Absolutely Do Not Touch ELdmia Egga – Chapter 108

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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Yuzio
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I waited for Esmée and Lagnis, the silence thick with awkward tension.

However, they seemed to be caught up in their own complicated affairs, and despite what felt like a considerable amount of time, there was no sign of them returning.

I was left feeling like I was sitting on a bed of nails, alternating between staring out the window at the pouring rain and stealing glances at Asirye.

It was Asirye who finally broke the long silence.

“So, which young lady has caught your eye?”

Her tone was deceptively calm, but I could sense her disapproval.

I knew I couldn’t lie or make excuses, but the chilling atmosphere made me tense up.

“Sis? It’s true that I couldn’t refuse their feelings, but I still have my life’s goal to achieve, you know?”

“So you’re saying you have no interest in them right now?”

Wait a minute, this feels familiar.

Was she trying to corner me with my own words?

“Y-yeah… that’s right. That’s my stance.”

“And since you’re not refuting my use of ‘young ladies,’ I assume that includes both Princess Esmée and Lagnis?”

I was speechless.

I never imagined I’d be subjected to such a skillfully crafted interrogation!

“Hmm…”

Asirye took my silence as confirmation and fell into deep thought, her expression and the atmosphere around her growing heavy.

I never imagined our long-awaited reunion would be overshadowed by such an unexpected romantic entanglement.

The fact that I had almost died just moments ago made the contrast even more jarring.

Above all, I was deeply troubled that my actions had caused Asirye to worry and potentially misunderstand my feelings.

I realized then that I desperately wanted to avoid disappointing her, to maintain the image of a capable and mature individual in her eyes.

It was a feeling I had long forgotten, a desire to impress the person I cared for most.

As if sensing my thoughts, Asirye spoke.

“It’s difficult, but I understand that you have to face danger head-on. I was able to confirm that this time.”

“And I realized that I no longer want to remain by your side as a mere guardian.”

My heart pounded in my chest, a sensation unlike any I had experienced in this life.

I had always considered myself a child in her presence, despite my mental maturity stemming from memories of my past life.

The idea that she could see me as an equal, as someone worthy of her affection, seemed impossible.

I couldn’t help but ask, “You… don’t think I’m just a child?”

“Most humans are like children to me, especially considering my lifespan. Age doesn’t hold much meaning for long-lived races. Ultimately, it’s the emotional connection that matters.”

Asirye smiled softly as she gazed down at my hand, which she still held in hers.

“I wanted to confess my feelings when you returned after achieving your goal. I believed you could do it. I still do, but… seeing you injured like this frightened me. I couldn’t bear the thought of you disappearing from my life before I could even tell you how I felt. Especially after realizing that those human girls harbored similar feelings for you. Hmm, hmm… I was jealous.”

“That’s why I overreacted a bit earlier.”

I couldn’t bring myself to tell her that her reaction had been terrifying, not just an overreaction.

“I used to think my friends were foolish for being swayed by such emotions, but experiencing it firsthand is completely different. I couldn’t control my impatience. I’m sorry.”

Unsure how to respond to her apology, I simply tightened my grip on her hand.

I struggled to articulate my feelings, but I knew I had to say something.

“I love you too, Asirye.”

“As family?”

“You know it’s not like that.”

A wave of relief washed over me, coupled with a newfound sense of hope.

Our bond wouldn’t be confined to a pseudo-familial relationship.

The affection I had developed for her during our time together was reciprocated.

It felt like I had received an unexpected gift, leaving me speechless.

As I sat there, basking in the warmth of her hand in mine, Asirye stood up and pulled me into an embrace.

“When I think about it, I realize I’ve been viewing you as a hero all along.”

“A hero?”

“Yes. A hero who learns, grows, and overcomes hardships through his own efforts, ultimately saving the world. You’re not saving the world yet, but you’re pretty close.”

Looking back, it was nothing more than my desperate struggle to survive in this world.

Yet, Asirye had interpreted my actions in such a positive light.

“Even heroes can’t do everything alone, but you were always so capable that I overestimated you.”

“That’s completely biased…”

“Let’s not ruin the mood, shall we?”

“Y-yes.”

Her narrowed eyes were enough to make me shrink back in fear.

Asirye chuckled softly and patted my head.

“It seems I need to actively support you from now on, even if it means traveling together, so you can achieve your goal.”

“…Yeah. We made a promise.”

It had been so long since I had felt the comfort of a genuine hug.

I had experienced plenty of physical contact lately, but this was the first time I felt truly at ease in someone’s arms since I was a child.

“But seriously, what did you do to charm a princess?”

Just as I was starting to relax, Asirye’s question threw me off guard.

“Just to be clear, I haven’t been slacking off since I arrived in the capital! I’ve been working hard, thinking about my life after revenge! I even took on a butler job to minimize my debt to the Ogatorf family. It’s all true. I haven’t written a single lie in my letters.”

I had been working tirelessly, averaging less than five hours of sleep a night, so I had nothing to hide.

Yet, my words sounded like the desperate excuses of a guilty man.

Asirye seemed amused by my reaction.

She smiled, the tension easing slightly.

“I know. That’s why I didn’t stop you.”

Relieved that she didn’t suspect me of anything, I let out a sigh.

Asirye patted my head and pulled me closer, her grip tightening slightly.

“Let’s be content with this for now. I need to go have a chat with the cats.”

“Huh?”

“Don’t worry, I won’t do anything rash.”

Just as she finished speaking, the door swung open, and Esmée and Lagnis entered.

Asirye greeted them casually, as if she had been expecting them.

“Shall we have a proper introduction now? Princess Esmée.”

Esmée’s eyes met Asirye’s, and after a moment of scrutiny, she nodded and started to approach me with Lagnis.

“Eldmia, are you feeling better?”

“Yeah. The potion worked wonders, and I think I received some kind of treatment while I was asleep. I’m just a little drowsy…”

I tried to sit up, but Asirye gently pushed me back down.

“No. Stay put.”

“But I’m healed…”

“Only a Saintess can perform that kind of instant healing. And there wasn’t one here. So, no.”

“But I really am…”

She wasn’t interested in the truth.

I sighed and settled for propping myself up with some cushions.

“If you don’t mind, Eldmia, could we have a moment alone?” Asirye asked, her gaze fixed on Esmée.

“Well, I did save his life, so I’d like to hear her thanks and get a proper explanation of what happened…”

Despite her smile, there was an undeniable pressure in her voice.

Esmée seemed to sense it too, her gaze flickering nervously between me and Asirye.

“It would be best to have that conversation when we’re all well-rested. Eldmia, please get some rest. We’ll be back soon.”

Asirye’s voice brooked no argument.

She stood up and, with a firm grip on Esmée’s hand, led her out of the room, along with a speechless Lagnis.

Left alone once more, I simply lay back down on the bed.

What else could I do?

It would all work out… wouldn’t it?

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[Did… did… Asirye groom Eldmia?]