Chu Yan and Xianoya shared a remarkable physical affinity, particularly when it came to the matter of sleep.
Though Xianoya was not particularly prone to prolonged slumber, the discomfort induced by dark magic during these recent days made sleep the most effective remedy.
Meanwhile, having journeyed tirelessly to the Dead Sea border, Chu Yan had not taken the time to rest properly after his arrival, busily attending to various tasks. Now that he had completed the crucial first stage of his responsibilities, the thought of not catching up on sleep left him feeling morally uneasy.
Thus, after sending off the distant John and his companions, both Chu Yan and Xianoya indulged in sleep.
Aside from the occasional nourishment and hydration, the two remained nestled under the covers, enveloped in an atmosphere of unyielding encouragement, embodying a spirit of "neither abandoning nor yielding."
After nearly three days of languishing in leisure, Chu Yan felt thoroughly refreshed.
Upon awakening, he stretched lazily, his arms shivering slightly in the cool breeze that filtered through the window, prompting him to retreat back under the covers and wrap his arms once more around the soft form of Xianoya.
However, when he glanced at her, he was taken aback to discover that she was already awake.
In truth, Xianoya had awakened when her discomfort subsided, and much of the day had already passed.
Planning to rise and stretch her limbs, she hesitated, noticing how soundly Chu Yan slept and ultimately deciding against waking him, instead patiently waiting for him to rouse.
In the brief silence, the tips of their noses nearly touched, and they could faintly feel the warmth of each other's breaths.
Chu Yan broke the silence first.
"Good morning, Xianoya."
"Good morning, Chu Yan."
The way the knight addressed him seemed to shift from referring to him as lord to calling him simply by name. Chu Yan did not mind this change; however, he felt a sense of unease under her intense gaze.
"Let me guess; you've been staring at me since you woke up, calculating the 'bill,' haven't you?"
"Of course! It appears you possess a commendable sense of contractual awareness, having discerned my thoughts. If we tally the hours you've been holding me for warmth, you might find yourself sleeping on the floor tonight."
The bright mood that had accompanied Chu Yan upon waking evaporated, replaced by a cloud of dismay hovering over his heart. He argued his case:
"That calculation cannot be valid; we never stipulated how long a single embrace would count. Therefore, during our days of rest, it should only count as one!"
The law does not apply retroactively, and this principle holds true in this world as well.
One embrace deducting a day of shared warmth should not suddenly transform into "one hour of embrace deducting a day!"
Yet, after embracing Xianoya for warmth over three days, counting it as merely one instance indeed felt unjust. Nevertheless, Chu Yan was determined to maintain his position, utilizing a slight mischief to his advantage.
After all, sleeping on the floor was something he simply could not endure!
Sensing his reluctance to argue further, Xianoya generously opted to let the matter slide, declaring:
"Very well, from now on, if you embrace me again, that will incur an additional day's charge."
"Deal! I assure you I will not take advantage!"
As he spoke, Chu Yan flung his hair back, revealing his earnest countenance to Xianoya.
Yet, despite his expressions, his arms remained around her, which puzzled the knight.
"May I inquire why your arms are still holding me?"
"Because I've decided that from now on, I shall carry you along wherever I go. As long as I do not let go, it won't count as 'the next time,' unless you, Xianoya, amend our 'warming agreement' to allow me to embrace you continuously without additional charges until the trial concludes."
"..."
Xianoya envisioned in her mind the predicament of having this man clinging to her as she moved about; what a nightmare that would be!
Earlier, when she had seen Chu Yan outmaneuvering the slime creature, clearly frustrating Baron Pig, she had reveled in schadenfreude, declaring it exceedingly gratifying.
Now, however, with his antics threatening to entangle her, Xianoya began to feel a sense of helpless frustration...
She started to suspect that perhaps the Dragonflame family had sent Chu Yan to the Dead Sea border not out of internal factionalism, but rather to prevent him from causing mischief elsewhere.
With a weary sigh, Xianoya resolved not to squabble with him over this, accepting her plight with a pinch of resignation as she conceded:
"Fine, fine, let go of me for now... Wait, did you mention the trial ending?"
A sudden realization flashed in her mind, capturing a particular detail.
Chu Yan felt a flutter of anxiety in his chest at her words, prompting him to sit up abruptly and shift the conversation to divert Xianoya's attention:
"Ahem! Xianoya, what do you plan to do about your hometown?"
At first, Xianoya did not grasp his question, but upon realizing it pertained to the magical creature's lair, she furrowed her brow in thought.
She then rose from the covers, her delicate shoulders exposed, flawless skin gleaming, with her elegant collarbone clearly defined. The straps of her nightgown strained under the fullness of her bosom, accentuating her curves.
She shrugged and shook her head with a soft laugh, neither mocking nor self-deprecating:
"What can be done? The circle of nobles connected to the Lowilan family can always pool their resources to hire adventurers for extermination.
Perhaps my earlier training was insufficient, and a properly paid expert might swiftly eliminate the source of the magical creatures?"
Chu Yan scratched his head, a wry smile mingled with sincerity upon his lips. He gazed at the woman beside him and said:
"I'm relieved to see you have come to terms with things and no longer harbor them in your heart.
However, I cannot agree with your last statement; engaging with forbidden dark magic also requires a certain level of talent. If you humble yourself and claim inadequacy, it would be a tremendous blow to other aspiring sorcerers!"
Xianoya blinked in surprise.
Receiving compliments was a novel experience for her; during her years growing up in Lowilan, she had become numb to insults and reprimands. Yet, she was caught off guard by a simple affirmation, leaving her momentarily flustered and at a loss for words.
But instead of resisting, she merely averted her gaze, feigning nonchalance as she remarked:
"Is this criticism directed at you, the lazy one?"
"Such a remark would have no bearing on me; as the saying goes, 'the capable do more.' If I were indeed a wastrel, then clearly, the tasks would not fall upon my shoulders. Besides, I possess the family background to support a life of ease!"
As he articulated this sentiment, Chu Yan felt an inexplicable pride swell within him.
As a second-generation heir, living in laziness without burdening his family, he had no need to worry about where his next meal came from. Yet, should he resolve to initiate significant endeavors, he risked entangling his family in the consequences.
Moreover, any dragonborn witnessing such a lazy figure as himself would take it as a point of shame, compelling them to strive harder and distance themselves from him.
Simply by being there, lying idly, he could serve as a source of motivation for the younger generation of dragonborn, embodying the quintessential negative example!
The collective could scarcely afford to be without a figure like him dragging them down.
On a smaller scale, it was a win-win dynamic; they would pursue their ambitions while he relished in his idleness.
On a larger scale, it represented a noble sacrifice, relinquishing personal aspirations for the greater good of the community!
Such lofty ideals and perspectives were indeed admirable.
"Do you not feel uneasy about your own lack of martial prowess, neglecting your training?"
Xianoya was perplexed; Chu Yan's nonchalance struck her as utterly bewildering, leaving her head filled with questions.
"Not at all; it suffices to find a reliable ally to lean upon. After all, I am currently relying on you!"
"..."
Momentarily speechless, Xianoya felt an inexplicable urge to strike him, vexed by how content he appeared in his laziness.
"I am a pariah of the Dead Sea border, a fallen individual who has touched upon forbidden practices. If you associate too closely with someone of my status, you might face adverse rumors in the outside world."
"The rapport we share is our own affair; why should I concern myself with how outsiders choose to judge?"
In the face of Chu Yan's calm demeanor, Xianoya could only acknowledge his audacity and retorted:
"If you wish for my assistance, you must keep track of the account; this is not a matter that can be settled in one go! The payment should reflect the extent of my involvement."
Having spoken those words, she suddenly felt as if she had overlooked something significant... What was it about the trial ending?
At this moment, Chu Yan was already dressed and preparing to head out for an inspection. He paused by the window, taking in the cleanliness of the municipal environment.
So tidy and hygienic!
"Once the governor completes his inspection, I will commence the next phase of work!
By the way, Xianoya, have you experienced any more nightmares in the past few days?"
Xianoya turned her back as she changed her clothes, her tone melancholic, though the corners of her mouth subtly curved upwards in disdain:
"The old nightmares have yet to fully dissipate, but the new ones have already arrived. Do you have any idea how tightly you've been holding me these past couple of nights? It left me gasping for breath in my dreams!"
"Ah, it's only natural for you to have nightmares. My aura, my presence... it's akin to a constricting python, suffocating!"