Chapter 17 There's Something Wrong with Rosalyne

"Um."

Hearing this, Rosalyne quickly ran out of the tent and sat next to Kujo Tsumugi, her arms naturally wrapping around Tsumugi's.

What's going on?

"What's wrong?" Tsumugi asked, noticing Rosalyne's unexpected closeness.

Rosalyne seemed oblivious to how intimate her actions were. She noticed something off in Kujo's expression and asked in confusion.

"No, it's okay." Tsumugi replied calmly. Rosalyne's arm brushing against her from time to time was a bit distracting, but Tsumugi reminded herself that they were both women, so it was understandable.

"By the way, Rosalyne, how old are you?"

"Twelve."

"Twelve?!"

The question was meant to start a conversation, but Rosalyne's answer shocked Tsumugi. She was surprised because, despite Rosalyne's almost adult size, Tsumugi was already twenty years old while Rosalyne was only twelve.

This is so unfair.

Tsumugi tried to comfort herself. I'm a tengu, not a human. Maybe I'll grow more in the future...

"Hmm? What's wrong with the knight?" Rosalyne noticed something was wrong and moved closer, unintentionally pressing Tsumugi's arm into her chest.

I didn't expect that.

This small action was quite impactful for Tsumugi.

"So, Sir Knight looks very young. How old are you?"

"Ten years old, what's wrong?" Tsumugi responded, somewhat self-deprecatingly.

"Hey, so the knight is younger than me?"

Tsumugi felt a shift in Rosalyne's gaze as if it had become... brighter?

Does she have a thing for younger people? Tsumugi thought, moving away with a guarded expression.

"Then... can I call you Knight Sister?" Rosalyne asked, inching closer again.

This is definitely strange.

Tsumugi felt uneasy, as if she were dealing with an unusual situation. Wait, this is like a Loli meeting a Lolitacon!

"It's up to you," Tsumugi said coldly.

"Then... Knight Sister." Rosalyne's actions became bolder. She leaned her head on Tsumugi's slender shoulder, her warm breath making Tsumugi's face flush slightly.

"It feels like as long as I'm by my Knight Sister's side, all my fears and nightmares disappear."

Rosalyne's words made Tsumugi freeze. How can I dislike you so much when you say things like that?

Tsumugi sighed internally and leaned slightly against Rosalyne .

"In that case, you can rely on me as much as you need."

Tsumugi's feelings towards Rosalyne were conflicted because she knew Rosalyne would become an arrogant Fatui lady in the future. However, seeing her as a vulnerable young girl now, Tsumugi felt more empathetic.

Not long after, Tsumugi noticed Rosalyne had fallen asleep, so she gently carried her into the tent and settled her down before stepping out to keep watch.

The next day, the atmosphere between Tsumugi and Rosalyne had improved. As they traveled, Tsumugi shared some adventure tips, and Rosalyne took notes eagerly. Rosalyne also tried several times to get Tsumugi to call her "sister," but to no avail.

The journey continued with frequent rests due to Rosalyne's limited stamina. By sunset, they finally reached the edge of the Whispering Forest. They camped in a concealed spot, set up warning traps, and Tsumugi, exhausted from two sleepless nights, finally got some rest.

The small tent forced them to sleep closely. Despite the spring weather, their proximity was comforting. Tsumugi fell asleep quickly due to exhaustion. After she was asleep, Rosalyne quietly woke, pretending to still be asleep.

"Knight Sister, are you asleep?" Rosalyne whispered, checking if Tsumugi was fully asleep. When she confirmed that Tsumugi was, she gently lay on Tsumugi's body.

Rosalyne lowered her head and lightly kissed Tsumugi's cheek, barely brushing it. "Knight Sister, has anyone ever told you that you smell good?" she murmured, burying her head in Tsumugi's neck and inhaling her scent.

Rosalyne felt an inexplicable pull towards Tsumugi ever since being rescued.

"Not... yet..."

Rosalyne tongue lightly traced Tsumugi's shoulder, collarbone, and neck, reaching her lips.

"Knight Sister..."

I'll spare the details, but let's just say it was a night of kisses.

The next morning, the first light of dawn awoke Tsumugi.

"Um?"

As she opened her eyes, she noticed something felt odd on her face.

Why does it feel a bit wet? Is it dew?

Tsumugi quickly pushed the thought aside, focusing on preparing breakfast before Rosalyne woke up. She left the tent quietly.

Once Tsumugi was gone, Rosalyne , who had been pretending to sleep, breathed a sigh of relief.

Good thing I wasn't discovered.