, I hesitated briefly before finally exiting the room.

Well, I have plenty of tasks to attend to. It works out well.

First things first my shoulder pads were completely ruined, so I needed to purchase new ones. The helmet, breastplate, boots, and gloves also required repairs.

Ah, I should also ask them to add steel edges to my shield. And I must acquire some special charcoal ingredients for Ellen along the way.

Fortunately, I had earned a decent amount of gold coins from hunting a crocodile, so I was in a good financial position.

As I left Ellens room and descended the stairs, I spotted Daria with a blank expression, resting her chin on the bar.

Daria.

Oh, Phoenix. How is Ellen? Is she feeling better?

Ah, her eyes filled with concern. Daria gives off an impression of being well-mannered. Though I dont know the details, I suspect she might not have grown up in a peaceful family.

Shes still groaning a bit, but it seems like shell recover soon. Shes full of energy.

Thats a relief. Whats that?

She inquired, extending her left hand. The flower ring on her finger caught my attention. Thankfully, it hadnt faded yet and looked quite good.

I feel proud Wait, is that a pigweed?

Thinking so, I showed her my armored hat.

I need to fix something, but Im not having much luck. Are you skilled in sewing by any chance?

Well, I have some sewing skills. What do you need to do?

Its not a big deal, just the inside here

After listening to my explanation, Daria adeptly patched the fabric and stuffed it with cotton in no time.

Some sewing skills, she said?

Wow, this is almost like using a sewing machine!

Sewing machine? Who is that?

Umnever mind. Are you free right now? I asked, and Daria let out a deep sigh.

Phew, Im free at the moment. But soon I have to go to the mill to grind the flour

A shadow of worry crossed Darias face as she spoke. Whats going on?

After persistently questioning her, Daria finally revealed her situation.

Theres only one mill accessible to the common people within the walls. Its a bit far away, and I dont enjoy going there.

What? Cant the owner handle it?

If he leaves the place unattended for too long, its not good. The atmosphere has been a bit you know.

Indeed, most of the criminals who were publicly executed yesterday were murderers and robbers.

I heard that some of them had broken into inns and taverns, killed the owners and employees, and looted the food supplies.

Despite this, the lord, who was responsible for guarding the walls and the dock, couldnt devote enough attention to public safety.

The guards patrol force wasnt much different from before, and many crimes remained unsolved.

Observing Darias worried expression, I hesitated for a moment and asked.

Um, where is the mill located?

Its to the west. Theres a creek flowing there.

A creek? Could it be

Thatis it a watermill?

Yes. Why do you ask?

This is definitely a must-visit!

To the west? Then I was actually planning to go to the workshop. Would you like to accompany me?

Really? I appreciate it, but

Daria placed her hand on her chest and gave a bittersweet smile, as if feeling apologetic.

Ah Im so sorry. Last time as well, its all because of me.

Its alright. You helped me with the sewing, so I should return the favor.

Eventually, with my persistent persuasion, Daria smiled faintly and nodded.

I prepared once again and left the inn with Daria. She intended to entrust half a bushel of barley to the mill.

Well, while oatmeal can be roasted with its husk and made into a pie, or boiled thoroughly and eaten as porridge, barley tends to be slightly gritty when eaten as is. Grinding it and using it for bread would make for a much better meal.

Ha! Gotcha! she exclaimed, triumphant.

Phew! Why are you taking this so seriously? I teased.

Im naturally competitive. Now its your turn! Daria clapped her hands, untied the cloth, and handed it to me. The fabric still carried a faint scent of her, different from the strong shampoo fragrance I was accustomed to on Earth. It was a gentle blend of lime and a subtle hint of sweata scent that felt more in tune with nature.

Ah, my heart is wavering.

Swallowing my dry throat, I covered my eyes with the cloth.

As I tied the knot behind my head, I could hear Darias laughter, like the tinkling sound of a triangle, as she swiftly made her escape.

Im here, ready or not! Come find me!

Darias playful voice echoed through the barn as she darted around.

She kicked a metal bucket on the floor to create a distraction and stealthily moved to the other side, using a hanging pole on the wall. Daria employed all sorts of tricks to confuse and elude me.

Hehe, not there! Try again!

Ah, shes absolutely adorable.

But Phoenixs senses were already heightened beyond those of an ordinary human. I could perceive Darias breathing and movements as clearly as if I were watching her with my own eyes.

So, to play along with Daria, a bit of acting was necessary.

I pretended to fall for her tricks, lunging in the wrong direction, grazing the hem of her clothes with the tip of my finger.

I reached out towards the wall where Daria was crouching in the corner, feigning ignorance of her presence and intentionally ignoring her subtle breaths.

Amidst all the playful antics, Daria, who was chasing after me, seemed to step on something and lost her balance, letting out a startled cry.

Instinctively, I lunged forward and caught her. But then

Oh.

Haah, phew, th-thanks

Suddenly, the sound of Darias breaths in my arms tickled my ear.

I held her waist and shoulder, and she leaned against my chest, her hands placed on my chest as she tried to catch her breath.

Haa, h-huu-

Through her slightly trembling hands, I could sense the rise and fall of her chest as she struggled to regain her composure.

Leaving my chest plate at the workshop turned out to be a divine move. I could feel her soft and gentle touch through the thin fabric, and the sound of her heart pounding.

Abruptly, I held my breath, captivated by the sensation. And then, Darias breath became even more distinct.

Her breath brushed against my cheek and reached my nose, mingled with a faint hint of mint, creating an intoxicatingly sweet fragrance.

Wow, this is getting a little dangerous. Hard to resist.

Daria, are you alright? I asked, attempting to maintain my composure as I began to remove the blindfold. No, I was about to remove it.

W-wait, she stammered.

Her trembling hand tightly grasped mine, preventing me from taking off the blindfold. Her soft, delicate hand intertwined with my rough, large one. The electric thrill coursing through our joined hands sent shivers down my spine, causing the hairs on my body to stand on end.

Taken aback by the sweet breath that brushed against my lips and the subsequent soft, moist sensation, I was momentarily speechless.

Uh

The hand I held seemed to tense up briefly.

But it was only for a moment, as something soft pressed against my lips.

After a brief, tender kiss, our lips parted, leaving a lingering warmth on the tip of my nose.

Savoring that scent, I raised my other hand, the thumb of the hand intertwined with hers, and slowly lowered the blindfold.

The sunlight poured into the barn, illuminating Darias eyes.

Wow-

It was akin to a summer day, gazing out at the Mediterranean from a castle in Nice.

Her hazel eyes, glistening like the waters of the Mediterranean, seemed to captivate me. I couldnt tear my eyes away from her.

Whether it was due to the game of tag or the unexpected kiss, Daria, catching her breath, had a sparkle in her eyes.

In that moment, my instincts propelled me to pull her into my embrace.

With a surge of passion, I kissed her fervently, and Daria responded by pulling me closer, her hand gently gripping the back of my neck.

What was happening all of a sudden? Was it alright for me to be this happy?

But usually in games or novels, something always happens at this point. I couldnt help but think that something like that might befall me. And just as the thought crossed my mind, a loud noise erupted from outside the barn.

Bang

A foreboding feeling settled in.

(TO BE CONTINUED)