Table of Contents

Color Gallery

Title Page

Copyrights and Credits

Table of Contents Page

Chapter One

Interlude: Dirk

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Interlude: Andreas

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Special Short Story

Newsletter

Chapter One

DESPAIR CREPT UP on me silently.

By the time I noticed it, it had already spread behind me, taking hold of me with a mocking smile.

It trampled the most vulnerable parts of my heart and snatched away the remnants.

It stole that which is most precious, most important to me…

I, Cecilia Cline, was reincarnated into an otome game and found myself playing the role of the villainess who had her engagement publicly and spectacularly broken off by the second prince, Felix, who had fallen for the heroine, Mia Meyer, the daughter of a count. As if falling from grace in that fashion weren’t enough, I ended up in a brothel, though I somehow managed to claw my way back to being the fiancée of the second prince.

However, I wasn’t engaged to Felix this time. He’d been stripped of his inheritance due to his terrible conduct. I was instead engaged to Lucas Herbst, the second son of a prestigious duke. His mother was a princess who’d been married off to a duke in our kingdom, and the sister of our current queen. That was why Lucas had taken over Felix’s place as the second prince. His family was renowned in the kingdom of Bern, known as the royal family’s “shield” due to their long history of military prowess.

Lucas was said to be the strongest in their illustrious lineage. He was the youngest member of the Imperial Order to become the vice-captain, had grown to be a handsome knight of unmatched beauty and skill, and was said to be the next generation’s Hero. Lucas and I found ourselves fulfilling a childhood promise, although in a different manner than we’d expected, leading to our engagement and mutual affection.

Our engagement ceremony was in a few weeks, and I was staying at the Herbst estate for my own safety. Well, to be more accurate, I was actually staying in Lucas’s chambers and benefiting from his overwhelmingly generous hospitality. It felt a little self-indulgent. After all, the duke’s mansion was vast; it was hard to believe there were no other guest rooms available. I’d only recently been allowed to leave Lucas’s chambers at all.

Lucas, the capable (and yandere) knight, had been busy with work, and I expected him to return late today. So, I took advantage of the situation and returned to my family home to gather some personal belongings.

I was about to climb back into my carriage after packing up my things when I froze and stared into the interior. An extraordinarily handsome man in a Black Knight’s uniform was seated there, his long legs crossed, looking at me with a slightly weary expression.

How does he look so good with his long hair tied back? Wait, that’s not the point! He was supposed to be on a campaign! Why is he here?!

Sensing my unspoken question, Lucas spoke first.

“Welcome back, Cecilia. If you’d taken any longer, I planned to go in and retrieve you myself. Did you get everything you needed so you won’t ever have to go back to the Cline household again?”

He sheathed his sword and gave me a faint smile.

“S-sorry for the delay. I’m back now. And welcome home, Lucas.”

Wait, should I have said “welcome home” first or told him I was back first? Which is more appropriate? And why did he bring his sword with him to fetch me? What’s this about never returning again? This is still my family home, and I’m still Lady Cline, daughter of a marquis!

Lucas had told me to buy anything I needed, and I knew he really didn’t like the idea of me coming back home, but was a sword really necessary?

I felt a mixture of confusion and anxiety. He smiled softly, narrowing his golden eyes, and extended his hand, which I took out of habit.

He pulled me onto his lap, not the seat next to him, and before I could react, the carriage door closed behind me. Through the window, I noticed my maids playing rock, paper, scissors, leaving me all the more confused.

“Yay! I get to start first!” Anna said.

“Woo-hoo! No hellish training schedule for me!” Elsa said.

“Damn it! Why does the game of rock, paper, scissors even exist?! There’s no way we can catch up before we reach the duke’s estate with Anna and Elsa getting a head start…” Kate said.

“Ugh. Looks like we have a rough schedule.”

While Kate and Finn lamented, Anna and Elsa glanced at each other before suddenly crouching down.

“Ha ha ha. This is the hundredth time we’ve met here. Time to settle our score, Elsa,” Anna said.

“Ha! You think you can beat me in a race? Think again! The snack shall be mine!”

“Not on your life, Elsa. Ready, set…go!”

“She’s hungry, so you know she’s serious. One… Two… Three…”

After Kate’s lazy countdown ended, Anna and Elsa vanished in a flash. Finn counted to ten before he and Kate disappeared, too.

How did it go from rock, paper, scissors to ready, set, go?

“Let’s go,” Lucas said. Apparently, he didn’t care that his attendant and my maids had vanished.

He’s so calm. I feel like I’m the only one who’s confused right now. I feel so dumb. I can’t even ask what’s going on!

The carriage rattled as it jerked into motion. I slumped over, suddenly exhausted, unable to keep up with the ducal family’s pace. Lucas then took my chin. I shrank back at the dark look in his eyes.

I’ve got a bad feeling about this…

“Welcome back, my beloved fiancée.” He kissed me on the cheek, then nipped at me softly. I quickly whipped my head around to look at him straight-on.

You want me to kiss you, right? Fine, but please stop biting me!

“I-I was really looking forward to your return.” I stammered, boldly kissing his handsome face, my cheeks flushed. I did my best to ignore how gorgeous he was despite being planted directly on his lap.

I endured my embarrassment and kissed him on the cheek for quite a long time. Just as I was about to pull away, his fingers hooked into the neckline of my dress. He tugged on it lightly and pulled it down, revealing my corseted bosom, which pushed over the fabric of the dress. I grabbed his hand, panicking slightly.

“E-eek! L-Lord Lukie?! St-stop, we’re in a carriage right now!”

What in the world is he thinking? Oh my god, he’s so overpowered that the thick fabric of my dress is starting to rip!

“We’re not outside,” Lucas said calmly, trying to reassure me, “so I’m not breaking any promises.”

I shook my head frantically. “B-but we’re in a carriage!”

He tipped his head to the side as though to say, So what?

His nonchalant attitude almost made me doubt myself. Hmm, maybe it really is okay to do this in a carriage…? I was being swayed by a pervert’s logic.

As I pondered this, Lucas narrowed his golden eyes and brought his face close to my ear.

“You waited for me so earnestly,” he whispered in a low voice. “But now you’re satisfied with just a kiss on the cheek?” His words implied he wanted me to prove it. Despite my reluctance, I complied with his request.

It’s not cowardice. I swear it’s a strategic decision!

I felt simultaneously annoyed and elated at his demand. I lowered my lashes, focused on his thin lips, and leaned in. The moment our lips met, he grabbed the back of my head and made another demand without changing position. “Open your mouth, Cece.”

I hesitated, but he tugged at my neckline again, and I heard a slight ripping sound. Mini Cece yelled, “I’ll gladly fulfill your request!” so I quickly complied. Ugh, why does he always win?

Despite my frustration, the stimulation of his wet tongue on mine drew from me a sweet moan, contrary to my protests.

“Ngh, mmm… Ah, mmm!”

His intense kiss made me cling to him, breathless.

Lucas’s overwhelming love and happiness were conveyed through his kiss, which melted my stubborn heart. I bashfully pulled him closer as he caressed my flushed cheeks affectionately, as I desperately avoided thinking about the fact that we were making out in a carriage.

Just then, he pulled away.

I let out a sigh, trying to vent the heat. My lips were wet with saliva, and I shyly wiped it with the back of my hand. Lucas gently moved my hand aside and kissed the damp spot on it, then frowned slightly.

“I was worried when I heard you stopped by the marquis’s house instead of attending that tea party you mentioned, Cece. I promised to return to you, but then you weren’t home. I was afraid something might’ve happened, and I was anxious you wouldn’t come back.”

I was originally supposed to return home immediately after the tea party with my friends, and that’s what I had told Lucas. But on the way back, I made an impulsive decision to pick up my things from my parents’ house, so we made a detour.

Of course, I’d gotten permission to go to my family home from my guards, but I did change plans without telling Lucas first. Now I realized I’d worried him. “Ah, I’m so sorry!” I hastily apologized. “I was hoping to be back before you returned, Lord Lukie.”

“Well, that’s a relief. So you were going to wait for me?”

“Yes, of course! Um, I mean…”

His golden eyes softened tenderly at my apology, and his gentle voice made my heart ache. I found myself blurting out my honest feelings without even realizing it. Then, Lucas gave me a seductive smile and loosened the collar of his uniform.

Uh-oh, I messed up! I should’ve downplayed it!

Argh, sometimes I hate being in love, I inwardly lamented.

“Heh. I’m so happy, Cecilia. I wanted to see you so badly that I used Eckesachs during the campaign. It was so exhilarating that I had a hard time calming down afterward. Since I don’t have to be at the castle until tomorrow afternoon, I need to stay with you until I feel better. Let’s get warmed up on the way home,” Lucas, the black-hearted knight, said as he eagerly voiced his desires.

My eyes widened in surprise as he uttered those ominous words. He leaned closer, a mischievous smile on his face. The simultaneous sensation of his lips meeting mine and the sound of him swiftly drawing the curtain sent shivers down my spine.

I knew this was not the place for such naughty conduct, and I ended up crying because my demon knight ended up teasing me even more than I imagined.

“Eek! Ah, n-no! Wait, Lord Lukie! Please, no more!”

“All I did was kiss you, and your panties are already soaked. Your body is so honest, Cecilia…so naughty.”

Lucas pushed up my skirt, his hand making suspicious movements beneath the fabric. His fingers arrived at my panties, which were stuck to my skin due to the wetness of my slit.

“No, I… Nngh!”

He gently caressed my sensitive nub through the fabric. Even though I didn’t want to admit that it felt good, I involuntarily spread my legs and arched my back.

Lucas tugged down my corset to fully expose my breasts, lapping at my hard nipples with his tongue.

“Ahh, mm!” My lust-filled moans were mortifying. I pulled the hand that had been pushing against him away, covering my mouth with it instead.

“You’re not going to stop me? You want more?”

Hearing him say it made tears spring to my eyes. You’re so merciless, Lucas!

“N-no, I…”

“You what?”

“I… I…”

There was a mischievous look in his eyes as he kept accosting me.

You’re so mean! I thought, giving him my best frustrated glare. My sadistic side just smiled brightly. My cheek twitched.

I just know he’ll say something terrible next!

“All I did was lick you a tiny bit, and you moaned so loudly. Does that embarrass you? I barely touched you, and your nipples are so pink and engorged. They look delicious.”

“D-don’t say that! Ah, stop! Lord Lukie, don’t make me—ahhh!”

Eeeeek, he’s so mean! He put his fingers inside!

A loud, wet noise echoed in the carriage as he spread open my slit and plunged his fingers into my wetness, making my hips jerk violently.

“Mmph!”

I desperately tried to clamp my hand over my mouth so I wouldn’t moan. At first, he inserted his fingers gently, pausing to gage my reaction, but then he started pushing them deeper.

I felt the pads of his fingers pressing against my inner walls as the base of his palm rubbed against my sensitive nub, which had swelled. Against my will, a cry of pleasure escaped from my covered mouth as he thrust faster.

“Nngh! Haah, mm! No, not there! No, ohh!”

Pleasure spread through me. My stiff, sensitive nipples trembled invitingly as I panted and clung to Lucas’s knight uniform. Even though I’d just come, he kept going.

He pushed one of my breasts up and pulled it into his mouth, sucking on my nipple and nipping at it tenderly. At the same time, he rubbed my inner walls, which were still spasming from my orgasm. My hips bucked helplessly, and even though I didn’t want to, I let out another ecstatic moan.

“Nnghh, ahhh! Ooh… Stop! Lord Lukie, stop, I already came!”

“I know. You’re so tight I can’t even pull out my fingers. You’re still aroused, aren’t you?”

I’m not going to agree with him!

I gasped a protest in response to his sadistic question and shook my head, tears streaming down my cheeks. He licked up the teardrops with a smile. How can he smile while thrusting his fingers inside of me?! While I’m crying, at that!

“I feel like you’ve been more sensitive lately. So sensitive. It’s so cute, I can hardly stand it. You’re soaking wet, Cece. Can you hear it?”

Even though my skirts had many layers, the carriage was small, so I could hear the echoes of my wetness as he penetrated me with his fingers.

I writhed, trying to escape the sensation of his fingers relentlessly massaging me. Then I felt his thumbnail scrape against my sensitive nub. My vision flickered, and I saw sparks. Pleasure built inside me until it felt like it would explode. My entire body trembled, and my hand nearly flew from my mouth.

“Mmph! Nngh! No, I can’t… No more! I can’t stop moaning!”

Every time he made me come, my orgasms grew deeper and more intense. It was a frightening sensation. I frantically tried to press my spasming thighs together and pleaded tearfully for him to stop, but my sadist only pulled me closer, sweetly and tenderly. Then, he mercilessly peeled my hand away from my mouth.

How dare you! I suppose I shouldn’t have expected a demon to play by the rules!

“Hey, Cece? Both of my hands are full right now, unfortunately… I don’t want anyone else to hear your adorable moans. So what should we do?”

“Wh-what?!”

He gave me a dramatic frown, then kissed my lips. The little smooch basically said that I didn’t have a choice in the matter. I grit my teeth in response, utterly frustrated.

Wh-why on earth would I only have the option of something so indecent and completely unhelpful, like demanding a kiss?! Obviously, I’d rather choose to end this immediately!

“Th-that’s not nice. You’re being mean. Ahh, eek!”

Couldn’t you at least let me finish talking?! I’m telling you to stop because I’m going to be loud. Why are you getting even rougher?

Another finger slipped inside of me despite my resistance, gently rubbing the sensitive spot deep inside of me to teach me a lesson. I arched my back, struggling to stop myself from climaxing yet again. Lucas panted with excitement.

“I love that so much about you. How about I be mean to you?”

His golden eyes darkened. That fierce look spreading across his beautiful face made my strength drain.

Weren’t you already teasing me?! You’re already being so mean! I absolutely can’t handle any more!

“You’re coming faster and faster now. I can feel you spasming and clenching around my fingers. You’re about to come again, aren’t you?”

“Haah, nngh! L-Lord Lukie! P-please cover my mouth!”

He grinned as he slowly pressed his fingers against my sensitive spot. I cried and pleaded with him when I had to announce to this sadist that I was close to another climax.

I know how important self-defense is, but…

This fiendish knight was demonstrating his knightly strength in some very untoward ways.

“Does that mean you want me to kiss you, Cecilia?”

I paused. “Yes!” I shamefully replied, my cheeks flushed.

You don’t have to ask me to say it, you know! Suddenly, Lucas grabbed me and pulled me toward him, only stopping when he was right next to my mouth.

“Then would you please surrender your mouth to me, my darling?” he said, grinning.

“What…?”

“You’re pleading for mercy, aren’t you? And you want me to cover your mouth, don’t you?” he asked in a low whisper.

I found myself staring at his impossibly handsome face as he kept accosting me. Surrender is something a knight says before battle, not to his beloved! Plus, you just got home from a campaign, so why all this talk of surrender? Wait, that’s not important… Um, he wants me to surrender my mouth to him, not my lips, so…he wants me to kiss him with tongue?!

Now that I realized what he wanted, I flushed, embarrassed. Lucas gazed at me with a puzzled look and rubbed my soaking wet, sensitive honey pot, beckoning me to hurry up. This is a cowardly tactic, Sir Knight!

“Eek?! Ahh, no… Nngh!”

Oh, to hell with it! I squeezed his hand in return and then plunged my tongue inside his open mouth.

Dignity was obviously useless here! But please, I’m begging you—enough with the embarrassment! I can’t bear the thought of anyone hearing my moans coming from this carriage. I’ll totally die of shame!

As our tongues intertwined, he pulled mine into his mouth even further as he delicately caressed the outline of my earlobe.

It felt more like foreplay than a kiss, and my body immediately reacted. After another inadvertent, tender moan, I opened my eyes and glared at him to try to get this over with. Lucas merely gave me an easygoing smile and said something rather ominous.

“Does that desperate look on your face mean I’m not giving you enough stimulation?”

What in the world is he talking about?! Mr. Bully knows very well that I’m glaring at him! He’s optimistic about the most unusual things.

He sighed happily, and I was dumbfounded as he pushed his fingers all the way inside of me. My inner walls clamped around them joyfully. He slowly pulled out his fingers, and I felt a tight knot of pleasure in my lower belly.

“Haah?! O-ohhh!” I moaned.

“So honest…” He praised my body’s open reaction. But it felt like he was pointing out something very embarrassing, which only made me swell with anger.

Honestly, I can’t let this perverted, nasty knight get away with anything else!

Lucas’s passionate words melted the disparaging words rising up in my throat, and they vanished in an instant.

“I love you, Cecilia. I want to make love to you so badly it physically hurts. Help me, please.”

He’s begging now?! You’ve got to be kidding me. Also, I’d really appreciate it if he stopped frantically smooching me on the cheek and making my heart explode in the process!

Sweat beaded on my skin because I was so flustered. He rubbed my temple, and I felt my legs, which I had previously tried to clamp shut in protest, relax and fall open.

I’m too weak against Lucas. And it’s incredibly unfair of him to be so sweet to me all of a sudden.

One of my shoes, which was already halfway off my foot, fell to the floor of the carriage. I met the golden gaze of my fiancé as it clunked to the floor; his eyes were filled with love and desire.

“Cece… Cecilia…” He cradled my cheek in his warm palm and called my name pleadingly.

I hesitated for a moment, then said his name in return. “Ah… Lord Lukie…”

He lifted me up and made me straddle him, facing him on his lap. I let out a shriek when I felt a certain rock-hard sensation between my legs and quickly gripped his shoulder. I got up on my knees and shook my head vehemently.

“W-wait! I’m not ready yet!”

“You’re not ready? Even though you’re soaking wet?”

Nooo! I mean, yes, but noooo!

He held my waist firmly so I wouldn’t escape. My face was bright red as I pleaded for him to wait. “I-I’m not emotionally ready!”

“Emotionally?”

“Y-yes!”

“Ready?”

“Yes…!”

Why is he so damned adorable asking me those questions with big, wide eyes? Damn it!

“I-if we do this here, I’ll be so mortified I won’t be able to leave. So please, let’s wait a few minutes…”

As I trailed off at the end of my sentence, Lucas suddenly stopped moving.

“I see.”

His brief reply combined with the way he immediately relaxed his grip on me seemed suspicious, so I snuck a peek at his face. It was flushed a deep red.

Why is he embarrassed? I don’t understand what’s making him embarrassed!

As I was frozen with shock, the stunning beauty unleashed another adorable attack. “Sorry… I was just so happy.” My fiancé bashfully covered his mouth, his voice soft. “And I thought you would say no. I never thought you’d actually say yes…”

The sight of it hit me with such force it felt like someone was squeezing my heart. On top of that, I wanted to hide under a rock when I realized what I’d said.

I only told him to wait! I have to properly refuse! What happened to my education as a noblewoman?!

Now my body was flushed even more with shame after I realized I had subtly conveyed that, in fact, I didn’t mind at all.

For some reason, Lucas was quieter now as he watched me.

“I see… Emotionally ready…”

“Y-yes…”

“Okay. Well then… Um, I’ll wait…”

“O-oh, okay…”

A strangely bittersweet mood filled the carriage. Our lewd act had been interrupted by romance. I was just about to give in and say, “Enough already!” But then Lucas gently caressed my cheek, his touch featherlight.

“I love you so much, Cece. I want to lock you up and keep you all to myself. I want to break you.”

“Oh!”

His words were so intense and heartfelt that I felt my entire body go limp as I leaned into him. He hugged me tightly, and my breath became shallow.

Wh-what should I do? My heart is pounding, and I don’t think it’s because I’m scared! I never thought I’d fall in love with a yandere!

Lucas chuckled softly as I blushed and trembled.

“That’s a shame. Looks like we’re home.”

“Huh?” I turned my gaze to the window as he pulled back the curtain. The carriage jolted to a stop, and I realized we’d entered the grounds of the Herbst estate as the gate faded into the distance.

As I stared dazedly at the familiar scenery, Lucas quickly helped me fix my disheveled clothing. Then, he cradled my cheeks in his hands and kissed me.

“Nngh… L-Lord Lukie?” I called his name, chasing his lips as he pulled away.

“Don’t worry, Cecilia,” he answered with a seductive smile, his voice so sexy it made me break out into a cold sweat. “We’re not done yet. I’ll make sure you crave me and only me. You won’t need anything else. I’ll make love to you until you’re only a single breath away from breaking. So just relax, okay?”

How could anyone relax after hearing that?!

***

I was caught up in a whirlwind of happiness, but the rumors of an ancient dragon that had appeared from the depths of the border forest shattered those peaceful days.

It had all begun when a magical beast appeared at the barrier between the royal capital and the forest, which should have been impossible. It was a vánagandr—a mutated type of Fenrir considered a divine beast in the neighboring Egrich Empire, which was located on the other side of the border forest. It was a very dangerous magical beast.

It was Class S, too, meaning it was as difficult to beat as a salamander. However, I heard the only reason it was categorized as such was because the higher class, SS, was reserved for ancient dragons.

It was a very dangerous beast, and it had appeared near the barrier, so word spread quickly.

To make matters worse, smaller magical beasts driven away by the vánagandr had infiltrated the royal capital and caused a temporary commotion, but thanks to the efforts of the marshal and the Order of Black and White Knights led by Lucas, the situation was quickly resolved.

Shortly afterward, the royal castle quietly acknowledged the appearance of an ancient dragon in the boundary forest and quickly decided to dispatch the Hero and the knights. This was done so quickly, in fact, that it seemed everything had been planned.

My hands went limp when I heard the news, and I dropped my embroidery. The concerned voices of Anna and the others seemed muffled, almost like I was underwater.

No one at the estate knew any details yet. In an act of desperation, I dashed off a letter to my family home. I received a reply from my father, who was a government official working under the prime minister. He said it hadn’t been decided whether Lucas or the marshal would go as the Hero yet. His handwriting seemed hesitant, and he added a book recommendation if I wanted to learn more about past campaigns. I ignored Anna’s protests and immediately searched the estate’s library for the book.

What I learned made me tremble uncontrollably.

Campaigns to slay ancient dragons occurred every few centuries, and most of them had ended in mutual destruction. Although the dragon might be defeated, the Hero rarely survived; nearly all of them died during or after the battle.

The book fell from my hands with a dull thud. As I kneeled to pick it up, my toes caught on the soft carpet, and I fell to my knees. The book had landed open on the floor, and the word “death” on the page caught my eye. I gasped for air, turning my face away from the tome as I desperately sought oxygen.

“Ah!” Emotions welled up from deep within my core and materialized as tears spilling down my cheeks. Unable to scream or cry, I instead merely laughed for no reason.

“Wh-why…?” I gasped, pain stabbing my chest. My body felt odd. All the warmth had been sucked right from it. I looked toward the light, seeking warmth. A goddess smiled down at me from glimmering stained glass, but right now, it looked like a mocking grin.

“This isn’t a laughing matter,” I muttered, angry for some reason.

I knew this was true because I was the second prince’s fiancée. I had only forgotten because I had been engaged to Felix. They have the same status, so why him? My emotions continued to spill out through my tears, distorting my view of the goddess’s smile.

“It’s…no…laughing matter…” My lips trembled so much I could barely form words. I let out a bitter chuckle despite myself.

How long had I been basking in comfort? Since I’d arrived at the ducal estate?

Deep down, I knew this to be true, but I had been so happy I’d forgotten it.

I forgot that even though Lucas was the second prince, he was also a Hero. He was a singular knight of unparalleled strength in the kingdom of Bern who was capable of wielding the legendary sword Eckesachs. Although Captain Webber was the current Hero, Lucas had already been recognized as his successor to the title. He was effectively already the Hero, having mastered Eckesachs and undertaken numerous campaigns using it.

No matter how dangerous the mission, even if it were deadly, he couldn’t disobey a royal order. That was the Hero’s duty and responsibility, after all.

I knew all that, and yet…

I was so foolishly in love that I had forgotten what being a Hero meant in this kingdom and that my very own fiancé was that Hero.

Interlude:
Dirk

“HONESTLY, THIS GENERATION of royals is so high-maintenance,” I said.

“Not really. If anything, Felix is the only idiot.”

“You sure talk a lot, Niklas.”

“If I didn’t, you’d be talking to yourself. Consider it an act of kindness.”

“Oh, should I be thanking you, then?”

“Please do! Reward your loyal servant, my lord,” Niklas said with a cold, sidelong glance.

I let out a heavy sigh and continued walking. Why has he become so cold? He used to be so kind. Or is that just my imagination? I stared absently at my attendant Niklas as he knocked on the door, then sighed again.

The king had summoned his royal shield. I’d reluctantly dragged myself to the castle for the sake of my beloved younger brother, only to find the area around the royal villa in complete chaos. I caught a knight’s attention and asked what was going on, only to learn the absurd reason behind the commotion—that idiot Felix had lost control of his magic and was tearing apart his room in the royal villa. His powerful royal magic was too much for the court sorcerers; even they couldn’t handle him.

I sighed once more, utterly exasperated. Have the court sorcerers been neglecting their training? I don’t care if their opponent is a member of the royal family or not! They dare call themselves sorcerers when they can’t quell a mere magical outburst at all? I thought as I headed inside the palace. I could feel the remnants of magic lingering at the entrance, which surprised me a bit.

As I walked down the corridor, I saw a man rush out of a room in a panic, presumably startled by Felix’s magical powers, as well as Mia, the ditzy woman who had seduced and deceived Felix.

“Hello,” I said, greeting her. “Looks like the two of you are getting along quite well, just as I heard.”

Beside me, Niklas muttered, “My lord, that’s mean,” but I pretended not to hear him.

I didn’t think it was particularly mean-spirited. After all, I only intended to reprimand the man who had dared to lay a finger on my precious brother’s sweetheart, as well as the girl who used her childhood friend to show off as a mere accessory. Anyone who harmed either the royal family or our ducal family had to be dealt with.

Once I reached Felix’s room, I found a magical barrier at the threshold, which had presumably been constructed by the sorcerers. The open door showed signs of having been shredded by a vortex of magical power. What a spectacle, I thought to myself as I ignored the sorcerers’ attempt to stop me. I dispelled the barrier with a wave of my hand and entered the room.

Niklas followed behind, quickly reconstructing the barrier at the threshold as he crossed it. I applied a protective shield to both of us once he’d entered the room.

“It’s unusual for you to shield me as well, my lord,” he said.

“It looks like things are rather drastic here, and although I’m sure you’d be fine without one, I’d prefer not to take any chances,” I replied.

“Even though he’s rotten to the core, he is still a royal.”

“Hey, now. I know you’re irritated, but those types of remarks are off-limits inside of the palace. If the guards hear, you’ll be in trouble.”

“Of course. My apologies.”

I shrugged off Niklas’s sullen apology and continued into the room, which was a complete mess. We found Felix huddled by the balcony, his magic completely out of control. I approached quietly, narrowing my eyes at his words. I quickly added Felix to my mental shit list.

He looked clearly dangerous as he muttered various threats involving Lady Cline. And if something were to happen to her, I knew that Lucas’s wrath would turn toward the royal family.

And that’ll spell disaster for the whole kingdom.

Honestly, my brother was already beyond human capabilities. No one would be able to handle him.

He was adorable, even from a young age. His desperation when it came to Lady Cline, on the other hand, was really something else—a desperation that had even overturned Father’s decision.

The Duke of Herbst’s greatest achievement had also been his greatest weakness.

Lucas was a rare genius, even for our family. He had immense magical and physical abilities that embodied the phrase “the shield of the royal family.”

Due to their emotional deficiencies and difficulty using self-control, however, people like him were usually dealt with in early childhood, before their powers fully matured. That was why there was little information available in the records about the full extent of their abilities.

The only remaining record was of a certain legendary individual who had commanded ancient dragons.

Everyone in the room held their breath—including Mother, myself, and the attendants—when Father suggested Lucas may be such a person. Father clenched his fists when I asked what he planned on doing about it, then gazed out the window. Lucas was outside, effortlessly climbing the giant tree in the courtyard and peeking into a bird’s nest.

He heard Finn’s worried voice below and tipped his head, then suddenly let go of the branch and began to fall. But then he grabbed a branch in mid-air, swung around, and lightly landed on his feet. “What is it?” he asked Finn in a cute voice.

Lucas was around four years old then and already displaying incredible abilities. Although he was still a child, he never cried or laughed. But he was a kind child. I think he must’ve sensed that he was different somehow.

Our mother hugged him, teary-eyed, on his birthday, reassuring him that he was fine just the way he was. Lucas pinched his face, struggling to show any emotion at all.

People like him were enigmatic, their very existence dangerous. And we knew so little about them.

Once he grew up, Lucas could become an unrivaled force, one beyond the control of even the most powerful duchy in the kingdom. He could even become a Hero.

So, should we nurture such a being? Or should we eliminate him now? Father delayed his decision due to insufficient information and had Lucas learn martial arts, only to be astounded by his terrifying talent. His teachers resigned every fortnight, their faces etched with fear, though they always expressed their gratitude before leaving.

Mother pleaded with Father as the decision day approached. “If he does get out of control, the Hero could still stop him,” she pleaded. “Please, he’s such a gentle child. Let him live a little longer!”

And so, Father entrusted Lucas to Andreas, who was then vice-captain of the Imperial Guard.

It’s not just Father’s responsibility, though, I thought, sighing, as I shifted my focus to the man before me.

“Cecilia… I won’t let you get away with this. I’ll kill you, Cecilia! I’ll never let you smile at Lucas!” Felix raged, his out-of-control magic fueling his unstable mental state.

I shot out a concentrated magic bullet and knocked him out. I sighed for the umpteenth time as I watched Niklas nonchalantly shoulder Felix’s limp body, wondering why Felix had never put in any effort.

Lucas observed how Alphonse flirted with Anika and learned how noble sons properly interacted with noble daughters. Eventually, he crafted a beautiful, practiced smile. I recalled his angelic smile captivating many noble daughters, which led to a flood of marriage proposals for a time. The ditzy Mia had boasted that Lucas was hers. It was that, combined with our mothers being friends, that had eventually quelled the proposals.

Despite Lucas’s aversion to girls other than Anika and the maids, his desperate attempts to behave like a typical noble son were endearing. So endearing, in fact, that I had ordered Finn to carry a bag with a recording crystal in it to capture those moments.

“Why should a servant have to carry such a huge bag?!” Finn had yelled tearfully. I managed to pacify him with photos of Anna. I patted myself on the back for that one.

Lucas met Cecilia when he was thirteen, after she had been betrothed to Felix.

“Why are you grinning like that, my lord? It’s quite unsettling.” Niklas said.

“Oh, just reminiscing. Remember when Lukie barged into Father’s study?”

“Ah, you mean the ‘I found someone I want to marry!’ incident?”

“Yes! He was so adorable. Even though he hadn’t formally met Cecilia, and she was Felix’s fiancée, he was so earnest when he asked Father if he could marry her. He said he’d even become the Hero or the second prince to do it. Father was initially dumbfounded, but then he got excited, saying, ‘You’ve got a good eye for someone so young! Marquis Cline’s daughter has a lovely reputation. You just leave it to your father. I’ll go negotiate with the king!’ Then Edgar, his attendant, had to stop him, and the study was unusable for a while…”

“That must be one of Lucas’s most embarrassing memories, saying all that as Finn used the recording crystal. I still remember Hannah and Lady Anika secretly watching it over and over again, squealing with delight.”

“Mother didn’t scold Father for destroying the study, either. Not that time, at least.”

We walked through the castle, lost in fond memories of the adorable Lucas.

Supposedly, he lacked emotions, but because of Cecilia, Lucas had felt his first intense longing to protect someone and be with her.

“Lucas, you must realize you’re not an ordinary person. If you don’t learn to control your powers, you’ll hurt those you care about. She’s currently engaged to the second prince, Felix. You’ll have to watch her be with other men for a long time. Even if you do win her hand, she might still harbor feelings for Felix or another. Could you accept that? Could you swear to protect her for life, no matter what?” Father had asked Lucas.

Lucas gritted his teeth. A maelstrom of jealousy, hatred, and anguish shone in his golden eyes. Father and I held our breath. When he imagined the pain of it, his small body trembled. Just as Father began to ask him to reconsider, Lucas lifted his head and said firmly, “No matter what happens, I will never let her out of my heart! I will protect whatever it is that she wants to protect!”

Once Father saw the determined light in his eyes, he finally made his decision.

That decision might cause immense harm to the kingdom. Father even felt it was unfit for a duke. But he believed in his son’s heart and in his future nonetheless, all because Lucas had found someone he loved and wanted to use his formidable power to protect her.

It was a lenient decision, and there were still occasional troubles concerning Lady Cline. However, they were of the belief that would come about with any passionate affair between love-struck youths, this one just on a larger scale.

Most of all, Lucas’s desperation for her was so endearing that the entire family had taken measures to protect Lady Cline. Preventing harm from befalling her proved to be more challenging than managing Lucas’s outbursts. But in doing so, we’d managed to influence other areas positively.

Things settled into the most reasonable outcome I envisioned. Lucas, who’d endured and persevered for so long, was finally on the verge of finding happiness. The king’s summons honestly couldn’t have come at a worse time.

Leon had likely been called up, too, and judging by the atmosphere, Marshal Webber had as well. I remembered a conversation I’d had with him about it. When he approached me about having Lucas inherit the Hero’s Crest, I reminded him that Lucas was only nineteen. He laughed heartily and fixed his gaze on me. “Age doesn’t matter,” he’d said. “The title of Hero goes to the strongest. Right now, no one but Lucas deserves that title. Otherwise, who knows what the sacred sword Eckesachs might do? To be honest, even I can’t control Lucas anymore. I never could, not even at my peak. Sorry, Dirk.” He smiled at me.

Come on now. That’s quite irresponsible, Marshal.

Despite his words about his ability to keep Lucas in check, Marshal Webber had rigorously trained him in all the necessary skills so he could wield Eckesachs in anticipation of a worst-case scenario.

He even provoked Lucas when he was spitting up blood. “Don’t you want to get stronger?!” Marshal Webber had said. A furious Anika vented her anger about that on me, which was pretty rough in its own right…

Considering how adorable Lucas was, the fact that the captain was prepared to have Felix marry Cecilia but still kept the Hero title in reserve showed a distinct lack of loyalty to the royal family. Still, it was an advantage for our house.

Recently, Lucas had not only won Cecilia’s heart, but also shared mutual feelings with her. His powers had finally stabilized, and he’d become more emotionally expressive, which probably put Captain Webber at ease.

I’d rather he didn’t take out forbidden books and teach Lucas unnecessary techniques, though…

At this point, asking Lady Cline to keep Lucas in check might be the quickest solution.

Come to think of it, she’s had quite a tough time. First, she was relentlessly pursued and left with no escape, then she was saddled with one of the kingdom’s most problematic boys, not once, but twice. Hang in there, Lady Cline! The future of the kingdom of Bern rests on your shoulders!

Niklas gave me a suspicious look as I inwardly cheered her on. “We’re here,” he said.

I lifted my gaze and sighed as I stared at the heavy door before me.

If they were to take Lady Cline away now that she and Lucas were engaged, the capital would likely face total destruction. Father and I might’ve managed him when he was younger, but not even the current Hero could keep Lucas in check now.

As Anika said before, only Cecilia Cline had that power, but it seemed the king had yet to grasp that. We needed to remove any lingering worries as soon as possible.

Niklas announced my arrival, and I entered the room with a smile. “I’ve come as summoned, Your Majesty,” I greeted him and the others, whose presence I’d expected.

“You’re late, Dirk,” Leon said.

“My apologies for that. I was on my way here when some idiot’s magic went haywire, and I was forced to lend a hand,” I said.

“That was quite sarcastic,” he replied.

“Why thank you, Your Highness. I’m honored you think so.”

“I wasn’t complimenting you.” Leon made a sour face, but I shrugged him off.

The king spoke, his tone solemn. “How was Felix?”

“In a state of delirium. I think the excessive mana put a strain on his mind. He was being a pa—er, I had no choice but to knock him out with a magic bullet.”

“You were about to say he was being a pain, weren’t you?”

“Oh, come on, Leon. I said I had no choice. Maybe I used a bit too much force, but Niklas healed him. It should be all good, right?”

“I see…” the king said.

That’s all the king has to say? He sure didn’t choose his words wisely. Leon looks furious. He needs to show more concern. There’s such a lack of communication in the royal family. They should take a lesson from my doting parents.

“So, what’s the purpose of today’s meeting?” I asked. “Lucas already reported on the investigation of the border forest, and the arrangements for the engagement and inheritance ceremonies have already been made for next month.”

I nodded a thank you to Niklas, who silently served tea, and turned my gaze to the king.

“Is it true that Lucas has inscribed the Promise Mark on her?” the king asked hesitantly.

I felt a sigh rising within me. Why would they give Lady Cline to Lucas and then try to take her away? If they care so much about Felix, they should’ve taught him to be a better person.

The royal family had been relieved when Leon had shown promise as the crown prince, but since they’d been so busy with other matters, they’d hardly ever corrected Felix’s bad behavior. And when things had gone wrong, they’d pushed the responsibility of reprimanding him to the young Lady Cline.

If they really thought that would work, then the king and queen are incredibly naïve about parenting…

The queen had been particularly incompetent; I felt like she was a lost cause. She seemed to think her job had ended at childbirth.

For six years, things had only been held together because of Lady Cline’s tireless work. Felix could’ve realized his feelings for her at any point. But you’re telling me neither the king nor Leon noticed Felix’s feelings until now? Are they stupid?

And judging by the way they’d phrased it…

“Your Majesty, surely you don’t intend to tell Lady Cline about Felix’s feelings now?” I asked.

“Dirk!”

“Stay out of this, Leon. Well, Your Majesty?”

How cunning to try to appeal to Lady Cline’s emotions and bring her and Felix back together. However, if she was ever to waver between the two of them, the kingdom of Bern would be doomed.

We had decided not to deal with Lucas before his powers grew. That was on us. However, it was their decision to introduce Lucas and Lady Cline as a contingency after debating what to do with the second prince. We’d provided them with the next Hero and a capable second prince. That should even things out. In fact, the work had progressed much better with Lucas than it had with Felix.

If they pull something like this now, it won’t end well.

It was when I was considering that it might be better to separate the king’s head from his body that Andreas intervened.

“Stop it, Dirk. I’m still stronger than you,” he said.

“Please, Marshal. I’m not a child anymore.”

“You still haven’t shaken off your old habits despite your age. I heard Hannah scolded you again.”

I paused. “Did Anika tell you that?”

“You guessed it. I saw her at Alphonse’s place recently. She mentioned you made Cecilia cry, and Lucas was furious,” he said with a laugh.

I let out a sigh and looked at the ceiling. “Yes, you say that, but our family is relieved that Lucas has finally found someone he loves. I can’t help feeling angry this disaster has been thrust upon us,” I said.

“Oh, yes! Leon told me already, but is it true? Is Lady Cecilia really in love with Lukie? I thought those two had never even held a conversation before.”

I wanted to shoot a suspicious look at Andreas, who was chatting away in a nonchalant tone, but instead, I just let out another sigh.

“And who was it again who introduced her to Lukie while she was Felix’s fiancée?” I asked.

“Me and him.”

“Your Excellency, the person you’re jabbing your thumb at is my father, the king,” Leon said.

“That’s right. The marshal and His Majesty acted as go-betweens to bring the two of them together. And thanks to that, Lukie fell in love with her at first sight,” I said.

Show some remorse for your actions! I narrowed my eyes and gave the king and Andreas my best glare.

“Yeah, but when we introduced them, Lucas was using transformation magic to be ‘Lukie,’ right? Lady Cecilia didn’t really know she was meeting Lucas. Even if she had a thing for Lukie, she wouldn’t think it had anything to do with Lucas, would she? So then, how did the two of them fall for each other?” Andreas asked.

His considerate tone of voice made it seem like he’d been eagerly awaiting the day when he could hear about Lucas’s romantic exploits. I couldn’t help but stare at him, exasperated.

“You didn’t tell him, Leon?”

“Well, I was terrified that Lukie might find out if I did. You do it, Dirk!”

“I’m scared, too!”

“He’s your own little brother!”

“He’s your cousin!”

“The only reason Lady Cline found out was because your sister Anika blabbed! And since Lukie is always kind to Anika, we’re gonna be the ones who shoulder the consequences!” Leon protested.

Oh, Leon… I don’t want Lukie to hate me either, I thought as I turned my gaze toward Andreas.

“She seems to have remembered Lukie. Well, apparently, she learned that he was Lukie after she fell in love with Lucas, but I don’t know how or why she fell for him. All Anika said was that when Lady Cline discovered Lucas was Lukie, she was overjoyed. There must be a specific reason, though,” I said.

“Seriously? So I really was their go-between?” the king said.

“Don’t get too cocky, Your Majesty. This is all thanks to Lucas’s efforts.”

“You’re quite the doting brother, Dirk.”

“Like you’re one to talk. You dote on him like a father instead of a mentor, Your Excellency. Who was it again who trained Lucas to become the next Hero as an insurance policy?” I asked.

“Well, I did.”

“Yes, that really saved us. Thank you so much,” I said.

With that settled, I sipped my tea and glanced over at the king and Leon. I couldn’t help but let out a deep sigh as the king kept stubbornly grumbling.

“But it’s not my fault that Felix developed feelings for Lady Cline!”

“You sound like a child, Father, and not in a cute way. By the way, Dirk, when did you realize that Felix liked her?”

“Why didn’t you notice that Felix was so wrapped up in Lady Cline? He behaved in that cliché pattern of picking on the girl he likes and then being sad when she starts to hate him!” I said.

“Then why didn’t you say something?”

“Why would I go through the trouble? I’m on Lukie’s side, you know! Why would I back my little brother’s romantic rival? The Herbst family may be the royal family’s shield, but it’s not like we’re in charge of your education. What right did I have to say anything? You should’ve been the one to notice!” I retorted. A speechless Leon hung his head.

“You’re harsh, Dirk. But you’re right,” Andreas said, delivering the finishing blow. Even the king hung his head in shame.

Serves you right, I thought.

“So, Lady Cline won’t come back to Felix then, will she?” the king asked, disappointed.

“Lukie’s heart would break if she did. It would be one thing if this was a one-sided affair, but now he knows the joy of having his love reciprocated. He swore to love and protect Lady Cline for the rest of his life. If something happened to her, he would be crushed. He’s the kind of talent that only shows up once every few centuries. If he were to go on a rampage, he could destroy half the kingdom.”

“Sounds like he’s the same Class as an ancient dragon!” Andreas said with a guffaw.

I sipped my tea and smiled pleasantly in return. “That’s true.”

“The second prince, an ancient dragon, eh? By the way, how is Lady Cline’s security? Shall we send some more guards from our side?” Leon asked.

“What is my family again, Prince Leon?” I said.

“The royal family’s shield.”

“That’s right. The kingdom of Bern boasts the strongest warriors. We have three people—well, I’m not sure you can call one of them a person—who are top-tier martial artists serving as maids. Aside from them—and Lady Cline doesn’t know this—but she has at least four guards accompanying her whenever she goes out. If anyone wants to hurt her, they’d need a squadron, and one from the Imperial Guard at that!” I said.

Leon leaned back in his chair weakly. “So she has better guards than the crown prince? And even a squadron from the Imperial Guard might not be enough to kill them? And what’s this about one of them who isn’t a person?”

“There’s one kid Lukie took in who’s kind of special. We thought they’d be a good guard for Lady Cline at some point, so we trained them, too. If they really went all out, I think they could take the Black and White Knights, including Carl and Al, and maybe even Marshal Webber.”

“Seriously? That’s scary.” Leon said.

“Oh, that kid! I remember when they were young and could barely communicate,” Andreas said.

“Yes, we had our hands full with them. But thanks to Hannah’s special touch, you’d never know they were the same person,” I said.

“Hmm, now I’m really curious about this kid.”

“I’ll tell you all about them soon, Leon. But it’s still a secret for now. It’ll have to wait until after Lucas and Lady Cline get married and things calm down,” I said with a laugh.

Leon let out an exaggerated sigh. “Can they really get married? We’re planning on canceling the engagement ceremony…” Leon muttered in a low voice.

“We’re not canceling it. It’s just postponed,” I replied.

“You do know how many Heroes never came home from campaigns like this one, right?” Leon said, giving me a pained look.

“Nearly all of them.”

“Then how can you be so calm?!” Leon yelled.

I looked at him and was about to say something, but Andreas beat me to it.

“It might be because of Lukie’s special circumstances,” he said.

“You know about that?”

“It’s part of the ducal family’s bloodline. I had a hunch about it, but he’s been very stable since he got together with Lady Cecilia. I think that’s probably what it is. I never thought I’d see it happen during my lifetime, though,” he said, biting into his snack.

“You can’t be sure. Lucas himself said that the ancient dragon was quite large.”

“Yes. Don’t you agree, Dirk?” he asked.

“I’ve seen how crazy my brother can be, but I also think it’s unusual that he can estimate the size of an ancient dragon after only a survey expedition,” I said, looking at Leon.

“More secrets?” Leon looked truly exhausted. “I swear, the ducal family’s bad nature is really something else,” he said as he furrowed his brow.

“That’s quite rude. You know we can’t report on vague things,” I retorted sharply.

“You’ll find out when the time comes. There’s no need for a report,” Andreas said.

Although he’s strangely perceptive, his inability to read the room is quite troubling, I thought before I replied to him. “There’s no need to say such things, Your Excellency.”

Leon flopped back into his chair. Terrible manners for a crown prince, I thought.

Then he gave me a sidelong glance. “So?” he said. “You have something, too, don’t you? Involving the three of them?”

I smiled back gratefully. Leon grimaced. That’s not very nice, I thought.

“Yes, about that…” I said, taking out a recording crystal. “Thomas Mueller, Maximillian Wagner, and Mihael Howser… Well, it’s probably not him, but we can take the other two under our care, can’t we? And I’d like to have Felix, too, if possible.”

When I added the last part, the king’s eyes widened and Leon shot to his feet.

“He already apologized for barging into the ducal residence without permission! I even wrote up a contract saying he would never see Lady Cline again! And he’s been banished to the royal villa to boot!” he said.

“True, but when I saw him a few moments ago, what he said was quite troubling,” I said, shrugging.

“What did he say?” the king asked.

“He said that he was going to kill Lady Cline. That’s why I’m reluctant to let him go.”

“You have Herbst’s guards on him, don’t you?”

“Yes, but I’d rather avoid any risk if possible. He’s already done the unthinkable by breaking off the engagement. Who knows what he’d do next? If anything happens to her, Marquis Cline will be truly furious. I assume the royal family would want to avoid that, correct?” I looked between the two of them as I spoke.

Leon bit his lip and looked down while the king let out a deep sigh. “Sorry, Dirk. But we can’t hand over Felix. Despite everything, he’s still of royal blood. We can’t just dispose of him so easily.”

“I figured as much.”

“You’re giving up pretty easily, Dirk.”

“Miserable old man…” I muttered.

I looked at Leon, who glared at the king. Then, I replied to Andreas.

“I thought we should have backup plans upon backup plans in case something happens to Lucas, and because Leon has no heir at the moment. Unfortunately, I’m not engaged yet, either. And it’ll be a few years before the princess from the neighboring kingdom comes to marry you, right, Leon? As for Felix, I was thinking we shouldn’t deal with him until Lady Cline bears at least one of Lucas’s children.” If Lucas keeps him alive that long, that is.

Lucas’s hatred for Felix, who had Lady Cline all to himself for six years, had to be beyond imagination. In fact, not killing him after he intruded upon the ducal estate was quite the exercise in restraint, though that had been due to Lady Cline’s noble sacrifice. She was truly the goddess of the royal family.

“That’s why I’ll give up on this occasion. But if Felix makes another blunder, I expect you to hand him over to us…and to Lukie.” I stared at the king and Leon, sending them the message, Surely you don’t want to die by the legendary sword Eckesachs?

The pair looked down and only said, “Understood,” quietly.

All right. I’m all done here for the day, I thought as I stood up.

“I’ll go ahead and take the two of them, then.”

“Not Howser’s son?”

“I’d like to take care of him, too. He doesn’t show up clearly in the crystal recordings, though, and he can use magic to an extent. He must be holding onto a shred of his good sense. The footage of him frolicking with the ditz doesn’t cross the lines of indecency, so I’d have to get more evidence in order to really shut the church up. But if we could get him into the royal villa, that would be two birds with one stone. Honestly, to think a man of the cloth is so consumed by desire,” I said to Leon.

He grimaced. “I swear, nothing good comes from that woman.”

I wouldn’t take the bait. Instead of getting hung up on that, I wondered if they’d leave guarding the villa to the Herbsts. However, I knew how much he loved his little brother. It was probably for the best if I just retreated for the day.

I should drive the point home once more, though.

“Please keep a close watch on Felix during Lucas’s absence. The Azure Knights’ security seems rather lax lately.”

Of course, if Felix made another blunder, disposing of him would be much easier for us, and that was just fine with me.

Chapter Two

DUE TO THE APPEARANCE of the ancient dragon, the engagement and succession ceremonies that had been scheduled for two weeks from now were currently up in the air. Lucas was unable to return home due to the knights needing to organize in preparation for the campaign, so I wasn’t able to see him. However, he sent me small bouquets of flowers and a card with a loving message each day, making me realize that he’d known about the deployment for a while now.

“You’re useless!”

“Are errands all you’re good for?”

“Be more of a workhorse!”

“I’m doing the best I can!” Finn said.

A mysterious quarrel unfolded nearby, background music as I opened the card from Lucas that Finn had handed me. This had become part of my daily routine. I expected today’s card to be just like the others, but the slight difference I found took me aback.

The usual words of affection were there, but then there was a hastily scribbled, “I want to kiss you.” A rush of sweet affection surged within me, and for the first time in a while, I let out a soft giggle.

“Lady Cecilia?” Kate said hesitantly.

“Oh, it’s nothing. It’s nice to see Lucas hasn’t changed,” I replied as I stared at the card.

Finn filled me in on the current situation. A campaign to slay an ancient dragon was a legendary tale to the people. There was the usual anxiety associated with needing to protect their lives, possessions, and loved ones, of course. But it was the appearance of smaller magical beasts that had slipped through the barrier into the capital which had thrown the city into chaos. Coordinating the knights’ response proved to be quite the challenge.

The Black and White Knight orders tirelessly pursued the small magical beasts day and night. Meanwhile, the Azure Knights scrambled to maintain public order and prevent citizens from turning into rioters.

Evacuation notices had been issued to the citizens living near the boundary forest. This naturally fell onto the shoulders of the second prince, who’d been working late into the night.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t arrange a meeting with the two of you. My master truly wants to see you, though, so he’s working hard at trying to arrange something.”

“There’s nothing for you to be sorry about, Finn. I know that Lord Lukie has a lot on his plate at the moment. I just want him to take care of himself. That’s the most important thing to me right now.”

Lucas frantically worked alongside everyone right now, so I couldn’t be selfish and demand to meet him at a time like this. I didn’t want to pretend to play the role of the understanding woman, but it was a mixture of calculation and my genuine feelings.

Not wanting to burden Lucas with unreasonable demands, and mindful of my duty as the second prince’s fiancée, I answered in a formal tone and smiled. Finn seemed relieved. Meanwhile, I felt a detached sense of reassurance that my response had been the correct one.

I bid farewell to Finn as he returned to the castle, my heart in turmoil.

Despite the absence of official duties due to the lack of availability of escorts, my social obligations hadn’t disappeared. Ever since the banquet following the successful campaign to slay the firedrake, Lucas had kept his promise to allow me to go outside. I’d been gradually fulfilling my duties as the second prince’s fiancée and daughter of Marquis Cline.

Perhaps because of this, I struggled to suppress my growing anxiety at being invited to more and more tea parties, where the hosts tried to extract information and undermine me. The tea parties started with flattery and friendly conversation before turning into a cutthroat game of information warfare.

We discussed the latest trends and gossip in high society first. Then, the topic naturally shifted to the one everyone had been talking about lately—the campaign to slay the ancient dragon. The girls gleefully cast glances at me, implying that I was a pitiable pawn in a political game and might have to find a new fiancé yet again.

The day of the departure ceremony was likely set. Rumors had spread that the second prince’s fiancée was growing depressed due to the lack of official duties. As a result, families with eligible daughters sought meetings with Lucas, hoping for their opportunity.

However, the royal family—especially the queen—sympathized with me and wished for me to remain the fiancée of the second prince, even if something were to happen.

I couldn’t afford to remain ignorant. Knowledge was power, after all. Since I understood the importance of this, I suppressed my anxiety and impatience. I made sure to keep an ear out, listening to unwelcome information and conversations. I could keep smiling, hide my anxiety, and even laugh off snide remarks without difficulty. The skills I had honed through suffering became my strength and my shield; I was quite proud of myself. I was proud to stand firmly at Lucas’s side as his fiancée.

But at night, alone in my large bed in the spacious bedroom, unwanted thoughts filled my mind.

“Lady Cecilia, didn’t you spend six years with Prince Felix?”

“So, you see, the queen mentioned that if something were to happen, you might return to Prince Felix’s side once again…”

“Since the crown prince’s marriage won’t be for some time, the royal family likely wants to ensure their lineage.”

“And of course Marquis Cline’s highly favored daughter is perfect for the role!”

“I’m so jealous.”

“Ngh…”

I pulled the pillow close and pressed my face against it, ensuring no sound escaped, as had become my daily routine.

I’d vowed to devote my body and soul to Lucas, and his name was engraved on me. I couldn’t even imagine the possibility of losing that, let alone bearing a child with someone other than him.

Their envious chirping was nothing but a source of misery for me. What if they were right and something did happen?

“No…”

What if his name disappeared from my body?

“No!”

I knew that I could be reduced to a mere political pawn, as I was still only a fiancée. I clutched Lucas’s card to my chest and curled up in fear and frustration. The sound of the card crumpling in my trembling hands made my heart shatter. All I could do was bite my lip. Skilled as I was at maintaining a façade, I was still powerless against reality. I’d lost count of how many nights I’d welcomed the morning after a night spent crying.

Each time I received Lucas’s daily gift, I was torn between joy and the pain of not seeing him, causing my heart to scream in agony.

I traced the words “I want to kiss you” with my finger and exhaled softly, hoping no one would notice my inner turmoil.

My breath felt heavy, and I smiled at Anna and the others.

“There’s nothing else scheduled for today, so may I rest for a bit?”

“Understood. I’ll prepare some tea. Please call if you need anything.”

“I will, thank you.”

I was grateful for my attentive maids, who instantly understood my need to be alone. They smiled reassuringly in response to Anna’s concerned look. Anna took her leave and quietly closed the door. Now that I was alone in the silent room, I let myself collapse on the sofa.

“I want to kiss you…” I murmured, tracing the letters on the card.

No, that’s not it, I thought to myself.

I was greedy. I didn’t just want a kiss. I wanted to make love to him and for him to do the same with me. I yearned for him to gaze at me with those golden eyes filled with madness that desired only me. I wanted him to love me so intensely that my anxiety melted away, and we became one. And I wanted him to forgive me for silently berating him for becoming a Hero.

I wanted him to accept and love this selfish, ugly side of me while he continued to love me unconditionally.

The armrest was cold against my cheek. I wondered vaguely how many tears it would take before my eyes ran completely dry.

I kissed the words on the card in front of me softly. “It’s still not right,” I whispered.

More than anything, I wanted to see Lucas and hear just one thing from him.

“Please say it one more time, like before. Say that you’ll come back to me.”

That alone would be enough to make sure that, no matter what happens, I will always be yours.

***

Even when the dark nights come, a new day begins when the sun rises. Today, life will go on as usual, I thought absently as I stared at my chattering maids.

“I can’t wait any longer!” Elsa said, about to jump out a window. “I’m going!”

“If you’re going, then take this! It’ll come in handy!” Kate said, stopping Elsa and handing her a map.

I have no idea what they’re planning, but it doesn’t seem like anything good. Should I stop them?

I glanced at Anna, who laughed. “Don’t worry, Lady Cecilia,” she said. “Since the useless ones aren’t doing their jobs, we thought we’d take on the mission ourselves.”

Honestly, I had no idea what Anna was talking about. But I had a bad feeling about this and was quite scared. Someone, please, help me…

A loud noise sounded, and someone suddenly appeared. I blinked in surprise, unsure if they were here to help.

“Hey, Useless Finn! You’ll break the window! Be more careful!” Anna shouted.

Why did she call him Useless Finn? Then I saw him literally jump through the window, panting heavily. I stared at him in confusion.

I glanced at Elsa, who’d rolled to a stop by the sofa, and then Kate, who’d retreated from the window. Had their plot had been foiled? I turned my gaze back to Anna.

“You’re late, Useless Finn. Elsa was just about to do it instead!”

“Please, not Elsa… At least send Kate.” Finn said, struggling to respond as he panted.

I froze as a realization hit me. I’d grown so accustomed to the maids’ clandestine activities that I almost found comfort in someone saying hello from the window. The fact that I didn’t blink an eye at this situation showed that I may no longer be a normal person. As I lamented this, Finn silently held something up. I couldn’t help but leap from the sofa in excitement.

I quickly took the bouquet and the card, which was larger than usual. I excitedly read the card and felt my cheeks flush and my lips tremble. I turned around to ask when we could get ready, but then I remembered how unusually competent our servants were and smiled.

“Leave it to us! Whether it’s a day trip or an overnight stay, your bags are already packed! We’re perfectly prepared!”

“Let’s get you changed right away! There’s no need to redo your hair and makeup. You look beautiful just as you are! After all, cuteness is justice!”

“The carriaaaaaaage!” Elsa yelled.

“Elsa, go through the window. It’s faster that way!” Anna said.

“Aye aye, sir!”

“Hey, Anna? She broke the window. Is that okay?”

“Fix it, Finn!”

“I figured you’d say that!”

“Come on, Lady Cecilia!” they shouted.

They were so excited you’d have thought something good was happening to them, not me, which made me laugh and cry simultaneously. Although I was a bit embarrassed, I couldn’t help but feel grateful.

“Thank you. Could you help me change, then?” I asked.

“As we said, cuteness is justice! We’d be delighted!” they replied enthusiastically.

“Great job, Finn. Now get out of the room, you slowpoke!”

“Slowpoke?! How about a little appreciation here? And stop kicking me!”

I finished getting ready at lightning speed and headed to the castle for the first time in weeks, eager to hear that one sentence from Lucas.

***

I stared at Anna’s hand as she knocked on the door of the reception room, then tightly clasped my own hands together.

“Who’s there?” a voice from inside asked.

My shoulders trembled slightly, and I forced a smile to hide my nervousness. I was anxious. This reception room for the second prince reminded me of Felix, which made me uncomfortable. Every time I had met him here, he’d berated me, so I couldn’t help but be on guard. But most of my anxiety today stemmed from something else.

I couldn’t truly prepare myself until I heard directly from Lucas. I willed my trembling legs to be still, stood up straighter, and fixed my gaze on the door.

As I stepped inside, I was momentarily frozen. The room’s appearance was completely different compared to when I’d last been here with Felix. The walls were now a deep ocean blue, like the books I’d seen from Eastern Europe in my past life, and the floorboards were maple. The curtains on the window were whitish-gray, and dark brown leather sofas were arranged in the room. Fresh flowers were placed throughout, creating a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.

The castle’s reception rooms were usually decorated with dignified, glittering embellishments. This room, however, was refreshingly bright and open, unlike any I’d seen in the castle before. Still in a daze, Anna urged me to sit on the sofa.

“Lord Lucas will be here shortly.”

“Okay.”

“Is something the matter, Lady Cecilia?”

“Oh no, it’s just… This room has changed a lot, hasn’t it?” I said hesitantly.

Anna nodded. “Oh yes, indeed.”

She explained that one of the first things Lucas had done as second prince was renovate—or rather, destroy—the interior of the second prince’s rooms.

Huh? I don’t quite understand. That phrasing was a bit odd. She corrected herself, changing “renovate” to “destroy.” But destroying the place doesn’t make sense! Is she saying that Lucas went on a rampage and destroyed the whole room?

I was speechless and blinked in bewilderment—it was hard to believe that any violence had happened here based on the current interior. Anna and the others continued, smiles on their faces.

“Unfortunately, he couldn’t burn it down since this room is in a government building, but he did make sure to smash the furniture to smithereens!”

“The second prince’s wing of the palace, where you will be staying, has been thoroughly cleaned. The furniture, wallpaper, curtains—everything that had been here before—has been removed and burned. The room was also purified using Lucas’s Fire magic.”

“It was incredible! He stopped just before burning the wallpaper with Water magic, then dried it with Wind magic, and then finally repaired everything with Earth magic! He finished all the rooms in less than half an hour!”

“I see…” I said.

This is the royal castle, right? Even if purification rituals are involved, is it really all right to burn down a section of the castle just to change the interior?! Surely, that can’t be okay! Even if it’s the wing belonging to the second prince himself, I can’t imagine Lucas would be allowed to burn it!

Not only that, but Anna and the others sounded excited, like girls gossiping at a sleepover. But what they were saying was completely crazy! Getting giddy over burning down rooms is beyond strange. They’re downright dangerous!

But why does Lucas have to burn things to change the interior? That’s no method of cleaning. Oh, wait! I know! It’s the same as when he tore up my dress and stabbed it with a knife the first time we met!

Cold sweat ran down my back as I recalled similar methods Lucas had used. I looked around the room, desperate to switch topics. My eyes landed on a heavy, elegant teak bookshelf. The books on the shelves covered not only our kingdom’s economy and history but books about neighboring countries as well. I was amazed at the variety.

Those weren’t here when Felix was second prince. Considering that the ducal family holds a claim to the throne, I suppose it’s not unusual for them to receive such an extensive education. But aren’t these sorts of books used for a crown prince’s education? I thought Lucas always aimed to be a knight. How long has he been studying such matters?

I trembled once again at his unexpected, overpowered qualities. Suddenly, the sound of the door opening jolted me from my reverie. Startled, I stood up and searched for the noise, only to be frozen at the sight of Lucas talking with Finn. It almost felt like time had stopped.

“The Azure Knights’ formation isn’t finished yet? The remaining Black and White knights will handle the entrance to the capital from the border forest, as I’ve said. The ducal family will put up barriers around the castle, so tell them to maintain the usual security within the capital. And didn’t I tell you that these documents need the seal of that useless mast—uh, that useless marshal? Why did you bring them to me?”

“I don’t think that correction really made anything better. I have the seal here,” Finn said.

“That miserable old man… I swear, he never does his job. Fine, I’ll check it later. Just leave it on the desk. Also, pass all of these on to Oliver. I’ve reviewed and approved them. Housing and food for the evacuees in the problematic district are…”

Lucas placed the documents on the desk by the bookshelf. I averted my gaze.

That’s odd. Am I seeing things? Is that not really him? No, that can’t be. This is the second prince’s reception room, and Finn is right next to him. That has to be Lucas, right? I’m just flustered because it’s been so long since I last saw him. I need to calm down. There’s even a chance there’s a misunderstanding!

I pressed my hand against my rapidly beating heart and took a deep breath. Then I glanced at Lucas again, only to be left in shock at today’s surprise, totally breathless.

It’s not a misunderstanding at all! H-he really cut his hair!

His hair is neatly trimmed above his ears and neck, giving him a sharper, more elegant look! And the way he’s holding those documents with his knight’s uniform sleeves rolled up is hitting me so hard right now!

Every fiber of my being was paralyzed. I was completely unable to move. All I could do was stare at Lucas, knowing that all of my internal mini-Ceces were dying right now.

W-wait, you didn’t tell me about this! Isn’t communication important? You should’ve at least mentioned you cut your hair in one of those cards you send me every day!

My heart pounded loudly, and I felt my body heat rise. I can’t handle this! I need to get out of the room! I thought. But the moment I took a step forward, Lucas turned toward me.

“I’m sorry to keep you waiting, Cecilia. Ah, leave the tea there. You may go,” he said, dismissing the maid who was preparing tea. He adjusted his rolled-up sleeves and looked at me.

I stared at my fiancé’s face, trying to moisten my parched throat.

Now he’s speaking all formally to me, making him even more handsome! Is this some kind of trial?!

Flustered, I desperately tried to blink away the tears that threatened to spill. I tried to curtsey, to greet him as the second prince ought to be greeted, but when he placed his coat on the back of the sofa, I couldn’t get any words out for some reason.

Is this some kind of new attack magic?! It should carry a warning that it’s only effective on good-looking people! This visual assault is too much!

Putting my inward screams aside, I resolved myself to give the most beautiful curtsey I could muster. However, Lucas silently approached me and grabbed my chin without warning.

“I’ve missed you, Cecilia,” he said, shifting from his stern prince façade to a sweet smile that could rival even the sweetest of sugary confections. His sudden change left me frozen; I was completely mesmerized by his otherworldly beauty.

Ah, he’s pulling me close by the waist. What do I do?! I can’t handle this! He’s too close! My heart feels like it could stop. I can’t even look directly at him!

I was so shaken that I tried to gently remove Lucas’s hand from my chin. A shiver ran down my spine as he called my name in a low, heavy voice.

“Cecilia?”

The moment I felt his strong arm tense under my impulsive grip, he forcefully tipped my face upward.

“Lord Lukie…”

“It’s been such a long time, Cecilia. Why won’t you look at me?”

His slow, deliberate words drew my widened eyes to his perfect face, now twisted with a sinister smile and filled with a maddening blend of obsession and love.

Did I unknowingly flip his switch to Sadist Mode? I didn’t notice it at all. Then again, it’s undetectable to the average person by design. There’s no helping it if it’s already been switched…

As I pondered this absentmindedly, my arm moved on its own. The warmth of his skin beneath my fingertips, the unwavering presence I’d longed for since we’d been apart. His eyes brimmed with a love so intense it bordered on madness. I realized that the person I longed for was indeed right here.

My weary heart gradually relaxed, filling me with a sense of relief. I’m probably beyond saving now… I smiled faintly.

Seeing him with shorter hair made me feel like I’d fallen in love with him all over again, and his shifting expressions as he looked at me filled me with intense joy.

The strength of his grip on my chin. The firmness of his arm around my waist. His attitude, which seemed to say he wouldn’t let me go. It all made my heart tremble uncontrollably.

All I did was avert my eyes, and he reacted so possessively. This terrifying man loves me so much, and I’m already lost. I used to think I was just an ordinary person, but now…

I let out a sigh and stared into his golden eyes, which were filled with a desire reserved only for me. Maybe it’s okay to give him a little trouble.

Do you really think you’re the only one who was pining? Do you know how I cried? How I longed for your promise? How terrified and anxious I was? How desperately I wanted to see you? How much I loved and missed you? I wish I could open my chest and show you, even if doing so drove you to madness every time I merely avert my gaze!

If just imagining it makes me so happy, I must be quite abnormal myself now.

A smile slowly came to my lips as those thoughts ran through my head. Tears ran down my cheeks, and I finally realized I was crying. I hadn’t intended to cry; apparently, I’d been more stressed than I thought.

But seeing Lucas panic over my silent tears made me think it was okay.

“Cecilia?! S-sorry! I just missed you so much that I…I’m really sorry!” Lucas frantically apologized.

I glanced over at Anna and the others, who stood at the edge of the room with deadpan expressions on their faces. They understood my message and quietly excused themselves, saying, “Please call if you need anything.”

It was the first time I’d ever seen someone actually disappear with a whoosh. They were technically maids who were assigned to me, but none of the maids I knew besides them disappeared through windows. Well, I should stop worrying about it. They’re always so helpful, anyway.

“Cecilia…” He called my name in an anxious voice, and I slowly turned my gaze back toward my flustered fiancé.

“Lord Lukie.”

“Yes?”

“It’s been a long time. I’m glad to see you’re looking well.”

“Oh, uh. Yes.”

“By the way…”

“Yes?”

“I was so anxious.”

“Ah…!” Lucas took a deep breath. He seemed shaken by this, but I held steady and continued.

You can handle it, can’t you?

“I missed you so much. Not being able to see you was so painful.”

But I wanted to protect your honor and stay by your side. I shot him a look that attempted to convey that, and he quietly and affectionately wiped away my tears.

His large hand cradled my cheek, and I nuzzled it softly as I told him how I felt. “The only reason I made it to today was because of what you wrote in the cards you sent me every day,” I said, gazing at him steadily.

His handsome face crumpled. “Yes,” he murmured, “and that’ll never change.”

I didn’t know what he meant, so I gave him a questioning look. He smiled shyly, a determined look in his eyes. “Thank you.” Then he swept me up in his arms, holding me tight, and whispered his love to me. “I love you, Cecilia. I love you so much. You’re the only one I’ll have for my whole life. Thank you so much. You’re the best,” he murmured softly. Then he inclined his head to steal a kiss from my tightly closed lips. I swiftly put a hand between our faces to block him.

His startled face is so adorable. But we can’t!

“Mm, Cece?”

“We can’t.”

“Mmph?”

“Don’t ask me why. Because we’re in the reception room.”

“Mmph, mmph. Mmph mmmph!”

I don’t know what he tried to say after “Who cares!” But we obviously can’t be kissing in the reception room. Wait, is that why he sent everyone away? Was it on purpose?!

“Well, I care. This is the royal castle, and—eek!”

Lucas peeled my hand away from his face and suddenly pushed me down onto the ebony desk. A stack of papers flew into the air, and I was suddenly overcome by a rush of embarrassment.

“L-Lord Lukie!”

“That was definitely the mood for a kiss.”

“Wha?”

What in the world are you talking about? Of course I stopped you! Why are you making it seem like I’m the one who can’t read the room?! You’re the one who tries to initiate things at the most inopportune times, not me!

“I even wrote in the card that I wanted to kiss you.”

“Y-you did, but this is the reception room! There are guards right outside the door!” Who knows who might come in? I was about to say that last part when he pinned me down, his eyes intense once again.

His pupils are all dilated! What did I say that was wrong? Also, I love him, but I can’t help what I’m scared of, and I’d really rather not be pinned to this desk like a specimen from someone’s butterfly collection! Surely you can’t push me down anymore!

I kept my mouth shut out of fear, but inwardly, I gave him a piece of my mind. My skin burned at the touch and intense gaze of this impossibly beautiful man, and I found myself shrinking back, my resolve crumbling. The alter ego in my brain said, “Stop resisting! Just admit you want it! Accept the naughty behavior!” She was so insistent I almost listened to her, and tears welled up in my eyes. I still managed to glare at him.

Lucas’s face slowly drew closer to mine. “I came to see you, and you’re more concerned with the knights in the hallway, Cece?”

Of course I’m concerned! There are guards and knights right outside the door! If we do something vulgar in here and they find out, I might not survive the scandal!

“N-no, I’m not…!”

Ugh, I hate that I’m such a coward sometimes. But I can’t help it! I need to protect myself, okay?!

“The idea that other knights saw my beloved before I did today frustrates me so badly that I might just lash out at them. So why don’t you at least give me a reward to help make it up to me?” he asked in a sultry tone of voice. His words were terrifying, however, and his eyes were dark, without a hint of cuteness.

He’s pinning my wrists against the desk, and his fingers are digging into the wood! This is ebony, right? Isn’t ebony one of the hardest woods in the world?! How can his fingers dig into it?! And the way he’s sulking is too scary! But I’ll do my best!

“W-we just can’t.”

“Just a little? We won’t go any farther here.”

“O-of course we won’t!”

What is he even suggesting?!

“Of course… Well, fine.” Why is he tipping his head to the side like that? Oh, I know that look. He’s going to ask some kind of terrible favor from me, isn’t he?! I will absolutely, positively not have sex with him on this desk! It one hundred percent will not happen this time!

Despite my inward resolve, Lucas continued to speak with a sullen look on his face.

“Not even a little?”

“Not even a little.”

“What about a minuscule amount?”

“My answer is the same.”

“What if I promise not to put my tongue inside?”

“L-Lord Lukie, knock this off at once!”

And what do you even mean by “a little”?! I have a feeling your definition of a little and my definition of a little are completely different. We need to be on the same page! I thought to myself.

Lucas climbed on top of the desk and brought his face close to mine and his body even closer. So, I decided to take a little pity on him and express my girlish heart.

“It’s been a long time, so I don’t want to do it here. I want to do it properly, slowly. So I’ll wait for you to come back home.”

I can’t take it anymore! I’m so mortified I could die! I wish I could dig a really deep hole and just crawl into it!

It definitely sounded like I was seducing him, without a doubt. But I just couldn’t accept doing something here while he was in the middle of work, both as a lady and as the second prince’s fiancée. My first instinct was to redirect him, but it didn’t come out at all how I’d intended.

Oh no, has my maiden’s heart become that corrupted?! Well, it’s better than doing it in the second prince’s reception room, right? I’m starting to lose confidence. Someone tell me it’s better! And why is Lucas sighing?! I don’t get it!

“You know, Cece…”

“Yes, Lord Lukie?”

His eyes were filled with turmoil, but in the end, he never finished his thought. Lucas just sighed again and replied, “All right.” He picked me up and kissed my fingertips. “Taking you directly will be bad for your reputation. I know it’s a hassle, but could you please go through to the second prince’s consort’s quarters?”

You were about to tarnish my reputation, weren’t you? I thought to myself, but I nodded nonetheless.

“The room is ready, so…please go there and wait for me, Cece.”

“All right,” I said, frowning.

His beautiful face drew nearer. “I’ll be there as soon as I finish the rest of my work, so get ready.” He stroked our intertwined fingers and whispered lustfully. For some reason, my body began to tremble so much I could barely stand.

Lucas let out a soft, breathy laugh. He swiftly picked me up and placed me on the sofa, then gathered the scattered documents that had fallen on the floor. “See you later,” he said, smiling as if nothing had happened. And with that, he left the room.

***

I looked at my reflection in the full-length mirror attached to the closet door adjoining the second prince’s chambers. I tilted my head, wondering how things had come to this.

The pearls woven into my braided hair made soft, delicate clinking sounds as I moved. My hair was adorned with white roses interspersed with tiny blue and yellow flowers that were arranged into a crown of flowers around the back of my head. My dress was a mermaid shape with an off-the-shoulder, lace scoop neck. Delicate floral embroidery decorated the elegant lace sleeves. The dress clung to my waist and hips before flaring out dramatically. The fabric draped around my legs, intricate embroidery covering the bottom half of the dress. The train was much longer than those on my usual dresses and was decorated with matching lace.

It had probably been custom made since it fit me like a glove. I looked down at the dress again, tipping my head once more as my maids spun around me, checking every detail. For some reason, they formed a huddle and whispered excitedly to one another.

“This is amazing. The masterpiece of the century! A gem! Honestly, it’s like a goddess has descended. Her beauty is so otherworldly! Is she even human?”

“Otherworldly? No, she’s perfect! She’s not human. She’s a goddess! What should we do? I feel like I should worship her, but I might get a nosebleed if I look directly at her!”

“Roasted, roasted, roasted goose! A roasted goose, right?!”

I don’t even know where to start with that. All three acted strangely, but the one babbling about roast goose was particularly baffling. And quite creepy, if I were honest.

Despite the hubbub, Elsa was the only one Kate reprimanded with a harsh, “Be quiet!”

As I watched them, I pondered once more.

An official tryst before Lucas’s departure was permitted, but dressing up like this felt a bit excessive. I wondered what kind of extravagant dinner awaited me. The thorough bath and massage were over-the-top as it was. Even the snack I had was quite substantial. I glanced down at my dress again. Anna had averted her eyes while she tightened the laces. I wondered if I’d lost some weight, making my collarbones more prominent. My chest was still ample enough, but did I look too thin?

Then I remembered how Lucas’s voice had filled with desire earlier. His words were like a slow-acting poison that heated my body and made my heart race. I pressed a hand to my chest and took some deep breaths to calm myself. Was I like this just because it had been a while? Or was he simply nervous?

As I took a deep breath, feeling a bit embarrassed, I realized the maids were watching me with their hands clasped as if in prayer.

“Oh, the blushing goddess! She’s truly divine!”

“She’s glowing! We must be grateful for this beauty. Ack, I have a nosebleed.”

“Lord Lucas will be in for a treat! And then I’ll get to meet the sacred goose, the goddess’s envoy!”

Although I was still quite nervous, my tension eased a bit thanks to them. Their silly statements, nosebleeds, recognizing a goose as an envoy…

What should I do? This is too creepy. Would a healing spell help? I unconsciously traced a sigil with my fingers. Anna noticed, though. She cleared her throat conspicuously and gestured toward the door that led to the terrace.

“Excuse us. Shall we proceed to Lord Lucas?”

I expected to see him out on the terrace, but he wasn’t there.

“The sky is clear tonight. The moon looks so beautiful,” Anna remarked as we exited through the terrace doors and walked a considerable distance.

We must have been taking a different route to avoid being seen by the castle staff. They were pushing walls and opening hidden doors, after all.

I couldn’t help but wonder if using these hidden passages was really okay. I kept those thoughts to myself, though. I was the second prince’s fiancée and therefore bound by strict confidentiality agreements. Leaking the existence of secret passages would mean saying bye-bye to this world.

Besides, the fact that the ducal house’s servants used the royal castle’s secret passages so nonchalantly meant there must have been some kind of understanding between the royal and ducal families.

There must be, right? After all, they’re the shield of the royal family. They must’ve gotten permission to access the blueprints of the castle they’re holding, right? No, don’t think about it too hard, Cecilia. Turning a blind eye to their antics is self-preservation…

I quietly traveled down a path I’d never be able to find again without help. The passage suddenly opened up, and I squinted against the brightness.

Anna stopped and bowed her head. My heart raced. “Thank you,” I whispered, looking ahead.

We must’ve reached an upper floor, though I hadn’t noticed any incline. The air had been still on the terrace, but a breeze now brushed against my cheeks, cooling my nervous, flushed body.

The soft, swaying sound of my pearl hair ornaments encouraged me. I gathered the hem of my dress and took unsteady steps toward the tall figure standing there silently.

The twilight sky was a blend of bluish-purple and orange. Thin white clouds stretched out like open arms, darkening as they extended. Tiny stars had already begun to twinkle, adorning the dim sky with an otherworldly, magical beauty man could never recreate. Lucas’s golden eyes, peeking through his shortened bangs, captured the orange light and shone with an enchanting glow. A crimson cloak, used only for ceremonies, fluttered behind him. His knight’s uniform, white with bluish-purple accents, seemed vaguely familiar. It suited his tall frame perfectly.

Faced with such perfect beauty, I felt strangely calm. It was so surreal that I couldn’t believe it was happening.

Whether it was his inhumanly good looks or the rugged appeal of his new haircut, seeing Lucas in his knight’s uniform was so incredibly attractive. Are you trying to kill me? I suddenly felt the urge to scream as my girlish fighting spirit drained. I imagined my inner self curling up and writhing in embarrassment.

Then, I placed my hand over Lucas’s outstretched one.

It felt like a relief not to have to compete on the same stage. Your goal is to complete your objective! I tried to encourage myself. Usually, Lucas immediately clasped my hand tightly or stroked it with his thumb, but he didn’t move this time. I stared bewilderedly at the decorative buttons glittering on his uniform.

Do I look strange somehow?

He stared at me so intently that I thought he might burn a hole through me. Though his eyes were on me, we weren’t making eye contact. His gaze swept from my face to my neck, chest, waist, and down to my feet before slowly returning upward and staring at me. Enduring the relentless gaze of a man so perfectly handsome was tough. I grew increasingly embarrassed as he stared and stared. Eventually, I couldn’t help but speak up.

“What’s wrong?”

Having the man I love point out my flaws would crush my tender heart. Please, maids! Help me, even if you’re creepy! I looked at the stone pavement until my eyes glossed over like a dead fish.

“Cecilia?” He called my name questioningly, making me blink in surprise.

Why does he sound confused? It’s me, Cecilia… Surely, I’m not unrecognizable, am I? Wait—do I look so awful that he doesn’t even recognize me? Am I okay? Am I really okay?

“Yes, it’s me. It’s Cecilia,” I responded in a trembling voice.

“Is this a dream?” Lucas muttered. “An illusion?”

Worried he might be in a state of confusion due to overwork, I looked up only to find him looking utterly baffled. “L-Lord Lukie?”

He didn’t respond.

“Lord Lukie?”

Still, I was met with silence.

Is he okay?

I moved closer and squeezed his hand. “L-Lord Lukie!” Then I placed my other hand on his porcelain cheek, calling his name frantically. His long lashes fluttered. The scattered light in his honey-colored eyes shimmered back to life, our gazes finally meeting.

“Thank goodness!” I said, sighing in relief. “What’s wrong, Lord Lu—”

Before I could finish speaking, he slowly pulled me close and kissed me.

Huh? Wait, what’s happening?

As I stood there, stunned and frozen, Lucas continued to kiss me passionately. Finally, he pulled back, satisfaction on his face and an embarrassed look in his eyes.

“You’re so beautiful. I thought I had died and gone to heaven.”

I let out a very unladylike, “Whuh?!” Lucas didn’t seem to care, though, and continued, saying things I felt were quite unsuited for a romantic tryst.

“I didn’t think I could pass out just from staring. But you could kill me with your beauty, Cecilia. I’d die happy if it were by your hand.”

Being so completely vulnerable was a new experience for him, and he looked positively delighted by it. On the one hand, it felt like he was praising me. On the other, I was being accused of being an assassin, so I couldn’t help but give him a slightly exasperated look.

His eyes softened affectionately. “My goddess,” he said, “would you give me a moment of your time?”

Lucas squeezed my hand and kissed my fingertips before leading me to the hanging gardens. This place was open to everyone during the day, but due to my busy schedule, I had never gotten the chance to visit. The walkway, presumably paved with stone, was completely covered by grass and greenery.

“Oh, my…” I exclaimed in awe.

As Lucas led me by the hand through the garden, the light sound of our footsteps clacking upon the stone echoed softly, lifting my spirits. We chatted about recent events, our conversation light. I felt slightly shy, but now and then, when our gazes met, his eyes filled with warmth, making me incredibly happy.

I wish this moment could last forever. I wish that time would just stop. That thought lingered in the back of my mind as I smiled. But I know it can’t last.

The sound of our footsteps changed abruptly, and I instinctively tightened my grip on his hand. A strong wind blew, and he pulled me close.

“Are you all right, Cecilia?”

“Yes. The wind is just so strong.” I turned my face toward the concerned voice above my head.

“What is it?” he prodded gently, his short hair swaying in the breeze. When I looked into his calm eyes, I realized our time together was ending.

I pressed my hand against his chest and thanked him, pushing him away gently to hide my rapid heartbeat. He let me go easily. My heart panged as I lowered my gaze to obscure my tear-filled eyes.

Don’t cry. Don’t cry. He hasn’t even said anything yet.

I blinked the tears away and forced out the words through the lump in my throat. “Y-your hair…”

No, don’t stutter. Smile, Cecilia Cline.

“You cut it.”

You are the fiancée of Lucas Herbst, the second prince and future Hero.

With pride in my heart, I took a small breath, smiled, and looked at him. He squinted slightly, as if pained. Then he smiled at me with a mix of longing and concern.

“Yes. Our campaign will be a long one, and it’s easier to manage short hair,” he explained.

I’d guessed correctly. I opened my mouth to speak, but I couldn’t make a sound and forced a smile instead.

Lucas began walking again, and I followed, letting him guide me along the path. The sound of our footsteps on the pavement pierced through the night.

“I’ll be leading the campaign.” His voice was calm and emotionless, like the surface of a still lake.

A storm raged around me, obscuring everything. I could no longer feel the warmth of his hand. Suddenly overwhelmed by fear, I looked up at him.

“I know it’s sudden. It was only decided at this morning’s meeting. We leave the day after tomorrow. Large beasts are fleeing the border forest toward the capital, which is making the situation even more dangerous. It’ll take at least a week and a half to reach the depths of the forest. We haven’t made this information public yet, but there isn’t just one dragon. Andreas and I have decided that I will wield Eckesachs. It’s the safest, most efficient way,” he said calmly.

Those golden eyes, usually watching me with affection, weren’t looking at me now. Lucas gazed toward the border forest that lay beyond the castle walls, his eyes filled with conflicting emotions.

My hand slipped from his in my shock and bewilderment. I stared at his arm as it moved away, unable to reach out and cling to him. It felt like I’d been struck by lightning.

Why?

The sound of our footsteps sounded far away.

I thought you loved me.

The sound stopped. I stared at the pavement, trembling.

Won’t you even ask me to wait for you?

I forced myself to swallow.

The moment seemed to stretch for an eternity. Only the distant sounds of everyday life sounded around us. I couldn’t hide my dismay and slowly raised my pale face.

And I shivered at what I saw, my words failing me.

Lucas had led me to a small chapel that sat at the end of the hanging garden. It was a gazebo-like structure that overlooked the castle town, constructed by the former king as a place of solace for the castle’s servants. Though it served as a chapel, it had little decoration since it was built like a gazebo. The structure was simple: an arched dome and white roses winding around the marble and granite columns. The only decoration was the floor, which bore the design of a sword wrapped in a vine, symbolizing the goddess, and a sword with the Hero’s emblem in the center of it.

I widened my eyes at the sight of the sword with the dragon at the center and crosses in the corners.

This is the chapel that enshrines the Heroes, I remembered as I looked at the back of Lucas’s crimson cloak. The white knight’s uniform with the blue accents is the Hero’s formal attire!

Lucas stood quietly in front of the chapel as if declaring it his own will.

I wanted to leave, to turn on my heel and run away from the terrifying words I feared would come next. But my feet were glued to the ground, and I couldn’t look away from Lucas.

This transitionary period between night and day made him blend into the darkness. His bright blue hair turned pitch black, and his golden eyes reflected the pale moonlight, shimmering like dark water.

My heart ached as if it were gripped by an iron fist while I watched him transform into someone I hardly recognized. Yet at the same time, a part of me watched with resignation.

No matter what he said, I had both the right and duty to listen until the end.

He’d uplifted me. He’d shown me overwhelming happiness, what it felt like to be loved and to love in return.

I had to stand there and listen until the end, no matter how pitiful I appeared. Because nothing would pain me more than losing him. I could only stand there foolishly, neither pursuing him nor fleeing.

“I promise I’ll return to you,” Lucas said gently, his words resolute.

Those words ignited a fire within me. My throat quivered and my ears rang. Lucas’s voice sounded distant and far away. The overwhelming urge to shout, to beg him to say it again, filled me, but all I could do was tremble, completely useless.

“I promise to return to you and only you. But…” Lucas fell silent, his face contorting as if pained. He looked away from me and sighed bitterly. “I shouldn’t dwell on the things I can’t do,” he said softly. He looked up suddenly. My stomach clenched, and I froze.

He must’ve thought I was frightened because he narrowed his eyes slightly. “Don’t move,” he said, his gaze piercing.

I silently called his name with my quivering lips, longing for him. Although I knew he couldn’t possibly have heard my silent call, I saw him smile sweetly. His golden eyes, illuminated by the light of the moon just seconds ago, darkened ominously.

“Forgive me, Cecilia. But I’ve fallen so deeply in love with you that I can never let you go. I can’t bear to give even a fragment of you to anyone else. A promise alone isn’t enough to reassure me,” he said in a self-deprecating tone.

Then he extended both hands pleadingly and abruptly kneeled.

“I, Lucas Herbst, love only you, Cecilia Cline. I swear on my name and emblem to the goddess that I will continue to love you and only you. Cecilia, will you become my wife and share my life with me?”

Your wife? I stared blankly at the moonlight shining on the hem of Lucas’s cloak as it billowed in the breeze, trying to process the situation. My mind felt sluggish, dulled by my feverish thoughts. Then I realized something.

The distance between us was the same as if this were the formal procedure for a proposal.

A suitor didn’t touch the person they were proposing to. They had to maintain a distance that ensured they did not appear too forceful and simply kneel. Then, they waited for their partner to approach them. If the proposal was rejected, they must not immediately reach out.

I recalled how my love-struck friends blushed and explained this process as they described their fantasies of future proposals. I fixed my gaze on Lucas, who remained motionless, and stared at his outstretched hand.

He’d already given me the words I wanted to hear more than anything. And since I had that reassurance now, I knew I could wait.

I, Cecilia Cline, who loved Lucas Herbst, could wait forever.

Nothing more could happen. Or should.

“Cecilia…”

His sweet yet commanding voice made me shiver, and I met his gaze.

This is like a dream, I thought dazedly. My body began to move, drawn to his love-filled golden eyes.

But the education I had received as a marquis’s daughter tried to hold me back. Even though I was already the de facto second prince’s fiancée, and even though he was a Hero facing death, a member of the royal family must not formally propose without the king’s permission, nor should such a proposal be accepted.

Such an act was only permissible before the king.

You shouldn’t take his hand, my mind screamed, warning me that I might lose everything I’d built. You’ll never be able to go back. Even though I knew this, I couldn’t stop myself. I reached a trembling hand out to his firm palm.

“Cecilia,” he said, calling my name as if trying to tell me it was all right, that he wouldn’t let go.

His low, sweet voice reminded me of the superstition my nanny had told me when I was little, probably to caution me since I was a rambunctious child. If someone calls your name in the night and you answer, they’ll capture you. That’s why you should never answer them. Otherwise, they’ll hold you captive for the rest of your life.

Even though I knew nothing would happen, the words echoed strangely in my heart, amplifying my emotions like ripples across a lake.

If he captures me, it’ll be for life… If I take his hand, will he be mine forever?

My turbulent, unstoppable emotions must’ve shown on my face.

Lucas smiled invitingly and called my name again, overcome with emotion. “Cecilia.”

Forever mine.

“Yes, Lord Lucas.”

I placed my hand in his. Lucas squeezed it so tightly that a jolt of pain shot through me. But that pain reassured me that I wasn’t dreaming. I kissed his forehead in acceptance without bothering to wipe away the tears of joy that wet my cheeks. I watched my teardrops fall onto Lucas’s cheeks, his golden eyes glistening.

“I love you too, Lucas Herbst,” I said, struggling to express my love.

My smile was probably far from perfect, and my carefully applied make-up was most definitely ruined. But I was the happiest person in the world. I sobbed as I watched Lucas kiss my left ring finger, and my eyes widened with shock.

“What?”

He slipped a golden ring onto my finger in the same spot he kissed.

Seriously, is this a dream? An illusion? I can feel the cold metal of the ring, though…

Confused by the surreal situation and the unbelievable speed at which everything had occurred, I sniffled and looked up at Lucas, then at the ring, then back at Lucas again.

I hesitantly opened my mouth. “Um…” I said.

“Here, Cecilia.”

Lucas placed a slender golden ring—probably a counterpart to my own—in my palm, his eyes sparkling.

I picked up the ring, confused and overwhelmed, and looked to him for guidance.

Should I put it on his finger? It’s so slender… Surprise overshadowed the previous emotional impact, and I wanted to savor that feeling a bit longer. Please explain, Lucas!

Lucas smiled shyly. “That one’s mine,” he said.

I nodded, still baffled. Wait, I can’t keep up with all these developments!

I understood that our engagement had now been formalized, according to custom, even if it wasn’t official. And I also understood the meaning of a ring on my right ring finger. The ring was clearly on my left hand, though. I expected Lucas to apologize for his mistake, but no such thing happened.

So it’s not for an engagement? But this…this is… No way…

As I drowned in a torrent of Lucas-made confusion, he asked me to put the ring on his left ear, his face filled with joy.

“I can’t wear it on my finger because I have to wield Eckesachs. And if I wear it on a chain around my neck, it might break and get lost. But I won’t lose it if it’s on my ear. Not unless I take a direct attack to the head, at any rate. So,” he said, his request gentle and sweet. “Fasten it to my ear.”

Despite the rather violent reason for its necessity, I carefully put the earring on him with trembling fingers and clasped it firmly. The earring fastened with a small click. I let go and looked at Lucas, then down at my own ring finger. Lucas took my hand again and kissed the ring as I stared at him in a daze.

I’m wearing a ring, but is this really okay? An engagement proposal is forbidden, yet I’m wearing a ring on my left hand. This feels like we’re about to get married… Isn’t this strange? I’m not dreaming, am I?

Despite my complete bewilderment, I heard Lucas’s words perfectly.

“It’s okay.”

I gasped at his reassuring words. Lucas, still kneeling, pulled me into his arms and onto his lap as he caressed my trembling lips.

Once again, he laced our fingers together, telling me he wouldn’t let me go. “It’s okay. Just trust me,” he said. “Let’s get married.”

My tears stopped.

Married? As in, marriage marriage?! Why? How?

All sorts of questions swirled in my mind, none of them very coherent. The engagement ceremony was postponed, making marriage seem like an impossible dream. A proposal shouldn’t even be permitted, yet he’d proposed nevertheless. Lucas even gave me a ring. And now marriage? What in the world was he talking about?

But marriage is impossible!

I stared at Lucas, who urged me as he caressed the ring. No way, I thought.

He said he didn’t want to give me to anyone else.

What the queen had said about wanting me to remain the second prince’s fiancée, even in the worst-case scenario, came to mind. That meant I was still just the daughter of Marquis Cline. Since I was unmarried, my fate could change with a single word. My position was unstable and tenuous.

But if we got married…

Even if it wasn’t formal, being the wife of a Hero who stood beside the king couldn’t be easily overturned. Not even by the queen.

How far will he go to protect me? I wondered, trembling.

It felt like my very self was disappearing and I was being remade. I gripped his knight’s attire tightly.

Marriage was supposed to be a contract between two families, especially since he was a member of the royal family. And even if it wasn’t formal, this shouldn’t happen without the king’s consent and a high priest’s blessing. We should never carve each other’s names and the emblem of our marital vows onto the rings, either, because that would be a clear proof of marriage.

Yet here we were, all by ourselves, doing just that without anyone’s permission.

I stared blankly at Lucas, who continued without a care in the world.

“Cecilia.”

“Lucas?”

“Give me your answer.”

My answer? I want to say yes. Of course I do. But I shouldn’t answer yet, should I?

I had a ring on my finger, but it was almost like it had simply appeared there without my knowledge. It didn’t seem like it would come off anytime soon, either. More than likely, it would remain there until the day I died.

And I can’t hide a ring like this, either. Does this mean Lucas already arranged everything? There’s no way… Is there? I thought frantically.

I stared back at Lucas, who urged me to answer quickly.

He couldn’t possibly have arranged this. It was Lucas, after all. If he really didn’t set things up properly prior, I might not be able to recover from this—my neck was literally on the line.

Just stay calm.

It was still possible that everything had been planned, but it would be really bad without further explanation.

I thought answering would be alright as long as Lucas explained first, and I was about to tell him so when he interrupted me with a kiss.

“Ahh, nng! Mmm!”

“Answer.”

“A-ans—mmmph!”

“Answer me, Cecilia. You do know how to answer, don’t you?” he asked, his dark smile looming in front of me. I realized I shouldn’t say anything besides “yes.” My cheeks flushed, leaving the rest of my face pale. “Hmm, I’m pretty good at controlling my blood flow,” I thought vaguely as my mouth trembled.

“I told you I wouldn’t let go, right?” Lucas said, his intense voice and gaze piercing me. “You’ll stay by my side as Cecilia Cline, and then you’ll change your name.”

His implicit message that this was a necessary vow made tears stream down my cheeks once again.

Why does he always say exactly what I want to hear precisely when I need it?

There couldn’t possibly be another person like him in the entire world. The person I most desperately wanted to stand beside in the whole world was Lucas. I knew in the depths of my heart that all I needed to do was trust him. I gazed at his darkened, golden eyes, then nuzzled against him.

His unwavering gaze removed all my doubts and fears. His pure, natural strength and the way he affectionately (yet forcefully) teased me filled me with such love that I couldn’t help but let out a breathy giggle.

I couldn’t finish my sentence. When I tried to say his name, it was swallowed by his kiss.

“Haah…”

His tongue entangled with mine and then suddenly withdrew as he exhaled a hot breath against my chest. The words of blessings whispered between kisses melted my brain into a gooey mess.

I traced the delicate engraving on Lucas’s earring, my fingertips trembling. Tears I’d already shed countless times welled in my eyes again.

Even up close I couldn’t make out the details, but I imagined that the earring was engraved with entwined branches along with wings, the symbol of our wedding vow, and my name. “I’m so happy,” I murmured when the intricate patterns engraved on the ring came into view.

Lucas tightened his grip around my waist. The strength of his arm and the warmth of his palm on the back of my head made it impossible to think clearly.

No, it’s not enough. I want to kiss more.

Lucas leaned his forehead against mine and let out an almost pained groan. “I want to take you to my room right now…”

When he said “room,” I remembered the marital bedroom I’d been shown earlier, which lay beyond the adjoining room of the second prince’s chambers.

If we go there, can we do more?

“I’ve held back so much and worked so hard, haven’t I?” he muttered.

And just as I was about to wrap my arms around Lucas’s neck and tell him not to hold back…

“No, Lucas. The marquis is furious. Lady Cline may have accepted your proposal, but you still shouldn’t say such things in front of her parents,” a familiar voice reprimanded.

My too-hot brain instantly cooled. My heart pounded for an entirely different reason now, and I flushed again. I couldn’t help but turn toward the voice and think, What is happening? This is too unexpected!

“Cecilia, you too,” another voice continued, this one my father’s. “Step away from that man immediately. You are still my daughter. The daughter of Marquis Cline!”

“Oh, my goodness! Young love is so wonderful, isn’t it?” sighed my mother.

“F-Father?! Mother?!”

Noooooooooo!

Uh-oh, all the voices in my head are harmonizing…

I couldn’t even scream. I just stood there, my mouth hanging open in a very unladylike manner. I mean, can you blame me? What in the world is going on?

But the shocks only kept coming.

“Lucas is even more passionate and wonderful than I’ve heard…” my mother said dreamily.

My jaw hit the floor. I trembled with shame as I tried to reject the sight before me. This can’t be real! Not only did my parents see me kissing, but they also saw me begging for more! That’s impossible!

“Well done, Lucas,” said a male voice.

“I agree, Father, but perhaps now isn’t the best time. Look, the marquis is glaring at you,” Dirk said.

“Oh, Cecilia is so beautiful! Love certainly changes a woman!”

“Mother, please be quiet. Lady Cline is about to cry,” Dirk said with a sigh.

Uh-oh. Dirk’s having a rough time here. That’s surprising… Wait, that’s not important right now!

It didn’t matter what Dirk was going through or that the image I had in my head of the duke and duchess was crumbling before my eyes. That in and of itself is amazing, but that’s not what you should be focusing on, Cecilia!

What mattered was that I’d just exhibited the most unladylike, disgraceful behavior imaginable in front of both my parents and my fiancé’s parents. I had accepted a proposal. I wore a ring. And I’d lost myself in his embrace without parental consent.

Oh, no. It’s all over for me…

I suppressed the urge to hang my head and tried to salvage this bizarre, incomprehensible, potentially life-ruining situation. I was about to drop to my knees and beg for forgiveness when Lucas, as usual, kissed me again.

“L-Lord Lukie?!”

What are you thinking?! Read the room! Aren’t you the son of a duke?!

“Oh, don’t mind them. They’re just here to observe,” he said.

Just here to observe? My hunch was right. Lucas’s words caused quite a stir among the adults. Please, just stop talking.

“That’s no way to speak about your father, Lucas,” the duke said.

“That’s right, Lukie. You’ve been working so hard to prepare for this. And I’ve worked so hard to persuade my difficult brother. So, please, show me our lovely daughter-in-law. Also, may I hug her?” the duchess said.

“It was mostly me who persuaded that troublesome man, Mother. Stop hogging all the credit. Lukie, your brother worked very hard, and don’t you forget it. You should show more respect,” Dirk said.

“Prince Lucas, because I’ve caused you so much trouble, I won’t interfere with my daughter’s wishes. But as a parent, I’m still not convinced. Release my daughter at once! If you do anything more, I won’t forgive you, boy!” my father said.

“Careful, your true feelings are slipping out. Shall I tell them how you cried in secret, saying you’d never seen Cecilia look so happy? She’s a grown woman. Stop getting in their way. It’s pathetic,” the duke said.

Wow, the duke really is strange…

I tried to keep my gaze from darting between Lucas and his father. I suddenly understood why Lucas had turned out the way he had.

Meanwhile, my father ground his teeth furiously. My mother scolded him, an exasperated look on her face. I, on the other hand, stood there, stunned.

Did my father just call Lucas “boy”?He also referred to him as “that man” earlier. Isn’t that disrespectful? Lucas and the duke don’t seem to care, though, so maybe it’s okay? No! It’s definitely not okay! And did my father really cry?! My father, the stern marquis?

“You already told them?!” Father said.

“Who do you think has been supporting you all this time, when you were unable to show your true feelings to your daughter because you couldn’t refuse the royal family’s engagement proposal?” the duke asked.

“You… But…” Father started.

“This is a rare opportunity. Act like a father. She’s clearly distressed. Won’t you say anything?” Mother interjected.

“Hmph!”

I was totally confused. While my parents continued arguing fondly—well, I’m not sure I’d even call it an argument, since my mother was so much stronger—I suddenly realized something as I sat on Lucas’s lap.

Wait, something’s off with me, too. Maybe it’s because I’m so confused, but I’m still on his lap… It’s not the most comfortable seat, but it’s very stable, so I didn’t even notice.

I should get off… I pushed against his arm, which was wrapped tightly around my waist, but it didn’t budge at all. I felt like crying.

Sitting on my lover’s knee in front of all our parents was ruining my image. Please let me go… I looked at Lucas with pleading eyes and saw that he was staring at my father with an annoyed look on his face.

“Lord Lukie?”

“Cecilia has accepted, Marquis. She is already my wife.” He grabbed my left hand and showed the ring off in full view of everyone, making me blush deeply.

His wife! What a wonderful sound! I thought I might get scolded and quickly glanced over at my father. But he wasn’t looking at me; his deep green eyes glared sharply at Lucas.

“Wife? Stop speaking nonsense, Prince Lucas. I very reluctantly allowed you to put that ring on Cecilia’s finger because you said it was to protect her. Reluctantly, I say! And I’ll reluctantly admit that I’m grateful that you at least went to the trouble of procuring a white dress for my daughter. But despite the wedding rings, Cecilia will always be my daughter. Now let go of her and return her to me! Cecilia, come here.”

“Um, er…”

Before I could react to my father’s declaration that I would be his daughter forever, I looked down at my dress and turned bright red.

I wondered why Lucas chose this color. I thought it was unusual that he’d pick a white dress for me, but I guess he did it on purpose. I looked up at Lucas, my eyes filled with joy, and met his golden gaze. He smiled so sweetly that I had to cover my face. I’m so happy. And embarrassed…but happy!

He pulled me closer to hide my face. I was so hot I wondered if steam might be coming off of the top of my head. Then, I turned to my father in calm defiance.

“No,” Lucas said. “Both the royal family and the ducal household, as well as Marquis Cline himself, have witnessed this. Though our marriage vows haven’t been submitted to the temple yet, Cecilia is undoubtedly mine. I’ve made sure the ring won’t come off, either.”

“Do you want to die, boy?”

I quickly looked up at the sound of my father’s dangerously low voice despite still being in a daze.

Eek! His eyes were filled with a murderous gleam, and his words were even more dangerous and disrespectful than before.

“Oh, my! This is just like that classic ‘Give me your daughter’s hand!’ ‘No, I’ll never let you have her!’ scenario! It was so boring with Anika because she was attached to Alphonse from such a young age. I never expected this from Lukie, though!” Lucas’s mother gushed.

“Mother, with all due respect, please don’t treat a significant moment in someone else’s life as your own personal event.”

“Alphonse was still a child back then, so I couldn’t yell at him. But I do recall wondering how I would handle it,” the duke said.

“Father, please stop talking. I’m exhausted. Lucas, Leon will summarize the situation, so let Lady Cline stand,” Dirk said with a sigh.

Lucas reluctantly nodded and helped me to my feet, placing gentle kisses on my cheeks.

“I’ll kill you! Don’t stop me, Claudia!” My father’s menacing words echoed, but I was too distracted by everything else to scold Lucas for the kisses or even to thank him.

Honestly, you shouldn’t be doing that right now! Lord Dirk, did you just say…?

Eeeek! The person who’s suffered most of all has arrived! One of the few rational ones! Finally, someone with common sense!

I slowly turned my gaze to the area slightly behind Lord Dirk.

There stood Crown Prince Leon. Finn held his arm, leading him into the room.

“P-Prince Leon?”

Um, is he alive? The poor thing’s eyes look dead. Wait, is this my fault? There’s just too much craziness happening right now. None of this makes any sense! Help me, O sensible one! I wanted to cry out like the mini-Cece inside of me. Instead, I instinctively went to curtsey to him, but Lucas stopped me again for some reason.

“You don’t have to do that, Cece. He’s just a witness, too.”

“Huh?”

“I’m not just a witness, Lucas. I’m the crown prince! And you and your attendant are being way too disrespectful! You don’t have to literally twist my arm up like this. I said I wouldn’t run away!”

“I had no choice,” Finn said. “You’re the most important person here right now, and we couldn’t risk anything ruining this big moment for Master Lucas.”

“You certainly looked like you did it willingly, Finn! You flew down from the ceiling with a huge grin on your face! And stop using the royal family’s secret passageways so casually!”

“Leon, you’d better explain quickly.”

“You owe me for this, Lucas,” Leon said, his voice dripping with resentment.

“Hmm,” Lucas said. He sounded unbothered, which made me panic.

Hey, he’s the crown prince! You can’t just respond to him with a hum! Although, it is kind of cute… No, no! This is not the time to swoon! Get a grip, Cecilia!

I tried to summon all my rationality, but I only managed to blush slightly and sigh in relief.

“Basically,” Prince Leon said, looking at me as he spoke, “Lucas has been tirelessly working behind the scenes to get me, the crown prince, to witness this. That was the hard part. There were many twists and turns…”

The prince’s expression suddenly looked lifeless, like a fish out of water. It was so shocking that I felt the blood drain from my face. The future king looks so exhausted. I’d better not ask what happened.

“Anyway, this is practically a formal marriage. Everything’s been coordinated and approved by both families, and I’m here as a royal witness. Congratulations. I wish you two the utmost happiness.”

Prince Leon’s congratulatory words were delivered with a smile befitting of the crown prince. They did not reveal his true feelings, however, which left quite an impression on me. After listening to him, it really did sound like Lucas had been using his overpowered qualities to his advantage.

Both families would stay in the royal castle’s guest rooms for the night, and we all parted ways from there.

***

After saying goodbye to my parents, Lucas and I returned to our room, feeling light and happy, only to be met with another surprise.

Flowers were strewn everywhere, decorating the room, and the central table was laden with snacks and drinks.

Huh? Is this the wrong room?

Dazed, I looked around at everyone in the room, trying to understand.

The loud bang! of a party popper suddenly sounded. Elsa burst into some weird song while doing acrobatics and scattering flower petals, leaving me stunned into silence.

“Congratulations on your marriage!” the maids and Finn shouted. “Woo-hoooo!”

I thought only Elsa made noises like that. Now everyone’s doing it.

I must’ve been exhausted because I couldn’t help but chuckle at the scene.

I wasn’t expecting to be celebrated like this. It made me so happy. I thought about how much I’d been crying lately and smiled, thanking everyone. But then Anna axe kicked Finn, which frightened me so badly the tears instantly dried in my eyes.

Anna, what’s gotten into you?

“You don’t have the right to see Lady Cecilia’s tears, Finn! Only the goddess’s maidens may witness them!”

“You almost killed me!” Finn protested. “I don’t get it. What’s with all the smiling while being violent?!”

“It’s because I’m just so happy!” Anna said.

“And you do axe kicks when you’re happy? That makes no sense! That doesn’t make your victim very happy!”

“I’ll pick up your happiness, shred it to pieces, and throw it into the incinerator!” Anna declared.

“At least keep it safe in your heart!”

What was that? Did Finn just let something slip? While I stared at the two of them, Kate and Elsa inched closer to the door.

“Someone’s being careless…” Kate said.

“What should we do about this atmosphere?” Elsa responded.

“Maybe you can just say you got caught up in the mood set by Lord Lucas and Lady Cecilia!” Kate said.

“If you want to get married yourselves, then why don’t you just go ahead and do it?!” Anna shot a deadly glare at the two smirking maids, then cracked a whip. The pair screamed and dashed out of the room.

“Run for it, Elsa! Grab the roast goose and drinks! Let’s meet in the usual room!” Kate yelled. “And congratulations on your wedding!”

“Aye aye, sir! Congratulations!” Elsa screeched.

They vanished again. They were near the door, but they didn’t even use it.

Lucas pulled me into his arms after hearing their words and planted kisses on my temple and forehead, looking rather pleased with himself.

Well, I couldn’t exactly criticize him since I was blushing myself. Still, how can he be so casual in a tense atmosphere with Anna cracking her whip? It was very impressive.

“It’s over,” Finn, who had gone pale, muttered. “I’m dead meat…”

Someone, please help him…

Just as I began to tremble with fear, Anna smiled gracefully, which was unexpected.

“Now, Lord Lucas and Lady Cecilia. Please enjoy your time together. Finn, would you come with me for a moment?”

“I apologize. Good night. Please forgive me,” Finn said.

The pair disappeared again. Why don’t they just use the door? Oh, so those two are… Hmm, Finn is like Alphonse. Now it all made sense.

Quiet settled over the room, and a different mood filled the air. It felt like a ferocious beast was right behind me, ready to pounce. I instinctively tried to turn around, but a large hand pressed against the nape of my neck.

Its rough, calloused texture after many years of wielding a sword made it feel like I was being licked by a beast’s tongue. My back arched in response, and a heated breath escaped my lips.

“Ahh…”

The mask of decorum was stripped away from that little touch alone, exposing my hidden desires. Embarrassed and a bit scared, I tried to turn around. Lucas’s hand had moved from my neck to my chin, though, holding me in place. His other hand traced my shoulder, arm, wrist, hand, and ring. Finally, Lucas clasped my hand and pulled me closer.

His warmth engulfed me as he embraced me from behind, and I felt like crying for some reason. The simmering desire inside of me ignited.

I wanted to hold him, to kiss him, and more. I wanted to feel everything about him tonight. Being so bold was embarrassing, but I knew our time was limited. I gathered my courage and tried to turn around, only to be stopped by Lucas.

“Stay still, Cece.” His single command easily stilled my body, making me painfully aware of my obedience.

“L-Lord Lukie?” I called his name, needing to hear his voice.

“I’m just removing your hair ornaments,” he responded, snapping me back to reality. “Don’t move.”

Honestly, I didn’t even think of that. How long have I been waiting for this moment? Calm down! I’m so embarrassed… Oh, right. The maids left, so of course Lucas has to help me with my dress and hair ornaments. But his face is so close!

“Eek! L-Lord Lukie, wait!”

“Hmm?”

I heard a wet sound in my ear, and I realized he’d started licking it. Startled, I gasped. Lucas responded by pushing his fingers into my mouth.

“Nngh, mmph!”

Why?!

He said he was removing my ornaments, so why put his fingers into my mouth? Stop! Don’t pinch my tongue with your fingers! It’s too much!

I arched my back in response, losing contact with his warmth. The air chilled my skin. Sensing my reaction, Lucas immediately pulled me back to him.

“Don’t move, Cecilia. It’s too hard to remove your ornaments that way.”

I almost sighed in relief when his warm touch returned, but then I realized something was off. Why does he keep telling me not to move? And is he really removing my hair ornaments? He’s just nibbling on my earrings, not taking them off. And why does he need to put his fingers into my mouth to do that? Plus, he’s licking my ear, and the sound is echoing in my head!

I writhed, trying to escape the lewd noises. Lucas kept a firm grip on me, though, pulling me even closer. I was unable to move. The sensations grew even more intense because of that. A shock ran through my entire body, right down to my tiptoes, when his tongue moved from my inner ear to my earlobe.

“Nngh!”

I hate how sensitive my body is!

Okay, I admit that I’ve been dreaming about feeling Lucas like this and wanting to do even more. I didn’t think it would start this way, though!

I knew that the sensation of him lapping at my ear had flipped a switch in me, which made me want to cry. However, Lucas was undeterred and kept moving his fingers around in my mouth as he continued to nibble my ear.

“Mmph! Nngh!”

My body twitched as the pleasure built up. Lucas stopped moving his fingers, seemingly satisfied, and removed my earrings with his teeth and spit them out on the carpet.

My face flushed with shame. My panties were wet all because he had licked my ear. I crouched forward, my shoulders heaving as I tried to catch my breath.

Honestly, I just don’t understand this! Why would he remove my earrings in such a lewd way? And then he just spit them onto the carpet! I want to stop him for a moment and speak my mind! What is going on?!

I turned toward Lucas, my eyes filling with shame.

“I’m not done yet, Cece,” he whispered, my body trembling from his words alone. “I have to do the other side.”

He held my face in place again and lectured me as he might a child. My eyes widened in surprise. What is he saying?

I stood there, frozen in surprise. Lucas’s fingers moved in my mouth again. This time, he licked my other ear.

“Nngh, ahhh!”

“I love you, Cece. I missed you so much. I even dreamed about touching you, my Cecilia.”

Lucas’s fingers were still in my mouth, and his love lingered in my brain like poison. The emotions that swelled up in me poured from my eyes in the form of tears, and I surrendered my body to Lucas as if accepting the poison.

He touched me gently; it wasn’t painful. I couldn’t control my saliva due to his fingers being in my mouth, so it dripped from the corners of my lips, down my chin, and onto my throat and breasts.

Wet spots formed on my white dress, which clung to my skin and grew transparent. It was all so filthy that I impulsively sucked on Lucas’s fingers.

“Nngh, mm…”

His body stiffened, and his fingers stilled.

I frantically gulped down the saliva that had pooled inside of my mouth, panting as I sucked on his bony fingers.

“Hnn…”

The noises from my mouth instantly changed into sweet, tender moans.

It’s so dirty. It’s so naughty. It’s so embarrassing. But…

When I lapped at his fingers with my tongue, his grip on my waist tightened, making me happy. I pushed my shame aside and gave into my emotions, sucking on him as hard as I could.

“Damn it… You can’t, or I’ll…”

“Ooh! Mm, haah! Nngh, mmph!”

Muffled screams erupted from me as he flipped my body around, his thumb pulling at the corner of my mouth. He plunged his tongue into my mouth so roughly I thought he would eat me up. It swished around in my mouth as he sucked hard on my tongue. He suckled and caressed it so many times my tongue began to throb. Suddenly, he bit it tenderly, then pulled away.

I thought he was done. Then he licked his wet lips. My body understood the meaning of his gesture, and I felt a chill down my spine. Even though I knew it was bad, I stuck my tongue out, begging for more.

“Ahh!”

He thrust the tip of his tongue against mine, then planted little kisses on it. His eyes softened happily, encouraging me to do the same. All the while, all I could think in the back of my mind was that we were behaving like animals.

“Haah, mm!”

“Cecilia…”

But Lucas wouldn’t stop there. The way he called my name seemed to say he wanted to pull me into the depths along with him.

I cast aside all reason.

He pushed his tongue so deep inside my mouth that it was like he was suffocating himself. I clung to his neck frantically. Then he changed his method of attack and gently licked me all over. The sensation of his lips gently biting mine and his thick tongue ravaging my mouth felt all-consuming, a hot knot of desire forming in my belly. It felt so good that I pressed my lips against his and begged for more.

“I love you,” Lucas mouthed against me silently.

I was so absorbed in being kissed and kissing him back that my mind wandered, but suddenly I pulled away from him in surprise.

“Oh!”

I was so lost in our kisses I didn’t even hear him removing my jewelry! Why does my good sense choose to leave me in these moments? My face flushed as I lectured my sense of reason. I looked down, trying to hide my red cheeks. I pretended I was trying to catch my breath and lifted a trembling hand to remove my remaining earring, but Lucas caught my wrist.

“Cece,” he called my name in a passionate voice.

I’m so sorry for blocking you, common sense. I apologize. Lucas is my weakness…

I thought I heard a voice coming from somewhere, saying, “You’d better be.”

Meanwhile, I couldn’t defy Lucas’s pitiful voice and turned toward him. His golden eyes were darkened and narrowed painfully as he apologized to me, making my body shiver.

“I’m sorry, Cece.”

“Huh? For what?” I struggled to speak clearly. Perhaps my tongue had gone numb from the intense kisses.

Lucas gently removed my earrings and dropped them onto the nearby table without even glancing at it.

“I know this may be a burden to you since we haven’t seen each other in so long, but I don’t want to leave you today. I have no intention of letting you go.”

“Lord Lukie?”

The contrast between his warm fingertips and even voice made me look at him questioningly, but he moved his hand without replying. He kissed my hair, which I’d pushed to one side, then pulled me closer and loosened the laces of my dress.

He touched me carefully, as if he were handling something precious and fragile. My heart pounded so hard I could only stand there obediently.

As he pulled apart the back of my dress, I found it much easier to breathe, unconsciously sucking in a deep breath.

I’ve lost so much weight, I thought, shoulders slumping.

“W-wait!”

Lace slid off my shoulders, revealing my bare breasts to the chilly air. I opened my mouth to try to stop him, but he spoke in a sweet, soothing voice.

“I can wait. But I’m not going to stop.”

Since he said he would wait a little, I decided to ask him a small favor. “Um, can we turn off the ligh—”

“No.”

That was fast! And he said no!

“What? But, um…”

“I want to see everything.” He gave me a look that seemed to say, “What are you thinking?” The blood drained out of my face.

“E-everything?”

He wants to see everything?! N-no! I’ve lost so much weight! I’m positively scrawny now! It might not even feel good to hug me!

If I were no longer attractive in his eyes, I would definitely cry. I’d never recover. He might even leave without saying a word! Noooo!

My mind jumped to the worst-case scenario, so I quickly gathered my dress back up and shook my head. I took a few steps backward and was about to tell him I wanted him to turn off the lights again when he let out an ominous chuckle.

“Cece. May I rip off your dress? Like that one time.” The way he softly spoke those words made my mouth clamp shut.

Lucas, what are you saying?You’re supposed to carefully remove dresses, not rip them off of people!

Mayday, mayday! Watch out for landmines! Warning! Sadistic Mode: Activated! My inner voices all screamed in agreement. Yes, his pupils have dilated again!

“L-Lord Lukie…”

“Since it’s our first night together, I’ll try to be as gentle as possible.”

Yes, please be gentle! I nodded eagerly, but the phrase he used caught my attention.

“O-our first night?”

Our first night together? Why would this be our first night after all the things we’ve done together? That’s mortifying! Mini-Cece ran around in a panic inside my head, so I couldn’t ask for help. Meanwhile, my face had gone from being drained of its color to flushed a deep red. I trembled as I stared at Lucas.

“Our first night as a married couple. So I have no intention of letting go, stopping, or giving up. And if you won’t undress yourself, then I’ll help,” he said with a dark, sweet smile. A familiar silver object was in his hand, and my eyes welled up with tears.

I feared my husband was intent on repeating the dress-slashing incident from our first encounter on our wedding night. At the same time, I realized I was also thrilled by his intensity and bowed my head.

I’ve really left the realm of normalcy. But this dress is important to me, so I want to protect it.

I gathered the courage in my honest maiden’s heart from Lucas’s maddening love and spoke with a trembling voice.

“I-I love you, Lord Lukie.”

“Cece?”

“I love you, so please…say you love me too. Then I can do it.”

The moment I whispered my plea, he pulled me close, our noses touching. His golden eyes glowed with a fierce intensity, making me swallow nervously.

“I love you, Cece. I love you and only you. I’ll say it over and over again until I die,” he said, voice gentle. “What’s wrong?”

It was the question I most feared. My heart ached and my true feelings spilled out.

“I-I’ve lost weight.”

“Okay.”

“So… It might be uncomfortable cuddling or holding me.”

“I see.”

“S-so please don’t hate me, Lord Lukie.” I stifled my sobs, somehow managing to get the words out.

Lucas stayed silent, his mouth shut.

Strange. Why isn’t he talking? Isn’t this where he should say, “Of course I won’t hate you!”Does he not want me anymore?

As I grew anxious, he blushed faintly and spoke. “Are you trying to turn me on?”

“What?”

“I said I won’t let go. If you push me, I really won’t be able to hold back. Even if you cry and beg me to stop, I’ll make you cry out and scream tomorrow too.”

Tomorrow? Not just tonight?

His insistence on not letting go was alarming, but more than that, his words about making me cry and scream felt strangely ominous. Was what I’d said dangerous?

Part of me dwelled on the question. The rest of me let out a sigh of relief, joy rising inside of me.

“So, you still want to make love to me?”

“I’m going to make love to you until you break. Don’t worry.”

His firm tone echoed in both my ears and heart, my heart felt at peace, although I didn’t know where that reassurance came from, and I inwardly mocked myself. As that self-mockery turned into a soft, sweet laugh, Lucas smiled happily and kissed me.

“Are you still anxious? I can’t hold back any longer. Well, it might be more accurate to say that I simply can’t hold back,” Lucas said with an embarrassed chuckle. His eyes were filled with affection, reflecting nothing but me.

I slipped my arm out of the lace sleeves and reached out to him. “I love you, Lord Lukie. You don’t have to hold back. Make love to me as much as you want.”

And with that, my beautiful beast’s golden eyes gleamed as he leaned over to devour me.

***

I wondered if it was normal for the five senses to be this acute. All my nerves were directed straight toward the sensations given to me by one person, to the point that it felt like the meaning of my entire existence was to feel him.

His hands, his skin, his gaze, his breath, his lips, his voice calling my name.

It was like he was trying everything he could to imprint himself upon me; to turn my body into a gooey mess so I would never forget him, even while we were apart.

He licked my toes, slowly rubbed my calves, and licked the insides of my thighs while he gently kneaded my rear end and leg.

“Nngh, haah!”

“Cece, don’t close your eyes. Just look at me.”

“L-Lord Lukie! Nngh!”

He repeated the process with my other leg, and everywhere he touched grew warm and throbbed painfully until that pain traveled to my stomach. I panted frantically, trying to release the built-up knot of pleasure while he gazed at me affectionately. But he didn’t stop; he kept touching me mercilessly.

He licked my belly button, nipped sweetly at my hips, and lapped up the sweat from beneath my breasts while caressing my areolas with the rough pads of his fingers. The stimulation made me thrust my breasts out toward him as if begging for more as I writhed and clutched the pillow tightly, my face flushed. Sometimes he kneaded my breasts softly, other times roughly. Crimson marks scattered across my soft skin, proof of his possession of me.

Lucas let out hot sighs that pushed me toward climax. My nipples hardened, erect with anticipation.

I was so pent up that it was painful, but Lucas never touched me directly.

“Hngh, Lord Lukie!”

I arched my back and cried out shamefully. I wanted him to touch me and make love to me. The corners of his mouth turned upward into a seductive smile.

“You’re so good at pleasing me, Cece.”

The sight of his gorgeous, relaxed face, his narrowed golden eyes, and the sex appeal that seemed to drip off of him as he teasingly grinned at me created an incredible effect. All I could do was tremble and swallow my tears. It’s no good… I can’t win against him at all! It’s kind of sad.

Overwhelmed by the disparity in power and emotion between us, I couldn’t find the words to respond. All I could do was let out a small sigh, my cheeks burning with embarrassment as I turned my face away, instantly regretting it.

Why did I turn away? What am I doing? I’m such an idiot. Lucas looks so surprised! We’re finally reunited and have the chance to be together. I just said I want him to make love to me as much as he wants. And now I’m acting like this? I know it’s not right, but…! I love him so much, and I want him to touch me more.

But because I love him, it’s unbearably embarrassing.

It was incredibly difficult to turn my face back to him.

I regretted my behavior so much that my eyes welled with tears. A soft chuckle came from above. Before I could even look up, Lucas placed a gentle kiss on the nape of my bare neck and smiled happily.

“I love that look on your face. How can I make you want me more, my precious wife?”

His words left me dumbstruck, my body frozen with shock. Wait, why now? Why did he wait until now to call me his precious wife?! Oh, this is too much! Mini-Cece collapsed dramatically.

I wish I could pass out for a bit too. No? I can’t? Ugh! How cruel! Why do you always tease me like this? You’re so unfair!

Despite the torrent of words swirling in my mind, all that came from my mouth were shallow breaths. My heart pounded so hard it felt like my whole body was trembling.

I couldn’t move or make a sound. The heat swirling around me made my whole body flush. My eyes were fixed on the dark, sweet, golden color of his eyes. The bed creaked under Lucas’s weight as his skin grazed against my nipples.

“Eeek!”

The hard muscles of his chest pushed my nipples up from the base. The stimulation was too painful to be called pleasure, causing me to arch back and let out a high-pitched cry. Then he began to deliberately, slowly shift his body, pushing against my breasts as he stimulated me and sucked hard at the base of my throat.

“Ngh, noo!”

I didn’t know what he was doing at first, so I unconsciously turned my face away to try to escape the pain. It was only when he sucked hard on another spot that I realized he was leaving a mark.

“Ah, L-Lord Lukie! You promised…”

You promised not to leave a mark where anyone could see! I wanted to say it out loud, but he interrupted me with a deep kiss. The protests died in my throat, and I let out a sweet moan instead.

“Nngh, ahh, Lord Lu—!”

“You’re the one who said not to hold back, remember?”

He bit into my shoulder. His fingers combed through my pubic hair, and when I tried to squeeze my thighs together to hide my wetness, he wrapped his tongue around mine again. The pleasure made my legs go limp and fall back to the side.

“But—nngh! Ahh!”

“You told me to make love to you as much as I wanted, right?” He slipped his finger between my open legs, caressing my wetness several times until his fingers were dripping with my honey. Then, Lucas inserted his fingers very slowly, purposely beckoning sound from me.

He rubbed my erogenous zone on my lower belly while he fingered me. My hips bucked as I basked in the pleasure.

“Ahh, stop… Lord Lukie, Lord Lukie! Ahhh!”

After he used my own words against me, he had cornered me with no escape, picking up on my deepest desires. I gave him a pleading look, and he returned it with the same intensity.

“I want you so badly. I’m going crazy, Cecilia, so I won’t take no for an answer tonight. So, please…want me back.”

Despite the ominous words, he slipped his fingers through mine and kissed my wedding ring with a sweet smile. I felt a tight contraction deep inside me and writhed in response, pressing my face into the pillow to muffle my pleas.

***

I, Cecilia Cline, was being pushed to my limits.

I had sorely underestimated my body’s capacity, to be honest. Whether it was too sensitive or my orgasms felt too good, I wasn’t sure—but the feeling was closer to pain than pleasure, and I was breathless.

“Ah, that was close… Are you okay, Cecilia?”

“Nngh! I-I’m fine… Eek! Noo! Haah!”

“Do you want to take a break?” He looked down at me with concern, gently pushing away a lock of sweaty hair that was plastered to my cheek. This only made me feel sorrier for him.

As he showered me with love and caresses, he took his time to prepare me with his fingers. I was soaking wet, but perhaps because it had been so long, it was still too tight to accommodate him. I’d come so much that my inner walls were swollen. On top of that, every little touch made me cry out with ecstasy and climax. And each time, Lucas patiently waited for my breathing to settle.

We were facing a problem. He couldn’t fit inside me.

I was so happy when he told me to want him that I had cast aside all my shame and reason to the point where I had completely opened up to him. The before and after were truly shocking.

I’m so sensitive it hurts, and I can’t even be penetrated! I don’t need this overly sensitive body! Lucas even has to give me water to drink. Doesn’t that make me a completely useless wife?!

My emotions were about to explode, so I clamped my mouth shut to suppress them. He took another sip of water from the pitcher, raked a hand through his damp hair, and chuckled at me.

“Why are you making that face, Cece? I told you we’d take it slow, since it’s been a while.”

“But isn’t this hard on you, Lucas?” I started to apologize, but he silenced me with a passionate kiss.

“Mm, mm…”

“Don’t worry about me,” he murmured. “Besides, this is exciting in its own way.”

I stared at him in surprise as he wiped the water droplets from my mouth with his thumb, licking them with a seductive smile.

“Huh?”

“Your shyness reminds me of the very first night we spent together. It’s amazing. Watching you try so hard to take me makes me feel like I’m experiencing your first time over and over. Not only that, but every time I get deeper inside you, I get to watch you dissolve into pleasure. I can’t think of anything in the world that would make me happier.”

Hearing those words come out of a man so beautiful only made me blush and tremble from head to toe.

I-is that really how you see me? I dissolve into orgasms? I’m that naughty?!

I was shocked and embarrassed. I wanted to suggest taking a longer break, but when I shook my head and pleaded with him, his golden eyes darkened with desire. A wicked smile came to his face.

“I want you to drown in this, so that’s not an option. Besides, knowing that I won’t have to hold back once I’m fully inside makes it worth the wait.”

“Eek! Ahh!”

With that, he lifted my legs and began to move his hips again. The stimulation was too much. Tears welled up and ran down my cheeks.

“Just hearing…you moan makes me want to come… Your breathing’s steady now, right? Just a little more…”

“No! Please, Lord Lukie! Stop, or I’ll…”

He pinned our intertwined fingers to the sheets, watching me with a smoldering gaze as my body convulsed and my hips bucked wildly beneath them. His eyes were filled with a maddening love that seemed to lay my soul bare.

“No, don’t look!”

Look at me.

“Don’t touch me like that!”

Touch me more.

“Stop! Ah!”

Go deeper.

“L-Lord Lukie! Please!”

Tell me you love me.

“I love you, Cecilia.”

“Ahh!”

How far will you lift me up? Without you, I wouldn’t even be here now. My body is yours. Only yours.

“Lord Lukie, I love you! I love you!” I wrapped my arms around his neck and called out to him with all my love while he held me tightly.

“Thank you for wanting me, my wife, my beloved,” he whispered into my ear. His words were so filled with warmth and joy that I knew he meant it with all his heart. I pulled him closer and whispered back through my sobs.

“I love you, my husband.”

His hot breath brushed against my ear as he turned my face toward his. Our lips met, our skin melted into one, and he carried me away to a white, blissful world.

***

I slowly awakened to the sensation of sunlight hitting my face. I felt a warm touch on my skin and gently opened my eyes to find a strong, muscular chest. Gradually, I shifted my gaze upward.

Sunlight gleamed on his handsome face as he slept peacefully. Lucas looked utterly adorable. I just barely managed to suppress the urge to squeal, “How cute!”

So amazing… Even when he’s asleep, he’s beautiful! It’s incredible!

Also, this is a rare sight, isn’t it? He always wakes up earlier than I do, so I rarely get to see his sleeping face. I can’t miss out on this opportunity.

I eagerly leaned in to get a better look at Lucas.

Wow, wow, wow! His skin is so smooth! And his lashes are so long!

Even when he was asleep, there was a sexy quality to his eyes. His slightly messy hair gave him a youthful, almost boyish look, creating a mysterious aura.

Honestly, “beautiful” didn’t even come close to describing him. I couldn’t help but feel like I was losing as a woman in comparison.

I hadn’t removed my makeup the night before, so I couldn’t bear to objectively assess my current state. I felt like it was almost presumptuous to even feel upset, though. I was slightly dejected, but then my eyes focused on something else.

Faint scratches were on his neck. The realization of what they were hit me. My head nearly exploded.

This can’t be… Please, someone tell me it’s not what I think! I screamed internally. I covered my face with both hands as the reason for the scratch dawned on me, bowing my head in embarrassment.

I think steam might be coming out of my ears! Someone help me! I could just die of shame!

If someone else sees that mark and realizes how it got there, I think my soul might leave my body on the spot. I wouldn’t even want it to come back! It’s all because this wickedly handsome man wouldn’t stop despite repeated pleas for mercy. I clung to him out of pure desperation! It’s not my fault. So why am I the one feeling so embarrassed?!

Tears welled up inside of me. I quietly spread my fingers and peeked through my hands to look at the scratches once more.

Ah, they’re still there! What should I do? Maybe the scratches will disappear if I wish for it! Wait, that’s it. I can heal it!

I couldn’t believe I’d gotten so flustered that I’d forgotten healing was my specialty. It was like a light had dawned on me. I immediately brightened and leaned in eagerly to check on Lucas again. But then our eyes met in the sunlight, and I froze.

“Good morning, Cece. Having fun?”

Oh, he’s awake! Was he only pretending to be asleep? Now that he’s awake, I’ll have to explain and get him to let me heal him. Why do I have to endure even more embarrassment?!

I was too flustered to even return the greeting and just glared at him, my face turning bright red as he sat up.

He met my gaze with an amused look. “Mm, I slept well. So? What were you planning to do to me while I was asleep?”

It was first thing in the morning, and he was already saying inappropriate things. Sex appeal oozed from him, making me want to throw a pillow at him with all my might.

Why do you always say things like that? Do you want me to stuff a pillow in your mouth?

“Nothing nefarious!”

I swung my pillow down with a satisfying swoosh, but Lucas easily caught it and snatched it from me.

“Oh, really? Well, can I attack you anyway?”

“Hey, give me back my pillow! Wait, what?”

What is he talking about? I’m angry, but he’s ignoring that fact and talking about attacking me? How dare he? My inner thoughts really didn’t make much sense, either.

Then he touched my breast, causing me to jolt.

Seriously?!

“Here’s your pillow.” He politely handed me back the pillow.

“Ah, thanks,” I said, hurriedly covering myself with it. “I-I mean, Lord Lukie, you idiot! You pervert! You’re a creep!”

I glared at Lucas while he laughed, making my heart ache and my cheeks flush.

Even though he’s a pervert and a meanie, I still love him. I hate how crazy in love with him I am sometimes!

“H-honestly…” I tried to finish my feeble protest, but he was as unbothered as ever.

“Perverted creep, huh? Well, maybe I am, but only for you. By the way, weren’t you the one desperately clinging to this pervert?” He flashed me a mischievous smile as he tapped on the scratches on his neck.

I screamed into my pillow. That’s so mean!

“I’ll erase it! I’ll heal it right now and make it disappear!”

Too embarrassed and angry to notice that I was no longer addressing him politely, I started to trace a healing sigil with my fingers.

Lucas just waved his hand. “No, you can’t.”

The spell dissipated. My eyes widened in surprise. Lucas shrugged and smiled, placing a finger on his lips.

Mm, he looks so handsome.

No, wait! What just happened? He canceled my spell with a wave of his hand! That’s beyond overpowered! No one would believe me if I told them!

Forgetting my anger, I just stared at Lucas, who smiled wryly.

“It’s a mark you gave me, Cece. If you erase it, I’ll lose my motivation.”

“Motivation?” I asked, confused. For what?

“For the campaign, of course,” he said.

I buried my face in the pillow, trying to hide its rising temperature.

A Hero using marks made in the bedroom as motivation to fight ancient dragons? I can’t understand the mind of someone that crazy. And yet, here I am, blushing at his words, so I guess I don’t have any room to talk.

With that, he picked me up in his arms. “Let’s take a bath first. Oh, and what were you planning on doing?”

I mumbled into my pillow that I was just trying to erase the mark.

“No one will see it,” he reassured me. “Don’t worry.”

Reluctantly, I backed down.

At the door to the bath, he tossed the pillow aside. I silently screamed and glared at him, turning red. “You’re making that face even though I’ve already seen everything,” he whispered, his grip on me tightening. “Do you want to go back to bed?”

“N-no, I’ll take a bath!” I squeezed out a response, desperately trying to protect myself.

Lucas raised his eyebrow at me as if to say, I knew you’d say that.

Ugh, so frustrating!

Then he carried me to the bath and washed every inch of me so thoroughly that I was left breathless. He picked me up again and headed toward another door, smiling. “I think you’ll like this, Cece,” he said.

He sat me down in the outdoor bath. “Oh, wow!” I couldn’t help but exclaim at the sight before me. I looked up at him in excitement despite thinking how improper it was. “This is amazing! But why an outdoor bath?”

Small stone steps lead to the bath from outside. I wondered why it was designed that way. Entering from outside would be too dangerous, and even though he was the second prince, I was surprised it would be allowed.

Lucas hugged me from behind with a satisfied smile and gave me an unexpected reason that left me speechless.

“Oh, this? It’s so I can bathe right away when I return from campaigns and things like that. When you kill a bunch of enemies, you get covered in blood. And if I come home covered in blood without a way to bathe quickly, I’ll get things dirty,” he explained with a sweet yet troubled expression.

I managed to smile without my cheek twitching. “Thank you for your service to our kingdom,” I said.

I must say, that was quite an accomplishment for me. A testament to my ladylike upbringing! But using my refined manners in such a way feels rather unsatisfactory. And honestly, I’m not even sure that was the right response here.

But I had no idea how else I should respond. Proper etiquette never covered how to respond to someone who told you they were drenched in blood.

Come to think of it, I’d forgotten that Lucas embodied absurdity. The reason for this new renovation was both extremely practical and extremely dangerous! I thought it was risky to have a bath accessible from the outside, especially for the second prince, but this was on a whole new level!

What did he mean when he said, “and things like that”? It sounded like the second prince was doing dangerous things out there, so having an accessible bath wasn’t a big deal. He was already the most dangerous thing around…

I’m sure the people who manage the castle were greatly conflicted about whether they should approve this renovation or not. I really do appreciate their hard work, though.

My body relaxed against Lucas as I gazed at the open scenery. A few birds flew high in the clear blue sky. The sound of rustling leaves came to my ears. The wind that caressed my flushed cheeks and shoulders felt wonderful. The water wasn’t too hot, and Lucas’s embrace soothed my fatigued body. I unconsciously let out a soft sigh and closed my eyes in contentment.

Lucas kissed my cheek. “Are you tired?” he asked.

I couldn’t help but respond somewhat sullenly. After all, you’re the one who exhausted me!

“Yes, I’m very tired. Someone wouldn’t let me go at all…”

I turned around, but seeing his beautiful face closer than I expected—that mischievous smile and gleaming, lust-filled eyes—made me trail off.

You wicked prince…

What am I even saying? Complaining that he wouldn’t let go of me is so obvious. What happened to my training as a noblewoman? I screamed internally.

My attempt to glare at him was interrupted by my eyes moistening with embarrassment.

His golden eyes flickered seductively. I walked right into that one…

“I told you I wouldn’t let you go from the start, remember?”

Aaaaaarrrrghhhhhh!

Yes, he did say that! But who would’ve thought he meant it seriously?! It was just our first night together! I thought it was some sweet, romantic line! Maybe I should’ve known better, given his history. And it was my fault when I told him not to hold back! But to be continuously, erm, ravished all night isn’t something a typical noblewoman would ever imagine! Even if my love-struck brain can handle it, it’s not my fault! Absolutely not!

Oh, and it’s hard for even a normal person to—I told my logical self to shut up and turned my flushed face away in a huff. I heard him chuckle with amusement, which made me frown in a mixture of frustration and affection.

I don’t wanna lose this battle! I’m gonna fight! I turned back to face him, ready to retaliate, but I couldn’t take my eyes off him.

“If you’re that tired, how about I make you feel better?” He gave me a wicked grin and looked at me expectantly, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. My anger fizzled out, and I inwardly lowered my raised fist in defeat.

Ugh, I’m so weak against him. Even when he playfully touches my breasts, all my protests melt away! And that devilish smile of his is way too unfair!

I remembered he said I’d enjoy the bath, and he was right. I tried to hide my flushed cheeks before reluctantly answering him.

“Well then, please do.”

“All right, I’ll do this for you. Cece. How about this?”

Huh? I gave him a look of confusion as he tilted his head cutely to the side and looked at me.

“Eek!” I let out a high-pitched scream as a jolt ran through me, leaving me trembling and covering my mouth in shock.

What was that? No, I know what it was, but it was way more intense than I expected. I underestimated my own sensitivity! Ugh, this is so embarrassing! I’m gonna die!

My skin tingled from the sensation and my body trembled. The sound of water splashing came to my ears. I covered my mouth as I panted and blushed, then looked down to see Lucas casting some kind of spell that caused the water to ripple.

Huh? What was that? Nothing seems to have changed…

As I looked at the water that splashed around the edge of the tub, I tilted my head slightly in confusion. I wasn’t overly familiar with any other forms of magic besides healing magic, so I was unable to comprehend his overpowered magic. Yet I was disappointed in myself because I could sense a terrifying shift in the atmosphere behind me.

“Huh?”

I felt Lucas’s scorching gaze on my back; all my nerves tensed with fear.

I have a bad feeling about this! What was that bone-chilling noise he just made?!

In response to my inner cries, my rational self sighed and said, “The best strategy out of thirty-six possible ones would be to retreat, if possible. But that’s the one tactic we absolutely can’t use!” I wholeheartedly agreed with this conclusion.

Yes, I think so too. But what should I do, then? I shook my head at the impossible situation.

A low, sweet voice called out to me, numbing my lower belly—however, I couldn’t tell whether it was from fear or anticipation.

“Cece?”

“Y-yes?” I asked, barely managing to respond as I breathed shallowly.

I stiffened as he smiled and pulled me closer, not letting me escape.

“Heh. Come on, Cecilia. Let’s warm you up. You’re tired, aren’t you?” he whispered seductively into my ear, making my skin tingle.

Then he lightly splashed water over my shoulder and slowly trailed down, making me shiver. When I tried to pull away, an invisible shock ran through my outstretched arm, making me squeal like a frightened puppy. That made me blush even more.

“Eek!”

“You’re so cute, Cecilia.”

He kissed my reddened temple, holding me tenderly in his arms. From an outsider’s perspective, we probably looked like a loving couple who couldn’t bear to be apart. The truth was that inside, I was trembling with fear over the humiliation about to befall me.

Honestly, I felt like crying. Never did I imagine that techniques I knew from my past life could be used in such a way. Tears of frustration welled up inside of me.

As I trembled, he began to explain, his hand grazing my skin.

“My father, the duke, discovered this technique by accident.” I didn’t know what he meant by “discovery,” but he said it with a gleeful glint in his golden eyes as he sent a weak electric current through the water.

“L-Lord Lukie, stop it!”

“He was drinking in the bath and tried to keep his drink ice-cold. But he overdid it and ended up freezing part of the floor along with his drink. He panicked and pried the glass off the floor.”

“Seriously, st-stop! Angh!”

Why are you giving me electric shocks while you’re explaining?!I said, stop! Listen to me! Also, the duke’s antics are just too much! I feel like Lucas has inherited way too many of his free-spirited traits! It’s a nuisance!

I ignored the splashing water wetting my hair as I desperately tried to break free from Lucas’s grasp. Only, I was paralyzed, numb, as his hand pressed against my skin.

“Ahh, nngh!”

“Then, my mother walked in, furious that my dad was drinking in the bath. She saw the cracked floor and unleashed her lightning magic. After that, his nagging shoulder pain was gone, much to his surprise, so he taught it to me.”

Did they seriously discover an electric hot bath by using real lightning magic?! That’s shocking—pun not intended!

Even though I knew electric massages could improve circulation and aid in recovery from my past life, it seemed far too risky. I wish the duke hadn’t told Lucas!

Tears threatened to spill as the absurdity of this situation combined with my own predicament overwhelmed me.

“L-Lord Lukie…”

“Hmm?”

Grr, this naughty prince really looks like he’s enjoying this!

I glared at him with tear-filled eyes. He chuckled and increased the intensity of the electric shocks.

“Eek! Th-that’s enough!” I pleaded through tense lips. “I’ve had enough!”

“Are you sure? You’re not tired anymore?” he asked, eyes narrowed.

The hardness I felt against my rear end made my heart pound loudly. There’s no way we’ll do it in the bath! If I let this happen once, he’ll do it again and again. I should stop him now! Good luck, Cece!

I jumped at Lucas’s question without a second thought, not realizing that was my biggest mistake.

“I-I’m not tired anymore. Eek!”

The moment I raised my hips to refuse, a current of electricity ran through me with a crackle, making my legs tremble and my senses dull. The numbness was so intense that I couldn’t even feel myself kneeling. I gritted my teeth and was about to say, “I told you I wasn’t tired anymore!” when I felt his fingers parting my closed labia to check if I was wet down there. My eyes widened in shock.

“You love feeling good, don’t you? I can tell you’re wet, even underwater,” he whispered into my ear.

Liar! Why are you lying?!

“N-no, I’m…”

I was so shocked that I couldn’t even finish my sentence. Lucas kissed my neck soothingly while he slowly drew circles around my sensitive nub. I gasped when I felt his hard erection slip through my slit.

“You’re not? Then why is your cute little hole twitching so greedily? You want it, don’t you?”

“N-no, it’s not twitching! I can’t…”

I shook my head in response to the outrageously naughty things he said, not caring that my wet hair was stuck to my cheek. Lucas brushed it away for me and kissed me on the cheek.

“But you said you weren’t tired.”

Th-that’s incitement! And ridiculously effective! I exclaimed inwardly, inadvertently impressed. My mouth flapped open and closed as I felt another impact.

He looked at me sweetly, then quickly grabbed me by the chin, holding my mouth in place while he pushed his tongue inside. I wanted to run away, but I was too weak against his kisses. All the strength left my body, and my hips gradually sank back even though he wasn’t holding me down.

My inner walls convulsed with delight as his hot cock penetrated me.

“Mmm, n-no!” I screamed, wanting him to stop. “Y-you promised me, Lord Lukie!”

“What promise? Oh, that we wouldn’t do it outside?”

“Y-yes!”

That’s the one! You promised me! And if you break it, I won’t talk to you! I glared at him tearfully.

Lucas only laughed with amusement. “I didn’t break my promise. There’s a roof above here, so we’re technically still in the palace and not outside. Plus, I’ve made it so no one can hear us.”

This otherworldly, handsome man’s casual declaration left me speechless.

Don’t tell me that’s the real reason he had this bath constructed like this?!

My throat tightened in shock, which was overtaking my annoyance. Then I stared at his smiling face.

Lucas’s lips glistened with desire. He slowly flicked his red tongue over his lips, once again sending a crisp, crackling current through me.

“Eek! Ah, nngh!”

My skin went numb from the stimulation. My legs went limp, so I clung to him, his fingers interlocking with mine, and desperately leaned my upper body against him. However, my resistance was futile. My back slid down his hard chest. My rear end finally shifted back, and his thick head plunged inside.

“Nngh! Noooo, L-Lord Lukie!”

You’re so mean! I shook my flushed face, and he spoke in a resigned tone. Why does it seem like I’m the selfish one, you nasty, wicked person?

“I made sure you weren’t tired and didn’t force you. You brought your hips down yourself, Cece. Right?” he said gently, nipping at my earlobe.

My eyes opened even wider, and he continued speaking with a happy, delighted look on his face.

“Besides, I told you I’d make you scream and cry again today, didn’t I? And you said I didn’t have to hold back, remember, Cecilia?”

He smiled as if I had readily agreed. When I gritted my teeth and glared at his beautiful face this time, he gave me a malicious grin.

How dirty! He’s so beautiful on the outside, but his insides are pitch black! Pure evil! No one’s ever been more demonic and eviler than him! It’s shocking, actually!

My escape route was completely blocked. To top it off, he brought up what I’d said the night before, so I couldn’t help but feel frustrated and angry. Not only was my numb body completely useless, but it was slowly accepting him.

“Ah, noooo!”

“You’re so adorable. You’re adjusting better than you did yesterday.”

“You…you’re such a mean, perverted jerk! You…you evil prince!” I could only resist him with my words now, but I still moaned desperately. Lucas just laughed softly and held me closer.

“How harsh, Cecilia. Shall I be a little meaner to meet my adorable wife’s expectations? The room’s soundproofed, so you can cry out for me as loudly as you want.”

“No! Let go of me, you perverted…” I desperately tried to push away his hands as he fondled my breasts. But the ominous words he said finally clicked, startling me. “Huh?”

At the same time, he pressed his fingers against my swollen, engorged bud, sending a sharp shockwave through me.

“Ahh!”The high-pitched sound of my scream echoed as my vision turned white.

It took me a minute to realize the scream had come from my own mouth. I arched my back violently, like a fish out of water.

“Did you come? Ah, you’re so wet now. It’s so much easier to get inside.”

“Nngh, Lord Lukie… Please…”

I could no longer support my trembling body and voluntarily accepted his hard cock, shaking my head as I lowered myself onto him. I felt my insides stretch painfully but without much resistance. I slumped against his body. The pleasure that had been building deep inside of me exploded at his touch, and I arched back, screaming once more.

“No, stop! Noooo!”

The shock of my orgasm made my body shiver uncontrollably, my inner walls contracting. My vision flickered as the heat in my head threatened to boil over. I called out Lucas’s name through my moans, and he gently traced his fingers over my nipples and whispered seductively in my ear to make me whimper.

“Does it feel good, Cecilia?”

“Ahh, no, Lord Lukie…”

“Well, it feels amazing to me. It isn’t fair if I’m the only one getting pleasure. I want you to feel good, too.”

He squeezed my hard nipples, coaxing the words he desired from me.

“Nngh, it feels good… It feels so good…!”

My walls squeezed Lucas tightly, reacting to his throbbing manhood. The surge of happiness I felt from that caused me to tighten around him further.

“Nn, this is amazing…” he whispered in my ear.

My dazed mind was filled with joy, all protests dissolving instantly. A tight knot formed in my lower belly. My body begged for more, though shame kept my mouth closed. Lucas sensed this, embraced me lovingly, and kissed me.

“Ah, mm… Nngh…”

“I love you Cecilia…”

“Ah, Lord Lukie… Mm…!”

As his tongue entwined with mine, my pussy quivered in surrender.

“Let’s feel good together, okay?”

“Mmm, L-Lord Lukie!”

Unable to take the pleasure he was giving me, I called out his name, seeking comfort. His golden eyes filled with joy. “Do I need to be a little meaner for you, to be honest?” he teased gently.

He helped me let go of my inhibitions. I looked at him with teary eyes, which only made him smile at me warmly.

“You’re so mean…”

“And you’re the cutest, Cecilia. Let me meet your expectations, my precious wife.” He had an expression of endless love on his face as he lifted my trembling legs and kissed me deeply and captured my moans in his mouth.

***

We held each other, kissed, and whispered our love. We laughed and slept together.

The sweet yet intense day came to an end. The next day, my knight kneeled under the clear sky and kissed my hand, making a vow.

“I swear by our kingdom and my beloved goddess that I will bring back the dragon.”

The surrounding crowd erupted in cheers, but I had to fight the urge to shake my head. I don’t need a dragon! I thought. Instead, I forced a graceful smile.

I kissed his forehead to pray for his safety, then spoke words reserved only for his wife.

“May fortune be with you in battle. My soul will always be by your side.”

His eyes widened slightly at my words. As I smiled and mouthed my love for him, he relaxed and murmured, “I love you too.”

My throat tightened with emotion, so I forced a smile. Smile, Cecilia.

As our eyes remained locked, I struggled to keep my emotions from overflowing, reminding myself to smile.

You gave me love.

You made promises.

You gave me a ring, a place for my heart.

I will stand as Cecilia, someone you could be proud of, and hold everything you’ve given me in your heart.

Smile, Cecilia, for the person you love the most in the world. Smile your best smile.

Lucas’s golden eyes softened sweetly as I continued to smile, a sense of relief in my chest.

“Take care. I’ll be waiting for your return.”

I squeezed his hand once, then let go.

He stood, his cloak fluttering around him. “I’m off,” he responded confidently.

I watched his fearless gaze and confident stride, resentful for it now more than ever. But I quietly gave thanks for the person I would spend my life with, and I hoped he didn’t see me cry.

Goddess, please, I beg you. He’s the only one. My only person. I don’t care what else I lose. Even if the story demands it, I’ll become a villainess if I must.

But please, I beg you. Protect my one and only.

Chapter Three

NO MATTER HOW MUCH I cried, the days passed by as usual. It was very difficult to keep standing tall in my colorless world, but the golden band around my finger always offered me solace.

I spent my days gathering information at tea parties and soirees, protecting my position and solidifying it even further so no one could intrude upon us. So that, when Lucas returned, I could leap into his arms without hesitation.

Living through those monotonous days without him was difficult, and I couldn’t help but sigh when I received a summons from the queen.

Even with gloves on, some people noticed. Only one ring was meant for the ring finger of the left hand, and nobles needed to be perceptive to survive. Since the groundwork had already been laid, information spread gradually, like water trickling down.

And as rumors began circulating in the palace about Lucas and me being effectively married, whispers of the queen visiting the villa more often also began. It was then that I received an invitation to a tea party from Her Majesty. Here we go, I thought, as I looked down at the letter.

“I have a hard time believing she’ll behave herself,” I muttered.

“That trash—er, idiot—is probably up to something,” Elsa said.

Did she just call him trash? Correcting it to “idiot” isn’t much better. Or maybe it does slightly soften the blow… But Felix was an idiot, so I let it slide.

“I wonder if the queen still hasn’t given up,” I said.

“Yes, and she can’t force you to do anything now that you have the ring. I think she’s using this tea party to confirm you’re wearing it and to appeal to your emotions, Lady Cecilia.”

“After six years together, she might brazenly claim that she isn’t entirely opposed to the idea,” Anna chimed in.

“Yes, I can definitely see her saying that.”

I sighed, imagining what the queen would do. She was originally from a neighboring country, married into this kingdom, and possessed that combination of arrogance and innocence characteristic of royalty. Her use of authority was slightly immature, and she often made insensitive remarks because she judged everyone by her own standards.

She hadn’t even spoken to me when her son abandoned me, yet now she was audaciously suggesting I reconsider my relationship with him. It was absurd by any measure.

I gripped the letter tightly, not wanting to believe it would come to that.

Lord Dirk had sent me a letter, mentioning that Felix had feelings for me.

I opened it and read it. I figured there was no point in stressing out over the letter when I’d crumpled it up and threw it away. The maids didn’t even pick it up after I threw it until I gave it another glance!

Love? Are you kidding me? Has he gotten amnesia? Is he completely unaware of how he belittled me over the past six years? Did he hit his head?

My vision darkened when I remembered how horribly Felix had treated me while I was his fiancée. And who could blame me? He never escorted me at tea parties. He never even offered me a seat. How many times had I stood the entire time? He never responded to my invitations or letters. Even at soirees, he merely dropped me off and immediately disappeared. He never gave me gifts of dresses or jewelry at events sponsored by the royal family, which you’d expect, being engaged to a prince.

Okay, just thinking about it is making me see red.

Where had the budget for the future queen gone? I bet he’d spent it all on the women he’d been screwing around on me with. They always had smug looks on their faces.

I lost count of how many times I heard, “You poor thing. You’re engaged to the prince, but he doesn’t even love you,” whispered into my ear. Even Lady Mia said it to me.

My hand clenched around the letter.

I’d never once wished for Felix’s love, but being mocked by people who didn’t know how hard I’d worked at being his fiancée was infuriating. So of course, I retaliated, just as a proper lady would.

Who in their right mind would believe their partner loved them after being treated like that?

I don’t have a masochistic streak. Well, maybe a little when Lucas teases me, but… No, I really don’t have one! I inclined my face to hide it, realizing I was making excuses to myself, and pressed my hands against my flushed cheeks. Elsa rolled on the floor with laughter for some reason, saying, “Even remembering’s making her blush!” which only made me flush deeper.

I should’ve taken care of it sooner…

“A goddess has descended!” Elsa crooned nonsensically. Surely she’s not doing this on purpose. She’s not intentionally making me feel embarrassed, is she?!Kate, I’m trusting you to take care of this!

I looked at the letter again.

Even Lord Dirk’s way of writing was infuriating. He wrote, “Since you chose Lucas, I’ll make an exception and tell you,” putting his sinister personality on full display. He was basically saying, “Don’t change your mind.”

I wanted to sarcastically reply, “Your dear brother is already my husband. Too bad!” That would be improper, though, and would probably backfire.

I folded the letter again, letting out my frustration, and raised my head.

“Well, I suppose we’ll just have to make Her Majesty understand,” I said with a smile.

My maids nodded vigorously, their eyes filled with such determination I had to chuckle.

“Leave it to us! We’re ready!”

“We’ve chosen lace gloves that show off your ring.”

“We’re ready to go at any time!”

How reliable. But Elsa…you really don’t need to bring that hidden weapon! It’s just a tea party! Put that away!

I couldn’t help but give a strained smile.

***

It was the day of the tea party.

As we walked through the somewhat desolate castle toward the party venue, Kate suddenly said, “Pardon me for a moment,” before disappearing. Once she returned, her voice was filled with anger. “I have something to tell you.”

I nearly tore the tassel off my fan when I heard what she had to say. “Are you joking?” I asked.

“No, I’m certain of it. Lady Meyer is also attending and is already at the party.”

“What is Her Majesty thinking?” I sighed frustratedly, forgetting we were in the hallway.

Why in the world would she invite her son’s ex-fiancée and his current fiancée to the same tea party? Not to mention, his current fiancée was the cause of my broken engagement. It was simply absurd. Does she want to see a catfight?

Well, it’s ridiculous to think I’d fight over Felix anyway. I don’t want him. I’m sorry to say there’s not one bit of affection for him left in my heart, even after six years together.

I could say that with certainty because I’d given all my love to Lucas. No matter how much the queen hinted at Felix or tried to unsettle me by inviting Mia to events—even if Felix himself confessed his feelings to me—my heart would never waver. My heart belonged to only one man.

My eyes softened when I saw my precious gold band through the lace glove on my left hand. Lucas’s voice from last night echoed through my mind, and I felt a rush of warmth.

“Cece, open your mouth for a goodnight kiss,” he said over the long-range transmission magic while Elsa was still in the room! That man is seriously strange! And he even said things like, “I want to feel your tongue on mine,” and, “I want a deep kiss.” How can he create such a naughty atmosphere with just his voice?!

The moment he said, “I want to kiss you somewhere else, too,” Elsa and I both turned red and shook our heads.

“No, don’t listen, Elsa! Cut the connection! Please!”

“I’m sorry,” Elsa said, “but I really can’t because Master Lucas scares me! I can’t cut it off!”

Instead, we just ended up clutching our pillows and cushions against our faces, completely mortified. Anna and Kate had pressed their foreheads against the wall, making perfect right angles. Their spirits appeared to have left their bodies.

My face felt like it was steaming once Lucas’s obscene phone call ended. I couldn’t even move. When I could speak, I screamed disparaging things about him into my pillow.

The maids were also bright red, and their eyes were rolled up into their heads. That man is a dangerous beast!He captures my heart in so many ways…

Lost in those embarrassing memories, Kate’s angry voice pulled me back to reality.

“Shall we say you’re unwell so you won’t have to attend?” she asked.

“I agree! I believe it’s completely reasonable to abstain after such unreasonable behavior.”

“Tell Lord Dirk—” Elsa started.

“Shush. Remember, this is the castle,” Kate cautioned.

Nice job, Kate, I thought, giving her a small nod. Some things shouldn’t be said in the castle, Elsa. Keep your mouth shut.

“No, I’ll attend.”

“But…”

“If I don’t go, it may be seen as denying the rumors altogether. They invited me to confirm the situation. We should make sure we know where we all stand and build a good relationship,” I said. “Also, I haven’t had a proper conversation with Lady Mia. She’s Lucas’s childhood friend, isn’t she? I’ve been wanting to speak with her.”

“Oh, that’s nice of you, Lady Cecilia!”

“I love that confrontational expression on your face!”

“Pfff!”

“Quiet.” Kate clamped Elsa’s mouth shut.

“Thanks, Kate,” I said, chuckling.

I touched my cheek and tilted my head. Am I wearing a confrontational expression? Perhaps I am.

I didn’t plan on bringing up the broken engagement. If Mia wanted Felix, she was more than welcome to him. But she had approached Lucas…

That’s really unacceptable. If she still fancies herself the heroine, then I’ll do my best this time.

That’s really what I thought, but…! I inwardly lamented as I gently placed my cup back on the saucer. What a dreadful tea party this is! I underestimated that ditz, Mia. I can’t believe you’ve gone and gotten yourself pregnant! Is this an 18+ game?! Oh, wait. Maybe it is. Lucas is a real sadist. Still, it’s enough to make me cry!

Even if she didn’t know Felix had been magically castrated, shouting about the loss of her chastity in front of the queen, her future mother-in-law, made me want to bury my face in my hands.

“So you see, there’s no need for Lady Cecilia and Lord Lucas’s engagement! The future of the royal family is already in my belly! Don’t you agree, Your Majesty?! Besides…”

I turned my gaze away from Mia, who was now shouting that Lucas cared for her deeply and was protecting her, and his campaign was all for her sake.

Honestly, her lack of decorum and education as a noblewoman is positively shocking.

Her words didn’t matter. Lucas was a national treasure. He was a Hero. To speak of him as one’s personal possession so openly was beyond naïve. Speaking about Lucas, the Hero, so casually had turned the knights’ gazes so cold it was like a blizzard had blown through. Not only that, but she was Felix’s fiancée.

Mia had been sequestered to the royal villa, so whose child could it even be? If it was one of her groupies, it could be the captain of the knights. Or the prime minister’s son. Even the cardinal’s son! I would hope not since the latter was a man of the cloth…

No matter how this scandal turned out, the idiocy of whoever’s son was responsible would lead to their family’s downfall, or even worse, their complete dissolution. Oof, rest in peace…

Wait, if the prime minister is in trouble, then my father, his advisor, might be too! How infuriating!Honestly, all she does is cause trouble! I thought, stealing a glance at the queen.

She signaled to the knights behind her with an icy gaze.

“That’s enough. Take her away to the dungeon.”

“Wh-what? Why should I be taken to the dungeon?! Felix’s child is—mmph?!”

Despite being a noblewoman, Mia had challenged the queen. Therefore, she was being hauled away to the dungeon, unable to resist.

I lowered my gaze. I couldn’t forgive her for what she had done. Had Lucas not saved me, protected me, my dignity would have been shattered. My efforts, my pride, my entire life—had all been reduced to nothing.

I’d never considered taking my own life, but honestly, I didn’t know if I could’ve endured it.

However, this wasn’t the ending I’d wanted. Watching a pregnant woman being dragged away as a criminal brought me no joy. A terrible sense of self-loathing welled within me as I sat there, unable to defend her. I knew I could do nothing to protect her.

Even though Felix had lost his claim to the throne, he was still a legitimate member of the royal family. And Mia had deceived him and committed adultery. She falsely claimed her unborn child was Felix’s. That was practically treason, considering he could not have children. Being charged with a crime was inevitable.

Still, seeing her being used like this to try to persuade me…

It filled me with overwhelming guilt and nausea. I couldn’t accept what Mia had done, but at the same time, her unborn child was innocent. My heart ached, stabbed by a hundred needles.

The queen was trying to elicit my sympathy by showing me how Mia had betrayed Felix. And the fact that they had removed her from the villa meant that Felix must’ve approved of it. Honestly, I never thought he could be so selfish and arrogant.

I took a deep breath, my eyes still lowered, and caressed my ring to steady my emotions.

You and your son are both incredibly pitiful. I pity the two of you for not understanding how to love.

I carefully crafted my expression to show no emotion and then looked at the queen. Her face faltered.

“Your Majesty,” I said as slowly and gently as possible, tilting my head slightly to the side. “Could you please instruct the knights not to handle her so roughly? The sight of a pregnant noblewoman being dragged to the dungeon is just too pitiful.”

The queen frowned deeply as she stared at me.

I lifted my cup and gave a troubled smile, but showed no sign of agitation. I won’t fall for your schemes. It may sound hypocritical, but the dungeon is truly out of the question. I’m sure it’s terrible there. Sending me to a brothel would be mild in comparison. It’s too horrifying to even imagine!

This tea had been prepared by the queen’s top maid and was supposed to be of exquisite quality. However, it tasted bland, given the distressing scene I had just witnessed. Nevertheless, I maintained my composure.

“You feel sorry for that woman?” the queen asked.

“Yes,” I said, looking at her. “It’s truly a shame things have come to this. She must’ve loved Lord Felix once. Where did it all go wrong?”

Perhaps your son is at fault, my tone implied. Plus, Felix must’ve ignored Mia’s infidelity.

After all, Mia insisted it was Felix’s child, so they must’ve had a physical relationship. Although Felix seemed unaware of the castration spell, he probably intended to abandon her, regardless of whether she bore a child.

I don’t think such treatment is appropriate for a woman he supposedly cared for.

“That woman never loved Felix. Don’t you agree?” she said.

“Both Lady Mia and Lord Felix publicly declared their true love for each other. Anyone who attended the academy knows that. I thought you knew as well, Your Majesty.”

After all, didn’t you abandon me because your son claimed he’d found his true love? I implied.

“Cecilia!” The queen to raised her voice. “You spent six years with Felix, yet you don’t feel sorry for what just happened to him?”

“Your Majesty, it is precisely because I spent six years with him that I support his true love! That’s why I beg of you to show some mercy upon poor Lady Mia.” I smiled sweetly and sighed behind my fan.

She really wants me to pity Felix?

You want me to pity Felix, but you didn’t pity me when I was abruptly discarded after a six-year-long engagement, falsely accused, and then shoved in a carriage to be sent off to a brothel. You don’t pity Mia, who was cast aside just as easily despite them having a physical relationship.

So how can I pity Felix, who is merely facing the consequences of his own actions? I’m sorry, but I’m not that generous. I can forgive, but only because Lucas rescued me. I have no feelings for Felix now.

I tried to convey this by narrowing my eyes. The queen feigned a noble expression.

“I see. Felix regrets how he treated you, and he wishes to apologize. He’s a good boy at heart. I think it might be your lack of effort, Cecilia, that let him be ensnared by a bad seed, like that Mia.”

Excuse me?! I wanted to blurt out, but I kept myself in check. I was proud of my restraint. She can’t be serious! This is outrageous! Despite my agitation, my training as a lady dictated my response.

“I did try my best, but I apologize for my inadequacy.”

“Yes. If you’d done more to please him, he wouldn’t have abandoned you, correct?”

“Please him, Your Majesty?”

Surely you don’t mean physically, Your Majesty?

We were taught to remain strictly chaste until marriage as future princesses. Surely the queen knew that, too.

“I think you were thoroughly educated as a princess and worked hard for Felix, but all of that means nothing if he wasn’t pleased. Now, I’m not saying you should be more like that woman, but a little more charm or affection would surely have made Felix treat you kindlier.”

Okay, now I want to punch her. My fake smile faltered after hearing such an absurd argument, and I opened my fan to hide my expression.

The knight behind the queen gripped his sword, and the blood drained from my face.

Wait, wait, wait! The girls behind me are merely maids! There’s no need to draw your sword! Please don’t kill them! Why am I the one who has to beg for my own maids’ lives? It’s sad!

“But I believe that Felix will do the right thing now,” the queen continued, undeterred. She ignored my panic completely. “Because he—”

I snapped my fan shut loudly to interrupt her despite the disrespect it conveyed and forced a smile. “Your Majesty.”

Stay strong, Cecilia! You have to keep it together in order to leave the castle with your maids in one piece!

“I apologize for my shortcomings and for failing Lord Felix. However, Prince Lucas has accepted me as I am. It’s embarrassing to share this with you, Your Majesty, but the two of us exchanged vows before he left for his campaign.”

I feigned modesty, covering my mouth with my left hand, and smiled happily. The queen’s eyes widened at the sight of the ring on my left ring finger.

“Cecilia, you—!”

“We exchanged vows, just in case the worst should happen.” I continued smiling, forcing out those difficult words.

I had no intention of standing beside anyone but Lucas. And I certainly wasn’t interested in hearing about Felix’s feelings. I wouldn’t deny how he felt, but it was far too late.

How can you say that now after spending six years by his side? How much more pain do you want me to endure?

Everything had an end, and the relationship between Felix and I had come to an end on that day of judgment. I might not have loved him, but I was sure that I’d had some sort of affection for him once. I hoped Felix could move on and not be held captive by those feelings, even if I had to end it here in a cruel way.

My gaze was filled with determination as I looked at the queen.

“I see… Well, then. I shall pray that the worst never happens.”

“Thank you. I believe it’s time for me to go.” I stood up, quietly curtsied, and left.

“But Cecilia!” I heard her angry voice behind me, but I didn’t turn around.

Once I was in the carriage, I finally sighed in relief and smiled at my maids.

“There are other ways to fight back, you know,” I said.

“We’ll follow you forever, Lady Cecilia!” Their raised fists and cheers made me burst into laughter.

***

The rumors about me settled after successfully navigating the queen’s tea party, and no more questions about my status arose. I continued my days receiving Lucas’s messages from afar.

The day after he told me he was nearing the depths of the forest, a letter arrived that caused me to frown.

“Now it’s Mihael Howser?”

He was one of Mia’s groupies who had condemned me. A letter from him certainly couldn’t be good news.

“Let’s burn it and pretend it never arrived!”

“I’ll turn him and the letter into dust!”

“I’ll be right back!”

Okay, see you later. Wait! Hey, maids! Where are you going with those weapons in your hands?!

I quickly called out to Elsa, who had put on some sort of brass knuckles with blades coming out of them that didn’t match her maid’s uniform at all.

“No, wait! Let’s stay calm and not burn the letter. I’m curious about why Mihael wants to meet.”

My maids groaned disappointedly.

How did they turn out like this? They’re all so beautiful yet so abnormal. They’re very professional when it comes to their maid and guard duties, but there’s just something…off about them. Well, I suppose it can’t be helped given the state of this ducal household, I inwardly concluded.

I reluctantly took the letter from Kate and opened it. I silently handed the letter to Anna and waited for her to finish reading it.

“Stay calm,” I said.

“I am calm. Please grant me permission to kill him immediately, Lady Cecilia,” Anna said.

“I can’t do that, Anna.”

She’s so calm it’s scary! And now Anna’s getting weapons!

I gave her the letter so she knew the situation, but perhaps I should’ve just told her about it. Anna’s weapon was a dagger as thin as a needle. Even Kate and Elsa were arming themselves.

“Please, calm down! Mihael is just a bit off. He isn’t right in the head! He’s crazy and rotten! Nothing he says is worth getting angry over, all right?” I felt bad saying such harsh things about him, but there was no time to worry about that.

This is serious!

Despite explaining at the previous tea party that physical attacks weren’t the only way to fight back, I was now desperately trying to calm the three of them down.

“Adorable as ever! But this request is unacceptable.”

“Yes, it’s too much.”

Adorable? At least they gave the letter back and seemed to be calming down, thank goodness.

“So? Permission to kill him?”

“Denied.”

Such a cute, pouty face. I returned my gaze to the letter.

“This is about Lady Mia, isn’t it?” I asked hesitantly. “She wasn’t really taken to the dungeon, was she?”

“I don’t know.”

The cold reply made my heart ache, and I gripped the letter tightly.

After the tea party, I wrote to Lord Dirk and Prince Leon about the situation. However, both of them seemed aware of the queen’s actions but gently refused to get involved any further.

Even if I could ask for mercy, I still couldn’t help her. I didn’t have that kind of authority. Besides, I was about to marry into the royal family. Her pregnancy was an insult to the royal family. Thus, neither she nor her unborn child would ever be forgiven. I couldn’t do anything about it.

Yet no matter how much I tried to rationalize it, the regret and guilt still remained. I had to accept it all. That was all I could do because if I didn’t, it would cause trouble for my maids. I could tell by the strength with which she held her stomach that, despite the coldness in her eyes, she’d been struggling with her emotions. That only made me feel guiltier.

“Just so you know,” Elsa said, “she’s alive, but—oof!”

Kate gently smacked Elsa’s head. “That’s enough out of you,” she said.

“You’re getting one less snack today, Elsa,” Anna said with a wry smile.

As I watched this exchange, I was reminded once again that I was lucky to be in a place with such kind servants. It strengthened my resolve to be the kind of mistress who could embrace both the good and the bad with these three.

“Well, we should inform Lord Mihael that we know nothing about Lady Mia. Perhaps we should also point out his lack of common sense.”

I smiled and told them to prepare the letter. My capable maids promptly complied.

However, Mihael was not at the Howser family residence.

So then, who sent that letter? When we inquired further, Cardinal Howser, Mihael’s father, arrived at the ducal estate himself, looking very pale and apologizing profusely. He explained that Mihael had gone to the royal villa and not returned. Every inquiry he sent about his son had gone ignored. He begged us to ask Felix for help.

I figured the other noble families had refused to approach Felix, who’d been demoted from prince to quasi-royal status. But it was incredibly rude to ask me, his former fiancée. Lord Dirk immediately stepped in, so I thought that the matter had been settled.

“It’s strange. I can’t confirm that Mihael has been seen at the royal villa lately. There have been no reports of him since that young lady was sent away. Do you think Felix has done something? Doesn’t this pique your interest, Lady Cline?”

You’re asking for my agreement outright, Dirk. Does that mean you want me to investigate? It’s rather hard to refuse when I’m living in your house!

Because of Lord Dirk’s suggestion, I found myself heading to the royal castle once again.

***

I looked up at the sky when I stepped out of the ducal family’s carriage. “What dreary weather,” I remarked.

Heavy clouds covered the royal capital, growing darker as they got closer to the border forest. My throat tightened. I pressed my hand against my chest, having felt uneasy all morning, and took a deep breath.

I’d spoken to Lucas the night before, and he’d told me he’d arrived at the depths of the forest. My heart had been racing so fast ever since that I couldn’t sleep. Fear had taken root in me, and I hadn’t been able to focus on anything since last night. Honestly, the last thing I wanted to do was have a tea party with Lord Mihael.

I’d planned to spend the day at the temple praying while Lucas was on his mission, yet here I was, searching for a man who’d both insulted and scorned me. It was so absurd I almost cried. Instead, I just repeated Lucas’s words in my mind to encourage myself.

“Goodnight, Cece. I’ll talk to you again tomorrow.”

I wanted to believe those words.

So, it was okay if I didn’t go to the temple, because it was Lucas. Even last night, he was in his usual perverted knight mode. I knew I would hear his voice again tonight.

I touched my ring and silently repeated, “It’s okay” several times. My maids watched me with concern. They’d also been acting strangely since the previous night. We were all the same: worried and praying for Lucas’s safety.

That was why I needed to fulfill my role properly. I stood up straighter and carried myself the way a marquis’s daughter should.

It’s okay. I believe in him, so it’s all right.

“Well, shall we go?” I stepped forward, my gaze fixed on the crimson cloaks of the guards ahead of me.

***

I was startled by the distant rumble of thunder, though I saw no thunderclouds. But I couldn’t muster up the courage to look at the sky. Instead, I kept my gaze on the reddish-brown liquid in my teacup.

I was in the gardens near the royal villa. It seemed almost certain that Felix was somehow involved, given everything Dirk had said. I looked up again, this time focused on the Azure Knights around the villa, then put my fan over my mouth and sighed.

Several Imperial Knights had accompanied us, and although they were out of sight, numerous bodyguards from the ducal house were present as well. To top it all off, my maids had traded in their usual attire and carried weapons today. Those dangerous objects didn’t come with the dainty maid outfits, did they? Are you really going to the castle like that? It’s the royal castle, you know!

When I saw how they were dressed, I was dumbfounded. The maids just smiled. “We will protect you,” they reassured me. “Please don’t worry.”

Thanks, but that’s not the point! I couldn’t help but mentally protest.

I was grateful for their protection, but that wasn’t what I wanted to ask. “Um, do you have permission for this?!”

“It’s not a problem. Lord Dirk arranged it all,” Kate said, who had a well-worn greatsword effortlessly slung over her back.

I could only respond with an, “I see…”

The royal family’s shield is terrifying!

I tensed when I looked at Kate and Anna again. The crest on the weapons they carried bore the emblem of a shield with a sword across it, known as the Lebensklinge, or “living swords.” It was the symbol granted to the Herbst family, the shields of the royal family. Only the “living swords” were allowed to wear the emblem. The shield was the Herbst family crest, and the sword represented absolute loyalty.

Whoever wore that emblem had the authority to command all knights, except for Heroes and the marshal, even if they were Imperial Knights. It was even said that those who wore this emblem had the king’s authority to kill anyone except the royal family.

Why is such an emblem necessary for a tea party? I knew it. I had a hunch, but I never imagined my maids, who double as bodyguards, would come guard me with that emblem!

I had been taught that it was only to be worn in emergencies authorized by the royal family. That was why House Herbst was allowed to keep “living swords”!

A tea party isn’t an emergency, is it?! Or am I wrong? If they’re going to such lengths for a mere tea party, does that mean…?

I instantly thought of the crown prince going pale and felt a wave of guilt.

What is Dirk thinking, making me go to such a dangerous tea party?! If things are that dangerous, shouldn’t it just be called off?! I don’t want Lucas to know his brother was practically treating me like bait, but it’ll get back to him! Sure, I came here willingly, but they can’t seriously be asking me to close the gates of hell again. Can they? Because it seems like they are!

I sighed softly in resignation and once more looked at my maids, or rather, the Lebensklinge.

“Oh, Elsa. You should take off your apron. It’s hard to get the bloodstains out,” Kate casually remarked.

I wanted to cover my ears so I couldn’t hear their dangerously violent conversation. Is that why the maid uniforms are black? And what does it actually mean for them to be shields?

If the best offense is a good defense, and if being a shield was your motto, it was more like saying “kill or be killed.” Oh my, that sounds like a noble battle. But in that case, I think swords or spears would be more suitable. A shield gives a gentler impression, doesn’t it? Okay, okay, I understand. Ah, it’s making me a bit teary-eyed…

I waited for Lord Mihael while fortified by the maids’ defensive wall. I couldn’t even really call them maids anymore since they were already in combat-ready mode.

A sudden cry from the direction of the royal villa startled me, and I jolted involuntarily.

“Lady Cecilia, please don’t move until we confirm what that is.”

My three maids armed themselves and surrounded me while Kate meticulously added an even more elaborate defensive formation. My eyes widened in surprise.

Huh? Double defensive layers? Add one more layer, and I wouldn’t be any different from royalty, I thought, my brain once again retreating to escapism to stabilize my nerves.

Amid such tension, Anna suddenly opened a notebook.

“Cardinal Howser’s son has been injured and exited from the royal villa. Would you like to go meet with him?” she asked without lowering her sword.

I paused for a moment. “Do you think it’s all right?”

“We’ve checked the surroundings. There’s no danger, so there shouldn’t be a problem.”

I nodded in agreement. “Thank you. I’ll go, then,” I said and rose from my seat.

I followed Anna and the others, then found Lord Mihael in a place near the palace. I was stunned. His injuries were worse than I’d imagined, his bloody appearance making my legs tremble.

“Lord Mihael,” I called out to him. “Can you hear me? I’m healing you now, so please hang in there.”

“M-Mia…?” He murmured faintly, mistaking me for Lady Mia.

It was a relief that he was still able to speak. I knelt beside him and activated my healing magic, drawing a sigil. Lightning flashed in the dark clouds, momentarily brightening our surroundings.

Startled by the sudden flash, I looked up at the sky and saw birds flocking above the border forest. I swallowed my rising anxiety. Streaks of lightning webbed across the pitch-black clouds. As I watched them abruptly dissipate, Lord Mihael stirred.

“…ch…” His pained voice reached my ears, and I quickly turned to face him.

“Lord Mihael…”

His weak hand reached out to mine, and I instinctively recoiled.

When Felix had broken off our engagement, Sir Maximillian, a knight in Mia’s entourage, had held me down by brute force. But it was Lord Mihael who had forced me to stand before Felix.

Everything’s all right. Felix is being held captive at the castle, so nothing like that will happen again. And Mihael is injured.

I realized that the incident following my broken engagement had hurt me more than I’d imagined. Now was not the time to be intimidated by the past, though, and I activated my healing magic once again.

After I healed Lord Mihael, I let out a sigh of relief.

“How surprising to see you here, Lady Cecilia,” a voice interrupted.

It was Sir Rolfe Kummetz, one of the Azure Knights whom I’d met at a soiree. He approached me, ignoring the voices of the surrounding knights who urged him to stop.

Oh great, another troublesome person…

“Nice to see you again, Sir Rolfe,” I replied calmly and without any emotion. I tried to return my gaze to Mihael, but Rolfe held out his hand. I glanced at it and sighed inwardly.

Under normal circumstances I wouldn’t think of exchanging greetings like this, especially when a knight on duty was being overly familiar with the second prince’s fiancée. Most likely—no, it was highly probable that the Promise Mark would repel him. And if that happened, it would surely ruin his reputation. I already wore Lucas’s ring, however, and the Promise Mark itself couldn’t be hidden for long.

He had most likely approached me because Lucas was out on a campaign. It’s infuriating that he’s still not doing his guard duty properly while Lucas is working so hard! I thought, fueling my irritation. When I saw my maids giving me a thumbs-down sign, I reluctantly extended my hand toward him.

“Huh?”

I expected his hand to be repelled, so I was surprised when our fingers touched, my voice involuntarily breathless.

“I’ve sent you flowers many times since we met. I wonder if they pleased you?”

“I, um, well…”

I never received any flowers, I replied silently and felt the blood draining from my face.

Rolfe’s gaze burned with intensity. I glanced toward Anna and the others, whose faces paled as they stared intently at our now-intertwined fingers. Realizing the undeniable reality of this situation from their reactions, I struggled to suppress the spreading fear throughout my body.

Surely it’s just my imagination! After all, Rolfe is just a knight! Just like Prince Leon proved that he wouldn’t be repelled if I don’t show any emotion, then surely Rolfe…

I bit my lip and covered it with my hand, but Rolfe seemed to misinterpret my gesture as shyness. He approached slowly and stared at my ring finger, which was covered in lace.

“It seems what I’ve heard of the ring is true,” he whispered in a devilish voice. “But since I’m touching you like this…it appears the rumors about the Promise Mark were lies after all.”

His words froze me.

My heart pounded loudly. My chest burned like it was on fire, but everything else felt ice-cold. I was suddenly plunged into a world where I could hear nothing but my own sounds. Slowly, I turned my gaze toward the man, who stared at me.

But he was not the person I wanted to see, wrapped up in the color I loved so much. I couldn’t believe that the touch of his fingers against my skin was part of my own body.

“It’s not…a lie,” I murmured, my voice barely audible.

“You impudent fool!” a low, angry voice said.

Rolfe suddenly disappeared from sight. The dark-clad maids had intervened, blocking my view of the unfolding reality in front of me. Anna had her sword drawn and glared angrily. Elsa had grabbed Rolfe by the neck and pinned him to the ground, restraining him.

“Don’t ever say that again! If you dare insult our lord one more time, we’ll kill you!”

“Argh! Why should mere maids speak to me like that?!” Sir Rolfe snapped at Elsa.

“Silence, Sir Kummetz!” an Imperial Knight said, angrily cutting off Sir Rolfe. “Obey the living swords, Lebensklinge!”

Elsa’s swift movements and the guard’s words silenced the surrounding knights, who stood up straighter.

Sir Rolfe still looked dissatisfied and glared at Elsa resentfully. He opened his mouth to speak. I didn’t want to face reality and shamefully covered my ears.

“No! It’s not a lie! It’s real. He engraved it on me…”

The insides of my ears hurt. The back of my nose hurt. My throat felt constricted. I couldn’t breathe properly.

This can’t be happening. It must be some mistake. He promised to see me tomorrow. This has to be a lie! Nothing has happened that I should cry about. Nothing happened. It couldn’t have! I’m just being anxious.

I heard Anna and the others saying something as I collapsed, but I didn’t have the wherewithal to respond. I felt strangely detached from the situation. I refused to accept the reality in front of me. I was abruptly brought back to the present by Mihael coughing up blood again, my dress stained a bright, vivid red.

“Lord Mihael! But I healed him!”

My eyes widened at the pattern on his skin, which was visible through his wound.

Humans generally didn’t try to enslave magical beasts. Unless the beast was intelligent, there was no way to communicate with them or control them, making it pointless to try to take them under one’s power. Intelligence in a beast also meant strength, requiring the skill to capture without killing. Although the technique of subduing magical beasts existed, it was said to be practically impossible.

The technique of luring in magical beasts for subjugation had long been considered both inhumane and forbidden. That was because the technique was applied to a human, their wounded body used as a sacrifice.

“What?”

I gently moved the fabric aside and looked again. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing; I was rendered speechless.

Why is Lord Mihael covered in blood?

Why is he telling me to run away?

Why does he have a pattern designed to lure in magical beasts engraved onto him? Why? How? I was so flustered my breathing became shallow, and my vision swam.

This is a dream. No, he told me to run away. It must be a mistake. I don’t believe it. We made a promise. But then, why is my hand covered in red?

My chest tightened when I saw the golden band shining through the thick red liquid on my palm, and my heart pounded painfully. I bit my lip hard. That pain and the dull golden glow on my finger gave me the strength to move forward.

What are you doing, Cecilia? Get a grip! How can you falter when you stand beside a Hero?

Taking a deep breath, I rose to my feet and shouted. “Anna, Kate, Elsa!”

“Yes?!”

“Magical beasts are coming! Call the Black and White Knights! Contact Prince Leon and—”

Before I could finish, the very air trembled and the ground reverberated, forcing me to crouch down. Touching Lord Mihael’s blood-covered hand sent a shiver down my spine, and I averted my eyes. What I saw there captured my gaze. It was dripping crimson.

“It can’t be… A Fenrir?!”

“Deploy the defensive wall!” Anna’s said, her voice immediately ringing out. “Restrain it! Attack unit, aim for its legs!”

A high-density defensive barrier enclosed the massive wolf.

“Elsa!” Kate yelled.

“I know!” Elsa said.

The red before my eyes transformed to silver.

“It’s the magical cat Cath Palug this time?!”

“No way! That’s the sacred beast of the western kingdom!”

Her hair seemed to grow and her slender limbs were suddenly covered in silver fur as her maid’s uniform fell to the ground. Triangular ears sprouted from her now-larger head, and the fur on her wide back bristled intimidatingly, making her seem even bigger.

Like the Fenrir, the Cath Palug was a Class S divine beast, one not native to the kingdom of Bern. It stood in front of me to protect me from the wolf.

I was in a state of complete confusion as I watched Elsa’s growing body. It suddenly felt as if I were floating, and I realized someone was lifting me up.

“Pardon my rudeness, Lady Cecilia, but Elsa will buy us ti—!”

Kate was cut off by a roar. My body whipped around as we suddenly changed directions, making me grit my teeth involuntarily.

I nodded slightly to Kate’s anxious inquiry about my well-being and took in the garden, which had been torn up by the Fenrir’s massive claws. I trembled at the sight.

The fragments of the shattered defensive wall sparkled through the air.

“Again!” Anna shouted.

Then an awful, earth-shaking sound reverberated in my ears.

“You’re quite bold for calling me here only to treat me so harshly.”

I bit my lip. My suspicions had been confirmed after I heard that voice.

“What do you mean, called you here?!”

“What’s going on?”

I tried to calm the panicked surroundings, but Elsa leaped in with a snarl.

“What are you talking about?!” she asked. “It’s your own fault for coming so easily when someone calls you!”

“And who are you? It’s unusual to see a monster cat here.”

“I am not a monster cat! And what about you? Why are you so injured? Gah?!”

“Hmph! That’s why I came here. There was a feast laid out for me and quite a few tasty sources of magic!”

With that, the wolf opened its bloody jaws with a smirk and scattered its magic. The pressure was so overwhelming that the knights were unable to maintain their defensive walls. One by one, they fell.

Kate had been maintaining her barrier effortlessly until now, but I broke out into a cold sweat when she stabbed her greatsword into the ground to focus on her defense.

Although Elsa and Anna’s attacks were connecting, they weren’t very effective. The Fenrir blew them away with a roar and turned his fangs toward Lord Mihael.

The scene was so shocking that everyone momentarily froze, unable to move. The wolf’s blood-soaked mouth emitted a voice filled with malice.

“Really, that annoying dragon’s lightning strikes destroyed my lair and left me covered in wounds! Even if I devour all the humans here, I can’t beat that black dragon, but at least my wounds should heal faster. I’ll start with you first, woman! The one everyone’s protecting!” it yelled, pointing its bloody claws at me.

I froze.

“Your magic is so pure and appetizing. Your body looks so soft, too. I’ll eat you up whole!”

“You perverted wolf! Guh?!”

The Fenrir’s claws struck at an unbelievable speed and blew Kate away, who was unable to fully defend us. She crashed into a tree and coughed up blood. Startled, I frantically tried to draw a healing sigil with my fingers, only to scream as I was pulled down along with the defensive barrier.

“Nooooo!”

“What a lovely voice you have. I’m pleased.”

Its claws even pierced through the double-reinforced defensive barrier and right into my dress. I was immobilized. My teeth chattered in terror as the Fenrir opened its massive mouth.

I struggled desperately as the Fenrir tore open the front of my dress with its claws. Thin lines of blood bloomed across my exposed skin, making me tremble.

The Fenrir laughed with delight.

“Yes. Be afraid, woman!” it said, blood dripping from its mouth as it spoke. “You have no power. You’re nothing more than food for me to devour!”

Hearing the screams of Anna and the others, who were continuously creating defensive barriers, filled me with anguish and sorrow. My vision blurred.

Why don’t I have any power? Why am I always the one being protected?

Unable to fight or escape, I was captured, causing trouble for those fighting for me. The only thing I could do now seemed to be breaking the promise I made with Lucas.

He said he would return, so I had to wait. I wanted to wait, but… I also want to protect what he’s trying to protect, as someone who stands by his side!

The stronger a magical beast, the crueler it was, and the more ferociously it tormented its prey.

If I can buy time until the White and Black Knights arrive… If I can buy time for Anna and the other knights to regroup…!

I clenched my teeth, barely able to breathe through the terror, and glared at the Fenrir in front of me.

“You said you were summoned here.”

“Oh, you’re surprisingly strong-willed! This’ll be fun.”

The way his expression changed in response to my question was strangely human, which made me shiver. I couldn’t stop trembling and kissed my ring to encourage myself.

“Y-you said you came because food had been prepared for you.”

“Yes. It’s been a long time since that spell was used. I was suspicious, though. Either the caster was terrible at it, or there was something missing from the spell.”

“Missing?”

The Fenrir grunted, then chuckled, as if my doubts had been revealed to him.

“They probably tried to summon a low-level wolf-type magical beast, but they made a silly mistake with the drawing. Only someone like me would’ve noticed it, you know. You should be grateful for that,” he said.