Chapter 4: The unexpected bond
The sun had long since dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of deep orange and purple. The forest clearing was quiet, save for the crackling of the fire I had built and the occasional chirp of crickets. I sat on a log, carefully turning a skewer of fish over the flames. The aroma of grilled fish filled the air, mingling with the earthy scent of the woods. It had been a full day since I had healed Akira, and she had been asleep the entire time. I glanced over at the small tent I had fashioned for her—a humble shelter made of branches and cloth. It wasn't much, but it was enough to keep her safe and comfortable.
As I pulled the fish off the grill, I heard rustling from the tent. Akira emerged, her movements slow but deliberate. She looked down at herself, noticing the clothing I had given her earlier—a simple tunic and trousers. Beside her, she spotted the fresh set of clothes I had left: a soft, clean outfit I had acquired from the system. She picked it up, examining it for a moment before retreating into the tent to change.
When she reappeared, she looked more composed, though her expression was unreadable. She approached me, her eyes narrowing as she studied the fire and the fish in my hands.
"You used healing magic on me, didn't you?" she asked, her voice firm but not unkind.
I nodded, turning the fish over the flames. "Yes, I did."
She tilted her head, her stern expression softening slightly. "You're a weird human, you know that, right?"
I chuckled, shrugging. "Not sure about that. I just don't fancy anything related to conflict. Here," I said, offering her a grilled fish. "You want some?"
She hesitated, her gaze flickering between me and the fish. After a moment, she took it, her fingers brushing against mine. "It's not poisoned," I added with a grin. "If I wanted to kill you, I would've done it while you were asleep."
She let out a nonchalant sigh, taking a cautious bite. Her eyes widened slightly, and she quickly took another. "It's... good," she admitted, her tone begrudging.
We ate in silence for a while, the crackling fire and the chirping of crickets filling the night. Eventually, she broke the quiet. "By the way, what's your name? And how did you get your powers? Why are you so strong?"
I leaned back, staring into the flames. "My name is Fernando," I said. "And, well... I'm not from this world. I was summoned here to be a hero, someone who would fight against the 'Dark One.' But I was rejected." I paused, glancing at her. "This isn't even my real face." With a wave of my hand, I dispelled the illusion, revealing my true appearance.
Akira studied me for a moment, her expression unreadable. "They lost a valuable treasure, then," she said simply, taking another bite of fish.
I laughed, shaking my head. "I wouldn't say that. I'm not that strong. I'm just a merchant, after all."
She didn't respond immediately, her gaze distant. Finally, she spoke again. "My name is Akira. Akira Lupina."
I nodded, filing the name away. "Nice to meet you, Akira."
She hesitated, her fingers tightening around the fish. "I have a request to ask of you," she said, her voice serious.
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Sure, what is it?"
"I want you to be my master," she said, her tone unwavering.
I blinked, caught off guard. "W-what?"
She met my gaze, her expression resolute. "We demi-humans serve those who are stronger than us. I don't have any value in this life if I don't serve you."
I shook my head, my stomach churning at the thought. "No, no way. I don't want a servant, and I don't intend to be your master."
Her face fell, and for a moment, she looked almost... broken. "Then there's no need for me to continue living," she said quietly. Before I could react, her hand transformed into a half-lycan claw, and she pressed it to her throat.
"Wait!" I shouted, leaping to my feet. "I don't have to be your master. We could just be friends."
She hesitated, her claw still poised at her throat. "Friends?" she repeated, as if testing the word.
"Yes," I said firmly. "Friends. Equals."
Her expression softened, and she lowered her hand. "Yaaay, Master!" she cheered, her tail wagging furiously. Before I could protest, she lunged at me, tackling me to the ground.
"Woah!" I yelped, landing hard on the dirt. She laughed, her earlier melancholy replaced by pure joy. I couldn't help but smile, despite the awkwardness of the situation.
---
The next morning, we set off for the capital. Using my teleportation magic, we arrived at the bustling city gates within moments. The streets were alive with activity—merchants hawking their wares, children playing, and adventurers clad in armor striding purposefully toward the guilds.
As we walked through the crowded streets, a flower seller called out to us. "Hey, you couples! Come purchase this flower. It'll keep you two together forever!"
Akira tilted her head, confused. "What does he mean?"
"He thinks we're a couple," I explained, glancing at her. "It might be better if we act like one. That way, people won't question our relationship."
Her eyes lit up. "Really? Master wants me to be his wife?" she asked, her tail wagging excitedly.
I chuckled, scratching the back of my head. "Like I said before, I'm not your master. And it's just acting."
"Yes—yes, I'll do it!" she said, grabbing my hand. "Darling-sama," she added with a mischievous grin.
"What?" I asked, caught off guard.
"If we're a married couple, we must call each other couple names, don't you think, darling?" she said, her smirk widening.
I laughed, shaking my head. "Haha, I guess so."
We continued walking, hand in hand, until we reached the Tiger Guild. The receptionist greeted us with a polite smile. "Hello, Sir Fernando. What can I do for you today?"
"I want to register—" I began, but Akira interrupted.
"Wife! His wife," she declared proudly.
The receptionist blinked, surprised. "Wife?"
"Yes," I confirmed, trying to keep a straight face.
"Very well. What is your name, madam?"
"Aki—" she started, but I cut her off.
"Lupin," I said quickly, saving her from revealing her full name.
She turned to me, her eyes wide with gratitude. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice trembling.
The receptionist handed her a guild chain, and we walked away, Akira—now Lupin—clutching it tightly. "I'm so sorry," she said, her eyes welling up. "I almost put you in trouble."
I smiled, placing a hand on her shoulder. "It's totally fine. We're in this together, remember?"
She nodded, her tail wagging softly. "Together," she repeated, a small smile playing on her lips.
---
As we left the guild, I couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with her. Despite her quirks and the odd circumstances, there was something endearing about her determination and loyalty. I knew our journey would be filled with challenges, but with her by my side, I felt ready to face whatever lay ahead.
The sun was setting once more, casting a golden hue over the city. We found a quiet spot to rest, and as we sat by the fire, I couldn't help but reflect on how much had changed in just a few days. From a lone merchant to a reluctant hero with a loyal companion, my life had taken an unexpected turn.
And as I looked at Lupin, her eyes glowing in the firelight, I realized that maybe, just maybe, this was exactly where I was meant to be.