The Transmigrated Author

Chapter 269 Just being you is enough.

I trudged through the seemingly endless hallways, fatigue weighing heavily on my eyelids. I was so exhausted that I figured I'd just collapse wherever I landed.

But then, I stumbled upon a room filled with rows upon rows of wine and liquor bottles.

It must've been the Cellar Anouz talked about during out negotiations.

I recognized the dimly lit space from what he had mentioned.

The place was surprisingly well-maintained, with organized shelves displaying a variety of used and unused bottles.

"I wasn't always a drinker," I mused, running a hand along a dusty shelf, "but I do miss the taste of alcohol..."

My eyes landed on a collection of gleaming canteens. I picked one up and gave it a sniff. New and unused. Perfect. I selected a bottle of expensive vodka and poured myself a generous serving.

"It's better to find a nice view outside to share this commemoration," I decided, tucking the canteen into my pocket.

I wandered through the mansion, searching for the perfect spot.

Finally, I found a balcony that offered a breathtaking view of the moonlit grounds. I pushed open the doors and stepped out, gazing up at the night sky.

"Beautiful," I whispered, taking a sip of the vodka.

The taste hit me like a slap in the face. It wasn't the smooth, refined flavor I remembered. My body, no longer accustomed to alcohol, reacted with a jolt of unpleasantness.

"Not the taste of perfection I had in mind," I grimaced, "but a drink will always remain as it is."

I couldn't recall the last time I'd had a drink. A vague memory surfaced, a single drink shared with someone...but I quickly pushed the thought aside.

It brought me the same pain, that I didn't want to deal with.

Even so, the past will forever be the same but the present will be as it should.

Changing and always constant.

"I'll change the world,"

I declared, raising my canteen towards the moon as I leaned against the balcony railing.

"Change the world?" a voice echoed from behind me.

"Ah!" I flinched, startled.

"Who izz it..." The alcohol had finally caught up with me, and I slurred my words, struggling to maintain my balance.

I turned to see Valencia bathed in the moonlight. Everything about her looked so beautiful to me. Her long blonde hair flowed down her shoulders, the elegant nightgown moved around her like liquid silver, and her face...she never failed to surprise me with her appearance.

It was as if I was living in a dream.

"Rel... what are you doing here in the middle of the night?"

Valencia took a few steps closer, but then suddenly came to a stop.

Sniff sniff...

"Yuck," she wrinkled her nose. "Are you an alcoholic at this age? Seriously?"

Even from a few meters away, she could smell the strong scent of vodka.

"I- Uh... Sorry... I didn't think you'd hic... see me like this..."

"Okay, okay... I'll get you to somewhere you can sleep."

Supporting his weight, she carefully guided him towards a small lounge within the mansion, not far from the girls' room.

...

...

...

Valencia gently lowered Rel onto the soft cushions of the couch and Valencia herself took a seat.

Carefully with Rel's head she had him resting comfortably in her lap.

As she watched him, she felt a strange feeling of peace.

Rel always had his face, usually so stoic and distant, but this time.

Everything about his expression was something new to her.

She, couldn't help but smile.

"You know, I... I can never quite figure you out. It always feels like you're pushing me away, yet somehow, you pull me back in."

"..."

He didn't respond as his gaze was fixed on the ceiling.

"I know you're not even awake," she continued, "but I just feel like I need to say these things. It feels... right."

Valencia traced the lines of his face and her fingers lingered on his soft hair.

He was so different from the others, so mysterious, so... alluring.

She'd never felt this way about anyone before.

"Why are you always so...distant? I always feel like you're always there, but you're never really there."

Just as she thought Rel had fallen asleep, his voice thick with drowsiness broke the silence.

"I don't know, I guess..."

He glanced at Valencia once more and closed his eyes.

"I'm just not good at expressing myself."

"...!"

Valencia felt butterflies erupt in her stomach, and a blush warmed her cheeks.

As she heard Rel's soft snores, she closed her eyes with a smile.

"You don't have to express yourself,"

She replied softly, drifting off to sleep.

"Just being you is enough."

END.