At the end of each floor was a rest area in the form of a room. Compared to the bloody environment outside, this rest area was much better, albeit not very accommodating. It was just an empty room with nothing in it. No monsters would spawn in this place and it was a much-needed location for Adventurers who would venture in here.
"Fuu..." Alea let out a long breath and took a seat in the corner, not forgetting to unbutton a few buttons at the top of her dress. Her forehead was dripping with sweat and she looked terribly tired.
Earl took a seat beside her and handed over a water ball for drinking. "Good job."
"Thanks," She muttered and accepted the water ball, drinking it in one go.
"You didn't have to go so hard today."
Unlike Alea, Earl only had a few scratches on his body. This was not because he did not do any work but because Alea insisted on getting most of the kills.
"They were weak enough for me to handle on my own."
"I see. You must be tired, want a massage?"
"I'm not moving." She stubbornly said.
Earl laughed and answered, "Yes, Princess."
He made his way behind her and placed his hand on her shoulders. "I'm glad you're not mad at me anymore."
Her shoulders were tense from how much she was using them earlier. He began to massage them away, earning a soft moan from her.
"Mhmm... I wasn't mad at you."
"Be honest, will you?"
"You be honest too, then." He could not see her face but her tone of voice was softer than usual.
Following her lead, he asked gently, "What do you want me to be honest about?"
"A lot of things."
"That's awfully vague."
There was a brief silence before the most unexpected line Earl has ever heard entered his ears.
"Marry me."
Countless thoughts ran through his mind at this moment, but it was all boiled down to a single, "Huh?"
"You heard me. Give me an answer." She continued to speak without turning her head back. Even at this moment, he did not know what kind of expressions she was making.
"...Yes," As soon as he gave his answer, she abruptly turned around. Her cherry pink lips were slightly parted and her piercing eyes were softer than usual. At this moment, Alea was the most beautiful she has ever been. He would never forget this face for the rest of his life. His lips lifted for a smile as he finished his sentence, "I will gladly, Princess."
"I see... You're mine now, Earl."
"That's the first time you've called my name."
p
Earl found his face turning red at what she said, "That was deadly, Alea,"
She gave her sweetest smile in return, one that was capable of inducing a sugar high. "Earl. Earl. Earl," Like a newborn baby learning how to talk, she repeated his name over and over. "It's got a nice ring to it."
"Alea."
"Earl."
"Alea."
"Earl."
They repeated each other's names and laughed together with Alea nestling her face into Earl's chest.
"I... didn't think you would say something like that today," Earl confessed.
"I would've lost my courage if I didn't say it today."
"Any reason for why it had to be today?"
"My thoughts were all over the place. It was the perfect time."
"That sounds like you would regret it later."
"Shut up."
There was a brief silence before Earl spoke again.
"Don't you feel like too many steps were skipped?"
"I have more peace of mind this way."
"Are you jealous?"
"Yes, I am terribly jealous of your servants. That's why I had to hurry."
"You are so cute when you are like this."
"Is that so?" She looked up at him with upturned eyes from his chest.
He took this chance to softly caress her cheeks, "Yes."
"That's good."
"Was it from the dragon incident that you felt like you had to do this?" Earl asked another question that was on his mind.
"Yes. I... hate feeling weak. If there is no one to protect me when I am feeling weak, my mind turns blank. That is why I must be strong." Her little fist clenched as she spoke.
"Were you always like this?"
"No..."
"If it's painful, you don't have to tell me."
"No, I'll be honest with you always. It was when there was an... attempted assassination on me. If I wasn't so weak, father wouldn't have to protect me with his body. He almost died-"
"That's enough. I understand everything now."
Yes, Earl understood everything now. Abelis's scar. Alea's feelings. He held her head closer and hugged her tight, feeling the warmth and softness of her body.
"From now on- I will protect you."
"Very well," Alea softly nodded and leaned in closer to his face. It was as if time stopped for the two of them as Alea gently connected her lips with Earl.