Heading South
The summer heat was already seeping through my back and under my hair, even though the sun had yet to fully rise. I shielded my eyes and looked up at the sky. Clear as could be. The guards were in for a rough day.
I took another step into the shade of the castle to escape the worst of it. The summers in the Ksianberg Empire were unique. The land was vast enough to contain all four seasons at once. To the north lay the frozen wastes of Icecrown. To the west stretched the sea. To the east, the Arhen Empire, locked in endless war. And to the south, beyond the waves, lay the lands of other races, where trade flourished.
Because of that vastness, even in the height of summer, nobles often fled for vacation. Those who preferred cooler weather headed north. Those who enjoyed hunting went west. Interestingly, some chose the south during this sweltering season. The Emerald Night Sea in the south was truly special at this time of year.
What makes it so special?
'I only went once for research. Even at night, the entire sea glows with the color of the sky. You can see all the way to the bottom.'
Ooh... that does sound fascinating.
Such a mystical sight was among the rarest experiences I'd ever had. As a mage, it stirred my curiosity like few things could.
Why not write a thesis on it this time? You've got two months, after all. Seems perfect.
'Forget it. No mage has ever solved that mystery. Unless the great archmage Carlos himself appears, no one ever will.'
Hmph. That bastard... Well, he did seal me away, so maybe he could.
Just then, a golden carriage approached from the front, flanked by guards. The imperial crest marked it as the princess's carriage. Before it arrived, however, another carriage suddenly veered from the left and stopped right in front of me.
Huh? Whose is this... Hardrens crest?
The door flew open the moment I recognized it, and Bella leapt out. She wore a pure white dress adorned with red ribbons and lace, and she threw herself into my arms. The girlish outfit caught me off guard, making my heart flutter.
"Kael!"
"B-Bella...?"
"I'm coming south with you this time♥"
"What? How? The dean would never allow it..."
"Of course he allowed it!"
She'd apparently lain in front of him for two whole hours, throwing a tantrum. Typical Bella.
"Isn't it great? Aren't you happy?"
"Yeah... really great."
Meanwhile, the princess's carriage had arrived. The door opened, and Reina stepped out, her pink hair meticulously styled and carrying the faint scent of flowers. She smiled softly at me, but her expression hardened the moment she saw Bella.
"Good morning, Princess Reina. And Tanya."
Tanya gave a casual wave. The gruffness from our first meeting had mostly faded, and she offered me a small smile. Aria's constant mediation had helped. I took Aria from my arms and handed her over. Tanya's face lit up with obvious delight.
"Aria~ You like fruit, right? I brought something tasty from home this morning..."
With Tanya gone, the two women revealed their true colors. Reina spoke to Bella with clear displeasure.
"My lady. Why are you here?"
"Grandfather asked me to keep an eye on Kael, so here I am~"
"The dean?"
Reina fell silent. Even as a princess, Pellermil's authority was immense. He was one of the empire's great pillars, after all.
"So~ I'm planning to stick right by his side and watch over him!"
Bella linked her arm with my left one and grinned. A vein seemed to bulge on Reina's forehead. It wasn't just my imagination.
Reina strode forward without hesitation and linked her arm with my right. Trapped between them, I could only glance helplessly from one to the other.
Aslan's quite popular. Sigh... Where's my big sister to claim me~? One more would be perfect!
'Don't even joke about that. I'm already in enough trouble.'
Thankfully, the carriages formed a sandwich around us, and guards surrounded the area on all sides. If word got out that a princess and a duke's daughter were competing over some man's arms, it would easily rank among the year's biggest scandals. And now a third one was joining?
Good grief... just imagining it was terrifying.
"Oh my!"
Huh...?
Huh? Whoa! It's our big sister~~~♥
I couldn't believe my eyes. Wine-red hair swayed in the breeze. A voluptuous figure barely concealed by layers of clothing meant to protect her skin. And a smile so seductive it could make any man's cheeks flush in ten seconds flat.
'Wait, why is Linnell here?'
Is that really the important part right now? Big sister~ I'm right here! Come grab me too~
She approached slowly, her hips swaying gently. She bowed politely to the two women flanking me.
"Greetings, Your Highness. It's been a while, my lady."
"Countess Renatri? What brings you here...?"
Reina's eyes widened in confusion. Bella, on the other hand, radiated open hostility and pulled me closer. Reina sensed the shift and yanked me back as well, the two of them forming a temporary alliance against Linnell. But Linnell was no ordinary woman. These two young ladies were no match for her.
"Oh my. What could this mean...? I simply wished to finish the conversation we couldn't complete regarding the Cleanberry territory with Baron Cranberry."
"Then what's that carriage behind you?"
At Bella's blunt question, Linnell laughed softly.
"My family decided to vacation in Florian territory in the south this time. Since we're heading there today anyway, I thought I'd wrap up our unfinished talk!"
"Can't that wait? Must you harass my aide even on his day off?"
Reina counterattacked, but Linnell simply laughed again.
"It's not my territory's business. It's the Cleanberry territory's. The urgent one isn't me—it's Sir Kael."
Both Reina and Bella turned to stare at me. They wanted confirmation.
'I never said anything like that!'
Give up. See that look in big sister's eyes? That's the "my pussy's itching and I can't hold back" signal!
'...You mean her asshole, right?'
Ah. My bad. I slipped up?
I sighed. She was even lying to a princess and a duke's daughter. If exposed, it wouldn't just shame her personally and her family—it could lead to charges of insulting royalty, depending on Reina's mood. Yet she acted so boldly.
'She must really be desperate.'
Still, Linnell was a valuable piece to me. I'd play along this time. What she'd done before had been excessive, after all. More importantly, if I went with either Bella or Reina, the other would be deeply hurt. Going with Linnell might actually be the wisest choice.
"Ah. Countess Renatri is correct. I did consult her about territory matters. Would it be all right if we spoke in the carriage for a few hours?"
Reina and Bella exchanged glances. After whispering briefly, they agreed. It seemed they'd reached some understanding.
"Very well. Finish your talk and we'll see you at lunch."
"Yes. I'll see you then, Your Highness. My lady."
We parted ways. I asked Tanya to look after Aria and followed Linnell into her carriage.
This carriage, though...
'She came fully prepared. Soundproofing magic and shock absorption?'
Ooh! That's our big sister♥ Let's have some fun so the ride isn't boring!
Inside, there wasn't a single family member despite her claim of a family trip. Instead, a bed sat prominently in the back. The moment I climbed in, Linnell quickly followed and shut the door. She seemed embarrassed for others to see the bed.
"Linnell."
"Yes, Master..."
"You know you did wrong, right?"
"I'm sorry..."
She pressed her forehead to the floor at my feet, prostrating herself. Whether intentional or not, the position made her ample hips stand out even more.
'Gulp. She's seriously hot...'
Aslan. When are we doing it? I'm ready!
'I'm not using the back door today.'
Aw, why!
'Have some conscience. You already had your fun alone last time.'
Hmph... I hate you, Aslan!
She stopped pressing after that, only letting out occasional frustrated huffs. I looked at her again. The carriage had started moving, and despite the shock absorption, it swayed slightly. Her large hips rocked back and forth with the motion, asserting their presence.
"Linnell Renatri."
"Yes."
"Get up and serve me now."
"Yes♥"
She guided me to the bed and laid me down. The unique scent that defined her rose from the sheets beneath me, tickling my nose. Damn... even the smell was arousing. She carefully removed every piece of my clothing, then stripped down to her underwear as well.
A white garter belt with matching bra and panties. The kind of set you'd see at a wedding. She climbed on top of me in that state and rubbed her entire body against mine, easing both body and mind. Every point of contact sent sparks through me, making my hair stand on end. It felt like every single cell was coming alive.
'They say a woman's body is the best nourishment...'
It was a saying from the battlefield, but it held true even in everyday life. This incredible sensation. I buried my face in her chest like a sailor enchanted by a siren's song, drunk on her scent and skin, and grabbed her hips with both hands.
She licked my chest and kissed me, then suddenly whispered in my ear.
"Master."
"Yeah?"
"There's something I'd like to ask of you."
What could it be? Maybe this was why she'd lied today, prepared the carriage, and worn such provocative underwear. I opened my eyes. The woman with captivating red eyes smiled and sat up. She pulled down her panties, spread herself with her fingers, and spoke.
"Would it be all right if I carried your child?"
"...What are you saying?"
"What do you mean?"
She lay back and spread her legs into an M shape. Then she winked with one eye.
"It's a dangerous day today♥"
The moment I heard those words, both Beres and I climbed on top of her, hips already moving. Linnell cried out in joy at the intense thrusting.
"Oh my♥"