84 - I Became a Guy Who Got Caught Up in the Summoning of a Hero

Title: Caught Up in the Hero Summoning - Chapter 84 **What is Culture...?** "So, what should we do for fun?" Left behind after sending off the mass of wagons, Demina and I stood blankly staring at each other. For a proper exchange, Demina needed to respond, but she just stood there silently. So, I tried asking again. "Is there something you'd like to try? Everyone else seemed pretty excited, from what I heard." "I have very little experience with anything besides personal training. Following the lord around is also a first for me, and I considered it a grave responsibility, so I never thought of anything else." "I see. So I have to 'lead' today as well, huh?" Demina blushed at my words, perhaps because there was no one else around to guard us. Unable to run away, she stood awkwardly. I playfully raised both hands and approached her like a ghost, causing her to recoil in surprise, springing back about three meters. Truly, beast-kin possess astounding abilities. "What incredible agility. How can you jump that far using just the power of your ankles without any preparatory steps?" Demina stiffened and only moved her lips to respond. "It's something most beast-kin can do easily. It's not that extraordinary." "Hmm, the beast-kin I've met... seemed a bit different in that regard..." Come to think of it, Debik and Gamung, just considering their physical abilities, were nothing short of remarkable. "Well, since the joking is over, come on. Let's head out." With that, I began walking towards the bustling street market. Demina cautiously followed me. After passing a few street vendors and stalls and sampling various snacks, I turned to her with a question. "I heard you're stronger than Wizel. Is that true?" "Who said that?" "Was it Debik...?" Scratching my head, I replied, and Demina sighed. "They are warriors past their prime. Naturally, they have weakened. But even now, only heroes or masters could face them." It seemed Demina regarded demons as a special case. Even the esteemed hero could be killed by demons, a creature rightfully deserving the title of terror. Nonetheless, there was something I wanted to ask Demina. "By chance, have you heard of a Heszna?" "You mean the demon duke?" "Ah, yes, the demon duke." "She is the queen of all incubi. A vile demon who invades one's dreams at night to drain their energy." "Ah... Does she enter human dreams as well?" "Not just any human's dream. But if she does appear in someone's dream… you might need to brace yourself." "Indeed..." Bran the Istain was heading to the battlefield to defeat such a Heszna. Since they're called incubi, she must be a succubus, right? But between women... yuri? I entertained all sorts of thoughts with doubt, but I shook my head, clearing the musings. A short while later, as I chatted casually with Demina, she spoke to me. "I feel like drinking. Care to join me?" "Drinking, huh? Sure, why not. Where should we go?" As I looked around at the surrounding pubs, Demina told me, "Somewhere quiet. I'd like to drink with you alone, my lord." It felt too sudden. If there had been some indication of interest, I might have expected it, but it was so unexpected that I could only look at her in bewilderment. But seeing her flushed face, I realized she gathered up a lot of courage to speak. Had she experienced a change of heart? "Is something going on?" I asked, half expecting an answer. Yet Demina just gazed at me and then subtly turned her head to speak. "Just... because it's a day I want to drink. I'm incredibly grateful that at this time, instead of drowning in sadness, I can indulge in personal stories and cherish these mundane moments. I wanted to spend time with you, my lord, who made this dream-like day possible." "Ah, well, if that's the case, let's go. Heck, let's grab a barrel from the wine cellar." Demina nodded awkwardly at my words, and when we returned to the lord's residence to retrieve a barrel from the wine cellar, a few beast-kin noticed us. Thinking it was part of our duties, they quickly resumed their tasks. Though they didn't realize that we, too, intended to indulge and have fun. Afterward, I asked Demina to help move a suitably sized barrel. * * * The drinking session was simple. Aside from some cookies as snacks, the wine was of such quality that we were content just sitting across from each other, having torn off the barrel's lid. Demina was so impressed by the fine aroma of the wine that she could hardly contain her admiration. The oak barrel imparted a brown tint to the liquid, and after pouring it into new glasses, I handed one to her first. "Let's drink without any formalities." "Is it alright to drink such fine wine this way?" "Why not? The wine was made to be enjoyed." Though it was meant for a specific purpose, it was indeed made for consumption. And at that moment, I had no intention of sparing the wine. The subsequent sharing of wine happened so quickly it was like a whirlwind. Demina began drinking at a fast pace, her glass filled generously. Just as I suspected she would soon get inebriated, she suddenly placed her glass down with a 'thud' and asked me, "Why don't you ever tell me you want me, my lord?" "Hmm... Just suddenly like that?" "Of course. I've deliberately stayed by your side, hoping you'd say you wanted me... yet not once have you said so. Why is that?" "Well... I don't know." Everyone has their own circumstances. I had intended to wait patiently for Demina to be ready, but she spoke as if she had been waiting all along for me to express my desires. 'Could it be... something like that?' Thinking back, it might have been from the time when the other female beast-kin guards I'd been with had all suddenly disappeared. If that had been a green light... I was indeed quite oblivious. "I'm sorry. Honestly, I hadn't thought about it. Besides, I've been focusing so much on recovering my body that I've become a bit desensitized in that regard." "..." Her face was flushed, and I suspected it wasn't just from the drink. Standing up abruptly, I moved closer to Demina and asked, "So, am I allowed to call you mine?" "...I've been yours since that day onward, my lord..." Her voice was barely audible, almost like a whisper, but in the silent room, I heard it clearly. Being referred to as her "own" had a nice ring to it. Maybe that's why I wanted to continue what was left unfinished that day. So I said to Demina, "If you are truly mine, then obey my command. Take everything off." Hesitating at my words, Demina stared at me, so I added, "Are you lying to me?" "N-No." Despite her embarrassment, Demina stood and slowly removed her clothing. The way she followed my command was surprisingly amusing. It seemed as if some inner desires were awakening. I was planning to instruct her on anything, and was ready to dispel the cobwebs accumulated over time on Demina. 'Though, those cobwebs might never have been cleared...' Already, I could feel my lower body reacting as I indulged in my desire to sully those cobwebs. Watching Demina slowly reveal her beautiful skin, I recalled the sensation of her softness against my hands. Despite thinking obliging her to undress entirely by herself might be inelegant, I extended a gentle hand toward her with a smile. When my hand approached, Demina flinched, her eyes wide like a rabbit’s. I reassured her: "Entering into a relationship means sharing breaths. Let me help." Hearing my words, her expression softened slightly, and she nodded, albeit slowly, perhaps unaware of how delicate she appeared, as if caught in a web. With my hand taking hers, I gently helped Demina remove her clothes. With each layer shed, she trembled while casting complex glances my way, but she didn't resist, accepting my guidance naturally, making quick work of the task. Demina shyly covered key areas with her hands—a significant change since before, when her curiosity allowed her openness. Now, she felt bashful, which was unexpectedly endearing. After seating her back in the chair as before, I began removing my own clothing and said, "Even if it's overwhelming, don't run away like last time. That's an order, understood?" "...Yes." Her compliance was as docile as a lamb, her face so red it resembled a persimmon. Glancing at the firmness standing at attention, Demina asked, "Does it hurt a lot? I've heard it hurts the first time." "If you rush into it, it might. But I'll make sure it doesn't." "Please do. Honestly, I'm a little scared." Her voiced concerns, with fear evident in her eyes, carried something stirring that made my heart race. For someone capable of breaking me, there she was, anxiously contemplating what lay ahead. I found it fascinating and amusing. Perhaps that's why, gradually filling my mind with anticipation, I approached Demina, reaching out and beginning with a gentle kiss to ease her tensions. Overcoming resistance isn't something resolved in an instant. The best way is gradually allowing familiarity to build. Given that she had once pulled away, I thought it crucial to lead calmly to avoid any further hesitation. As our lips locked, I could taste the strong alcohol from her breath. The rum had us both quite tipsy, but it was just enough to enhance our enjoyment. Perhaps, thanks to a previous experience, Demina reciprocated to my kiss, meeting my probing tongue with hers. As our tongues tangled, exploring each other's mouths and exchanging breath, I reached out to caress her back, helping her relax. Each area touched trembled slightly, indicating her sensitivity to the unfamiliar sensation. To help dissolve that tension, I carefully massaged her. With relaxation came deeper kisses. Sharing saliva, I felt the warmth of Demina's blush reaching my face as I focused on the delightful sensation of her soft skin, gently letting my hands roam more boldly.