Celine felt as if her heart was being cut to the core by the lieutenant colonel's cold words, devoid of even a shred of warmth. Even she, who had actively advocated for this as a way to break the chain of misfortune, already knew. This, too, was misfortune.
Celine's green eyes stared blankly at him, then she looked down as if she had given up.
“I know, you don’t have to say it. But still...”
A thin voice leaked out from her pretty, trembling lips.
“You said you would fulfill your duty.”
The tone was tinged with sadness and resentment at the beginning, but strangely shifted toward a tone of anticipation as it drew to a close. As soon as she finished speaking, Celine's slender arms wrapped around the lieutenant colonel's neck, embracing him.
"Isn't this a duty? Your fiancée woke up at dawn to make you a sandwich. So, of course you do."
She swallowed her words as if they were her own secret feelings, but the lieutenant colonel knew what she was trying to say.
“It’s almost like a play, Miss Claire.”
"Yes, we're the main characters in the play. I'm thinking of sending my sister a wedding invitation. The armistice opened ports and borders, and business exchanges became possible, right?"
Because businessmen from Frogen and the Allied nations were able to invade the Belford Empire and do business there, this was one of the negotiation demands given to Belford, which was practically defeated.
The lieutenant colonel's mouth tightened at the mention of sending Diana a wedding invitation.
Celine smiled faintly.
"It's okay if she comes. Father promised Diana's safety. He also said he'd back out of all his plans. I'm going to use this opportunity to get along with my sister. What do you think?"
“Well, I don’t think she’ll come.”
"Then there's nothing I can do. But I have to send them anyway. We're family."
Celine, who maintained a bright smile despite the hardened expression on the lieutenant colonel's face, put her arm around him and whispered in his ear.
“They are looking here.”
Celine lightly kissed the lieutenant colonel on the cheek, smiled, and placed a basket in his hand.
As she stepped back with a brisk stride, carrying her pack on her back, her platinum hair flowed wildly over her charming smile. Her flushed cheeks would have been quite lovely, but the lieutenant colonel was thinking of something else.
“Please share it with everyone. Don’t eat it all by yourself.”
From a distance, they look like any other loving couple.
The soldiers watching this scene from afar glanced at the lieutenant colonel with envious eyes. After Celine left, the lieutenant colonel, who had been standing alone, wiped his face as if washing it dry.
Diana, a woman who appeared pitiful on the outside but was strong on the inside. Was that why he wanted to protect her so badly? No, it was guilt. The woman who became unhappy in his place.
Her pale, swollen hands, her face that seemed indifferent to the world, and her indifferent, gray-green eyes were heartbreaking. Perhaps that's why they felt even more special.
"You brought me here? I didn't want to come, but I don't really resent you. What can I do if you each act according to your own convictions? We all have different opinions."
“Are you saying I’m not bad?”
"People can be good to some, and bad to others. It's just a matter of perspective and opinion. And from my sister's perspective, I'm a terrible person."
You are you, and I am me. That was her unique value system.
Lieutenant Colonel Groenendaal wanted to be remembered as a good person, at least in the category of the good in her subjective view of the world.
“I hope you are doing well and happy.”
The lieutenant colonel, lost in thought and gazing out the window, muttered softly to himself, then shook his head as if trying to forget. A lonely sunlight filtered into the empty command hallway.
It's been a while since I've raised a complaint from deep within, from the place that governs my desires.
Noah and I haven't even known each other for a year, but how can two grown adults sleep in a room holding hands? Besides, I've only kissed this guy a handful of times. It's not like I don't like physical contact.
Because I contact me with subtle signals, and from my experience in relationships, I know that men have a look of lust in their eyes.
This vixen, sly man endures with utmost patience. It's humiliating and embarrassing to be so uncharacteristically impatient, but what good is that now?
Lately, I've been feeling pretty sure I like this guy.
That's quite a lot too.
I tried to approach him with the proper attitude of gentleness, but it wasn't working. I knew I could never win against him, so I decided to just accept defeat. I opened my mouth and uttered the words that encapsulated all my anguish.
“You, do you hate skinship?”
Noah paused, halfway through his salad with a fork. He chewed and swallowed the light green salad quickly, then shook his head so hard his silvery bangs swayed.
"No."
“I just asked because I thought it was something like that.”
I briefly expressed my dissatisfaction by using the social skill of beating around the bush, but he still didn't put down his fork, as if my remarks weren't taken into consideration.
“I like it.”
I asked again in a serious voice, watching him poke a piece of carrot with his fork, a smile on his face.
“Really? I didn’t know because I don’t do it often.”
"What?"
I feel like I'm falling into his trap again. He's a man who picks and chooses the words he wants to say from his mouth. I can't bring myself to say something so blatant as, "Let's have sex with me." I quickly and accurately answered him indirectly.
“Like kissing or something...”
"Yeah. I'll eat and go to my room. I'll brush my teeth diligently."
“Other things too...”
“Then I’ll hold your hand often, hug you, and kiss you often. I’m sorry you were upset.”
The way Noah smiled affectionately seemed almost like an unapproachable nobility, so I couldn't say anything else.
Holding hands, hugging, and kissing were already over. I couldn't bring myself to open my mouth, so I could only make sounds like "um" and "hmm" through my clenched teeth.
What the hell is he doing to me? What the hell is this guy?
While seemingly far from naive, he possessed a sophisticated technique that made his opponents leap forward. A sense of arrogance grew within him, making it impossible to resist.
Driven by a competitive spirit, I shed the coat that had been tightly wrapped around my body, crossed my legs, and leaned back leisurely in the chair. My thighs were exposed through the gap between my racy dress and the airy, open skirt.
I lifted my chin and looked at Noah with a haughty gaze.
"Yes. From now on, let’s hold hands and kiss each other more often.”
Noah's blue eyes widened. His hands, which had been cutting meat with a fork and knife, stopped.
“Yeah, yeah, I’ll do that.”
He was agitated for a moment, but he nodded nonchalantly and continued cutting the meat.
I feel like I should eat something. Overeating is out of the question in these clothes, so I'll just eat in moderation. Resigned to the more insipid response than I'd expected, I meekly picked up my fork and picked up a piece of meat.
“Those clothes suit you well.”
He smiled prettily. My face flushed bright red. I remembered how Noah didn't pay much attention to my outfit. Perhaps that was his style. I hid my disappointment and quietly concentrated on my meal.
After finishing my meal, I wandered out to a nearby teahouse, enjoying a cup of tea as dusk fell. As the purple sky grew darker, young people began to flock to the streets, befitting a city of tourism, entertainment, and gambling.
Touts and prostitutes were harassing people, and people of all kinds were crowded between buildings covered with brightly colored signs and pictures.
Cars and carriages bustled along the road. Women in glamorous attire, riding in the backseats of phaeton cars with their tops open, squealed with excitement as they passed.
I don't like crowded and noisy places, so when he saw me looking tired, Noah gestured for me to go.
“Why are you always tired, Princess?”
“Because I don’t like crowds.”
Just walking through the crowds of people makes me feel so energetic, I can't help it.
Women wearing red lipstick and glamorously dressed up look at Noah, sending him kisses or winking with deadly expressions. Seeing them openly flirting with men who are already in love, they seem to be quite open-minded.
We walked towards the hotel and chatted about this and that.
“I was worried it might be noisy at night, so I chose a place with good soundproofing. Was that a good idea?”
“Soundproofing... I see, you did a good job.”
As I was giving a soulless response, I soon arrived at the hotel entrance.
As soon as I entered my hotel room and saw the white, cozy, fluffy bed, I thought, "This is heaven." Is this where I'm going to lie down? I'm so happy.
I took a quick shower and took out the pajamas Noah had bought for me, and my face flushed again.
It's a desirable slip, perfect for a honeymoon or special occasion. The outfit is a bit risqué, but our nights will undoubtedly be more wholesome than anyone else's, so I sighed, put on the slip, and slipped on my robe.
As I lay on the soft bed, listening to the sound of Noah washing in the bathroom, a brilliant idea occurred to me.
Noah's a man, isn't he? Wouldn't he fall for me if I seduced him? Besides, he probably chose these racy pajamas to his own taste.
I abruptly sat up, straightened my disheveled hair, and tossed off my gown. You must have ignored me, given my countless relationships. I'm actually older than you, that's what I'm saying.
This is something I'd forgotten. In terms of actual age, Noah is younger than me.
Yeah, it can't be helped. You're an adult, right?
As I clenched my fists with unfounded confidence, Noah, dressed in a comfortable shirt, opened the bathroom door and came out with a refreshing smile.
I almost admitted defeat again with my face reddened at the tip of my nose and around my eyes, but I steeled myself.
I clearly washed it with the same thing, but what on earth is this hazy body odor?
“I brushed my teeth diligently. I brush my teeth diligently every day.”
A pretty man who had climbed onto the bed and was facing me proudly spoke.
“Yeah, yeah.”
Oh, right. We decided to kiss. It's a bit of a headache, wondering if I should even decide on something like this.
“Close your eyes. Quickly.”
“How about turning off the lights first? It’s too bright.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
Noah, looking strangely excited, got up, drew the curtains, and turned off the filament light.
...The lights are out. If this continues, I won't be able to show you my desired pajamas.
“I can’t find it because I can’t see it.”
In the darkness, Noah's soft voice, which seemed to be from the same class, could be heard.
“Shall I light an oil lamp or candle on the dresser over there?”
“Should I open the curtains? It’s bright outside.”
Everyone's opinions on what kind of lighting would be best for creating a comfortable kissing environment were already divided. I sighed and agreed with Noah.
“Then let’s open the curtains.”
Noah jumped up, threw back the curtains, and quickly returned. He asked with an impatient expression.
“Are you ready now?”
It was just a kiss. I wondered why it took so long to prepare. Noah's hand cupped my cheek, and we drew closer, our faces facing each other. I nodded and closed my eyes.
A warm scent of body wafted to my nostrils, then warm lips pressed against mine. Their excited breaths mingled, filling my mouth with the sweet scent of mint.
The soft, moist tongue gently rubbed and intertwined inside, making my head spin and my upper body, which had been raised, tilted backwards.
The man who had placed his weight on my arm, his breathing became ragged. Our lips, which had been pressed together softly, slowly parted, and a cold air settled on my moist lips.
After a moment, he asked in a languid and strange voice.
“Can I touch it?”
I caught my breath, feeling like I was going crazy.
“You don’t have to ask...”
As soon as I gave permission, his hands, feeling a burning sensation, grabbed the hem of my silk slip skirt. Without realizing it, I bit my lip and squeezed my eyes shut.
“Did I make a good purchase? I like this kind of material.”
Noah, who was sweeping the hem of my skirt, spoke as if impressed by my discerning eye. I looked up at him, my eyes wide in bewilderment.
What? You mean you were going to touch my pajamas?
Without realizing it, I grabbed his shirt collar and pulled it tight, asking in a dry voice.
“It’s okay, other places too.”
“Somewhere else?”
The nine-tailed fox-like man smiled and let out a gentle exclamation.
“Oh my goodness, that’s so dangerous.”
A faint chuckle escaped his nostrils. Blue eyes, curved as gently as the moon, had transformed into sharp, sharp swords, gazing down at me.
Celine's green eyes stared blankly at him, then she looked down as if she had given up.
“I know, you don’t have to say it. But still...”
A thin voice leaked out from her pretty, trembling lips.
“You said you would fulfill your duty.”
The tone was tinged with sadness and resentment at the beginning, but strangely shifted toward a tone of anticipation as it drew to a close. As soon as she finished speaking, Celine's slender arms wrapped around the lieutenant colonel's neck, embracing him.
"Isn't this a duty? Your fiancée woke up at dawn to make you a sandwich. So, of course you do."
She swallowed her words as if they were her own secret feelings, but the lieutenant colonel knew what she was trying to say.
“It’s almost like a play, Miss Claire.”
"Yes, we're the main characters in the play. I'm thinking of sending my sister a wedding invitation. The armistice opened ports and borders, and business exchanges became possible, right?"
Because businessmen from Frogen and the Allied nations were able to invade the Belford Empire and do business there, this was one of the negotiation demands given to Belford, which was practically defeated.
The lieutenant colonel's mouth tightened at the mention of sending Diana a wedding invitation.
Celine smiled faintly.
"It's okay if she comes. Father promised Diana's safety. He also said he'd back out of all his plans. I'm going to use this opportunity to get along with my sister. What do you think?"
“Well, I don’t think she’ll come.”
"Then there's nothing I can do. But I have to send them anyway. We're family."
Celine, who maintained a bright smile despite the hardened expression on the lieutenant colonel's face, put her arm around him and whispered in his ear.
“They are looking here.”
Celine lightly kissed the lieutenant colonel on the cheek, smiled, and placed a basket in his hand.
As she stepped back with a brisk stride, carrying her pack on her back, her platinum hair flowed wildly over her charming smile. Her flushed cheeks would have been quite lovely, but the lieutenant colonel was thinking of something else.
“Please share it with everyone. Don’t eat it all by yourself.”
From a distance, they look like any other loving couple.
The soldiers watching this scene from afar glanced at the lieutenant colonel with envious eyes. After Celine left, the lieutenant colonel, who had been standing alone, wiped his face as if washing it dry.
Diana, a woman who appeared pitiful on the outside but was strong on the inside. Was that why he wanted to protect her so badly? No, it was guilt. The woman who became unhappy in his place.
Her pale, swollen hands, her face that seemed indifferent to the world, and her indifferent, gray-green eyes were heartbreaking. Perhaps that's why they felt even more special.
"You brought me here? I didn't want to come, but I don't really resent you. What can I do if you each act according to your own convictions? We all have different opinions."
“Are you saying I’m not bad?”
"People can be good to some, and bad to others. It's just a matter of perspective and opinion. And from my sister's perspective, I'm a terrible person."
You are you, and I am me. That was her unique value system.
Lieutenant Colonel Groenendaal wanted to be remembered as a good person, at least in the category of the good in her subjective view of the world.
“I hope you are doing well and happy.”
The lieutenant colonel, lost in thought and gazing out the window, muttered softly to himself, then shook his head as if trying to forget. A lonely sunlight filtered into the empty command hallway.
***
It's been a while since I've raised a complaint from deep within, from the place that governs my desires.
Noah and I haven't even known each other for a year, but how can two grown adults sleep in a room holding hands? Besides, I've only kissed this guy a handful of times. It's not like I don't like physical contact.
Because I contact me with subtle signals, and from my experience in relationships, I know that men have a look of lust in their eyes.
This vixen, sly man endures with utmost patience. It's humiliating and embarrassing to be so uncharacteristically impatient, but what good is that now?
Lately, I've been feeling pretty sure I like this guy.
That's quite a lot too.
I tried to approach him with the proper attitude of gentleness, but it wasn't working. I knew I could never win against him, so I decided to just accept defeat. I opened my mouth and uttered the words that encapsulated all my anguish.
“You, do you hate skinship?”
Noah paused, halfway through his salad with a fork. He chewed and swallowed the light green salad quickly, then shook his head so hard his silvery bangs swayed.
"No."
“I just asked because I thought it was something like that.”
I briefly expressed my dissatisfaction by using the social skill of beating around the bush, but he still didn't put down his fork, as if my remarks weren't taken into consideration.
“I like it.”
I asked again in a serious voice, watching him poke a piece of carrot with his fork, a smile on his face.
“Really? I didn’t know because I don’t do it often.”
"What?"
I feel like I'm falling into his trap again. He's a man who picks and chooses the words he wants to say from his mouth. I can't bring myself to say something so blatant as, "Let's have sex with me." I quickly and accurately answered him indirectly.
“Like kissing or something...”
"Yeah. I'll eat and go to my room. I'll brush my teeth diligently."
“Other things too...”
“Then I’ll hold your hand often, hug you, and kiss you often. I’m sorry you were upset.”
The way Noah smiled affectionately seemed almost like an unapproachable nobility, so I couldn't say anything else.
Holding hands, hugging, and kissing were already over. I couldn't bring myself to open my mouth, so I could only make sounds like "um" and "hmm" through my clenched teeth.
What the hell is he doing to me? What the hell is this guy?
While seemingly far from naive, he possessed a sophisticated technique that made his opponents leap forward. A sense of arrogance grew within him, making it impossible to resist.
Driven by a competitive spirit, I shed the coat that had been tightly wrapped around my body, crossed my legs, and leaned back leisurely in the chair. My thighs were exposed through the gap between my racy dress and the airy, open skirt.
I lifted my chin and looked at Noah with a haughty gaze.
"Yes. From now on, let’s hold hands and kiss each other more often.”
Noah's blue eyes widened. His hands, which had been cutting meat with a fork and knife, stopped.
“Yeah, yeah, I’ll do that.”
He was agitated for a moment, but he nodded nonchalantly and continued cutting the meat.
I feel like I should eat something. Overeating is out of the question in these clothes, so I'll just eat in moderation. Resigned to the more insipid response than I'd expected, I meekly picked up my fork and picked up a piece of meat.
“Those clothes suit you well.”
He smiled prettily. My face flushed bright red. I remembered how Noah didn't pay much attention to my outfit. Perhaps that was his style. I hid my disappointment and quietly concentrated on my meal.
***
After finishing my meal, I wandered out to a nearby teahouse, enjoying a cup of tea as dusk fell. As the purple sky grew darker, young people began to flock to the streets, befitting a city of tourism, entertainment, and gambling.
Touts and prostitutes were harassing people, and people of all kinds were crowded between buildings covered with brightly colored signs and pictures.
Cars and carriages bustled along the road. Women in glamorous attire, riding in the backseats of phaeton cars with their tops open, squealed with excitement as they passed.
I don't like crowded and noisy places, so when he saw me looking tired, Noah gestured for me to go.
“Why are you always tired, Princess?”
“Because I don’t like crowds.”
Just walking through the crowds of people makes me feel so energetic, I can't help it.
Women wearing red lipstick and glamorously dressed up look at Noah, sending him kisses or winking with deadly expressions. Seeing them openly flirting with men who are already in love, they seem to be quite open-minded.
We walked towards the hotel and chatted about this and that.
“I was worried it might be noisy at night, so I chose a place with good soundproofing. Was that a good idea?”
“Soundproofing... I see, you did a good job.”
As I was giving a soulless response, I soon arrived at the hotel entrance.
As soon as I entered my hotel room and saw the white, cozy, fluffy bed, I thought, "This is heaven." Is this where I'm going to lie down? I'm so happy.
I took a quick shower and took out the pajamas Noah had bought for me, and my face flushed again.
It's a desirable slip, perfect for a honeymoon or special occasion. The outfit is a bit risqué, but our nights will undoubtedly be more wholesome than anyone else's, so I sighed, put on the slip, and slipped on my robe.
As I lay on the soft bed, listening to the sound of Noah washing in the bathroom, a brilliant idea occurred to me.
Noah's a man, isn't he? Wouldn't he fall for me if I seduced him? Besides, he probably chose these racy pajamas to his own taste.
I abruptly sat up, straightened my disheveled hair, and tossed off my gown. You must have ignored me, given my countless relationships. I'm actually older than you, that's what I'm saying.
This is something I'd forgotten. In terms of actual age, Noah is younger than me.
Yeah, it can't be helped. You're an adult, right?
As I clenched my fists with unfounded confidence, Noah, dressed in a comfortable shirt, opened the bathroom door and came out with a refreshing smile.
I almost admitted defeat again with my face reddened at the tip of my nose and around my eyes, but I steeled myself.
I clearly washed it with the same thing, but what on earth is this hazy body odor?
“I brushed my teeth diligently. I brush my teeth diligently every day.”
A pretty man who had climbed onto the bed and was facing me proudly spoke.
“Yeah, yeah.”
Oh, right. We decided to kiss. It's a bit of a headache, wondering if I should even decide on something like this.
“Close your eyes. Quickly.”
“How about turning off the lights first? It’s too bright.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
Noah, looking strangely excited, got up, drew the curtains, and turned off the filament light.
...The lights are out. If this continues, I won't be able to show you my desired pajamas.
“I can’t find it because I can’t see it.”
In the darkness, Noah's soft voice, which seemed to be from the same class, could be heard.
“Shall I light an oil lamp or candle on the dresser over there?”
“Should I open the curtains? It’s bright outside.”
Everyone's opinions on what kind of lighting would be best for creating a comfortable kissing environment were already divided. I sighed and agreed with Noah.
“Then let’s open the curtains.”
Noah jumped up, threw back the curtains, and quickly returned. He asked with an impatient expression.
“Are you ready now?”
It was just a kiss. I wondered why it took so long to prepare. Noah's hand cupped my cheek, and we drew closer, our faces facing each other. I nodded and closed my eyes.
A warm scent of body wafted to my nostrils, then warm lips pressed against mine. Their excited breaths mingled, filling my mouth with the sweet scent of mint.
The soft, moist tongue gently rubbed and intertwined inside, making my head spin and my upper body, which had been raised, tilted backwards.
The man who had placed his weight on my arm, his breathing became ragged. Our lips, which had been pressed together softly, slowly parted, and a cold air settled on my moist lips.
After a moment, he asked in a languid and strange voice.
“Can I touch it?”
I caught my breath, feeling like I was going crazy.
“You don’t have to ask...”
As soon as I gave permission, his hands, feeling a burning sensation, grabbed the hem of my silk slip skirt. Without realizing it, I bit my lip and squeezed my eyes shut.
“Did I make a good purchase? I like this kind of material.”
Noah, who was sweeping the hem of my skirt, spoke as if impressed by my discerning eye. I looked up at him, my eyes wide in bewilderment.
What? You mean you were going to touch my pajamas?
Without realizing it, I grabbed his shirt collar and pulled it tight, asking in a dry voice.
“It’s okay, other places too.”
“Somewhere else?”
The nine-tailed fox-like man smiled and let out a gentle exclamation.
“Oh my goodness, that’s so dangerous.”
A faint chuckle escaped his nostrils. Blue eyes, curved as gently as the moon, had transformed into sharp, sharp swords, gazing down at me.
Comments
Post a Comment