42. Commoner (2)
Somehow, working at the potion shop felt like it might’ve been more relaxing.
Back then, at least he could just diligently do what he was told, and there was always an end in sight once he kept doing it.
Though he wasn’t carrying any physical load, this heavy atmosphere was weighing down on his shoulders—making it feel no different from carrying an actual burden.
“I think we’ve bought about everything we need now.”
“Oh, um… is that so?”
Ivan finally felt somewhat relieved at that.
He couldn’t tell if it was because Carlara was a noble or simply a young lady, but he couldn’t quite get a grasp on it. For instance, whenever she looked at a blouse, to Ivan, they all looked the same. However, whenever Carla would hold up identical blouses side by side, asking which looked better and forcing him to choose between them…
Why would he need to choose when they all looked the same? And even worse, after choosing randomly, Carla would also demand a reason for his choice as if it mattered, thus forcing him to find some arbitrary difference.
“You really have no eye for detail, don’t you.”
“I really didn’t see anything different…”
“Let’s not argue.”
Carlara didn’t think of herself as picky at all. After all, she was a noble. It was only natural that she should pick clothes she liked from start to finish.
It was unavoidable—rumors spread quickly through high society if a noble’s attire had flaws. Still, even Carla herself didn’t think this level of pickiness was excessive.
“What’s next?”
“I think we should take a break. My legs are feeling a bit sore.”
“That’s true, huh?”
By now, the sun had passed its peak, so they had indeed been walking around for quite a while. As Carla sat on a nearby bench by the fountain and massaged her thigh, Ivan stood there quietly, deep in thought.
“Why don’t you sit down? Aren’t your legs sore?”
“Huh? Oh, not really… but…”
It seemed Ivan had been lost in some deep thought because when Carla called out to him, he snapped out of it and sat down on the bench quickly.
“I feel like I’ve forgotten something.”
“You forgot about eating.”
“That’s true, but I have this nagging feeling like I’ve forgotten something really important…”
“If it was really important, you wouldn’t have forgotten it. You just forgot because it wasn’t.”
Carlara said this while sitting on the bench and then lightly patted Ivan’s shoulder, pointing downward with her chin.
“What?”
“Could you rub my legs a bit?”
Ivan stared blankly at Carla, clearly taken aback by the request.
On the other hand, Carla looked at him with an expression that clearly communicated, “What’s the problem?”
“What? Seriously…”
“First, I know you don’t see me as a woman. Second, I can’t do it myself because of this…”
Carlara pointed to her left arm, the empty sleeve that flapped in the wind.
“It’s because you asked, Carla.”
Sighing lightly, Ivan crouched down beside the bench. Now, he could see Carla’s legs stretched out clearly.
They were undoubtedly well-toned.
There wasn’t much difference in smoothness compared to other young ladies’, but the firm yet supple thighs revealed the results of her diligent physical training. The calves and thighs stretched out before him were not overly muscular; rather, they exuded a feminine charm because of it.
Ivan hesitated but slowly extended his hands, carefully caressing Carla’s calf. He tenderly massaged it, applying pressure gently at first and then a bit more firmly.
“Ahh, feels good…”
A long, approving sigh followed Carla’s words. Ivan, inwardly relieved, continued massaging from her calf to her shin.
It wasn’t just fat; her muscular legs, firm yet soft to the touch, were enjoyable to massage.
While kneading Carla’s legs thoughtfully, Ivan couldn’t help but admire them.
What a beautiful curve… the sturdy thighs, the knees that were slightly flushed and warm, and then the calves, lower legs, and delicate ankles smaller than his own palms. Every time he massaged, her toes would wiggle slightly, adding to the fun.
The smooth skin that met his palms.
Whenever he applied pressure, the firm skin would spring back, but it left a faint red imprint wherever he touched.
With every movement of Ivan’s hands, Carla’s soft, almost melting sighs escaped her lips. Ivan, however, was too absorbed in the strange fascination her touch provided, barely noticing the sounds.
“Heh… you’re pretty good at this. Must be because you’re a commoner?”
Carla glanced down at Ivan with one eye half-open.
“Is this something commoners are naturally good at? Did you have a job baby-sitting or caring for people since you were little?”
Ivan tilted his head and replied.
“Just got used to it. I had a younger sister.”
Upon hearing this, Carla went quiet for a moment.
“Still, I didn’t expect you to be this good… it’s surprising.”
Without replying, Ivan continued to massage Carla’s calf.
What a delightful leg to touch. Flawless, leaving imprints with every touch, and her fair, smooth skin even left red traces behind.
Without realizing it, Ivan had become absorbed in massaging Carla’s legs. Though it started under the pretense of loosening up her muscles, Ivan had started enjoying the experience himself by now.
“Uh, excuse me.”
A tap on his shoulder jolted Ivan back to reality. Turning around, he found a stout woman staring at him with her brows furrowed.
“Excuse me, is something the matter?”
“Young man.”
“Yes?”
“While displays of affection are fine, do you really think it’s appropriate to do such things in such a public place during broad daylight?”
“What…?”
Ivan was utterly confused by what she meant and questioned her reply. The woman didn’t answer with words; instead, she simply pointed at Carla, maintaining her scowling expression.
“Ah.”
So that’s why…
Finally, Ivan understood why this woman was reprimanding him.
Carla had completely relaxed.
Sunk deep into the bench, her face had turned as red as an autumn field just before the harvest.
Her arms hung limp, and with her eyes closed, she let out frequent, heated sighs. At a glance, it was clear Carla wasn’t in her right mind—not that she looked like it, but rather, she definitely resembled someone who had just finished an intense act of affection.
“I’m sorry.”
“Young people, I understand, but this has gone too far. Head to that alley over there if you’re in a hurry; there’s a nearby inn.”
“That’s… not what’s happening. I apologize.”
“People around you are already staring. Take your girlfriend and go.”
Only then did Ivan turn around and glance at the crowd. Indeed, everyone had paused in their activities to look at them. And almost all the men were staring at Carla.
With no guard up, her flushed face and ragged breathing made her look incredibly alluring—even to Ivan.
“Carla, Carla! Snap out of it!”
“Uhh… what? Why are you stopping… keep going…”
“No, this isn’t the time. Get up, Carla.”
“When else if not now…?”
“You need to pull yourself together…”
Carla was clearly out of it, and the surrounding looks—mostly from women—were quite threatening. With no choice, Ivan hoisted her up onto his back.
She was light due to her missing arm, but nonetheless, Ivan left the plaza hastily with Carla on his back.
*
They had indulged in some thorough shopping, but ordering nearly everything to be delivered to the dormitory proved to be fortuitous—they had nothing to carry.
Ivan carefully set down Carla near a secluded corner table he saw.
The heavy weight of her chest pressing against his back, the occasional touch of her rear against his hands. The warm breath that brushed the back of his neck…
‘Why is she so sensitive?’
Although hard to understand, Carla had been in a trance the whole time. Did this simple massage feel that incredible? Ivan glanced down at his palms, reflecting.
Despite helping his little sister in similar ways, he had never seen such a reaction from her. Something about Carla’s response felt strange.
Ivan caught himself gazing at Carla who still remained lost in the afterglow of the massage.
Her fluttering eyelashes, now tightly shut, twitched slightly. Her arms hung limply, leaving her in a completely vulnerable position. Her legs, slightly parted, revealed the white expanse beneath her skirt.
‘Why am I thinking about this? Carla is just a friend. A friend I’m supposed to help…’
But his heart wouldn’t agree.
Unable to look away, Ivan found his gaze stubbornly fixed on Carla. Her exposed, defenseless figure filled his vision.
— Choke her.
‘Huh?’
A mysterious, cold, and dark voice echoed in his mind, rising from the depths of an abyss.
— Choke her and whisper in her ear.
— Mock her—mock her for relying on a commoner despite being a noble.
— Taunt her—what is she without her single arm? What can she do?
— Let her feel the humiliation you’ve endured, return the insults.
The voice was monotonous, deep, and low, resonating in his mind like an endless echo. Slowly yet steadily, it pressed on Ivan’s nerves. His fingers, unconsciously tightening as if grabbing something, trembled incessantly.
‘Why… why am I thinking such things…’
But his body wouldn’t listen to his reason. His hand moved, slow yet resolute, toward Carla’s neck.
Ivan shivered uncontrollably, knowing he shouldn’t do this. Yet, against his will, his hand inched closer, drawn to Carla’s white, delicate neck. Amidst this incomprehensible impulse—here, Ivan was, inching closer.
“…What are you doing?”
A strained voice.
Soft yet husky, but trembling faintly.
Somehow, Carla’s eyes had opened, and she looked at Ivan. Her gaze upon him now held a shadow of fear.
Ivan froze.
