DanMachi: Ultimate Lich King

When Arthas returned to the dining room, Jubstacheit was gone; Illya sat alone, fidgeting.

"Where's Mr. Jubstacheit?"

Arthas asked; Illya answered hesitantly.

"Grandfather went to rest. Elderly people can't stay up late."

Arthas nodded, sat down, and ate. They ate in awkward silence.

"I'll return to my room, Miss Illya."

"Actually… that's my room, not a guest room."

Illya said as Arthas stood, surprising him.

"It's your room? Where's the guest room?"

"Wh… why a guest room? Is that strange? Do you dislike me?"

Illya's face flushed.

"How could anyone dislike such a beautiful woman, Miss Illya?"

Arthas replied uncomfortably; the atmosphere grew awkward.

"Then… why ask? We're married; is there something wrong with us living together?"

Illya looked at Arthas with teary eyes; her appearance was devastatingly effective.

Even Arthas, accustomed to beautiful women, was momentarily captivated. He imagined Riveria looking at him like that.

But he quickly apologized to Illya.

Longing for another woman in front of his soon-to-be wife was despicable.

Though he loved Riveria and felt nothing for Illya yet, he didn't see Illya as a replacement for Riveria. This was disrespectful to both.

"Arthas, why are you looking at me like that?"

"I'm sorry, Illya."

"Why apologize?" Illya tilted her head, then seemed to understand.

"Because… of the woman you love? She must be very happy."

"I'm sorry, Illya. I know this is inappropriate."

"It's okay, Arthas. You'll return to your world; being your wife for this time is fortunate."

"Ten years. We'll be married for ten years. I should apologize to the girl you love."

Illya forced a smile.

"Though it's only ten years, I want to satisfy you as your wife."

Even if Arthas didn't return, they would only be married for ten years; after that, she would die as the Grail's vessel. This was her predetermined fate.

"No. Not ten years. I'll keep you alive, forever, as my wife."

"Forever?"

Illya paused, then smiled wryly at Arthas.

He doesn't know… I'm a homunculus, the Grail's vessel.

But he'll find out; will he still say that?

His wish is to return to his world, to the one he loves. Being the Grail's vessel, fulfilling his wish, should be enough.

Though my fate is sealed, I want to care for you in these last ten years, even as a replacement.

Illya's expression softened. She approached Arthas, taking his arm.

"Let's go, Arthas. Forget the guest room. As husband and wife, we should sleep together."

"Right…"

Arthas nodded; he didn't object.

Arthas had left this room earlier; the maid had cleaned it; the spacious room was tidy.

It was excessively large; only a bed was present.

They sat on the bed's edge, staring at each other in silence.

Why is this so awkward… I never felt this way with Hestia. Why is it so awkward with Illya?

Arthas wondered, staring at Illya; she shyly averted her gaze.

Arthas felt awkward; Illya felt the same. Despite her preparation, becoming the wife of a stranger she'd met less than a day ago was disconcerting.

Especially what to do next. As husband and wife… they couldn't just sleep. They can do things like knowing each other, so that they can be more comfortable talking to one another.

Thinking of what she'd learned, Illya's face flushed crimson.

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