Chapter 23: This is the first time this has happened.

“Thank you for everything, my room.”

Looking at the now-empty house where I had lived stirred a sense of sentimentality. Naturally, memories from the

time I first possessed this body until now came flooding back.

Was this the tragedy of being an extra character with no story or background?

A life handed over with just a small room, without family or connections.

While it was less stressful than trying to avoid suspicion from people who knew the previous owner of this body,

living alone in this cramped space in an unfamiliar world was a bit lonely.

Thankfully, I was used to living alone even in my previous life.

“At least the rent was cheap.”

I also bid farewell to the landlord before leaving.

Though not a particularly warm person, the gruff old man wasn’t a bad person either. He didn’t show much reaction

when I told him I was moving out.

Still, I couldn’t help but think he was a good person. He gave me a part-time job when I first arrived in this world,

and when I left, he offered a simple word of encouragement: “Take care of yourself.”

“You really don’t have much stuff,” Elaine commented, tilting her head as she helped me pack in the morning.

Even I had to admit that my belongings seemed too few for someone who had been living here.

“Most of the essentials are already in the dormitory.”

Looking back, my time in this house was limited to training before joining the military. It had been more like a place

to sleep than a home.

After enlisting, I lived in the barracks, where meals were provided, training grounds were accessible, and paychecks

came in regularly.

This place, left nearly abandoned, had lost any sense of being lived in. I only kept it for the occasional time I came

home on leave.

“In truth, my real home now is probably the escort knight dormitory.”

Reflecting on it, my life did seem rather dull.

How had I managed to live only for training?

Thinking of the military barracks as home was evidence enough that I hadn’t been entirely sane.

Still, it was comforting to think that all those hardships had brought me to where I was now.

If I had lived a more ordinary life, I probably wouldn’t be spending this time with Elaine.

Such is the way of thinking shaped by Luke.

“You seem even more austere than me. Is that why you’re so greedy in bed, unleashing all those pent-up desires?”

“Haha…”

“Last night truly surprised me. How could you even think to—”

Elaine stopped mid-sentence, her face turning crimson as she toyed with her lips, recalling what had transpired.

After dinner at her place, which we prepared together, the evening had grown intimate as we cuddled close.

As the night deepened, Elaine, true to her word, didn’t hold back. Neither did I.

Unlike last time, when we were somewhat unclear-headed, we were both sober this time. Though it started

awkwardly, our bodies soon remembered, and things quickly heated up.

From clinging tightly to one another, pausing to catch our breath, then resuming again, the night felt endless. Even

stepping away to drink water left me chilled enough to crawl back to her warmth.

We didn’t stay up all night, not for lack of desire but because we had exhausted ourselves.

“Maybe we should take it a bit slower next time.”

I wasn’t particularly into intense moments like that.

Still, being young, physically robust, and in the fiery stages of a new romance seemed to explain it all.

If this pattern of restraint during work only to unleash everything during leaves continued…

“I guess I’ll just need to build more stamina.”

Compromising with reality felt like the only solution.

“Then again, didn’t you pin me down when I was trying to rest—”

“Let’s stop talking about this. It’s embarrassing, discussing such things so early in the morning.”

And yet, she was the one who brought it up first.

Seeing Elaine fan herself despite the northern weather made me chuckle softly.

Until now, my life in this world had been focused solely on achieving my goals, leaving no room for distractions.

But now, with someone by my side to care for, it felt like the right time to broaden my perspective and enjoy life

more fully.

Elaine had advised me not to rush ahead too much, and I agreed. I didn’t want to walk this journey alone when I had

finally found someone to share it with.

Perhaps, over time, these few belongings of mine would multiply many times over.

“Then, I look forward to living together again.”

“Fufu, this is your home now too. Feel free to act comfortably.”

Though I had already spent my last leave here, and last night as well, officially living here brought a fresh wave of

emotions.

It was still unfamiliar, but it was a pleasant kind of unfamiliarity.

After all, the room was better, there was more furniture, an abundance of food and supplies, and above all—

I now had someone to share this space with in a world where I had no other ties.

“By the way, you mentioned hiring a housekeeper. I should introduce myself to them, right?”

Despite being away for about 20 days due to dormitory life and deployments, the house was immaculately

maintained.

Elaine mentioned that she had hired a new housekeeper.

I wasn’t sure when she had the time to hire one, but knowing her meticulous nature, it made sense.

I didn’t see the housekeeper yesterday, though.

Perhaps Elaine had them step aside because she wanted us to spend time alone.

“I suppose so. I’ll introduce them to you next time we meet.”

“Are they not coming today?”

“My previous housekeeper stayed and lived here with me, but this time, I hired someone to manage the house only

when I’m away.”

If she was going to hire a housekeeper, why not entrust everything to them?

I couldn’t understand why she made such a specific arrangement.

“Well, the reason is…”

Elaine made an awkward expression before continuing.

“After we spend the night together, I’m a bit embarrassed to let anyone see the aftermath.”

“Oh.”

So, it was because of me.

No wonder she insisted on doing the laundry herself right after breakfast.

Now that I think about it, she had also stepped out briefly before, asking me to practice alone. That evening, the

bedding had been changed.

“It’s also because you’re so warm, making me sweat even more. While I appreciate your consideration for preventing

colds, honestly, it’s a bit hot.”

“I don’t use any heat manipulation. I don’t have the leisure to control my magic in those moments.”

“What? Th-then, are you saying it’s naturally that hot?”

“Ah, well, all men are like that.”

Elaine’s eyes widened as she glanced toward my lower half, prompting me to hastily change the subject.

“Since moving in didn’t take long, how should we spend the rest of the day?”

“Hmm, moving must have been tiring. Let’s replenish our energy first.”

Moving day calls for jjajangmyeon, but there’s no jjajangmyeon in this fantasy world.

Instead, there was a place I wanted to revisit.

“How about going to Milky Way again, the place we visited last time?”

“You must have really liked it. Sure.”

Hopefully, Grace wouldn’t be there today.

Wait, is this a flag?

Luckily, Grace wasn’t there today.

There were a few other customers, but thanks to Elaine’s familiarity with the place, we found a quiet corner.

This time, we enjoyed the meal as planned, getting recommendations and fully appreciating the dishes.

I had thought it was a good spot before, but dining in a relaxed atmosphere made it even better.

Sorry, Grace.

One thing I discovered was that Elaine didn’t just like jam—she liked fruit in general. She even ordered roasted

bananas as an extra.

Maybe her fondness for this brunch spot stemmed from their fruit offerings.

Fruit is delicious, after all.

‘Would she like it if I made fruit syrup for tea?’

I suddenly remembered the warm yuzu tea I used to enjoy during cold winters at home. Sweet and tangy, it was

delightful.

Yuzu was a winter fruit, so it might be available even in the North.

I hadn’t seen it in the market, but I’d keep an eye out next time I ventured out.

“Are you planning to focus on training during this vacation as well?”

“Yes, since the promised period with His Grace isn’t far away. Even though I have the advantage of magic, I need to

sharpen my swordsmanship and physical strength.”

“A commendable mindset. I’ll help you.”

I was touched by her willingness to assist with my training, even though she probably needed rest herself.

“Could you take a look at my Seolhan stance? You’re the only one I can ask.”

“Of course. Feel free to ask me anytime. Offering guidance on swordsmanship is something I can easily do, even at the barracks.”

“That’s true.”

“You’ve been diligently working on your physical training as well. Your lower body has become noticeably sturdier. I

was impressed by your endurance last night. With this level of improvement, your sword stance must have become

even more solid.”

Elaine’s comment liking my training achievements to our nights together left me slightly dizzy.

She casually made such remarks when in her lover mode, but the way she blushed afterward suggested it wasn’t

meant to tease but a genuine expression of admiration.

It was like a pure, unintentional charm.

“But won’t using Seolhan make others suspicious of our relationship?”

Only those who were interested in winter-style swordsmanship would notice it. Grace, who already knew about our

relationship, had recognized it at a glance.

Still, if knights or guards recognized it as Elaine’s swordsmanship, it might raise questions about our connection.

Did Elaine have a plan for this?

“Oh.”

However, that expectation crumbled the moment Elaine’s face showed a look of realization.

She probably hadn’t thought that far ahead.

“I see. Since I’m the only other user of the Seolhan Sword, many eyes will likely turn to you. What should we do?”

In truth, the one who would attract the most suspicion wasn’t me but her. Still, seeing her prioritize my well-being

even in this situation made my heart melt.

This woman is a master of flirting.

“If anyone asks, should I just say I’m your disciple?”

“Disciple?”

“Yes, I’ve heard that rumors are best countered with other rumors. Rather than outright denying our connection,

claiming a teacher-student relationship might be enough to deflect their attention.”

Of course, there might still be some who would stubbornly ask, “Come on, is that all? There’s got to be more.”

But what could they do if we insisted we were simply teacher and disciple?

If they really wanted to dig further, they’d probably end up facing the wrath of the Northern Duke’s captain of the guard.

“That’s a good idea. As expected, you’re reliable.”

“Since I’m learning the Seolhan Sword, it’s not even a lie to say we’re in a teacher-student relationship.”

Even Grace had asked Elaine if she’d taken me on as her disciple.

If a sword master like her believed it, others would likely follow suit.

“Heh, a disciple. As you know, I’m a busy person. I always thought I’d never have the time to leisurely teach anyone, let alone form such a connection. Thanks to you, I’m experiencing a lot of firsts.”

“We’re learning from each other. I did promise to teach you how to swim, after all.”

“That’s true. But since swimming practice isn’t urgent, let’s do it after your knight’s exam is over.”

Speaking of which…

I’d only heard about the Northern swimming pool, never actually visited it, so I wasn’t entirely sure of its structure.

A swimming pool was for swimming, and to swim, one had to get into the water.

Which meant…

‘Could I see Elaine in a swimsuit?’

Since the pool was a training facility rather than a leisure one, the swimsuits probably wouldn’t be the stylish modern kind but more akin to sportswear.

Still, it was a swimsuit. Elaine’s swimsuit.

“I can’t wait to go.”

“Hm?”

“What?”

Oh no. Did I just say that out loud?

I let my guard down. Swimsuits truly are formidable.

“Do you like swimming? I don’t recall meeting anyone from the North who enjoys it. Or perhaps, rather than liking swimming, do you just want to teach me something?”

“That’s… kind of it?”

Luckily, the idea that I wanted to see her in a swimsuit didn’t seem to cross her mind, sparing me from any awkward misunderstandings.

“Hehe, what an endearing thought. Or is it that you feel bad about taking too much without giving anything in return?”

“Well… it’s not entirely untrue. I do feel guilty about always receiving help.”

“You helped me during the fight against the Silver Sabertooth, remember? Besides, you’re already teaching me something.”

“Me?”

Was this the moment for her to drop a cheesy line about how I was teaching her love?

While I felt a mix of embarrassment and anticipation, Elaine surprised me.

“I’m still in shock. The fact that such an act could be done with one’s mouth… I never imagined something like that in my life.”

Elaine’s serious expression while saying something so mortifying made my face burn.

She must’ve been genuinely shocked.

To be fair, I did get a little carried away in the moment.

“…I’ll be more careful next time.”

“I was surprised, yes, but since it was you, I didn’t dislike it. Please, continue teaching me various things in the future.”

No.

“That’s not something you should casually say to a guy.”

“I’m saying it because it’s you.”

“Ugh, come on.”

Her clear separation of professionalism in public and unabashed affection in private was something I wasn’t used to.

Her words weren’t calculated attempts to seduce me but sincere displays of her affection, which made them hit even harder.

‘This isn’t easy.’

I should probably learn how to separate business and personal matters like Elaine does.

Still, she did just say she wanted me to teach her more things.

I’m a man, after all.

There’s no way I’m forgetting those words.