Chapter 19: Merry Time
*Knock**Knock*
"Lily! It's me. Open the door," Leo said
"Coming!" came the sweet voice from inside.
Lily opened the door and saw Leo.
"Leo! You are back. Come inside." She said as he entered and closed the door.
Previous Leo had strictly told Lily to lock the door from inside whenever she was alone. Though they were in a comparatively safer area, as many families reside in their surroundings, it never hurt to be cautious, especially when Zolton was actively looking for her.
Lily noticed that he carried many bags and curiously asked.
"What's that you are carrying?"
He said he bought some things for the house, clearly creating suspense for the big reveal.
"Anyway, I am going to take a bath now, you also be ready by the time I bath." She scrunched her eyes. "You look like you have rolled over dirt..." She said as she analysed his body. Thankfully, there were no prominent bloodstains visible, so she didn't think he had fought.
"Oh. Then take this, there's soap in there and some clothes that I bought for you." Leo said as he handed one of the carry bags to her.
She didn't bother asking why he bought all of this, as she took the bag without looking inside and went away.
Maybe he didn't want me to be sad over his failed trial. Hmph! Idiot, regardless of circumstance, I will take care of him.
Leo noticed that she was avoiding the topic of awakening trail, being considerate if he had failed and not to hurt his feelings.
He remembered that when Lily failed to awaken, she would intentionally avoid talking to him. It was not until the previous owner talked with her that he didn't care if she awakened or not, she was still the same to him. Eventually, after a while, she became normal, but he did see the change in her as if she had a new resolve.
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Lily was ready to bathe when she reached for the new soap Leo had bought. But furrowed her brow when she felt it softer than usual and not the hoarse one.
The moment she brought out the soap, her eyes widened. It was a luxury soap that cost 1 bronze coin! Compared to her regular soap which was 5 copper, provided only basic cleanliness and was very rough to the skin, this soap was miles better.
She quickly scrambled and checked other things inside. A dress! That too of fine stitching and soft fibre. Not to mention, it was a pink gown with an elegant look that would perfectly match her hair.
"This—this would have definitely cost a fortune!! Leoooo!!!" She cried as she came out of the washroom to find Leo arranging things that he had bought. Candles, meat, spices and whatnot!
"Wha–what is this!" She exclaimed, completely flabbergasted.
Leo, who was already expecting such a reaction, turned his head to face her with a wide grin, but that grin quickly cracked when he saw her attire. She was just wrapped in a towel that barely covered her body, exposing a ton of skin, especially those huge mounds that were hell bent on breaking free from the layer that covered them.
"Leo! Explain." She demanded an answer, not caring about anything else.
Leo, who was still trying to collect himself, had his mouth loose and slipped.
"I awakened as a Beast Master." He admitted as he tried looking elsewhere, but failing miserably. Completely forgetting to create the planned suspense.
"R-really?" She thought she had heard it wrong.
"Yes. I really awakened. Now you don't need to worry about anything." He was finally able to turn his face away as he gave the confirmation with a confident voice. But the next moment, he felt something soft wrapping him, that soft turned hard real quick, then it was to the extent he could have been crushed if he were in his previous weak body. Then he felt the faint wetness over his chest.
Lily was crying.
"I am so happy...sob... So happy for you." She said as her voice cracked between her tears, but happy tears.
He put one hand behind her back and the other on top of her head.
"Not for me... but for us. We can finally live nicely after so long..." He didn't complete his sentence, but the meaning was understood. When uncle and aunt died, they had become miserable; if it wasn't for the kindness of the restaurant owner, even being alive would have been difficult. Not to mention Zolton's eyes on Lily.
After a moment of warmth, Leo broke the silence.
"Uhh Lily, I know you are happy, but now that you know everything, could you please finish what you were about to do... I am having a hard time deciding where to look." Leo said as he raised his hands in surrender.
Lily, now calmed down, looked down and understood what Leo meant. A mischievous glint forming in her eyes. She said dramatically.
"Ahh!" She suddenly said as if greatly hurt.
"Did I raise such an ill-mannered man who would throw aside a distressed damsel for his own comfort? Looks like I need to teach him some good manners," saying that, she pressed her body tighter against him, strengthening her hold around his chest and then nuzzling affectionately.
Leo, who was squirming under her, trying to free himself, found himself in a tough situation. Then suddenly, he felt something was trying to awaken under his crotch.
This! Control! Control yourself, Leo...Leonel Draven fucking control yourself!
Lily was enjoying every bit of his reaction and controlling her laugh, until finally freeing him and running towards the bathroom, her hair flowing in a wavy motion. But before closing the door, she dropped a bomb shell.
"Just so you know, Leo! I don't mind if you look towards me differently." Her face was crimson as she slammed the door shut.
Leo, who was under great pressure to control himself, heard her sentence as she closed the door.
"W-what?! Did I hear it correctly?" He stared towards the door in disbelief as he heard water splash from behind. His control finally loosening in full glory.