OMS Extra 3

This is a short story from Viirant’s perspective, set between Chapters 18 and 19, during a time when Viirant was allowed only kisses and had been enduring months of suppressed desires.

“…Got me.”

Zeph muttered with a grimace, and I found myself at a loss for words. Should I apologize for not being able to shield him in time? Or should I express relief that he wasn’t injured? The situation was so absurdly disastrous that no words came to mind. It was truly that bad.

Everything had been going smoothly until just moments ago. We ventured deep into the tainted forest, slaying countless beasts, and battled a serpent-like Nushi that resided in a murky lake. The Nushi had likely once been a water-dwelling serpent, but it was a troublesome foe, always diving back into the lake to evade our attacks. Still, Zeph had managed to pierce both of its eyes, killing it. But when the Nushi’s lifeless body fell back into the lake, it splashed murky water everywhere. Unfortunately, Zeph landed on the side where the water surged, drenching him from head to toe in the foul liquid.

“Are you… alright?” I asked hesitantly.

“Do I look alright?”

“No, you don’t…”

His damp, dark brown hair was tangled with green algae, and his navy uniform was soaked, darkened to near black, emitting an awful stench of mud and decayed vegetation. It was a pitiful sight. I handed him a towel, but in this condition, he certainly couldn’t return to town like this. We would need to go back to the water source where we had rested earlier, let him clean up, and dry his clothes before heading back.

While wiping his face, Zeph suddenly started laughing, his shoulders shaking.

“Ah, damn, I let my guard down.”

Even though he cursed, he laughed with a lightheartedness that almost seemed to enjoy the absurdity of the situation. He made a wry face, complaining about how even his undergarments were soaked and muttered how this was the messiest he had been since childhood. Given that this happened right after the battle with the Nushi, anyone else would be in a foul mood, but not Zeph. His easygoing nature shone through, and it was admirable.

“We should call it a day and clean up before heading back,” I suggested.

“Yeah, sounds good.”

Autumn was well underway, and though there was still time before dusk, Zeph would surely catch a cold if we didn’t get him warm soon. With that, the two of us retraced our steps, moving quickly.

We finally reached the water source, our path hindered by more beasts along the way. While Zeph cleansed himself, I busied myself by starting a fire. Though my fire attribute wasn’t much help during combat in the forest, it proved useful now. Soon, the flames were crackling, providing warmth.

Zeph had quickly dunked himself into the freezing water to wash away the filth. He was shaking out his wet shirt, about to put it back on when I hurried over and stopped him, handing him my spare uniform instead. Though my clothes would be too large for him, it was far better than wearing wet garments and risking illness. It was dirty from sweat and blood, and I felt guilty for offering it, but there was no other choice until his clothes dried.

“Yeah, this is definitely too big,” Zeph remarked, looking at the oversized uniform.

“I apologize. I should have prepared a change of clothes.”

“No, no, it’s my fault for being clumsy. We’re here to fight beasts, not carry extra clothes. You’ve actually done a pretty good job being prepared.”

Zeph tilted his head toward the campfire and the stone I had set up as a seat. When I handed him a cup of warm tea, he let out a soft sigh. The makeshift cup and hastily brewed herbal tea weren’t particularly refined, but the warmth seemed to ease the cold that had seeped into his bones. Zeph, cupping the tea with both hands, slowly sipped it, a serene, almost childlike expression on his face.

“Well, I spent a lot of time camping during beast hunts,” I explained.

“Must’ve been rough for a knight,” Zeph said with a chuckle, though he’s endured far harsher conditions than I ever have.

I glanced at him and immediately regretted it.

His hair, damp and clinging to his neck, the way my oversized uniform draped loosely over his slight frame, and how the sleeves nearly covered his hands—his legs, mostly bare, were illuminated by the fire, casting a reddish glow on his exposed knees and thighs, dangerously close to revealing more than necessary. It was far too unguarded.

Now, Zeph is a man, and I am also a man. We were alone in the forest, and this wasn’t exactly an unusual sight. His hair was wet because he had just bathed, and given our difference in size, of course, my uniform would be too big on him. I had already seen him undressed numerous times while tending to him or when we bathed together during our travels. So, this wasn’t the first time I had glimpsed his skin. Yet…

For some reason, I felt flustered.

“Hey, you’re looking kind of red.”

“…It’s nothing.”

Zeph tilted his head, leaning in closer, and my heart raced erratically. I quickly covered my mouth, but I was sure he could tell. My face and ears were burning, and I couldn’t bring myself to meet his gaze.

Zeph had permitted me to kiss him. I was allowed to hold him and even run my hands over his skin without rejection. But precisely because of that, my thoughts strayed.

If I were to strip away that uniform, I would see Zeph as he was born. No, I wouldn’t even need to remove his clothes. If I just nudged his knees apart and ran my hand along his inner thigh…

My train of thought screeched to a halt as something cold touched my forehead. When I opened my eyes, I saw Zeph, his face close to mine, his brow furrowed with concern. His cold fingers brushed against my skin, pulling me back to reality. The worry in his eyes and the touch of his chilled fingers snapped me out of my wayward thoughts.

“You don’t have a fever, but are you catching a cold? Should I give this back?”

“…No… I’m fine. Please, stay like that.”

In the midst of this dangerous forest, still teeming with untamed beasts, what on earth had I been thinking? Especially right after a battle with a Nushi, when Zeph had just bathed in the freezing water. I should be the one making sure he stayed warm, not the other way around.

To burden my liege with concern for my well-being was disgraceful as a knight. Unforgivable.

I stoked the fire, adding more wood to fuel the flames, desperately trying to calm myself down.

Just from seeing a bit of skin, I had been shaken this much. I didn’t know how many more times I would be allowed to touch Zeph or how much further he would let me go. But would I really be able to control myself when the time came?

Looking at Zeph, so completely defenseless before me, I feared that I might eventually lose control and give in to my desires.

…To be honest, I wasn’t very confident that I could resist.