The moment she saw the water, Akira's lips curved into a faint smile. The lake's surface shimmered, reflecting the soft light of the evening sun. Trees surrounded the clearing, their shadows stretching long over the grass. It was peaceful here.
Akira reached the water's edge, glancing back once to make sure no one had followed. Satisfied, she began to undress. Her armor clinked softly as she unclasped the plates and set them down. Beneath the metal, her undershirt and trousers clung to her sweaty skin.
"Finally," she muttered, pulling her shirt over her head. Her toned shoulders flexed with the movement. The cool air brushed her skin, sending a small shiver down her spine.
One by one, the rest of her clothes fell to the ground. She was careful, folding each item into a neat pile beside her boots. By the time she stepped toward the lake, the sun's light caught the faint sheen of sweat on her bare skin, highlighting her curves. Akira barely noticed—her mind was on the water.
She walked in slowly. The lake was cold at first in contrast to her warm body. Goosebumps rose along her arms, but she kept moving forward. The water rippled softly, wrapping around her legs and waist as she sank deeper. Her breath hitched when the chill reached her chest, but she didn't stop.
Once the water covered her up to her shoulders, Akira let out a sigh as she whispered with her head back and closing her eyes, "This feels so good."
Her long hair floated out around her like silver threads.
For a while, Akira let herself relax. Even back at the castle, this was her favorite part of the day—bathing in a cool bathtub after a long day of work. Not only did it calm her nerves, it also allowed her to think very well.
As she was lost in thought, though, Akira soon heard a soft rustle, and her eyes shot open.
"Who is there?!" Akira said, her voice coming out like a growl, but there was no reply from whatever had made that sound.
"Was it a beast?" she mumbled to herself.
But something didn't feel right.
Slowly, Akira lowered herself further into the water, just enough that her shoulders disappeared beneath the surface.
Her gaze stayed locked on the trees as she thought, 'If it's a beast, I'll deal with it.'
Akira was far from scared. She'd fought enough monsters today to know how to handle another one.
But then, instead of a beast, a figure emerged.
Akira froze. Her breath caught in her throat as she watched him step out from the shadows of the trees. It wasn't a beast. It was a boy.
Tall, with sharp features and dark hair, he looked like he'd stepped out of nowhere. His midnight eyes were locked onto her almost immediately.
'A male! What is a male doing here?!' Akira's heart pounded. Heat flared across her face, and she instinctively sank lower into the water, using it as a shield.
Male? She only knew about them but had never seen one in her life. However, she knew that the enigmatic beings were not present in their Kingdom. They could only be found in the Human Domain or the Non-Human Continent, which was very far from here.
It would take months or even years by ship if one wanted to travel to the Human Domain.
At that moment, Nox blinked, as if surprised to see her, and said in a clearly feigned voice, "Uh… I didn't mean to find you here."
Akira glared and said in a sharp, angry voice, "You're trespassing."
Although she projected a fierce attitude, Akira's heart was beating wildly in her chest. This... this creature was the most beautiful thing she had seen in her short life!
Of course, she wouldn't say this out loud.
Nox raised his hands in mock surrender, though his lips curved into a small, sheepish smile. "I didn't know anyone would be here. Honestly. If there's anyone trespassing here, it's you."
Akira narrowed her eyes, her cheeks still burning. "What do you mean? Wait—what are you even doing here?" she demanded in an irritated tone.
"Like I said, you're the trespasser, as this place is my usual spot," Nox responded casually, lying through his teeth with a very straight face. So straight that it would put the best conmen to shame.
"Your spot?" Akira asked, looking around. She clenched her teeth. This person... he's not supposed to be in this Kingdom or dimension in the first place, so how could this be his spot?
"When I called you trespasser, I didn't just mean coming to this space," Akira said coldly. "I'm very sure you're not supposed to be here in the first place. Hence the reason I called you a trespasser."
Was taking off my mask really the best idea? Nox pondered to himself. Isn't she smitten by my looks or something? The reason he had decided to take off his mask was because he thought, like any other teenage girl, she would be immediately attracted to him.
I guess I was wrong. This makes me wonder, are they even straight?
"I say you leave before I report you to my sister," Akira said in an unfriendly voice.
Nox sighed in his heart. His gaze lingered a little longer on the pool. He contemplated if he should use force or not, but eventually decided against it. He turned around to leave, but before he could—
Nox suddenly came to a stop when he heard the girl's voice behind him. A smile curled upwards on his lips. He had half expected the girl to call him back. Naturally, Nox didn't turn around immediately, as that would make him appear desperate. He deliberately took his time. So slow for Akira's liking, and her heart sped up even more.
"What?" Nox asked, looking a bit impatient.
Akira looked at him with her big black eyes as her lips parted. "How is it?"
"How is what?" Nox raised a brow.
"The place you're from."
"Oh." Nox smiled. "It's beautiful."
'It seems the first phase of the plan is a success.'