Demonic Dragon: Harem System

"Who was that man?" Strax asked, stepping back a little from Cristine. They had been too close, which made them both somewhat embarrassed. But there was no time for sentimentality; the murderous aura from that man was far worse than anything he had ever felt in his life.

"Elites of the Association..." Cristine murmured, still a bit flushed after realizing what she had done with Strax—feeling his body that way. It was a problem for her as she was suppressing some things.

"Elite? Are they all like that?" Strax asked, looking around while maintaining his camouflage with the Night King's Steps. Cristine did the same, using her shadowy steps to blend into the air, but their voices could still be heard if someone approached.

"Honestly, I don't know completely. My branch has always been focused solely on your family's Duchy, so I'm seeking more information. The Elders are easier to handle; the problem is with the Elites, which is why we came here," Cristine said, panting. She seemed… "Are you okay?" Strax asked. She nodded, "Yes… I just… ah…" She couldn't finish her sentence, her body visibly trembling.

Her legs buckled, and she leaned on Strax to avoid falling.

"Oops," Strax said, catching her and helping her sit on a nearby stone ledge, his expression now darker. "What's going on? You didn't look like this before."

"It's just… sudden fatigue," Cristine explained with difficulty, trying to regain control. "I wasn't prepared for the intensity of that man's murderous aura. Combined with recent stress, it's affecting me more than I expected."

Strax frowned, assessing the situation. "You should rest a bit before continuing. There might be more dangers around, and you need to be in condition to handle them."

"I know," Cristine replied, still panting. "I'll recover quickly. Just… keep watch."

Strax nodded, keeping a vigilant eye around while Cristine took deep breaths to regain her strength.

"I'll stay close to you," Strax said, trying to offer some comfort. "Don't worry too much, no one will see you like this."

Cristine looked at him, her eyes still somewhat glazed but with a glimmer of gratitude. "Thank you. I… guess the stress is really getting to me. I just need a moment."

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As she tried to compose herself, Cristine's face went pale, and her legs started to tremble alarmingly. Without warning, she collapsed, falling to the ground with a soft sigh. Strax, on high alert, was momentarily paralyzed before quickly leaning in to help her.

"Christin!" Strax exclaimed, his voice filled with panic as he lifted her in his arms. His eyes widened at her unconscious expression. "No! What's happening?"

He quickly examined her, trying to gauge the seriousness of the situation. The stress and weakness seemed to have done more damage than he had imagined. His heart raced, each second felt like an eternity as he checked if she was breathing normally.

"This fool… how long has she gone without sleep? This isn't just stress or some nonsense; her body was already at its limit," Strax said, struggling to stay calm. Realizing that his priority now was to ensure Cristine's safety and that she would regain consciousness, he cradled her securely in his arms like a princess.

"It looks like stress defeated her," Strax murmured, concern evident in his voice. "I need to find a safe place to rest. We can't stay here too long."

The nearest motel seemed to be the most viable option, considering the urgent need for a safe place and the distance to the inn they were staying at, which was too far to travel in such a critical situation.

The night mist enveloped the city, and the distant sounds of music and pedestrians' footsteps seemed almost muffled by the internal turmoil of Strax.

Finally, the flashing sign of a modest motel came into view. Strax paused at the entrance, adjusting Cristine's weight in his arms before entering the establishment. The receptionist, a woman with a tired look, lifted her eyes when he approached.

"I need a room," Strax said. The receptionist glanced at him with a tired expression upon noticing Cristine's condition, and she didn't seem to care. "Sure, sir, a bronze coin per hour. If she dies, we are not responsible," she said neutrally.

'…' Strax looked, unsure how to react. He left six bronze coins, and she took the keys and registered the reservation. Strax paid for the room and thanked her before heading down the hall, carrying Cristine carefully. The room keys jingled in his hand as he walked quickly.

Upon reaching the room, he used the key to open the door and entered, gently placing Cristine on the bed. The room was simple but provided what was necessary: a comfortable bed and a quiet environment. Strax closed the door behind him and adjusted the lighting to create the calmest and coziest atmosphere possible.

"Cristine, you'll be okay," Strax said in a reassuring tone while making sure she was comfortable. He sat beside her, monitoring her breathing and waiting for signs of recovery. "Rest easy. I'll stay here and make sure nothing disturbs you." He murmured, settling into the chair next to the bed.

The hours passed slowly, marked by the silence of the room and Strax's constant vigilance. He remained seated beside Cristine's bed, his gaze attentive and mind alert. The soft light from the bedside lamp cast reassuring shadows on the walls, but the atmosphere was charged with palpable tension.

Suddenly, a low, restless murmur began to emanate from Cristine. Her body started to twitch slightly, and her face showed an expression of distress. Strax leaned in, concerned, and heard a muffled groan that intensified.

Cristine was having a nightmare. Her body trembled, and she mumbled incomprehensible words, her breathing quickening. Strax, feeling the urgent need to comfort her, approached carefully.

"Cristine," he called softly, trying to wake her. "Cristine, wake up. I'm here."

The nightmare seemed to be consuming her. She began to move frantically, her expression twisted by pain and fear. Strax took her hand, trying to establish a physical connection that might help her escape the torment.

"Cristine, it's just a nightmare," he said in a calm but firm voice.

She seemed to hear Strax's voice, but the nightmare still held her captive. The images of the nightmare were evident in her expression: threatening faces, a sense of being pursued, and the overwhelming feeling of imminent danger.

Finally, with a jolt, Cristine abruptly woke, her eyes opening with a frightened look. She sat up with a start, breathing heavily, and looked around with an expression of confusion and relief upon recognizing the safe environment of the room.

"Strax…" She murmured, still dazed. "It was horrible… I couldn't… They were…"

"Shhh," Strax gently interrupted, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It was just a nightmare. You're okay, you're safe here."

Cristine looked at him, her eyes still filled with fear and tears. Strax noticed the intensity of the situation and, carefully, pulled her into a comforting embrace. The warmth and presence of Strax had some effect on her...

"I'm here," Strax said softly, his tone gentle and encouraging. "Nothing will hurt you. Just take deep breaths and try to calm down."

Cristine snuggled against him, her body still trembling a bit but beginning to calm down gradually.

The sense of safety provided by Strax helped dispel the memories of the nightmare, and she started to breathe more calmly.

"Thank you," she said with a trembling voice.

The warmth of Strax's presence and the security of his embrace were beginning to bring an unexpected comfort to Cristine.

She felt something deeper and new stirring inside her, something not merely gratitude but something she had never experienced before.

As her breathing steadied and the fear began to dissipate, Cristine pulled back slightly to look into Strax's eyes.

The eye contact between them was intense and charged with unspoken emotions.

She was beginning to realize the depth of her feelings, something that challenged her cold and calculated nature.

Strax noticed the change in Cristine's expression and, with a gentle gesture, brushed his hand along the side of her face, as if wanting to reassure her that she was truly okay. "Do you feel better?" he asked kindly, waiting for a response.

Cristine nodded slowly, her eyes locked on his.

Strax's touch, though subtle, seemed to ignite something within her that had long been dormant.

Her feelings were in conflict, but there was a growing clarity that she was starting to see Strax in a very different light.

"I am," Cristine replied, her voice barely a whisper. "I… I never thought I could feel something like this." They were so close that she could feel his breath against her.

With a gentle gesture, he tilted his head slightly, as if inviting Cristine to take the next step. Well, he had already suspected something like this could happen, so there was no reason to pretend it wasn't.

Without thinking much, Cristine leaned towards Strax, her eyes fixed on his with an unexpected intensity. She hesitated for a moment, struggling against the overwhelming sensation consuming her.

But she didn't mind doing what she wanted.

Their lips met in a soft kiss, a tentative attempt to express the complex feelings emerging inside her.

The kiss was brief but intense, filled with raw and sincere emotions. When they pulled apart, Cristine's eyes were filled with a mix of vulnerability and insecurity. She seemed surprised by what she had done, and Strax, still with the touch of her lips on his, smiled gently.

"Are you feeling better?" he asked.

"Yes..."