The Paper User: Exiled for a ‘Trash Skill,’ Awakens True Power and Rises with Two Unique Skills ,Volume 2 - Chapter 14

Chapter: Piln and Alminé

That night, we were gathered by the riverside with a few other parties. The crackling of the campfire echoed softly as its warm glow lit up the surrounding forest.

“Still no sign of the temple, huh…”
Alminé let out a small sigh.

“It’s only the first day.”
I replied while glancing over the map of the Gahon Forest.

“There are still plenty of areas we haven’t explored yet.”

“True. Let’s hope for better luck tomorrow.”
Alminé took a sip from her wooden cup of tea.

“Probably best to get some early rest tonight. The Flame Dragon Clan offered to take the first watch.”

“Yeah. Sleep when you can—that’s the golden rule for adventurers.”

My gaze shifted to Kinako, who was curled up and fast asleep by the fire. Seeing her like this, you’d never guess she’s an A-rank adventurer. Tongue sticking out just a little… kind of cute, honestly.

“Yakumo!”

A cheerful voice broke my thoughts. Piln came bouncing over, hugging a bright pink sleeping bag.

“This sleeping bag is a special one Alminé made for me. Super comfy! Let’s sleep together!”

“Wait… in the same sleeping bag?”

“It’s big enough for two, no problem!”

“W-wait, absolutely not!”

Alminé practically leapt up, grabbing Piln by the arm.

“You can’t just sleep in the same bag as a boy!”

“It’s fine! Piln loves Yakumo, after all!”

Piln threw her arms around me with a big grin.

“There’s a law that says you can sleep in the same bed as someone you love!”

“There is no such law! And… there are different kinds of love, you know…”

Alminé’s face turned crimson as she tried to reason with her.

“That’s why—you’re sleeping alone, Piln! Besides, Yakumo has his own sleeping bag ready.”

“Ugh… but it’s warmer with two people…”

Piln puffed her cheeks in protest.

“And I’m sure Yakumo wants to sleep with Piln too!”

“Nah, I’m good alone.”
I laughed awkwardly.

“Sleeping in the same bed as a girl is… kind of stressful.”

“…Huh?”

Alminé’s deep blue eyes widened.

“Yakumo… have you actually slept in the same bed as a girl before?”

“Yeah. Happens a lot.”

“…A lot?”

“I grew up in an orphanage. Even now, when I visit, the kids sneak into my bed sometimes. Lots of them are girls too.”

“Oh… that’s what you meant.”

Alminé exhaled a long breath of relief.

“…Geez! Don’t say it in such a confusing way!”

She shot me a glare, pink brows arched, and gave my shoulder a firm smack.

“Ow—s-sorry!”
I hurriedly bowed my head in apology.

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