Chapter 40: I Don’t Think So

Chapter 40: I Don’t Think So

“Pfft. So that’s how you met Ailin. My mom even uses you as an example to teach me! If she knew you were treating marriage as a tool to protect the kingdom, she’d definitely be furious. My mom takes marriage very seriously.”

After listening to Gaia explain how he met Ailin, Yake couldn’t help but laugh. Turns out, his marriage to Ailin was just a political marriage to safeguard the kingdom. It wasn’t real love at all! Just imagining his mom’s face if she found out was hilarious.

“No, while my marriage to Ailin did start as a tool to protect the kingdom, during the time we spent together, I couldn’t help but genuinely fall for Ailin.”

Gaia said this with a serious face.

Even though their marriage was initially a false one meant to ease the fears of the people of Panimir, over the thirteen years, they had genuinely developed feelings for each other and had become a true couple.

“I had planned to throw her a proper wedding this year, but unfortunately… before we could even hold the ceremony, Ailin was taken away by Diablo.”

When Gaia mentioned this, his expression turned very regretful. He had been preparing to give Ailin eternal happiness, but just at this crucial moment, she was snatched away by those Ultimate Life Forms. Gaia couldn’t feel worse.

“Don’t worry. Ailin’s rescue? Aier and I will help too. With our combined efforts, rescuing Lady Ailin will be a piece of cake! Cheer up, smile a little!”

Yake understood that Gaia had lost his beloved and was in immense pain. The only thing he could do was to comfort him.

“Thanks. But what does ‘smile’ mean? Is it a local saying?”

“Ah? No, it’s not. Aier told me it means to smile. If you keep frowning, nothing will go smoothly. Only by smiling at everything can you overcome all difficulties.”

Yake explained to Gaia the meaning of the term ‘smile’ that Aierjisi had shared with him.

“So that’s what ‘smile’ means. Hmm, that’s indeed quite nice. Smiling? Definitely, we should face challenges with a smile. That’s what true strength is about.”

Gaia found this very reasonable. A true warrior always faces their enemies with a smile, no matter the situation.

“Ah, by the way, Lord Gaia, is there a place around here to test weapons? I want to try out this new weapon.”

Aierjisi said as she pulled out the gun developed by Ouxs, and she had already prepared the magazine for bullets. All that was left was to test it.

“A place to test weapons? Yes, we have one. After afternoon tea, I will have someone take you there. But for now, enjoy your tea.”

“Okay. Mios, where were we?”

“This design? It looks really good. Especially suited for a petite girl like you.”

“True, but won’t the size be a bit off? I think it would look quite nice on you too.”

Aierjisi and Mios continued to browse the magazine, discussing the clothing featured in it.

“Speaking of which, how did you meet Aierjisi? Share your story.”

Since Gaia had shared how he met Ailin, Yake was curious about how he and Aierjisi had crossed paths.

“Ah, well, it’s a long story. Actually, I haven’t known her as long as you have known Ailin. You’ve been together for 13 years; I’ve known her for just a little over a month.”

Yake lit a cigarette and began recounting how he met Aierjisi.

One day, he and other adventurers explored some ruins, and when they discovered the boss was an unimaginably powerful fire dragon, he bravely stayed behind to cover the retreat while everyone else escaped.

Then Aierjisi showed up, defeated the fire dragon in three moves, and shared her life with him, allowing him to gain a second life as her servant.

However, Aierjisi, like Ailin, was one of the sacrifices hunted by those Ultimate Life Forms. They had already fought against the minions of those creatures on their way here.

After Aierjisi received a dream message from an Angel informing her that Ailin had been captured by the Ultimate Life Forms and that they needed to rush over for a rescue, they had to use a Teleportation Crystal to get here.

“And that’s how I met Aierjisi and what happened during that time.”

“I see. Looks like you have quite the luck, to have the Blood Clan’s Little Princess share her life with you. Not everyone gets that chance, you know.”

“I know. So I’ve always been grateful to her. To repay her kindness, I’ve decided to join her on this journey.”

As Yake said this, his eyes glanced at Aierjisi unknowingly. He didn’t even know if this second life he gained was a blessing or a curse.

“Well, wanting to repay her means you’re sticking with her. But Yake, you following her isn’t just about gratitude, is it?”

“Huh?”

Yake was baffled, unsure of what Gaia meant.

“Your feelings for Aierjisi must be more than just wanting to repay her kindness. Don’t you like her? She’s really quite cute.”

“N-no… even if you say that, I can’t come to a conclusion! I mean, liking her… maybe it’s just a little bit of affection? But it’s not like I’d sacrifice my life for her or anything. But saying I don’t like her? That seems off too.”

With Gaia’s words, Yake wasn’t sure if he should admit to liking Aierjisi. After all, she was the Little Princess of the Blood Clan, and after this journey, she would return to invigorate her clan.

He was just an ordinary human. If he hadn’t happened to be in those ruins, Aierjisi would probably never have chosen him.

In other words, he was just her last resort. If she found a better servant later, she would surely discard him without a second thought.

But then again, how could an ordinary adventurer be a match for the Blood Clan’s Little Princess? Even in dreams, there had to be some logic, right?

“Have you ever asked her how she feels about you? Do you think she likes you?”

“I don’t think so.”