I didn't know how long I had been out, but when I opened my eyes, it was already evening. I was inside what seemed to be a dome made of ice. Elaria was sleeping beside me, her face a little pale. Surely, using some kind of unknown power to bring us here must have cost her.
She must have used that power to break the shackles before using an ice spell to create this temporary shelter. It didn't take a genius to guess that whatever power she had used was related to her eyes; that blindfold was anything but normal, and my writer's instinct was sure of it. My imagination began to overflow, but I shook my head to focus on the present. I'm no longer just a writer; in this life, I will live a life of adventure with my loved ones. I made this silent vow before summoning my status window to see if anything had changed.
[Miles Butler
Human
Age: 20
Class: Conqueror
Rank: One
Mana: 2000
Skills: [Teleportation Lv1], [Item Box] (Size increases with level. Current limit: 100kg)
Items: Magic Gun, Food, Coins
Targets Conquered: 0
[Elaria:
Favorability: 10 (Slightly interested)
Conquest Points: 0]
"Yes!" I made a victory sign. It was finally here. I could begin the conquest.
Growl!
Just as I was about to strategize on how to conquer this beautiful elf, my stomach growled. I was hungry. With a thought, I summoned food from my item box.
Soft bread emitting an enticing scent, beef jerky, apples, and orange juice—enough to last two days for the two of us.
The moment I took out the food, Elaria woke up. The scent must have been the cause.
"Huh? Miles, you're already awake? What smells so good?" Elaria yawned while stretching. Although she was wearing torn clothes, they didn't hide her alluring curves. I admired them for a brief moment before responding.
"Yes, thank you for bringing me here. Let's eat. I have soft bread and beef jerky. Do you want some?"
She nodded, taking a piece of bread and some jerky before eating softly. I did the same, and we enjoyed the modest meal with the orange juice.
"Let's take a look around?" I suggested. She nodded, and we left the ice dome, stepping outside. I inhaled the fresh evening air.
In that welcome amber glow, the time for slower thoughts had arrived. My brain became like a perfect, empty horizon, seeing yet content to simply be. I felt the soothing breeze and became absorbed in the music of crickets, letting the gentle energy of nature wash over me.
I went to gather wood for a bonfire. After piling it up, I turned to Elaria.
"Elaria, can you start a fire?"
"I can create a small fireball. My main element has become Ice," she explained. She seemed tired as she spoke, making me even more curious about her story. She flicked her fingers, creating a fireball that landed on the wood and ignited it.
I had decided to make the fire after Elaria confirmed there was no immediate danger nearby. I didn't know if the slave traders had given up—probably not, after losing valuable merchandise and five men. He must be furious, but Elaria assured me it would be extremely hard to find us in our current location. She had made sure of it.
The sound of the cracking fire filled the air. I observed it as if in a trance, and unknowingly, I began to speak.
"You know, I loved Bonfire Night every bit as much as Christmas, perhaps more. It was a wild night in all the best ways. It was fun and freedom, excitement and adventure. My dad would spend the year throwing sticks and wood onto a pile in the back garden. By the 5th of November, it was a veritable mountain in the eyes of us children. He'd set it ablaze with a homemade guy on top. It lit up the night, warming hands and faces. Upon it, we'd throw potatoes wrapped in tin foil to eat later with baked beans. I never went camping or had a campfire, but I reckon that bonfire topped them all. Then there were the fireworks, our very own display! We weren't rich by any stretch of the imagination, but I guess you find the money for things you really care about. Dad loved Bonfire Night. He was the biggest kid of us all."
Elaria looked at me, confusion evident in her eyes. She must not have understood half of my words—things like "November" or "Christmas." Knowing nothing about this world, I doubted she could relate, but at least she must have understood that I loved bonfires.
I let out a chuckle and continued with my plan.
"You probably didn't understand half of my words, but I'm trying to say I love bonfires. They bring back memories. You see, I'm not from this world. I died and reincarnated here just today, and I got caught because I was careless. But I don't regret it, because I met you."
For the second time, I saw her make the same 'O' with her mouth. She must have been extremely shocked to learn I was an otherworlder.
Some might ask why I told her the truth, but I don't see why not. I gain nothing from hiding it. Considering I want to make her my woman, she would eventually learn the truth. It's better to use this information cleverly to my advantage. Besides, if you want someone to open up to you, you must be as honest as you can. Sharing this was my way of showing my sincerity.
After a long silence, Elaria asked, "Why would you share something so sensitive? What if I had bad intentions and spread this information?"
"Then it means I was wrong in judging you, and I'll face the consequences," I shrugged. I had already considered all those variables. From a writer's standpoint, a character like Elaria—someone with trauma who lacks human warmth—would seek acknowledgement, acceptance, and to be loved for who she is. Someone like that would not betray a person who is genuinely showing goodwill. I might be wrong, but I trust my gut feeling.
"You are truly a weird one," she said with a sigh.
I grinned. "I'll take that as a compliment. If you recall my declaration when you asked why I wanted to take you with me?"
To my question, she nodded.
"You said you want to make me yours, to travel the world together, to learn more about me."
"Exactly. I was sincere and still am. To show you my sincerity, I decided to share some of my secrets with you. I want you to open up because I want to know you better. Please, let me!"
My earnest request must have reached her because she nodded.
"I understand. My story is boring, but I will share some of it with you."
"I can't wait to hear your story, Elaria," I smiled, feeling a double happiness. She was about to open up, and at the same time, a notification flashed in my vision: her favorability had reached 15. It would soon reach the threshold for the first reward.