Chapter 27: Secrets of the Night
“Alright, that’s fair.” Ryan chuckled. “But as long as you’re willing to hear them, then I don’t mind it.”
Joan sipped the tankard before lowering it from her lips. She gave him a smile. “Of course… and um, sorry, I finished your beer. Shall I go and refill it. On the way, would you like me to get you another couple of venison skewers?”
“No, we’re good. Tomorrow’s going to be another busy day, and we need to get some rest,” Ryan replied.
He stood up and offered a hand to Joan, who readily took it. After she stood up, he gave her hand a gentle squeeze and tugged it toward him. Leaning forward, he stole a little kiss from her cheek. “Thank you for today.”
“O-okay, and thank you as well?” Joan blushed lightly as her heart pounded.
‘I… I want to ask him to spend another night with me doing those things. But he’s right, there’ll work again tomorrow,’ Joan thought, feeling mildly disappointed.
Looking at his face in such a close proximity, she noticed some minor scratches on Ryan’s face.
When Ryan escaped the Giant Buck from earlier, he didn't mind the low branches, which left a light scratch on his face.
Joan’s stomach sank lightly until a newfound determination worked its way in her mind. ‘Unlike today when I failed to protect him properly, I’ll do much better when we go to the Ironcross Mountains tomorrow. I won’t be caught by surprise again.’
Meanwhile, Ryan was also stuck in his own thoughts as he picked up the Grimoire and tucked it underneath his arm.
‘I can’t really blame people for feeling overwhelmed by what I shared with them. I think even Builder couldn't understand everything completely either, and he’s a Grimoire that has existed far longer than I have.’ Ryan thought. ‘Do I need to explain everything? Not really. What matters is being able to convince people to do what will bring us great advancements and wait for the results speak for themselves. Although I still need to improve my convincing skills, so I don't always rely on the authority of my position. Not everyone are like Kobolds—speaking of which…’
“You guys follow after me,” Ryan turned and instructed the Kobolds to come with him and Joan inside the manor.
Once they had entered, Ryan gave them a new set of orders. “I’ll be leaving the five of you to stay here in the manor tonight. Do not go anywhere else until the people of Stonefall Village has become more accustomed with you guys.”
Joan chewed on her lower lip as she glanced at the five Kobolds behind them. She was also still uncomfortable at the sight of them.
‘I mean… I can easily kill all five of them if I wanted to, but they’re Ryan's people, so I can’t do that. I hope that the people of the village accept them soon though… If I could choose, I don’t want them around near the manor.’
“More importantly, don’t attack any other villagers who might come visit—well, if there’s even anyone coming tonight. It's unlikely… unless they’re an assassin, but this is a normal village. Other than that, don’t disturb me and Joan alright?” Ryan raised his hand that held Joan’s. “She’s your Mistress!”
“Krie!” the five Kobolds replied.
Satisfied with their response, Ryan led Joan back into the manor and looked sheepishly at her. “I know that it’ll be a little difficult to get used to it, but they’re vital for our growing kingdom, alright?”
“I… I understand. I just hope that they won’t disturb any of our time together.” Joan averted her gaze shyly.
Ryan understood what her expression meant and chuckled. It was a little cute to know that Joan really had a shy side beneath the cool and collected assassin maid persona that she often showed.
“Well… I don’t actually mind if they hear us,” Ryan said with a devious grin.
“W-what?!” Joan’s entire face turned red and she squealed lightly. “A-are you serious, Ryan?”
“Haha, I’m so lucky that I get to see this cute side of yours, Joan.” Ryan pecked her lips and went up with her to the second floor of the manor to the master’s bedroom. He gave her a sweet smile. “Of course, we’ll only do it when you’re most comfortable… but it’s also really nice seeing this side of you. It makes me want to ravish you.”
Joan gulped slightly upon hearing Ryan’s words, and heat started to bubble in her stomach.
‘Is… is this from the beer that I’ve drunk earlier?’ Joan thought.
“Do… you want to do it tonight as well?” Ryan asked.
Joan’s eyes widened and she looked up at him with rosy cheeks. “What about tomorrow? Won’t we be tired?”
“Well, that’s a problem for the me tomorrow… isn't it?” Ryan smirked.
'Hey, can you drop me off somewhere far away if you guys are going to go at it like rabbits again?”' the Grimoire suddenly said, aghast.
The book was still stuck in Ryan’s arm and wanted to remove itself, but it kept still due to the presence of Joan. 'Your kingdom is still far from being established properly to start thinking about heirs too, you know?!'
Ryan blinked and chuckled at the Grimoire’s words, but it did remind him of something, so he pulled out the ornate book.
Joan glanced at the Grimoire. She had completely forgotten about it with the Kobolds' matter and Ryan asking if she wanted to sleep with him.
“Right, this book. You were looking at this earlier, right, Joan?”
“Is it really that important right now?” Joan pouted.
“Hmmm… my libido says no,” Ryan grinned but then cleared his throat and held out the Grimoire as if he was holding a cat. “However, the logical part of me thinks it’s better that I introduce you two right away. I haven’t told anyone else about this since it’s all new, but you’re important to me and I think you’re also too smart to simply believe that I’m a Monster Tamer.”
“You… you don’t have any magical abilities, Ryan,” Joan said.
“Yeah. I have no talents. You know that. I might be good with the sword, but I’m no outstanding or peerless swordmaster… As for this book? It’s a gift from my mother and it’s helping me.”