Chapter 35
Chapter 35
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 35
Chapter Title: Warmth
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Rachel carefully set the tableware with utmost care.
"For tonight's dinner, I asked the head chef to put in a little extra effort."
She stuck out her tongue just a bit, making the cutest face, but honestly, a trickle of sweat ran down my back.
What if Luna saw this?
I had nothing to hide, but the best policy was to avoid anything that could lead to misunderstandings.
I decided to get her out of the room as quickly as possible.
"But you're sending me off early today?"
At my words, she brought a finger to her lips, tilting her head thoughtfully.
"Well, I volunteered for this shift."
She made such an adorable expression.
Wait, why did she volunteer?
Unlike her innocent face, I felt a chill of unease from the unknown.
"Why... why?"
"Because..."
She gazed at me tenderly.
"It's a se-cret."
Her face was undeniably cute, but why did it feel so terrifying?
I really couldn't figure it out.
Rachel stepped back from the table and stood straight.
"Now, please dig in."
At her words, I picked up my spoon and took a sip of soup, but...
Her intense gaze fixed on me made it uncomfortable.
Who in the world likes being stared at like that while eating?
Because of her, I couldn't tell if the soup was going in my mouth or up my nose.
"By the way, how old are you, Aiden?"
"Me? Twenty-three."
"Ah-ha? O... ppa?"
"Haha... And how old are you, Rachel?"
"I'm twenty-one."
Rachel replied with a bright smile.
I subtly tried to convey my unease.
"Uh... aren't you going to leave?"
I'd meant to say it gently, but the words slipped out unfiltered.
Oh? Was that too harsh?
Worried Luna might see, I gave her obvious hints to leave, but...
"Oh? I have to take the dishes when you're done. Can I stay just a little longer?"
Rachel's eyes sparkled.
Though I'd eaten dinner here many times, no maid had ever taken the dishes back herself.
It was late, so they just piled them on the cart outside the door, and someone would handle it.
But for some reason, she insisted on taking the dishes.
I hesitated, my lips twitching as I tried to speak carefully to Rachel.
"Uh... listen..."
Why did this feel so burdensome?
Honestly, it felt like a cold killing intent was creeping down my back.
Wait, killing intent from behind?
On a hunch, I glanced at my room's window...
And saw red eyes gleaming with murderous light.
Ah... I'm screwed. I've got to chase this girl out now!
In my panic, I blurted to Rachel,
"I'll handle the dishes myself, so please leave? I have this condition where I choke if I don't eat alone."
I had no idea if such a condition existed, but right now, my life was the priority.
I didn't even know what nonsense I was spouting.
"Pardon?"
"I said leave!"
I stood from my chair, pushing her shoulders from behind.
"W-Wait a second?!"
"Whoa, whoa! Out! I said out!"
I roughly shoved her out the door and slammed it shut.
-Bang!
Then I rushed to the window...
-Knock knock.
Luna knocked on the window before slipping inside.
"I hope I didn't interrupt your good time?"
Her tone dripped with sarcasm, and her cold expression confirmed she was furious.
"I'm innocent."
"Innocent about what?"
Luna crossed her arms, pouting sulkily.
She seemed thoroughly upset.
"I swear, I did nothing. She was just here by herself."
"Hmph. Even so, calling a girl to your room this late at night?"
She turned her head away, clearly displeased.
"Fine. I was going to give you a massage tonight, but I'll just go."
As Luna turned to leave, I desperately grabbed her wrist.
I could feel that letting her go now would make tomorrow hellishly exhausting.
"Hey, where are you going? I really am innocent!"
"I get it, you're innocent. Let go."
Luna glared at me coldly.
In times like this, a physical approach might be the answer.
Probably... Given her sensual body,
"No."
She hadn't expected my firm refusal and bared her pearly whites with a frown.
-Grab.
I pulled her into a hug and whispered low in her ear,
"Forgot our promise? If I want you... you have to give yourself to me anytime, right?"
"Ugh..."
Huh? It's working?
Seeing her not resist, I took it as silent permission and let my hands roam her body, savoring her curves.
-Tremble...
My touch stirred her instincts, making her body quiver faintly.
That slight tremor felt fresh and exciting.
The woman who always seemed like a seductress in bed was trembling like a pure maiden?
And Luna was a Swordmaster who could hold her own against dozens of knights.
The fact that such a woman shuddered at my touch filled me with masculine satisfaction.
"Haa... no... not tonight."
As I savored the scent of her nape, I asked,
"Why not?"
"Well... it's that time for me today..."
Luna mumbled shyly.
"Oh?"
Stunned by her unexpected words, I blinked. Then she spoke in a petulant tone,
"So I can't! You idiot."
Looking puzzled at her in my arms, I said,
"Huh? You didn't come here for that today?"
"Argh! No! Do you think I'm some beast? I just... didn't want you skipping sword training tomorrow because you're sore... so I came to give you a massage."
Her sweet voice grew softer, pounding my heart wildly.
She wasn't a beast? All those massages were just excuses for sex?
She bowed her head, embarrassed.
Though I could only see the top of her head, her hair smelled so sweet.
"Thank you. For caring."
Honestly, I was truly touched.
Few people had looked out for me since I fell into this unfamiliar place.
"Hmph... now that you know, let go. I'll sleep in my room tonight."
At her cute tone, I whispered,
"No way. Even if we can't tonight... ahem... we can still sleep together, right?"
"Huh?"
"I was sleepy anyway. Finish eating and let's sleep."
"Mm..."
With her agreement to sleep together, I released her and sat in my chair.
Luna sat across from me.
Her voice carried a hint of jealousy.
"But do you know that girl?"
As she spoke, I cut the meat into bite-sized pieces and offered it to her.
"Ah~ Eat this, and I'll tell you."
Luna frowned slightly at my words.
"Am I a child?"
"You're as cute as a baby."
-Flush.
Her pale face suddenly turned bright red...
"Kyaa! W-What do you do saying that out of nowhere?"
Every one of her reactions was too cute.
In the original story, she was always depicted as cold and emotionless.
But now, it seemed that wasn't the case.
Maybe she was just acting cold to maintain her dignity as Grand Duchess?
"Why? Not gonna eat? Then I won't tell you."
"Hmph! I won't."
She turned her head away as she said it.
Did she know how adorable she looked right now?
I smiled slyly to draw her attention.
"Fine, I won't tell. Really won't. How I met Rachel?"
Luna flashed her teeth briefly, then surrendered.
"Ugh... fine. Just feed me, okay?"
As Luna parted her cherry lips, I speared a piece of meat on the fork.
Watching her chew and swallow daintily, I asked,
"Now spill. How long have you two known each other?"
"Just today. This morning, Jin ordered coffee to my office, and..."
I recounted the events with her one by one...
Luna's red eyes flared with anger.
"Wow? She's a total vixen. A fox spirit."
"Honestly, I have no idea why she's interested in me."
Anyone with a brain could tell she was approaching me on purpose.
Rachel had a pretty, innocent face, so if she approached men gently, most guys would fall easily.
I had Luna now, so I didn't, but if she wasn't around?
I probably would've fallen too.
But I had Luna, and she was in a league Rachel couldn't touch.
Anyone could see Luna was prettier, with an unmatched figure.
Plus, she had far more money and higher status.
Her personality... cold to others, but warm to me—that gap was charming. Rachel felt a bit sly in comparison.
Come to think of it, her relationships with men seemed complicated.
According to Jin, she might've dated him briefly.
Luna was pure, and I was her first.
Honestly, it wasn't even a contest, so no reason to fall for her.
But regardless,
"Anyway, seducing guests while working in my house? I can't let that slide."
Luna's mood was dangerous.
"Just let it go. Don't dig up some law to execute her."
At my words, Luna flushed and protested.
"It's not like that! You think I kill people willy-nilly? For something like this... probably just a disciplinary action?"
What? Why is it execution for me, but a slap on the wrist for her?
"Why? Why execution for me... but not her?"
She pondered briefly before explaining cautiously.
"Because... you committed lèse-majesté against your lord, which is capital punishment. But what she did has no specific law. Still, as her employer, I can discipline her for conduct unbecoming."
Damn these laws. Why are they always so bizarre?
After that, we chatted idly over dinner and finished eating. Then we lay in bed together.
Luna, who usually slept on top during our intimate moments, was beside me now, making it feel strangely empty.
What was it? A bit hollow?
I pulled Luna into my arms...
"Hmng..."
She let out a nasal hum, calling my name in surprise.
"Aiden?"
"Stay still. Just hugging while we sleep."
I held her tight, feeling her warmth and soft skin.
Yes, this is it.
Finally, with a peaceful heart, I drifted off to sleep.