Henry sat quietly, shoulders hunched forward, his eyes fixed on the wooden floor.
"You won't believe me even if I told you," Henry said, his voice low, almost swallowed by the silence.
"Tell me," she pressed, her tone both curious and firm.
Henry inhaled deeply, his chest rising and falling before he whispered, "I'm from another world… actually."
For a long moment, she simply stared at him, her lips twitching. Then she broke into laughter, loud, genuine, and unrestrained.
"Haaa! Funny," she said, wiping a tear from her eye. She didn't believe him even a bit.
Henry's lips pressed into a thin line. "I'm serious," he muttered, raising his head slowly so his silver-gray eyes could meet hers.
Juliet tilted her head, amusement lingering in her gaze. "Okay, 'other world.' Then tell me, how did you end up here?" Her voice carried a teasing edge as if daring him to continue.
Henry's jaw tightened. "I died," he said. His voice was firmer now, carrying a weight that couldn't be faked. "And then… I found myself here."
Juliet blinked once, caught by the seriousness on his face. But instead of being convinced, her laughter only grew louder.
"Wait, really? Hahaha! I never expected you to be this funny. I've had a stressful day, and you're the best medicine."
With that, she stood and walked toward the small adjoining bedroom, her black hair swaying behind her.
"Wait, do you have a bed?" Henry asked, eyes widening.
"Yeah. I'm going to sleep on it," she replied matter-of-factly.
"What about me? Where am I going to sleep?"
She paused at the doorway and pointed at the long wooden chair Henry had been sitting on. "Right there. It's seven feet. Should be enough for your body."
Henry looked at the chair and gulped. It was rough, the edges splintered, but it was flat enough to lie on. "Hmm. Alright," he said, forcing a nod.
Her lips curved faintly. "Good night. And thanks for making me laugh, it's been a while since I laughed this way." With that, she closed the door behind her.
Henry lowered himself onto the chair, its surface hard and unwelcoming. But compared to the cold stone caves and damp forests he had known, this was a luxury.
"Not bad. At least I'm not sleeping under a tree tonight," he whispered, shifting his body until he found a somewhat comfortable position.
[HP regeneration continues during rest]
His eyes closed. Sleep came swiftly.
---
"Hey… Bloody Assassin."
The voice was soft, seductive, dripping like honey into his ears. Henry stirred, his eyes fluttering open. He wasn't in the small house anymore.
Five women stood over him, their beauty unnatural, their eyes filled with longing. Their forms glowed faintly in the dim room.
"This is the reward for your legendary status," one of them whispered as her fingers slid across his chest. With a slow, deliberate motion, she tore his shirt open.
"Wait! That's the only shirt I have!" Henry protested, clutching at the fabric.
"Don't worry, Bloody Assassin. We'll get you a new one," another girl whispered, placing two fingers gently over his lips.
Henry's thoughts scrambled. 'How did I get here? How do they know my game name… my identity?' But the questions slipped away. It doesn't matter. 'This is a reward… my reward.'
One of the women, tall and radiant with golden hair flowing to her waist, stepped forward. Her smile was warm, her eyes hungry. "I'm the best of them all, come with me first, Bloody Assassin."
She took his arm and pulled him into a lavishly decorated bedroom. Henry's eyes widened.
'A bedroom? Mine?'
The girl's pale white skin glowed like polished marble, her voluptuous figure accentuated by the tight-fitting clothes she wore. Every movement was deliberate, every step alluring.
"Beauty…" Henry whispered, unable to contain himself.
The girl pushed him onto the bed. He landed softly, his heart pounding, his body responding with uncontrollable heat.
Her hands traced his chest, fingers dancing lightly over his muscles. She leaned closer, undoing the buttons of her clothes one by one. Henry's breath grew heavy, his anticipation rising like a tide.
At last, her innerwear came into view, barely covering the curves of her flesh.
"Do you like it, Bloody Assassin?" she asked with a smile that could topple empires.
"Yes," Henry replied without hesitation, grinning wide.
"Then… feel it." She guided his hand forward.
Henry's fingers trembled as they reached out.
But just before contact, his vision blurred. The room dissolved. The warmth vanished.
"Wake up. It's morning."
Henry's eyes snapped open. Still half-asleep, he instinctively grabbed the figure leaning over him, pulling them down into his chest. His hands pressed against softness.
"So soft…" he muttered, still caught between dream and reality.
*SLAP!*
Pain exploded across his cheek. Henry's vision cleared instantly. The girl furious face hovered over him, her eyes blazing.
"Shit!" Henry yelped, realizing what had happened. Both of them were on the floor now, her body pressed awkwardly against his.
"Dammit… I'm sorry," Henry whispered quickly.
"If you're really sorry," she snapped, "then get your hands off my boobs!"
Henry looked down and froze. His hands were indeed cupping her chest.
"Ohhhh… I'm sorry!" He scrambled backward, his face burning, avoiding her glare.
Juliet stood, brushing herself off, glaring with narrowed eyes. "Were you dreaming of having sex with me?"
"No! Nooo! It was just a nightmare!" Henry waved his hands frantically.
She studied him for a long second before exhaling sharply. "Hmph. Better be." Then, to his surprise, a small smile tugged at her lips. "Bathroom's over there. Go wash up. I'll prepare breakfast."
Henry nodded quickly, eager to escape the situation. "Right."
But as he turned to leave, his gaze fell at her direction once again . She was already dressed in dark warrior clothes that hugged her frame, her long black hair flowing freely. She looked both dangerous and breathtaking.
'Damn…' Henry muttered inwardly.
She noticed instantly, her brows furrowing. "What?"
Henry panicked. "I..I was just… I wanted to ask your name."
Her cheeks warmed, and she looked away. "I've been waiting for you to ask. My name is Juliet."
Henry smiled, stepping forward. "I'm Henry."
Without thinking, he hugged her. Her body was warm and soft in his arms. He tightened his hold, unwilling to let go.
Juliet's voice was calm but sharp. "Your dream isn't going to come true." She pushed him back gently, ending the embrace.
Henry blinked, caught between embarrassment and disappointment. He turned quickly toward the bathroom.
---
When he emerged, refreshed and clothed in the spare outfit Juliet had given him, the scent of food filled the room.
"Breakfast time," Juliet said warmly, placing a tray on the table. Loaves of bread and a simple stew filled the air with homely comfort.
Henry's stomach growled. Better than roasted forest beasts, he thought as he dug in eagerly.
Minutes later, they finished the meal and stepped outside.
"I'm going to collect the coins from selling my items," Juliet said, adjusting her bag. "What about you? Staying here?"
Henry's eyes narrowed slightly. 'I need to sell those weapons too. Coins are priority.'
"Nah. I've got business to do," he replied with a smile.
Juliet turned, ready to leave, then glanced back one last time. "Stop acting strange, Henry. I know you're in your early twenties. Don't worry, the military will start their search in a few weeks. I'll see you in the academy."