Editor: Katie_WanderingFujoshi, sleepchaser
“Riley? Why are you crying?” As soon as I had said that, I closed my mouth in a panic. Those words had spilled from my lips on the spur of the moment.
Although the man before me hardly resembled the angel I had known, I could tell he was still the same inside.
As silent tears flowed down his cheeks, only his scarlet eyes trembled, the rest of his body motionless.
It troubled me to see him like this. Out of reflex, I stood on my tiptoes, reaching toward him. Slipped my hand under his hood and ruffled his hair.
My body had moved on its accord, following my heart.
After all, Riley was crying. I had no choice but to comfort him.
I didn’t even think about how I was ruffling the hair of an adult man, or the reason for his tears.
Because my highest priority was to have him stop crying.
“Err, sorry about my companion,” said the swordsman. “Are you an acquaintance of his?”
“Um, something like that, I guess?”
“Huh, I see. But this guy and I haven’t been in this country these past ten years. So how is a young man like you acquainted with him?” asked Riley’s companion in a sharp manner.
All of a sudden, Riley threw his arms around me in a tight embrace, shocking a scream from my lips.
Large, hard, and hot. I could easily tell just how fit his body was, just how muscular, even with the layers of clothes over his body.
My thoughts completely halted as I scanned the room, eyes darting left and right.
Riley’s companion cut a shocked figure.
On the other hand, most of the customers seemed amused. My father and brother were… wait, wait, what’s with that kitchen knife? They’d be killing their renowned hero!
I tried to get Riley’s attention by calling his name, but he wouldn’t release his hold on me. However, I somehow managed to take a deep breath.
I looked at my father, my brother, and Riley’s companion. Then as clearly as possible, I said, “Sorry, Dad, Brother. I’ll need a short break. Mister Companion, please excuse me as well. Riley, let’s go.”
Pulling the hem of Riley’s cloak, I led him to my room.
How should I deceive him? Try as I might, I couldn’t think of an answer, and the further I climbed up the stairs, the more at a loss I felt.
His cheerfulness from prior had probably been an act. As soon as Riley had left the room, Sir Elmer’s gaze grew sharp with displeasure, piercing through me in scrutiny.
It stung my skin, but I composed myself. For his actions were reasonable.
Unlike Riley, who was convinced of my identity, Sir Elmer saw me as a suspicious person who had deliberately approached the hero.
Perhaps during the seven days since we had last met, he checked my identity. Some of the customers might have also come to check the situation of the hero.
“Ilya, sixteen years old. The second son of the owner of this tavern. We’ve never crossed paths before. Am I wrong?”
“Then how did you ingratiate yourself with the hero?”
Where should I start? I was unsure how to narrate my experience…
I highly doubted he would believe me if I talked about my previous life, but lying to him was also not a good alternative.
I gathered my thoughts, straightened my back, and stared back into those sharp, piercing eyes.
Riley keep hugging Ilya after they reunited is just so… precious… And their relationship is just so… tender…
By the way, what do you guys think of Elmer? I’m sure he only means well for Riley! But I hope he won’t bully Ilya! (⁎˃ᆺ˂)
Also, I’m still looking for editor! Please apply if possible~
Support the author! Here’s the tutorial made by “Shido Within” on how to buy digital books at CMOA. The tutorial specifies on how to buy digital manga, but I think it should work for novels too. After registering, you can click here to go to Icy’s CMOA page. Please take note that you can’t pay with debit card, though!
Support the translator! How about buying this translator a cup of bubble tea to boost her motivation and power (to defeat the wall of text!)? As a small thank you, you can read one advanced draft chapter of Icy ahead from schedule!
Next chapter will come out at Friday/Saturday! Oh no, I’ll have to start translating again since my stockpile is disappearing… (*`д´*)