Chapter 35: This is the Sleep Demon

At night, inside the church’s room.

“Lord Lucia, the conditions here aren’t great. Please bear with it.”

Fratina hung her coat by the bedpost, glancing at Lucia on the other bed, her tone apologetic.

The room’s size and bed comfort paled compared to the valley’s.

“It’s fine. Having a room is good enough.”

Lucia was sincere. The church was small, and Alexius’s soldiers camped outside. Only Dorothy, Fratina, and she were invited to stay in vacant rooms.

As the Saintess, Dorothy had a private room, leaving Lucia and Fratina to share a double.

Compared to the soldiers camping, their conditions were decent.

Besides, few places on the continent rivaled Lucia’s home.

Since she’d decided to travel with Fratina, Lucia was prepared to adapt.

Sharing a room with Fratina… her cheeks warmed slightly.

When Fratina removed her coat, revealing her graceful figure, Lucia’s breathing quickened.

Realizing her reaction, she covered her face and turned away.

Seeing Lucia turn, Fratina felt a pang of disappointment.

‘Does a proud dragon like Lucia feel degraded sharing a room with me?’

She shook off the thought and lay down.

Midnight came, and Fratina tossed and turned while Lucia slept deeply.

Staring at the cloaked Lucia, Fratina grew curious.

What face hid beneath that cloak?

A stern, heroic one? A handsome, chiseled one? Or something softer, more delicate?

Her imagination leaned toward masculine features.

Since Lucia’s cloaked height matched hers, Fratina didn’t picture her as petite.

The more she thought, the more restless she became, tempted to lift the cloak and see.

But then she broke into a cold sweat.

The contract’s terms came to mind. Lucia’s secrecy likely maintained her mystique and authority.

Lifting the cloak could violate the contract.

And who knew if Lucia was feigning sleep?

“…Lord Lucia?”

Fratina called softly.

No response.

She grew convinced—Lucia was pretending!

Her voice, though soft, was loud in the quiet room.

How could a powerhouse like Lucia not react?

‘She still doesn’t fully trust me.’

Fratina felt dejected.

But she reassured herself. They’d only known each other a month—expecting closeness was unrealistic.

With that, she turned over and fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning, Dorothy woke first.

She knocked on Fratina and Lucia’s door, then gently entered.

Fratina, roused by the knock, was just getting up.

Lucia remained in bed.

“Lucia, you awake?”

Dorothy approached her.

No response.

Fratina’s heart skipped. She’d slept late and woke slightly dizzy, but Lucia was still out?

‘Did Lucia stay up all night? She must’ve heard me call her but didn’t respond, waiting for me to slip up!’

She shivered, glad she hadn’t acted impulsively.

Unaware of Fratina’s thoughts, Dorothy, seeing Lucia still asleep, nudged her.

Instead of waking, Lucia swatted Dorothy’s arm lightly.

“Don’t bother me… let me sleep…”

Her lazy tone, clear even through the cloak, made Dorothy and Fratina exchange glances.

“Sister Fratina, does she always sleep in like this?”

“I don’t know…”

Fratina was puzzled.

‘Did Lucia stay up till dawn? Why else wouldn’t she wake?’

“Lord Lucia’s usually not like this. At least… she’s awake when I return from work.”

“When do you get back?”

“I clean in the morning, wash clothes, then hunt…”

“When do you finish hunting?”

“Not sure, but if it goes well, I’m back by afternoon.”

“Afternoon…”

Dorothy sweated.

Sleeping past noon was godly.

“Forget it.”

Seeing Lucia wouldn’t wake, Dorothy didn’t force her.

“We’re heading back to the Papal State. We came to rescue you, and now that you’re fine, I’ve got work to do.”

“You’re leaving?”

“Yes.”

Dorothy nodded.

“As the Saintess, I have responsibilities to fulfill.”

“What about you, Sister Fratina? If you’re heading to the Papal State, we could travel together.”

“I’m not going there.”

Fratina shook her head.

“I’m going to the Adventurers’ Guild to check for quests.”

“That’s so you.”

Dorothy smiled.

“Then we’ll head out first.”

“Okay.”

Fratina returned a smile.

At the door, Dorothy paused, turning back. “Oh, Sister Fratina.”

“What?”

Dorothy glanced at the sleeping Lucia, gesturing with her chin.

“Keep your dragon in check. If she causes panic, it’ll be tough for the Church and local forces.”

“I’ll… try.”

Fratina scratched her cheek awkwardly.

Even as the Church’s forces departed, Lucia remained fast asleep.