Chapter 20 Mix of Emotions

Lumi's face flushed with a soft shade of red, her cheeks glowing with a mix of surprise and bashfulness. She couldn't help but fidget nervously, her fingers intertwining as she stole shy glances in my direction. With a voice that wavered with uncertainty, she mustered the courage to ask the question.

"K-Kazuki? Did... did you just say that you... like me? Like, in a romantic way?" Lumi's voice cracked with a mixture of hope and vulnerability.

I wasn't one to shy away from expressing my feelings, especially when it came to matters of the heart. With a confident smile and a charming voice, I approached Lumi, stepping closer until I stood just inches away from her and made my intentions clear.

Pressing my hand against the wall behind her, I leaned in, performing a Kabedon. Locking eyes with Lumi, I spoke with sincerity in my voice, "Lumi," I began, my voice steady and filled with emotion, "I want to be honest with you. I know this may not be the best setting for a confession, but I can't ignore the connection I feel between us. From the moment our eyes met, I sensed something special, something unique that drew me to you."

My gaze locked with hers, conveying my earnestness as I continued, "It's not just because you're a dwarf-elf girl." 

Lumi whispered while listening, "Woman."

 I continued, "Or because of your captivating beauty, although those qualities are undeniably mesmerizing. It's something deeper, something that surpasses appearances. It's the way you carry yourself, the intelligence that shines through your eyes, and the kindness that radiates from your heart."

I took a step closer, closing the distance between us, my voice filled with warmth and genuine affection. My gaze held hers, my eyes reflecting the depth of my emotions.

 "You, Lumi, have illuminated the darkest corners of my world. In a time when I was trapped in the shadows of my old life, you appeared like a radiant beacon of light. Your mere existence has breathed life back into me, igniting a fire within me to face challenges head-on and strive to become the best version of myself once more."

A soft blush colored Lumi's cheeks as she listened attentively, her eyes reflecting a mixture of surprise and curiosity. I continued, my words flowing with unwavering sincerity.

"Lumi, I find myself constantly thinking about you, wondering what makes you laugh, what dreams you hold in your heart, and what makes you feel alive. I want to be a part of your journey, to stand by your side through the ups and downs, supporting you in all that you do."

The air was filled with anticipation as I reached out, gently taking Lumi's hand in mine, my touch gentle yet firm.

 "So, Lumi, with all my heart, I want to ask: Will you give us a chance? Will you allow me the privilege of getting to know you, of exploring this connection and seeing where it leads?"

Silence enveloped us as Lumi processed my confession, her eyes shimmering with a mix of emotions. Time seemed to stand still, the world fading into the background as we stood there, our hearts beating in a moment of vulnerability and hope.

Finally, a tender smile graced Lumi's lips, and she squeezed my hand gently, her voice filled with a soft and genuine sweetness.

 "Kazuki, your words touch my heart in ways I never expected. Your sincerity and the depth of your feelings..."

But before Lumi could finish her sentence, a distant shout pierced the air, interrupting our tender moment. Lumi's face turned pale as she recognized the voice. It was Alitia, her older sister, who had finally caught up to us. Panic welled up within Lumi as she realized she would now be subjected to her sister's affectionate cuddles.

"Gheee! It's Alitia! I can tell from her voice! She's going to smother me with cuddles! I have to run!" Lumi yelled, her eyes darting around for an escape route. She turned to flee, but before she could make her getaway, Alitia swiftly tackled her from behind, ensnaring her in a tight embrace. Lifting her off the ground, Alitia carried her like a mischievous cat, Lumi's body dangling without touching the ground.

"Don't be so mean to your big sister, Lumi," Alitia said a playful glint in her eyes.

 "Let me carry you back home while we enjoy each other's company, hmm?"

Lumi thrashed about, desperately trying to break free.

 "Ghaaa! Let me go! Stop! Hey! And where do you think you're touching me? If you want cuddles, go have fun with your lover, Olivia!"

Alitia mimicked a melodramatic voice, feigning sadness.

 "Ughh! Don't be so mean, Lumi. Olivia and I are rivals, not lovers. How many times do I have to tell you."

Lumi scoffed, a mischievous smirk tugging at her lips. 

"Phee! More like secret lovers, hahaha! Touching each other while pretending to fight! Ghe ghe ghe! Now, let go of me, or I'll unleash my ultimate move!"

Alitia, unfazed by Lumi's threat, maintained her playful smile and whispered teasingly in Lumi's ear, "I don't think so."

Lumi's hopes were dashed as she realized she was firmly held in Alitia's grasp. Panic filled her eyes as she slowly turned her head towards me, her voice trembling. 

"K-Kazuki, Kazuki! She... she sealed my ultimate move! Help... me..."

The sight of Lumi in that vulnerable state tugged at my heartstrings, but I knew I had to intervene. With a heavy sigh, I addressed Alitia, my tone filled with concern. 

"Alitia, as much as it pains me to interrupt this beautiful moment, we must prioritize our safety," I explained, my voice tinged with a hint of regret.

 "Lumi was attacked just moments ago, but I managed to fend off the attackers. However, I think it's best if we leave this place before nightfall. While it's unlikely they will return, it's better to be cautious."

Lumi, her eyes wide with a mix of surprise and concern, listened shyly to our conversation. The romantic confession lingered in the air, overshadowed by the sudden need to ensure our well-being. She agreed with me, "Alitia! Kazuki is right, we need to go. Now let go of me and put me down!"

Alitia's demeanor shifted from flirtatious and carefree to that of a serious warrior. With a gentle and playful kiss on Lumi's cheek, she released her from their tight embrace, her expression turning cold, sending a shiver down my spine.

"Is that so?" Alitia's voice was filled with a chilling intensity. "Any familiar faces? Any distinguishing marks or tattoos? Give me something, and I will track them down, tearing out their hearts as punishment."

I took a deep breath and replied honestly, "I'm afraid they disguised themselves as ordinary adventurers, with no distinguishing futures. They even go to great lengths to put up an act. However, the leader of the group surprisingly boasted about their employer."

Alitia took a step toward me, her aura exuding a potent mix of bloodlust and menace. Her eyes locked onto mine as she asked, "Well, don't keep me waiting. Tell me their name."

I hesitated for a moment, feeling the weight of the revelation. "The attacker claimed they were handsomely paid in coins, directly by none other than Valerius himself."

Upon hearing the name, I expected Alitia to erupt in fury, ready to unleash her wrath upon Valerius. Yet, to my surprise, she remained calm, her gaze distant as she delved deep into her thoughts.

"Ara ara," Alitia murmured, her voice filled with a mix of disappointment and frustration.

 "What a shame. It appears we have no concrete leads to follow."

"What? No leads? But the attacker specifically mentioned that Valerius hired them," I said, my surprise evident in my voice.

Alitia took Lumi's hand and glanced at me, her gaze filled with assurance. 

"That sounds like nothing more than nonsense. Valerius would never bring harm to Lumi," she stated firmly.

Feeling a surge of frustration, I raised my tone slightly, questioning her.

 "But how can you be so sure that Valerius didn't have any involvement? What makes him excused from suspicion?"

Alitia's response came with a serious tone, her words carrying the weight of her conviction. "Because, unlike you, I have known Valerius for a long time. Trust me when I say that he would never stoop to such acts. Forget you ever heard those scums mention his name."

Taking the hint, I let the topic drop, understanding that Alitia's trust in Valerius ran deep. As an outsider, a newcomer to this world, I couldn't expect to be immediately trusted by those who had known each other for much longer. It was a reminder of the gaps in my knowledge and the bonds they already shared.

As tension hung heavy in the air, a sudden shift in the atmosphere emerged. Lumi, sensing the heaviness of the moment, clung tightly to Alitia's arm, unintentionally surprising her. The unexpected contact caused Alitia to emit a soft, adorable moan that escaped her lips, "Uwu," instantly breaking the tension that had enveloped us.

"Big sis! Big sis!" Lumi said happily. "You won't believe what I witnessed today! There was a thrilling wrestling match between the Wrestling Raccoon and Boss Cat! It was absolutely amazing! But then, Corgi the Dogo burst from the crowd and joined the fight! And even Foxy the Snout made an appearance!"

Alitia chuckled at Lumi's excitement and responded, "What? Is Boss Cat still indulging in his wrestling antics? Perhaps he should channel that energy into fulfilling his responsibilities as a council member."

My voice held a tinge of surprise as I questioned.

"Wait, wait a minute. Are you telling me that Boss Cat, the cat wrestler I saw earlier, is actually a member of the council? How does that even make sense?"