Chapter 29: Knee Pillow

The next morning, dawn broke with a pale, fish-belly glow.

Charis was roused early by Ophelia, who said the carriage was ready.

“Do I have to go with you today?”

Sitting on the bed’s edge, Charis rubbed her eyes, watching Ophelia pack a suitcase by the wardrobe.

“Of course you’re coming.
Weren’t you the one yelling last night to make me go back?
Even goading me.”
Ophelia hoisted the suitcase, glancing at Charis.

“But taking me along won’t help.”

Charis shook her head gently.
Her plan was to convince Ophelia to go, not to tag along herself.

“Whether you’re useful is beside the point.
Since you spoke up, you don’t get to sit this out.”

“But—”

“But what?
Last night, you were all bold and pushy.
Get moving—what’re you lingering on the bed for?”

“I’m slow to get up, don’t rush me.”

Charis stood leisurely, casting a fond glance at the small room she’d stayed in.
Bound by the ice chain on her neck, she had no choice but to follow Ophelia.

Passing through the living room, Ophelia left a note on the table for their roommates, then led Charis to the carriage headed for her hometown.

Outside, sunlight was scarce, the carriage dim and quiet, save for the steady clop of hooves.
The world seemed steeped in lingering night, scenery drifting slowly past.

Bored in the carriage with nothing to do, Charis yawned.

She’d hoped today would be a cozy stay-at-home day, maybe sneaking in some curse lessons with Demon King Talos, but Ophelia’s firm decision wrecked that.

Charis stole a glance at Ophelia, who met her eyes, as if sensing her gaze.

“We’ll reach the Rodley estate by noon.
Keep your identity hidden, as usual.”
Ophelia’s tone was serious, clearly worried Charis might cause trouble.

“If you’re scared I’ll mess up, why bring me?
I thought you’d show me off—‘Look, I caught a dragon!’”
Charis mimicked Ophelia’s haughty tone, patting her chest.

“Show you off?
What’s to brag about—weak, powerless, and gluttonous?”
Ophelia ticked off Charis’s traits on her fingers, like reciting a list.

“No point mocking me.
You’re the one too scared to go home, even as a sword saintess.
What’re you so afraid of?”
Charis’s sharp tongue ran a bit, but Ophelia pinched her cheek to stop her.

“Shut it, no more talking.
Stay quiet until we get there.”

“Let go!”

Charis shook free, clutching her cheeks—reddened but not painful.

“You look better silent.
Your role is my silent personal maid.
If anyone asks you anything, answer smartly and act the part.”

“What if I don’t?”
Charis glared resentfully, but Ophelia gave a sly smile.

“Not playing along?
You’ll regret it tonight.
Guess what I brought.”
Ophelia opened her bag, revealing a fur brush.

The memory of that brush on her tail—Charis would never forget it.

“You… you dare threaten me with that?”

“Hmph, just grooming your fur.
No fur? Your tail works too.”

Ophelia eyed Charis’s plump tail, hinting it was her next target.

“You’re unfair, bullying the weak!”

“Mercy to enemies is cruelty to yourself.
You’re an exception, but if you’d just behave, would I need to do this?
That mouth of yours—when will you tame it?”

“It’s my mouth, I’ll say what I want.”

“And this brush is mine.
I’ll brush what I want—you can’t stop me.”

Ophelia demonstrated raw “survival of the fittest.”
Charis puffed her cheeks, speechless, turning away in a huff.

‘Endure! One day I’ll escape—or turn the tables!’

Charis vowed to grow stronger, her resolve firm.

The carriage rattled along.
Charis gazed at the passing scenery, a faint drowsiness creeping in.

‘So sleepy. Just a quick nap.’

Thinking the ride would take hours, Charis closed her eyes.

‘Just a short rest…’

The outside world quieted, hooves fading, even the carriage’s jostling vanishing.

In a fleeting moment, Charis slipped into a brief dream.
She stood in another world, stars glittering above, black lake water lapping at her ankles.

In the distance, a white-haired girl turned.
Her face mirrored Charis’s, but her eyes were red, her dragon horns longer, her tail thicker, her figure mature.

‘Who’s that dragon? My kin?’

Before Charis could call out, she was shaken awake.

“Hey, time to wake up.”

“Mm… huh?”

Charis opened her eyes, finding herself resting on soft thighs.
Ophelia looked down, her white hair brushing Charis’s cheek.

“Not slept enough? We’re almost there.”
Ophelia pinched Charis’s cheek, jolting her upright.

“Knee… knee pillow!”
Charis realized she’d been lying down, head on Ophelia’s lap.

“You slept like a rock.
This bumpy ride, and you’re out cold?
If I hadn’t kept you from banging your head, would I let you sleep so cozy?”

Ophelia patted her white thighs, smoothing her light blue dress, her cheeks slightly flushed.

“This time… I’ll remember it. Thanks.”
Charis blinked, unsure who she’d seen in her dream—not Ophelia, who was human.

“No need for thanks.
Just play the quiet maid later.
You know how the Rodley Family feels about me—be careful.”

Ophelia grabbed her suitcase, preparing to disembark.

“Okay…”

Charis rubbed her head, a sudden thought striking her.
Could the Demon King have seen her dream?

‘I’ll ask Talos later when I get a chance.’

Stepping off the carriage, Charis saw a white mansion.

Marble steps flanked white walls, with flowerbeds of vibrant blooms standing like disciplined soldiers facing the sun.
The brown double gates stood wide open.

“Your home’s like a museum.”
Charis commented—it was far grander than the academy apartment.

“A museum? Too bad it gets few visitors.”
Ophelia shrugged, lugging her suitcase, her feelings about the place complex.

“Speaking of, you just came straight back?”
Charis noted Ophelia only left a note for her roommates, not informing anyone else.

“A sword saintess has privileges.
I’m returning as a tourist, just notifying the patriarch.”

As Ophelia spoke, a patrol nearby spotted her, recognizing her instantly.

“Miss Ophelia! You’re back?!”

A burly, bearded man, just entering middle age, ran over, his wrinkled face beaming with a hearty smile.

“Teacher Charn, long time no see.
You holding up okay?”

Ophelia smiled and nodded—she knew the bearded man.

“I’m fine.
But you, Miss, calling me teacher with your achievements?
Haha, the younger generation’s outshining us.”

“You’re too modest.
You set me on the path of swordsmanship.
I’m back this time to…”

Before Ophelia could finish, Charn cut in.

“No need to say more, Miss Ophelia.
The patriarch’s been wanting to see you—especially yesterday, he mentioned you a lot.”

“…Is that so.”
Ophelia’s face turned cold, gripping Charis’s hand tightly.
“Then, Teacher Charn, please take me to them.
I’ve got some questions to settle.”