The courtyard of the teleportation circle was much as I had left it.
Nearby, a few people stood waiting their turn, casting fleeting glances my way before returning to their own affairs. In this world, such sights were routine.
Leaving the square, I headed straight for the carriage. A servant hurried over, offering to take the lynx from my shoulders, but a firm gesture from me was enough to wave him off.
Once inside, the heavy carcass was placed on the seat beside me.
The journey home became a blur of exhaustion. Between the mental strain and the physical toll of the forest, a leaden weight seemed to settle in my limbs.
Sitting in that carriage for what felt like an eternity, I watched the world pass by until, finally, the house came into view.
Stepping out with the lynx still slung over one shoulder, I crossed the threshold. Instantly, my heart lightened at the sight awaiting me.
Sera was there, a radiant smile splitting her face. Without asking a single question, she stepped forward to take the heavy prize from me.
"Go to the bath," she said softly, leaning in. "The warm water is already prepared for you."
A quiet warmth settled in my chest. Sharing a life with someone else is a profound thing; it acts as a balm, lifting the burdens of a long day.
Before entering the bath, my clothes—caked in dried mud and the signs of the hunt—were stripped away.
The water was perfect. Sinking into it felt as though the fatigue was being washed from my very soul. It was a sensation beyond words.
Standing before the mirror afterwards, I took a moment to study my reflection. My muscles looked as if they had been carved with precision—defined, powerful, and devoid of any excess.
To my surprise, eight distinct abdominal muscles stood out instead of the usual six.
It was a sight that stroked my vanity, however slightly. Memories of boasting about such things to friends back in school surfaced for a brief moment.
Wrapped in a simple cloth, I collapsed onto the bed. Sleep was now the only priority, and heavy clothes would only hinder it.
Perhaps rest is sweeter after an exhausting day, just as food tastes better after a long fast. And perhaps the moon is beautiful only because it remains so far away.
Without further thought, the darkness of a deep, peaceful sleep took over.
Three hours later.
Something heavy and soft was pressing against my chest. Still drowning in sleep, I hovered on the edge of consciousness, unable to react.
"Wake up, Theo... wake up," a voice whispered in my ear.
The darkness was too comfortable to leave. Had it even been half an hour?
But the persistence of the person beside me eventually won. Forcing my eyes open, I stretched my aching muscles.
As my vision cleared, Sera came into focus. She was dressed in light houseclothes, sitting on the edge of the bed.
"Come," she said. "Let's eat before the food gets cold."
"I'm coming," I muttered, following her toward the dining hall.
On the way, her gaze lingered on me. "How was the hunt today? And why were you so late?"
"Ah, don't remind me," I sighed. "Death was far too close today."
Sera spun around, her eyes wide with shock. "Truly? How? With your strength, I was certain nothing in that forest could threaten you, unless..."
Before the sentence could finish, she was checking my body, lifting my shirt to inspect for injuries. Only when she was certain I was unharmed did a long breath of relief escape her.
A wave of genuine warmth washed over me. Finally, someone besides my father actually worried for my safety.
Lifting her into my arms like a princess, I tried to sound casual. "Don't worry. It wasn't a big deal—just a lack of experience."
The Level Three monster that had nearly caught me remained unmentioned; there was no need to worry her further.
In that moment, my respect for her grew. Surviving that layer enough times to become an expert was an achievement few could claim.
"Do you have any idea how worried I was?" she asked, wrapping her arms around my neck.
Words failed me. Upon reaching the dining hall, I set her down in her chair and took the seat beside her.
The food was served in a comfortable silence. Once the plates were full, Sera's expression softened.
"Theo, I'm truly sorry. I forgot to warn you about the dangers of that layer... but your rejection earlier, in such an embarrassing way... it made me angry."
The truth had to come out. I looked at her, my voice honest.
"Sera, I didn't want to embarrass you. But there was... a medical issue. Especially since it was my first time. It caused some fluid retention and painful swelling."
Sera's mouth dropped open. The words sank in slowly, replaced by a mix of reproach and light anger. Her eyes narrowed.
"Were you too ashamed to tell me something so important? I've been misinterpreting things all day! I thought you didn't enjoy being with me."
"You should have told me," she added firmly. "I am your wife; I have the right to know!"
My head lowered, unable to meet her gaze. The fault was mine, but handling a situation never experienced before was no easy task.
"Sera," I said quietly, "I just didn't know what to do. It was the first time I'd ever been in a position like that."