Arknightcraft Modpack
Chapter 463: Just Academic Research, Really. Let Me Try Yours
By the time Steven returned from the snowfield to the Infected camp, night had already fully fallen.
Honestly speaking, from the Infected's point of view, the Emperor's Blades were nothing but enemies. But if Steven were to give an honest evaluation, he'd actually have quite a few good things to say about them.
At the very least, those people retained an almost absolute level of rationality. In a sense, that made them the easiest group to deal with.
As long as you could bring them greater benefits—or simply prove yourself worthy of becoming a greater benefit in their eyes—they would not hesitate to stand by your side as loyal allies.
Just like how their attitude toward the Infected could normally be described as openly hostile, yet when compared to abominations like the Collapsals, they would just as readily choose to protect everyone—including the Infected.
This wasn't some sudden awakening of conscience. It was simply because, in their hierarchy of priorities, resisting Collapsals ranked far above dealing with the Infected.
That was precisely why, once Steven invoked the favor owed to him by the Emperor and formally made his request, the three Blades accepted without hesitation.
As for what Steven's request actually was—as long as it didn't threaten the stability of Ursus's borders or the Emperor's rule, even if he had told them to turn around and wipe out every Infected patrol squad still hunting this Infected group, they would've merely asked whether there was a time limit.
Compared to that, interacting with certain members of the Infected camp was far less comfortable—or harmonious—than dealing with the Blades.
Letting out a quiet sigh, Steven wandered over to the small cabin Talulah had previously lived in. At this point, he'd done nearly everything he could to prepare. What remained would have to wait until a return trip to Rhodes Island.
The operators of Rhodes Island could be considered native characters of this world, right? If an outsider like him interfering in what seemed to be a major story branch might cause some problem, then all he had to do was bring in more locals.
If nothing else, Steven was pretty sure that dragging a certain little shark over to this frozen wasteland and letting her go wild would work just fine.
So when a thoroughly exhausted Steven finally decided to get some rest, he naturally remembered a certain promise someone had whispered into his ear earlier.
Steven wasn't the type to stand someone up—especially not when it was an invitation from a beauty. There was even less reason to refuse.
With no hesitation, he headed straight for Talulah's door. He was just about to knock and check whether she was inside when, before he even put any force into it, the door opened from within.
Steven stepped inside, curiosity evident in his eyes.
He really wanted to see what she had called him over for so late at night. Surely she wasn't actually planning to invite him to admire some glowing wristwatch or something, right?
As for Alina, Steven was certain that even if she had three layers of courage, she'd never dare come alone at night. After all, she knew very well that if she really did show up… he really would go down on her.
However, to Steven's mild disappointment, once he fully entered the cabin, he quickly realized the truth.
The room was empty.
Talulah wasn't there at all.
The one who had been stood up… was him.
Thinking back to that mischievous, prank-like smile Talulah had worn earlier, Steven had already guessed part of what was going on. Still, believing that her "surprise" couldn't possibly end at just that, he chose to come and see for himself.
Sure enough, it didn't take long for Steven to notice a letter placed neatly on the desk in this plainly furnished room—clearly left for him.
. . .
"To the certain lecherous Mr. Boyfriend who came to my room driven by lust:
Unfortunately for you, I stood you up.
For now, I'm not willing to be eaten so easily. Even a tomboy-ish girl like me looks forward to her first time, it should at least come with a romantic confession, don't you think?
I'll leave that problem to my omnipotent boyfriend to figure out. For someone like you, I'm sure it won't be difficult at all.
By now, I should already be on my way to the Infected I previously let go. I know you might worry about me, but before I uncover the truth, please—don't help me again. I need to confirm this myself.
If nothing unexpected happens, Mr. Patriot will be leading the remaining Infected away tomorrow. Until then, I'll have to trouble you to look after Alina for me.
Just remember—don't take that "care" all the way to the bed. If you really can't hold back, I've left you something I think you'll like. It should be enough to help you get by for now.
—Talulah."
. . .
Beneath the letter, Steven quickly spotted the "something he should like" that Talulah had left behind.
Pinching it between his thumb and forefinger, he lifted up a gradient-colored stocking—whether it was white fading into black or the other way around was hard to say. It was clearly the kind Talulah favored wearing. Steven's expression turned subtle as the corner of his mouth twitched.
Judging by the texture, and the faint, lingering fragrance unique to a young girl, this thing looked suspiciously like it had just been taken off.
Since when did he become someone who liked this kind of thing in her eyes? Wasn't this a blatant act of slander?
And yet, despite thinking that, Steven still couldn't resist bringing it a little closer to his nose, wanting to figure out whether the scent came from perfume—or whether she really did possess such a natural body fragrance.
After all, the idea of stockings having no sour smell at all, but instead carrying a light, sweet scent of youth, felt like something that could only truly exist in the world of fiction.
Just as Steven's thoughts drifted off in that direction, the sound of the door being pushed open suddenly came from behind him.
A cute Elafia girl cautiously peeked her head in through the doorway—only to lock eyes with Steven, who was holding a rather questionable object in his hand.
Her already-pretty almond-shaped eyes widened instantly, and she turned on her heel, bolting for the door on reflex.
Unfortunately for her, she didn't make it far.
In the next second, Steven—having snapped back to his senses—caught her and pulled her straight back into Talulah's room.
"Don't panic," he said calmly. "I'm just doing some academic research."
Then, with a grin—
"How about… letting me try yours too?"
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Note: Character Illustration is in this Google Drive:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1iuyfwNVFHzIi9H4rWNT_lAm7jTSiah_M
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https://www.patreon.com/collection/55713?view=condensed[4]
[1] https://www.patreon.com/collection/55713?view=condensed
[2] https://www.patreon.com/posts/152281351?collection=55713
[3] https://www.patreon.com/posts/152281351?collection=55713
[4] https://www.patreon.com/collection/55713?view=condensed