For the next three days, Max was immersed in the book that Ruth introduced her to. The task was taken very seriously by this dedicated disciple. She didn’t stop until her head spinned, or she had to visit Rem in the stables to comb its mane. Sifting through pages, memorizing, revising…this also acted as a nice diversion since it was now a full week after Riftan had left for the goblin hunt
.Max felt a little nervous about the hunt lasting longer than expected. Warm winters have described Anatol. However in the past few days there has been a sharp decline in temperatures, one had to break the ice even to scoop up the well. Her anxiety was multiplied by this sudden cold spell.
It was heartbreaking just imagining Riftan crouching and sleeping on the icy ground in the freezing wind while she slept on a soft, warm bed. While the one responsible for it was toiling away in the harshest conditions, she felt guilty about the luxury she was living in.
She was absorbed in the book, and she checked every now and then that she did not see Riftan riding outside the window on a horse. In the vast garden, there was nothing but a dreary breeze, adding to her bleakness. Two more days had passed before the suppression force returned. It was noon after that, Max was holding the mana stone in her hands, struggling to feel the flow of Mana. She was so focused on the act that she jumped upon hearing the announcement of the Lord’s Arrival.
She dashed out at once, glimpsing the riders entering the garden, and her pace quickened down the stairs as she saw Riftan at the helm.
Mounted on a splendid combat charger, Riftan jumped from the horse, catching sight of the sprinting figure. Max’s blood heated with excitement as she neared the handsome man.
Calling out to him, she pounced right into his wide arms, buried herself in the thick robes, without any care for those around. Delighted, Riftan burst into laughter and wrapped her in his strong arms tightly. The cold armor gave her goosebumps behind her neck, but she had not the slightest intention of wanting to shake it off.
With her red eyes, she looked up at him, rubbing her face against his loose robes. His hair was a mess after almost ten days of camping, and even though his face was rough, he still looked incredibly good. Max lifted her hand and stroked his cold, frozen cheek gently.
“W-wel-welcome back… D-did you g-get h-hurt….?” Her last words said anxiously and with worry. Max took a breath of urgency, fearful that she had misspoken. 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.𝘤𝘰𝘮
He held her around the neck and pushed his tongue deep into her mouth. The feeling of a large soft tongue sliding through the soft mucous membrane… Max clenched his shoulders and let out a moan. Heat rose from her body, as if she was suffering from fever.
Like a cat, she clung to him not wishing to let go.
Right at that moment, Hebaron, Gabel, Yurixion, Garow, and the rest of the expedition team came into her view from above his shoulders. Only then did Max hasten to push him away, grumbling at her own audacity. But in Riftan’s embrace, she couldn’t even move slightly. Like a drunk man crushing a rough chin on her neck, he murmured.
“Had I known such a passionate welcome was waiting, I would have set the mountain on fire and ran right back.” He groaned then pressed his lips on her cheek.
Max was red to the top of her head. She could not bear the embarrassment of her thoughtless conduct. What was she thinking running into his embrace in full view?! But he didnt care, and incessantly peppered her cheeks and necks with kisses.
Her eyes were stinging, her face tearful.
She whispered, “Ri-Riftan… Eve-everyone is wa-watching.”
“I know” Even so, he did not have the slightest intention of stopping.
“Y-you know…..”
She wouldn’t let him continue, now that she was conscious of the surroundings. The man breathed out a deep sigh, held her in one arm, and turned his head toward the knights standing in the back.
“Those who have participated in the hunting will be excluded from all duties for the next week. I’ll send someone to wait on you, so you can rest as much as you like.” He declared.
Hebaron grinned sarcastically, rubbing his lips, “Thank you for your concern.”
“We’ll disband on our own, so you can put out the fire right away.”
It was so hot that steam rose from the top of her head. Despite Hebaron’s brazen teasing, Riftan turned around and rode up the stairs holding her in his arms. Max was begging him to let her down, but he wasn’t even trying to listen to her. He went into the hall at once and shook his head impatiently to Rodrigo and the other servants who had come to greet him.
He instructed them, “Take good care of my horse, and bring bathwater and food to those who have been hunting.
“… Very well, my lord. Would Your Lordship like a bath?”
Rifan frowned just then, realizing the mess of sweat and dust that he was.
“Yes. Bring it right away.” Rodrigo bowed his head calmly and then backed away. The servants standing behind him kept their cool and followed suit. Max was just thankful that they didn’t see her in their lord’s arms like a child.
