Chapter 111: A Night at the Mansion(2)

Chapter 111: A Night at the Mansion(2)

It had taken me a long time to notice, but once I did, our conversation couldn't help but turn awkward. If things were truly as I suspected, my mother wouldn't have given me that medicine, and Mari wouldn't have come here dressed like this.

Until now, I hadn't even considered such a situation arising, and I'd figured that even if something unexpected happened, I’d be able to handle it smoothly. The problem, however, was my desire, which had been stoked by Cecile’s... "work."

Whether Cecile had done it intentionally or had simply exuded sensuality inadvertently, it was becoming increasingly difficult to endure. My libido, which had been hard enough to manage since my reincarnation, was reaching its breaking point tonight.

Fortunately, I can still hold back for now.

I slowly lifted my gaze, which had been fixed on the floor, to look at Mari. She sat before me in a revealing evening dress that left most of her chest exposed.

I hadn't been able to see clearly from a distance earlier, but up close, it was even more provocative. The dress was made of a sheer, see-through material that offered glimpses of her milky-white skin.

They say men feel a stronger desire for a woman who reveals her skin subtly like this than for one who is completely naked, and I was experiencing the truth of that statement in real-time.

The fact that it was Mari, of all people, appearing before me in such attire made my head spin. Her dress alone was a powerful declaration of her intent to sleep with me.

"Isaac. Can you tell me why you called me here? And don't we have a lot more to talk about besides that?"

While I was barely managing to suppress my urges through sheer willpower, Mari spoke. Her voice had its usual refreshing quality, but given the atmosphere, even her voice sounded erotic to my ears.

I pulled my hands away from my face and looked Mari straight in the eye. She seemed as embarrassed as I was; her face was slightly flushed, and her lips were trembling.

Fortunately, it seemed I wasn't the only one nervous. That realization gave me enough confidence to finally open my mouth.

"...Right. I called you because there's something I wanted to discuss. But that dress..."

"What about it?"

"...No. Let's talk about that later. The time—no, the night is still long."

"..."

I didn't say time was long; I said the night was long. It might seem like a minor distinction, but in a situation like this, the meaning was entirely different.

It was essentially my indirect consent, a sign that I would grant Mari's wish. Mari seemed to catch the meaning as her pale cheeks turned even redder, and her playful expression began to falter.

Before the awkward silence could settle in completely, I decided to get straight to the point. As anyone could guess, the reason I had invited Mari to my bedroom was because of my relationship with Lina.

Even though Lina and Leort had wronged me significantly, they were still members of the Minerva Empire's Imperial Family. There was nothing to be gained by making them enemies; instead, I needed to turn them into reliable allies, just as I had for this exhibition.

Cecile had declared she would protect me, but the Demon Clan's current standing was uncertain. Therefore, making Lina a firm ally would make my future much easier.

I used to loathe politics so much. Life is strange.

Truly, no one knows what the future holds. To think that I, who hated politics, would be trying to persuade Mari just to turn Lina into an ally.

Still, it was better to be prepared than to be dragged around by circumstances. Once I resumed serialization, my value would grow exponentially, and I would be forced into politics whether I liked it or not.

"Mari."

"Yes?"

"This might be a sensitive topic for you. It's about Lina."

Twitch—

Perhaps it was because I had mentioned Lina, who had crossed the line from an ill-fated encounter to an object of contempt. Mari’s body flinched visibly, and the corners of her mouth, which had been turned up, dropped sharply.

The atmosphere, which had been ripe enough to burst into flames, felt like it was plummeting. I wondered if I shouldn't have brought it up, but this was a challenge that had to be resolved eventually.

As the saying goes, "Better to get the beating over with early." I wanted to stop putting things off until they turned into disasters.

"...What about Lina?"

Mari asked, her fine brows narrowing slightly as if my dampening of the mood had annoyed her. Her expression and tone were full of dissatisfaction.

I kept my eyes fixed on her face, resisting the urge to look down. I had to play my cards right here to keep her from getting more upset and to bring the mood back to where it was.

I stared intently at Mari’s face—which was beautiful even when she was scowling—and spoke my mind.

"I've been curious, and I intend to stay close to Lina and Sir Leort in the future. As you know, the scale of the Xenon Biography has grown exponentially with every new volume. By the time it's finished, even the state might not be able to handle it."

"...So you're trying to make Lina an ally? To protect yourself, the family, and your loved ones if things go wrong later."

"Exactly."

True to her upbringing in the Rekilis Duke family, Mari pinpointed exactly what I was after. However, her dissatisfied expression remained.

To her, this was likely a blow to her pride. She probably wondered why I was bringing in the Imperial Family when she, a daughter of House Rekilis, was right here.

But when my identity was eventually revealed, countless eyes would be on me, and dark hands would surely reach out. To prevent that, I needed as many allies as possible.

"Isn't Cecile enough? She said she'd help you with everything she has, too."

It was a question I had fully expected. I nodded and replied with a tone that suggested I was sorry but had no choice.

"She's not lacking, but she's not enough either. Just like the theft of the manuscript last time, this world is full of uncertainties. In the worst-case scenario, I could even be kidnapped."

"..."

"And what I fear most... is you and my family getting hurt because of me."

I didn't care what happened to me. If I was the only one suffering, that was fine.

But not my family. Considering the love and devotion they had shown me, they were treasures like no other in this world.

The thought of them being harmed because of me... it was truly horrifying just to imagine.

As someone who had lost his family in the blink of an eye in a past life, I wanted to prevent that at all costs.

"Especially you—I want to protect you no matter what it takes. You liked me and even confessed to me before you even knew I was Xenon. You are an irreplaceable treasure and a precious woman to me. If I even imagine you getting hurt... I would writhe in agony for the rest of my life. You'll protect me until I reveal that I'm Xenon, but after that, it's my turn to protect you."

"..."

"Please, understand how I feel. You can call me selfish if you want. I'll do anything to keep you safe."

"...Honestly, that's so like you."

When I finished pouring out my heart, Mari let out a small chuckle. I looked up, and what do you know?

‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠

I met her eyes as she stared at me with her chin resting on one hand, looking as if she found me hopeless. Her blue eyes were filled with deep emotion and were shimmering with moisture.

She closed her eyes slowly, seemingly organizing her thoughts, then opened them to look at me directly.

"You really know how to play with a girl's heart, don't you? Can you really take responsibility for those words? About protecting me."

"I'll protect you even if it means losing both my hands."

"If you go that far, I can't exactly say no. Fine. I accept."

It seemed I had successfully persuaded her. I cheered inwardly for a moment before tightening my grip on my nerves and asking the question I'd been wanting to ask.

Even if I made Lina an ally, progress would be slow as long as she and Mari remained on bad terms. I had to mend the rift between them for the sake of the future.

"Just having her as an ally isn't enough. I'm curious about what happened between you and Lina."

"...Why that all of a sudden? I thought having her as an ally was enough."

She frowned, making no effort to hide her distaste, as if I'd touched a nerve. Her reaction was markedly different from before.

However, I pressed on regardless. It was something I had always been curious about and one of the issues that had to be improved.

One might call it meddling, but it wasn't right for people who were supposed to be allies to be at each other's throats. That was why I was taking the lead.

"Even between allies, pent-up emotions can cloud judgment. More than anything, I think Lina feels guilty toward you. As I said, I want to be prepared for any eventuality."

"..."

"It's not that I don't trust you. Making an enemy of the Imperial Family might be fine now, but it will come back like a boomerang someday. If Lina ever harbors ill will, we'll have a formidable enemy on our hands."

"Sigh..."

My persuasion seemed to have cooled her head, as Mari closed her eyes and let out another deep sigh. It appeared my words had reached her.

Mari remained in her pose with her chin on her hand, shifting her gaze elsewhere and tapping her cheek with her finger. After a moment, having gathered her thoughts, she spoke quietly.

"...As you said, it's a problem that has to be solved eventually. In a way, I suppose I was being a bit petty too."

"What happened?"

"It's just... as you know, Lina and I were childhood friends. Since House Rekilis was close to the Emperor, it was only natural for us to become close. Since we were the same age, my father sent me to the Imperial Palace. I received all my education there, including etiquette. Everything was fine until... the problem was the social gatherings. It happened when I was twelve."

"Social gatherings..."

I had heard that high-ranking noble families, unlike ours which ruled a backwater countryside, debuted in society at a young age. They would start building and expanding their networks from then on to prepare for the future.

I was certain that Mari and Lina had received an immense amount of attention. They were, after all, an Imperial Princess and the daughter of a Duke. It was impossible not to notice them.

"As you know, I can instinctively see through people's true intentions. I'm fine now, but back then I was too young to hide my expressions at all. Lina, on the other hand, was completely different. Not only was her poker face perfect, but she also captivated people with her brilliant eloquence."

"Were you jealous?"

"Oh, please. Who do you take me for? I just thought she was amazing."

Mari waved her hand, dismissing my guess. Anyone else might have felt jealous, but she had been so innocent back then that she hadn't even had time for jealousy.

"But the problem... didn't come from Lina or me. Princess Lina and the daughter of a Duke—on the surface, it was perfect. But as you said, there are always people who feel jealous."

"Did someone spread rumors or try to drive a wedge between you?"

"Exactly. From the age of fifteen, the daughter of a Count began to subtly pull us apart. Without me or Lina even realizing it."

It was the start of full-blown political maneuvering. I listened intently, my expression hardening as I anticipated a serious story.

Mari glanced at me, chuckled softly, and ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠continued her explanation in a low voice.

But I could see it. Her hands had begun to tremble intermittently. It seemed the trauma was buried deep in her heart.

"You know that the real power among nobles usually lies with the Counts, not the Dukes or Marquises, right? That girl's family was one of those power players. But they were just as greedy. Greedy to climb higher."

"..."

"She began to isolate me thoroughly. Every time I tried to approach Lina, she'd pull us apart for some nonsense reason, and she'd say terrible things to Lina about me. Of course, Lina didn't believe her at first, but as it piled up... Lina eventually..."

"Stop. That's enough."

I felt I'd heard enough. I quickly took Mari's hand and firmly cut her off.

Mari, whose voice had been trembling along with her hands, slowly looked up as soon as I took her hand. Though she didn't seem to realize it, her eyes were brimming with tears.

I looked at Mari with pity. Her usual confident and energetic self was nowhere to be found; only a person betrayed by a friend remained.

There are few memories as horrific and painful as being betrayed by a friend you trusted. Having experienced that at such a young age, the wound must have been carved even deeper.

Fortunately, it seemed the misunderstanding had been cleared up and the matter settled, but for Mari, it remained an unforgettable memory. I felt I finally understood why she loathed and despised Lina so much.

"I shouldn't have asked. I'm so sorry. I had no idea such a thing happened..."

"N-no. The misunderstanding was cleared up afterward, and that Count's daughter was exiled from her family. Actually, Lina even bowed and apologized to me. I just... didn't accept her apology."

"It's not that you didn't accept it; you couldn't accept it."

Once trust between people is broken, it is extremely difficult to restore. In most cases, it's hard even if you spend a lifetime trying to fix it.

Just as a hole remains even after a nail is pulled from a wall, a hole in a person's heart can never truly be mended.

"...You won't be like that, will you?"

Mari wiped her tears with the back of her hand and asked me in a voice thick with emotion. I silently squeezed her hand and spoke firmly.

"Never. No matter what happens, I will only tell you the truth."

"Is that why you're having an affair with Cecile?"

"..."

I had no answer to that. When I fell silent like a mute who'd eaten honey, Mari burst into a fit of giggles as if she'd been joking.

She then pinched my cheek, acting as if nothing had happened.

"Having another woman when you have such a beautiful girlfriend. And she's even prettier? I can't let this slide. I'm going to torment you all night long."

"...Did you talk things through with Cecile?"

"Yes. I'll make a special exception for Cecile."

I didn't know what they had discussed, but there wasn't a hint of discomfort in her. If anything, she seemed relieved.

Furthermore, judging by the nuance that she held the upper hand over Cecile, it seemed Mari was the one in control.

I breathed a sigh of relief inwardly, then gently took hold of Mari's wrist as she pinched my cheek.

Slowly, very slowly, I lowered it onto the desk. Mari allowed her arm to be moved without any resistance, following my lead.

"..."

"..."

And so, we sat in silence, simply holding hands and looking at each other. Just by looking, the atmosphere grew increasingly heavy.

I started from Mari's face and slowly lowered my gaze.

From her slender neck to her breasts, which boasted their presence through the revealing dress, and the skin faintly visible through the evening gown.

I couldn't take my eyes off her picture-perfect form, which simultaneously pricked at my desires like a needle.

As if I had nothing left to hide, I was staring at Mari with blatant lust.

"...Isaac."

Mari called my name, sounding embarrassed. I slowly lifted my head.

The moment our eyes met, she looked away and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. Then, she spoke in a voice as quiet as a crawling ant.

"Um... you said it during the performance. That we should talk over coffee in the bedroom."

"Yeah."

"Do you know what that means?"

I didn't know the exact nuance, but I figured it was similar to the famous "Do you want to come over for ramen?"

Though I hadn't taken a single sip of coffee because we'd been talking, the meaning was enough. I had already made up my mind.

I gripped the hand of the blushing, embarrassed Mari more firmly and spoke.

"I didn't know then, but I think I do now."

"..."

"...Are you going to drink it?"

To my indirect question, Mari...

"...Yes."

Gave her consent with a direct answer.

I tilted my head back slowly upon hearing her answer and took a deep breath. Then, I asked her cautiously.

"You won't regret it?"

"Because it's you, I won't."

"I'm still lacking in many ways, and I might be frustrating at times."

"I'm a tomboy and I'm stubborn."

Mari answered each of my worried questions clearly. As if gaining courage from her own words, she eventually met my gaze head-on.

I stared into Mari's eyes, which were a mix of resolve, nervousness, anticipation, and affection, before silently standing up. Mari followed suit, standing as I held her hand as if escorting her.

"...Isaac."

"Yes, Mari."

"I love you."

Mari confessed her love to me with a flush on her face and a smile on her lips. She looked so beautiful, so cute, and so sexy that I couldn't hold back any longer.

I slowly brought my face closer, stopping just inches from hers. Mari didn't turn away, even as my face approached.

"...Me too."

Slide—

I released her hand and slowly, gently moved my arm up and around her back. My other hand also brushed past her thin waist and moved to her back.

Every time my hands moved like snakes over her body, Mari's slender frame flinched. In the meantime, I finally managed to pull her into an embrace.

I hadn't realized it because I'd only been looking at her from the front, but her back was also completely exposed. The sensation of her skin was transmitted directly through my hands.

"Haa..."

As we embraced, Mari let out a hot breath. She then fumbled over my body and hugged me back, cautiously yet firmly.

Unlike the hugs we'd shared before, I could fully feel her skin and her heartbeat. Her large breasts pressed against me through the evening dress.

Mari's breasts, soft as marshmallows, changed shape freely even under slight pressure. I wondered how it would feel to touch them with my own hands.

But it wasn't time yet. Mari was the woman giving me the gift of a sweet first night, so I had to treat her as carefully as a piece of glass art.

"...Isaac. Something down there..."

"You're the one who made it like this."

"..."

It seemed Mari had already felt my manhood, which had begun to throb. She kept glancing down at my bulging crotch.

As if telling her not to look away, I slid my hands, which had been on her back, downward. Not too fast, not too slow—just enough for her to feel it fully.

"Hng-ak!"

Mari let out a strange sound, her body trembling at the sudden stimulation. Startled, she tightened her grip on me. But I didn't stop there.

The fact that her back was exposed meant my hands could venture even further down. I cherished her back with my touch before eventually sliding my hands below her waist.

Without reaching her most private areas, I began to tease her by stroking her buttocks and wide hips as if handling fine porcelain.

"Hng... haa..."

As the fresh stimulation continued, Mari trembled and let out soft moans. When she lowered her head, unable to look at me, I took her chin in one hand and forced it up.

"Mng...? Mmph!"

Then came the sudden kiss. Mari's body stiffened at the unexpected contact, but she soon relaxed and accepted it.

I used one hand to hold the back of her ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠head and the other to hold her back, indulging in her to my heart's content.

Chup! Chuu-up! Chup!

It wasn't just a simple pressing of lips, but a fierce deep kiss, as if we were devouring each other. Just as I held her head firmly in place, Mari responded by wrapping her arms around my neck.

We licked and lightly bit each other's lips, and tongues slipped between parted lips, searching for their counterparts.

Finally, our tongues intertwined, exchanging saliva and craving each other's love.

"Phew..."

"..."

How much time had passed in that indulgence? We pulled our lips apart as if by prior agreement. A thin silver thread of saliva stretched between our lips before finally snapping.

The sweet taste lingered in my mouth as I gazed at Mari’s face.

Her tongue peeked out slightly and her eyes were unfocused, vividly expressing her ecstasy. It was a look that leaned more toward wantonness than elegance.

One of her dress straps had slipped ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠down during our intense kiss, leaving one of her breasts completely exposed.

"...Mari."

"Haah... haah..."

She was already so aroused she couldn't even manage a proper reply, her breath coming in ragged gasps. I leaned in slowly and whispered into her ear.

"I love you."

"I... I do, too..."

The moment she answered in a trembling voice, I moved. I gently caressed her face before lowering my head to press my lips against her long, slender neck.

I licked her skin softly, savoring her scent. Having just bathed, the sweet scent of soap stimulated my every sense.

"Mmm..."

She let out a suggestive moan, her body trembling with pleasure. I slowly led her toward the bed...

"Ah!"

As I took hold of her exposed breast, the deep night of the mansion truly began.