Chapter 133: Bonds Forged in the Holy Bishura Empire
Han Siu had come to the Holy Bishura Empire for two reasons.
Getting officially recognized as a full Saint after being a candidate, and Gwen's aptitude test—both wrapped up in just two days. But while those key matters were done, he still had plenty left on his plate, keeping him busier than ever.
"Haa, I'm beat."
It had already been four days since arriving in the Holy Bishura Empire.
After meeting yet another round of dignitaries today, Siu collapsed onto the sofa, complaining of mental exhaustion.
The Holy Bishura Empire styled itself as a theocracy—and truly was one—but it wasn't entirely devoid of nobles.
Among the founding contributors were lay believers alongside priests, and those became the nobility. Since then, foreign nobles had naturalized, or others earned titles through great deeds; structurally, it wasn't so different from other nations.
Those nobles might have limits on their ascent, but they weren't free of ambition for power. Beyond them, various others came calling—nobles with their agendas, priests, heroes, and all sorts.
He wanted to brush off everyone except the high ranks, but that wasn't feasible.
There might be folks who'll blow up in the future but don't know where I am now, or someone unexpected could drop a golden tip.
The goddess's request, demons, enigmatic foes plotting the world's end...
Mentally, the burden was light, but he wasn't worry-free.
That's why he planned to prepare for the future even more meticulously.
"It's tough... and such a hassle...."
A few strokes of luck had let him build his position and gather allies faster than planned, but doubts crept in now and then. As a regressor, were his preparations and predictions truly flawless?
Knowing less about the future than a typical regressor was a bigger drawback than he'd thought. He tried not to rely on it, but memories surfaced naturally—yet he couldn't trust them blindly. Still, ignoring them entirely wasn't an option.
Balancing that gap was incredibly tricky.
"Eh, it'll work out."
With fatigue dulling his mind, he stopped pondering.
It was late; he just wanted to crash.
Knock knock.
"......?"
"Siu-nim, are you there? It's Hildear."
"Hildear?"
He tilted his head and checked the clock.
11 p.m.
A bit late for "I have something to discuss."
Opening the door, he found Hildear standing there, fidgeting shyly.
"What's up?"
"Um... if it's not too much trouble, could I come in for a moment...?"
"Yeah. Come on in."
Hildear followed Siu inside as he turned and headed back in. She'd been here plenty during their four-day stay in the empire, but the late hour made her even more tense.
"What's the matter at this hour?"
"Ah, well..."
The knight checked the door, ensuring no one else would barge in.
Then she looked back at Siu.
Hildear's lips worked silently before she finally blurted it out.
"I... I want to be healed by you, Siu-nim."
"...Huh?"
Siu blinked in stunned surprise, then chuckled.
He'd been caught off guard for a second, but it wasn't hard to grasp. He sought that kind of mental recharge himself when drained—like a warm embrace transmitting body heat directly.
"C'mere."
Siu spread his arms wide.
"Ah..."
Exactly what she'd hoped for—Hildear beamed and threw herself into his hug.
"Haa, Siu-nim..."
Fresh from a bath and in pajamas, Siu carried a cozy scent mingled with an unmistakably masculine aroma. She inhaled deeply, filling her lungs with it. The two pleasing fragrances lifted her spirits.
"What's this? Extra clingy tonight, huh?"
"I just feel a bit worn out..."
In truth, Siu was busier than her, but Hildear wasn't slacking either.
Rumors had spread that the 3rd Saintess Elaine and knight Hildear were core members of Siu's party. With Elaine handling saintess duties too, plenty sought Hildear out—either unable to reach Siu directly or hoping for indirect benefits.
Add daily training with Rozalin or Rishir, and she was drained mentally and physically.
"Yeah? Perfect timing. I'm wiped too. Wanna just cuddle up and crash tonight?"
"...! R-Really? Is that okay?"
Hildear's eyes sparkled, though worry clouded her face.
It was Elaine. Just like the rumors, the two held key spots in Siu's party and had their own understanding: neither would hog him excessively. That covered more than just sex.
Siu knew it too, but sometimes a little deviation felt right.
"It's fine, it's fine. Did you wash up, though?"
"Pardon? ...Oh! Do I smell? I bathed after training this afternoon, but..."
"Nah, I mean straight to bed."
"Ah. Got it. But... saying 'to bed' like that sounds kinda naughty."
Hildear wriggled her hand against his back.
Siu couldn't help but laugh.
"Haha. But not tonight."
"Ah..."
"Sorry, I'm pretty beat, and we've got an early schedule tomorrow, right?"
"R-Right... I'm sorry..."
"No biggie. Here..."
Siu swiftly bent down, slipping an arm behind Hildear's knees to scoop her up princess-style.
"Kyaa...!"
She'd been carried like this before, but Hildear let out a cute squeal and flailed playfully. Of course, her token struggles couldn't escape his hold.
Siu headed straight for the en-suite bathroom. As a guest room for male visitors, it was spacious overall, though austere compared to the empire's emphasis on modesty—barring anything sex-related, it matched other faiths.
"Plenty of room for two, though."
"Pardon?"
"Nothing. Up we go."
"Ahh...!"
Carried to the changing area, Hildear realized too late her clothes were coming off.
True to his reputation as a once-in-a-generation male hero, his swordsmanship might've plateaued, but he was leveling up fast in this department.
He figured another year, and he'd strip a woman in armor in seconds. Obviously impossible if it were a man—even in just one top and bottom.
"Alright, in we go."
"Mmm, okay."
Siu stripped too and joined her in the tub.
He'd bathed recently, but it was pristine and dry—no steam.
"C'mere. I'll wash you."
"...Aren't you enjoying this a bit too much?"
Sharing the tub naked was fine, but his enthusiasm made Hildear pout.
She'd hesitated to act spoiled seeing his tired face earlier. She wasn't clueless.
Yet now his expression was all lit up, that trademark mischievous grin paired with wandering fingers—pervy as hell. To her, though, even that was endearing.
"Can't help it when it's you, Hilde."
"...Even when you're this tired?"
"Especially when I'm this tired."
"Siu-nim...♥"
Hildear grinned bashfully, nuzzling into his chest. The cozy scent had faded; now it was thick with aroused male and female musk. The former was his, the latter hers—no question.
This might get risky...♡
As she hummed softly, suppressing her excitement, Siu began pouring water over her.
"Mmm..."
"Water temp okay?"
"Y-Yes... mmm... fine."
Hildear fought back moans. But Siu wasn't that oblivious.
He savored her reactions, casually flicking her sensitive spots.
Unaware it was deliberate, she clamped her lips shut—tired body getting pampered by Siu, yet loyal to her pact with Elaine.
"Mmm... hng... haa..."
...She's turning me on.
Siu's attentions progressed from rinsing to soaping.
It started as playful, but her responses were too enticing.
His touches grew bolder.
Swish, swish.
"How's that feel, Hilde? Good?"
"G-Good... haang... yes♡"
"Yeah? What part's good?"
By now, she realized he was targeting her erogenous zones on purpose.
Brushing the undersides of her breasts, tweaking nipples, grazing thighs—it'd be weirder if accidental. Her focus on stifling moans had clouded her judgment briefly.
"Your hands teasing my naughty body... ahn, feels so good...♥"
But she didn't get mad.
It was what she craved.
Hildear whispered huskily to him.
"Heh, you caught on quick."
"How could I not when you're tormenting me so lewdly."
She turned, rubbing her soapy body against him.
Bubbles transferred over. It looked like mutual body-washing frolics. After plenty of tangled, erotic writhing, they were both covered in foam.
"Hng, Siu-nim... you said no...♥"
"How'm I supposed to hold back when you're this slutty."
"Was I that bad?"
"Insanely. Got me rock hard. No guy's resisting this."
"......♥"
Siu lifted Hildear and sank into the tub with her.
Diving in foamy was messy, but no one to scold them, and the tub's magic would purify it. Siu had reached the point where such trifles didn't faze him.
"Haa, soaking in hot water is the best..."
"Mmm, yeah... my excitement's calming down..."
"Can't have that."
At her words, Siu grabbed her breasts firmly.
"Ha-ut."
"You got a guy's dick hard—you gotta take responsibility to the end, right?"
"Y-Yes...♥"
A man's erection demanded release, be it handjob or more.
One of Siu's newer creeds.