Chapter 89: The Exhibition(1)
Chapter 89: The Exhibition(1)
The morning of the exhibition—a day I had both long-awaited and deeply dreaded—finally dawned.
Though the event had been hastily put together, almost as if slipping through behind the scenes, the Empire had poured in enough resources and manpower to make it respectable.
Furthermore, the exhibition wasn't structured as a quiet viewing of works in a somber building; it was more akin to a festival.
Specific areas in the vacant territory were designated for displaying the works, and for the rest, the residents were free to enjoy themselves.
The highlights—the music and the plays—were scheduled for the evening, so during the day, people could wander through the territory and appreciate the displayed art.
"How is it? Does it suit me?"
Inside the mansion, after all the preparations were complete but before the festivities truly began.
I couldn't help but stare in awe at Marie, who was dressed for the occasion. In her white dress, she was beyond beautiful—she was breathtaking.
Her shoulders were completely bare, while the neckline offered just a hint of cleavage. The pure white of the dress served only to emphasize her milky skin.
Overall, it was a modest design with few ornate patterns, and the hem barely reached her knees. This left her elegant, long legs fully exposed, instantly drawing the eye.
If the dress she wore at the last event had made her look mature, this one amplified her youthful, girlish charm twofold.
They say a woman’s transformation is no crime. If this was the transformation, any man would be forced to declare her innocent.
Wow. Is this person really my girlfriend?
I found myself questioning reality, wondering if such a beautiful woman could truly be mine. That was how abnormally stunning Marie looked.
Beyond just being beautiful, she possessed a striking individuality. Her white hair had a faint blue tint, her skin was like cream, and her blue eyes sparkled like jewels.
She was beautiful in a way that no one else could ever replace, and utterly lovely.
I stared blankly at Marie as she waited for my answer, then finally voiced my honest thoughts.
"...You're beautiful."
"Just that?"
"I think I could use you as a reference whenever I need to describe a woman who resembles the pure white snow falling from the heavens."
"What kind of line is that? That is such a writer’s way of giving a compliment."
Marie let out a giggle, her face flushing as if the praise was a bit embarrassing. Still, she didn't seem to mind it at all.
I took a moment to scan her from head to toe—she truly looked like a celestial maiden descended from the sky—and then crossed my arms to begin my "appreciation" in earnest.
Since I couldn't capture this in a painting or a photograph, I had to etch it vividly into my memory.
"...It’s embarrassing when you stare like that."
"I can't help it. You're too pretty. Sorry."
"Fine. Let's just go outside already."
At my blunt confession, Marie urged me forward with a red face. I reluctantly ended my observation mode.
She would be wearing this dress all day anyway, so it wouldn't be hard to keep the image in my mind.
Though it did bother me a bit that other men would be eyeing her like hyenas. Of course, Marie radiated such an aura of nobility that no one would dare approach her recklessly.
Besides, the Imperial Palace had personally dispatched guards to handle security, so the probability of any crime occurring was extremely low.
"Ah. Are you two heading out now?"
"Hmm?"
Just as I was about to leave the mansion with Marie, Cecile’s seductive voice reached my ears.
I turned my head toward her, only to find myself gasping for air.
"Would it be alright if I joined you?"
Cecile asked with a beaming smile, but her voice didn't even register in my mind at that moment. Her beauty in that black dress was piercingly radiant.
It was a halterneck dress that left her arms and back exposed while fastening behind her neck. Because of the design, her greatest pride—her chest—was emphasized even more.
On any other woman, it might have just been called sexy, but because Cecile was so well-endowed, it felt borderline erotic.
The fabric was even slightly form-fitting, perfectly tracing her silhouette and demanding one's full attention.
But that necklace...
If there was one thing that felt out of place, it was the necklace Cecile was wearing.
The dress looked expensive even at a glance, but the necklace appeared old and worn.
It was a plain silver necklace without a single gemstone, making it stand out even more in contrast to Cecile’s stunning appearance.
"Wow... that’s just cheating..."
While I was focused on the necklace, Marie muttered softly beside me. I nodded in silent agreement.
When even Marie, a fellow woman who viewed Cecile with a bit of wariness, let out a gasp of admiration, one could only imagine how beautiful Cecile looked right now.
If Cecile’s dress at the last event had been provocative, this one played perfectly to her strengths.
Her attire alone exuded a sense of sultriness, and her alluring features were currently hijacking my gaze.
Squeeze.
Did I instinctively feel that I shouldn't be seduced? Without realizing it, I grabbed Marie’s hand.
Marie flinched for a moment when I took her hand, but I soon felt her grip tighten in return.
Cecile wore a subtle expression for a moment as she watched us hold hands, but she soon broke into a gentle smile.
"I'm sorry if I'm interrupting your date. To be honest, this is my first time in this territory, so I need a guide."
"Ah... I see."
"If you refuse, I'll just step back."
I looked at Marie after hearing Cecile’s request. Marie happened to be looking at me at the same time.
After a moment, she let out a small chuckle and turned back to Cecile to give her answer.
"Fine. But just for today, okay?"
"Really? You're really giving me permission?"
Cecile reacted with unexpected enthusiasm, as if she hadn't thought Marie would agree. Her red eyes widened slightly with delight, and she began striding toward us.
Both Marie and I had somewhat awkward reactions. Moreover, I lost my timing to speak because my eyes were drawn to the slight sway of Cecile’s chest as she walked toward us.
Fortunately, I remembered Marie was right there and quickly checked her reaction. Unlike me, who had snapped out of it, her gaze was still fixed on Cecile’s bust.
Judging by the slight trembling of her blue eyes, she seemed overwhelmed by that formidable presence. Since there was a noticeable bounce with every step she took, it was impossible for anyone—man or woman—not to look.
Marie swallowed hard, finally tore her eyes away, and spoke in a dazed voice.
"Uh... okay. But you have to stay by my side, okay? Don't you dare go near Isaac."
"That’s fine. My goal is the exhibition anyway. You're really letting me come, right?"
"I said yes, so stop asking. I actually have some things I want to talk to you about, too."
I noticed Marie’s eyes shaking slightly as she tried to stop herself from looking down.
If Marie, a woman, was like this, what about me? In the end, I couldn't take it and squeezed my eyes shut to endure.
As the saying goes, sometimes covering up just a little is more erotic than exposing everything. Cecile was currently advertising to the whole world that she was a descendant of a succubus.
It’s no wonder I was seduced back then...
The memory of what she had done to me when I discovered her secret flashed through my mind. Just thinking about it made me feel dizzy, and my face flushed hot enough to explode.
I took a deep breath, trying my best to calm my heart. Having these thoughts with my girlfriend right next to me made me a failure as a boyfriend...
...Actually, no. Men are just pathetic creatures.
I wondered if Marie would ever understand, but I figured it would be better to just take a scolding for it later. I slowly opened my eyes and looked ahead.
Cecile’s beaming face came into view. I didn't have the courage to look her in the eye, so I looked away and let out a fake cough.
"What do you think, Isaac? Marie said it’s okay."
"...I don't mind. But where are your bodyguards?"
"Don't worry about that. Even if you can't see them, they'll be watching over us."
"If you say so..."
I had heard they were highly skilled knights from Helium. Since they were elite even by Demon standards, there was no need to worry.
But wasn't Cecile supposed to be the next Demon King?
I wondered if she even needed bodyguards, considering her time at the Academy. Then again, it might just be for the sake of appearances, so it wasn't my place to say anything.
At any rate, with Cecile joined up, I finished my preparations and headed out of the mansion.
Marie stood by my side, and Cecile followed beside her. As soon as we stepped outside, the brilliant weather greeted us, lifting my spirits.
I'm so glad it's not raining.
This territory, much like the Republic of Korea in my past life, was characterized by four distinct seasons. Normally, it should have been raining frequently around this time, but there were no signs of it yet.
The sky was clear without a single cloud, which made me feel a sense of pride. I looked up at the sky for a moment before turning my gaze forward.
At the main gate of the mansion, the guards spotted us and were in the process of opening the gates. Unlike Marie’s mansion, these gates were modest and plain, but I had no complaints.
On the contrary, I felt grateful to the guards who were working hard even during a festival like this.
"You're working hard. When does your shift end?"
"The knights dispatched from the Imperial Palace will be here soon."
"Then you'll be able to enjoy the festival shortly."
"Haha. That's right. I hope you enjoy the festival as well, Young Master."
After exchanging pleasantries with the guard, I stepped outside the gate.
The distance between the mansion and the village where the festival was being held was a bit far, but it wouldn't take long to get there on foot.
As for what to do until then—small talk, of course. Marie started the conversation by speaking to Cecile first.
"By the way, Cecile. This might be a bit of an awkward question, but can I ask you something?"
"Hmm? What is it?"
"How do you get your chest to be that big?"
A direct fastball with no curve hit Cecile right in the face. Not only Cecile herself, but even I, who was just listening, couldn't help but be flustered.
It was a good thing we were the only ones around to hear it; otherwise, I would have pretended not to. I might have even pretended I didn't know her.
Regardless, Marie’s blue eyes were filled with intense curiosity and a faint sense of... longing? Cecile seemed to notice this as well; she looked down at her own chest once before turning her gaze back to Marie.
Then, her face flushed slightly, and she spoke with an embarrassed smile.
"Why are you asking that?"
"Because Isaac keeps looking."
"Hey."
"Why are you trying to deny it? You think I don't know?"
When I reacted with disbelief, Marie countered sharply. Since it was all true, I had nothing to say.
I felt like I had to say something, but the words wouldn't come. I had a brief staring contest with Marie, who looked like she was daring me to speak, before I simply shook my head.
As I always say, men are pathetic creatures. Marie, looking triumphant, spoke to Cecile again.
"I feel like if I were as big as you, Isaac wouldn't look elsewhere. Every time you wear a dress like that, Isaac can't take his eyes off you."
"Marie. You're not small by any means. Quite the opposite, actually."
Cecile spoke to Marie in a gentle tone, like someone soothing a complaining child. In truth, as she said, it was just that Cecile was overwhelming; Marie was actually larger than average.
Being a noble, she ate and slept better than commoners, and she had surely received body management, so it was only natural.
"And being this big is inconvenient in many ways. You know that, right?"
"I know. But I think Isaac would like it."
"Could you two please not have this conversation while I'm here?"
I felt like I was going to die of embarrassment. When I pleaded with them, Marie laughed mischievously and teased me.
"Why? Are you embarrassed?"
"Of course I am. You shouldn't talk about things like that just anywhere..."
"Wait, lend me your ear for a second."
Before I could even finish my sentence, Marie beckoned me over. I flinched, wondering what kind of wicked thing she was up to now, but I quietly leaned in.
Marie glanced at Cecile once, then cupped her hands around my ear to make sure the sound wouldn't leak out.
"There's no need to be embarrassed. You know why?"
—Because you're going to see it all later anyway.
That single sentence made my legs, which had been walking just fine, come to a dead stop. I stared at Marie, my mouth hanging open.
Marie seemed embarrassed by her own words, as a blush crept up her pale cheeks. However, seeing her beaming expression, it seemed she had been building up to this for a while.
Honestly, I could only marvel at her. Do women become sirens when they fall in love? She was becoming increasingly clever.
"Now~ I'll stop teasing you. Let's go enjoy the festival."
When I remained standing there like I was nailed to the ground, Marie took my hand and led me toward the village. I allowed myself to be pulled along, still dazed.
Even as the two of us moved ahead, Cecile remained standing still in her spot. As if the world had been split in two, Marie was too busy pulling my hand to care whether Cecile was following or not.
"...Interesting."
With Cecile’s strangely ominous murmur, the exhibition began.
And then...
"...What the hell. What is this?"
"It’s a statue."
"I know it’s a statue. But what in the... why is it so big?"
The moment we entered the village, I realized once again that the world is full of perverts.