Draconic Impact Chapter 33

Edited by: Priapus

“So you think Lumine is heading to or already somewhere in Jueyun Karst?” Eula questions, having caught her breath after a short love-making session as she holds a blanket over her chest. “Are you positive?”

“No, not quite.” I shake my head, wearing my shirt. “But that’s the only lead we have right now.”

“I suppose…” She doesn’t argue with that point. “Then again, it has been a week since Morax’s assassination, and Jueyun Karst is only a day away on foot. Lumine might not be there anymore.”

“Well, she’s not back to Liyue Harbor yet,” I reply. “So she’s likely still gathering evidence of her innocence around that general area.”

Or she’s making her way back at this very moment, which I doubt. If she has disappeared for this long, then she’s most likely gotten herself into a much bigger controversy already. That is partly why I’m very interested in looking for her this late.

“Hmm…” Eula hums thoughtfully. “You said you got this information from an Adeptus, yes? Can he really be trusted?”

Yes, an ‘Adeptus’. I couldn’t exactly tell her that I had met the Geo Archon of Liyue, who was supposed to be dead. It wouldn’t exactly make sense, and someone as headstrong as her might make this situation a lot more troublesome for us.

She’s not exactly an idiot, but with her sense of justice and tendency to do something without thinking long-term, I’d rather keep such information for myself. For now, at least. Perhaps I’ll explain everything to her once we’ve met up with Lumine.

This Adeptus lie would work more as a half-truth. This ‘Zhongli’ individual is clearly no ordinary citizen. He held himself like a very experienced warrior, which I’m sure someone like Eula would detect if she were to meet him, unlike normal citizens and non-combatants. Now, she wouldn’t ask many questions if she saw him do something normal humans couldn’t.

Especially considering he’s closely tied to this conspiracy. Being the God of Liyue and all.

“I imagine those sworn to protect Liyue would be trustworthy, yes.” I nod. “I see no reason for him to lie. After all, I’m only a righteous man trying to find the truth.”

And he told me something about a Sigil of Permission. I don’t know what that means, but I have a good guess, considering his following warning about the Adepti. Now, I know nothing about them, only that they’re mythical creatures that have been protecting Liyue for countless years.

But I’m not worried. I’m more than confident enough to take care of myself in case I’ve enraged them, either with words or claws; they won’t be angry for very long. So instead of wasting time looking for this ‘Sigil,’ I’ll simply knock on their door asking where my friend went.

I’m no fool, however. I know killing any of them would cause a disaster, so I suppose I’ll have to unleash the bloodlust on something else. I’ve yet to clear out this region of its monsters, after all.

“‘Righteous’.” Eula rolls her eyes with a scoff. Though, her tone sounds amused. “Why are you leaving right now, though? Wouldn’t it be better to start looking for them in the morning?”

“What’s this?” I give her a teasing smile. “Missing the warmth of your lover already?”

“Stop saying these stupid things and answer my question.” She chastises with a blush before sighing. “Honestly. Can’t you be serious for once?”

“I’d be far less charming if I was.” I wink. “But you’re right. I’m only going now because I don’t feel tired. I might as well look for her now and catch up.”

Actually, it’s because I’m bored, which I don’t think Eula would appreciate hearing after I’ve just had my way with her. She’s a very good partner, of course. She learns quickly, but let’s just say I miss Lumine. And, well, I am very curious.

“Look at you, being so proactive.” Eula snorts. “How are you going to do that? Having a lead is one thing, but Liyue is a big place.”

“I can fly,” I reply with a smile. “And I can simply look for her scent. Supernatural senses, remember?”

“Right…” She looks at me, a little bemused. “And just how effective are those senses of yours?”

“I always know when women around me are in the mood,” I respond, choosing the worst example I could think of. “And when it’s that time of the month for them.”

“Ugh. You’re the worst.” She shivers in disgust. “Just go away already.”

“Yes, yes.” I laugh. “Don’t you want to come with me? I thought you’d want to see her again.”

Eula hesitates for a moment before shaking her head.

“Going with you would be pointless.” She says. “Someone has to take care of the stall while you’re gone.”

“How kind.”

“Besides, I’m still suspicious of the Fatui’s presence here.” She adds. “You go look for Lumine, and I’ll investigate within Liyue Harbor. It’s doubtful I’ll find anything, but if something happens here, I’ll tell you about it when you return.”

“The way you say that makes me think you’re not planning to sleep.” I raise an eyebrow.

“I don’t feel tired either.” She shrugs before giving me a challenging look. “Maybe someone’s performance tonight was too lackluster.”

“Oh, really now? Those are fighting words, love.” I chuckle. “But that’s fair. I was feeling a little distracted.”

Before Eula can respond, I lean closer to her and lift her chin to look me in the eyes. The words die in her throat at my gaze, and her face grows red at the sudden act as I whisper my next few words in her ears.

“Just for that, I’ll make sure you won’t be able to use your legs for a few days,” I tell her. “So wait for me when I come back, alright?”

Eula doesn’t even do her usual tsundere antics of shoving me away and proclaiming she will have her revenge one day as she almost passes out from how much blood is rushing to her face. I can almost hear her heart pounding in her chest.

What’s truly adorable about her reaction is her little head nod, anticipation lighting up in her eyes.

“Very good.” I pat her on the head before sniffing the air, giving her a wide smirk as she looks at me in a mixture of confusion and arousal. “…I told you I always know.”

That seems to have broken her out of her trance. She scowls and pushes me away from her, making me laugh.

“Leave me alone, you wretch!” She cries out with a high-pitched tone, nearly mortified out of embarrassment. “You’re an irredeemable pervert! I swear vengeance will be mine!”

“Of course.” I wave off her empty threats and walk through the door. “See you soon, love.”

I hear her growling in response, and before I close the door behind me, Eula stops me, making me look at her in interest as she boldly kisses me on the lips, catching me off guard.

“Be safe…” She mutters as she pulls away, tightly holding the blanket over her chest. “And don’t take too long, alright? I’m holding you to that promise, got it?”

That’s a quick change in attitude. And here I thought she’d rather curse me a thousand more times before doing such a thing.

…It’s a promise now, huh? I don’t like making promises, no matter how small, but I suppose I can let this one slide.

“Oh, don’t worry, love.” I kiss the back of her hand. “I never break my promises.”

“Good. I’ll be very disappointed if I can walk after you tell me that.” She says, backing away a little. She tries to show some confidence by smirking. However, the redness of her face just makes her look funny. Her grin seems almost perverse. “You better not hold back on me. I’m stronger than you, so naturally, I can handle your co— I mean, everything you’ve got. E-even if you take me in every position you can think of.”

Oh, she is being a pervert. And is currently turning herself on with her imagination right in front of me. First time for everything, I suppose.

Well, it was a matter of time.

“Sure. I know what I said.” I tell her. “I’ll leave you to your own investigation now.”

With that, I close the door behind me. But instead of immediately leaving the tavern, I wait by the door for a few seconds, snorting in amusement as I hear Eula’s moans beginning anew as she starts to very obviously masturbate.

“How dare that idiot?” She hisses, quietly talking to herself. “Saying all of that and then leaving me alone. Doesn’t he care about his woman’s needs? Bastard. Vengeance will be mine.”

I resist the urge to chuckle and walk away.

This girl is hopeless.

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– Lumine –

She wasn’t one to brag, but Lumine did think she was quite the combatant compared to most people she’d met. Naturally, she had the advantage of being part of a long-living race, and she’d lived for countless years herself, but even not counting that, she did think she was talented.

Her evidence to that claim was how quickly she’d gotten used to combat after losing most of her power after battling that strange goddess with her twin brother. It had only taken her a few weeks before she was back in shape, even though she was nowhere near as powerful as she used to be.

Another proof lay in her talent for wielding powers she’d never used before, even during the time before meeting the strange goddess. Primarily Anemo and, very recently, Geo energies. Indeed. Just like what had happened when she was in Mondstadt, touching the statue of Morax in this region had given her the power to control the earth. And just like the wind, she’d gotten the hang of it very quickly.

Perhaps it was arrogant to say, but Lumine did find herself to be an exceptional warrior. Currently, the people she wasn’t sure she’d be able to beat could be counted on one hand. Primarily, her twin brother – if he was even alive – and Crimson, who she had started to miss as well. Not counting the gods, of course. However, she did feel confident in her chances against Venti now that he had lost his Gnosis.

But she digressed. There wasn’t much to worry about in terms of adversaries in Teyvat. At least, not ones she’d randomly encounter on the road. A couple of Hilichurls or Slimes weren’t that big of a deal.

…Is what she would say if there weren’t about fifty of them surrounding her under the command of two Abyss Mages.

Paimon cowered in fear as she stuck close to Lumine, who had drawn the sword that Crimson had gifted to her a while back. She remained composed, with sharp eyes and a poised stance. While not exactly something she’d call disastrous, this position was still far from uncomplicated.

“Lumine…” Her floating friend whimpered.

“We’ll be fine,” Lumine responded confidently. “Just stay close to me.”

After finally arriving at Liyue Harbor, spending a whole week on the road as Paimon ate through their resources uncomfortably quickly, Lumine hadn’t even gotten a chance to catch her breath before she’d suddenly been accused of killing a god.

How and why, she didn’t know at the time. Apparently, because she stood too close to where the corpse fell, she was the prime suspect of assassinating Rex Lapis because, of course, she was. In her panic, Lumine had made it worse by running away instead of explaining herself.

Which she’d fortunately managed to do with the Fatui Agent’s help. The guy calling himself ‘Childe’. Naturally, she didn’t trust him one bit, but she did appreciate his advice and help. So, with the sigil he had given her, she went straight to where the Adepti’s abode was supposed to be.

Lo and behold, she’d actually met one of them. One that went by the name of ‘Moon Carver’ took on the shape of a stag. Lumine did her best to explain the situation, hoping this creature could help her prove her innocence to the people of Liyue.

But, of course, it wasn’t that easy. Things like that never were.

Moon Carver had told her to go find three other Adepti. Mountain Shaper, Cloud Retainer, and Conqueror of Demons. The former two live in separate mountains. Lumine had to do all of that just to convince the people of Liyue that she had not killed a god that could level entire armies with a wave of his hand.

But since there was nothing she could do, Lumine had gone along with Moon Carver’s request. It’d take a while to hike up two different mountains, then go to the inn on the other side of the region, but she wasn’t about to give up. She would do anything to find her brother.

And so, on her way to the second of the Adepti, night fell, and Lumine decided to rest for now and make the journey in the morning.

Only for this little ambush to happen.

So yes, Lumine wasn’t exactly in a good mood.

The Hilichurls growled and babbled something in their language, their tone very clearly aggressive as they slowly closed in on her. There were archers, clubbers, and the larger Mitachurls holding axes of surprisingly decent quality. But those weren’t her biggest worry right now.

Dealing with one Abyss Mage was tough enough as it was, but two of them at the same time? Beside this brigade of monsters? Not to mention, she’d been low on supplies since her arrival to Liyue and had never had a chance to stock up on anything since then. And with them attacking this late? Lumine was exhausted, hungry, concerned for her and Paimon’s safety, and increasingly irritated.

Lumine waited for them to make the first move, knowing that recklessly going on the offensive as she was now would be a death sentence. It was impossible to keep all of them in her field of vision, so she relied on her sense of hearing.

Which ended up saving her life as she heard a whistle from behind, prompting her to twirl around and deflect a bolt of fire from a Hilichurl’s crossbow. This, however, caused the rest to charge, making Lumine’s eyes narrow as her grip on the sword tightened.

“Fly, Paimon!” She told her companion. “As high as you can!”

Paimon listened, showing the trust she had in Lumine as the Traveler unleashed a gust of wind that reflected the projectiles back at the beasts. Some got hit, others dodged, but Lumine couldn’t count how many she’d gotten with that maneuver as she was swarmed by them.

But she’d fought countless Hilichurls since coming here, and their tactics seldom changed. Simply charge and wildly swing a club or axe like a lunatic, hoping to hit something eventually.

With skill and grace, Lumine blocked, deflected, and parried like the master swordswoman she was, her blade cleanly going through their flesh and tearing them apart. Even as several attacked her at once, she was more than capable of dealing with them.

Gusts of wind discharged from her hand, tripping some of the monsters and giving the Traveler some breathing room. She used her newly gained Geo manipulation to cast a spike stone that protruded from the ground, blocking an axe swing from a Mitachurl.

With the large beast stunned, Lumine shattered the stone and sent the shards digging deep into its flesh with a powerful gust of wind, bringing it to its knees. She then sliced through its neck with one swing, beheading it before turning around to deal with the other Mitachurl charging her way.

She dodged and weaved, dancing around the monsters as each of her slashes took a life. Lumine did not let the spraying of blood or dropping corpses distract her, knowing that a single misstep could lead to her own death.

In about a minute, their forces were cut in half, making the Traveler feel much better about her chances despite her exhaustion. They really had caught her at a bad time— if she wasn’t so tired and hungry, then she would’ve wiped them all out in half the time.

Eventually, Lumine was reminded of the real threat as a powerful bolt of lightning hit her from behind, making her grunt in pain. She scowled at the Electro Abyss Mage as it childishly taunted her behind its shield, but she couldn’t retaliate as the other one suddenly teleported in front of her, releasing a bubble of water and trapping her in it.

Lumine reacted quickly, unleashing most of her energy in a powerful blast of Anemo that blew the bubble apart, but that surprise attack knocked the wind out of her, stunning her for a second. But a second was all they needed as she was zapped with another lightning strike.

The attack was especially effective— the wetness on her skin left after being trapped in the Hydro bubble made the electrifying sensation significantly worse. She cried out in pain and dropped to her knees, panting as the exhaustion finally caught up to her.

“Damn it…” She cursed under her breath.

Lumine forced herself to stand back up as she heard the roar of a Mitachurl that swung its giant axe at her, aiming to take her head with one attack. She reacted quickly, using all her remaining energy to create a boulder that fell directly on the beast, crushing it instantly.

With her feeling sluggish and now out of energy, the rest of the army took advantage and rushed her together, the last remaining Mitachurl taking the lead with its cleaver as the two Abyss Mages backed it up. Lumine gritted her teeth and looked for an opening to retreat, knowing that fighting as she was now might not end well for her.

She wasn’t going to let it end like this. Done in by a couple of common monsters? No. That would not happen. She hadn’t even seen Aether yet.

And as if her prayers were answered, that opening came in the shape of the big hole suddenly forming in the Mitachurl’s chest— pierced by something that made her flinch and nearly ruptured her eardrums. Immediately, the large beast fell, prompting everyone to freeze in place.

A familiar figure appeared— his majestic wings spread as a mere swing of his fist smashed through the Electro Abyss Mage’s shield, turning the monster into a red smear on the grass. In his other hand was a pebble that he flicked at one of the Hilichurls behind her, destroying its head instantly.

“Hello.” Crimson greeted casually, his eyes almost glowing in the dark. “Need a hand?”

“Please,” Lumine replied, breaking into a relieved smile. “Be my knight in shining armor.”

“With pleasure.”

With backup showing up, most of the remaining monsters – a mere handful compared to the beginning of the battle – shifted their attention to Crimson. First, it was the Hydro Abyss Mage that attacked, but as soon as it teleported behind him, its bubble shield shattered, the dragon’s hand thrusting through it and grabbing it by the head.

It had barely let a scream out before he snapped its neck, using his impressive speed to tear apart the rest of the brigade with his bare hands. Brutal display of might aside, Lumine had to admit he was incredibly efficient—a killing machine.

It was not the most comforting thought to have about a dear friend, but at this point, she didn’t care as she fell to her knees again, letting out a sigh of relief after all of the monster fell to the ground before looking at Crimson, who gave her his usual relaxed smile.

“Man, you’re a sight for the sore eyes.” She said.

That was too close for comfort.

“Crimson!” Paimon exclaimed as she dove down, happily embracing him. “You’re here! We missed you!”

“Really? That’s strange.” He chuckled, offering Lumine a hand. “Usually, I’m used to others telling me I’m a nuisance.”

“I’d say they don’t know what the hell they’re talking about.” She took it, and he pulled her up. “How’d you find me anyway?”

“Oh, it’s a bit of a long story.” He responded, his wings retracting into his back. “Let’s find a place to rest our legs. Then, we’ll catch up.”

“I’d like that.”

Maybe today wasn’t so bad after all.

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– Crimson –

“You’ve had quite the eventful week, haven’t you?” I reply after hearing Lumine’s story since leaving Mondstadt. “Fate can be a cruel mistress sometimes.”

Or, well, until you’re able to seduce her. Then, she becomes incredibly gentle and doting. Gaining the favor of abstract concepts like ‘Fate’ and ‘Luck’ served me very well when I was younger. I couldn’t tell you how many times they’ve saved me from dying.

“That’s one way to say it,” Lumine mutters, watching the campfire’s gentle flames near me. “It’s just one thing after another. Couldn’t catch a break since coming to Liyue.”

And that’s putting it mildly. Considering the kind of person I am, I’m not exactly sympathetic to most people. Or, more accurately, those I find beneath me. But to Lumine, it’s an exception. Perhaps it’s due to the fact that I somehow relate to her, having my own twin and all, but really, I’m impressed.

She’s nearly spent a year here looking for her sibling, doing all sorts of unrelated errands, putting her own life at risk countless times, and helping a nigh-crippled kingdom against a rampaging dragon, only for these people to respond in kind by uselessly putting up missing posters.

And then, when she’s in this other region finally continuing her search, she’s immediately accused of regicide, chased out of the city, and forced to prove her own innocence despite a lack of evidence to the contrary.

I consider myself a patient man. Having faced numerous challenges that have tested my patience, I know that if I was in her position, I would likely have lost my temper by now. It’s simply how it is.

“It happens to the best of us.” I try to comfort her. “You shouldn’t let something like this get you down.”

Naturally, I don’t think she’s doing less than she should. If anything, I commend her patience.

“Easier said than done.” She sighs. “I’m not trying to be cynical. I really love this sense of adventure ever since I landed in Teyvat, but it gets to a point, you know?”

I wait for her to finish.

“And I’m sure it’ll take me even longer. Maybe it’ll be years before that happens, but—” She glances at me. “I really want to see Aether again. Make sure he’s okay. We’ve never been separated for this long.”

“If he’s half the man you say he is, I’m sure he’s doing well for himself,” I tell her.

“Maybe you’re right, but words of reassurance can only do so much,” Lumine responds before quickly clarifying what she meant. “That’s not to say I don’t appreciate what you’re doing here. Really, having someone to talk to helps a lot more than you realize.”

“What, is she not good enough?” I gesture at Paimon with an amused smile.

“…” Lumine hesitates.

Her companion is in deep slumber in a tiny sleeping bag her size, snoring loudly after having a feast I hunted for them an hour ago. Paimon had been excitedly sharing her adventures with Lumine during dinner, adorably yapping about their journey to Liyue, what happened at the Rite of Descension, and even meeting the supposed Harbinger Eula told me about.

A very interesting adventure indeed. I do not know why, but this ‘Childe’ individual gave them a Sigil of Permission, which they used to speak with one of the Adepti. And apparently, he was aware of who Lumine and Paimon were.

Lumine and the Fatui aren’t exactly on good terms. According to the blond, she’s seen another of their Harbingers, one that goes by the name ‘Signora,’ get the jump on Venti and take her Gnosis.

It’s clear that they’re after Morax’s or Zhongli’s Gnosis next, but how does assisting Lumine benefit them in any way? Shouldn’t she be considered an enemy?

“It’s just… Paimon seems to share all of my excitement about having a grand adventure but almost none of my worries.” She explains, gently running a hand over the fairy’s cheek. “And why should she, right? My personal problems are mine alone. She should enjoy herself.”

“You’re very considerate,” I note, making her smile bashfully. “Though, how come you’re sharing so much with me so readily? It’s not as if I’m around you 24/7 like Paimon is.”

“Well, mostly because I find you really relatable. I mean, our circumstances may differ, but our situation is similar, isn’t it?” She replies. “We’re both very old compared to most; we’re not of this world, and we both have a twin. Talking to you makes me feel at ease.”

“Do you, now?” I chuckle. “Are you trying to tell me something?”

“Don’t take it the wrong way.” She quickly denies it, her cheeks gaining a red hue. “It’s just how it is.”

“Of course.” I snort. “…To tell the truth, I’ve just been thinking what I would’ve done in your place. If, say, my twin sister and I were separated in an unfamiliar world.”

“Oh?” Lumine leans forward, looking intrigued.

“Oh, don’t look at me like that. I doubt what I’m about to say will help you in any meaningful way.” I roll my eyes. “Rather, I’m very impressed by the way you’re handling it.”

“How come?”

For a moment, I hesitate, wondering if I should tell her what I truly think. It’s not exactly the prettiest thing to imagine, after all. But why lie? It’s the kind of person I am—the kind of person I was raised to be.

“If there ever were the slightest chance that Carmine or any of my siblings was in danger somewhere in this world,” I smile at Lumine. “Then I’d have already turned every kingdom into a heap of smoldering ash just to find them.”

Lumine blinks in surprise at my violent response, and yet, without showing a hint of concern or worry, she smiles back at me.

“You don’t seem the kind of person that would do that.” She says, showing remarkable naivete. “Not to me, at least.”

“And why do you think so?” I raise my eyebrow. “I imagine I’d know myself more than you know me.”

“Yeah, but I dunno, you keep telling me how resourceful and intelligent Carmine is. Or how most of your other siblings are well-trained warriors and mages.” She points out. “I feel, like me, you’d trust your siblings to take care of themselves just fine even without you.”

“Valid point,” I reply. “You’re correct. I do trust them. But that will not stop me from doing anything I can to find them.”

“I get that. I just don’t see it.” Lumine insists. “Sure, I’ve never seen you deal with a situation like that, but you’re always so kind to everyone. Yeah, you’re a jerk sometimes, but destroying kingdoms? You’re not that kind of person, are you?”

“You’d be shocked.” I snort. “I’m not exactly a good person, Lumine. If you knew the kind of things I’ve done in my lifetime, you’d despise me.”

“Maybe.” She shrugs. “But I don’t know what you’ve done, so why would I judge?”

…

“I’m old, Crimson. Sure, maybe not as old as you are, but I’ve seen and done things myself, you know? I see more than just good and evil. And beings like us— we can never see ourselves as good people, no matter what we do.” She says. “You could be the worst, most evil person in existence, but what I see in front of me is a kind person who offered to help me find my brother without compensation. Yes, you could be hiding ulterior motives. Yes, you could be some evil overlord manipulating me to take over Teyvat.”

I pause and let her continue, intrigued by her response.

“Maybe I am wrong. Maybe you would commit terrible crimes for the sake of your siblings. But you’ve not given me a reason to believe that.” She adds. “So until or even if that time ever comes, you’ll be the friend that lent me a hand out of the goodness of his heart. What else would you be, right?”

…She really is something special. Despite the type of person she is, she didn’t miss the hint I threw at her. She understood the implications of my response— she simply did not care. What a fascinating individual.

Admittedly, I’m not entirely sure what I was trying to do by telling her that, either. Merely, I was interested in seeing how she’d react. Was I worried that I’d scare her away permanently? Not quite. I’m confident in myself— I know I’d be able to regain her trust eventually.

At worst, it would’ve been a little setback. Nothing major.

This? Not what I expected at all. Consider me very impressed. Perhaps she is far wiser than she looks. The implication that I’m some sort of a good person despite my admittance to the contrary does piss me off a little, though.

“I see. I understand.” I mutter with a hum, clutching my chest. “So this painful feeling in my heart…”

“What?” She blinks. “Your heart? Are you okay?”

“Is this what being ‘friend-zoned’ feels like?”

Lumine takes a moment to process my words before her eyes widen at my unserious response, face glowing red as she quickly tries to deny it.

“What?!”

“Then I suppose we should cancel the date we promised each other in Mondstadt,” I sigh.

“No! That’s not what I meant! Don’t cancel it!” She panics before her brain catches up with what she just said. “I-I mean, this is— it’s— well—”

“And here I was looking forward to it.”

“It’s not canceled!” Lumine exclaims, grabbing me by my shirt and adorably scowling at me. “You’re just messing with me, aren’t you?”

“Not at all. I’m 100% serious.” I shrug nonchalantly. “Your words cut deep. I’m very sad now. Left me almost on the verge of tears, in fact.”

“I didn’t even mean—” Acknowledging my casual tone, Lumine doesn’t argue and instead sighs, playing along. “…I’m so sorry for making you sad. How can I make it up to you?”

“Oh, I wouldn’t know.”

Lumine doesn’t immediately respond. Her face grows hotter before looking back at the sleeping Paimon. A few moments of silence pass before she looks at me, visibly working up the courage to speak as she leans closer, golden eyes almost glowing in the dark.

“Would this help?” She whispers.

And without hesitation, she presses her soft lips against mine. I wrap my arm around her waist and bring her closer, which she doesn’t mind as she deepens the kiss, somewhat surprising me. For someone who claims to be so old, she never struck me as that bold or experienced. Well, she’s certainly not the latter. But even I didn’t expect things to end like this.

What I also didn’t expect was how… ‘hungry’ she is, for the lack of a better word. Almost desperate. I thought one simple, gentle kiss would be enough to satisfy her, but each time she pulls away to catch her breath, she’d come for seconds and thirds. Almost makes me want to take her right here and now.

“So…?” She says after a few minutes, her face bright red in a mix of embarrassment and exhilaration. “It’s my first time doing something like this, so I hope I wasn’t… you know.”

“Do you accept constructive criticism?” I tease.

“I changed my mind.” She playfully responds. “If you say anything, I’ll be very mad at you.”

“Then I’ll stay quiet.”

“You better.” Lumine giggles while leaning close, quietly moaning in my mouth.

But no. Not yet. Because despite her hunger, her kisses feel very innocent. There’s none of that primal lust I’d pick up from Eula, for example. It’s a strangely pleasant feeling, and I don’t want to ruin it.

Whenever she’s in the mood, then. I imagine she would feel far better if she were to initiate.

And like I said, I can be patient.