"Click".
The crisp sound of bones breaking rang out, followed by a woman's sharp, painful scream.
"Aaaaaaahh ...
The blade fell to the ground and was easily kicked aside by Vili. He then picked it up and examined it in his hand.
This is a small knife with an extremely thin yet sharp blade. The handle is about the size of a woman's palm and can be easily gripped. It was probably specifically designed for slicing fish, and it still has a slight fishy smell on it.
It would be so embarrassing to get poked by this thing.
Masashi Yukimura glanced at his movements out of the corner of his eye and only when he realized that he was alright did his almost stopped heartbeat finally begin to beat again.
When she saw Ayami stabbing Vili with a knife, her rationality seemed to snap instantly. Even though she had experienced countless battles far more dangerous than this, in that instant—
His mind went blank; he thought of almost nothing and simply protected the boy on instinct.
The grip on the woman's wrist seemed too strong; after a sharp scream, Ayami actually fainted from the pain.
His wrist bent unnaturally, and Masashi Yukimura released his grip, looking down as her body fell heavily to the ground.
He hid his still trembling hands behind his back.
"Aiwei!"
Tomoya finally realized what was happening, rushed out of the room, and pounced on Ayami to check her injuries.
"She only has herself to blame."
Seeing Tomoya looking at Yukimura Masashi beside him, Vili stepped in front of him, unaware that with his height, he couldn't actually cover anything.
Masashi Yukimura stared silently at the top of his head, but the body, which had been deprived of warmth, gradually warmed up, and his heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally settled.
He moved his finger, but withdrew it a second before touching the boy.
"..."
In the end, Tomoya said nothing, but picked up Ayami and placed her on the bed in the room.
Afterwards, he pulled the terrified Ryosuke out, and the two of them went back to Tomoya's room without looking back.
"Are you alright?"
Even though he had already confirmed that Willy was safe and sound, Masashi Yukimura still couldn't help but speak up.
"It's okay."
Seeing his expression, Vili patted his clothes and even twirled around.
Even if Yukimura Masashi hadn't been there, he wouldn't have let Aya succeed. As a great mage, how could he not have some means of protecting himself?
However, after this ordeal, he was wide awake.
At that moment, Vili suddenly remembered what the landlady had said when he checked in.
"I need to go soak in a hot spring to calm my nerves!"
"..."
Masashi Yukimura was stunned by his sudden idea, while Willy thought it was a good idea the more he thought about it.
"Now that the rain has stopped, and these people probably aren't in the mood for soaking in the hot springs, it's perfect that I can enjoy it all by myself!"
When he said this, he completely forgot that there was Yukimura Masashi in front of him, but fortunately, the latter was indeed unlikely to ask to accompany him.
"I just didn't bring a yukata..."
Vili murmured regretfully.
Masashi Yukimura blurted out instinctively, "The inn should have some, I'll go find some..."
Willie clapped his hands happily.
"I'll go make it first, just bring it to me when you find it!"
As soon as he finished speaking, he ran off happily.
"..."
Yukimura Masashi was left standing there alone, speechless.
It was nearly four in the morning, and the night was still deep. Under the starry sky, Vili walked through the quiet courtyard and arrived at the steaming open-air hot spring.
The pool in front of us is not large, and can only accommodate three or four people at the same time. There are a few flat stones around the pool, which serve as places to stand and put down bathrobes.
Instead of rushing in, Willy squatted down and reached out to tease the shimmering water, causing ripples to spread across the surface.
The evening temperature added a touch of coolness to the hot spring water, but for Willy, the temperature was just right.
He removed his clothes and stretched out his smooth, glistening feet to touch the water's surface. The moonlight cast a silvery glow, and the rare and beautiful scene vanished without a trace in an instant.
Only the boy's head was visible above the water, his delicate collarbone faintly visible.
The body is gently enveloped by the flowing water, as comforting as returning to the womb. All the fatigue of the day dissipates, and even thoughts seem to drift away with the rustling of leaves.
Since being bound to the system, he hadn't enjoyed such a peaceful time in a long time.
But not being able to hear its chirping made one feel a little uneasy for a moment.
Willie smiled helplessly, but the next second, his smile froze on his face.
"Come a little closer to me."
The familiar voice rang out again out of nowhere.
Look into my eyes.
Listen to me with your ears.
Touch me with your hands.
"...I love you so much."
"If my eyes can no longer see only you, then let me gouge them out."
"If my lips cannot utter only your name, then let this throat be poisoned and rendered mute."
"If my heart cannot beat only for you, then take my life."
"..."
Such an exaggerated declaration, like an aria, who would have thought that it was someone's true feelings?
If this person were standing in front of Willy right now, even if the boy asked him to die, the other person might be willing to do so.
...Is that guy named Ryosuke that kind of person?
The noise subsided again, a situation Willy was already used to. He stretched, relaxed against the edge of the hot spring, and looked up at the starry sky.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com