Can Someone (Anyone!) Please Turn Off the Auto-Skill Setting?! - Chapter 82
VIII.
Sealing the Four Cardinal Guardians was an achievement no other hero had ever accomplished. Nancy was incredibly proud of herself and hoped Aaron felt the same sense of pride.
However, once things settled down and he heard the news, Aaron’s expression wasn’t as joyful as she’d expected.
“You’ve been through a lot. I’m sorry.”
He said this as though he was blaming himself for what had happened with Shije. Nancy tried to reassure him that it wasn’t his fault, but it didn’t seem to help much.
Since then, Aaron had been unusually quiet. He spoke less, barely smiled, and even when he did, it would fade quickly as he sank back into deep thought.
“Is something bothering you?”
Nancy finally asked, having waited long enough for him to speak up.
Aaron shook his head, insisting that nothing was wrong, clearly unwilling to share his thoughts.
Even physical intimacy had come to a halt. Although there was no rush, and they spent plenty of time resting in villages on their journey back, not once did they sleep together.
But it wasn’t as if Aaron was ignoring her completely. Though he didn’t initiate anything, every night he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close. If she gave him a longing look, he would kiss her. But when it came to s-x, he simply avoided it.
Had his desire disappeared after breaking free from the brainwashing?
Nancy wondered. She had hoped his ‘Seduction Immunity’ would wear off, but now found herself missing the version of Aaron who was under its influence.
Or, worse, had he lost interest in her entirely?
Whenever she sought comfort in his arms, Aaron would hold her tightly, reassuring her that his feelings hadn’t changed. But was that really the case? Was he just too kind to tell her that his affection had faded?
They finally arrived in Verus, and though Nancy felt uneasy, she couldn’t bring herself to ask. After visiting the temple to safely store the sealed stones of the Four Cardinal Guardians, it felt like everything had truly come to an end. They’d considered bringing back the Demon King’s stone, but a spell prevented them from moving it.
As for Lenny, whom they’d accidentally sealed earlier, they freed her after sealing Shije and even took her back to her village as an apology. When they parted, Lenny gave Nancy a hopeful look and asked timidly,
“Will you invite me to your wedding? Whether it’s in Verus or somewhere else, I’ll come for sure!”
She beamed, promising to bring a gift as well. Nancy had awkwardly told her she’d think about it. Lenny seemed convinced that Nancy and Aaron were going to marry, but the truth was, they’d never had a serious conversation about it.
As they made their way to the cozy shop and house she called home, Nancy stole glances at Aaron.
What would become of their relationship now? She wished he would give her a clear answer, but he remained silent. She feared that if things ended in uncertainty, she might never see him again.
“Ugh! Why am I the one worrying so much?!”
Nancy finally exploded, shouting as if to let him hear her frustration. She kicked a rock, sending it tumbling until it stopped in front of a pile of rubble.
Wait, what’s this ruin doing here?
Nancy looked around, trying to recall what had once stood in that spot. It was strange. To the side was old man Rivel’s forge, and next to that should’ve been her small, cozy shop.
“Wh-What?! No way!”
Nancy screamed as the realization hit her—this ruin was her shop. It had burned down, leaving only charred remains and a faint trace of what used to be a building. Beneath the ashes, the shop’s sign peeked out, confirming what she feared.
As she staggered, close to fainting, Aaron caught her.
“It’s completely burned,” he remarked.
“I-I can see that!”
At the sound of her scream, Mr. Rivel emerged from his shop. He saw the two of them and quickly explained what had happened.
The fire had occurred about a month ago, he said. It started in the middle of the night, spreading rapidly and reducing the shop to ruins before anyone could put it out. By the time people noticed and extinguished the flames, it was beyond saving.
“Since the shop’s owner had been away for so long, we suspect arson, but no one’s been caught yet.”
Rivel clicked his tongue in disapproval.
He asked if she had any enemies who might’ve done such a thing.
Nancy shook her head, unsure. But whoever it was, it didn’t matter. Someone had dared to destroy the shop of the hero who had accomplished a feat worthy of history. She wouldn’t let them get away with it.
Grinding her teeth, Nancy seethed, and Mr. Rivel clicked his tongue again.
“Do you have a place to stay tonight? If not, you’re welcome to sleep at my place.”
It was a kind offer, and she was about to accept when Aaron stepped in and declined for her.
“No, she’ll be staying with me.”
Nancy scowled at him, wondering why he was the one making the decision.
