"So, where are we headed?"
Damien leisurely strolled through the small and peaceful forest while looking at Elena's back. His hands were intertwined behind his head, and if he knew how to whistle, he'd be doing that as well.
It was times like these when he missed his old clothes from Apeiron. Having pockets to dip his hands into would truly enhance his relaxation, but unfortunately, they had all been destroyed in one way or another, leaving him with only the Celestial Star Palace robes he was currently donning.
"How am I supposed to know that? For now, we should just figure out where we are and act accordingly. The Sect Master provided me with a map of the explored portions of the Empyrean Dragon Sect, so locating our position shouldn't be too hard." Elena spoke back in a perfunctory manner.
She didn't know why she was acting like this. Just like Rose had done less than an hour prior, she wanted to latch onto Damien and pour out her feelings, but she couldn't bring herself to do so.
It couldn't be helped. Just as much as she loved him, she resented him as well. The way he had treated her once they finally reunited, and how much his treatment of her worsened after that point…even before he had fallen, he had neglected her feelings for so many years.
It would've been more surprising if she didn't bear any grudges against him.
But it was more of a subconscious thing. Until this moment finally came when the two of them were alone together, even she didn't realize how deep of a grudge she was carrying. And so, she kept her words concise and to the point, so that she wouldn't have to deal with her inner struggle so much.
Damien smiled wryly at her behavior. It wasn't the first time he had tried to strike up a conversation since they started walking. It has already been a few hours, but all he got were business talks instead of anything meaningful.
'This is even harder than trying to talk to Lunaria.' He muttered inwardly. When it was Lunaria Snow, he could simply ignore her indifferent attitude because he didn't care enough for her to actually try to break her shell.
But it was different for Elena. Unlike Lunaria's naturally indifferent demeanor, Elena was acting this way because of his own mistakes. He didn't blame her at all for it, and he knew that giving up wasn't an option unless he wanted their relationship to continue its regression.
"Aiii, all this walking is starting to get boring. How long do we even have in this secret realm?"
Elena rolled her eyes. "Did they not tell you anything at the Celestial Star Palace?"
"Hm? Oh, I guess it's natural you don't know. I haven't been to that place in, like, a year and a half or so? It may be longer. Back when I left, there were still 9 months left until this secret realm opened, so the old man didn't bother with too much explanation."
Elena massaged her temples with a light frown on her face. The words Damien just said literally made no sense. The chronology was totally off. And seeing the confident smirk on his face, Elena knew he wasn't just saying random words to get her attention.
There was a story behind the messed up time he spoke of, and he was baiting her to ask about it.
'H-hmph! I won't crack with so little resistance.' She consoled herself inwardly, trying to quell her curiosity. She turned her attention to the map that appeared in her hand instead, trying to understand their location.
Damien peaked his head over her shoulder curiously. "I see, I see. It's not a bad map. Since this secret realm opens far more frequently than the one I just came out of, there's a lot more information on it. Plus, it won't be involved in so much bullshit so it's a lot safer. But, where we are now isn't marked on that map."
Elena's frown deepened. 'Endure. I must endure.'
"Anyway, I wonder if this place can match up to that one. If it's not, I guess I'll just have to finish my business here and then leave. Oh, but I don't know how long it'll take for the exit to appear. What a shame to be uninformed. If only there was someone around who could help me."
Elena's fuse broke. "Argh! Damn bastard, it's only a week, so you don't have to worry so much! Also, since when did you get so talkative? If you want to say something, just say it!"
Damien smirked triumphantly. "Hoohoo! Finally, the ice queen has lowered her guard! I won't waste the opportunity I've earned myself!"
"What ice queen? I'm just…just focused on the task ahead! Right, that's it." Elena countered.
"Oh? And what task might that be? I'm sure I already told you that this place isn't marked on that map."
"And how would you know that?"
"Well, because I'm the one who dropped us here. Why else?"
Elena didn't know when the last time she had such a strong urge to bite someone was. Since when did this bastard get so used to saying nonsensical things like they were normal?
"Fine, since you're the expert, why don't you tell me? Where exactly are we?"
"Oh? You're finally interested in what I have to say? But I'll have you know, that information won't be free."
"And what exactly should I pay you with? You don't seem like the type that's obsessed with money."
"Isn't that obvious? Pay me with time."
"Time?"
"That's right. For every piece of help you gain from me, I get an hour of your time. When it's over, you have to spend that much time with me uninterrupted."
Elena glanced at him sideways. Things weren't progressing how she thought they were supposed to.
'Isn't he just…asking me out?'
The thought felt even more nonsensical than Damien's recent behavior, considering how he'd been treating her for so long, but when she remembered what that white-haired girl had told her when they were outside, she couldn't just dismiss the idea anymore.
'Is he being shameless or romantic right now? Either way, it's not working too well for him…'
Elena almost laughed at his attempts. When she glanced over, she noticed Damien wasn't looking at her anymore. His face was turned to the side, a faint trace of rosiness rising on his cheeks.
'Dammit, I'm trying my hardest not to cringe right now. Where did these bullshit lines even come from, and who put them in my mouth?! I swear when I find that bastard I'll…'
"Pfft! Hahahahaha!"
Elena burst out laughing, unable to control it anymore. She clutched her stomach and fell to her knees. It was too much to continue walking when she was laughing so hard.
"Oi! Who the hell do you think you're laughing at?!" Damien shot in embarrassment.
"Who else is here besides me and you, dumbass? Pfft…! 'For every question I answer, I want you to spend an hour of time on me.' Ahahahahaha!"
p
"But your name really isn't Damien Void. Last time I checked, wasn't your name changed to Cringelord?"
"Oh, so that's how you want to play, huh. I see, I see. Then, I have no choice."
Damien raised his hands and wiggled his fingers. An evil smile crept up his face.
Without warning, he pounced on the fallen Elena, tackling her to the floor and tickling her sides.
"You fool! How dare you taunt someone who knows your greatest weakness!" He laughed maniacally as he continued tickling. From when they had first met until the day he had become trapped in the dungeon, Elena had never been able to overcome this weakness of hers.
It was the same reason why she rarely ever won an argument against him, since he had the ultimate trump card.
Elena writhed on the ground, trying to escape his tickling. Although she looked like she was fated to lose, she had many years of planning to come up with countermeasures against him.
Now, she was prepared.
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