Incompatible Interspecies Wives

Chapter 44: The World Tree (4)

The morning began early for the Red Flames group.

I gradually awakened from a deep slumber.

Though it was still dark when I slightly opened my eyes... the noise outside seemed to be growing louder.

Given the busy day ahead, it seemed everyone was getting ready.

I also decided to get up after taking a moment to catch my breath.

But at the same time, I realized something.

Strangely, my body felt unusually light, lighter than it should've after a typical rest.

It was also unexpectedly warm.

"...?"

Waking up in a daze, I became curious about the source of the warmth that I had unconsciously felt throughout the night.

When I opened my eyes and turned my head, I found the answer.

"...Mmm..."

Ner had nestled close to me at some point, deeply asleep. Her hand, drawn to her chest, and her forehead lightly touching me.

Even though our bodies weren't fully intertwined, we shared each other's warmth.

This was the first time we had slept so close.

The comfort of sleep I had enjoyed thanks to her warmth was one thing, but it felt like her warmth had also seeped into my heart.

I felt like the distance between us had shrunk.

Thinking so, I couldn't help but smile.

I guess, approaching slowly like this seems to work.

For a moment, I closed my eyes again and just lay there.

I didn't want to end this moment too soon.

When was the last time I felt like this?

'Don't forget me, Bell.'

- Swish

A sudden voice, almost like a whisper next to me, jolted me upright.

Ner, startled by my sudden movement, murmured as she opened her eyes.

My heart raced, like it hadn't in a long time.

"...Berg?"

"..."

I responded, hiding my expression from my wife.

"...Sorry, did I wake you?"

"...There's no need for apologies."

Soon after, Ner blinked her drowsy eyes, touching her forehead.

It seemed that she was also gradually realizing the source of the warmth she had felt throughout the night.

"...Uh, well..."

She murmured something, but then closed her mouth.

Truth be told, between a married couple, there was no need to make excuses for this.

Well, we couldn't exactly be considered a conventional couple, as our relationship wasn't entirely rooted in profound love.

I hesitantly got up and began preparing to leave.

I needed to debrief with the members who had returned after the night's reconnaissance about the boss monsters.

Based on that, a suitable strategy had to be planned.

"...Ah, Berg?"

But a puzzled voice from behind stopped me.

When I looked back at Ner, she hesitated, seemingly trying to say something.