Leon slipped out of bed at dawn. He was more tired than he’d expected. It made sense, considering he hadn’t slept properly in recent days.
After washing himself with cold water, he placed the clothes and medicine he’d acquired yesterday on one side of the bed, where they would be clearly visible. Judging by her steady breathing, the woman didn’t seem to be experiencing another vision.
Her visions were almost certainly related to the place It was heading. A city more splendid than Bayern, and the presence of a holy knight… Nothing in the vicinity matched that description except the Holy City of Karta. Of course, they would need to wait for a more detailed vision, but still.
The worst assumption came to mind.
“Benjamin… stop it.”
Just then, the woman stirred slightly, curling up on her side and sleep-talking. Her loose tunic slipped down one shoulder, revealing her sharp collarbone and the swell of her breast.
Leon stood still for a moment before pulling the blanket up to her neck. Judging by the name, she must be dreaming of her fiancé or a man she once loved.
What had become of that man? Had he survived the burning city and the monster’s teeth?
If he were alive, he would be desperately searching for his lover. If he were dead, that would be a tragedy in its own right. Leon knew it was a meaningless thing to wonder about.
“Either way, you must remain bound to my side,” he murmured.
Her face, peacefully asleep and oblivious to the world, remained serene as if denying her reality. The blue light of dawn settled quietly on her clear features. He hadn’t even asked for her name yet, for the same reason he never named a warhorse that would eventually die.
Her hair by her mouth quivered with each breath. Her full lips were red and swollen from the night’s stimulation.
What an innocently provocative woman. She’s like a thorn embedded in my hand. It doesn’t hurt as long as you don’t touch it.