Him. Definitely not herself.
She opened her mouth, intending to say something…
But Master Sunless beat her to it.
Walking over, he leaned on the railing beside her…
And gently took her hand.
Nephis froze.
«Well, how do I say this? I am on the VIP deck… because Lady Nephis invited me to be with her on the VIP deck.»
Her eyes widened slightly.
Nephis' hand was suddenly burning from his soft touch.
«Do not. Spit your wine. Nephis.»
She gulped the wine down and smiled weakly.
«…Right.»
«No, but how is his hand so soft?»
Nephis used to have rough, calloused hands… the hands of a swordsman. Later, as her body was fortified and tempered by the Awakening, Ascension, and Transcendence, it rid itself of imperfections. Those calluses were long gone, and her skin was flawless.
And yet, it was nowhere near the smooth silkiness of the beautiful enchanter's hand.
Nephis was unyielding and lived a life that was harsh and full of hardships. So… she wasn't used to soft things.
«…I'm spacing out.»
Luckily, so was Effie.
She stared at the charming young man with her mouth agape, then slowly turned to Nephis. Then, she looked back at Master Sunless.
And then back at Nephis.
Nephis suddenly had a terrible premonition.
»Oh, no.»
Gradually, a wolfish grin appeared on Effie's face.
«Oh, no.»
She giggled.
«Oh! Oh, damn! I see! Wow! Cassie sure works fast…»
The boisterous huntress leaned closer and whispered in an intimate tone:
«Alright. I've already given this one the talk about the birds and the bees…»
Master Sunless, who was looking at Nephis with a prideful expression, as if asking her to praise his act, suddenly tensed.
Effie, meanwhile, patted him on the shoulder.
«So, kids, let Auntie Effie explain safety to you now…»
Maintaining a calm expression, Nephis turned and looked across the lake.
The castle… was so terribly far away.