“It seems I can free you from the wooden stake, but not the shackles themselves,” Sosuke noted. “How strange. I’m sure I completed all my character’s side quests.”

Akane sighed. “Judging by the overall theme of this fantasy, it’ll probably be sexier if I keep them on for a while.”

Her husband was visibly perplexed. “Are restraints considered a seductive element?”

Akane turned away to hide her pink cheeks. “I-it depends on the reader!”

“I see…”

There was an awkward pause.

“What now?” asked Akane.

“I assume we flee, but there’s just one problem.” Sosuke pointed to the giant black panther. “This saddle only seats one.”

“What about the mercenaries’ horses?”

“They were either injured, or they ran off after their masters died.”

They had been roleplaying these characters for less than an hour, yet the nonstop hijinks had left Akane physically and mentally exhausted.

“I guess that means I’ll have to sit on your lap,” she groaned.

“How does the mainframe expect me to steer when you’re in my way?”

“How should I know?” Akane shot back. “Also, don’t make it sound like my character is a burden to yours!”

“Technically she is, seeing as my character had to risk life and limb just to save her,” Sosuke retorted.

“How was my character supposed to know those mercenaries had laid a trap?”

“Even if she was unaware of any wicked ploys, the story has established that humans often hunt elves. Thus, your character should have exercised caution.”

Akane frowned. “Are you saying she deserved to be captured?”

“No, but I’m fairly certain she brought this predicament upon herself.”

“Is this really how you’d act when rescuing a cherished lover?” she snapped.

Sosuke folded his arms. “I would hope my lover didn’t lack the common sense necessary to avoid a situation where she might need such a conspicuous rescue.”

Akane’s anger had nearly gotten the better of her when the sound of a battle horn cut short their conversation.

“The mercenaries must have called for reinforcements during our fight,” Sosuke observed. “I presume the next segment will be a chase sequence.”

“Then maybe you should just leave me behind,” Akane muttered. “Since you’re so tired of my character being in your way.”

“I’ll remind you the simulation only ends if we both cross the finish line safely.”

“Are you saying that’s the only reason for-”

Before Akane could finish her sentence, Sosuke yanked her into his embrace. As usual, his body was firm and strong, and his skin was hot to the touch. Out of the corner of her eye, Akane saw an arrow engulfed in black flames fly past the spot she had just been standing.

“We need to get out of here!” her husband growled.

Sosuke activated a magical barrier with his right hand before swinging himself onto the saddle. Then he held out one hand to help Akane up. She accepted his offer and quickly climbed onto the panther.

As soon as Akane’s feet left the ground, she felt a tug on her dress. Most unfortunately, it was followed by the sound of tearing fabric. Her eyes locked with Sosuke’s as a cool breeze caressed not only her bare back, but her butt and legs as well.

And yes, her undergarments were just as sheer and lacy.

“I suppose we should have seen that coming,” said her husband nonchalantly. “Seems that the arrow’s true objective was to pin your dress to the ground.”

Akane was so mortified she wanted to cry. Yet she held back for the sake of what little pride she had left and finished her ascent. After which, Sosuke set her down carefully in his lap. He then placed Akane’s shackled hands around his neck to keep her from sliding off. All the while, his hands kept coming into contact with her exposed skin.

Thankfully, things couldn’t get any-

“Now, wrap your legs around me,” Sosuke ordered.

Akane blushed wildly. “Wh-what? Why?”

“Because I won’t be able to hold you and the reins at the same time.”

“But I’m barely wearing anything at this point, and you- well, there’s nothing covering your upper half!”

Their pursuers released another flaming arrow and struck Sosuke’s barrier. The black flames spread across their magical defense. Glass like cracks began to form, leaving them both vulnerable to the next attack.

Sosuke raised Akane’s chin just high enough to meet his eyes. Tonight, their grey color appeared silver in the glow of the moonlight.

“This is no time for stubbornness, Akane,” he said softly. “Even if our lives aren’t in danger, we don’t know what repercussions will result if we stray from the assigned storyline again.”

The indifference he normally displayed was replaced by an altogether serious expression, leaving Akane speechless. As requested, she positioned her legs on either side of the saddle. Sosuke pulled their bodies close enough to feel the other’s heartbeat. Akane averted her eyes as she used her thighs to grip his waist. Once she was secure, Sosuke took control of the reins. The panther let out a fearsome roar and headed in the direction of the enchanted forest.

As they made their escape, Akane contemplated her relationship with Sosuke. Despite the simulation’s ability to literally push them into the arms of one another half-naked, she knew the effort would prove pointless. Their union was nothing but a marriage of convenience. Love between them was impossible, and passion even more unlikely.

Akane nestled against Sosuke’s chest. “Still,” she whispered to herself. “Tonight wasn’t so bad.”

“What was that?”

“N-nothing!”

“Are you sure? It sounded like thunder to me,” said her husband.

On cue, a deluge rained down. Soaking through Akane’s tattered clothes in an instant.

“On second thought, just leave me here to die!” she moaned.

“Nonsense,” replied Sosuke. “We’re already halfway there.”

That was hardly the point!