Chapter 198: Capture the Heart: Part-10
Aqualina Naiadia’s POV
“Understood,” he said with a little trembling but determined expression, his eyes locking onto mine with a mix of fear and resolve.
[+2000 Affection]
“H-Huh?” My hands that grabbed his collar loosened up, the intensity of the moment causing my heart to race even faster.
H-He’s serious or… bullshitting again?
He stood up and walked out of the cave, his footsteps echoing off the damp walls.
I didn’t understand whether he was an idiot or not. I was just about to stop him when,
“Wait–”
“Oh! I forgot I need to go chu chu!!” He suddenly said, covering his crotch in an urgent manner. Without another word, he immediately walked back into the cave, grabbing his bag along the way.
‘Chu, chu?’ I had a weird expression, my brow furrowing in confusion.
‘D-Did he get scared of dying?’ I thought to myself with an amused expression.
Even though my emotions had been a roller coaster, seeing him act like a child brought me a strange sense of relief and happiness. The tension in my chest eased slightly, and a small smile tugged at the corners of my lips.
‘I suppose he has not changed,’ I thought.
To be honest, I was a little worried that his innocent actions might disappear after getting hugged and kissed by another woman.
“GGGRRRRRR!!!” Just remembering someone touched his lips made my blood boil in anger, almost a spark appeared as I gritted my teeth. My nails dug into my palms, and my breath came out in ragged gasps.
Suddenly,
“Come out!!”
“SSssss~”
My face turned bright red hearing that echoing sound, ‘W-What the hell is he doing deep inside the cave? Does he not know the echo sound carries everywhere?!’ I screamed inwardly, covering my ears immediately. The embarrassment washed over me in waves, and I wanted to sink into the ground.
‘That idiot!’ I screamed silently as my cheeks turned hot. I lowered my head in embarrassment, ‘I-I cannot believe this! This bastard is urinating while I am still here!! This illiterate bastard!!’ My mind raced with conflicting emotions, a mix of anger and an odd affection for his naive nature.
T-This is why I said he was an innocent idiot who would easily be swayed!!
After a little time, I slowly moved my ears, thinking he must have finished his job. However,
“HISSSSSS~~”
‘… He must have been holding back a lot,’ I thought, lowering my red face and covering my ears even more tightly! Each second felt like an eternity, my ears straining to block out the mortifying sound.
After a second, I suddenly felt my dizziness disappear as if I was rejuvenated, but then I felt dizzy again. The shifting sensations left me unsteady, and I blinked rapidly to clear my vision.
‘What just happened?’ I frowned, confusion mingling with the lingering embarrassment. Just then, Aether came out with free hands, his expression sheepish.
“Princess…” He had an embarrassed face before saying, “I am sorry.” His cheeks were tinged with a faint pink, and he avoided my gaze.
I snorted, thinking at least he knew what he did. Then, as he stepped forward to leave, I caught the hem of his shirt.
“Hmm?” He frowned, turning back to look at me.
“I-I was just playing with you… that’s all!” I said, my voice trembling slightly as I looked into his blue eyes that shone with determination. The intensity of his gaze made my heart skip a beat.
He blinked for a second before saying, “Is that so…” He smiled in relief, which made me doubt whether he was worried about her or me.
So I asked in a teasing tone, “You must be happy that you didn’t die before meeting your A-Aria.”
“Yeah.” Aether’s innocent truthful answer suddenly ached my heart, but then, “but more IMPORTANTLY… I really didn’t want to die before I saw Princess’s happiness.” His words were sincere, his eyes reflecting a depth of emotion that made my chest tighten.
[+3000 Affection]
“I-I see… Oh… Yes…” I mumbled, averting my eyes from his warm gaze, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks.
‘H-He still loves me more than her…’ I thought as my heart slightly calmed down when I realized how he pressed the particular word that made my heart flutter in happiness. The realization brought a warmth that spread through my body, easing the ache of jealousy.
Jealousy?
I… I sighed as I clearly understood what was happening to my heart… I think… I think… I lo–
“I found a narrow path under the small cliff!!” Someone’s voice echoed, alerting both Aether and me.
‘Tsk, They found us already,’ I gritted my teeth, my mind racing to assess our situation.
It’s not that I was scared of a few weaklings or not… it’s more like my body was already battered, and even more… I glanced at Aether, who was wincing in pain. The sight of his discomfort made my heart clench with worry.
‘The remnants of his last battle must still be hurting him,’ I thought. Even though he had a healing potion, he didn’t use it on himself… H-He was keeping it for my sake, but now even it was useless.
I… I….
‘Ba-dump’
[+3000 Affection]
A-Anyhow,
If we had access to Arcane energy, we might have stood a chance, but… as of now, we were doomed.
I couldn’t believe there would be one day I would feel helpless against a group of thugs… The humiliation stung deeply, and I clenched my fists in frustration.
I gritted my teeth in anger.
I, Princess of Aquarius Naiadia, Daughter of Marisandra Naiadia, would be in this pathetic situation. The realization of my current state was like a slap to the face, and I felt a surge of determination to fight back.
M-My mother would be so disappointed if she saw me like this. The thought of her disapproval stung more than any physical wound.
If we fought together, we might be able to defeat a few, but 25 enemies… It would be incredibly difficult, and even more so because we couldn’t be certain others weren’t lurking somewhere, ready to ambush us at any moment.
Even if by some miracle Aether sacrificed himself for me, granting me a chance to escape… I… I glanced at Aether’s concerned face, his eyes reflecting a mix of determination and worry. I-I… No…
H-He’s just a slave, and I need to clear my mind!! My life was more important than his—
“Princess,” Aether suddenly called out, his voice cutting through my thoughts with an urgency that startled me. His gaze was firm, unwavering as he spoke, “You can hide here. I will take care of them.”
“NO!” I instantly protested, glaring at Aether with intensity, “I will not hide from some thugs. My name is Aqualina Naiadia, and the sole princes–”
‘Slap’
M-My body froze as Aether’s palm connected with my cheek. Shock and anger coursed through me, leaving me momentarily speechless.
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