14 A Summer Retreat With Her (1/2)

Life's a strange thing, don't you think? One day you're minding your business in some shoddy backward alley; sneaking around like a dirty rat for scraps.

And before you know it, you've stumbled into paradise. But even heaven is beset with problems; perhaps this is the price I've paid for trespassing into the realm of the gods.

I should probably stop being vague and get to the point. I'm in a bit of a jiffy, friends. I've been caught.

This girl's intense, man. She's too honest and straightforward; I mean, she kidnapped me for god's sake.

Look, I'm flattered, but I'm feeling overwhelmed. I'm sure that if I tried doing what she did to me on a girl, I'd be branded as a deviant for the rest of my days.

I guess that's the privilege you have when you're powerful; you can just steal cute guys like me whenever you want. Heh heh heh.

Truth be told, it's not a bad feeling, you know, being popular with the ladies. I just wish I had gotten the attention of a calmer type of girl instead...

Look at me, spouting out complaints about my blooming love life, but I'm serious; it's hard getting a handle on this princess. I can't read her at all; one moment she's happy and in the next, I've displeased her...

Ah, I'm too talented and handsome for my own good. I should seriously focus on being more low-key from now on...

What? Why're you looking at me like that? I can do it if I put my mind on it, I swear! Just watch.

...

We arrived in front of a luxurious villa that was built beside a beach. It was warm and a comfortable breeze passed by us as I started at the vibrant scenery.

There's no way in hell this was in the North, so where had this princess taken me? This...could be the South, right? Right?!

I might've finally gotten my lucky streak; I suppose this was my silver lining. Nice going, Violett!

”It's beautiful here, isn't it? The Reef's designed to sustain an artificial environment; in that sense, it was created to house its own miniature world.”

”So this isn't the South after all... Ah, it's truly beautiful here, Lady Violett. May I ask why we've come here?”

Violett pinched my arm, and I felt my soul leave my body for a moment. I think she was trying to be cute, but I genuinely almost fainted from the pain. She's so strong even a pinch almost took me out of commission. Goddamnit...

”You can just call me Violett, Reed. Just drop the formalities and address me by my name. There's no need to act so distantly, considering we'll be spending a lot of time together from now on.” She continued marching up the steps towards the villa as she hummed a pleasant tune.

Oh no, that's no good. That last sentence, in particular, is worrying me to death.

”C-Can you explain what you meant by that, Violett? Spending time together? I don't follow...”

”Well, what else is there to explain? You and I are going to be living here until everyone else completes their training. I'm going to be your personal teacher at the request of Instructor Axtorius. Didn't he tell you beforehand?”

Ahh... That old bastard was the one who set this all up?! Hahaha, of course, he sold me out to this princess.

Raised me like a dog just to sell me off to this girl; I'm a dumbass for believing that I'd escaped his grasp.

The only that's changed is who's holding the leash now. From an old man to a beautiful woman.

I know, I know. I shouldn't be complaining about this kind of development as a man. I do not doubt in my mind that some of you would strangle me if you could.

You guys would quickly change your minds once you realized the truth. You'd be manhandled and overwhelmed all the same.

”No he didn't; this is the first that I've heard of this arrangement. Do I have any say in this by chance? Don't you think it's a bit inappropriate for a commoner like me to cohabitate with you? Especially in regards to the fact that we're both of the...opposite sex.” Reed felt his face burn up as he tried to explain his reasoning.

Violett's eyes gleamed as if she had seen something precious. A subtle smile formed across her face as she suddenly pulled Reed into her embrace.

”That's what you're worried about? Silly goose, none of that matters a single bit. Why you ask?”

”Because. I. Said. So.”

”I don't care where you've come from, Reed. I'll take care of anyone that'd oppress you here in the North. Just give me the word. I can even give you a noble title if you want.”