Arknightcraft Modpack
Chapter 574: Maybe We Can Speed Things Up a Little
While enjoying the pleasant, almost intoxicating softness of the girl's thigh beneath his hand, Steven casually recounted everything that had happened after she fell asleep.
Aside from the matter involving Hypergryph—which was a bit too sensitive for Centaurea to know—he held nothing back. Even the incident with the soon-to-explode Zorah Magdaros was told in full detail.
After all, this little white horse was one of his own. There was no need to hide anything from her. Besides, to Steven, none of it was particularly private anyway.
What he didn't consider, however, was that while these things might seem routine—almost mundane—to him, the information he casually dropped was nothing short of explosive for someone like Centaurea.
She cast him a subtle glance, her expression complicated. It was hard to believe that the kind of story fit for a bard's epic—something worthy of legend—had all taken place within a single day.
Deep sea creatures. Monsters from another world. Disasters threatening the world itself. Feranmuts and gods…
Every single term sounded distant, like something pulled straight out of myth.
Centaurea didn't doubt the truth of Steven's words—he had no reason to lie to her. What she felt, instead, was a quiet sense of regret.
Such a legendary journey… and she hadn't been a part of it.
But then again, thinking it through, she also felt a bit relieved.
She understood her own limits. If she had been involved in any of those events, she would've been like a pebble thrown into the ocean—barely making a ripple.
Worse, Steven would've had to split his attention to protect her. Perhaps things wouldn't have unfolded so smoothly.
In a way, being able to sit here like this—quietly, peacefully—listening to him recount his adventures was already more than enough happiness for her.
After all, the gentle, indulgent look in his eyes as he gazed at her wasn't something that could be faked.
She cherished it.
—Though, if his hands could behave just a little more, she might've been even more satisfied.
Centaurea shot a helpless glance at those shameless hands taking advantage of her, yet she didn't feel much resistance. If anything, there was a faint sense of acceptance.
After all, a woman dresses for the one who pleases her.
The fact that Steven enjoyed this kind of closeness only proved that she was attractive to him. If he suddenly showed no interest at all, that would be what worried her.
"So, you're saying… in just about a day, you managed to accomplish something on the level of saving the world?"
Biting lightly on her lower lip, her voice softened as she summarized his story.
"It's not finished yet. Let's just say… I've got it under control. At least Mostima's situation is basically resolved. We can relax and keep enjoying ourselves here in Lungmen. Even if there's a response, it'll take a few days."
Steven lifted his head slightly, nodding before continuing his "work" with focused attention.
"Which means… for now, we can just enjoy this little vacation properly."
It had been a busy day—but now that everything was set in motion, there was a certain calm satisfaction in the air.
All that was left was to wait.
To see whether those rulers across the nations would be willing to sacrifice a little… to deal with the looming threat that was Zorah Magdaros.
As for how to deal with Zorah Magdaros, Steven had already come to a conclusion.
Sometimes, when you overcomplicate things, you end up overlooking the most obvious solutions. Only after calming down did he realize what he had missed.
—Or, to put it another way, the pair of beautiful legs right in front of him—belonging to Centaurea—had given him the inspiration.
In a sense, he really ought to thank her.
"But according to what you said, that thing could destroy the entire world. And even so… you can still act this relaxed?"
Centaurea looked at Steven in confusion. She couldn't understand how he could remain so carefree. Just hearing about it had already ruined her appetite—her mind was filled with nothing but that looming disaster.
"Sigh~ do you really think I'd be this calm without a solution? For most people, it's a crisis. But for me? It's an opportunity. A profit-only kind of deal. Why would I be worried?"
Steven narrowed his eyes and met her gaze. Just as he said, what he stood to gain far outweighed whatever he might have to put in. With such a profitable opportunity right in front of him, there was no reason for him to feel anxious.
"I don't get it. All I know is, hearing you say this makes it feel like my life just entered a countdown… I shouldn't have asked."
Centaurea set her bowl aside and sighed softly, troubled. Steven might be unfazed, but she was just an ordinary girl. Without his strength, it was only natural she'd feel uneasy.
Even if she knew she couldn't do anything about it, that anxiety had already taken root.
She had only just gained this peaceful, happy life… she didn't want it to be shattered so suddenly.
"And that's my fault now? If you're really that worried… how about I sleep with you tonight?"
Steven started with a teasing tone, but when he saw the genuine concern on her face, he stopped.
Letting go of her legs, he shifted closer and sat beside her. Gently, he cupped her delicate face in his hands, meeting her eyes with a sincerity rarely seen from him.
"Jokes aside… it depends on whether you trust me. But I promise you this, no matter what happens, even if the world really does end… as long as I'm by your side, I'll protect you."
"…Hmph. That's probably the most reliable thing you've said so far."
Hearing his earnest promise, the unease in Centaurea's heart gradually settled. A faint smile appeared as she leaned into his embrace.
"So… are you going to keep me company tonight? I'm just a timid little assassin, you know."
"If life really might only last less than a month… then maybe we should speed things up a bit."
She turned her head, giving him a charming, almost bewitching smile—and this time, she didn't just tease him with words.
She acted.
Steven suddenly felt those same soft "ice cream-like" legs he had been playing with moments ago slide teasingly upward along his thigh.
Even for someone like him—who prided himself on having seen it all—he froze for a split second.
When theory met practice, getting caught off guard was only natural… right?
That brief stiffness didn't escape Centaurea. Noticing it, she blinked in slight surprise—though the faint blush on her face only deepened.
Even so, her movements didn't stop.
Oh? You like teasing me, do you?
Let's see how you handle this tonight.
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Note: Character Illustration is in this Google Drive:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1iuyfwNVFHzIi9H4rWNT_lAm7jTSiah_M
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Tn: I updated the story daily, but if you want to see more chapter of this story ahead of time, please go to my Patreon.
Latest Chapter: Chapter 617: A Bold Guess[1]
Link: https://www.patreon.com/Thatsnakegirl/posts/arknightcraft-160680628[2]
[1] https://www.patreon.com/Thatsnakegirl/posts/arknightcraft-160680628
[2] https://www.patreon.com/Thatsnakegirl/posts/arknightcraft-160680628