Don't Come Any Closer!

As the atmosphere gradually froze over, Samael broke the silence with a dry cough.

"Uh, get some sleep early. I'll keep watch outside."

"No!"

Morgan frowned and snorted, rejecting him outright.

Huh? That bold?

Samael froze, then glanced strangely at the Royal Sister beside him.

"I... I mean, I'll go sleep with Melly. You can have a tent to yourself..."

Morgan came to her senses and realized the ambiguity in her words. An unnatural flush spread across her face as she explained with a dry cough.

"Wouldn't that be inappropriate?"

"Hm?!"

This time, Morgan was the one stunned. Samael hurriedly explained, though his gaze drifted somewhat.

"Ahem, I mean, you two don't seem to get along. Forcing yourselves to stay together would be rather unfair to you."

"You needn't worry about that. You are a retainer I recruited, so naturally I must be responsible for your rewards and living arrangements!"

Morgan gave a faint snort, looking proud and certain as she headed toward Melly's tent.

Samael watched her raise a hand to wipe away the defensive spell outside before bending down and slipping inside. He opened his mouth helplessly, his face showing both the emotion of being valued and...

A trace of regret.

Forget it. They had been traveling for days; he should sleep early. They still had a journey ahead tomorrow, and plenty of work to do.

The ancient serpent stretched lazily, rose from beside the dying campfire, and prepared to head for his own tent to enjoy a pleasant dream.

"Ah!"

Suddenly, a shrill cry exploded from Melly's tent. A graceful figure in a blue-black formal dress shot out from within with lightning speed and crashed straight into Samael's arms.

"What happened?!"

Startled, Samael's expression turned grave. He immediately gripped the Witch's shoulders as though facing a great