Into the forest[l]
Even without the change in affection score, I could tell Kelly's opinion of me had gotten better. Her gaze seemed to bring back a long lost respect for me.
"Let me help you."
She came over to me and, after my nod, took me under her arm.
As I pressed myself against her body, the scent of vanilla hit my nose at once. At close range, her skin glistened even more because of the droplets of sweat on it. As I enjoyed the softness of her body, I felt the pain from my wounds fade into the background.
Ignoring everyone's surprised looks, we reached the supply wagon.
When we got inside, we woke the sleeping sentry, who immediately wanted to take his anger out on us for disturbing his sleep, at least until he noticed me.
"Ten potions each of health, mana, and stamina."
Without taking any interest in my condition or the purpose of the potions, he quickly dispensed everything we asked for, praying we would leave soon.
Also with Kelly's help, I made my way to my wagon where I immediately drank one potion each to restore my health and stamina.
Focusing on my body, I felt my strength gradually returning to me, and my wounds were showing the first signs of healing. At this rate, it would take at least six hours to fully recover. I did the math in my mind, concluding that this time was the same as the one I had read about in the novel.
Not knowing what to occupy myself with for those hours, I tried to find out more about Kelly's past.
She was very sensitive to the subject, saying only that her family had lost its noble status when she was still a child. Without pressuring her, I switched topics, noticing for the umpteenth time that Kelly is extremely fond of talking.
After six hours had passed, I sat reading a book on an introduction to rune magic. Kelly was also sitting next to me, happily leafing through a book just like mine.
After our time together, she had finally relaxed and was starting to show a more playful side of her personality.
"Young Master~"
She's starting it up again.
I sighed to myself, but put the book down and looked up at her smiling face.
"Do you remember how many sparring sessions we had?"
"22"
With an even wider smile, she continued.
"And how many of those did I win?"
"...22"
My answer alone seemed to make her glow with joy. I could only smile impotently.
The first time she asked me, I liked that lively side of her, but hell, this is the 5th time.
It's not my fault that the only battlefield on which this body has excelled is the bed.
Just wait till I get to you.
Not noticing my predatory stare, she continued reading the book, humming to herself.
Unfortunately, her affection points didn't increase and stayed at 79.
Maybe I'm doing something wrong?
'System, what is the reason I can't raise affection?'
I decided to check with the system.
[Host, 80, 90, and 100 are thresholds that talking alone is not enough to cross. You need an act that can go deep into the other person's feelings.]
'An act that can go deep into the other person's feelings...'
I repeated in my mind, and came to the conclusion that I would have to wait for the opportune moment to do so.
'And very soon such a moment may appear'
I opened the slide of the desk and pulled out a new-looking map from there. Unfolding it on the table, I stared at one point. Underneath it was signed 'Ruins of the Katrex's Temple'.
It was a place the protagonist stumbled upon in later chapters.
I knew that the main condition for entering the temple ruins was a full moon. According to Kelly, tonight would be such a night, and judging by the map, our camp wasn't far from the ruins, a couple hours' walk at most.
I couldn't help but feel that the place and timing of my appearance was too perfect, but I couldn't afford to miss a chance like this.
The problem was the forest that separated us.
Going in there alone, with my current strength, if not certain death, then certainly something on the verge of suicide. On the other hand, the fewer people who know about the case, the better.
Of course, there was also the problem of trust. Trusting someone in a world you haven't spent a day in is quite a challenge, especially for me, who's used to seeing the dark side of people.
Even on earth, people you'd known for years, people connected to you by even more than friendship, could betray you if they felt sufficiently benefited by it.
What about this world where power rules and I'm stuck in the body of a weak bastard despised by everyone? My status aside, I wouldn't be surprised if every other man here would be willing to slaughter me for a handful of coins.
Even in this sorry state, a ray of light illuminated my impenetrable future. It's about Kelly, of course.
Among all the people I met, she was the only one with an affection score of almost 80, which the system labeled as 'can be trusted'. Of course, I didn't rely on that alone. In all the time we'd been talking, I'd been paying close attention to her facial expressions and involuntary micro movements, which an untrained person could hardly fake.
When the sun had set behind the horizon and darkness had fallen over the sky, I stood not far from the camp, waiting for my companion.
After a while, Kelly climbed out of the nearest bushes.
"I did as you asked."
"Good, now they won't be looking for you until morning."
I had an easier time with it - no one dared look into my carriage unless something too massive happened.
As we got deeper into the forest, our surroundings began to change. The plants I was used to were replaced by all sorts of bizarre versions of them, some of which glowed faintly or gave off an unusual odor.
We both kept alert, glancing around or stopping from time to time. When we passed, more than halfway through, Kelly signaled us to stop, sensing someone's presence.
It didn't take long to guess, for a few moments later, something like a large lizard appeared in front of us.
*Ding*
[Mission: Kill 4 shadow salamanders]
[Reward: 5 free characteristic points]
*****
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