Chapter 79
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 79
Chapter Title: Epilogue - Leo (1)
"You're back, darling!"
The moment the door opened, the Duchess's voice poured out from inside. She rarely came out to the entrance to greet anyone. She must have been terribly anxious.
"My goodness, Catherine. For you to come all the way out here. I heard your health hasn't been great lately."
The Duke seemed to share my thoughts, raising his voice excessively to express his gratitude. She responded with an awkward smile and a nod.
"Ah... haha. Of course. It's been almost a week since I last saw you. You have no idea how much I've missed you."
"I bet. I nearly went mad missing you too. Even though it was His Majesty's orders, there were more times than I can count when I wanted to make an excuse and come back early."
"Yes. I imagine so."
"Just seeing your face fills me with such joy. They say love grows stronger with longing, don't they?"
The Duke beamed as he leaned in to kiss his wife. Catherine placed her hands on his shoulders, ready to kiss his cheek.
"It's good to see you too, darling."
But her eyes weren't on the Duke. Her gaze, still clouded with unease, kept wandering past his shoulder, searching for someone. The Duke, oblivious, rested his face against her cheek.
"I love you, dear."
"Yes..."
What if he's not here? Disappointment clouded her voice as her eyes suddenly turned toward me. I'd positioned myself a bit back on purpose, so it took her a moment to spot me. I finally looked up and met her gaze.
In that instant, life returned to her hazy eyes, and her lips curved into a smile. She shot me a fond look before lightly kissing the Duke's cheek as he approached. Then, with complete composure back in her voice, she said,
"I love you, darling."
"I love you too."
The Duke repeated her words and embraced her again. But her eyes remained fixed on me. Amid the crossed glances and tangled relations, her lips moved once more.
"Yes. I love you."
That single phrase wasn't a reply to the Duke. Nor was it a declaration of love for him. It meant just one thing.
My plan was proceeding smoothly.
After their affectionate reunion ended, I slowly approached the Duke and bowed slightly.
"Your Grace. You should change first. After such a long journey, you've accumulated quite a bit of grime."
"Is that... so? I wanted to have some tea with my wife first to shake off the travel fatigue..."
Impatience colored the Duke's tone. But Catherine shook her head firmly, rejecting his suggestion outright.
"No. I understand you've missed me, but I don't want to sit down to a meal with someone still in travel clothes. Even at home, we must maintain decorum, Your Grace."
"The Duchess is right. Change and freshen up first. That's the proper order."
"Is... it?"
Reprimanded by his wife and ordered by a servant. It was humiliating treatment for the head of the household. Yet the Duke merely nodded without retort. Of course he did. His own skills were respectable enough, but his power base rested entirely on his wife's family. Unfortunately, this empire still valued name and pedigree over personal achievements.
Or rather, fortunately for me. It all worked greatly in my favor.
"Then there's no helping it. Dear, wait just a moment. I'll wash up quickly."
"All right. I'll wait for you, darling."
At her words, the Duke flashed a bitter smile and turned away. Having lived his life as a warrior, his political acumen and household management skills were utterly dismal. He was revered outside as a fine knight, but without his armor, he cut a pathetic figure.
Or perhaps, as an old man with a young wife, he was feeling his physical limits. People grow less confident with age, mentally and physically alike. The Duke was likely gripped by the latter, hence his obsession. The fear that one day his young wife might invite a new man into their bed instead of him.
Spot on, though.
"Duchess. Here are the gifts His Grace brought for you."
"Ah, thank you, Leo."
As I bowed and handed over the presents, Catherine's face lit up with unrestrained joy, reaching for my hand. But I deliberately passed only the gifts and pulled my hand back quickly.
"Then I'll get back to my duties. There's much to organize."
"W-wait!"
Hearing her trembling voice, I gave a thin smile. Catherine glanced around at the servants, cleared her throat, and forced a dignified tone.
"Leo. Could you carry all this luggage to my room? It's too much for me alone."
"I'm afraid I have other tasks. Call the maids. Annie, Marie, you two..."
"No! I mean, no need. Leo, I'll carry the luggage. You just... follow me to make sure I don't drop anything. How's that?"
"That's not the issue."
"Please, Leo. I'm begging you. Surely you can do this much for me, right?"
As I kept stringing her along, Catherine finally resorted to coquetry right in front of all the servants and maids. Crazy bitch. No pride at all? I let out a silent sigh and nodded.
"Very well. Lead the way."
"Y-yes! Thank you, Leo."
Catherine beamed, hoisting the heavy luggage herself, while I tucked my hands in my pockets and nodded toward her room. The master-servant dynamic had flipped completely, but no one dared point it out. They all knew full well where the power in this mansion truly lay.
Not that it pleased me much.
Catherine, oblivious to it all, walked ahead with a bright smile. The moment we reached her room, she locked the door firmly and spoke first.
"Ahem. Well done getting here. You must be tired, Leo."
Moving that luggage with her slender arms must have been exhausting, yet she forced a stern tone. Gasping for breath while putting on airs—it was so ridiculous, a laugh escaped me unbidden. She took it as approval, slipping off her outer garment to bare her shoulders.
"Exhausted from a week with that old man, right? Yeah, I bet. I've already heated bathwater, so go wash up. And then..."
"Now you try to act dignified."
I scowled and looked up. My voice came out sharp even to my own ears. Catherine flinched and shrank back. I unleashed the words I'd been holding in.
"What good is playing the lady now, you stupid slut?"
"Huh...?"
But the bitch just tilted her head dumbly, not grasping it. She knew I was angry, though, biting her lip and pressing against the door.
"Whoring it up in front of the servants. What good is dignity now?"
"I... I'm fine with that. I don't care what others think..."
"I do, you filthy rag."
Bang.
"Eek..."
I slammed my hand against the wall, pinning her with my gaze. Instinctively frightened, Catherine looked up at me. But deep in her eyes writhed a perverse, masochistic lust awaiting punishment. Seeing it, I swallowed the retort I'd prepared.
Idiot. If your reputation tanks too soon, so does mine.
My goal wasn't just bedding the Duchess. It was seizing real power from there and infiltrating the heart of the imperial court. Then no more sneers at my origins, no need to bloody my own hands to survive. And above all, those fuckers who dared question my love for Reina would vanish.
At least, this pathetic ducal house had served as a solid foundation for my plan so far. A decently high status, a gullible lord, and a wife drooling at the thought of spreading her legs. The perfect marks—easy to approach. Hell, it was almost disappointing. A few fucks, and she pledged everything to me. Picking the target took longer than executing the plan.
But as easy as she was to conquer, expecting more was futile. Even the bare minimum of acting skill for higher stages was beyond this slut.
"L-Leo... Are you... very angry?"
"..."
I didn't answer, suppressing my rage. My prolonged silence made her tremble as she spoke again.
"If you're mad, I'm sorry. But I couldn't help it. You've been gone a whole week. I... I can't endure even a day without you anymore..."
"Spare me the cheap lines..."
"It was hell. I nearly dragged some random man into bed. But I held back. Thinking of you. But... I can't hold back anymore."
Before I could respond, Catherine's hand shot downward. She slowly tugged at the loosened skirt ties. The thin fabric dropped to the floor with a soft thud, followed by thick fluids dripping onto it.
"Leo..."
"Hah."
I sighed thinly. Her delicate fingers grasped my wrist lightly. A not-unpleasant perfume wafted into my nostrils.
"I really can't take it... Do something. Please? Look, I'm soaked like this."
Trembling like a drug addict, Catherine guided my fingers to her pussy. The moment my fingertip touched her heated flesh, she gasped and slammed her head back against the wall—without me even moving.
"Haa... haa...!"
"Hah... fine."
I sighed, forcing a blank expression, but undeniable pleasure raced across my skin. Stupid as she was, I had to admit her lascivious body was top-tier. Naturally, I slid my finger inside and pressed her sensitive spots out of habit.
"Ah... ahh... haa...!"
"Keep your voice down, you lunatic."
"Hup... mmph..."
Catherine clamped her hand over her mouth, panting wildly. Each flick of my finger drew her hot walls tight, juices flowing freely. When I deliberately crushed her sensitive spots, her eyes rolled back, moans rising from deep in her chest. A smile tugged at my lips unbidden.
"Hngh... hnnngh..."
"Haha... what a slut."
Choosing this house wasn't just for the environment; this bitch's juicy body factored in too. Honestly, purely on flesh, she was the best I'd had. Maybe because she's a bit seasoned—her skills weren't bad. The thought surged blood below. Feeling it, I tugged my pants down a bit.
"Hoo... fuck it. Spread 'em."
"Haa... yes..."
Drooling her juices, Catherine reflexively parted her legs. I seized one thigh, yanking it up and slamming my hips forward. My cock plunged deep in an instant; she shuddered and climaxed.
"Haaaaang...!!!"
The intensity made her claw the wall, moaning freely. I spat curses at her curling toes above her gripped ankle.
"I said keep it down, slut."
"Don't stop... haaang... aaang... aaaang...!"
Having crested instantly, she ignored me, face rapturous as she lewdly bucked her hips. Even without my movement, she pulled back until my tip showed, then impaled herself to the hilt, stimulating herself wildly. Watching, I shook my head and raised my hand.
"You don't learn with words."
"Haang... haaang... haang... gk... kghk...!"
I seized her throat with my free hand. Her windpipe constricted instantly; she gagged and resisted instinctively, but I clamped her ankle harder, overpowering her. Then I began thrusting savagely, wet slaps echoing.
"Kghk... hrgh... hrrghk...!"
Pleasure and pain choked her breath, producing bizarre gurgles from her throat. Tears streamed down, but she made no attempt to break free. Just futilely scraping the wall, body quaking.
"Should've listened from the start, stupid bitch."
"Eghk... egek... hrghak...!"
"Can't breathe? Don't worry. I'll let go after I cum."
"Hrghk... hek... heuu... uk..."
Her lungs must be empty by now. No intent to kill, but her eyes screamed life ebbing away. Instinct, the will to live, wailing from her heaving breasts.
"Hek... hwk... hagwk... ha..."
Yet astonishingly, fear fled her face next—in its place, ecstasy. Eyes rolled back, she smirked, grabbing my ass and pulling me deeper.
"Wha... uk...!"
Startled but amused by her rhythmic hips and hands, I burst out laughing. Fuck, what a depraved slut. Unbelievable for nobility-born. But it fueled my lust perfectly.
"Uk... uuk...!"
A stifled groan escaped me. Her grip tightened. Where did dying strength come from? Survival instinct? Or craving greater pleasure? Either way, she'd achieved it.
"Auk... uk...!"
On the brink, I hilted deep. Amid her fading mind, her walls clenched my cock fiercely. Hot, sticky flesh stimulated every nerve; I couldn't hold back, unloading surging seed inside.
"Hrgrrr... haaaaaang...!!!"
My grip loosened; Catherine unleashed pent-up moans. But her hands stayed on my ass. She clung desperately through my prolonged release.
"Ah... aaang... aung..."
"Hooo..."
Twitching twice, thrice, my cock finally withdrew. Catherine slid down, collapsing. As residual spurts escaped me, white cum oozed from her sloppy hole.
"Haa..."
I looked at her sprawled like a used rag and haphazardly fixed my pants. Coldly:
"Go wash up. You're filthy."
"Haa... yes..."
"Hurry. We're not done."
"Ah...!"
"Not done." That reignited her eyes. She scrambled up on all fours toward the bathroom, ass quivering, leaking fluids. Lust to smack that juicy flesh welled; I stepped closer.
But then, the Duke's voice seeped through the door crack.
"D-dear?"
"...!"
"I... I was waiting, but I heard strange noises. Are you in pain? Is something wrong?"
His voice dripped pathos, like a plucked eagle sans dignity. He knew it was moaning yet lingered outside? I smirked and cracked the door.
"Your Grace."
"...! Why are you here...?"
Hadn't heard me? The Duke startled, staring.
"The Duchess said she felt unwell. I've been attending her. No need to worry—head back."
"No. I should look after her. You go do your other duties...!"
"No. I'll handle it."
"You're not listening... uk."
He tried forcing in as I defied him. As if. The Duke wasn't weak, but a child compared to me.
"Just go. Don't be stubborn."
"Le... Leo...!"
I slammed the door before more nonsense. He clung, unyielding.
"Leo! That's an order. Open this door!"
"No worries, Your Grace. I'll take care of the Duchess."
"What nonsense! I'm her husband! It's my duty!"
"Don't you have duties of your own?"
"Ah... no! Not that many, Leo. Please... just open it. Please?"
Order. Persuasion. Now begging. I smirked at his shifting tones. Watching an imperial duke bow to a mere steward was priceless.
"I know her body best. I'll handle it—off you go."
"No need! I called a doctor! The best—one who can raise the dead! So open up!"
A doctor. Sneaky bastard.
"I'll ask the Duchess. She doesn't want visitors. Goodbye."
I stepped away, eager to stroke slick-skinned Catherine in the bath. But the Duke's desperate cry halted me.
"It's the doctor sent by His Majesty!"
"...His Majesty?"
"Yes! I can't make him wait longer. Refusing would insult His Majesty's gift. So... please..."
What a pain...
"Hmm..."
The Emperor's personal physician. On reflection, positive for me. It elevated the Duke's status—thus mine. Plus, curiosity about who the Emperor sent.
"Is he outside now?"
"Waiting in the drawing room. Open up, then..."
"No. Bring him now. Then I'll open."
"A... all right. Right away."
Clattering footsteps faded. What a pair. I sighed thinly, waiting.
Soon, hurried steps returned—with another. Steady, low ones followed unerringly.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Dear. It's me. Open the door."
With others present, the Duke mustered basic courtesy. Couldn't outright ignore now. I straightened my clothes and gripped the knob.
"Opening now, Your Grace."
Creeeak.
The heavy door he'd craved swung open with surprising ease. Bright light spilled in; I looked up to see the Emperor's doctor.
And met the eyes of a red-haired girl.
Younger than her fame suggested. Flawless skin, petite frame—she looked more academy student than physician.
Duke playing tricks? Doubt vanished as she spoke. Every gesture and word carried the dignity of an imperial physician.
"Greetings. I am Doctor Rachel. Here to see the Duchess."
She bowed politely, then looked my way with a genuine smile—not formal courtesy.
"A pleasure to meet you, Head Steward Leo."