Chapter 29 - Sweet Traces Part 29: Confirming the Rumors

Above the star maps of the Star Alliance lies a small but extraordinary planet where all plants grow to immense sizes due to its unique geographical position and soil structure.This planet is known by a special name—Distant Light.Filia had only read about Distant Light in textbooks from her memories. As she set foot on this land, she found it hard to believe her eyes.Giant wild strawberries, huge berries, wildflowers towering several meters high, and towering trees were visible in every direction.Although initially shocked, Filia had to focus on the task details displayed on her instruments.However, as she manipulated her instruments, another person descended from the spacecraft behind her.Turning to see, Filia's expression stiffened—it was Luciano, dressed in a deep blue combat suit.Carrying a bag, he approached Filia with a smile."Isn't this place beautiful?""Commander? Weren't you in the office?" She had just spoken to him claiming he was in the office, yet here he was."In the office?" Luciano retorted, then operated the control panel outside the spacecraft, closing the door automatically."First time on a ship piloted by me, no dizziness, right?" After closing the door, Luciano turned to Filia, asking.A ship piloted by him? The one who just piloted the ship was him!Filia was speechless for a moment, not knowing what to say."Let's go, Captain Athena. This mission is to escort me to the research institute, as the item I need is rather special and must be retrieved in secret. After thinking it over, I believe in your superior capabilities, so I chose you."With those words, Luciano walked ahead without waiting for a response from Filia.After a brief pause, Filia hesitated before following him."Commander, where are you going? I can create a portal." She managed to converse with him only through her belief in completing her first mission.Otherwise, she might have scratched this lying scoundrel then and there.The scandal had spread like wildfire, yet he not only failed to stop it but also didn't avoid suspicion. It seemed he truly had his eyes on Athena. Loyalty to marriage was just empty talk; even if Athena was herself, Filia."Can't create one here. The magnetic field is special, magic won't work. So, we have to walk."Just as Filia was about to explode inside, Luciano answered her question.Glancing back at the woman who had been bowing her head all along, Luciano's lips curled upwards uncontrollably.After a long moment of anticipation, Luciano spoke again, "No one else is here, just the two of us on this entire planet. Do you have something to say to me?""Reporting, Commander, I have nothing to say."Not wanting to engage with him further, Filia spoke coldly, then swiftly walked ahead.Luciano watched her retreating figure without quickening his pace. Moving slowly, he intermittently paused—sometimes to take photos, other times to admire some unknown creature.From dawn until dusk, even with three moon-like satellites in the sky, the forest remained as bright as day. Yet, Luciano declared it was nighttime and decided to set up camp for a rest, continuing the journey the next morning.Resigned, Filia obeyed the command and pitched the tent.The night air at Distant Light was chilly. Luciano somehow managed to find dry branches, starting a fire in an open area.In the warm red glow of the flames, Filia, whose face had been chilled all day, looked somewhat softened.Meanwhile, Luciano toyed with a long, slender leaf in his hand.Although facing each other, neither spoke a word. The atmosphere was awkward and silent.As Filia yawned, preparing to retire into her tent for sleep, she heard Luciano hiss abruptly and turned her gaze toward him.To her surprise, the longleaf had cut Luciano's finger, causing it to bleed."Do you have a first aid kit?" Luciano asked pitifully, looking at Filia."I do." A first aid kit was standard for a soldier, so Filia had it with her.She retrieved the kit, moved closer to Luciano, and began to tend to the wound, expressing her surprise at the leaf's sharpness."It's a Yarnleaf. Very resilient and sharp due to its size. Ouch, it hurts."Filia merely cleaned the wound, prompting a wince and a slight recoil from Luciano.Puzzled, Filia looked up at him. How had he sustained injuries on Planet 4-28 remaining stoic, yet now a small cut made him so delicate? If she had delayed bandaging, the wound might've healed on its own."If it hurts, we don't need to bandage it. After all, werewolves' wounds heal on their own."With these words, Filia lowered her hand. However, it had already been stained with his blood.Such is the nature of blood descendants; once they've tasted human blood, the first drop stays highly sensitive to them. Smelling it again triggers their bloodthirsty desires.Fetching a disinfectant wipe, Filia quickly cleaned the blood off her hand. But the scent lingered, imprinting on her soul and bones. No matter how much she wiped, she couldn't forget the scent, only craving it more."What's wrong?" Luciano scooted closer to Filia.The still-wet bloodstains on his hand emanated a scent that made Filia salivate."Commander, please stay away.""Why? Oh, is my blood affecting you?"With averted eyes and suppressing her bloodlust, Filia replied firmly, "Stay away.""Shall I let you bite me again? After all, I still owe you a favor."Luciano said, removing his jacket to reveal a white T-shirt underneath."Commander, do you even know what you're doing?"Unable to hold back any longer, Filia turned her head back, glaring at Luciano with her bright eyes."I know. I'm seducing you."Before Filia could speak further, she found herself pinned down by Luciano."The rumors about us are spreading on the Zeus, unjustified accusations flying, explanations futile. Perhaps, it's best to confirm these rumors," he declared, his actions confirming the scandal.