A Father's Scheme
It's best to drink in moderation. Gimore had assumed that when his daughter first mentioned bringing someone over, it would be a simple friend. But the person she actually brought was a male priest. "Handsome face," was his first impression. The calm yet sharp eyes were striking, yet strangely, when he smiled softly, his entire demeanor transformed into something entirely different. Gimore found himself oddly provoked by the way the priest smiled pleasantly while subtly trying to refuse. It wasn't just anyone—it was someone daring to reject an invitation to dine with him. That was something Gimore could not allow.
So he obtained the Holy Father's permission on the spot and used a magic circle to essentially abduct the priest to the Yura Kingdom, ensuring he could no longer make excuses. After bringing him here and talking with him... "So he's Greg's son." Only then did Gimore remember who the man was. When had that small, adorable child grown into such an adult? Gimore felt the passage of time anew and sank into nostalgia. Who would have thought the boy who used to follow the Inquisitor around like a duckling, clinging to the hem of his black cassock, would grow up like this? He nodded to himself, thinking the young man had turned out quite handsome, unlike his father.
"Come to think of it, wasn't Limia trying to introduce him?" While they were in the middle of the meal, Gimore finally realized his daughter had intended to introduce this friend and looked at her face. Then he was surprised. Indeed... "I see. He's a prospective son-in-law." That was unmistakably the face of a woman in love. Gimore felt certain after seeing his daughter's expression and quickly began making plans in his mind. Where should the wedding be held? The Saint Juno Great Cathedral, perhaps? Or the Sorbe Cathedral in the imperial capital, famous for its splendor? Or maybe a simple ceremony at the church in their territory would suffice. The Holy Father could officiate, and he could ask Rumel to give the congratulatory speech. For the dress, he had recently contracted with a renowned atelier, so it would be good to have something properly made there. Since they also handled men's clothing, he could order a matching set for...
In that brief moment, Gimore had already advanced the plans that far in his head. He stroked his chin, then narrowed his eyes and looked at Jenkinson. Then he spoke. "So, when exactly are you planning to show me my grandchild?"
Since two grown adults had met, they must have already checked their compatibility, right? It would be even better if there was already a child. Gimore asked with that thought in mind, and at that moment, Jenkinson spat out his wine in shock. "Are you all right?" Seeing this, Gimore immediately called for someone to wipe the priest's clothes and asked with a concerned expression. Jenkinson broke into a cold sweat as he replied.
"I'm fine... I'm fine. More importantly, what did you mean by that all of a sudden?"
"Hm?" At Jenkinson's question, Gimore asked with a puzzled look. "Aren't the two of you getting married?"
Jenkinson responded firmly to that question. "That's the first I've heard of it. Sister Limia and I are not in that kind of relationship."
Jenkinson answered and poured himself more wine. Watching this, Gimore finally understood the entire situation. "So that's how it is..." There had been no progress at all. Was it simply his daughter's unrequited love? Gimore felt somewhat disappointed. Honestly, the man before him was a first-rate groom. With this man, he could entrust both his daughter and the family with peace of mind... Moreover, with the military power of the Abnaigel family and his own wealth, they could even aim for an entire kingdom. It would be the birth of a new royal house. For Gimore, who always pursued novelty, this was irresistibly intriguing. Therefore...
"Come now, come now. This place imports wine directly from the Holy Kingdom, so drink up."
"Pardon? Ah, yes."
Gimore offered more wine. No progress yet? Then he would simply create some. Men must always be wary of alcohol and women. At the very least, on that point... "You're lacking in caution, Jenkinson." This friend had already failed at the drinking stage. Gimore smiled inwardly with a sly grin as he watched Jenkinson, who did not refuse the wine he was being offered while praising its taste. At this rate, the game was already over.
— Stagger. Stagger.
Jenkinson drank glass after glass of the wine Gimore kept offering without refusal. The Holy Kingdom's wine was indeed exceptionally delicious. Of course, Jenkinson's admiration for Holy Kingdom wine may have influenced the taste, but the wines Gimore ordered to get him drunk were all premium vintages without exception.
Thud. Eventually, Jenkinson's head dropped as he became completely intoxicated. Limia was startled for a moment by Jenkinson leaning against her shoulder. This man entrusting his body to someone... It was something she had never even imagined. The man she knew was someone so resilient that he would never show weakness to anything.
"It seems the priest has had too much. There's a high-class inn nearby, so guide him there."
With a sly smile at the sight, Gimore rose from his seat and immediately entrusted Jenkinson to Limia. "M-Me?"
Though flustered by his words, Limia soon lifted the now-dozing Jenkinson in a princess carry. As Gimore passed by her, he whispered softly. "I've given you this much of an opportunity. You won't let it slip away, will you, daughter?"
"!"
At those secretive words, Limia finally realized that her father had deliberately gotten Jenkinson drunk to help her, and her eyes widened. Gimore patted her back encouragingly before settling the bill and leaving. Only then did Limia grasp the situation. With trembling hands, she held Jenkinson and gazed at his sleeping face. "I..." She swallowed unconsciously. "Am I supposed to pounce on him right now? This guy?"
She was more flustered than she had expected. It was easy to say, but it was harder than she thought. Of course, she had seen plenty of how relationships between men and women progressed. She had watched her mother work in the brothel, and as she grew older, she had witnessed it often because of some trashy men. But... she had never done it herself. In other words, she lacked practical experience. Even including her childhood memories of living with her mother in the brothel, she had rarely been alone with a man. Honestly, even now, her heart was pounding because she had never held a man so gently before. This felt completely different from grabbing someone by the neck to break it or holding them to snap their waist.
Before long, her face flushed even though she hadn't been drinking, and her steps toward the inn grew heavy. "Ha, can I really do this?" For the first time, she felt afraid. Could she do it well? What if he said she was terrible? What if she made a mistake? Would he mock her if he found out she had no experience? Worries piled upon worries, slowing her steps. She was becoming anxious—about whether she could handle this first time properly. "...Does this guy have a lot of experience?" He looked like he might, which made her feel a bit jealous. If so, it meant he wouldn't be scared or worried in this situation like she was. Even as she thought this, she found herself quietly admiring his peacefully sleeping face. Was it just her imagination that he looked like an angel with his sharp eyes closed? Or had she been properly bewitched by him? Either way, she never grew tired of looking at his sleeping face. Honestly, she could be satisfied just watching him like this. But... she couldn't do that. Her father would definitely call her a coward. Thinking this, she smiled. "I can't let myself be called a coward." Muttering this to herself, she took lighter steps. Strangely, at that moment, her heart felt a little lighter. Yes, she couldn't be a coward. She had never backed down out of fear in any situation. This time would be no different. Even if she was afraid, it was worth trying. "Lady Limia? Your room is already prepared. I'll guide you right away."
The moment she entered the inn, an attendant who had been waiting guided her to the room. Limia clicked her tongue at her father's preparedness. Indeed... her father was truly a man of remarkable action, no matter what he did. To think he had already reserved a room at the inn in that short time. While admiring her father's initiative, she obediently followed the attendant up the stairs. "Enjoy your time."
After tipping the attendant who had bowed politely after showing her the room, Limia opened the door and stepped inside. The bed was large and spacious, and the overall luxurious furniture was pleasing to the eye. "First, I should lay this guy down." "Hoo... it's hot." Maybe because she had moved her body a bit? It was a little warm. Limia laid Jenkinson on the bed, unbuttoned her shirt to make it loose, and fanned herself. Each time she did so, her moderately full breasts peeked through the gaps in her shirt. "Right, it's nothing special. Just put it in, shake it, and finish, right?" Muttering this to herself as she tried to convince herself, she reached out toward Jenkinson. Yeah, it was nothing. She could do it. She could do it—
She stopped. Sniff! Sniff! "...Maybe I should wash up first." Limia, who had been about to undress Jenkinson, suddenly buried her face in her own arm, smelled it, and changed her mind. She seemed to have a bit of a sweat smell, so it would be better to wash first. Besides, anyway... "The night is long." The night was still long. She planned to take her time.