The Wrong Hero

Chapter 27 - Small Friends

It was nearing evening the day after meeting Fitoria. With the power up from Fitoria, both Dio and JoJo were able to travel longer and faster, keeping their pace easily. In addition to the medicine book and Zweite fire tome, Dante spent a bit of time going over his newly acquired shields. Fitoria had given him one of her special cowlicks before leaving, revealing and unlocking every filolial shield.

Right now, though, Dante was dealing with something else. He had lost focus while sitting in the front with Rifana. It was easy to relax knowing that the Q'ten Lo shadows were probably trying to figure out where they were, leaving them unobserved by hostiles. His eyes had been watching the scenery and he had simply enjoyed the calm sound of the carriages going across the dirt road. It was at this time that he made his mistake. It wasn't terrible. In fact, it was similar to something he did before, though back then it was intentional. Still, the consequences of his actions made themselves known.

"What's wrong, Mister Dante?" Rifana asked, happily swaying from side to side as she sat on his lap.

"Yes, little Dante, what's the matter~?" Sadeena cooed. She had her arms wrapped around Dante from behind, her head resting on his good shoulder.

"I'm sorry..." He repeated the same words he had been saying for the past few minutes. He had his hand over his face, trying to ignore what just happened.

Maybe he was a little too relaxed while watching everything pass them by. Maybe he forgot the creature sitting on his lap was an intelligent being and not like a pet. Maybe, just maybe, he kissed Rifana on the back of her head near her ear. It was just one. Or two. Or three. It was a small number of kisses before he realized what he was doing. Of course, by then, it was too late. And, of course, Sadeena just happened to be looking over at them from inside the carriage.

"Why are you sorry, little Dante~?" Sadeena asked, rubbing her cheek against his.

"I don't want to talk about it." Dante lamented.

Rifana giggled. "Now I know why you want me to stay in this form."

"Pease stop..." His voice grew quieter.

"Hey, Papa!" Dio came up through the carriage interior to the front. "Raphy says you better take responsibility. What does that mean?"

"Why are all of you like this?"

It was really something. He had sex with Sadeena in Melromarc Castle, and he only got a few words said about it. Give a few kisses to the back of Rifana's head? You'd think the acts were reversed. Well, he did wake up with her pressed against his chest with his arm wrapped tightly around her. If anything, he was asking to get teased.

"JoJo, I think it's about time we set up camp." He told the driving filolial.

"Okay, Dad!" He replied, bringing the carriages near the small river Dante indicated.

Dante supposed that, after a long day of nothing really happening, teasing him was their source of entertainment. They mostly kept the same travel plan as before, trying to reach their destination quickly. Every so often, someone would spot a monster they hadn't fought yet. If it looked weak, whichever filolial not on pulling duty would run out and kill it for shield reveals. If it looked stronger, more appropriate measures were taken.

"Don't think this is over yet, little Dante~." Sadeena released him and stood, stepping off of the carriage.

"Believe me, I know." Dante said, following after her with Rifana. Once they were set for the night, he knew he'd be hearing a lot more.

With the creaking of wood, Dante saw Raphtalia step out of the rear carriage, with Eclair soon after. The giant therianthrope had a massive grin on her face as she loomed over him, arms crossed.