Page 62 of I Ran Away to Evil #3

I Don’t Want to Break Your Bed

Gerda

Calm your pants, Gerda.

The room, my room , was a cozy space that I’d made to my taste. In the process of reviving the duke, I hadn’t noticed how small it really was. Now, Julian was standing so close that I could feel my gown catching on his legs and my long hair brushing against him.

But as much as I wanted to push Julian back onto my bed and have my way with him … that would be a bad life choice.

Instead, I said, “For one, I only need to reach the Northern Fortress so I can connect my home to your drawbridge. Then it won’t matter if I pop out a few times a day to give out riddles.”

“How do you know my fortress has a drawbridge?” Julian asked, that same small smile tempting me.

I put my hands on my hips. “I’m Madame Potts, remember?”

The best excuse for all of my game lore.

“And you’re still going to pop out on any bridge in the Dark Enchanted Forest with a traveler even knowing assassins are after you?” His brow furrowed.

“Yes,” I replied, crossing my arms. It put an extra barrier between me and my unfairly attractive guest. “I highly doubt any normal assassin is going to get me while I’m on my own bridge.

I look forward to the challenge.” I hadn’t needed to go all out since the Bridge Battle.

It would be fun to see what tricks the assassins’ guilds had up their sleeve.

Julian relaxed his stance. “Alright then, if you’re sure?”

“Sure as sure.” Even the fact that he accepted I could take care of myself made me like him. Gah. “I’ve faced entire armies. Worst case, I portal away and take the loss.”

I wasn’t going to tell him that in the real worst-case scenario, I had a ring full of magical items to fall back on.

So many overpowered endgame items; from my legendary set to potions to my two phoenix tail feathers.

Once equipped, a phoenix tail feather replaced any death with [Reborn], bringing someone back to full power.

I could only equip one at a time, so it wasn’t foolproof should I get killed twice in a row—but I’d just try to portal out before anyone noticed my revival.

“Besides, I wouldn’t be a bridge troll if I didn’t properly toll all of my bridges,” I added, ignoring the fact I’d neglected to pop out and face any of the fifty-three people who’d crossed my bridges today.

Hey, I was still on vacation.

“We will have to make a plan.” Julian reached out to grab a lock of my now clean hair that was touching his arm and played with it with his fingers. “So my party members know what to expect when you suddenly disappear.”

Alright, it was too much for me to handle that level of fan service.

Taking a step back, my hair gently fell from his palm. The reading-nook bench pressed up against my heel, so I couldn’t back up anymore, but even this small amount of space made it easier.

“That’s tomorrow Gerda’s problem,” I said. He laughed at the phrase, genuinely amused. Before he could speak, I continued. “For now, I think it’s time we get back to the ball.”

Julian flinched. “My mother is probably worried.”

“Yes.”

“Alright.” He looked pained to say it but drew himself up and offered me his arm. “How do we get back?”

“You should reactivate your shield first,” I told him.

“We’ll have to stand closer,” he replied. “There isn’t much room in here, and I don’t want to break your bed.”

I bit my lip to stop myself from saying what I wanted to. It took all my willpower, but I held it in.

We came together, and as I took his offered arm, I felt the shield go up.

“Alright, hold on,” I said, activating my perk as I took a small step back. “[World Bridge].”

I made my selection. There was a pull, and the room faded away as we walked onto the sky bridge in the Coral Palace.

No one shot at us, but there was a welcome waiting.

“Your Grace. Miss Gerda.” Lord Johnathon stood with three knights. “The grand duchess is awaiting you.”