Chapter 42: Chapter 42

DARAN

Jonea watched TV while snacking on the chocolate candy I had just bought for her.

"I thought you would go to your room and study, but it turns out you're here?"

The girl immediately sat up straight and stiffened when she heard my voice. She took the TV remote and turned down the volume.

"I don't feel like studying. Do you want to watch with me too?"

I turned my gaze to the TV screen. Jonea is watching a news program. I was a little surprised by her unusual taste.

"What do you look for in a news program? I always pay attention to you. It's just the evening news you see on TV at this time of day. Is there anything in particular you're looking for?"

While chewing chocolate candy, she spoke without looking at me. "I just wanted to learn about Blue Sapphire's current state through the news. I barely know this land after it was taken over by Luke Draken."

"Or perhaps more precisely, you are trying to find out what the real Luke Draken is like? Yep, he's very mysterious. Even now no one can confirm his true face, right?"

Instead of answering my question, Jonea turned off the TV. She packed her chocolate candy into a plastic bag and prepared to leave. I kept her sitting there.

"Jonea, there is one thing I want to ask you," I said with a reasonably severe expression and tone of voice.

"What do you want to ask? Is it about Luke Draken or a strange habit I often do?" Jonea was very defensive.

"No, that's not all. Having a long life… Isn't that a good thing for you?"

Jonea nodded. "Well, that's right. That's what I want too."

"Then why do you want your wolf seal to be released so badly? If you remain human, there is a possibility that you will be able to live longer. Although not long enough for me."

Jonea looked at me seriously. "I hope my wolf seal is released, but I also want it to be released safely. Don't you want me as your bride? Wouldn't you feel a loss if I died so quickly, even before you actually used me? I don't just want to think about myself. I really owe you a lot of kindness, Daran. I also have to think about your interests. I don't want to be selfish."

I was stunned to hear Jonea's answer, which was beyond my expectations. I knew she was hiding something, her true purpose, the reason she wanted to remove her wolf seal. But I also didn't think that Jonea would think about me. Although it's just pretend. But I'm happy to hear it.

"Why? You keep staring at these chocolates. Do you want to try it too?"

I need some help. I was lost in thought for a moment and didn't focus. Jonea took a chocolate from a plastic bag and handed it to me.

"No, I don't need food as much as humans do. My food is different from yours. Do you know-"

"Well, I know you eat humans. I am your food. But, you had dinner with me last night."

I can only blink my eyes. Jonea said all that without expression. It was as if she was used to seeing me eating humans. How cruel is she?

"Daran?" Jonea waved her hand in front of my face.

"Ah-well, dinner? I did that for you. I don't want you to eat alone."

***

JONEA

Daran held out his hand. I thought he would take the chocolate candy I offered him. Entirely beyond my expectations, Daran put his hand on my head and stroked my hair gently.

For some reason, suddenly, a powerful vibration appeared. This strange vibration spread from my head to my whole body when Daran did that. My cheeks also suddenly felt hot, and I became embarrassed.

"It's late, Jonea. You'd better go to sleep soon. I'm going back to my room too."

Daran left me alone in the living room. I was still frozen with my head bowed stiffly. I held my head, the place where Daran had rubbed before.

"Jeez, what's wrong with me? Am I crazy? If I consider it carefully, Daran is just an 'old man'. He was nothing more than a thousand year old geezer. I don't even know his real face. Surely he is very wrinkled and not attractive at all, right? If I remember how old he is. That may be why he keeps wearing a mask. His character is also very stiff and old-fashioned, like an old man who cannot understand modernity."

Sigh! I took a deep breath and then ran to my room. I locked my bedroom door tightly and sat behind my study table while holding my pounding chest.

I exhaled heavily. "But, if I think about it again, Daran is cuter. He also became more affectionate than I had previously thought. I thought he was an arrogant and rude man, but I could feel that Daran sometimes looked like someone who was very lonely."

I stood up and opened the curtains. I stared at the night view outside the window.

"I think being short-lived might be a good thing. I don't think I would be able to live forever like Daran, while the people I love and know who live around me one by one eventually have to leave me. Because of their short lifespan. I can understand how miserable it is to have a long life and only be alone for company."

While leaning against the window, I looked at the chocolate candies that Daran had given me scattered on my study table. When I turned my gaze out the window, I was surprised because I suddenly saw Daran pacing in the garden.

"I'm sure it's not the caffeine. Daran will not be affected by human food. He consumes coffee just for pleasure. What exactly is bothering Daran that he looks so miserable?"

I decided to go down and accompany Daran to the park. It seemed he didn't notice my arrival. Daran remained focused on paying attention to his magic plants. When I approached and rebuked him, Daran looked surprised.

"What are you doing here Jonea? Why are you still awake?"

"I can't sleep. Maybe because of the chocolate candy or maybe because you—"

"Because I?"

I quickly diverted the conversation. "How about you? What are you doing here? Every night, you keep wandering around the park alone."

Daran focused his gaze forward. He didn't even answer my question. I only watched Daran's body and face from the side.

"Was it very difficult for you?" I muttered unconsciously.

Daran's attention turned to me.

"Oh, I mean, you look so tired. Have you been dealing with a lot of problems and heavy work lately? Until now, I only thought about my situation. I continue to demand from you that you immediately fulfill our contract and remove my wolf seal. But, I didn't think at all about the difficult situation you might face."

"Jonea?"

"I know you have lived a very long time. And I also know you must have your own goals. You can even be patient through day after day just for that one dream of yours. Meanwhile, I am very impatient and want to make my hopes come true soon. So, I can only imagine how difficult the situation you are facing is. You know I feel guilty."

"Why do you feel guilty?" Daran was surprised.

"Who knows. That's why I want to immediately release my wolf seal. So that you can also immediately achieve your dreams with my resurrection, even though I have to die afterwards." I smiled at Daran. "Let's fight together to make our dreams come true. From today on, I will obey you and will not make things difficult for you anymore."

"Jonea, what are you talking about?"

Daran grabbed me in his arms. He lowered his face and took off his mask before me. I... held my breath.