The mountains in the rain were chilly, but Dragonair periodically breathed flames to reignite the firewood in front of Ryuuske, its warmth driving away the cold.
Before long, Erika returned with her Pokémon in tow. Droplets of water still clung to her fair cheeks, her delicate face bearing traces of exhaustion and lingering shyness. She had changed into a fresh kimono—yesterday's outfit had been soaked in the stream and was unwearable.
"Come eat some breakfast, Erika."
The pot in front of Ryuuske simmered with food, its rich aroma wafting through the air, making Erika's stomach growl. After last night's exertions, her energy was thoroughly depleted, and she was genuinely hungry.
Her steps were slow and unsteady beneath her kimono, her movements slightly stiff. Every now and then, a faint blush would rise to her cheeks, her brows twitching subtly. Though a girl's first time was painful, for a trainer like Erika—who had endured countless hardships—this level of discomfort was nothing.
Her hand rested lightly on her abdomen through the fabric of her kimono, as if she could still feel the lingering warmth from earlier.
"Come sit and rest for a bit. It's better not to move around too much today."
Ryuuske patted the dry cushion beside him, smiling as he gestured for her to sit.
Erika shot him a glare, as if blaming him for her current state, but she obediently settled next to him. Their bodies pressed close, and this time, Ryuuske didn't hesitate—he boldly wrapped his arm around her fragrant figure, pulling her against his chest.
Once certain things had been done, there was no need to feign shyness or innocence anymore.
Leaning against Ryuuske, Erika felt an overwhelming sense of security. She wished she could forget all her worries—the safety of Kanto, Team Rocket's relentless pressure—none of it mattered right now. She even fantasized about simply wandering the world with Ryuuske, going wherever they pleased. With their combined strength, few situations could truly threaten them. The world was vast, and anywhere could become their home.
But the moment this tempting thought surfaced, Erika forcefully suppressed it. She couldn't betray the trust others had placed in her. She couldn't trample on their expectations so cruelly. She was Kanto's last hope, the current leader recognized by the Pokémon League's chairman. She couldn't just abandon her responsibilities.
Besides, she still had a family—parents who relied on her. Even for their sake, she had to keep fighting. Team Rocket, with its human and Pokémon experiments, its countless illegal activities—Erika refused to believe their rule would bring anything good.
Yet, her heart remained uneasy, weighed down by an almost unbearable shame. When she thought of her closest friend, that lively and cheerful girl, Erika's anxiety surged.
In her conversations with Misty, Erika had learned just how much her friend had done for Ryuuske. Misty had quietly supported him in countless ways—the Everstone now hanging from Eevee's neck, the first-class ticket to the S.S. Anne she'd gifted him so he could relax, even immediately recommending Ryuuske to her when she learned about the one-of-a-kind Eevee.
Compared to Misty's silent sacrifices, Erika didn't feel she had done much. But she was far more mature than Misty in one regard—she understood that in matters of love, endless devotion alone wouldn't yield results. Silent support from the shadows wouldn't move someone's heart. Even if it made her seem calculating, she believed in standing boldly before him, making it clear what she had given up and what she had fought for.
Like abandoning her university teaching position, relinquishing her duties as a Gym Leader, selfishly spending these two months with him, growing alongside him—even giving him the most precious thing a girl could offer. Two months of companionship and her first night—Erika was certain that as long as Ryuuske wasn't heartless, he would remember her forever.
Giving everything means nothing if you don't understand me.
Some people prefer apples—no matter how many pears you offer, they won't be moved. One-sided devotion is meaningless. True emotional bonds are built on mutual understanding and trust. That's why Erika had boldly abandoned everything, using every excuse to carve out these two months, learning everything about him from head to toe.
Though her actions might have seemed selfish, Erika didn't regret them. From what she could see, this man was worth giving everything for.
The only thing that puzzled her was how… experienced he seemed. Last night, Ryuuske hadn't given her a moment's rest, keeping her awake the entire time. At first, she chalked it up to youthful enthusiasm—a boy tasting something new and indulging without restraint. (Admittedly, she had lost some of her own composure too.) But the positions, the techniques, the way he took control—it all left her baffled.
She might have initiated the seduction, but her actual experience was practically zero. Her education on the subject had been the most basic. Yet Ryuuske's skill far exceeded anything she could have imagined.
Like making her kneel in the stream and… serve him with her mouth. Like how he had explored every inch of her body, savoring her, leaving no corner untouched. Erika understood that her natural fragrance was unique, intoxicating to anyone, man or woman.
But those techniques—those methods—were beyond anything she could have conceived. In the end, she could only surrender to his lead.
At the memory, her cheeks burned anew. If men could grow addicted to such pleasures, so could women—especially when the one sharing those intimate moments was someone she loved.
Seeing the girl in his arms, her head bowed shyly like an innocent maiden, her face flushed and alluring, Ryuuske felt another surge of desire. But remembering how fragile her body must still be, he forced himself to hold back.
Still, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Men really are creatures ruled by their lower halves, huh? He'd acted without thinking, and now—what was he supposed to do?
Take responsibility? Or not?
Not taking responsibility would make him a scoundrel. But taking responsibility—giving up an entire forest for one tree—would that be too much of a regret?
Unbidden, images flashed through his mind—Sabrina, Green, Caitlin…
He couldn't help but laugh at himself. What a luxurious problem to have. Before his transmigration, he'd have been over the moon if a single pretty girl showed interest in him. Now, he was spoiled enough to actually compare them?
In terms of aura and physique, Sabrina was his favorite. Personality-wise, he adored Green's mischievous charm. For the thrill of conquest, Caitlin—that highborn lady—was unmatched. But as for the most suitable wife? The perfect Yamato Nadeshiko in his arms right now, Erika, was undoubtedly the best choice.
Being a man… is truly exhausting.
To be continued…
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