The people of Himov, including Demis, rejoiced in their great victory in the great battle. As the darkness receded and day broke, they sang and called upon the name of Targayel.
But Elze had no time to enjoy the cheers and had to sneak back to her quarters to wash off the blood and change her clothes. Fortunately, the militia, except for Liv, did not seem to see Elze.
It was a chaotic battle, and it was dark at night, and the distance between Elze's position and the barricade was considerable. No one could distinguish Elze in the midst of it unless they were as skilled as Liv. Thanks to this, Elze was able to play the role of a weak Countess who knew nothing about swords.
But the victory in the defense of Himov brought with it a problem that was not a problem at all. Targayel had inadvertently taken credit for wiping out the bandits that had been swarming the borders of Baluar and Britain, and the scale of the task had grown larger than expected.
What had been a simple visit to the estate had now become a major event. Battles along the unstable border were commonplace, but since Count Targayel and his retainers were involved in the battle, it was something that had to be reported to the imperial court.
Since it was the work of Count Targayel, who was Crown Prince Raymond's favorite subject and political partner, it would have ended with praise for eradicating the bandits.
However, it was better to report as soon as possible, because since military action had been taken, the longer it took, the more delicate the situation could become.
Elze and Shan rested for a day or so, cleaned up the Himov territory with Demis, and left Himov at dawn the next day.
Demis, the caretaker of Himov, and the captain of the militia sent Elze off on their behalf. They were very sad to part with their lord, and Demis in particular was so sad that it was embarrassing to be the one leaving.
“I hope your journey is safe and smooth.”
Demis spoke with tears in his eyes. And Shan was smiling crookedly at Demis, who looked like he was about to cry. Elze was caught between the two, trying to keep an eye on Shan’s expression and say goodbye to Demis.
After saying goodbye with difficulty, there was a small incident on the way back to Targael. It was because of Liv who was staring at her so much that it made her head tingle. He stared at Elze the whole way home.
He knew why she did that. Liv, the Knight Commander, was at the forefront of the militia during the defense of Himov, and he had seen Elze flying around, swinging her rapier and mangosh.
But it was also funny that Elze was the first to tell him that she was Elijah's Elze. In the first place, it was difficult to arrange a place for the Countess and the Knight Commander to talk alone.
In the end, Elze asked Shan for help. She asked him to explain it to him since Liv had discovered her true identity during this battle.
But Shan wasn't the type of person to let Elze go just like that. He grabbed Elze's arm, and Elze had to look back at him. When their eyes met, Shan smiled and asked.
“Are you going to wash?”
It was a very mischievous laugh. As soon as she saw that laugh, Elze became suddenly anxious. He always had that kind of laugh when he had something to hide.
And Elze's anxiety soon became reality. Shan met her gaze and whispered.
“We can wash together.”
At Shan's words, Elze opened her mouth wide. She froze for a moment, then forced her still mouth to move and spoke to him.
“Let’s wash together... What will the people below think if they see it?”
“Don’t worry. I made sure no one was allowed near the bathroom.”
“No, that’s not it...”
But while Elze was flustered, Shan's hands were already moving. He quickly untied the laces of the complicated dress and took it off. His hands were much faster than those of the maids who attended to Elze.
Before she knew it, her bare skin was exposed. In the blink of an eye, Elze's underwear had all been taken off. Elze hurriedly wrapped her arms around her bare chest and shouted.
“Ouch! What is it!”
“What is it?”
Elze's body was lifted into the air. Elze, who was being held in a pose similar to a Princess, looked at Shan with bewildered eyes. However, he pretended not to have any intentions and continued speaking naturally.
“I want to take a bath.”
“...”
If she said anything here, only Elze would be considered a weirdo. She really couldn't handle him with words. Elze quietly hugged him.
Shan walked to the bathroom connected to the bedroom, holding Elze naked in his arms. The bathroom was steamy and the marble bathtub, decorated with a crow, the symbol of House Targayel, was sloshing with warm water. Shan held Elze in his arms and immersed himself in the bathtub.
“Ugh... Seriously...”
Elze hid herself in the corner of the large marble bathtub and resented him. However, once she got into the bathtub, she felt better. The moderately warm water eased her mind. Her tired body melted away.
Shan leaned against the wall of the bathtub and sat Elze down in front of him. Elze sat down obediently as he led her, but said nothing.
“Do I really have to sit like this in this big bathtub?”
Fifteen people can snuggled up against him in the marble bathtub, which was large enough to fit them all. At Elze's grumbling, Shan released the arm that was wrapped around her waist.
Elze sloshed away from him, splashing water. Then she turned around to face him, which made her feel better. She was too anxious to leave him behind as it felt like giving her neck to a wild beast.
“...”
But it was not comfortable to face him. His wet hair stuck to his copper-colored skin. His lazily relaxed purple eyes looked at Elze. His low smile was lewd.
“Elze.”
Blue eyes filled Shan. He really liked the image of himself completely contained within them. Shan whispered with a lot of lustful desire.
“I want to put it in, Elze...”
And Elze, who was hit directly by Shan's heat, felt dizzy. Goosebumps appeared on her skin as she felt the passion pouring out of her whole body. It was hard to keep her wits about her when Shan was acting like this. Elze was already nodding without realizing it.
As soon as Elze gave permission, something round squeezed into the wet gap. Elze gasped and grabbed the edge of the bathtub. The thick sensation was vivid.
Shan licked and bit the nape of her neck from behind. Just having him behind her gave her a strange sense of tension. Shan held Elze's waist with both hands and slowly pushed himself in all the way.
When his tip reached the deepest part, Elze arched her back. She didn’t do it on purpose; her body just naturally did it. Maybe it was because the posture was different from what she usually did, but the feeling was completely different. The pleasure that rose along with the faint tension kept making her body tremble.
“Ah... uh...”
Her thighs twisted on their own. Shan couldn't leave Elze alone as she kept twitching, unable to bear it. He started to move while biting her shoulder. Her lower abdomen began to tickle unbearably, along with the feeling of her insides being pushed. Shan let out a low groan as if he was shaking inside from the spasm. He spoke in a wet voice, holding her waist as if squeezing it.
“Ugh... I wish you hadn’t rushed me so much. I don’t think I could stand it...”
If this is what she can endure, then he wonders what it is that she can't endure. As her arms kept losing strength and she started to sway, Shan whispered while lightly pinching her nipples.
“Hold on tight. Don’t slip.”
He wanted to tell her that it would be okay if she just stayed still, but her parted lips were too busy letting out moans.
“Ah, ah, yeah, ah!”
The water in the bathtub splashed and splashed with the violent movement. The waves swayed and the water droplets splashed loudly. The pleasure shot down her spine several times.
Elze couldn't hold out long before she reached her climax. Her eyes went blank and a moan escaped her lips. She groaned, her shoulders shaking. Her insides were throbbing and releasing on their own. She felt a sticky liquid flowing down her thighs.
But Elze had no time to feel the afterglow. Shan didn't stop thrusting. Her insides, sensitive to climax, were being stirred up and down. Elze sobbed with her buttocks raised high.
“Uh, uh, wait a minute, I just...”
Shan asked roughly, his breath seething with excitement.
“Just now, what?”
Elze squeezed her eyes shut. Tears flowed down the corners of her eyes.
“Ahh, I just... if you keep doing that...!”
The pleasure was layered on top of the aftertaste that had not yet subsided. Although it had not been long since the climax, the feeling that it would come again tickled her skin. She was afraid of the pleasure that would only expand without any sign of abating.
When Elze finally started to cry and moan, Shan whispered, biting and licking her tear-stained cheek.
“Don’t cry, okay...?”
But unlike the affectionate and soothing voice, the bottom was still fierce. Elze barely held on to the bathtub as if it were her life. And soon, the second climax came. The hair on her head stood on end, and the hair on her entire body stood on end, and soon, a lightning-like pleasure struck her.
"Ah...!"
Elze opened her eyes wide and trembled all over. A feeble sound escaped her mouth as if she was about to die. Her vision darkened momentarily and then slowly brightened. Shan held Elze tightly as she collapsed.
“Elze...”
Whispers dispersed, and waves rippled. Elze leaned against Shan and muttered weakly.
“You are truly... a beast...”
Then Shan couldn't hold it in anymore and let out a hiss. Elze struck his forearm with her weak fist.
After having sex in the bathtub, Elze washed herself briefly and finally lay down on the bed.
She was so tired that she wanted to faint as soon as she lay down. However, Shan, who had finally found the opportunity, was not going to let go easily. Although he tried hard to persuade her, Elze declared that she couldn't do it anymore today and went on strike.
She lay down with Shan's arm as a pillow and her face resting on his chest. A feeling of lethargy washed over her entire body. She was already half asleep, but Shan's hands kept touching her here and there.
He grabbed her chest and let go, and then he secretly groped her waist... It was a little painful for Elze, whose senses were still sensitive.
“Ouch... Stop touching me..."
When Elze pushed him away with a slight frown, he was content to kiss her on the bridge of her nose. But soon he began to play with her hair. Elze decided to take care of it.
As Shan was doing that, the sleepiness that had been creeping up on her just a moment ago began to slowly disappear. She felt like she had missed the timing and her eyes were wide open.
Shando noticed that Elze was awake, so he slowly wrapped his arms around her waist. She felt a pleasant weight when his arms were on her. A soft voice was heard.
“Can we talk?”
Elze tilted her head up slightly. His purple eyes were shining brightly in the darkness. He smiled and whispered.
“We don’t have much conversation.”
There was no reason to refuse. Elze accepted.
“Yes. Let’s talk.”
Shan nodded as if to tell her to speak first. Elze thought for a moment and then spoke to him.
“This time, regarding the defense of Himov, I would like to inform the Imperial Family...”
But Elze's words were cut off before he could finish.
“Let’s not talk about work.”
Isn't that what we were supposed to talk about? Elze didn't know what else to talk about with him.
“Then?”
“Something you like...”
Shan looked at Elze intently and asked.
“Is there anything you want?”
"No."
Shan sighed at the sound of his answer being cut off. He had been trying to persuade her in a rather soft voice, which was unusual for him.
“Don’t say nothing. Just tell me whatever you want.”
Is this the pillow fight I've only heard of?
At that moment, Elze had that thought. It couldn't be helped, because Shan had a face that seemed like he would listen to whatever Elze said.
He was looking at Elze with eyes that seemed to be filled with love. Suddenly, her heart began to flutter as if she were looking at the most lovable and beautiful being in the world. Elze, who was still awkward in the sweet atmosphere, said something strange.
“You look like you would listen to me if I asked you to take over the Baluar Empire...”
Elze said it as a joke to lighten the tense atmosphere. However, Shan did not accept it. He replied calmly.
“If you want, of course.”
Then, he touched Elze's shoulder blade with his hand and asked her a question.
“Should we start a rebellion?”
If Elze just nodded, he seemed ready to start a rebellion starting tomorrow. She was confused as to whether she should be thankful for this or scold him.
Instead of responding to his words, Elze thought about what she wanted. She felt like she had to say something to stop this man. If she didn't, he might start to conquer Baluar at any moment.
But no matter how much she thought about it, there was none. It wasn’t because she wasn’t greedy, but because Elze herself had more than enough ability to buy what she wanted. There was no reason to ask Shan for anything. And since the current situation was abundant, there was nothing in particular that she needed.
But I can't really say that there aren't any...
Liv let out another sigh as if the ground was sinking before continuing.
“Madam... I saw her swinging her twin swords with my own eyes..."
“...Twin swords?”
Liv put his hand on Marle's shoulder and spoke seriously.
“Hey, Ma’am, she's really... flying...”
Madam? Twin swords? Flying?
Marle couldn't believe it. Of course, Elijah's Elze would be able to fly with her twin swords, or at least teleport, but it was hard to imagine that the beautiful lady would do that.
Didn't I just meet her? As the mistress of a prestigious family, she was a person of impeccable elegance. As Marle looked in disbelief, Liv spoke in a hushed tone.
“You don’t believe me? Right? I thought I was crazy too. But Lord Cirxus...”
Liv remembered Shan calling her aside and speaking to her.
"Liv Cullens. Why do you keep looking at Erzenes?"
After seeing Elze's performance, Liv stared at Madame all the way back to Targayel. He regretted staring at her so obviously, but he thought that it was something he had to talk to Shan about.
"No, that's..."
Liv told Shan in detail about what he had seen, but Shan cut his story short.
"You saw it wrong."
"Yes?"
Shan looked at Liv expressionlessly. His cold purple eyes cut into Liv's chest. He lowered his voice and spoke slowly but forcefully.
"I thought you saw something wrong."
"..."
So, Liv had no choice but to nod without making a sound.
“I told you so!”
At Liv's explanation, Marle let out a mysterious sound that was a mixture of exclamation and sighs. Saying that he saw something wrong meant that he saw it right. Marle folded his arms and nodded as she spoke.
“It seems like Cirxus is really sincere to madam.”
As far as Marle knew, Shan was not the kind of person who would lie like that for someone. It would be better if he didn't tell him. Marle also told Liv about the special orders he had received. Liv was shocked, of course.
“Cirxus ordered such a romantic thing?”
"Yes."
Marle made a promise while standing next to Liv, who was making a fuss about a major incident.
He said that he would have to show my gratitude to the lady better in the future.
[Continued in Volume 3]
But Elze had no time to enjoy the cheers and had to sneak back to her quarters to wash off the blood and change her clothes. Fortunately, the militia, except for Liv, did not seem to see Elze.
It was a chaotic battle, and it was dark at night, and the distance between Elze's position and the barricade was considerable. No one could distinguish Elze in the midst of it unless they were as skilled as Liv. Thanks to this, Elze was able to play the role of a weak Countess who knew nothing about swords.
But the victory in the defense of Himov brought with it a problem that was not a problem at all. Targayel had inadvertently taken credit for wiping out the bandits that had been swarming the borders of Baluar and Britain, and the scale of the task had grown larger than expected.
What had been a simple visit to the estate had now become a major event. Battles along the unstable border were commonplace, but since Count Targayel and his retainers were involved in the battle, it was something that had to be reported to the imperial court.
Since it was the work of Count Targayel, who was Crown Prince Raymond's favorite subject and political partner, it would have ended with praise for eradicating the bandits.
However, it was better to report as soon as possible, because since military action had been taken, the longer it took, the more delicate the situation could become.
Elze and Shan rested for a day or so, cleaned up the Himov territory with Demis, and left Himov at dawn the next day.
Demis, the caretaker of Himov, and the captain of the militia sent Elze off on their behalf. They were very sad to part with their lord, and Demis in particular was so sad that it was embarrassing to be the one leaving.
“I hope your journey is safe and smooth.”
Demis spoke with tears in his eyes. And Shan was smiling crookedly at Demis, who looked like he was about to cry. Elze was caught between the two, trying to keep an eye on Shan’s expression and say goodbye to Demis.
After saying goodbye with difficulty, there was a small incident on the way back to Targael. It was because of Liv who was staring at her so much that it made her head tingle. He stared at Elze the whole way home.
He knew why she did that. Liv, the Knight Commander, was at the forefront of the militia during the defense of Himov, and he had seen Elze flying around, swinging her rapier and mangosh.
But it was also funny that Elze was the first to tell him that she was Elijah's Elze. In the first place, it was difficult to arrange a place for the Countess and the Knight Commander to talk alone.
In the end, Elze asked Shan for help. She asked him to explain it to him since Liv had discovered her true identity during this battle.
She didn't know what Shan said, but the effect was immediate. After that, Liv's gaze suddenly disappeared.
Since they traveled on horseback, it didn't take long for them to get from Himov to Targayel. Once they got near the capital, they found a carriage and rode it for the rest of the journey.
And finally, they arrived in Targayel. Elze cried out in excitement at the sight of the familiar gray brick mansion.
“Targayel...!”
Targayel, who had returned after a long journey, was the same. The butler Marle led all the servants of the mansion out to welcome the return of the master and his wife at the front door.
“Congratulations on your return.”
The sight of countless employees bowing and shouting at the same time was spectacular. However, the welcome was short-lived. As soon as Marle finished greeting, he tried to tell Shan about the work that had piled up. However, Shan waved his hand away.
“Just bring a brief summary of the study. The real work will begin tomorrow. Erzenes and I need to get some rest.”
Shan said that he was the only one who would give work to a master who had not even recovered from his illness. Marle smiled despite hearing that, glad that Shan had returned.
Elze entered the bedroom with Shan. The servants who were waiting for her tried to follow her, but Shan pushed them away.
Elze fell straight onto the sofa, as there was no one to see her. Her whole body was sticky. She desperately needed to fill the bathtub with water and soak her body. She had heard that the maids had prepared bath water for her. Elze imagined herself leisurely splashing around in the bathtub for a moment, then she jumped up and said to Shan.
“I need to take a bath first.”
Shan had already taken off his top. Elze, who had seen his bare upper body straight ahead, quickly turned her head to the other side. It wasn’t the first or second time she had seen him naked, but she still hadn’t gotten used to it. Every time she saw him, she felt embarrassed and uncomfortable. Elze slowly moved away from him and muttered.
“I’ll go wash up first...”
Since they traveled on horseback, it didn't take long for them to get from Himov to Targayel. Once they got near the capital, they found a carriage and rode it for the rest of the journey.
And finally, they arrived in Targayel. Elze cried out in excitement at the sight of the familiar gray brick mansion.
“Targayel...!”
Targayel, who had returned after a long journey, was the same. The butler Marle led all the servants of the mansion out to welcome the return of the master and his wife at the front door.
“Congratulations on your return.”
The sight of countless employees bowing and shouting at the same time was spectacular. However, the welcome was short-lived. As soon as Marle finished greeting, he tried to tell Shan about the work that had piled up. However, Shan waved his hand away.
“Just bring a brief summary of the study. The real work will begin tomorrow. Erzenes and I need to get some rest.”
Shan said that he was the only one who would give work to a master who had not even recovered from his illness. Marle smiled despite hearing that, glad that Shan had returned.
Elze entered the bedroom with Shan. The servants who were waiting for her tried to follow her, but Shan pushed them away.
Elze fell straight onto the sofa, as there was no one to see her. Her whole body was sticky. She desperately needed to fill the bathtub with water and soak her body. She had heard that the maids had prepared bath water for her. Elze imagined herself leisurely splashing around in the bathtub for a moment, then she jumped up and said to Shan.
“I need to take a bath first.”
Shan had already taken off his top. Elze, who had seen his bare upper body straight ahead, quickly turned her head to the other side. It wasn’t the first or second time she had seen him naked, but she still hadn’t gotten used to it. Every time she saw him, she felt embarrassed and uncomfortable. Elze slowly moved away from him and muttered.
“I’ll go wash up first...”
But Shan wasn't the type of person to let Elze go just like that. He grabbed Elze's arm, and Elze had to look back at him. When their eyes met, Shan smiled and asked.
“Are you going to wash?”
It was a very mischievous laugh. As soon as she saw that laugh, Elze became suddenly anxious. He always had that kind of laugh when he had something to hide.
And Elze's anxiety soon became reality. Shan met her gaze and whispered.
“We can wash together.”
At Shan's words, Elze opened her mouth wide. She froze for a moment, then forced her still mouth to move and spoke to him.
“Let’s wash together... What will the people below think if they see it?”
“Don’t worry. I made sure no one was allowed near the bathroom.”
“No, that’s not it...”
But while Elze was flustered, Shan's hands were already moving. He quickly untied the laces of the complicated dress and took it off. His hands were much faster than those of the maids who attended to Elze.
Before she knew it, her bare skin was exposed. In the blink of an eye, Elze's underwear had all been taken off. Elze hurriedly wrapped her arms around her bare chest and shouted.
“Ouch! What is it!”
“What is it?”
Elze's body was lifted into the air. Elze, who was being held in a pose similar to a Princess, looked at Shan with bewildered eyes. However, he pretended not to have any intentions and continued speaking naturally.
“I want to take a bath.”
“...”
If she said anything here, only Elze would be considered a weirdo. She really couldn't handle him with words. Elze quietly hugged him.
Shan walked to the bathroom connected to the bedroom, holding Elze naked in his arms. The bathroom was steamy and the marble bathtub, decorated with a crow, the symbol of House Targayel, was sloshing with warm water. Shan held Elze in his arms and immersed himself in the bathtub.
“Ugh... Seriously...”
Elze hid herself in the corner of the large marble bathtub and resented him. However, once she got into the bathtub, she felt better. The moderately warm water eased her mind. Her tired body melted away.
Shan leaned against the wall of the bathtub and sat Elze down in front of him. Elze sat down obediently as he led her, but said nothing.
“Do I really have to sit like this in this big bathtub?”
Fifteen people can snuggled up against him in the marble bathtub, which was large enough to fit them all. At Elze's grumbling, Shan released the arm that was wrapped around her waist.
Elze sloshed away from him, splashing water. Then she turned around to face him, which made her feel better. She was too anxious to leave him behind as it felt like giving her neck to a wild beast.
“...”
But it was not comfortable to face him. His wet hair stuck to his copper-colored skin. His lazily relaxed purple eyes looked at Elze. His low smile was lewd.
Elze swallowed hard in an inexplicable tension. Then she avoided his eyes and lowered her gaze slightly.
As she looked at his protruding collarbone, she saw his straight collarbone and his sharply angled shoulders. Elze's eyes scanned his upper body, and a long scar caught her eye.
The scar that ran from his shoulder across his chest and down to his side was the largest and most distinct of the many small scars engraved on Shan's body. Anyone who saw it could tell that he had survived death.
Elze knew what that scar was. It was the mark of her first meeting with Shan, the memory of saving him from the brink of death.
At that time, the man acted like a wounded wild animal. If she had put out her hand wrongly, she might have been bitten by his teeth, but Elze saved him even though she thought it was dangerous.
So that's why the nose is pierced...
Elze thought about that and gently traced his scar with her finger. Then she slowly stroked it, following the rough texture. Shan grimaced slightly and let out a low moan as her finger ran from his shoulder to his side.
"Ha..."
The breath that was exhaled mixed with the moan was hot. Elze did it without thinking, but Shan reacted and got hot.
Elze felt that he was getting hotter all of a sudden, so she pulled her hand away. But Shan grabbed Elze's hand as she ran away.
“Where are you running away to?”
He pressed Elze's hand down to his chest again. Her hand slid down on his wet skin. She was worried that it would slip into an embarrassing spot. Elze tightened her grip to keep it from slipping and spoke to him.
“Let me go quickly.”
“What if I don’t like it?”
Elze responded by splashing water on his face with her free hand. Shan smiled and relaxed his grip. Elze quickly pulled her hand away.
Instead of letting go of her hand, Shan touched Elze's flushed cheek. He gently squeezed it and let go, calling her name.
“Elze.”
Elze felt strange when he called her Elze. It was even more strange than when he called her Erzenes. The difference was so subtle and yet so great that it was hard to put it into words.
Shan's face came closer. He gently bit Elze's lower lip. Her moist lips were slippery and smooth.
A tingling sensation gradually arose as he slowly bit her. As Elze let out a shallow breath, his tongue licked it as if taking in the breath.
"Ah!"
Elze pushed him away with a short sound. Their eyes met. The two were silent, and in the silence, only the sound of water drops falling could be heard. He naturally hugged Elze's waist and pulled her to him.
Their bare skins touched. Elze grabbed his shoulder with her hand to keep her balance. As she did so, she ended up looking down at Shan.
He smiled, narrowing his eyes. His silent gaze was strange. Elze was flustered by the sudden change in atmosphere.
Although she was used to fighting ten men, kissing one man was strange. If she was asked to fight with her eyes closed, or with one arm tied, or something like that, she could do it very well.
But in this situation, she had no idea what to do. Elze hesitated and then said to Shan.
“That... that’s what you’re going to do now?”
"That?"
“That’s it.”
"Ah."
Shan asked, smiling like a rascal.
“I was thinking about that. Do you not like it?”
“That’s not it... I just think it happens too often.”
“Often!”
Shan looked quite aggrieved. Elze opened her mouth slightly. Then she tilted her head to the side and asked him a question.
“Then how often should I do it?”
“More than three times a day?”
“...”
Shan generously corrected Elze's terrified expression.
“Then at least once a day.”
“...No, that.”
No, do you do that that much?
It was beyond surprising, it was amazing. And it was also strange that he wanted to do it so much. Of course, when it came down to it, Elze was good too, but she didn't want to do it that often.
“It’s amazing...”
Shan said calmly to Elze, who was muttering with a slightly tired face.
“It is like that because you love it.”
Anyway, he was a person who spoke well. When Elze pouts her lips, Shan licks her lips as if he had been waiting for it. When he pushes away the tongue that is digging into her, he smiles while keeping their lips together.
With the sound of water splashing, Shan’s hand slipped between her thighs. Elze flinched for a moment at the teasing touch but soon accepted it.
Water rushed in along with his fingers. She jumped up in surprise at the foreign sensation. The water poured out with a slosh. Elze muttered, unable to hide her bewilderment.
“No, because of the water... My back is soaking in the bathtub...”
Then, a mischievous look flashed across Shan's eyes. He took Elze's hand and placed it on the edge of the bathtub. Elze, who had naturally turned her back, looked back at Shan. When their eyes met, Shan smiled and said.
“I think this will work.”
Then he hugged her. Her body was placed on her back. She could feel the smooth texture of his skin, wet with water, and the curves of his abs. He was rubbing his erect penis between her buttocks and biting her earlobe with his teeth.
“Even your back is pretty.”
Elze's face burned as he whispered while twisting her nipple with his fingers. Shan swept her wet hair to one side and kissed her exposed neck deeply.
Something hot and thick rubbed between the cracks. A strange feeling slowly rose up from below. She felt the liquid slightly seeping down and soaking her genitals. Shan must have felt it too, as he blatantly targeted that area and rubbed it. The tip of his genitals repeatedly went in and out of the entrance. Her lower back started to tingle and her buttocks tightened.
“Ugh, Shan...”
Elze called out to him with a short moan. It was meant to be a reprimand, but it seemed to provoke Shan even more. He became a little rougher.
"Ah..."
Elze let out a long breath and arched her back. And Shan, who was looking at her, was on the verge of losing his mind. Shan was already very hot.
If Elze's relationship in Britain was recent, it was a long time ago for Shan. Shan had been celibate against his will since then.
But right now, in front of Shan, his wife, who he would love to put in his eyes, was completely naked and making a sound that would captivate people. It was a sight that even the most mature gentleman would not be able to endure.
Shan tried to be patient. He might have been rough with Elze because his instincts were taking over. But as he watched the water droplets trickle down her white flesh, he was almost forgetting what patience was.
It was lovely to see Elze's appearance change as he moved. It was thrilling to see her shyly but also occasionally show excitement.
He couldn't figure it out. Why did he always feel new and more greedy the more he delved into it, instead of becoming familiar with it? It was truly amazing. No matter how long Shan looked at her, he never got tired of it, and even when he held her in his hand, she seemed like an illusion.
As she looked at his protruding collarbone, she saw his straight collarbone and his sharply angled shoulders. Elze's eyes scanned his upper body, and a long scar caught her eye.
The scar that ran from his shoulder across his chest and down to his side was the largest and most distinct of the many small scars engraved on Shan's body. Anyone who saw it could tell that he had survived death.
Elze knew what that scar was. It was the mark of her first meeting with Shan, the memory of saving him from the brink of death.
At that time, the man acted like a wounded wild animal. If she had put out her hand wrongly, she might have been bitten by his teeth, but Elze saved him even though she thought it was dangerous.
So that's why the nose is pierced...
Elze thought about that and gently traced his scar with her finger. Then she slowly stroked it, following the rough texture. Shan grimaced slightly and let out a low moan as her finger ran from his shoulder to his side.
"Ha..."
The breath that was exhaled mixed with the moan was hot. Elze did it without thinking, but Shan reacted and got hot.
Elze felt that he was getting hotter all of a sudden, so she pulled her hand away. But Shan grabbed Elze's hand as she ran away.
“Where are you running away to?”
He pressed Elze's hand down to his chest again. Her hand slid down on his wet skin. She was worried that it would slip into an embarrassing spot. Elze tightened her grip to keep it from slipping and spoke to him.
“Let me go quickly.”
“What if I don’t like it?”
Elze responded by splashing water on his face with her free hand. Shan smiled and relaxed his grip. Elze quickly pulled her hand away.
Instead of letting go of her hand, Shan touched Elze's flushed cheek. He gently squeezed it and let go, calling her name.
“Elze.”
Elze felt strange when he called her Elze. It was even more strange than when he called her Erzenes. The difference was so subtle and yet so great that it was hard to put it into words.
Shan's face came closer. He gently bit Elze's lower lip. Her moist lips were slippery and smooth.
A tingling sensation gradually arose as he slowly bit her. As Elze let out a shallow breath, his tongue licked it as if taking in the breath.
"Ah!"
Elze pushed him away with a short sound. Their eyes met. The two were silent, and in the silence, only the sound of water drops falling could be heard. He naturally hugged Elze's waist and pulled her to him.
Their bare skins touched. Elze grabbed his shoulder with her hand to keep her balance. As she did so, she ended up looking down at Shan.
He smiled, narrowing his eyes. His silent gaze was strange. Elze was flustered by the sudden change in atmosphere.
Although she was used to fighting ten men, kissing one man was strange. If she was asked to fight with her eyes closed, or with one arm tied, or something like that, she could do it very well.
But in this situation, she had no idea what to do. Elze hesitated and then said to Shan.
“That... that’s what you’re going to do now?”
"That?"
“That’s it.”
"Ah."
Shan asked, smiling like a rascal.
“I was thinking about that. Do you not like it?”
“That’s not it... I just think it happens too often.”
“Often!”
Shan looked quite aggrieved. Elze opened her mouth slightly. Then she tilted her head to the side and asked him a question.
“Then how often should I do it?”
“More than three times a day?”
“...”
Shan generously corrected Elze's terrified expression.
“Then at least once a day.”
“...No, that.”
No, do you do that that much?
It was beyond surprising, it was amazing. And it was also strange that he wanted to do it so much. Of course, when it came down to it, Elze was good too, but she didn't want to do it that often.
“It’s amazing...”
Shan said calmly to Elze, who was muttering with a slightly tired face.
“It is like that because you love it.”
Anyway, he was a person who spoke well. When Elze pouts her lips, Shan licks her lips as if he had been waiting for it. When he pushes away the tongue that is digging into her, he smiles while keeping their lips together.
With the sound of water splashing, Shan’s hand slipped between her thighs. Elze flinched for a moment at the teasing touch but soon accepted it.
Water rushed in along with his fingers. She jumped up in surprise at the foreign sensation. The water poured out with a slosh. Elze muttered, unable to hide her bewilderment.
“No, because of the water... My back is soaking in the bathtub...”
Then, a mischievous look flashed across Shan's eyes. He took Elze's hand and placed it on the edge of the bathtub. Elze, who had naturally turned her back, looked back at Shan. When their eyes met, Shan smiled and said.
“I think this will work.”
Then he hugged her. Her body was placed on her back. She could feel the smooth texture of his skin, wet with water, and the curves of his abs. He was rubbing his erect penis between her buttocks and biting her earlobe with his teeth.
“Even your back is pretty.”
Elze's face burned as he whispered while twisting her nipple with his fingers. Shan swept her wet hair to one side and kissed her exposed neck deeply.
Something hot and thick rubbed between the cracks. A strange feeling slowly rose up from below. She felt the liquid slightly seeping down and soaking her genitals. Shan must have felt it too, as he blatantly targeted that area and rubbed it. The tip of his genitals repeatedly went in and out of the entrance. Her lower back started to tingle and her buttocks tightened.
“Ugh, Shan...”
Elze called out to him with a short moan. It was meant to be a reprimand, but it seemed to provoke Shan even more. He became a little rougher.
"Ah..."
Elze let out a long breath and arched her back. And Shan, who was looking at her, was on the verge of losing his mind. Shan was already very hot.
If Elze's relationship in Britain was recent, it was a long time ago for Shan. Shan had been celibate against his will since then.
But right now, in front of Shan, his wife, who he would love to put in his eyes, was completely naked and making a sound that would captivate people. It was a sight that even the most mature gentleman would not be able to endure.
Shan tried to be patient. He might have been rough with Elze because his instincts were taking over. But as he watched the water droplets trickle down her white flesh, he was almost forgetting what patience was.
It was lovely to see Elze's appearance change as he moved. It was thrilling to see her shyly but also occasionally show excitement.
He couldn't figure it out. Why did he always feel new and more greedy the more he delved into it, instead of becoming familiar with it? It was truly amazing. No matter how long Shan looked at her, he never got tired of it, and even when he held her in his hand, she seemed like an illusion.
Shan looked at Elze and suddenly impulsively called out her name.
“Elze.”
Blue eyes filled Shan. He really liked the image of himself completely contained within them. Shan whispered with a lot of lustful desire.
“I want to put it in, Elze...”
And Elze, who was hit directly by Shan's heat, felt dizzy. Goosebumps appeared on her skin as she felt the passion pouring out of her whole body. It was hard to keep her wits about her when Shan was acting like this. Elze was already nodding without realizing it.
As soon as Elze gave permission, something round squeezed into the wet gap. Elze gasped and grabbed the edge of the bathtub. The thick sensation was vivid.
Shan licked and bit the nape of her neck from behind. Just having him behind her gave her a strange sense of tension. Shan held Elze's waist with both hands and slowly pushed himself in all the way.
When his tip reached the deepest part, Elze arched her back. She didn’t do it on purpose; her body just naturally did it. Maybe it was because the posture was different from what she usually did, but the feeling was completely different. The pleasure that rose along with the faint tension kept making her body tremble.
“Ah... uh...”
Her thighs twisted on their own. Shan couldn't leave Elze alone as she kept twitching, unable to bear it. He started to move while biting her shoulder. Her lower abdomen began to tickle unbearably, along with the feeling of her insides being pushed. Shan let out a low groan as if he was shaking inside from the spasm. He spoke in a wet voice, holding her waist as if squeezing it.
“Ugh... I wish you hadn’t rushed me so much. I don’t think I could stand it...”
If this is what she can endure, then he wonders what it is that she can't endure. As her arms kept losing strength and she started to sway, Shan whispered while lightly pinching her nipples.
“Hold on tight. Don’t slip.”
He wanted to tell her that it would be okay if she just stayed still, but her parted lips were too busy letting out moans.
“Ah, ah, yeah, ah!”
The water in the bathtub splashed and splashed with the violent movement. The waves swayed and the water droplets splashed loudly. The pleasure shot down her spine several times.
Elze couldn't hold out long before she reached her climax. Her eyes went blank and a moan escaped her lips. She groaned, her shoulders shaking. Her insides were throbbing and releasing on their own. She felt a sticky liquid flowing down her thighs.
But Elze had no time to feel the afterglow. Shan didn't stop thrusting. Her insides, sensitive to climax, were being stirred up and down. Elze sobbed with her buttocks raised high.
“Uh, uh, wait a minute, I just...”
Shan asked roughly, his breath seething with excitement.
“Just now, what?”
Elze squeezed her eyes shut. Tears flowed down the corners of her eyes.
“Ahh, I just... if you keep doing that...!”
The pleasure was layered on top of the aftertaste that had not yet subsided. Although it had not been long since the climax, the feeling that it would come again tickled her skin. She was afraid of the pleasure that would only expand without any sign of abating.
When Elze finally started to cry and moan, Shan whispered, biting and licking her tear-stained cheek.
“Don’t cry, okay...?”
But unlike the affectionate and soothing voice, the bottom was still fierce. Elze barely held on to the bathtub as if it were her life. And soon, the second climax came. The hair on her head stood on end, and the hair on her entire body stood on end, and soon, a lightning-like pleasure struck her.
"Ah...!"
Elze opened her eyes wide and trembled all over. A feeble sound escaped her mouth as if she was about to die. Her vision darkened momentarily and then slowly brightened. Shan held Elze tightly as she collapsed.
“Elze...”
Whispers dispersed, and waves rippled. Elze leaned against Shan and muttered weakly.
“You are truly... a beast...”
Then Shan couldn't hold it in anymore and let out a hiss. Elze struck his forearm with her weak fist.
***
After having sex in the bathtub, Elze washed herself briefly and finally lay down on the bed.
She was so tired that she wanted to faint as soon as she lay down. However, Shan, who had finally found the opportunity, was not going to let go easily. Although he tried hard to persuade her, Elze declared that she couldn't do it anymore today and went on strike.
She lay down with Shan's arm as a pillow and her face resting on his chest. A feeling of lethargy washed over her entire body. She was already half asleep, but Shan's hands kept touching her here and there.
He grabbed her chest and let go, and then he secretly groped her waist... It was a little painful for Elze, whose senses were still sensitive.
“Ouch... Stop touching me..."
When Elze pushed him away with a slight frown, he was content to kiss her on the bridge of her nose. But soon he began to play with her hair. Elze decided to take care of it.
As Shan was doing that, the sleepiness that had been creeping up on her just a moment ago began to slowly disappear. She felt like she had missed the timing and her eyes were wide open.
Shando noticed that Elze was awake, so he slowly wrapped his arms around her waist. She felt a pleasant weight when his arms were on her. A soft voice was heard.
“Can we talk?”
Elze tilted her head up slightly. His purple eyes were shining brightly in the darkness. He smiled and whispered.
“We don’t have much conversation.”
There was no reason to refuse. Elze accepted.
“Yes. Let’s talk.”
Shan nodded as if to tell her to speak first. Elze thought for a moment and then spoke to him.
“This time, regarding the defense of Himov, I would like to inform the Imperial Family...”
But Elze's words were cut off before he could finish.
“Let’s not talk about work.”
Isn't that what we were supposed to talk about? Elze didn't know what else to talk about with him.
“Then?”
“Something you like...”
Shan looked at Elze intently and asked.
“Is there anything you want?”
"No."
Shan sighed at the sound of his answer being cut off. He had been trying to persuade her in a rather soft voice, which was unusual for him.
“Don’t say nothing. Just tell me whatever you want.”
Is this the pillow fight I've only heard of?
At that moment, Elze had that thought. It couldn't be helped, because Shan had a face that seemed like he would listen to whatever Elze said.
He was looking at Elze with eyes that seemed to be filled with love. Suddenly, her heart began to flutter as if she were looking at the most lovable and beautiful being in the world. Elze, who was still awkward in the sweet atmosphere, said something strange.
“You look like you would listen to me if I asked you to take over the Baluar Empire...”
Elze said it as a joke to lighten the tense atmosphere. However, Shan did not accept it. He replied calmly.
“If you want, of course.”
Then, he touched Elze's shoulder blade with his hand and asked her a question.
“Should we start a rebellion?”
If Elze just nodded, he seemed ready to start a rebellion starting tomorrow. She was confused as to whether she should be thankful for this or scold him.
Instead of responding to his words, Elze thought about what she wanted. She felt like she had to say something to stop this man. If she didn't, he might start to conquer Baluar at any moment.
But no matter how much she thought about it, there was none. It wasn’t because she wasn’t greedy, but because Elze herself had more than enough ability to buy what she wanted. There was no reason to ask Shan for anything. And since the current situation was abundant, there was nothing in particular that she needed.
But I can't really say that there aren't any...
After thinking about it for a while, Elze finally managed to pull out one.
“Then... please give me a bouquet of flowers.”
"Flower?"
It seemed really unexpected. Shan was silent for a while and then asked again.
“What kind of flower?”
Elze, who hadn't thought about it that far, was flustered. If she mentioned any flower, he would probably ask why she wanted that flower. While thinking hard, a good idea came to Elze. Elze smiled and said.
“Whatever you want to give me.”
“...”
Shan's forehead furrowed deeply. Elze's order was the most difficult. Of course, Elze would have liked and been grateful for any flower given to her. However, he couldn't just give her anything. Elze giggled in amusement at the sight of Shan's troubled mind. Elze spoke to him with a cheerful face.
“I'll be waiting.”
After teasing Shan a little and talking a little more, she soon felt sleepy again. Elze dozed off and fell asleep without realizing it.
“...”
Soon, a soft breathing sound was heard. Shan confirmed that Elze was asleep and smiled quietly to himself.
She looked beautiful as she slept soundly. Shan brushed back her messy ivory hair and carefully kissed her round forehead.
Then, he slowly got up from his seat, careful not to wake Elze. He was tired, but there were things he had to do right away. If he didn't do them now, he would be so busy that he wouldn't even be able to see Elze's face tomorrow. He had to move diligently to have dinner together tomorrow.
After putting on simple clothes and entering the study, Marle was waiting for him. Marle bowed his head deeply to Shan and greeted him.
“I knew you would come.”
The study was already fully prepared for work. Even though Shan had clearly said that he would rest today. It was admirable that he had prepared in advance for the master to come, but on the other hand, it was annoying.
“You are a truly wonderful butler.”
It was a remark that crossed the line between sarcasm and praise. But Marle took it as a compliment.
“Thank you, Cirxus.”
“...”
Shan merely raised an eyebrow. While Shan was away from Targayel, important matters were roughly handled through communication with the Marshals. However, some matters required Shan’s approval.
Shan checked the documents that had been piling up and signed them, and Marle assisted him. They also briefly discussed a few things that needed to be discussed. While they were working hard together, Marle called Shan over.
“Lord Cirxus.”
“Speak.”
“Madam...”
At the word madam, Shan immediately stopped his hands and looked back at Marle. Marle was secretly surprised by Shan’s reaction. Even when it came to imperial affairs, he was the type of person who would listen in one ear and out the other, but when it came to madam, he responded so quickly. Marle cleared his throat once and said.
“Madam, her expenses are too little.”
“...”
“It’s the same with clothing expenses, and Madam almost never uses the budget allocated to her. It seems like she doesn’t actively participate in parties, so she doesn’t have time to buy luxury items, but don’t you think she needs to be a little more careful?”
If it were a normal butler-master relationship, such advice would be considered presumptuous. However, since Shan and Marle’s relationship was not simply that of employer and employee, Marle could make such a straightforward statement.
Marle showed Shan the list of expenses Elze had incurred as Countess Targayel. Shan’s brow furrowed as he accepted the paper he had handed him. Elze's list of expenses did not even fill a single page.
Even though she really wasn't greedy, she didn't have much. Earlier, when Shan asked if there was anything she wanted, all she could say was flowers.
Flowers did not suit Shan's taste. They were not enough. Even if Elze's room was filled with flowers and he kept giving them to her until she was sick of them, there was a limit to how much money he could spend on flowers.
Shan wanted to spend a lot of money on Elze. He wanted to give her expensive things that would be burdensome to her. But he was worried about what would happen if he gave her anything without permission.
Crown Prince Raymond gave Elze an expensive diamond necklace as a wedding present, but it never appeared on Elze's neck. Shan never wanted to end up like Raymond.
“Flowers..."
Shan muttered, reflecting on the word flower for a moment.
“Yeah, it doesn’t matter what kind of flower it is.”
"Yes?"
Shan smiled at Marle, who was puzzled. Then he gave Marle an order. Marle, who heard Shan’s order, still had a puzzled expression on his face. However, he replied without a word that he would do as he was told.
After Elze's story about spending money was over, Marle brought the letter.
“And then a letter came from the imperial family.”
"Ah."
Shan naturally reached out to him. But Marle didn't give Shan the letter. When Shan looked at him, asking why he wasn't giving it to him, Marle simply answered.
“It has not come to you, Cirxus.”
“...?”
Marle showed the letter to Shan, who was puzzled. Shan read the recipient's name written on the white envelope.
“Erzenes Targayel...”
It was a letter from Elze.
The bed in the bedroom of the Count and Countess in Targayel's mansion was one of the best in Baluar. From the fluffy bedding to the solid wooden frame and the fluttering canopy, everything was handcrafted by artisans, and just lying down on it made her body melt into it.
“Ugh...”
Elze enjoyed the soft feel of the bed, which she hadn't felt in a long time. Looking at the empty seat next to her, it seemed like her busy husband had already entered the palace.
Elze, who had been rubbing Shan's pillow with her hand for no reason, pulled the string hanging from the headboard. When the bell rang, the maids who had been waiting outside came into the room.
Married ladies usually ate breakfast in bed, but Elze was not used to eating in bed and preferred to eat at the table.
But today, she just wanted to lay out food on the bed tray and roll around leisurely in bed. She had a simple breakfast of omelet and toast in bed and even had a cup of tea, and by the time she finished, the sun was already high in the sky.
Elze, who had been enjoying her leisure time, only realized why she was able to act so leisurely after finishing her tea.
“Lady Rosalie isn’t here.”
It was thanks to the absence of the head maid, Rosalie. According to the news she heard upon returning to Targayel, Rosalie had returned to Baluar a few days before Elze returned home.
She was kidnapped by the Kalia and held between Britain and the border of Baluar. She returned home safely but was so shocked that she took a long sick leave to recuperate.
An investigation into those who had kidnapped Rosalie had begun, but since she had returned unharmed and Rosalie’s family was not very strong, there was a high chance that it would be covered up. Elslze had already contacted Kalia and the others, so all she had to do was get them back.
After enjoying her leisure, Elze called the maids and dressed her in her attire. It was time to stop playing and get to work. As the mistress of Targayel, she had much to do.
“Madam, I will take care of it.”
As she left the room, Ivanna, who had been waiting outside, bowed politely and spoke. There was no sign of her usual sullenness because people were watching her.
Elze called Marle to the study. While she was away from the mansion, Marle had been taking care of Elze's work. He had to tell her how the work was going. As she sat at the large desk in the study, looking at the documents that Shan had been working on, there was a knock on the door and Marle came in.
Ivanna took her seat next to Elze, and Marle stood across from her at the desk. He first greeted Elze politely before speaking.
“Madam, there is something I need you to check first.”
Marle placed the tray on the table. On the tray was an envelope with a red wax seal. The seal of the crowned lion on the wax was that of the imperial family.
Elze looked at the recipient, wondering if he had given the wrong letter to Shan, but it clearly said 'Erzenes Targayel'.
“Then... please give me a bouquet of flowers.”
"Flower?"
It seemed really unexpected. Shan was silent for a while and then asked again.
“What kind of flower?”
Elze, who hadn't thought about it that far, was flustered. If she mentioned any flower, he would probably ask why she wanted that flower. While thinking hard, a good idea came to Elze. Elze smiled and said.
“Whatever you want to give me.”
“...”
Shan's forehead furrowed deeply. Elze's order was the most difficult. Of course, Elze would have liked and been grateful for any flower given to her. However, he couldn't just give her anything. Elze giggled in amusement at the sight of Shan's troubled mind. Elze spoke to him with a cheerful face.
“I'll be waiting.”
After teasing Shan a little and talking a little more, she soon felt sleepy again. Elze dozed off and fell asleep without realizing it.
“...”
Soon, a soft breathing sound was heard. Shan confirmed that Elze was asleep and smiled quietly to himself.
She looked beautiful as she slept soundly. Shan brushed back her messy ivory hair and carefully kissed her round forehead.
Then, he slowly got up from his seat, careful not to wake Elze. He was tired, but there were things he had to do right away. If he didn't do them now, he would be so busy that he wouldn't even be able to see Elze's face tomorrow. He had to move diligently to have dinner together tomorrow.
After putting on simple clothes and entering the study, Marle was waiting for him. Marle bowed his head deeply to Shan and greeted him.
“I knew you would come.”
The study was already fully prepared for work. Even though Shan had clearly said that he would rest today. It was admirable that he had prepared in advance for the master to come, but on the other hand, it was annoying.
“You are a truly wonderful butler.”
It was a remark that crossed the line between sarcasm and praise. But Marle took it as a compliment.
“Thank you, Cirxus.”
“...”
Shan merely raised an eyebrow. While Shan was away from Targayel, important matters were roughly handled through communication with the Marshals. However, some matters required Shan’s approval.
Shan checked the documents that had been piling up and signed them, and Marle assisted him. They also briefly discussed a few things that needed to be discussed. While they were working hard together, Marle called Shan over.
“Lord Cirxus.”
“Speak.”
“Madam...”
At the word madam, Shan immediately stopped his hands and looked back at Marle. Marle was secretly surprised by Shan’s reaction. Even when it came to imperial affairs, he was the type of person who would listen in one ear and out the other, but when it came to madam, he responded so quickly. Marle cleared his throat once and said.
“Madam, her expenses are too little.”
“...”
“It’s the same with clothing expenses, and Madam almost never uses the budget allocated to her. It seems like she doesn’t actively participate in parties, so she doesn’t have time to buy luxury items, but don’t you think she needs to be a little more careful?”
If it were a normal butler-master relationship, such advice would be considered presumptuous. However, since Shan and Marle’s relationship was not simply that of employer and employee, Marle could make such a straightforward statement.
Marle showed Shan the list of expenses Elze had incurred as Countess Targayel. Shan’s brow furrowed as he accepted the paper he had handed him. Elze's list of expenses did not even fill a single page.
Even though she really wasn't greedy, she didn't have much. Earlier, when Shan asked if there was anything she wanted, all she could say was flowers.
Flowers did not suit Shan's taste. They were not enough. Even if Elze's room was filled with flowers and he kept giving them to her until she was sick of them, there was a limit to how much money he could spend on flowers.
Shan wanted to spend a lot of money on Elze. He wanted to give her expensive things that would be burdensome to her. But he was worried about what would happen if he gave her anything without permission.
Crown Prince Raymond gave Elze an expensive diamond necklace as a wedding present, but it never appeared on Elze's neck. Shan never wanted to end up like Raymond.
“Flowers..."
Shan muttered, reflecting on the word flower for a moment.
“Yeah, it doesn’t matter what kind of flower it is.”
"Yes?"
Shan smiled at Marle, who was puzzled. Then he gave Marle an order. Marle, who heard Shan’s order, still had a puzzled expression on his face. However, he replied without a word that he would do as he was told.
After Elze's story about spending money was over, Marle brought the letter.
“And then a letter came from the imperial family.”
"Ah."
Shan naturally reached out to him. But Marle didn't give Shan the letter. When Shan looked at him, asking why he wasn't giving it to him, Marle simply answered.
“It has not come to you, Cirxus.”
“...?”
Marle showed the letter to Shan, who was puzzled. Shan read the recipient's name written on the white envelope.
“Erzenes Targayel...”
It was a letter from Elze.
***
The bed in the bedroom of the Count and Countess in Targayel's mansion was one of the best in Baluar. From the fluffy bedding to the solid wooden frame and the fluttering canopy, everything was handcrafted by artisans, and just lying down on it made her body melt into it.
“Ugh...”
Elze enjoyed the soft feel of the bed, which she hadn't felt in a long time. Looking at the empty seat next to her, it seemed like her busy husband had already entered the palace.
Elze, who had been rubbing Shan's pillow with her hand for no reason, pulled the string hanging from the headboard. When the bell rang, the maids who had been waiting outside came into the room.
Married ladies usually ate breakfast in bed, but Elze was not used to eating in bed and preferred to eat at the table.
But today, she just wanted to lay out food on the bed tray and roll around leisurely in bed. She had a simple breakfast of omelet and toast in bed and even had a cup of tea, and by the time she finished, the sun was already high in the sky.
Elze, who had been enjoying her leisure time, only realized why she was able to act so leisurely after finishing her tea.
“Lady Rosalie isn’t here.”
It was thanks to the absence of the head maid, Rosalie. According to the news she heard upon returning to Targayel, Rosalie had returned to Baluar a few days before Elze returned home.
She was kidnapped by the Kalia and held between Britain and the border of Baluar. She returned home safely but was so shocked that she took a long sick leave to recuperate.
An investigation into those who had kidnapped Rosalie had begun, but since she had returned unharmed and Rosalie’s family was not very strong, there was a high chance that it would be covered up. Elslze had already contacted Kalia and the others, so all she had to do was get them back.
After enjoying her leisure, Elze called the maids and dressed her in her attire. It was time to stop playing and get to work. As the mistress of Targayel, she had much to do.
“Madam, I will take care of it.”
As she left the room, Ivanna, who had been waiting outside, bowed politely and spoke. There was no sign of her usual sullenness because people were watching her.
Elze called Marle to the study. While she was away from the mansion, Marle had been taking care of Elze's work. He had to tell her how the work was going. As she sat at the large desk in the study, looking at the documents that Shan had been working on, there was a knock on the door and Marle came in.
Ivanna took her seat next to Elze, and Marle stood across from her at the desk. He first greeted Elze politely before speaking.
“Madam, there is something I need you to check first.”
Marle placed the tray on the table. On the tray was an envelope with a red wax seal. The seal of the crowned lion on the wax was that of the imperial family.
Elze looked at the recipient, wondering if he had given the wrong letter to Shan, but it clearly said 'Erzenes Targayel'.
Elze carefully opened the seal and read the letter. Then she muttered.
“The Queen’s protocol...”
The Baluar royal family was preparing to welcome the Queen of the kingdom of Ryeo. However, there was one problem: Ryeo was a country with a female-dominant ideology. Unlike when welcoming other state guests, women, not men, had to perform the ceremonial duties.
So Crown Princess Iarin was put in charge of the Queen's protocol, and she chose two noble women to prepare the protocol with her: Lady Cecilla of the Countess of Epernon and Countess Erglzenes of the Countess of Targayel.
Since Epernon had active exchanges with the Kingdom of Ryeo, everyone from the Count of Epernon to Cecilla was fluent in the language and culture of the Kingdom of Ryeo. It was natural for her to help with protocol.
However, all Elze knew about the Kingdom of Ryeo was green tea and porcelain. Nor was she close with Crown Princess Iarin. There was no reason to call Elze.
In any case, since the Crown Princess herself had sent a letter to Targayel, Elze had to follow the order. Marle spoke cautiously next to Elze, who was reading the letter with a serious expression.
“The Crown Princess has invited you to lunch. It is to discuss the upcoming ceremony.”
It seemed that the news had reached Targayel separately from the letter. Elze nodded slightly and said.
“I guess Lady Cecilia will be coming too.”
“Yes.”
Elze put down the letter without saying a word. She and Cecilia had a strained relationship. The image of her trying to trample on Elze after inviting her to a tea party was still vivid in her mind.
But if Cecilia had avoided Elze, she would have avoided her, and there was no reason for Elze to avoid her. If she still hadn't come to her senses and was talking nonsense, Elze was willing to step on her again.
“It’s lunch..”
Elze said with a smile.
“It will be a very enjoyable occasion.”
And Marle, seeing the madam's smile, felt an inexplicable chill and shivered for a moment.
As a vassal of Targayel, Marle Sephir was faithful to his dual duties as a Marchancer and a steward.
Doing two things at the same time required a lot of concentration and diligence, but Marle was able to do them well without making a single mistake.
After finishing his conversation with Madame about the letter from the Imperial Palace, Marle was now planning to go out to resolve Shan’s special order. As Marle stopped by the stable to get on the carriage and was talking to the coachman, someone called her name loudly.
“Marle!!”
“Liv?”
The one who called Marle was the Knight Commander, Liv Cullens. He had been escorting the Britain trip and had just returned home yesterday with Shan. As soon as Marle pretended to recognize him, Liv came up to him in a hurry. Then he grabbed Marle’s arm and shook it, saying,
“Busy? Huh? Are you busy?”
He was so out of it that he felt like someone was chasing him from behind. When Marle assured him that he was going out right now and that he would have time to talk to him, Liv immediately let out a deep sigh.
“Let’s go somewhere quiet and talk.”
And Marle was suddenly dragged by Liv to the empty space behind the stable. But Liv was strange. He acted like he was on fire right away, but when he was actually laid out, he didn't say anything. When Marle looked at Liv strangely, he hesitated uncharacteristically and finally opened his mouth.
“Madam, what did she say?”
Liv ran his fingers through his hair, fidgeted with his hands, and shook his legs. He was so distracted that Marle was on the verge of losing his temper before he took a deep breath and opened his mouth.
“Did you know that Madam... was Elijah’s Elze?”
Of course, I didn't know. Marle froze with his mouth wide open. Then he stammered and asked.
“No, really?”
It was known that Shan had suspected that Erzenes and Elze were the same person even before their marriage. Marle personally moved the upper ranks of the Machangs and investigated the two people, Erzenes of Targayel and Elze of Elijah.
However, although they had many similarities, their images were polar opposites. So he had concluded that it was Shan's guess.
But it wasn't just a guess, it was the truth! Liv muttered in a gloomy voice in front of Marle, who was blinking in surprise.
“I saw it....”
“The Queen’s protocol...”
The Baluar royal family was preparing to welcome the Queen of the kingdom of Ryeo. However, there was one problem: Ryeo was a country with a female-dominant ideology. Unlike when welcoming other state guests, women, not men, had to perform the ceremonial duties.
So Crown Princess Iarin was put in charge of the Queen's protocol, and she chose two noble women to prepare the protocol with her: Lady Cecilla of the Countess of Epernon and Countess Erglzenes of the Countess of Targayel.
Since Epernon had active exchanges with the Kingdom of Ryeo, everyone from the Count of Epernon to Cecilla was fluent in the language and culture of the Kingdom of Ryeo. It was natural for her to help with protocol.
However, all Elze knew about the Kingdom of Ryeo was green tea and porcelain. Nor was she close with Crown Princess Iarin. There was no reason to call Elze.
In any case, since the Crown Princess herself had sent a letter to Targayel, Elze had to follow the order. Marle spoke cautiously next to Elze, who was reading the letter with a serious expression.
“The Crown Princess has invited you to lunch. It is to discuss the upcoming ceremony.”
It seemed that the news had reached Targayel separately from the letter. Elze nodded slightly and said.
“I guess Lady Cecilia will be coming too.”
“Yes.”
Elze put down the letter without saying a word. She and Cecilia had a strained relationship. The image of her trying to trample on Elze after inviting her to a tea party was still vivid in her mind.
But if Cecilia had avoided Elze, she would have avoided her, and there was no reason for Elze to avoid her. If she still hadn't come to her senses and was talking nonsense, Elze was willing to step on her again.
“It’s lunch..”
Elze said with a smile.
“It will be a very enjoyable occasion.”
And Marle, seeing the madam's smile, felt an inexplicable chill and shivered for a moment.
***
As a vassal of Targayel, Marle Sephir was faithful to his dual duties as a Marchancer and a steward.
Doing two things at the same time required a lot of concentration and diligence, but Marle was able to do them well without making a single mistake.
After finishing his conversation with Madame about the letter from the Imperial Palace, Marle was now planning to go out to resolve Shan’s special order. As Marle stopped by the stable to get on the carriage and was talking to the coachman, someone called her name loudly.
“Marle!!”
“Liv?”
The one who called Marle was the Knight Commander, Liv Cullens. He had been escorting the Britain trip and had just returned home yesterday with Shan. As soon as Marle pretended to recognize him, Liv came up to him in a hurry. Then he grabbed Marle’s arm and shook it, saying,
“Busy? Huh? Are you busy?”
He was so out of it that he felt like someone was chasing him from behind. When Marle assured him that he was going out right now and that he would have time to talk to him, Liv immediately let out a deep sigh.
“Let’s go somewhere quiet and talk.”
And Marle was suddenly dragged by Liv to the empty space behind the stable. But Liv was strange. He acted like he was on fire right away, but when he was actually laid out, he didn't say anything. When Marle looked at Liv strangely, he hesitated uncharacteristically and finally opened his mouth.
“Madam, what did she say?”
Liv ran his fingers through his hair, fidgeted with his hands, and shook his legs. He was so distracted that Marle was on the verge of losing his temper before he took a deep breath and opened his mouth.
“Did you know that Madam... was Elijah’s Elze?”
Of course, I didn't know. Marle froze with his mouth wide open. Then he stammered and asked.
“No, really?”
It was known that Shan had suspected that Erzenes and Elze were the same person even before their marriage. Marle personally moved the upper ranks of the Machangs and investigated the two people, Erzenes of Targayel and Elze of Elijah.
However, although they had many similarities, their images were polar opposites. So he had concluded that it was Shan's guess.
But it wasn't just a guess, it was the truth! Liv muttered in a gloomy voice in front of Marle, who was blinking in surprise.
“I saw it....”
Liv let out another sigh as if the ground was sinking before continuing.
“Madam... I saw her swinging her twin swords with my own eyes..."
“...Twin swords?”
Liv put his hand on Marle's shoulder and spoke seriously.
“Hey, Ma’am, she's really... flying...”
Madam? Twin swords? Flying?
Marle couldn't believe it. Of course, Elijah's Elze would be able to fly with her twin swords, or at least teleport, but it was hard to imagine that the beautiful lady would do that.
Didn't I just meet her? As the mistress of a prestigious family, she was a person of impeccable elegance. As Marle looked in disbelief, Liv spoke in a hushed tone.
“You don’t believe me? Right? I thought I was crazy too. But Lord Cirxus...”
Liv remembered Shan calling her aside and speaking to her.
"Liv Cullens. Why do you keep looking at Erzenes?"
After seeing Elze's performance, Liv stared at Madame all the way back to Targayel. He regretted staring at her so obviously, but he thought that it was something he had to talk to Shan about.
"No, that's..."
Liv told Shan in detail about what he had seen, but Shan cut his story short.
"You saw it wrong."
"Yes?"
Shan looked at Liv expressionlessly. His cold purple eyes cut into Liv's chest. He lowered his voice and spoke slowly but forcefully.
"I thought you saw something wrong."
"..."
So, Liv had no choice but to nod without making a sound.
“I told you so!”
At Liv's explanation, Marle let out a mysterious sound that was a mixture of exclamation and sighs. Saying that he saw something wrong meant that he saw it right. Marle folded his arms and nodded as she spoke.
“It seems like Cirxus is really sincere to madam.”
As far as Marle knew, Shan was not the kind of person who would lie like that for someone. It would be better if he didn't tell him. Marle also told Liv about the special orders he had received. Liv was shocked, of course.
“Cirxus ordered such a romantic thing?”
"Yes."
Marle made a promise while standing next to Liv, who was making a fuss about a major incident.
He said that he would have to show my gratitude to the lady better in the future.
[Continued in Volume 3]
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