It was so late—why would he suddenly...

No time to think. Aisha had already stepped forward with honest resolve.

Golden hair spilled over her shoulders.

Her thin nightgown swayed with each step.

She reached the door and peered cautiously through the peephole.

When she recognized the flustered youth from next door staring back—

Her heart fluttered like a trapped bird.

She flung the door open, eyes burning bright,

yet forced her face into calm neutrality, suppressing the flush creeping across her cheeks.

After all, she was Sister Elsa—a nun sworn to serve the Goddess of Light.

But youths embodied purity too.

So... if she grew a little closer to this boy...

surely that wouldn’t be wrong?

"Roy? Good evening."

"What’s happened?"

"G-good evening, Sister Elsa..."

His voice trembled.

His gaze darted away.

Those violet irises seemed to breathe—flickering bright, then dim—

like night-blooming violets drenched in mist and dew.

Aisha’s chest tightened with his unease.

"Whatever it is, Roy—I can help you!" she whispered fiercely,

softly closing her door behind her.

She stepped into the hallway, alone with him,

so as not to disturb her sister’s sleep.

Yet the raw concern in her voice was unmistakable.

Aisha stepped closer. The soft swell of her chest filled Roy’s vision.

He froze as she wrapped her arms around his stiff frame.

Beneath Sister Elsa’s tender embrace,

shyness faded—replaced by long-lost comfort.

His body slowly melted against hers,

then clung with quiet dependence.

His pale cheek rested against her warmth,

rising and falling with her breath.

Moonlight draped them like silver gauze,

painting the scene like the final stroke on a perfect portrait.

Time slipped away.

Roy’s breathing steadied.

Aisha’s skin grew hotter, her cheeks flushed.

Never before had she held a boy like this—alone, so close, for so long.

Was this luck? Or the Goddess of Light’s blessing?

*Does She whisper that love is sacred? That desire isn’t sin?*

*Must I truly obey the Church’s vows...?*

Her thoughts spiraled—until Roy’s quiet voice broke through.

"...Thank you, Sister Elsa."

"I’m better now."

"I’m sorry for troubling you again..."

He looked away, hands hanging limply at his sides—

proof he’d never once let lust taint his touch.

Unlike Aisha, whose pulse hammered wildly beneath her thin nightgown,

her modesty forgotten in her worry.

*Later*, she’d repent for craving him.

First—she needed to know why he’d come trembling to her door.

"No trouble at all!" she insisted.

"Tell me what’s wrong, Roy.

You help my sister Airi—massaging her legs, chatting to lift her spirits.

Now let me be your strength. Your safe place."

Her voice dropped, trembling.

"Or... do you not trust me?"

"No! Never!" Panic flashed across his delicate features.

"Sister Elsa... you’re the person I trust most in all of Eoliel."

He pressed a hand to his chest, earnest.

A jolt shot through Aisha’s heart.

She shuddered, biting back a gasp.

Roy continued, voice thick with memory:

"Maybe... I overreacted.

You warned me Dreamland Village was dangerous.

But I didn’t listen.

Inside... the Demonfolk were terrifying."

He shivered violently.

"They reminded me of drunken women at the tavern where I once worked—harassing me..."

Poor Roy. He’d known only hardship before finding this home.

"But Succubi are different. They’re *awake*. Hungry."

"Their stares were... naked."

"I was so scared..."

Aisha’s eyes stung. She clenched her fists.

"Did they—did they *hurt* you?!"

If they had, she’d unleash the Hero’s power right now—

shatter Dreamland Village with holy light.

Roy blinked back tears, forcing a smile—

just to ease *her* worry.

Always thinking of others.

*Who thinks of you, Roy?*

"No... nothing happened.

I delivered the herbs and ran.

But after my bath, when I tried to sleep..."

*That’s why he smells of lavender, his hair still damp.*

"Every time I closed my eyes—

their perfume choked me. Their bodies pressed close.

Hands gripped my shoulders, stroked my chest, clung to my arms...

like they wanted to take something from me."

His voice cracked.

"It felt like that night at the tavern...

when drunken women pinned me down.

If the owner hadn’t come..."

Tears spilled over.

"Sister Elsa... will you protect me?"

"Of course I will! *Of course!*"

His sobs carved wounds in her heart.

She understood now—old shadows had surfaced,

leaving this lonely boy trembling in the dark.

He’d come seeking only an embrace, a promise, comfort.

But Aisha wanted to give him *everything*.

Because he deserved it.

After a breath, she made her choice—cheeks burning.

"Roy..."

"Let me stay with you tonight."