Chapter 13
Chapter 13
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 13
Chapter Title: Ulstro Kingdom - Squire Life (4)
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"Tomorrow, we're heading out on a mission."
Mercedes said this as she gathered the four squires.
"It'll be your first mission, Valdes. But with your skills, you should be fine."
The boy stiffened slightly under her direct gaze.
In his role as a young mercenary, he didn't need to act tense about missions, but he figured showing a bit of nervousness here would be better.
And sure enough, Mercedes gave a small smile, just as he expected.
"Since your skills are already up to par, you'll need a heap of achievements to get promoted to knight. Do your best."
Promotion exams in the Pedro Knight Order—and probably most knight orders—evaluated skill, achievements, character, and unofficially, loyalty to the queen.
Skill meant combat prowess including swordsmanship, achievements were based on contributions to assigned missions, character was to weed out the occasional scum, and that unspoken loyalty to the queen.
"Thank you."
"Right, then. Let me brief you on the mission."
Satisfied with his response, Mercedes began the briefing.
"We'll have four knights participating, plus squires makes eighteen in total. Destination is Planks territory to the east."
"Planks...? Ah, sorry."
Glet blurted out in surprise before belatedly apologizing.
"No need. You're from the territory right next door, aren't you, Glet?"
"Y-yes."
She was inwardly on pins and needles. The route from the capital to Planks passed right through her hometown. Unless the mission was extremely urgent, they'd stop at the castle.
She had seen her parents at the martial tournament last time, but returning to the territory itself had been ages. She had vowed not to go back until she became a knight. She never imagined she'd end up stopping by like this.
"Don't worry. We're not going back for a visit—it's just a quick stop for the mission."
"...Yes."
Mercedes, who knew the situation, reassured her.
"Back to the point: a sizable group of trolls has appeared in that territory. Our job is to take them out. We leave tomorrow. Details are on the papers—check them and prepare everything you need."
"Understood!"
She handed out sheets with the mission details as she added,
"I should've given you more notice, but... there were a lot of things to coordinate, so it got delayed. You'll be busy preparing, so rest up today."
Mercedes's order to rest included chores for the lifestyle squires. Amy's face lit up at that. Even if the work wasn't grueling, people always preferred rest over labor.
In contrast, Elza's cheeks were slightly flushed.
"Elza, you feeling okay?"
"Pardon? Oh, yes..."
"You've been blushing a lot lately... If it's too much, tell me anytime."
"Y-yes! I'm f-fine!"
Mercedes nodded at Elza's vigorous reply, despite her still-red face. Elza was so diligent and responsible that there wasn't much to worry about.
She'd handle whatever came up just fine.
"Alright, everyone else, dismissed... Oh, Valdes, you stay."
"Yes."
Elza's eyes widened at Mercedes's casual remark.
But Mercedes had already turned to rummage through other papers and didn't notice. Elza's wavering gaze shifted to Valdes standing right beside her.
Valdes was looking at her too. At the odd glint in the boy's eyes, Elza shuddered. Before she knew it, his hand had gripped her rear. The hot sensation from her butt sent a jolt through her lower belly.
"Come by early tonight."
"Y-yes..."
Elza nodded at his whispered words and hurried out of the room.
"Hm? Did you say something just now?"
Mercedes half-turned with her keen hearing, asking in a disinterested tone. But even as she looked at the papers in her hand, she kept stealing glances at him.
"Oh, I asked Elza to help me with some mission prep later."
"...I see."
Mercedes spat out the word with clear dissatisfaction.
She didn't like how close they had gotten lately, but there was nothing for it. Senior squires mentoring juniors was natural. It would be ridiculous for her, a knight, to teach him directly.
Letting out a deep sigh without realizing it, Mercedes set the papers on her desk.
"I've got some work to do, so wait a bit."
"Got it. Take your time."
"...I'll finish quick."
She snapped with a sharp edge, unclear what was bothering her, and tried to focus on the papers. But her eyes kept drifting to him sitting in the corner, looking around idly.
'Sigh, I don't know what's gotten into me.'
The reason she had told Valdes to stay was to resume restoring the Pedro sword style with him after finishing the paperwork, just like they had done the past couple of days.
But she didn't need to make him wait. It could take who knows how long. She could just send him off and call for him later. Yet for some reason, she had kept him in the room without thinking.
"......"
She looked up at the boy.
He was peering around every corner of the room as if everything was fascinating. Come to think of it, he always left right after their sessions, so he probably never had time to take it all in slowly.
Valdes.
What an intriguing boy. Even knowing he was half-demon, there was no aversion—only fondness. It wasn't just his behavior. ...Not his looks either. Well, those helped, but there was more.
He had this subtle talent for drawing people in.
"...Haa."
"Lady Mercedes?"
Had she sighed too loudly? Valdes looked at her with concern.
"It's nothing."
"Mm, alright..."
An awkward silence followed. She finished the paperwork about an hour later.
Creeeak.
The door was oiled once a week, but her tension made the sound echo deafeningly.
Elza cautiously peeked out into the hall and glanced around.
No one in sight.
Good. If anyone saw what she was about to do, she'd want to flee the knight order on the spot.
This wasn't her first time, but she still hadn't gotten used to it.
She slipped into the corridor and crept toward Valdes's room. The hall felt empty so far, but you never knew. Heart pounding, she knocked in the agreed pattern.
Knock knock-knock-knock-knock.
The door slowly opened.
"Come on in. You're a bit late."
Elza flinched at the boy's words.
"S-sorry..."
"Sorry?"
"...I'm s-sorry, sir..."
His cold tone near her ear made her switch to formal speech in a panic. Only then did Valdes revert to a warm voice and usher her inside.
"I was tempted to leave you outside... but that'd be rough on both of us."
"Y-yes."
Seeing his damp hair from a recent bath reminded her of that day.
Elza felt pathetic. She thought if she could go back, she'd choose differently—but it was done. She wasn't even sure she wouldn't mess up again.
'Why couldn't I control myself then...'
Just five days ago, they were nothing more than senior and junior squires.
She had liked Valdes, but not enough to confess right away. She planned to take it slow. They'd be together for years anyway, and with prejudices against half-demons, she doubted others would approach him easily.
Then it happened.
After helping Mercedes bathe and returning to rest, Valdes—fresh from his own shower—came by with a question.
His handsome look, cleaned up and carrying a faint soap scent, made her invite him in without thinking.
His slightly disheveled uniform set her whole body aflame. She often relieved herself alone after intense training, and it had been the same just before. Yet she let him in instead of turning him away.
She stepped out briefly to cool her rising lust after hearing his question. The cool hall air helped calm her face.
Thinking it was enough, she returned to find him dozing off on her bed, looking so alluring she couldn't hold back and pounced.
"What are you doing? Do it like always."
"Hah, hah, y-yes..."
His words were kind yet firm, and Elza slowly stripped off her nightclothes. They slipped to the floor with a soft rustle.
Her most expensive white undergarments were revealed—she had changed into them just before coming.
"Elza."
Valdes called her name as her hands slowed.
"...Yes!"
"Your hands are slow. Want me to tell Lady Mercedes?"
"N-no...!"
That was the last thing she needed.
Mercedes seemed kind, but cross her lines and she turned merciless.
"Right? Then..."
Elza finally shed her underwear and climbed onto Valdes's bed. His scent wafted from the sheets and pillow. She inhaled deeply without thinking.
"Haaah..."
The stimulating aroma, mundane yet heart-stirring, drew out an excited breath.
Like a drug, she kept breathing it in and out, then awkwardly lifted her hips. Burying her face in the bed, she reached back to her slit.
It was soaked.
She wondered when it had gotten this wet, then gave up. She already knew. Her thoughts were just avoidance.
They had only done this a few times, but she was already hooked.
She just didn't want to admit she had been dripping in anticipation all evening.
The first couple times might have been coercion, but now she secretly craved it. Enjoyed it. Maybe she could show her true feelings like this.
Squeezing her eyes shut, she spread herself with both hands and recited the line.
"P-please punish this lewd b-bitch who couldn't hold back her lust and pounced on her junior...♡"
"Good girl."
His soft voice pierced her ear.
"Nngh... Hnng!"
Soon, a massive cock thrust into her.
Unbelievable for a boy his age.
"Hic, sob, haang, eep, haa...!"
Each plunge of his rod drew heated moans. The fire from her pussy kept assaulting her brain.
"Hoo, hoo, feel good?"
"Y-yes! So g-good...! M-more... thrust deeper...!"
Her rationality gone, words spilled freely.
But who could think straight impaled on this monstrous thing?
Nothing like her first fumbling time.
Both rough, but worlds apart inside.
That guy—who had left to become a knight—just thrust mechanically. Valdes, though, caressed her thighs, butt, waist, belly, breasts, collarbone, shoulders, neck, even face with hands and lips as he pounded.
His touches from below sent tremors of pleasure through her.
It felt like he truly desired her, not just release.
That's why she couldn't refuse. Not just the blackmail from her slip-up. Her slight hesitations and feigned fear were to savor that delicate thrill.
Yes, she was a pervert. ...And that was fine.
Thud thud!
"Haa, feels good getting doggy-fucked by the boy you pounced on?"
"Ha-ut, yes, hnng, so good! Hng... Haaang!!"
Shuddering, she pressed her face deeper into the bed. Her butt rose higher, her back arched lower.
The better position amplified his pleasure.
After thrusting steadily, he pressed his chest to her back and grabbed both breasts.
"Eek!!"
They were smaller than average—she fretted over it secretly—but his grip alone sparked joy.
"Gonna cum!"
"Y-yes! ...Haaaangh!!"
Her instinctive reply was cut off as heat flooded inside.
"Haa, haa..."
Valdes collapsed onto her back. She was more spent than after Mercedes's direct training.
But she knew this wasn't over.
His cock twitched in her womb, still filling her despite the release.
"Waist up."
"...Yes...♥"
Elza raised her hips again, letting out a sweet moan.