Chapter 6: Halcyon Days

-Ars Bune POV-

I dodge a swift strike aimed at my head.

Currently, both I and Crom are doing our sparring while in our respective dragon form, while Ingvild and Hertlinde are watching on the sideline.

Reacting quickly, I quickly dodged while countering his jab by swinging my left wing covered by pointed spikes protruding from the edge directly on Crom's face. But to my dismay, he just evaded it easily by slapping my wings on his own while also swiftly throwing a left hook at the same time, hitting straight on my face.

The punch sent me several meters away, as I growled in pain, clutching my nose while glaring at Crom.

The Black Dragon just snorted in my direction.

Growling annoyedly, I quickly gathered energy in my lungs, then spat a large column of my lightning breath at a very close range. Crom reacted by crossing his arms in front of his face as my breath got a clean hit, knocking him back for a bit.

Taking my chance, there's no way he's even feeling it despite holding back. Gathering more energy in my lungs, I don't waste time firing another breath attack, creating an explosion upon hitting. Following that, I quickly manipulate lightning currents using both hands, manipulating the energy to shape it like a javelin, then throwing both of them in Crom's direction.

But to my surprise and utter annoyance, he quickly recovers by dashing forward while slapping both lightning javelins with his left arm, while simultaneously sending an energy wave that is strikingly similar to Grimmjow's Descorrer with his right hand. I responded by spreading my wings while manipulating electric currents in my whole body, giving me additional speed as I took a huge leap to evade Crom's energy wave, which he quickly followed by leaping towards me, as both of us started trading blows once again.

The air picked up, cracked under the flurry of blows, making the nearest trees sway and bend as we continued for almost a minute.

Fists meet fists.

Claws meet Claws.

Forearms crossed over, bouncing each other in the air as the wind raged in each blow.

Roaring with power, I let loose the hardest punch I could, with Crom responding with equal force. Every blow that I suffered from Crom, I also returned it with equal vigor. Blood leaked from my scales, as both of us unleashed each of our respective dragon aura in the heat of battle.

I dashed forward, drawing the electricity from my body once again as lightning quickly surrounded my scales, renewing every single one of my strikes that were now coating with my dragon element. Crom responded accordingly with a sudden increase of dragon aura, he grunted as his arm swung out wide, his claw slicing through the air at untraceable speed by human eyes. I reacted by twisting my body, lashed out my tail to meet Crom's clawed arm.

Our strike met, and the air cracked under the pressure of our respective attack as several trees unrooted and flew a considerable distance.

Reacting instantly, I opened my mouth to unleash another dragon breath. Crom opened his mouth, quickly copying me as both of our breaths met, creating explosions as our breath danced violently in a clash of pure power between fire and lightning.

Crom's breath overpowered my own with pure strength, sending me into a world of pain as his flame breath washed my entire body, burning my scales with insane amounts of heat.

Roaring in pain and anger, I quickly turn my enormous body backward, using my wings as a temporary shield while extending my left arm, forming a lightning dagger that I launched toward Crom's face. It directly hit his cheek, thus halting his breath attack while roaring in annoyance.

Wasting no time, both of us resumed our blows as the wind currents are once again roaring in accordance.

Despite seeming equal in strength, I lacked enough stamina to keep up against him. My body is yet to reach its maturity despite having a twenty meters tall dragon form. A height that Crom took in a similar fashion since I know he's been measuring my power and reacting accordingly.

Also the most annoying part is that Crom is holding back immensely, limiting his strength to the point that he's equal to my current strength.

It's painful for me to admit it, but currently I cannot win against him in a battle of attrition.

I decided to take some distance by smashing a quick lightning-infused jab on Crom's face, taking him by surprise, while bringing out my Sacred Gear.

[Boost.]

Temporarily increasing my power, I quickly gather my remaining energy into my right arm. Lighting cracked with power as the sound of chirping began to take note across the air. Using a bastardized version of Chidori and combining it to form a charged attack similar to a certain move from a particular lightning dragon slayer, I dove downward with neck breaking speed, right arm extended towards Crom, who recovered quickly to my annoyance, and launched my assault.

Crom glared at me, as he moved.

Moving with such untraceable speed that I was barely able to react, as if he suddenly teleported and appeared in front of me. The next thing I know, an unimaginable pain covered my whole being as I crashed on the ground with a loud thud. That final punch was devastating compared to his previous ones.

As I slowly try to stand with a painful growl escaping my lips. I saw my teacher landed with a loud thud on the ground, creating a small crack in the part where he stood. Slowly he approached me while walking slowly, gazing at my downed form for a while before snorting.

"You improved quite a lot," said Crom. "But you're impatient and failed to control your emotions during the whole segment. Despite your improved fighting prowess, your inability to maintain your emotions hampers your analytical skill."

I clicked my tongue but was unable to rebuke his cold statement since everything that he said is true. There were several times I was unable to control my anger and instinct as a dragon during our segment, which was easily exploited by Crom to land a decent amount of damage.

"Learn again to control your temper, brat. While I can teach you how to fight, I cannot simply be bothered to teach you how to behave during a fight."

I can only nod curtly at Crom's words.

"The sparring ends now." said Crom while taking his feet from the ruined front yard, leaving me alone battered while sitting in silence.

[21 minutes and 39 seconds. You lasted longer since the last spar.]

"Yeah, and still getting my ass kicked when he starts getting serious."

[As you are now, it's impossible to even think about getting that man to play seriously.]

[But I commend your effort, brat. You're already on par with the average adult dragon at this point in your normal state. Your dragon form probably pushes it further towards the high level of adult dragons.]

I looked at my Gear with a stunned expression. 'Since when did I grow that fast?'

[Your ridiculous obsession with getting stronger faster is essentially the factor which got responded to by your Sacred Gear.]

[Now aside from doubling your strength, it also gained a passive ability which increases your growth factor. That's why you're able to reach a base state equal to a low class Ultimate despite training only for a few months.]

I looked at my own Sacred Gear with a renewed glee. While I didn't expect to gain a new ability, it's a very welcome one. With this, I breached the next level much faster than I anticipated.

[But don't get over your head first, brat. An Ultimate class is just a mere fodder in this world compared to what you will face in the future.]

'Shut it you damn dragon, I am trying to savor my moment right now!'

[Yeah, how about no!]

[Start training after some rest, your control over your dragon element is still subpar!]

[What the hell was with that measly copycat attack! How about applying something with your lightning rather than just throwing it like a damn brute!]

And just like that, I had another series of beratings from the resident three-headed dragon in my right arm.

Well, I can't really talk back on Azi because he's right about my pathetic control of my dragon element. Unlike basic elemental control that most devils are capable of, controlling dragon elements is totally different since I have to use my dragon aspect that I got from Crom, and combine it with my own demonic energy.

Not to mention, the sheer possibility that I could achieve with my dragon element.

Lightning is one of the most versatile elements among existing elements. While it lacks a flexibility like how water element works which can be enhanced to evolve into an ice element, lightning still dwarfs it with sheer abilities it can perform as it can be as hot as the surface of sun.

Also, mastering my dragon element even further will allow me to manipulate other things like Magnetism and Electromagnetism, where it's a few of the many abilities that I currently pursue to master. The problem is I need to get decent control of my element in order for me to start creating it, where it's essential if I want to start manipulating lightning even further.

Another important thing that I notice is how lousy I am at controlling my movement with my enhanced magic.

In my past life, I learned the body's intricate muscular system is working in pairs, where each part is responsible in half for complete movement control. The bicep flexed when I swung my arm in circling motion towards the shoulder, while on the other hand, the tricep works when the arm is straightened out.

For each step, the abdominal muscle contracted in response. And during the time where the body is moving forward, the calf muscles are working. The mechanism is working even more in complex motion when the body is doing activities such as jumping, running, or even walking.

The idea is to manipulate my muscles with my demonic power where I minimize the movement of my body, specifically manipulating parts of my muscles in progression with precise timing.

This might sound ridiculous, but the progress is for me to be able to even instantly move without any need to move my body, giving me a gesture where I will be going, and ended up being responded to by my opponent.

If I can pull this with perfect timing and minimal amount of body movement, I might be able to pull something that might take Crom by surprise.

A movement which is akin to a teleport, but in reality, it is just a complex set of muscle manipulation with precision.

I can hear Azi hummed inside my head.

[Interesting thought, I must say. The bodies movement is not something that many people are paying attention to due to their physical ability to produce instant bursts of speed by just simply unleashing it.]

I rolled my eyes hearing that, and just simply replying to Azi. "All of them, including you, are a part of supernatural beings that have innate power from the time they were born. People like me, who previously lived in a society where supernatural beings are nothing but mere legends, are evolving by developing a bunch of techniques to hone our capacity with what we have."

Azi didn't reply, but they simply agreed with my opinion in a quiet humming tone.

"But still," I added again in our conversation. "If there's anything that I really wanted, it's the ability to manifest and control ki."

[Technically, you could just train hard physically and obtain Touki.] I heard Azi replying back to me while still humming, probably still thinking about my theory in controlling body movement.

"I know," I answered Azi back. "But between just obtaining Touki and obtaining Touki and also being able to manipulate it is a different story."

Azi did not immediately reply, but instead they went to a small session of thinking for a while before finally giving his thought about my idea about learning Touki.

[I bet you really want to learn ki so you can try to learn what this Garou fellow can do with his martial arts skills!]

"I am not denying that." I replied to them while beginning to remember again why I like to fight with my bare hands. Even since I was a child, I have always liked characters who fight directly with their bare hands, no matter how they fight, and what kind of opponent they face while displaying an unimaginable mastery over their arts of fighting style.

[Don't forget that you also have me for your core in magic, brat!]

[Yeah, don't be like a one-trick pony!]

"Geez, I understand Azi, no need to be chatty about that."

Due to our conversation, I didn't realize that the familiar figure of Ingvild quickly approached me with Hertlinde following suit.

"Are you okay, Ars?" Ingvild asked while quickly crouching beside me while starting to wipe my face with warm towels.

I nodded at Ingvild while silently watching her taking care of me. "Yeah, Azi is already doing their job in healing me."

"I see…" said Ingvild in a low tone while looking away.

"Ingvild?" I couldn't help but ask due to her sudden behavior. Is it because of what I just said that makes her suddenly get dejected? Honestly it's kind of bothering me as well. Soon as she saw my quizzical look, Ingvild quickly shook her head while smiling at me. "No, it's nothing Ars."

It makes me even more concerned about her odd behavior.

But before I can even ask what's going on, Ingvild quickly stood up while asking me again. "Do you want to take a bath after this? I will heat up the water for you."

I just nodded at her.

Smiling, Ingvild then left me alone with Hertlinde who looked giddy at our interaction, like there's something she wanted to say, but refrained herself.

I wondered why she's suddenly being very attentive about everything.

Ever since we came back from our trip in the human world, Ingvild has been paying attention to everything in daily chores. I lost count how many times she's asking if I already ate or not, or if there's something that I need during my training. I even found several times of her spending much time in the kitchen with Hertlinde, trying to teach herself how to cook.

However, she never once asks Crom whether he's been eating.

Still, I feel like it connected to the time when I took her on a date several days ago.

"I wonder if she's been trying to relearn her domestic skills." I'm scratching my chin while thinking about Ingvild. "Or-"

To my surprise, Hertlinde suddenly put her hand on my shoulder while smiling. "Thinking about Ingvild?"

I nodded at her. "Well, I did. Her behavior seems weird to me. But I think it is related to me."

I saw her sighed in a relieved manner, which strangely also followed by Azi of all people.

[You really didn't notice at all.]

'Huh, something is wrong? What do you mean?' I ask Azi inwardly while crossing my arms.

[Nothing.]

[Other than you're slightly an idiot due to your insane drive to try to be stronger, I am glad you're that dense like most idiots you've read.]

I twitched my eyebrow at Azi's jab.

"I am glad that you actually noticed it." said Hertlinde while looking at Ingvild who was entering the cottage. "Ever since she came back from the human world after playing with you, she's been asking me about various things to learn."

"Like when I found her accidentally burning a simple egg?" I asked her while eyeing Hertlinde with a certain look.

"Well, I guess that counts.'' After I raised my eyebrow, she just smiled sheepishly while whispering something about apologizing to Ingvild. "Despite her clumsiness and repeated mistakes, she's really serious about wanting to learn lots of things just for your sake."

I found myself looking at Hertlinde with confusion.

I know that she's been very attentive to me, especially when we're both alone. But that doesn't make sense if she's trying to do that for my sake-wait a minute.

'Don't tell me…'

I quickly asked Hertlinde. "Is it related to something that I've said before to her during our date?"

[I knew it.]

[She really misinterpreted his words.]

[Are you fucking kidding me…]

"Why are you asking about that again? Of course it is related to your first date with her." Said Hertlinde equally confused as well. "Ingvild has already told me about how you proposed to her after the date."

What.

"What?" I said in confusion.

Hertlinde narrowed her eyes at my confused expression. "Ars, Don't tell me that you proposed to her just for playing with her feelings. Because if it's true, then I will be really displeased with you for playing with her heart, and I will tell Ingvild to stay away from you, even if you're technically her king."

Wait.

Wait, don't tell me.

"Does that mean that she mistook my date invitation as a real proposal?" I said in a disbelief tone.

Heck, I can even hear Azi sighed simultaneously in a disappointed manner.

[Fucking finally!]

[I can't believe that you actually didn't fucking realize it all when I thought that you already did earlier!]

[Idiot. Simply an fucking idiot!]

'I didn't even consider the possibility of her taking it that far ahead…'

[That still doesn't excuse your inability to grasp any hints from her.]

[Brat, I don't even care about having a mate, but even I got frustrated by your lack of insight.]

[Take a fucking responsibility, fucking idiot!]

To my dismay, Azi then cut our connection soon after that. Leaving me alone with Hertlinde who's glaring at my direction, waiting for my answer.

"Well, Ars. Do you have something to say? Because I can wait all day long for that." said Hertlinde while crossing her arms beneath her sizable bust.

"I can explain-'' I am about to try to explain the circumstances to Hertlinde, but she quickly cuts in.

"Forget it. From your expression, I can guess Ingvild are misinterpreted what you've said, and you're also not sensible enough to realize the situation, which created this whole misunderstanding." sighed Hertlinde in disappointment.

I pinched my nose in frustration.

Both of us stood in an uncomfortable silence, refraining from saying any words due to each of our own frustration. I am also berating myself for my stupidity for not realizing it sooner.

"Incidentally, did you really propose to Ingvild back when you visited the human world?"

"No, I promised her I'd bring her on another date."

"...I see, just as I thought," Hertlinde sighed "I guess I'd forgotten that both of you were born in different eras."

"What do you mean?" I looked at her in confusion

Instead of answering my question, Hertlinde responded with one of their own. "Ars, you know that Ingvild is vastly older than you, right?"

I nodded. While Ingvild is technically seventeen years old in mind and body, due to her sleeping sickness, her chronological age is almost ten times my own.

"I may be already older than both of you combined, but I am quite proficient regarding courtship." explained Hertlinde, who continued her words while not letting me ask questions.

"In this case, you should realize that both of you have different teachings and perspectives about engaging in a relationship with the opposite gender. While the concept of dating has changed over the past years, Ingvild grew with a custom where girls should get married in adolescence and only knows when a male asking her means a courtship."

I nod solemnly while hearing Hertlinde's explanation. Cursing at myself for not being sensible enough to grasp the situation. "So that's why she mistook my words as a courtship rather than a simple date invitation."

Hertlinde nodded, crossing her arms under her bountiful breast. "I do not blame you for this Ars. You're still young, despite your unusual predicament with Crom. But I would like you to be more responsible about your future relationship with Ingvild, especially since she's your queen."

"I understand." I nodded, sighing in dismayed expression while ignoring Hertlinde's comment about my apparent age.

What bullshit.

I am way older than Ingvild mentally, yet I act like an irresponsible brat like this.

How shameful.

Seems like Hertlinde is also catching up with my downthrown mood as she then walks towards the house. But not before leaving me a final message. "I will not tell Ingvild about this. It is up to you to fix it by yourself since she's currently smitten with you. I couldn't break the news to her and shatter her maiden love."

I stiffened but nodded.

"Also, Having a betrothal at your age is pretty much common for devils at your age. Please remember that, Ars." Having said her final words, Hertlinde decides to retire to the Cottage. Leaving me alone by myself as I am standing in the front yard, alone.

Where all of my mind is currently focusing about a certain maiden in love who's later calling me to take a bath not long after.

-Scene Break-

Sinking my whole body in the bathtub, I let another sigh escape my mouth as I begin to ponder about this whole misunderstanding.

"Having a betrothal, huh…"

For suddenly a girl misinterprets your invitation and ends up like this, it's surely quite a surprise even for me. While technically mentally older than Ingvild, I have practically zero experience about committing to a serious relationship.

I can only sigh while trying to forget it while enjoying the hot water.

"Should I just follow my accidental proposal…? I mean, Ingvild is a gorgeous young woman with a type of personality which surprisingly fits my liking." I mumbled to myself. Growing more agitated as I keep contemplating my decision.

"Forget it, I will think about it later." I said while getting out of the bathtub.

After drying myself and changing clothes, I then walk towards the kitchen while thinking about what kind of dishes I should make for tonight.

'I am in the mood for making mushroom cream soup. I think there's still a good amount of mushrooms left in storage.'

But the moment I arrived in the kitchen, I quickly sat in the remaining chair, before realizing there's something wrong with people sitting at the dining table, especially when I looked at Crom's expression.

His whole face screams a silent rage as he just sits in silence while a killing aura emitted from his entire body. Not to mention when he saw me, his eyes were shining dangerously, making me unconsciously take a gulp in a fearful manner.

On the opposite where Crom sits, I can see Hertlinde also sitting in a similar mood, wearing nothing but a thin smile on her lips while having a dreadful expression on her face.

'What the hell is going on?' I mentally yelled while looking back and forth between these two.

What happened that puts both of them in a bad mood?

"Brat." said Crom in a flat tone.

"Y-yeah?" I responded anxiously.

"Fix this whole farce."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"All of it."

"Wait, can you even explain what the hell is going-"

And before I can even finish my words, Ingvild suddenly arrives while serving a dish in front of me, which she did also the same with Crom and Hertlinde, who are just sitting in silence.

"Dinners ready! Please enjoy it!" said Ingvild in a cheerful manner, while removing a pink apron and putting it on a hanger as she quickly sat beside me.

I am looking at the rice omelet served in front of me.

Then I am looking back at Ingvild, who's giving me an expectant look.

"... Ingvild, you made this?" I ask her with a hint of dread in my voice.

"Y-yes! Hertlinde has been teaching me for a while!"

Why does she have to speak so passionately? Her hopeful tone makes it harder for me to even refuse this… Dish.

'Is this even considered a dish to begin with…?' I internally lament while silently contemplating myself trying her cooking or not.

From the opposite seat, I can see Crom is also looking at the dish with apparent disgust in his facial expression. For Crom who's constantly eating my cooking after I took over the kitchen, having presented a disaster like this is a recipe for a barrage of insults.

I quickly throw a meaningful glance at Crom, showing my utmost intention to stop him from uttering any word about the dish in front of him.

Don't say anything.

I will not risk another breakdown from Ingvild and end up making Crom lose his composure due to their bad relationship to each other. Sensing my intention, Crom clicked his tongue in vivid annoyance, but didn't press his discomfort verbally as he silently took a first bite on Ingvild's omelet rice.

The look on his face was totally the reaction I was dreaded for, especially when he forcefully gulped the content.

Not long after, Hertlinde also took a bite from her own place. Keeping her smile beneath her rapidly pale expression as she's struggling to not outright puking the content from her mouth.

'What kind of ingredients does she use for making this!?' I exclaimed inwardly while watching with utter horror as both struggled to even finish the 'omelet rice'. Before I can even think about escaping, my beautiful 'captor' suddenly appears beside me while wearing a hopeful smile.

"What do you think about it, Ars?" Ingvild asks while looking directly at my face.

"W-well, it's indeed quite a d-dish…" I replied to her while keeping myself from stuttering, which could make her become uneasy due to my nervous tone.

Not to mention, a pair of eyes are currently glaring at me unforgivingly with utmost intensity, making my whole body shudder in trepidation.

Don't you dare to run away you little shit.

… Bloody hell.

Is this some kind of retribution for forcing him to eat it earlier?

I shakily take the spoon under the gaze of a hopeful glint from Ingvild beside me. Grimacing at the utter smell of a raw, unseasoned egg. Taking a gulp, I began to chew it. The rice is hard, and there's a distant burnt taste, which is definitely overcooked. I also didn't taste any form of seasoning like salt-wait, why is the rice so sweet?

Don't tell me that instead of salt, she put sugar in this dish!?

An omelet rice, with sugar…

… I feel like I want to puke.

"So, what do you think about, Ars?" asked Ingvild with a starry eyes, as if she really wants to hear about my opinion.

What do I suppose to say about this abomination? Not to mention the glare that Hertlinde gives me is also not helping at all!

"W-well… It does have a unique taste…" I explain it vaguely, hoping that Ingvild doesn't catch up.

Fortunately, it seems that she took it positively as she beamed at my opinion. "Really? I'm glad. I was afraid that I would make lots of mistakes in making it, but it seems that everyone likes it!"

… I doubt they really 'like' it though.

My eyes widened as Ingvild took a spoonful of the dish as she was about to eat with a happy expression.

"W-wait Ingvil-"

But my warning heed nothing as Ingvild put that egregious thing inside her mouth, chewing it several times as I could only watch it in a silent horror alongside Hertlinde.

True to my prediction, I watch as her expression is rapidly turning pale the moment she tastes the unpalatable dish.

And Immediately she pukes as quickly as she puts it in her mouth before. directly on my clothes.

I groaned.

-Scene Break-

After the entire disastrous dinner from Ingvild's cooking, I swiftly took to the kitchen and began making the easiest dish I could find for a quick meal for all of us. Thanks to Hertlinde who's been shopping a few days ago, I have enough stock for making a quick dish for dinner.

Nothing beats a classic Mushroom Cream Soup, especially with my grandma's homemade recipe. Even Crom is satisfied enough to not throw any fuss about the whole incident as I fed him well.

Crisis averted for now.

Well, maybe not entirely. As I glanced at Ingvild who's been planting her face on the dining table with a depressing aura surrounding her. Seems like the failure over her first time cooking really took a lot of her confidence.

Not even Hertlinde can console her current state, making the older woman have no choice but to leave Ingvild alone for the time being.

Not with her giving me a meaningful look before she retreats to her bedroom.

Anyway, back to Crom. With how good his mood is now, I think this is the best chance to ask him about my plan.

"Crom," I called him, earning his attention. "I plan to go to Kyoto."

Crom just hummed upon hearing my words. "Is it for cheering up your sullen girl, or it's Azi's idea for you to suddenly want to go to the yokai's lair all of a sudden?"

"Count it both ways."

Crom just hummed again, seemingly deep in thought about my plan. After a minute, he finally nodded slightly at me.

"If it benefits your training, I see no reason to refuse it."

I smiled in delight at Crom's approval. Glad that I didn't need to coax more reasons to get permission to go to Kyoto.

"When will you depart?" asked Crom.

"Probably tomorrow." I answered him.

"I see, fine then."

With that, Crom decides to call it a day and goes walking into his personal chamber, leaving me with Hertlinde and a still sullen Ingvild.

A few minutes passed with neither of us saying anything, with Ingvild still in her depressed mood while I am unable to think about how to cheer her up.

Lost in thoughts, I placed my hand on her head, marveling at how soft her long, wavy hair was.

If she did react about it, she did a good job for not blatantly showing it. As Ingvild did not make any necessary move to move my hand from her head, I instinctively began to caress her smooth hair.

Ingvild responded by getting inches closer to me.

Both of us still haven't talked to each other, with me still caressing Ingvild's hair and Ingvild who stayed silent and let me rub her head.

"You know, you can't really keep sulking like this."

Ingvild just responded with a quiet grunt.

"It's your first time cooking, so don't worry about making a mistake."

Ingvild responded by shaking her head while giving a pitiful moan.

I just smiled at her adorable antics. "I will teach you next time, after we come back from Kyoto."

"... Okay…" Ingvild just replied with a quiet tone.

"Good girl." I praised her while once again rubbing her head softly. Making her somehow squirm in an endearing way.

Feeling that her mood has gotten considerably better, I am about to leave to prepare myself for tomorrow when suddenly I feel Ingvild's soft hand catches my own.

"Don't leave… Stay with me for a while please…" said Ingvild as she literally pleaded for me to keep accompanying her a bit longer. Her eyes are puffed with a red hue, probably from crying earlier when she planted her face on the table.

I didn't expect that her failure in cooking really took a lot from her.

Having no choice, I sat again beside her. But to my own surprise, I did not expect Ingvild to suddenly hug me out of the blue.

The softness of her warm skin emanates from her thin t-shirt, as I can feel how her fingers are intertwined in my back. With our current position, I can directly feel those pairs of glorious mounds are directly glued on my face. I cannot help but enjoy how soft and warm it is, especially since Ingvild is just wearing a really thin t-shirt which really emphasizes her sizable bust.

"Ingvild?" I asked her in a confused tone. Ingvild did not reply to my question, instead preferring to stay quiet while hugging me a bit tighter.

"... Sorry Ars," whispered Ingvild with barely a whisper. "... I just feel really miserable right now, can I stay like this for a while?"

I hummed at her request. "You can stay like this as much as you want."

"... Thank you." said Ingvild, as she put her cheek on the top of my head, sniffling my hair with a soft hum. "Your hair smells good…"

Getting hugged by a very curvaceous Ingvild, especially in this position is surely a very pleasant experience.

Both of us stayed in this position for a while, with me getting too cozy due to how soft Ingvild feels. Her breath softened, easing down.

"Ah, she fell asleep."

And find she's fallen asleep, treating my body like a bolster. No complaints here.

I guess the toll from taking constant training combined with her depressed state over a failed cooking has finally taken effect.

Sighed exasperatedly, I took a breath to calm myself down. No need to get further excited when the girl who's currently hugging you is asking for comfort.

It didn't take long for me to realize that I have to put some effort in releasing myself from Ingvild's tight hug, especially in this position where both of us are sitting in a dining chair and with Ingvild directly sitting on my lap.

"This will take a while." I sighed.

After some time and efforts, I was finally able to untangle myself from Ingvild's grip.

She whines at the loss of warmth at first but quickly recedes when I cradle her in my arms. Happily taking my body temperature with a wide smile crossed in her sleeping figure.

"I really spoil you rotten." I mused in a light manner, as I took her sleeping body towards her room while Ingvild hugged me tightly with a smile on her sleeping face.

Arriving in Ingvild's room, I placed her on the bed. But I did not expect for her to suddenly tug me in, falling next to her. Immediately, she snuggles my arm with a content sigh, and I can feel the warmth and smoothness of her body pressing against mine, making me unable to muster up the will to get out of her hold.

"Ingvild, could you please let me go?" I said exasperatedly as I try to escape from her grip, but unable to do so due to the differences between our strength. It's honestly very mortifying being in this position with her, even though the feeling of our skin touching feels nice, making me try even harder to escape from Ingvild's grip yet to no avail.

"Hmmm…" Suddenly, I hear Ingvild mumbling, igniting my hope that she is awake, though she only raises her feets and interlaces it together with mine, further locking me in place. "Ars… Warm, don't leave…"

"I really want to leave and sleep in my room, kindly, please?" I sighed at myself while my eyes twitched in mild annoyance as I gazed at her sleeping face.

Her peaceful expression when she sleeps is honestly very adorable to watch and I would have loved to see it on her face at any other time, but I am trying to maintain my own dignity by not sleeping in such an embarrassing position as if I was a plushie for her to hold. After a few more attempts to untangle myself, I finally resign to my fate of being a huggable body-size warm and soft plushie for Ingvild.

"Ars… I will learn to be a better cook…" Ingvild mumbles as she snuggles deeper into my arms.

I shake my head upon hearing that while a small smile grace my lip. My right hand moves upward, patting Ingvild's hair. "Don't worry, I know someday you will cook the best meal that will blow my taste buds away."

As if she can hear me, Ingvild smiles, even though I can hear soft snoring.

"... This is so embarrassing." I smile wryly as I can feel my cheeks becoming warmer before slowly closing my eyes, hoping to get at least some shut eye, no matter how little it may be.

Both of us are snuggling to each other, while I rest my head on her bountiful bust, I pop an eye open to glance up to see her smiling face, which is the last thing I see as I smile before fully closing my eyes. And before I knew it, I quickly fell into a slumber alongside my supposed fiancefiancée.

-Scene Break-

Arriving in Kyoto while immersing yourself in the town's culture is different compared to watching it in a documentary or even a bunch of videos I've used to watch in my spare time.

It Is known for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses.

I wonder what day it is today, because there are so many people strolling in Kyoto's streets they're brimming.

But my intention for visiting Kyoto today with Ingvild is not only for sightseeing. Even though the sight of her being enamored in every single thing is surely adorable. It's like watching a baby in excitement as she practically jumps around everywhere with wide eyes taking in the new sights of an unfamiliar city.

From the corner, I can see Hertlinde just smiling in amusement watching Ingvild's cute antics. She turns her attention towards me as if noticing my gaze, sending me a wink in the process.

I guess she's quite satisfied with how our relationship develops, or as it's supposed to be considering she's the first one who caught both of us sleeping together while snuggling to each other.

I still remember Ingvild's expression when she woke up and the first thing she saw was my sleeping self. She panics as she apologizes, thinking that both of us have already consummated our 'marriage' without her knowing.

Hertlinde's laughter also didn't help me at all for convincing a hysterical Ingvild.

It took some time for Ingvild to calm down finally and properly listen to me. Though I did catch some degree of disappointment from Hertlinde, probably due to her thinking of both of us taking our relationship to a higher stage.

Jokes on you, Hertlinde. But I will not have any intimate intercourse before reaching an appropriate age.

… Though, it did cross my thoughts about doing that. I mean Ingvild is gorgeous and she literally trains to be a better would be a stupid enough to reject such a notion?

Oh yeah, me from earlier.

"Ingvild, what do you think about Kyoto so far? Is it to your liking?" I ask her.

Ingvild hearing my question nods fervently. "It's like the first time we visited the human world before. But the streets, the atmosphere, and the people are much different compared to our first visit."

I nodded at her explanation. "If we have some time, then let's visit a few of Kyoto's famous landmarks, I am pretty sure you will get interested in their rich culture. Also, we could rent a kimono later for you to try it on."

Ingvild's eyes shine brightly at my idea as she nodded enthusiastically. "I will be delighted to try this kimono! I never wore anything like that at all!"

I smiled while nodding. "But first, let's try to find any Yokai that we could find if we are lucky enough."

Ingvild nodded at my explanation, knowing my intention on this trip. While we're also taking our time to do some sightseeing and probably try local dishes, I also have another priority to find any Yokai, a Greater Yokai if I can, in order to teach me the method of utilizing Senjutsu.

Learning about Touki is merely a bonus that I could add in my arsenal.

But as I took my time thinking about how to find such a being, my eyes caught a lone figure who is apparently walking alone with uneasiness clearly shown from her body language.

My eyes widened in surprise.

I immediately recognized that particular figure. Unable to believe that I can even meet this figure on a stroke of luck, and without any guards following her as well.

'This is my chance!'

I quickly walk faster to follow her. My sudden movement also makes both Ingvild and Hertlinde also quickly follow me while wondering about my sudden movement.

"Ars," Ingvild asks while following me. "Where are we going?"

"Following that girl." I answer Ingvild while pointing at the figure who still didn't realize that I am currently following her.

Both Ingvild and Hertlinde then look at the figure who walks in the distance in front of them. Surprised at my decision to follow such a young figure who's wearing a white miko attire which earns her some odd look from bystanders.

"Huh? But why are we following her all of sudden?" Ingvild asks curiously.

On the other hand, Hertlinde realizes who the figure that we are following after remembering a particular information regarding Yokais in Kyoto, and quickly asks me. "Are we really following her? You know who she really is, right?"

I nodded at her question.

Ingvild, who didn't understand the conversation between me and Hertlinde, decided to keep quiet after realizing the importance of my decision.

"Ars," Hertlinde says in a stern tone. "While I understand the reason we came here is to find a suitable Yokai to teach you the method of utilizing Senjutsu, approaching her could cause grave repercussions for the entire trip. Worse, it will also damage our current political relationship in case something happens to her."

I acknowledge Hertlinde's warning, but it didn't stop me from continuing to pursue her. A chance like this wouldn't happen twice.

"She's currently my best bet. I understand the risk, but don't worry, I will not risk any potential backlash for the devil faction." I said quickly.

Seeing that I wouldn't budge even with the potential risk, Hertlinde sighs while matching our pace on following the figure.

It doesn't take long for her to finally stop at a particular sushi bar. I am watching her from a considerable distance, as she stops while holding her stomach.

Seems like she's hungry. But at the same time, she didn't immediately enter the bar, showing hesitation while looking at her surroundings with a nervous look. From what I guess, she's been running away from her house and also from her guards with no money or anything valuable at all. She must have done it spontaneously without even thinking further.

Taking my chance, I quickly strode forward, while completely ignoring Hertlinde who's shouting my name. I approach her while fully revealing myself, which earns a tense look from my target as she quickly takes a defensive stance upon seeing my figure.

"W-what do you want, d-devil…!" She said with a tense tone.

Despite my young age, I am still considerably taller than her, which probably adds to the factor of her frightened expression. Not to mention, currently both of our races are in a state of cold war, which further earns her suspicion.

I smile at her while raising both of my hands, showing my non-aggressive intent to try to ease her anxiousness.

"Don't panic." I greet her in a polite tone. "I just happened here while intending to eat in this particular sushi bar which is renowned for its luxurious meal. "

My words quickly earned a hostile look from this girl as her slit eyes quickly narrowed. "What do you want?"

"Worry not princess,'' I reply in a light manner as I stare at the young figure of a disguised female yokai who's currently glaring at me. "Would you like to have lunch with me? I did not expect to meet the daughter of Yasaka-hime here, alone."

I smiled at the incredulous look of Kunou, who's looking at me as if I've grown a second head. I am also pretty confident that both Ingvild and Hertlinde, who've been looking at me with an uneasiness, are also giving me the same look.

It's not everyday that an unknown devil meets a daughter of the Ruler of West Yokai faction and asks her to have lunch together.

(｡◕｡)

Beta Reader: LuluViBritania(FF.N, SB, WN and QQ)/-LuluViB|99th Britannian Emperor(Discord), Old Man of the Mountain

Authors Note: I apologize for missing for about 1 month, but October is a bitch month for me, especially since I got covid. But thankfully I finally recovered and working with this chapter.

Here we got a revelation that Ars is finally hitting low ultimate tier, which approximately equal to an average adult dragon. Also, he got owned (as usual) by Crom and later by Ingvild (LOL)

Next time will be on Kyoto Arc and this will be the first major arc for Ars to face. I am unusually motivated so I will work with this soon as possible.

Anyway these are the current list for Ars possible peerage
Queen(Mutated): Ingvild Leviathan
Rook: -
Rook: -
Bishop(Mutated): -
Bishop: -
Knight(Mutated): -
Knight: -
Pawn x1:
Pawn x1: -
Pawn x2: -
Pawn x2: -
Pawn x2: -

Try you best to guess it lol
With that, I bid my farewell for now, Adios!

Anyway, time to answer for some review, leave some good review guys as I will answer it if I can!

King0fp0wers: Ars mentally on around 20+ while physically 13, while Ingvild is physically 112 while mentally 17. So yeah, Ars is older mentally.
Also, you'll be surprised on how much Ars can do with his lightning element later lol.

AzurePheonix101: Ingvild is hella underrated man. I will not reveal too much about peerage, so you need to wait for this. Thanks for your support.