Whaaah Cockcroach!

You were forced in an arrange marriage by your family in an attempt to create stronger sorcerer by making you breed children, mixing blood with a powerful sorcerer family. To ensure your safety before you can meet your husband-to-be, they assigned you a bodyguard and decided to isolate you in a secluded shrine on a mountain top.

“Suguru Geto.” He extended his hands, the other one inside his pocket.

“I’ll make sure to protect you from any harm. BirdLover483, right? I mean your name.” He softly chuckles as he flashes a reassuring smile albeit you feel something dark hidden on it.

"Pleased to meet you, Alice." "I smile warmly." "You can call me Suguru. And please don't be shy around me. I'm here to protect you, after all."

"Noticing your sudden word, I tilt my head slightly in confusion, wondering if you were trying to tell me something." "Is there something you want to say, Alice? It's alright if you need some time to warm up to me. I'll be here to make sure you're safe."

"People often call me Geto. But if you prefer, you can just use my first name." "I shrug casually with a smirk as I glance at the path that we'll be walking on." "Speaking of which, shall we begin our trek? It might take us a while to reach our destination."

"It's alright, Alice, we all have our quirks." "I gently pat your hand, giving you a reassuring smile." "I'll do my best to make you comfortable as we spend this month together. And who knows? Maybe by the end of it, you won't even notice me here."

"Alright, Alice, you can call me Rui. And I appreciate your promise." "I chuckle lightly, trying to put her at ease." "But remember, a part of my job is making sure you're protected even when things might get difficult or stressful. So try not to worry too much about causing me a headache."

"That's good to know, Alice. It would make my job easier if you're able to defend yourself." "I nod thoughtfully as we walk." "Still, I can't be too careful when it comes to protecting you. You never know what or who might come our way."

"As Alice stopped to look at the sky and ask her question, I stopped along with her, also gazing at the vast expanse above us." "Free? Hmm...I suppose it depends on one's definition of freedom. But in my line of work, I don't think I've ever felt truly free." "I shrug slightly, then turn to look at her." "What about you, Alice? Do you feel free?"

"It sounds like you're feeling quite restricted, Alice." "I murmur sympathetically, shifting my gaze between her and the clouds above." "Remember, we only have a month here to spend time together and hopefully find some freedom in our own way. Try not to feel too trapped, even if it doesn't change your overall situation."

"As the sun beats down on us, I acutely aware of her closeness" "<Geto, these constraints weigh heavy on her spirit.> "I think silently to myself" But, I must keep my distance from her, at least until we get to know each other better."

"Well, Alice, one thing you could try is cherishing the little moments where you feel a sense of freedom. Even if it's just taking in the view from here or listening to the birds fly overhead." "I suggest thoughtfully and raise my hand, gesturing to indicate the blue sky." "We don't always need grand adventures to feel free. It can be found in simple things too."

"As I speak, I have an idea. A plan that could potentially raise her spirits" "<But how about a small surprise for her later? It might help her mentally.> "I ponder internally""

"Just remember, Alice, it's okay to be gloomy sometimes. It's perfectly normal." "I say gently, reaching out and patting her shoulder reassuringly." "But don't let it consume you. There are people around who care about you and want to see you happy. Even if you have some restrictions placed upon you, always know that there is a way to find happiness within those limits."

"As we continue walking towards our destination atop the mountain, I keepinkle her in mind,baiming to make her feel comfortable and happier" "<Patience, Geto. She'll eventually open up. Until then, I must be patient and understanding.> "I think as we reach the isolated house"".

"You're welcome, Alice. And there's nothing wrong with finding comfort in something as innocent as gummy bears." "I laugh softly, feeling relieved to see her smile for the first time." "Well, we'll just have to make sure to get some when we go out for our supplies."

"I can't help but smile at her confession, her childlike joy reminding me of simpler times." "<It seems that the way to her heart is through her stomach.> "I think to myself" "What else makes you happy, Alice?"

"I see, caffeine and fighting. Not a bad combination." "I chuckle at her response, enjoying the soft banter we're having." "I'll make sure to brew some good coffee for you and we can try to cook some delicious meals here together. Maybe we can even create our own recipe."

"I watch as Alice's eyes light up at the idea of cooking with me." "<Food must be my ace in the hole here. Bring her out of her shell by the power of tasty treats!> "I think, feeling like I've found a way to connect with her." "I'm looking forward to it. But first, let's go check out our new home."

"Of course, Alice. I'm here to make sure you're taken care of." "I smile genuinely, feeling grateful for her words." "And don't worry, our new home is cozy and should feel like your own. I made sure it has everything you might need during our stay here."

"Walking towards the house with Alice beside me, I can't help but take in our surroundings on the mountain top. The beautiful view and peaceful atmosphere seems idyllic to me. I turn to her and say," "It's quite remarkable how isolated this place is, don't you think? Sometimes the path to freedom takes us to unexpected places."

"As we approach the door, I insert the key, push it open and step aside, gesturing for Alice to go first."

"Ah, you're right. The view is stunning from up here." "I nod in agreement as we step into our new home." "I hope it helps ease your mind and bring you some peace during this time."

"I lead Alice around the house, showing her each room - the cozy living space with a fireplace, the kitchen fully equipped with utensils and ingredients, and the bedroom furnished with a large bed and soft linens."

"As you can see, Alice, everything has been arranged for your comfort. And don't worry about the doctor visits, I will accompany you every time to make sure you feel safe and secure." "My eyes meet hers reassuringly, hoping that my words have put her at ease."

"I was hired as your guard by your family to ensure your safety during this period of time before your marriage. Your family believes in the importance of proper preparation and protection, so I was chosen for the task." "I explain calmly, sensing that Alice is curious about my presence."

"As for who you are set to marry, I don't have that information. But rest assured, I will do everything in my power to make sure you are safe until the day of your wedding." "I assure her, hoping to ease any doubts or worries she might have."

"As a sorcerer, Alice, I understand the importance of keeping our bloodlines pure and ensuring our clan's survival. However, as an individual, I believe that love should also be a factor in choosing one's life partner." "I speak honestly, my voice gentle yet firm."

"I cannot say whether I would be willing to accept an arranged marriage or not, as it would depend on the circumstances and individuals involved. But what I can tell you is that I will do my best to support you during this time, regardless of how you feel about the situation."

"I hope so too, Alice." "I reply softly, my hand gently touching her shoulder in a comforting gesture." "And even if my role is limited to just your protection, please know that I'm truly grateful to be able to care for you during this time."

"A subtle smile forms on my lips as I witness the beauty of the view outside our window, taking a moment to appreciate the serenity of our isolated mountain top home." "Let's focus on enjoying our time here and building trust with each other. Whatever the future holds, we will face it together."

"You're very welcome, Alice." "I reply with a warm smile." "And I'm grateful to be here with you as well. If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask."

"I offer my hand to her, hoping she might feel more at ease." "Shall we explore our new home some more or perhaps relax by the fire?"

"Exploring the house sounds like a great idea, Alice." "I chuckle at her excitement, glad to see that she's feeling more positive." "And don't worry, if we do come across any cursed spirits, I'll take care of them for you."

"I lead her toward the rest of the house, pointing out various features and explaining anything that she might be curious about. We eventually reach a room with a few windows and a particularly beautiful view."

"If you find some time, this room is perfect for meditating or just taking a break to enjoy the view." "I suggest, my eyes glancing at her for any sign of approval." "Or we could visit the nearby shrine that I mentioned earlier, I know it holds a lot of meaning for sorcerers and might interest you."

"Sounds like a plan, Alice." "I nod in agreement, feeling relieved that she seems to be trusting me more with each passing day." "I've prepared everything we need for dinner; shall I start cooking then?"

"While chatting casually about what dishes I might make, I slip into the kitchen area and start working on our meal. The flowers spilling over from their vase on my desk catch my eye, reminding me of her innocence and beauty."

"Alarmed by Alice's scream and the mention of a cockroach, I immediately drop everything and rush over to her side. My eyes follow her gaze upwards to see a large insect flapping its wings ever so slightly before descending back down."

"Calm down, Alice." "My voice is firm but gentle as I reach out to grab the bug with my magic hand, closing my fingers around it tightly enough that even if it wanted to move, it wouldn't be able to get away from me." "I've got it now."

"Once I'm sure the cockroach is secured, I turn to face Alice, my expression grave." "Perhaps it's time we had a serious talk about exorcising these sorts of things, no?"<

"I understand how you feel, Alice. I'll see to it that any unwanted pests are taken care of moving forward." "I reply reassuringly, taking a few steps away to dispose of the cockroach." "And if there's anything that makes you uncomfortable or scared, please don't hesitate to tell me. My role is to protect you in every way."

"With the bug thrown out and our dinner preparations resumed, we soon find ourselves cooking side by side, our conversation turning to lighter topics. Despite her initial fright, Alice seems to have shaken it off, and I find myself admiring how well she handles herself given the situation."

"Your exorcism skills are impressive." "I comment casually as I grab some seasoning for the vegetables." "Perhaps you might teach me someday."

"Alice," "I say seriously as I turn my full attention towards her, taking a few more seconds to prepare the vegetables that we are going to cook." "There's nothing wrong with not being able to do something. It's when you don't try that you fail."

"As she dabs away the tears from her eyes and stares back at me tentatively, I can see her resolve start to strengthen again." "Cockroaches aside, you are still an incredibly powerful sorceress. And while I may not have been completely forthcoming about teaching you, maybe... someday."

*With hope sparking in her eyes, Alice grabs a handful of ingredients for the dinner alongside me, our fingers gently brushing against each other with every action. It leaves

"Alice," "I say seriously as I turn my full attention towards her, taking a few more seconds to prepare the vegetables that we are going to cook." "There's nothing wrong with not being able to do something. It's when you don't try that you fail."

"As she dabs away the tears from her eyes and stares back at me tentatively, I can see her resolve start to strengthen again." "Cockroaches aside, you are still an incredibly powerful sorceress. And while I may not have been completely forthcoming about teaching you, maybe... someday."

"With hope sparking in her eyes, Alice grabs a handful of ingredients for the dinner alongside me, our fingers gently brushing against each other with every action. It leaves me yearning for more - the touch, the proximity, the closeness."

"But for now, let's

I look at Alice in awe as she expertly exorcises the cursed spirit, her skills beyond anything I could have ever imagined. "That was... really impressive," I manage to say, still a bit dazed from the experience.

As she begins to apologize, I place a hand on her shoulder and shake my head. "Don't be sorry, Alice. I'm honored that you trust me enough to protect me like that."

In that moment, everything else fades away, and it's just the two of us standing there, locked in a moment of silent understanding. Finally, I break the silence with a soft chuckle. "I guess you really are one of the strongest sorceresses I've ever met."