Chapter 401: Our Versions Are Too Different
Nothing Artoria did could be explained by Jin, and Artoria understood this.
Jin had already spoken so plainly, and Artoria was certainly not foolish.
When Artoria was born, she possessed much common knowledge, including an understanding of the differences between men and women.
She was not ignorant or a blank slate.
"You went to spy on such a thing," Artoria said, reaching out to flick Jin's head. Jin, however, dodged with ease.
"Hmph! How can you call it spying? I am observing, preparing for the future. My master does not stop me, which proves he loves me!" Jin declared. "One day, my master will belong to me."
She gazed at Artoria with pity. "Poor Artoria, your version and mine are far too different. You know, that fellow Yin? After her master and those women did that sort of thing, she could stroll into the room, unfazed, and slip into her master's arms to sleep. And here you are, fretting over this and that. You and I are not even in the same dimension anymore."
Jin's smug expression nearly made Artoria burst with frustration.
How could Jin boast so proudly about something so embarrassing? Was Artoria truly too old-fashioned?
At that moment, Artoria began to question her entire existence.
She also knew Giada, who had been born around the same time as Jin. That woman, so new to the world, was already so bold. Did she never feel shy?
"Alright, Artoria, stop hesitating," Jin said. "I told the master you wanted to surprise him. Do not keep him waiting too long."
Jin floated up from Artoria's shoulder, moved behind her, and gave her a gentle push forward.
A tiny figure pushing Artoria seemed odd, but Artoria was used to it. Jin was no ordinary being, after all.
Though still a bit confused, Artoria was no longer as hesitant as before. Jin's mention of Giada's boldness had strengthened her resolve.
No matter how shy she felt, she had to take the lead.
After a few steps, Artoria patted her warm cheeks with both hands, gave herself a silent pep talk, and began to move forward with purpose.
Tap, tap, tap.
In the quiet night, the valley was silent except for the soft chirping of insects.
Artoria and Jin passed through an ancient forest in the valley and reached a grassy plain fragrant with the scent of plants.
Whoosh, whoosh.
A cool evening breeze, carrying a hint of moisture, brushed across their skin, refreshing and light.
The grass before Artoria swayed as if stretching. The leaves in the forest behind rustled, creating a gentle melody.
Artoria placed both hands over her heart, feeling nervous.
In the distance, by a small lake under a pink blossom tree, stood a figure.
Her master! He was right there.
"Haa…"
Artoria took a few deep breaths, steadying herself. It is fine. Just pretend you are wearing ordinary clothes.
Soon, she found her confidence.
At some point, Jin vanished from her side, but Artoria barely noticed. Her eyes were fixed on that lone figure.
Tap, tap, tap.
One step, two steps.
"Artoria, welcome back," Kai said with a smile, watching her approach. Her bold attire and flushed cheeks caught his eye.
"I… Master, I am back," Artoria replied, meeting Kai's smiling eyes. His deep gaze reflected her image, making her stammer slightly.
She had returned to him several times before, but she always fled after his teasing. This time, though, she had come to him willingly.
"Artoria, come sit," Kai said with a chuckle, patting the spot beside him as her eyes darted nervously.
"Yes, Master," she replied absently, sitting next to him with a flutter of nerves.
As she settled, she instinctively leaned toward Kai but caught herself and stopped.
"Tell me about the kingdom's progress," Kai said, noticing her inner struggle and offering a topic to ease her mind.
At this, Artoria's tension melted away. She began speaking eagerly.
"Master, the twelve holy knights of the Corti Kingdom are now in place…" she said, her words flowing freely.
The breeze stirred the blossom tree, carrying the scent of flowers and the soft murmur of Artoria's voice.
Kai listened quietly, watching her closely—her animated brows, emerald eyes, and flushed face.
As time passed, Artoria realized she was rambling. She finished her last sentence with a slight stammer, then met Kai's calm gaze.
"Master…" she said, her mouth dry for reasons she could not name.
"You are beautiful, Artoria," Kai said suddenly.
"W-what? Truly?" Artoria replied, flustered by the unexpected compliment. She had wondered if her efforts to dress up had gone unnoticed, but now it seemed they had worked.
Her neck flushed red with shyness, and Kai found her reaction amusing.
Each woman he knew brought out a different side of him. With Retsu, it was playful bickering; with Esdeath, encouragement; with Giada, restraint; with Asami, a sibling-like bond. But with Artoria, it was teasing—a dynamic shaped by her personality.
Thump.
Kai leaned closer, pressing one hand against the blossom tree, gently trapping Artoria.
"You excite me, Artoria," he said softly, his face near hers. He leaned in, brushing his nose lightly against her neck, inhaling her warm, ethereal scent—a reflection of her unique power.
Artoria's heart raced as his face drew so close. The intimacy was overwhelming, not just because of the moment but because of what might happen next. The thought left her feeling weak.
"Haa…"
She took a deep breath, catching his scent—natural, peaceful, profound. It calmed her slightly.
Gazing at his face, she made her decision.
Thump.
In a swift motion, their positions reversed. Kai leaned against the tree, and Artoria, blushing fiercely, pressed herself closer, her watery eyes meeting his.
Her gaze wavered, and Kai felt a spark of amusement at her boldness.
"Master… I offer you all my love," she said, her voice trembling with courage as she pushed past her shame.
Without waiting for a reply, she closed her eyes and leaned in, pressing her lips to his.
Her eyelids fluttered as she felt the closeness. Kai's eyes held a smile as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her soft form tightly against him, as if they could melt into one.
By the lake, the flower field glowed faintly, fireflies dancing in the air. Their soft light cast long shadows over the embracing pair.
At last, the shadows faded.
Whoosh, whoosh.
The breeze stirred again, rustling the leaves.
A tiny golden light floated down from the pink blossom tree—Jin.
She glanced at the spot where the figures had vanished, then drifted to a branch and sat, swinging her feet.
"When I help my master with his plans, I am helping myself," she muttered with a smirk. "Silly master, fall in love with me soon! Then I can do whatever I please. Heh… yawn."
( End of the chapter )