Chapter 197

EP.197 The Saintess Shocked Twice #3

[The heroes who exist by our side. If we do not give them the proper praise, it would be extremely shameful. Yesterday afternoon, S-class monsters appeared in the United States, Canada, and Germany, and they were defeated by the Beast Slayers. Some say…]

[The public’s reaction to the emergence of new heroes is extremely heated. In response to the World Union’s request to disclose information about the two individuals who dealt with the monsters that appeared in Canada and Germany, the Beast Slayer Headquarters stated that they will soon give a positive answer…]

[Regarding the damage in the three countries, the World Union will proceed with the recovery work according to the provisions of the Earth Defense Treaty.]

The news is being broadcasted all at once.

From last night until today, no matter which channel I turned to, it was all about the Beast Slayers.

Looking at the situation, it was obvious that they would be featured prominently for several days.

But these guys are funny, huh?

Three demons, and S-class ones at that, appearing simultaneously, and they only briefly reported it… Does that make sense? You guys almost faced the end of the world yesterday.

I guess they have a firm belief that the Beast Slayers will protect them.

I pressed my temples with both hands.

Suddenly, I felt a surge of irritation.

It was good that we dealt with the three traitors who conspired against us, but Silvia and Adeline were too strong.

Silvia turned Garp into minced meat in a short time, and Adeline defeated Amon one-on-one.

Both of them, if they grow any stronger here, it’s hard to imagine how monstrous they will become.

But it’s okay. Adeline is already in my hands.

If I continue to strategize, that monster with overflowing potential will become my retainer.

But Amon… that bastard left a huge mess and died.

Being deceived by that despicable Tairat? This bastard didn’t even appreciate the favor I’ve shown him all this time…

‘Well, it’s not like I showed him much favor…’

Anyway, Amon’s last words can’t be kept a secret.

Why? Because Adeline heard them.

She will relay the message to Silvia, and Silvia will pass it on to the Doctor.

But they won’t be able to figure out that Tairat is me.

Because Amon didn’t specify me.

He should have said, ‘Song Jihyuk is Tairat,’ before he died.

I respect his last desperate act, but it will only plant a bit of caution in Adeline and Silvia.

Amon failed. So there’s no need to worry.

I turned off the TV and got up from the sofa.

I was the only one in the house.

The Doctor is currently in the laboratory, busy cleaning up the mess.

Suddenly, I felt lonely. What is Adeline doing right now? She hasn’t texted, so I’m worried.

‘She was really struggling yesterday…’

I should buy a bunch of her favorite mint candies and go see her.

I put on my coat and immediately went outside.

**

“After coming back yesterday, she fell asleep as soon as she showered. She said she was tired.”

Arriving in Uijeongbu, I nodded at Silvia’s words, who had slightly dark circles under her eyes.

Even professional boxers are exhausted after 10 rounds, and she fought for over six hours, so even with a superhuman body, it’s understandable that she’s tired.

“I see. Are you okay, Silvia?”

“Honestly, I’m tired too. I was so exhausted that I couldn’t even go to the gym. But I feel good.”

“You feel good?”

“I met Yuria. She’s like a younger sister who gets along well with me.”

Silvia went to support Sehwa and Yuria right after killing Garp.

They must have had a short conversation after the battle.

Yuria must have handled it well.

I nodded and said,

“Once this is all sorted out, let’s all have a meal together.”

“That’s what I want.”

“How was the battle with the demons?”

“The first demon was nothing. But when I went to support Sehwa and Yuria… it was frustrating. There were too many demons, and the one that seemed like the boss had an impenetrable barrier, making it hard to deal with.”

A concise impression. As expected of a person of interest.

“How much Aiter energy did you use?”

At that, Silvia’s face darkened slightly.

She took out a container and showed it to me.

“I used nearly 30 percent.”

About 30 percent is more than I expected.

Garp and Orbas did more than expected.

Unlike Amon, they died cleanly, so I’m proud of them.

I’ll use your deaths as fertilizer to corrupt those two. Don’t worry.

“That’s quite a lot.”

“It was a long battle. Sehwa and Yuria said they were almost out. They need to recharge.”

“Good timing.”

“Yeah. Oh, and about that recharge… Adeline said something strange before going to bed yesterday.”

“What did she say?”

“She stuttered a lot and said that the Device recharges through sexual acts with someone you like… Is that true? I can’t believe it…”

I gave an awkward smile.

Seeing my expression, Silvia slightly opened her mouth.

It was an uncharacteristic reaction for her, who is usually serious and composed.

“It was true…?”

“It’s true.”

“Hah…”

She let out a hollow laugh, but unlike Adeline, she seemed to believe me.

It’s proof that my credibility has increased.

After being confused for a while, Silvia took a sports drink from the fridge and gulped it down.

The combination of her red hair and the blue drink… not bad.

“I thought Adeline was just tired and talking nonsense…”

“Yes… I’m sorry. I looked for other methods, but there were none.”

“What are you sorry for…? Aiter just has a unique characteristic. What about the Doctor? What is she doing?”

Surprisingly, she doesn’t seem to take this recharge method seriously.

Is she just inexperienced in relationships? Not that I care.

“She’s in the laboratory. The world is in an uproar because of Silvia and Adeline’s appearance. She’s cleaning up.”

“She’s suffering because of us… What about you? Aren’t you busy?”

“I’m busy too. But I lack experience in dealing with the media, so the Doctor handles that. I have other things to do. Developing supplies, monitoring the world, managing funds, etc.”

We were quietly chatting when the bedroom door opened, and Adeline came out, rubbing her eyes.

She was wearing a fluffy white pajama with a fox pattern.

She liked the Arctic fox hairpin at the amusement park… Her taste is consistent.

“Jihyuk…”

“Yes. Did I wake you up?”

“No. I just woke up. Can we talk?”

It’s awkward that she says this right after waking up.

“Shall we?”

“I’ll just wash my face and brush my teeth, then come back…”

“Alright.”

Adeline, still looking tired, headed to the bathroom with her shoulders slumped.

Watching her, Silvia shrugged.

“I feel a bit left out.”

“Why?”

“She woke up and immediately looked for you.”

“I’m happy about that.”

Silvia chuckled and told me to get to work before going into her room.

I wanted to talk more, but it’s a shame.

**

In a quiet corner of a café with a good atmosphere and few customers, Adeline and I had a conversation.

Adeline, who had been sipping a strawberry frappuccino loaded with syrup, asked,

“How was I?”

“What do you mean?”

“Yesterday. Did I fight well?”

Honestly, it’s hard to say she fought well… but let’s agree.

“You did well.”

“It was an S-class demon. The highest grade.”

“I know.”

“It was a tough fight.”

“I know that too.”

“I, who have barely experienced any battles, defeated an S-class demon.”

“Yes.”

Adeline pouted.

She wanted recognition, but all she got were bland comments.

I slightly raised the corner of my mouth and moved closer to Adeline, who was scooping whipped cream with a spoon straw.

Then, I wiped off a bit of cream that had gotten on her upper lip.

“Until now, I thought of you as someone I had to take care of, but you exceeded my expectations. You said yesterday, didn’t you? That I was reliable.”

“…Yes…”

“I also find you reliable. I can trust and entrust you with things from now on. I’m really proud.”

“…..”

Adeline lowered her head deeply.

Her ears were red, so she must be both happy and embarrassed.

I held Adeline’s hand, which was twisting nervously.

Then, she tightened her grip and said,

“J-Jihyuk… There’s something…”

“Yes.”

“The demon I fought… said we were being deceived by Tairat. Did you hear…?”

“I heard.”

“What do you think it meant…?”

“Demons are the enemies of humanity. You shouldn’t take their words at face value. It could be a trap, so don’t worry about it. I’ll look into it.”

“Okay…”

Adeline sipped her straw and glanced at me.

She probably wants to ask about the Device recharge but is too shy to bring it up.

I carefully wrapped my arm around Adeline’s shoulder and observed her reaction.

Adeline was just shy. Relieved, I pulled her into my embrace.

“You really worked hard yesterday.”

“…You too, Jihyuk…”

Adeline trailed off and hugged my waist tightly.

After seeing her strong side yesterday, I was worried she might break my spine.

After burying her face in my chest for a long time, she looked up at me and asked,

“Can we have class tomorrow morning…?”

“No. I have to help the Doctor tomorrow, so I’ll be in the laboratory.”

“Would it be a bother if I came to the laboratory?”

“I’m fine with it, but the Doctor might be a bit sensitive.”

“Then what should I do…? I want to be with you…”

“I’ll contact you whenever I can.”

“Okay…”

I gently stroked Adeline’s back, who was feeling disappointed, and took out a box of candies from my coat pocket.

I took out a candy and put it in Adeline’s mouth. When I heard a faint clinking sound, I slowly lowered my head.

Then, Adeline’s eyebrows slightly twitched, and her eyelids completely closed.

She even pouted her lips a bit. Just like when she whined about wanting to be with me… Her expressions of affection have become much bolder. I’m so proud.

I pressed my lips against hers, feeling the softness, then slipped my tongue into her mouth.

The taste of strawberry and mint on my tongue. At the same time, I felt a sharp pain.

Adeline had bitten my tongue.

This wasn’t her accepting the kiss, but rather, she was biting because something unfamiliar had entered her mouth.

“…Hngaht…!”

She made a strange noise and opened her eyes wide.

She seemed to have just realized what had entered her mouth.

She looked at my eyes, which were drawn into a line, and her pupils darted around.

Her nervousness was obvious, but she didn’t try to push me away.

Instead, she closed her eyes and slightly opened her mouth.

I slipped my tongue deeper, licking her upper teeth and lightly touching her gums.

Each time, the arms around my waist tightened.

She was very nervous. Suddenly, she jerked her body.

“Hngt!”

I had pressed my fingers quite firmly between her ribs.

Startled, she pushed me away and stuck to the corner wall.

Her face was about to explode.

I approached Adeline, who was trembling like a mouse in front of a cat, and said in a soft tone,

“Are you okay?”

“…..”

She didn’t answer, just tightly closed her eyes and shook her head.

I asked,

“Does this go against the Rosario Church’s rules?”

“…No…”

“That’s good.”

“I think I’ll go now… I’m tired…”

“Shall we go?”

“No… I want to stay longer…”

Her back-and-forth suggests that she’s completely out of it because of what just happened.

I smirked and held Adeline’s hand tightly.

Once the Device is ready, I’ll have to speed things up.

It’s coming soon… It’s not far off.

Next Episode―――――――――――――――――――――

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