Chapter 100: Crossing the Terrace (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 100: Crossing the Terrace (2)
“...But my legs are shaking too much.”
I was barely supporting myself by leaning on Loik’s arms.
It felt as though if he let go now, my legs would give out and I’d collapse.
At my words, Loik suddenly scooped me up in one arm and carefully set me down on a nearby sofa.
“Is this better?”
Standing before the sofa, he leaned deep toward me.
I didn't mean for him to take such a... suggestive stance, though.
While I hesitated, Loik met my eyes as if asking for permission, then pressed his lips against mine once more.
His kiss, which had started as a light graze, quickly deepened.
I couldn't keep my senses as his tongue moved smoothly, as if savoring a piece of candy.
It’s his first time, so why is he so good at this!
My mind turned to mush.
Before I knew it, Loik had one knee hooked on the sofa. He gripped the back of the sofa with one hand while the other wrapped around my waist.
The wet sound of our lips meeting echoed erotically in my ears.
Every time the hand around my waist shifted slightly, the hair on the back of my neck stood on end.
As Loik pushed in as if to devour me, I found myself sinking further back into the cushions.
Breathing heavily, Loik whispered low between our slightly parted lips.
His eyes were deep and glistening.
Seeing the shadow cast over my face trembling, a wave of ecstasy washed over me. I slowly wrapped my arms around Loik’s neck.
Soon, our hot breaths were intertwined once again.
*
I woke up slightly at the sensation of my body being gently swayed.
Someone was walking while holding me carefully in their arms.
The firm arms that had been supporting me with such stability laid me down gently onto the soft bedding.
My eyelids were heavy, making it hard to open my eyes.
When I tried to rub them, a large hand gently caught mine as if to stop me, then tucked it softly under the covers.
“Sleep more.”
A tender voice echoed in my ear.
After blinking a few times, I saw Loik covering me with the blanket.
“The sun hasn't risen yet.”
“Are you leaving now? You barely slept.”
“I’m fine.”
Meeting my eyes, Loik turned red and bit his lip slightly.
The bold Loik from last night was gone, replaced by the usual shy Grand Duke.
“I’m sorry. Last night, I was too...”
Loik trailed off, unable to finish his sentence.
...Too busy kissing me until late into the night.
Having understood the omitted words, the tips of my ears burned hot as well.
Thinking back on it, I felt like I had done something incredible last night.
Loik cleared his throat softly and spoke.
“I’ll tell Whitley not to wake you until you get up on your own.”
“I’ll see you off.”
“No. Please stay in bed. I’ll feel better that way.”
I tried to sit up but was stopped by Loik, sinking back into the duvet.
“Then... have a safe trip.”
After saying his farewell, Loik hesitated for a moment before leaning down to press a light kiss to my forehead.
Then, before I could even react, he hurried out of the room as if fleeing.
Along with the sound of the door closing, the sound of his rapid footsteps gradually faded away.
In an instant, all my sleepiness vanished.
I’m crazy! I’m absolutely crazy!
I stayed under the covers for a long time, kicking the blankets in embarrassment.
I just got swept up in the mood.
No, it wasn't just that.
Last night, Loik kept his lips pressed to mine until I was almost asleep.
The kissing that started while sitting on the sofa eventually moved to us lying down, and even after that, I stayed in his arms for a long time, kissing him.
The problem was the fact that it felt so good.
Is it supposed to feel this good?
Of course, Loik is incredibly handsome, has a great body, and even has a charming voice—not to mention he’s kind and considerate—so it’s natural that kissing someone like that would be nice.
Even so, last night, both of us were...
It was a sensation so dizzying it made my mind go blank.
Is this really okay?
I felt as though I had learned something I shouldn't have.
Recalling Loik tenderly kissing my forehead just moments ago made my heart even more restless.
Should I have said no after all?
But even if I went back to last night, I didn't think I could have rejected that look in Loik’s eyes.
And besides, this was strictly for treatment purposes.
The sound of a horse neighing came from outside the window.
Wrapping myself loosely in a blanket, I went out to the terrace to see Loik and some of the knights mounting their horses.
Just as he climbed onto his horse, Loik spotted me, and his face brightened slightly.
Have a safe trip.
Instead of shouting, I mouthed the words, and he seemed to catch them, nodding slightly.
I stood on the terrace and watched until Loik and the knights had completely departed.
I didn't know anymore. I didn't want to think deeply about it right now.
What’s done is done.
Watching the very last knight disappear beyond the castle gates, I took a deep breath.
*
Marzella sat in the dingy office of the information guild she’d gone to great lengths to find.
The receptionist sitting opposite her had a face so grim he looked more like a mercenary.
But since I came here through a referral, he shouldn't be a scammer.
Marzella clasped her hands together, trying to hide her anxiety.
She had been keeping as low a profile as possible within the Grand Duke’s Castle.
The maids gossiped that the Head Maid was hiding out of shame after being pushed aside by Benet, but in reality, Marzella was keeping quiet because of the Grand Duchess.
Based on several circumstances, it seemed the Grand Duchess knew Marzella was the culprit.
No, maybe she doesn't? If she does, why hasn't she interrogated me?
Since nothing was certain, she couldn't put her mind at ease.
It had also been a mistake to confirm the Grand Duchess’s destination with Young Master Tiern that day. He must have sensed something suspicious as well, given how his attitude toward Marzella had changed strangely of late.
In the midst of this turmoil, Lady Meisel had sent a secret message.
The letter contained a one-sided command to cause a disturbance on the day the delegation visited the shopping district.
I’ve already been put in such a difficult spot because of this.
However, because of the greeting that was laced with a subtle threat, she couldn't ignore the young lady’s letter.
In the end, Marzella had handed some money to a stable hand and managed to get an introduction to an information guild.
Seeing the receptionist hesitate for a long time without readily accepting the request, frustration welled up inside her.
Finally, Marzella spoke again.
“Just make it look like radicals are rioting in the shopping district. Have them insult the Grand Duchess and break some shop property.”
“The problem is that the commotion has to happen when the Rondoris delegation is visiting the shopping district, isn't it? The knights will be guarding them, so it’s quite a tricky job,” the receptionist said, scratching his head vigorously.
“Do you have any idea how thoroughly the knights scoured the area when the trouble broke out in Gold Lane? If we get caught, our heads might fly. Who would want to do a job like this? Unless they’re getting paid enough to cover the cost of their lives.”
Hmph, so he’s just asking for more money.
Marzella lifted her chin firmly and said, “If the job is done properly, I’ll pay you enough for your life and then some.”
Snorting, the receptionist finally agreed to accept the request and tapped his fingers on the desk.
“Give me the down payment first.”
After a moment of hesitation, Marzella pulled a brooch from her bodice and thudded it down on the desk.
“What’s this?”
“Collateral. I’ll pay you more once the job is finished, so just get started for now.”
The receptionist raised an eyebrow, examined the gem on the brooch closely, and then accepted it as if relenting.
“You’ll have to pay more than this for the commission fee. This is just in place of the down payment.”
That’s really expensive...
Watching the brooch go into the safe, Marzella let out a long sigh of relief.
She had no choice.
Last time, she had hired some random thugs at a tavern and almost got caught.
The price was high, but she felt relieved knowing the job would be handled properly without her having to step forward herself.
In any case, once the matter was resolved, she planned to charge the commission fee to the young lady.
If the young lady can’t pay, I’ll squeeze it out of the Merchant Association President if I have to.
Lady Meisel thought she was the only one who could threaten her, but Marzella could open her mouth just as easily.
After all, the three of them—including the Merchant Association President—were in the same boat.
“Don't you dare sell that brooch. I’m coming back for it later.”
Marzella gave one last warning before leaving the office.
If things went well, the blame would fall on the Grand Duchess, giving Marzella a chance to strike back.
The Head Maid left the information guild feeling a bit lighter.
And the receptionist, glancing at her through the window, handed a small pouch to a guild member.
Inside was the brooch that had clearly just gone into the safe.
“Find out where this was made as quickly as possible.”
A meaningful smile played on the receptionist’s lips.