A Degenerate’s Tale

After dinner, Earl found Alea asleep on the couch when he went upstairs. Her sleeping face was unlike anything he's seen. It was pure and innocent, free of her cold, strong demeanour.

She would not get a cold with her strong constitution but he went to get a blanket to place on her anyway.

When he placed a blanket on her, she curled up comfortably and a faint smile appeared on her face. For someone who was always sharp-tongued with him, this cute side of her was nice to see.

After getting his fill of staring at her, Earl sat on a nearby bean bag and began to read his book.

His experience with his mother taught him to never slack off on his magical studies.

An unknown amount of time later, Alea woke up. She stretched and yawned simultaneously before noticing Earl at the corner of her eyes.

"What time is it?"

"The sun just went down a while ago," Earl answered.

She sighed lightly and asked another question. "Why didn't you wake me up?"

"I wanted to enjoy your sleeping face." He teased.

"Creep." Despite what she said, she appeared wholly unconcerned. "Humph. There's nothing special about it."

"That's not to say I don't enjoy this current one."

"Maybe I shouldn't have woken up."

"That's a terrible thing to say."

"I'm going home." She said as she sat up from the couch. The blanket gently rolled down her bare shoulder.

It should be mentioned that Alea has been wearing more sleeveless dresses and shirts since she has been under Ari's tutelage.

"It's late. You are free to stay here if you wish." Earl gave a suggestion.

"My mother will be concerned."

"Hm, so you have no qualms about staying here?"

"Of course not. This is Master's Magic Castle. It's a wonderful place."

"Hmmm~"

"Please don't look at me like that."

"Speaking of which, how's it going with my mother?"

"What kind of question is that? It's going well." She spoke in an obvious tone.

"Is that so? That's good."

"Yes, thank you very much."

"I thought you would return the question."

"There's no need to do so. She speaks of you all the time."

"Fufu, have you discovered the illicit relationship between myself and your mother?"

"Don't speak nonsense now."

Earl tilted his head disappointingly and said. "Nothing phases through you, huh."

She smiled mysteriously and replied. "Some things do. You just don't see it."

"Shall we play a game then?"

"We can play it on my way home."

"Bold of you to assume that I'll be walking you."

"Enough nonsense. Let's go." She stood up and began walking.

Earl followed with a helpless smile.

Downstairs, Lily, Aria, and Ari were messing around at the candlelit dinner table.

"Ah, you're still here?" Ari warmly smiled at the appearance of them both.

The living room upstairs was placed in such a way where one could go straight to the stairs without passing by it. As such, it was no surprise that Ari didn't see sleeping Alea when she came down for dinner.

"I fell asleep on the couch..." Alea replied with a slight blush on her face.

"You must be tired. Hurry home." The former waved.

"I'll be escorting this lady," Earl told them.

"Got it. Come back soon!"

"I will!"

Nighttime in Venroris was cool. A constant chilling breeze would pass through the trees creating a relaxing ambience with the rustling sounds.

Spirits lit up the way like fireflies as they made their way to the trunk of the Tree of Life.

"Are you cold?"

"I-"

Earl placed his blazer around her bare shoulders before she finished speaking.

"Didn't ask. Keep it on." He said while flashing his pearly white teeth.

Alea looked a little daze. She pulled her head down and held onto his blazer tightly. "Thank you."

It was an unnecessary gesture from Earl considering she could heat her body with magic but she could feel her heartwarming nonetheless.

"What was the game you wanted to play earlier?"

"Let's guess what the other person is thinking."

"Hm, so you wanted to guess what I was thinking back there?"

"Yep. I don't remember anymore though."

"That's just like you." Alea sighed. "How about you guess what I'm feeling right now?"

Earl looked into her emerald green eyes that ever so resembled her mother's. There was an unexplainable glint of youthfulness to her eyes.

"Comfort, warmth."

"Yes."

"And... your heart is throbbing."

She gave him the most beautiful smile. "Also yes."

Earl could feel his throat becoming parched at this wonderful sight. Not knowing what to say, he could only leak out a small sound out of his mouth. "Ah..."

"It's my turn now, right?" Her voice brought him back to reality. To his dismay and perhaps for the sake of his sanity, her face had returned to normal.

"Give it your best shot."

They walked on the branch of the Tree of Life together. The sound of wood creaking and leaves rustling accompanied them. With the moonlight seeping through the leaves and onto their figures, Alea took the chance to hold Earl's hand.

Her hand was cool and silky soft. She clumsily wrapped their fingers around each other. Looking at him in the eyes, she finally hugged his arm.

"Let me guess, your heart is throbbing?"

"Confirm it for yourself." Earl took her other hand and placed it on his chest.

"I see." He could see her trying her best to keep a straight face but a faint smile managed to crack through.

On this cool night, they held hands and looked into each other's eye.

"It's my turn now."

A faint smile remained on her face as she said, "Guess."

"Your heart is throbbing."

She placed his hand over her chest. In this position, she felt surprisingly fragile. Fast and loud, that was the impression her heart gave.

"Yes."

The rest of the walk was quiet. There was no need for words. At the end of their walk, their hands separated at a snail's pace.

"See you tomorrow."