Secret Love Affair between a Former Saint and a Dark Hero - Chapter 45
In hindsight, those moments felt like being ensnared in a night fog—an enchanted, mystical time. With the ease of days gone by, she held his hand, meeting his gaze without hesitation, just like in the days of Kim Jiyeon.
With a smirk that seemed to suggest, ‘Alright, let’s see how well you fare,’ he chuckled softly. She looked into Vigros’s smiling eyes as his long, steady fingers intertwined with hers, gently, ever so gently, leading the way.
An unheard rhythm enveloped them, guiding their movements like flowing water. The tapping of entwining shoes sounded to a melodic tune. Her skirts swayed as their bodies gracefully twirled.
Vigros’s smiling face seemed to oscillate, drawing near and then distant like a surreal illusion. Iora anticipated a forceful stomp on her foot, yet time flowed like they were in a dream.
“You’re not a stiff log of dancer at all. Oh, I’m sure Ovid would sigh. He’s lost a pretty good dance partner.”
“He…he was never my partner.”
“So, you’re disappointed? To the point that you’re rolling here in your own tears? Are you upset that he didn’t take your side?”
She whispered with a blank face that it wasn’t like that. In that moment, their dance that seemed to last forever ended. If not for the pat on her forehead, it felt as if it might have continued for a while longer. She looked up to see a scary man holding her hand and looking at her with amusement.
“You’re drooling. Were you that ecstatic?”
“I-I wasn’t drooling.”
“Well, your dancing skill is magnificent enough to enchant even a mermaid. So, no need to feel embarrassed. Remember, honesty is a fine virtue. And a gentleman knows how to be considerate till the end.”
“Look…” With a sly grin, he gently placed his hand over Iora’s eyelids and whispered, “I’ll take you home.”
* * *
Magic existed in this world as well. Perhaps there were species living lives entirely different from dragons or humans. Yet, Iora’s life resembled that of a medieval noble, causing her to sometimes forget that this world, where occasional miracles happened, was not so unusual after all.
She suddenly realized, almost in the blink of an eye, that the air around her had changed. It wasn’t the chilly atmosphere of the outdoors but rather the warmth and scent of candles inside.
‘How did this happen?’
The hand gently pressing against her eyes moved away, revealing a midday nightmare of a man, playfully stretching his arms wide with a smile. Was Vigros an immensely skilled sorcerer?
“No explanations, huh?”
“What, you’ve gotten to know me so well already?”
“I thought so…”
He tapped her forehead again, and time she found herself lying on a bed. As she looked bewildered, he politely smiled, as though he were a butler, pulling the sheet up to cover her neck. It was as gentle as a lullaby to a sleeping child.
“I said I’d give you a gift, Iora.”
“I can’t think of anything right now.”
“Then remember it well.”
His deep blue eyes drew a bit closer. As she blinked and looked up in surprise, a smooth touch lightly brushed her forehead and then retreated. She was taken aback, but he remained nonchalant.
“Whenever you need help, I’ll grant you a wish.”
“What kind of wish could that be…?”
“Any wish, just once.”
Iora burst into a hearty laugh after a long time. He was so arrogant, and yet she didn’t mind it at all. In fact, it made her feel like if she asked, he could indeed give her anything. She felt an urge to blurt out, “Please send me back to my original world. To be by Sol’s side and live a normal life.” But bringing back the dead was impossible. He would have to be a god to do that. Still, it was a comforting thought.
“What if it were such a terrible and vain wish like ruling the world?”
“It must be your lucky day then.”
“…Yes, maybe.”
“Stop being so curious and go to sleep. Growing tall means early bedtime, little squirrel. You’re still so small.”
“I-I’m not that short…”
Darkness is scary. Being left alone is frightening. Thinking about how angry her parents would be for her disappearing from the banquet was terrifying. Yet, the drowsiness that relaxed her eyelids felt soothing.
“Iora.”
Even Vigros’s affectionate voice.
“Sleep well.”
It was soothing. She thought hazily, sinking into unconsciousness.
Silly. She forgot to change out of her dress before she fell asleep.
