Chapter 27: The Captain’s Smile
"The inside of people’s minds is a chaotic mess, filled with random thoughts and noise. If I kept the mental channel wide open, I’d get a headache from all the incoming thoughts. Most of the time, I don’t use this power. Sending a telepathic message to someone also opens myself up to them. Still, there are times I need to use it—like now, when I have to understand someone’s real intentions or thoughts. The thoughts carried by spoken words are usually clear and well-formed. They include images and meaning. All I do is catch them."
He stopped walking and looked up at Dominic. The dining hall seemed to be just around the corner. The sound of lively voices and clattering dishes echoed down the hall.
"When the magic beasts attacked, you called out my name, Dominic. Your feelings reached me. I could feel your concern for me. And I was really happy."
Making sure no one was around to see them, Shiao Yi stood on his toes and kissed Dominic on the lips. He was actually a bit too short to reach properly, so he secretly used a little telekinesis to lift himself—but he kept that to himself.
Then, leaving the stunned Dominic behind, he walked quickly toward the dining hall. He didn’t want him to see his face, which had turned red.
When he had sent that telepathic message earlier... Just for a second, Shiao Yi had caught a glimpse of Dominic’s feelings.
Can you believe it? Dominic actually liked him. He liked him. He likes someone like him!
He had been so happy that he couldn’t stop himself from kissing him.
As Shiao Yi stepped into the dining hall, the soldiers and knights who are currently eating turned around to look at him.
"Hey! Shiao Yi! Did you sleep well? Welcome back!"
The huge-built Louis beamed at him and waved both arms happily. The other men around him also smiled and greeted him with cheerful faces.
The dining hall was filled with the delicious smell of food. The warm air buzzed with people’s energy and a bit of dust.