A Background Character’s Path to Power

"Eh?"

Cassandra stared at the old dwarf blankly.

Eh?

I, myself, was confused for a moment too.

"Eh, why are you both stunned?" Borin furrowed his brows. "Wait, don't tell me you're still in that awkward phase where you haven't talked about it yet? By my beard, young folks these days..." He shook his head with exaggerated disappointment. "And here I thought you were just being proper about separate rooms till getting married, but you two haven't really figured it out, have you?"

I felt my face burning as I realized what he was implying. "Borin, we're not-"

"Not what? Not obviously smitten with each other?" The dwarf laughed heartily.

He was thoroughly enjoying himself. And why the heck can't I respond properly?

"Lad, I've got eyes, you know," he continued, gesturing to his almond eyes. "The way you look at her, the way she looks at you when she thinks you are not watching... Trust me, I have seen enough couples pass through here to know the signs."

I didn't have to look, but still took a peek, to know Cassandra was blushing pink, all the while studying the floor with intense concentration.

I only hope she's not laughing at me.

"We are... just traveling companions." I managed to force out an answer.

"Sure, sure," Borin nodded sagely, clearly not believing a word of it. "And I'm the King of Mountains. Look, I won't pry into your business, but when you two finally stop being so thick-headed about it, remember old Berin, eh? I just want to give a toast about how I knew from the moment you two lovebirds walked in here that you were meant for each other. Isn't that ok, eh?"

...Damn you, old man!

I cursed inwardly while trying my best to keep a poker face, and I was probably not doing a good job.

"Alright, quit the teasing, old man. We're heading to our rooms." I said while taking the lead. "Have a good night, Borin. Don't forget to add breakfast for us tomorrow."

"Aye, aye," Borin chuckled, waving us off with obvious amusement. "Two servings of my favorite morning feast - eggs, bacon, fresh bread, and honey tea to wash it down. You'll need your strength for all that 'travelling companions' business."

I grabbed Cassandra's wrist without thinking and dragged her toward the stairs before the dwarf could embarrass us again.

"Sweet dreams, you two!" Borin called out cheerfully behind us. "And remember, thick walls but not soundproof."

"...That insufferable old man," I mumbled while quickening our pace up the wooden steps.

!

Only when we reached the top of the stairs did I realize I was still holding Cassandra's hand. I let it go quickly, clearing my throat awkwardly.

"Um... Sorry about... all that." I muttered, avoiding her gaze. "Borin means well, but he's got a terrible habit of jumping to conclusions and teasing a bit too much."

Cassandra played with her key a bit before speaking in that same soft tone. "It's alright... He was just... joking around."

"Yeah, you are right," I replied. "Anyway, room 7 is mine, 8 is yours. Try to get some rest, we'll leave after breakfast."

She nodded, hesitating at her door. "Thank you again... for everything today."

"Just doing what anyone would do," I said, though we both knew it wasn't entirely true. "Have a nice dream."

"Mmm, you too."

With that, we both entered our rooms.

______ ___ _

"Huff..."

Inside my room, I let out a long breath I had been holding for so long, dropping onto the bed with a quiet thud. The events of the day replayed in my mind: the investigation, the lunch drama, the auction, the incident at the gate, and now Borin's relentless teasing.

What a mess.

This was one of the most chaotic days of my life.

But we were safe. For now, at least.

Because, according to the info I gathered today, I would probably have to participate in a few more scenarios. I could possibly discover a new storyline too. But I wasn't entirely against the idea now, after all this happened. And it was the only way to farm scenario points.

So yeah, more chaos awaited us, or me more precisely.

After all, I didn't know how much Cassandra was going to stay or what she wanted to do.

I only hoped the plan with her would continue to go smoothly.

Hmm...

With my thoughts finally sorted out, somehow, I decided to sleep. The Rime Weaver told it would stand on watch through the night and wake me up in the morning.

{Thank you.}

Reassured, I close my eyes, letting the darkness take me.

....

...

..

"..."

...Was she really looking at me... that way?

I couldn't help but ask myself as my thoughts started to swirl again. Yeah, darkness really didn't take over me.

Even more importantly...

...Did I really looked at her differently?

Or was it Borin messing with me? ...Was I really overthinking again?

Yeah, that must be it.

But, what about Cassandra? She won't misunderstand, right? Although she said it was a joke, who knows what she's thinking inside?

Will I be able to face her properly tomorrow?

...Damn.

What was I even thinking about? I needed to sleep!

But... this damn mind of mine...

Wait! I know!

I just needed to use the Infinite Loop to calm my racing thoughts.

Hmm...

I 'closed' my eyes and began the familiar process, letting my mind cycle through the never-ending sequences until...

...darkness finally claimed me.

_____ ___ _

Lumin...

Amaniel...

Aman...

Husband...

Hmm?!

Wake up...

Honey...

My eyelids fluttered open slowly, consciousness drifting back like gentle waves.

"...?"

Through the haze of sleep, I saw a beautiful sight - Cassandra's face hovering above mine, bathed in soft morning light. Her gentle smile was warm and tender, the kind reserved for someone truly precious.

"Wake up, honey..." she whispered softly, her voice soft like silk.

Still caught in the lingering warmth of my dream, that peaceful and perfect life where we were married and living happily, I mumbled drowsily, "Just five more minutes..."

My hand involuntarily began to reach up toward her face, wanting to cup up her adorable cheek...

...How cu-

'!'