Chapter 5 (1/2)

Chapter 5:

The prime minister trembled, wondering if his life would truly end this time.That person behind the veil was silently listening to his report of failure.

“Please, I beg of you. Give me another chance……”

“I am generous. I am willing to overlook three of my subordinate’s faults.”

Finally, an answer came from behind the veil. At the same time, a scorpion appeared and climbed up the Prime Minister’s arm. The poisonous sting at the tip of its tail was exactly three finger joints away from his skin.

“Yes, you are……”

“I made you Prime Minister, and also overlooked you using that authority for your personal profit rather than for the great task.”

The scorpion’s tail slowly moved towards the Prime Minister’s arm. The distance shortened to two finger joints.

“You did.”

“What I required of you in return was to obtain the Sword of Key and to dig up the high-concentration worldstone buried in Mount Louvre – just those two.”

“Yes.”

“I promised that I would make you the greatest human in this country if you just managed to do what I told you to do.”

“That is correct.”

Higher than the Prime Minister. He was promised that only spot. As long as he succeeded.

“At first, right after the coronation of the Queen, you failed to develop Mount Louvre. At that time, you promised to definitely succeed after two years.”

The distance between the scorpion’s tail and his arm reduced to one finger joint.

“You fooled around throughout that period, even taking the Bug Soldiers in order to a.s.sa.s.sinate the Queen, and failed.”

The tail sting was placed right on his arm. Dry sweat continuously broke out from the Prime Minister’s body.

“You said that you would do everything in order to obtain the Sword of Key, but in the end let the Queen’s knight claim it.”

The scorpion’s poison needle shone coldly.

“T…… That is…… because that demon b.a.s.t.a.r.d…… only talked big…… and the first knight that the Queen dispatched was stronger…… than I had expected……”

The Prime Minister fell on his forehead. The poisonous sting of the scorpion touched his skin. The Prime Minister felt as if his heart would stop, looking at the light reflected on the sting that was just about to dig in.

“However…… Fine. In the case of the Sword of Key, it is also my responsibility for underestimating the opponent’s skill and deciding that summoning a demon would be enough; I shall not interrogate you further about the obtainment of the sword.”

“I am much obliged.”

“However, regarding the extraction of the mountain……”

The Prime Minister shouted truly desperately.

“P…… Please leave it to me! I will be sure to make it happen in time! I will make it happen, even if I have to put all of my fortunes on the line!”

It couldn’t be helped. He would have to do something, like buying all the votes of every other party, even if it meant he had to spend all his precious fortunes that he had gathered with so much effort.

What use was there in the money if he were to die?

“I accept. However, you have until the solar eclipse. If you do not succeed in anything by then, I shall take back what I have given you.”

“I will once again promote the digging immediately.”

The Prime Minister rushed out. The woman who was left behind clicked her tongue.

“It cannot be helped. I, myself, must move for the case of the obtaining the sword.”

Although this was not the time for her to move, in order to preserve a little more energy, it looked like everything would be in vain if she entrusted the matter to that hopeless human.

Shocked by the newspaper article, Kael lay down on the couch. Usually, he would’ve fallen asleep right away, but……

‘I can’t sleeeep!’

It was unfair. It was really unfair. Why did a normal, kind demon like himself have to be treated like some licentious human who glorified debauchery?

However, would the false accusations really be cleared if he gathered the media and did an interview?

‘Will it? I don’t think it will. No, it definitely won’t be cleared.’

On the contrary, they would manipulate his words and write a novel as they pleased.

Was there no choice but to wait until the rumours subsided, even though he was frustrated and annoyed? However, although he could perhaps get out of the midst of the topic of conversation, his image, which was stuck once, didn’t seem like it would change again.

Why did a relations.h.i.+p with no significance whatsoever become sugarcoated, as if it was something grand?

‘I gotta void this contract.’

He really did have to void it now. He would leave behind everything and go back to the demonic realm. Then, after a brief hubbub, everything would subside. The problem now was how he would void it. He couldn’t think of a clear method.

Just then, someone knocked on the door to his lounge, which was disguised as his office.

“Sir Kael, it is a message from her majesty. May I enter?”

It was the square gla.s.ses maid. Kael opened the door right away.

“What’s up?”

“It is a written order. Please open it yourself.”

Ferdia presented a sealed envelope on a tray. Her posture, with her head and gaze pointing downwards and supporting the tray with both hands, was truly polite. Although it was polite, Kael s.h.i.+vered at the gently invading chill. He accepted it quietly, clearly unable to tell her to take it back.

“Then, if I may excuse myself.”

After she retired, Kael carefully opened the envelope.

[This case is strictly confidential, and thus should not be informed to even the closest two.]

What could it be for her to make it seem so grave? Kael swallowed hard.

[At midday this Sat.u.r.day, wait in the café near the entrance to the market in Lataem Square. However, since it is a disguised patrol mission, absolutely n.o.body must recognise us.]

‘Some kind of…… spying that should be done in absolute secret?’

Even so, was it so confidential that the Queen must look to it herself? Did calling him mean that they were doing some kind of a traitor search?

‘Ugh, that’s annoying. She’s making me do these kinds of stuff?’

He scratched his head. He wanted to ignore her request, but it didn’t feel right to just ignore her when she had sent him such a grave written order. Moreover, the single flow from the mysterious bugs, to the summon of Archfield, to the Sword of Key was also another factor.

‘Ah, maybe that’s it. Maybe she’s trying to investigate that matter.’

That clever kid might have noticed, even if he told her not to say it.

If that was the case…

‘Ugh. I guess I can’t help it this time.’

Sat.u.r.day, 11:30. Kael got out of work early and sat in the designated café. As usual, he was in a simple disguise, wearing a cap, sungla.s.ses, t-s.h.i.+rt, and jeans, but n.o.body recognised him.

‘Thank G.o.d it’s an era where there are multiple foreigners other than myself.’

Twenty-five minutes later, Yulia appeared in front of him. She was hiding her elegant, silver hair under a brown wig. On top of that, the yellow short-sleeved s.h.i.+rt and scarlet skirt matched well as a set, emphasising her cuteness. The backpack that she wore on her back, Pristine, also made a fairly good accessory. More than anything, the bunny-shaped brooch that she used instead of gaudy gemstones to tie up the hair above her ear was purely adorable.

“Art thou wearing this attire again?”

Right away, she began her first word with a complaint.

“Why? It should be fine, since n.o.body’s recognising me.”

“Even so, couldst thou not dress up a little more, when we are continuing the date that we could not finish last time?”

“What?”

“I am saying that, although I do not expect thee to dress up incredibly well, I just wish for thee to pay a little more attention.”

“No, before that – continue what?”

“I said the date that we could not finish last time.”

“Why are we doing that?”

“Since thou dedicated thy wish for my sake even after entering the tournament and distinguis.h.i.+ng thyself, must I not reward thee separately?”

A bright smile hung from her mouth and her eyes sparkled. She leaned her face about ten degrees back and placing her hands on her waist, proudly keeping her nose keen.

Kael expressed his dumbfoundedness at her boastful manner by tapping his thumbs, index fingers, and middle fingers together in turns.

“So…… You’re telling me to go on a date with you in this weather that’s perfect for taking a nap in my house?”

Just how could that be a reward?

“Thou dost not need to refuse. Thou have done enough services to deserve it.”

“I wanna go home.”

Kael stood up. The bed in the mansion that was given to him was also nice and fluffy.

“It is said that it is impolite to be too modest. Now, follow me.”

“Hey? Hey.”

After saying so, Yulia walked towards the market on her own accord. Her usual elegant walking manner was nowhere to be found; instead, it was replaced by bubbly steps that looked like those of a hopping bunny. The bunny brooch on her hair also bounced lightly.

“Would you play with her for a day? She was struggling all week long with a policy and is only resting for a moment now.”

Pristine carefully and subtly asked.

Kael placed his hand on his forehead. Should he just ignore this whole thing and go home? After all, she had called him out on her own. However, right now, he was the only one who could act as Yulia’s guard. Leaving the rebel groups who might recognise her ident.i.ty aside, she could always be a victim of a normal crime that targeted pretty little children.

Although she may be the queen of a country, her physical fighting ability was just that of an eight-year-old.

‘s.h.i.+t.’

Kael followed her, grumbling. Why was he so unfortunate? He had to look after a kid on a sunny day like this, without being able to even sleep comfortably at home. Everything was a mess after that day when he had accepted the contract.

‘Dammit. I’ll follow, since I don’t have a choice, but do you really believe that I’d easily let you do what you want?”

Kael rolled his hands into fists. Hey, kid. It seems like you don’t know, but I’m also a demon with one h.e.l.l of a temper. You wanna drag me around? I’m gonna properly mess this date up.

Yulia, who was walking in front of him, suddenly stopped her footsteps. Kael naturally followed her gaze. They were selling a dish that smelled spicy, yet sweet. It was a dish that stripped off only the meat from a chicken, covered it in flour and deep-fried it, and served it with various sauces spread on top.

It was a street food stall that didn’t exactly look all that sanitary and looked like it had even less dignity, but Kael clearly saw Yulia secretly licking her lips with her tongue.

‘Ha, that’s right. It is something that would easily trigger a child’s appet.i.te.’

Moreover, it would intrigue her, since it wasn’t something that would be served as the palace’s royal cuisine. At this point, a good guardian would buy it for her, asking if she wanted it, but……

‘Don’t make me laugh.’

Behind the staring Yulia, Kael pretended to nudge the back of her head with his fist.

He was a diabolic demon. No matter how much pleading attention a child threw at him, he was a cold-blooded man who could lightly ignore such things.

She probably wouldn’t be able to say with her own mouth that she wanted to eat it, as it would damage her dignity and look childish, destroying her pride. Therefore, she must be plotting with that facile brain of hers to say something like “I am not particularly interested, but I shall accept, considering thy sincerity” when he would offer to buy it for her.

As if I’d fall into your trap.

“What are you doing? Aren’t you going to walk? You aren’t, by any chance, childishly wanting to eat something like that, right?”

Ah, this was definitely a critical hit. It was a wedge-driving blow. It went in splendidly.

Yulia turned her head and gazed at him blankly.

‘There’s no use in staring at me with those eyes. Do I look like I’ll buy it for you? Better save that plea for some other soft-minded idiots.’

She sighed softly. Staring up at him with a pitiful gaze, she patted his thigh with her palm, as if to comfort him.

“To discuss the matter of maturity and childishness with one’s taste in food… I see that thou couldst not escape from the Middle School Second Year Syndrome.”

“…… What the h.e.l.l’s that?!”

“It is the symptom addressed by psychologist Weber Claune Aradith, where young rebellious adolescents bluff about the most trivial things and pretend to be an adult.”

‘What the actual h.e.l.l is that b.a.s.t.a.r.d?’

Kael took a hit, he himself feeling more childish when he meant to mock her for being childish. While looking at him, Yulia smiled sweetly.

“Well, that is fine. Since thou art saying such things, it seems that, really, thou just want to eat some. I shall treat thee.”

“Wha?”

“Since it would bore thee to eat alone, I shall eat with thee. Be thankful.”

“Hey, wait!”

Before Kael could stop her, Yulia sat in front of the stall’s table.

“Give us portions for two!”

“Yes, Miss Customer. Which one would you like – spicy, medium, or mild?”

“Which one doth thou want?”

While she asked, Yulia’s finger gently pointed at the menu that read mild. Noticing that movement, Kael ground his teeth.

‘This d.a.m.ned kid!’

What, treat me? So you’re taking that path? Eat with me? For devil’s sake. Don’t think that you’ve won just because of that. The battle isn’t over yet.

“Spicy!”

It will be agonizing to eat for a child’s tongue. Fufufufu. How’s that?

“Hmm.”

Although Kael glared coldly at her, Yulia did not even flinch. It was quite disappointing for him, who was planning to ignore her when she would ask to mix in some mild as well.

‘Could it be that she can unexpectedly eat spicy food well, despite her age?’

Children wouldn’t normally be able to eat them well, but this kid wasn’t normal in the first place.

‘Then…… I’ll increase the level a notch.’

After some time, fried chicken fully dipped in sauce was served in a bowl. Kael put his plan to action right away. With hand motions fitting of a tournament winner, he hauled the chicken into his stomach before Yulia could even pick up her fork.

‘It’s spicy!’

He had picked it so that Yulia would not be able to eat it, but it was spicy for him as well. On top of that, it was hot, perhaps because it was just freshly fried.

‘Ugh, the ceiling of my mouth……’

Although he had good resistance as a demon, that did not necessarily mean that he was dense when it came down to this kind of pain. However, he could endure this much pain if it meant that he could make this sly kid unable to even touch the food that she wanted.

‘Ughh. It’s getting spicier and spicier. It stings more as time pa.s.ses.’

Still, he could bear it.

After finis.h.i.+ng all two servings, Kael looked at Yulia with a victorious smile on his face. Now, be tearful! You thought I’d leave at least one for you, eh?

I’m not that kind of a soft man.

Yulia stared at him with a sunken gaze. The way she gathered her hands together neatly looked miserable. Kael felt a small sense of victory deep inside his heart.

Just then, she clicked her tongue.

“I will not take it away from thee even if thou eat it slowly. Thou were that hungry, weren’t thou? Manager, give us two more servings. Mild this time. I will order some more if this does not satisfy thee, so eat slowly and enjoy the food.”

“Right away.”

“…… Order some…… more?”

“I shall eat as well, and it is written that they will box the leftovers for us. There is no problem.”

Only then did Kael realise that her gaze was that of “pity”, not “sorrow”. He fell flat on the table. Then what was the point of him doing everything that he had done until now?

Not long after, Yulia picked up her fork and knife, staring at the newly served chicken for two. With her mouth firmly shut and her eyes solemnly glaring at the food, she held the pieces down with her fork one by one and cut them with her knife. Even though she was only cutting meat, her hands, tense with force, trembled softly. After halving every piece that was the size of one adult bite, she wiped her forehead once and breathed out deeply. A proud smile hung from the corners of her mouth. After doing so, she picked up the half-piece and put it in her mouth. Her pink, plump lips squirmed and her cheeks twitched slightly.

“Mm. It is savoury, yet sweet, and a little spicy, yet light and chewy. Although there would be a problem in the balance of nutrients, it seems like a fine occasional treat. Despite its simplicity, it is a nostalgic taste.”

All the strength in Kael’s body drained as he gazed at her bright smile. This was his complete defeat. How could he have overlooked the fact that she wasn’t a normal kid who relied on allowance from their guardian?

“There are leftovers. Let us have this as takeaway, and eat it as a snack at a later time.”

“Do whatever you want……”

“Then where shall we go now…… That’s right. Since this is our first date, I request thee to buy me a clothing garment as a commemoration.

She held Kael’s hand and held her face against it. Whatever it was about the back of his hand she liked, she gently rubbed her cheek against it and clung to it. Although there was no strong spark or anything, Kael flinched at the sensation that was soft and warm and made him feel at ease.

‘Fuah. I almost let down my guard.’

He was almost about to be disarmed. If Sestina plucked out a man’s soul in one blast, Yulia approached slowly and melted the ice before one could notice. He sharpened his words once again.

“Hah? Are you asking me to buy it, when you have way more money than I do?”

“That aside, I just wish for a gift from thee.”

“You give me this much salary and plan to rip it back from me like this? Are you saying that the man should unconditionally pay for the date?”

“I understand. Then I will present thee with an outfit. Follow me. However, thou must treasure it well.”

“Hoh? You’re getting me one? Then can I buy anything I want?”

Although Kael growled, determined to empty her wallet, Yulia did not even flinch.

“So be it. I will buy however many that thou wish for. However, thou must promise me to wear them. Thou must not throw them away.”

Yulia once again hopped around and ran down the market alley. The place that she dragged Kael to……

…… was a store that sold quite unique clothes. No, not only clothes, but also many accessories.

“What the h.e.l.l is this place.”

A wolf mask with a costume and tail, or cat-paw gloves and ribbons, or a pretty wand decorated with s.h.i.+ny pieces of gla.s.s, et cetera.

It was full of costumes and accessories that did not look like anything a normal person would wear, but only be worn in a theme park. Yulia’s eyes sparkled like those of a cat in front of a fish, or a dog in front of a rib. A bright smile painted her mouth and her gaze darted all over the place in a frenzied cycle.

“Although a uniform is fine, I also wanted to dress thee in one of these cute outfits.”

‘She’s telling me…… to wear these?’

While Kael stood in stupor, a staff member welcomed Yulia.

“Welcome, dear customer. How would you like our new oriental warrior series?”

“Oh, that is fine indeed. However, is there anything a little cuter?”

“If you are looking for cute, how about this traditional dog series? The new products, dalmatian and pomeranian, just arrived.”

“More than that, this shepherd and husky seems more suitable for him.”

“That is also an outstanding decision. What do you say about him trying one on?”

“What art thou standing around for? Come hither and choose one to wear.”

Kael hurriedly placed his hand on Yulia’s shoulder.

“Sorry. I changed my mind. The guy should buy one for the girl first.”

He would rather spend his leftover salary than wear this around the market.

“Then wilt thou give it to me as a gift?”

Yulia sparkled her eyes.

“Yeah. I’ll get it for you. I’ll get anything for you, so let’s get out of here.”

“Still, let us first choose an outfit for thee as a return of thanks.”

Instead of giving an answer, Kael picked Yulia up. Then he bowed at the staff member.

“Sorry for taking your time.”

He ran away immediately.

“That is a shame…… I thought that the shepherd would suit thee especially well.”

Her gaze scanned his whole body. It seemed like she was imagining him in a dog costume.

“It’s fine. Let’s buy your outfit first ㅡ yours first.”

Kael emphasised it twice. Yulia folded away her regret and pointed in the other direction.

“There is a woman’s general outfit store. Let us go there.”

“All right.”

The two of them entered the large, three-story building. Women’s clothing brands were placed everywhere around them.

‘This era sure is abundant.’

Kael mumbled internally as he stared at the many colourful clothes that stood in rows. Before he fell asleep, clothes in the middle world were all handmade at home, one by one; to think that they were ma.s.s-produced for such cheap prices now, he felt that humans had really chased the heavenly beings down to their chins.

While he was lost in his thoughts, Yulia entered one of the clothing stores.

“Hey, kid. Did you come here with your brother?”

“He is not my brother, but my lover.”

Yulia answered proudly at the shop a.s.sistant’s words.

“What?”

The shop a.s.sistant stood in confusion, and people nearby began to whisper amongst themselves as they stared at Kael.

“Sugar daddy……?”

“Nope, haha. My li’l sister’s very mischievous, isn’t she?”

“What dost thou mean by little sister?! I do not have an elder brother like thee.”

“She’s kinda delusional. Don’t worry about her.”

The doubtful eyes around them disappeared when Kael said so, smiling. He was relieved, as they seemed to just believe that the kid was playing around. It was a speedy and appropriate response. However, Yulia pouted her lips, puffed up her cheeks and popped the air out, and pointed her index finger at him while waving her arm around.

“What didst thou say? Who art thou trying to fool, after gladly eating my b.r.e.a.s.t.s?”

“Geh.”

The doubtful eyes that were beginning to relax thickened once again.

“Surely, you can’t be believing her. Think about it logically.”

He pointed at Yulia’s flat chest. What part of that could he eat?

“However, a five-year-old child also……”

“Now that I think, on the newspaper…….”

“I said I didn’t! Hey, you. Stop the jokes, and hurry up and choose your clothes.”

Kael hustled Yulia. If he stayed too long, it seemed like someone would actually report him to the police.

“I will do so. What is important right now is shopping. Hmm. What should I get……”

She busily moved around the store in light, hopping steps. She continued to look at clothes, tilting her head here and stretching out her neck there. Then she stopped, clapped her hands, and looked back at him.

“That’s right. Thou can choose whatever thou believe suits me.”

“I don’t know how to pick out clothes, though.”

“It does not matter. Rather than wearing something that everybody in the world compliments yet leaves thee dissatisfied, I would wear something that makes everybody in the world fall into consternation but pleases thee.

Gently holding her two hands to her chest, she stared at him with a soft smile and sparkly eyes. Kael flinched at that stare that looked like that of a puppy who only ever looked at its master. His hand almost moved on its own to pat her head.

‘This kid…… she’s unexpectedly dangerous.’

He regained his consciousness and maintainedㅡor as he believed soㅡhis cool.

“No, just because I can’t pick clothes doesn’t mean that I’m that maniac……”

“So what is thy taste in clothing?”

“Just something that’s suitably child-like.”

“My, I am saying that I shall thoroughly meet thy taste.”

“I don’t particularly have any clothes that I like, so let’s just choose something randomly and get out of here quickly.”

“Oh my. So you are saying that pure nude without the obstruction of clothes is the best.”

“NO!”

When Kael turned to face the speaker, thinking what kind of staff would say that kind of f.u.c.ked up thing?, he instantly froze.

“Se…… Sestina? Dewey? How did you……?”

Sestina stood there, wearing a white doctor gown, creating a holy and pure atmosphere. Her smile was gentle and collected, making it unbelievable that a word like “nude” just escaped from that mouth. Beside her, Dewey greeted him by standing to attention in a military uniform as always.

Sestina answered, gathering her two hands in front of her chest.

“If you must ask me how……”

A refres.h.i.+ng air spread around her. The air indoors that was somewhat uncomfortable, no matter how much they turned on the air purifier, suddenly transformed into the fresh air of a green forest. The cool scent of trees slowly spread out and the eyes of everyone nearby gathered on her. Just by casting her presence, she emitted an elegance of mother nature like that of a forest’s tiger that had come down from nature.

“A gust of wind pa.s.sing by whispered your location to me.”

The women nearby whispered that unni is so cool at the romantic line. However, Kael silently howled.

‘…… So she stalked meeeeeeeeee!’

Still, with a gentle and above-the-world expression, Sestina approached him.

“Since it came down to this, all four of us should go shopping together. That’s right; Kael, would you pick out some clothes for me?”

“Wait, why? You can pick your own clothes, right?”

“Kael, did you already forget my teaching?”

“What teaching?”

Sestina gently held Kael’s hand. The refres.h.i.+ng air around her spread further again.

“Those who do not work shall not eat. It is a stern rule that every creature of mother nature abides by. You must earn what you eat with your own effort.”

“…… So?”

Her words were fancy, but why was she saying such things in a clothing store? When Kael blinked his eyes, she continued, suddenly sticking his hand between her big b.r.e.a.s.t.s.

“Therefore, you must pick what clothes you will undress.”

She reasoned with him with a strict gaze that one would use when scolding a lazy child, all the while pressing his hand with her bosom.

“Cough. Cough.”

Kael took out his hand, feeling his diaphragm convulse. The doubtful, looking-at-a-criminal gazes that were falling on Kael until just then disappeared. Instead, some men, who probably came with their girlfriends, saw Sestina’s abundant bosom and threw quite fierce gazes as they looked at him again.

“Who are you saying will undress?!”

Lightly ignoring his protest, Sestina picked up a piece of clothing made of black mesh. It was an item that showed what was beneath, as if one wasn’t wearing anything even when they were.

“How about this?”

“Not good!”

“It does seem a little lacking in the exposure of my chest.”

“It’s the exact opposite!”

“Ah. You are dissatisfied by the level of exposure of the lower body. Is there something more daring?”

Sestina asked the shop a.s.sistant.

“That’s not ittt!”

“Dewey, you should choose as well. You should receive a gift on a day like today.”

“I……”

Dewey glanced at the item in Sestina’s hands, looked at Kael, and lowered her head with her cheeks blushed.

“Please choose as you please, master…… however, if possible…… something on the normal side……”

“No, hey……”

Dewey suddenly tightened her two hands into fists. She lifted her head, and firmly announced while receiving his gaze head-on.

“No, please do as you please. I shall accept, whatever it may be.”

The mutter of a man entered Kael’s ear from afar.

“Even two?”

“You all have loads of clothes! What are you trying to buy more of?! It’s a waste! Let’s leave, go!”

Kael drove the three outside, as he thought his insides would be destroyed if they stayed any longer.

“Art thou changing thy words, when thou told me that thou would buy me something?”

Yulia turned her gaze about fifteen degrees away from him and sulkily pouted her lips. Her cheeks got pushed in, and they made a cute dimple. Kael pat her back.

“Just buy it next time. Rather than that, let’s go play somewhere else. That’s right, how about the movies? The cinema. Instead of your clothes, I’ll buy your ticket. Satisfied?”

“Hmm. That’s fine as well.”

Yulia, who seemed discontented, smiled sweetly once again.

“Then I guess I will also go shopping later and just watch a movie. You are fine with that as well; am I right, Dewey?

“Yes.”

“Then let us go.”

After saying so, Yulia held Kael’s right hand. When her small hand touched his, a warm and gentle sensation climbed up from the point of contact.

“So we shall.”

Sestina closed in, burying his left arm in her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. Her ample yet deep valley swallowed his arm, and the bouncy yet soft touch pressed in, creating an electrifying sensation.

“H…… h.e.l.lo?”