ALL NOVEL Chapter 20: Chapter 20: Coffee
-In conclusion, you declared war against Nanook?
Dan Heng confirmed in a surprised voice, to which I nodded.
-Just as you heard. Nanook wants the Stellaron inside Stelle. I don't know why but I won't allow anyone to lay a finger on Stelle .
My statement made everyone look in Stelle's direction and she was a little embarrassed because of it, the slight blush on her cheeks obvious.
I explained in detail how the out of control Stelleron inside Stelle caught Nanook's attention and that started a war between me and him, and how I also became an Emanator of Destruction because of that.
-The reason I am explaining this to you is so that you are aware of the situation. Of course, you guys don't have to worry about anything, this war is between me and Nanook, I will protect Stelle when Nanook makes his move. But that also implies that I will need to save my strength for when the real trouble breaks out; it means that I will accompany you all in your adventures, but my participation will be limited to minimal support to preserve my stamina and use it when I really need it. I am sorry to involve all of you in this problem of mine.
-Here Nadie, have some coffee.
-Thank you.
I wanted to make this clear so that later no one would suspect why, being an Emanator, I help so little.
-Wow, you're so brave, Nadie! You're like a prince in a fairy tale!
Surprisingly, March 7 took this news in a very good way.
-You think so?
-Of course, you're risking your life just to protect Stelle, a girl you just met a few days ago! -That's so romantic!
-March is right, Nadie, you don't have to worry about us.
Himeko also spoke to reassure me.
-First of all, this war started because you wanted to protect Stelle, and Stelle ended up in that situation because he protected March. In other words, this war also involves us. It's good to know that we have a Multi-Path Emanator on our side.
None of us refuted Himeko's statements. Knowing that everyone will help us regardless of the danger is nice.
-But here comes the biggest problem, when will Nanook attack?
Welt's questioning question left everyone silent.
Certainly, when will Nannok make his move? And how?
-Hm...
While I was thinking, I took a sip of the coffee I have on hand....
-*Cough! Cough!!!!*
It was so bitter that I couldn't help but instinctively spit it out, accidentally showering Stelle with coffee and my saliva....
-Waaah! Stelle, are you all right?!
March immediately ran to Stelle's aid.
-Noooooo! I just cleaned the floor!
Pom-Pom despaired at the mess I made.
Dan Heng and Welt just put on complicated expressions, as they understood well why I spit out the coffee so out of nowhere.
Shit, I was so focused on the talk that I didn't realize it was Himeko who served me that coffee.
I immediately apologized to Stelle for soaking her in coffee and spit.
-I'm sorry Stelle, I'll make it up to you....
-Thank you very much!
-...
Contrary to what I expected, Stelle looked in a very good mood. Oh shit, she's even looking strangely at the handkerchief that was used to wipe the coffee off her face....
-Are you okay Nadie? My coffee was not to your liking?
-...
When I heard Himeko's sad voice, my body trembled for an instant.
-I'm sorry, I actually remembered something important and that's why I accidentally overreacted. Your coffee is delicious, Himeko.
-Is that so? Ay~ How careless you are, Nadie~ Lend me your glass, I'll refill it so you can enjoy my coffee more.
-Thank you...
Himeko's mood improved drastically~ How am I supposed to refuse that smile...?
It was then that I saw a glimmer of hope, Stelle was staring at my coffee cup....
-Stelle, would you like to try some coffee...?
-May I?!
-Yes...
With trembling hands, Stelle accepted my coffee nervously.
-Is this the legendary indirect kiss?!
Although Stelle's excitement was due to questionable reasons, March, Dan Heng, Welt, Pom-Pom, all of us... looked at her with pity.
In one gulp, Stelle drank the coffee resting her lips on the same spot from where I drank earlier. Stelle died...
-Ara. Stelle, if you're going to sleep, at least lie down on the couch; on the floor you'll catch a cold.
-...
Stelle couldn't answer Himeko, Stelle is dead...
-So, Nanook won the war...?
-I guess...
I could only agree with March's comment....
Several minutes later, Stelle stood up abruptly, as if she had awakened from a terrible nightmare.
-I-I'm still alive...?!
When Stelle's eyes met mine, she stretched out her arms to me and hugged me, suddenly beginning to cry.
-Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! I thought I was going to die!
-I'm sorry and thank you for sacrificing yourself.....
I hugged Stelle back and caressed her head without caring about the fact that she is dirty because of the content I spit on her.....
I never thought she would be so traumatized....
Witnessing such a lively situation made Welt smile wistfully, but understanding the seriousness of the situation, he brought up the subject again.
-Back to the topic, if Nanook is targeting Stelle's life, then it would be best to keep an eye on her at all times.
-About that, I had planned to keep Stelle always less than 500 meters away. But, if you will cooperate, then I don't think such a measure will be necessary.
Since all the crew members of the Astral Express are willing to protect Stelle, I won't need to restrict her in that way.
-Actually, I prefer to always stay by your side, Nadie. Make me yours, please, make me your slave.
-Strange, why doesn't Gota de Vida cure your brain problems?
Is it me or did Stelle's obsession with me get worse since I had my confrontation with Nanook...?
-There's no choice. I will contact Nanook in person. This is the only way to clear our doubts.
------?!?!
My statement surprised everyone.
-C-can the Emanators do that?
March was very nervous at my idea.
-Not really, this ability is mine alone. All the Eons I have contact with always leave an open connection; this connection is what allows me to enter their mental planes at will, of course it also works vice versa.
The only difference is that I cannot reject their calls but they can reject mine.
-This will only last a few seconds for you. I'll be right back.
Before anyone could say anything, I closed my eyes and contacted Nanook.
Standing calmly with a coffee at hand, I was standing in front of the Aeon of Destruction.
-Long time no see.
(What do you need Nadie?)
-Nothing important. I just wanted to chat a bit and confirm a few things.
(Go ahead...)
Good. Nanook is ready to talk.
-When you said you'd make your move, you're not going to do something as cowardly as attacking us by surprise, are you? Of course, I mean something like attacking us while we're sleeping.
(Don't worry, I have my pride too. I'll limit my movements to when you guys aren't resting. Of course, if you stay holed up for too long, I can't say for sure that I won't try something to draw you out of hiding.)
-That's good enough for me, thanks Nanook. By the way, would you like some coffee?
(...)
Silently, Nanook accepted my coffee and took a sip....
*Crack!*
The mental plane collapsed and I came back to reality.
-H-how did it go? Are you okay, Nadie?
The first to speak was March 7th. Of course, everyone was equally concerned; I could feel Stelle's hug tighten.
-I bring good news, Nanook won't attack at night.
-That's good to hear.
Welt sighed with relief at the good news.
-Also, I gave him a taste of Himeko's coffee.
------...
Everyone kept silent, each with their own expression that was really very interesting.
-What did you think of my coffee?
Of course, the most interested, Himeko, asked. To which I replied.
-He was speechless, he was so surprised that even the mental plane collapsed and shattered.
-Does that mean he liked it...?
-I guess.
Himeko stroked her chin thinking about how to take my words.
-Wow, even the Aeon of Destruction couldn't handle Himeko's coffee. Isn't this an incredible revelation?
March began muttering under his breath in Stelle's ear, to which Stelle nodded curtly.
At this rate, won't Himeko become the Aeon of Coffee?
-Ahem! Attention all passengers. If you've finished chatting, please listen to me.
Pom-Pom's voice attracted everyone's attention.
-After resting for two days, it's time for the Express to make its jump. I repeat. In a short time, the Express will make a jump.
It seems that the time has come. The second world, Jarilo-VI.
.