Chapter 113: Advances (2/2)

“Are you sure, this looks expensive...”

“Didn’t you just listen to me. And why would you feel bad, it was the dwarves’ money. I found it and I can do with it whatever the fuck I want to right?”

“I mean sure but throwing it out like this might not be wise. What if you really need it in a year or two?” he asked, hesitantly getting a plate of food.

“Kyrian but then I would’ve not lived as I wanted to for a year or two. I understand basic economics but saving up until you die is not the way to go. And if you can help out your friends in the process as well then I think it’s a good thing. I could pay your debt at the Hand, how about that?” the man put his fork down.

“Ilea, I understand that you want to be generous but there’s a certain pride even I possess. I’ll manage just fine on my own but appreciate the offer. Thank you.” she shook her head at that and sat down opposite him, grabbing a plate as well.

“I don’t get it… people receive money for whatever. I’m sure there is a huge financial inequality present in Elos as well, what with all the nobles. Do you think they deserve more? I have it so why not accept it? Not gonna push you of course, it’s your decision after all.” she said, starting to eat.

“You talk like you’re not from here. I have to say I’m getting more interested in your past. I never got that impression in our trainings. And there is inequality, of course there is. I’m not saying they or I deserve it but I will manage.” he said, getting a shrug from Ilea.

“My past is not particularly interesting. One thing might be but even that I feel is less and less so as time goes on. Maybe I’ll tell you at some point. Do you like the food?” she said, changing the topic.

“This might be the best thing I’ve ever eaten actually… even better than the things we ate in that restaurant Eve wanted to go to.” he commented, already half done with his plate.

“That’s because it’s the same cook.” Ilea said, smirking at the man.

“You hired her? Can’t say the money is wasted there...”

“I did and yes, I’d sell everything but my armor to have her food. Maybe even the armor.” she said, getting a chuckle in response.

“Do you want a tour?” Ilea asked, already done with her second plate.

“A what? Tour?”

“Of the house.” she answered, smirking towards him.

“Oh, sure. What about the dishes?” he asked.

“You’re cute Kyrian.” Ilea said, touching the plates until nothing remained on the table. “I’ll take care of it.” she said, having gotten very close to him with the last touch on the plate he had used. The smile on her face grew a little at his obvious discomfort.

“Follow me then.” she said and brushed past him. The two walked downwards as she showed him first the kitchen space and then the showroom that looked more akin to an armory.

“I know it’s not very filled up yet but hopefully that’s gonna change in the future.” she said.

“I’m sure, with the missions we’ll do you’ll probably find some interesting things to fill it with. The black skull would fit in nicely.” he commented.

“That one might actually be useful to Eve… at least if we believe the enchanters Trian asked. I don’t plan to store things away that could save one of our lives.” Ilea said. A minute of walking around later, Ilea went up again. “Come, you said you wanted to read.” she was happy to find his face light up a little at that.

“This is my favorite room and mostly the reason I had this whole thing built. You’re the first human to see it.”

“It’s… beautiful… you can see the stars from here and…” he walked over to one of the shelfs “There’s so many, did you buy all of them?”

“Found most of them really. Wait let me look for something that might be a bit easier...” she said and blinked over to the man, touching his back while using her other arm to brush against the books. “This one might be possible.” Ilea said, grabbing the novel she thought to be aimed at a younger audience. Making the plates and books on the bed vanish, Ilea put the sheets back in a somewhat acceptable way before she jumped onto it. Patting the space next to her, she looked at the man intently.

“Don’t look at me like a frightened animal, we’re gonna read.” she said as he gulped and sat down next to her. “You try, same way as we did before.” she said, smiling at the man next to her who was definitely uncomfortable. ‘Maybe this wasn’t the best idea...’ she thought but decided to go with the flow. Whatever happened, happened.

“Ok...” he said, opening the book at the first page. “T...There once w...was a… vi...vi...”

“Village.” she helped, getting a little closer to him to see the book better.

The two read for a while, Ilea slipping into the role of a teacher as she corrected and helped where necessary. Kyrian was definitely not stupid and picked up reading rather quickly. He did however stay oblivious to her advances. It was hard to say if he was uncomfortable because of the reading or because of Ilea’s close proximity. He did want to stop after around an hour, getting a little frustrated over a particularly hard sentence.

“You can stay over if you like.” Ilea said, putting the book back.

“Do you think? It’s only half an hour back.” he said.

“What if you encounter something dangerous on the way?” she asked, turning around slowly.

“I should be able to get away, not like anything was reported here in a while.” he said, locking eyes with her.

“Did you ever sleep with someone Kyrian?” Ilea asked, putting her arms behind her back.

“Wha...what?”

“Would you like to try?” she said, biting her lip and focusing her blue eyes on him.

“W...with you? But we’re not together, a couple...” he stuttered, though still looking at her.

“It’s just sex Kyrian. It’s fun, with the right people. And you don’t have to be with someone in a more permanent way to do it. Though I wouldn’t be opposed to date you.”

“I’m… I don’t.” he said and looked away. Ilea looked up at the stars, shining into her room.

“It’s fine if you don’t want to. I know I was freaked out the first time I did it.” she said.

“It’s not that… I’m…”

“It’s a bit much. That’s alright. Do you wanna sleep over anyway? Ever did that? A sleepover?” she asked, not wanting to pressure the man any further. He was obviously in over his head and they had time.