《Grand Ducal Couple鈥檚 After Marriage Love story》


 Chapter 0

    The country has lost its master.


    The suicide of the 17th Grand Duke of Hessenguard was often described like this in most history books. Sometimes it was also described asThe Master abandoned the country, but there was no big difference in the details.


    Schrs were divided over his death.


    Some said he was cursed for ruthlessly killing his brothers to get the position of the Grand Duke. While others refuted this by saying people who bore grudges against him seeded in poisoning him and so on. There was a lot of spection about his death, but none of it was clear. But what was certain was that he had no children to seed the Great Duchy.


    When the continents richestnd lost its master, its neighbours, the Kingdom of Haband and the Kingdom of Aether reached out to take Hessenguard.


    The two kingdoms argued that they deserved to be the new masters of the Grand Duchy, citing how closely their royal blood and the blood of the ancestors of Grand Duke of Hessenguard were mixed.


    Eventually, these arguments led to an all out war. The armies of the two kingdoms spilled each others blood in Hessenguard. The war over the Great Duchysted for more than three years. During that time, Hessenguardsnd was soaked in blood and reeked of death. Countless young lives died without being able to even close their eyes.


    In the end, the two kingdoms realised that they couldnt bear anymore damage and tried topromise. After several months of negotiations, the two kingdoms signed the following treaty:


    The Duchy of Hessenguard will remain in the form of the Duchy.


    A member of the royal family from both kingdoms will be sent to serve as amon Grand Duke.


    And the child born between the two Grand Dukes will take over the Grand Duchy of Hessenguard.


    Thats how Hessenguard came to serve two masters.

 Chapter 1

    In the swaying carriage, Erna closed her mouth. It took them a full week to reach the capital of the Duchy of Hessenguard by the carriage. Although it was the road leading to the capital, the condition of the road was quite terrible. It might have been because of the rain that poured a while ago.


    Every time the carriages wooden wheel tumbled over the uneven stony road, Ernas face turned pale.


    Ughh


    When her body, which had been swaying up and down all day, bounced up once again, she felt the acid in her stomach rise up. She wondered whether it was her fortune or misfortune. She had already vomited her entire breakfast and now her stomach heaved again. She couldnt even drink a drop of water. As she retched, only a groan escaped out of her lips and luckily no gastric fluid came out.


    Just then, she heard the cries of the knights who were running ahead.


    Its the Grand Dukes Castle!


    I can see the Grand Dukes Castle!


    Ernas face lit up as their loud voices reported what was ahead of them. Finally, they could see their destination. With a bright face, she reached out to draw the windows curtains. As soon as she was about to do so, the maid sitting across from her quickly struck her hand.p! A powerful smacking sound rang inside the carriage.


    Princess!


    And as the maids sharp voice continued, Erna cowered habitually. She was scared.


    What are you doing? I had told you that it was dangerous outside!


    Although the maid sounded respectful, it was clear from her voice that she looked down at her. In addition, she even showed a smug attitude as if there was nothing wrong about hitting the princesss hand.


    I just felt so suffocated


    Did you forget that there have been several assassination attempts on people whove tried to reach this ce! The princess was just lucky enough to avoid it. You better keep that in mind!


    I understand.


    It was not that she had forgotten about this. It was not easy to forget how the two previous candidates from the royal families, who had been sent before her, were cruelly assassinated.


    But that didnt mean that the maids attitude was eptable. Other princesses would have yelled at their maids and bashed them for their rude behavior, but Erna didnt do it. No, it was because she couldnt.


    Erna was well aware of her position.


    She was the fourth child born to the second wife of the King of Habands. The king had married Ernas mother, expecting that the children born between them would have wizardry in their blood, just like their mother. As a wizard from the Magic Tower*, she even had a beautiful appearance, but unfortunately, she died early after giving birth to Erna.


    *[It should be actually a Wizards guild, but since in korean fantasy novels, wizards are associated with towers, thats why the word tower/ magic tower is used.]


    As Erna resembled her mother, the king expected that Erna too would have a talent for magic like her mother. But Erna, who had turned 16, had not shown any aptitude for magic until now.


    It was natural that the King was greatly disappointed in her. Since Haband allowed men to have multiple wives, the King took a beautiful woman from a powerful family as the Queen. The Queen then gave birth to healthy children for the King.


    Erna, who had no mother and didnt have any support from the royal factions, had a superficial existence within the royal family. It would have been nice if the tower could take care of her, but tower said that they no longer paid attention to the worldly affairs and ended their rtionship. Therefore Erna had to live with minimal treatment as a princess.


    In fact, she had noints regarding her situation. At least in the royal pce, she would not have to worry about being hungry or having to sleep in the cold. She thought she could live quietly, then someday get married and leave the royal pce. She thought she could live with such naive thoughts.


    But in this world, everything doesnt go well as one desires. In her early age, the harassment began, starting with the subtle bullying from her half brothers and sisters.


    At first, she fought back, shouted and punched. But if she fought back and won over her bullies, the other queens would visit Erna at night and beat her hard in the name of discipline.


    Were all members of the royal family, and should have a good rtionship. But I cant believe you would scratch others with your nails and kick them like a kid brought up in the streets. Even if you dont have a mother, I cant believe that you would be this unruly


    The words left a deeper wound on Erna than the whip that struck her calf.


    No one here cares about me.


    Little Erna quickly realised this bitter reality. Still, she tried to resist again and again, but the beatings became more and more intense. Eventually, Erna gave up resisting. It was just too much pain for a child to bear.


    What? Wont you fight us today?


    Yeah. Its too boring.


    Even though her brothers and sisters kicked her with their feet, Erna remained still. She thought that this would reduce their bullying, but this only made her look more easy to bully. Since then, Erna became asomething I can treat however I wantto everyone. However Erna, who had lost all her will to fight, just held onto herself.


    Just because children are just children, it didnt mean that they wouldnt feel anger and humiliation. But since she couldnt release her anger on others, she vented it out on herself.


    There was a void in her heart that could not be filled. So little Erna tried to fill it through the only way she knew. Therefore, from some point on, Ernas hands always had something to eat.


    She wasnt picky about food. From fruits to sweets, Erna kept eating everything all day long. The maids who attended her tried to stop her, but after knowing that Erna would be quiet when given something to eat, they brought her even more food.


    As she always had food in her mouth and didnt go outside, her body quickly became plump. As her growth period approached, her body began to grow rapidly. Her features became distorted and her skin became coarse and greasy.


    Her siblings, who used to just tease her, now frowned upon seeing her and started treating her as aplete stranger.


    Even though she is a princess, would there be a nobleman who would want someone like her?


    It might be better to send her to a convent when she gets older.


    Hearing the whispers about her, Erna only hoped that she could someday leave the royal pce by whatever means possible.


    In the meantime, news came in that the Grand Duke of Hessenguard was dead, and soon a war would begin. For a few years, the atmosphere of the royal family was very gloomy. Then finally, the news that a treaty had been signed reached them.


    She thought the royal family would be peaceful for a while, but it became turbulent again.


    This is the Grand Duchy of Hessenguard. It is a position that cannot bepared to a worthless royalty like you that cannot even take over the throne.


    With the exception of the first prince, who was destined to take over the throne, all the members of the royal family began a fierce battle for the position.


    Soon after, it was decided that the second prince would go to the Grand Duchy of Hessenguard, and Erna watched his farewell ceremony from a distance.


    But a weekter, the second prince was killed in a sudden attack even before he could cross the border. The same thing happened to the princess, who was sent from the Aether Kingdom.


    The two kingdoms thought that it was an ambush done by the surrounding kingdoms who were against the co-rule of Hessenguard. They again chose a member of the royal family to go back to Hessenguard, saying that they would not back down from their decision.


    This time, the first princess of the Haband Kingdom and the second prince of the Aether Kingdom were chosen. But they too lost their lives just before they could reach Hessenguard.


    After the second assassination, the pride of the two kingdoms was crushed. Despite heavy security, the members of the royal family were again murdered.


    Do you think were going to give up Hessenguard because of that?


    However, unlike the first time, there was no royal family member that would go voluntarily this time. Two people have already been killed. No matter how tight the security was, the probability of them also being killed was very high.


    The ce that everyone wanted, quickly became a ce that everyone wanted to avoid. They had no other choice but to send someone. Because if they didnt, the other kingdom would swallow the entire Duchy alone.


    Anyone is fine! We need someone to send there first!


    The ministers chose the candidate again. Someone who was from the royal family but it wouldnt be a waste if they got killed. Someone whos death no one will mourn.


    In the whole Kingdom of Haband, there was only one royal family member who met these conditions. Thus a weekter, Erna was dragged into a carriage heading to Hessenguard without any preparation.

 Chapter 2

    Ive always wanted to leave the pce, but I didnt expect to leave this way.Erna had always thought that she would be sold to be a local aristocrats wife at best. But she had never imagined that she would take the position of the Grand Duke. A position for which she could be killed anytime in a foreignnd. So Erna was unable to properly ept the situation until the day she finally arrived in Hessenguard.


    You can get off now.


    When the coachman opened the door of the carriage, Erna leaned out of the door.


    Oh.


    Through the open door, she could see the Great Hessenguard Castle, which she had only seen in the picture. It was a ce befitting the status of the residence of the Grand Duke of Hessenguard. It stood tall as if telling its spectators the glorious history of a neutral nation that stood firm without getting swallowed by its neighboring kingdoms. The Hessenguard Castle did not look much like a ce of residence, but more like a fortress ready forbat.


    Everything was strange. The strange style of the castle, the people of Hessenguard surrounding her, the grass under her feet, the trees next to her, and the wind passing through her hair. Everything was quite novel to her.


    Erna looked up at the castle, which still retained the history of the old Hessenguard.


    There was only one thought in her head.


    Can I survive here?


    The next day, Erna got up from her seat, looking at the unfamiliar ceiling. When she turned her head, she saw a group of women who were busily wandering around her. When they saw Erna getting up, they ordered the maids standing next to her.


    Quickly get the Princess ready. We dont have much time left until the wedding, so hurry up.


    Listening to the cold emotionless voice, Erna quietly followed the maids.


    After leaving Haband, they stayed at a Lords mansion on the first night. To avoid another assassination attempt, arge room was partitioned and all the maids and knights stayed with Erna. As the night deepened and time went by, the maids started talking about her without knowing that Erna had not fallen asleep.


    To be honest, Im a little embarrassed. Unlike other princesses, she neither has a confident demeanor nor a beautiful appearance. Princess Erna is not suitable to represent Haband.


    It cant be helped. Two of the royal family members, who were sent here first, were killed, so who would want to go? They had no other choice but to go with this princess.


    But I think they could have chosen someone better.


    Its kind of like that. We cant do anything about it. What Im worried about now is whether the wedding dress would fit her or not. Shes so fat Even if it does, it wouldnt look good. Oh what a shame!


    Then a ripple of lowughter filled the room. It meant that everyone agreed with that opinion. Erna, who was pretending to be asleep, turned her body around. The maids, who thought Erna was getting up, shut up for a while. But seeing Erna stay still, they thought she was still asleep and continued their conversation.


    That night, Erna learned what the maids of the pce thought of her. Dowdy, disgraceful, the kings abandonment urchin and a wretch who even death didnt want.


    All those words were put before her name to exin what she was.


    When Erna came back after washing up, her dress was prepared to wear in the room. It was the traditional wedding gown of the Duchess of Hessenguard. It was a very beautiful dress. The pure white dress had beautifulyers of delicatece, and at the end of thece, there were fine glossy pearls attached to it, swaying mesmerizingly.


    Princess,e this way.


    Thedies-in-waiting held Erna up and together with the maids dressed her in her wedding clothes. A few momentster a woman sighed and murmured.


    It looks too small.


    Then another woman chuckled and shook her head. Erna could see what she wanted to say, even though she didnt say it out loud. It wasnt that the clothes were small, it was Erna who was too big. Ashamed and embarrassed, Erna couldnt raise her head.


    After a while, the maids announced that the preparations were over and told Erna to look in the mirror. Erna, who carefully lifted her head, had no choice but to bow down again.


    Its terrible.


    Her appearance in the mirror looked like a clown.


    She looked like a chunk of ham wrapped in beautiful clothes and jewelries. If she at least had a goodplexion, she might have looked a little cute. However, since it was her first long carriage trip across the border, Erna could not even drink a drop of water properly. As a result, dark circles appeared under her eyes and her skin became rough. And to make matters worse, her skin was full of pimples here and there.


    Her appearance made her want to cry.


    She remembered the beautiful sisters she had seen in the Castle of Haband. These robes would have looked great if it was them wearing it instead of her. They also wouldnt have overlooked the subtle cold treatment of the maids.


    When the preparations were finished, Erna was again left alone in the corner. In fact, there were many maids as well as knights in the room, so it could not be said that she waspletely left unattended. However, Erna felt like she had be an object with the nameHabands Royaltyhere.


    Erna held back her tears even though she felt very depressed.


    I came here to be the Grand Duke of Hessenguard.


    That was thest pride left for Erna. It was also the only use she had left of herself.


    I told you that the wedding ceremony must be over for you to be recognized as the Grand Duke of Hessengard.


    Even if she became the Grand Duke, she wont be able to rule immediately.


    After all, she was just a scarecrow sent from the Kingdom of Haband and Marquis Canavan, who came with her, would be the one who would actually represent the kingdom of Haband and exert influence on Hessenguard on its behalf.


    The Kingdom of Aether will not stand still.


    Erna would be one of the two Grand Dukes of Hessenguard. Together with her, the other royal family member of the Aether kingdom would rule over Hessenguard.


    I dont even know his name.


    He was the enemy but at the same time would also be her husband. So Erna was curious about her partner. Even though she knew she would see him in a few hours, she wanted to know the basics before that.


    Erna, sitting in the corner hesitated, before asking a passing maid.


    Umm


    Whats wrong?


    The girl, whom Erna had called, had a slight look of annoyance on her face. Erna said in a small voice, feeling her shoulders shrug again.


    My marriage partner who ising from the Aether Kingdom?


    Oh my Goodness, you still dont know?


    Her reprehensible voice pierced through Ernas heart. Erna was about to say that no one had ever told her but she decided to just keep quiet.


    Its a prince named Kalion. Hes the first son born to the second wife of the King of Aether. He is the same age as the princess. And I..


    There was a sneer on the girls face as she continued to speak. At that moment, another maid next to her winked at the girl who was speaking. Then the girl paused and continued to exin again.


    .. I heard hes quite tall and attractive looking?


    As soon as the girl spoke, the maids next to her paused, but did not notice Erna. They just wanted to hear more about who the other person was. At the same time, they felt sorry for the man named Kalion even though he was the prince of the enemy country.


    Such a powerful royal family could have chosen someone to marry, reflecting their will to some extent, no matter how politically forced they were to marry. Then at least he wouldnt have ended up with someone as bad as Erna.


    Seeing Erna bow her head in shame, the maid sneered and went out. Another maid, who followed her, nced at her.


    Why would you say that?


    Why? Its not wrong. Didnt they say that the prince was fine in the past?


    Hearing the girls tant answer, the maid sighed.


    That was a few years ago. You saw him yesterday, so you know it.


    Last night, the two maids went down to see the prince in the pretext of doing their duties when he arrived at the Grand Dukes Castle. Even if this was all a part of the peace treaty, the enemy would remain an enemy. The women looked at the carriage and the envoy of Aether Kingdom entering the gates of the Castle from afar.


    Theyve arrived safely.


    Yes, we were all nervous on the way here. but fortunately we didnt face any dire events this time.


    In fact, the maids too were nervous the whole time they came to Hessenguard.


    Two royal family members had already been killed on their way here. And the maids and envoy, who apanied them, were punished for failing to protect the royal family. For the royal family members, who hade before, the queens family had even sent additional soldiers. But since Princess Erna did not have the favour of the Queen, she was sent with only the royal army.


    So they all thought they were going to die along with the princess. But strangely, there was no assassination attempt this time. Furthermore, the carriage containing the royal family members from both the kingdoms had arrived safely in Hessenguard.


    The maids raised their heels to get a peek at the man getting off the carriage. Shortly afterwards, the two maids rushed to tell the other maids about the prince of Aether they had seen. Thanks to this, the women could not sleep all night talking about Kalion, who would marry Erna.

 Chapter 3

    The maid sighed recallingst nights events.


    What if your thoughtless remarks heighten Princess Ernas expectations? Would you take responsibility if shes startled by the revtion of who exactly shes going to marry at the wedding hall?


    Hearing this, the maid who had lied to Erna, sneered.


    What expectations? What expectation could she possibly have towards her marriage as a royal family member? Besides, wouldnt it be too brazen of her to expect a good match? If it were me in her shoes, Id relinquish such thoughts as soon as I see myself in the mirror.


    Shush, stop talking.


    What! Im not wrong. Even you sighed while seeing her put on that wedding dress. To be honest, I feel sorry for the Aether kingdoms prince whod be marrying her. Our Haband kingdom has numerous beautiful princesses and yet, he would have to marry this one


    Stop talking before we get into trouble; lets get in quickly.


    The two maids stopped talking and went back into the room.


    After a while, Erna stepped out of the room when the Hessenguard officials informed her that it was time to move to the ceremonial hall.


    Several maids and knights were stationed around her in severalyers, moving in tandem with her to intercept any uncertain risk in the wedding hall. Due to this, Erna could not see other peoples faces properly at the ceremonial hall


    Luckily nothing bad has happened till now.


    As the bride, Princess and future, Ernacked any confidence in her appearance. It made her want to tighten her body and shrink herself.


    She noticed that no one in the hall was content with her, and this made her want to hide herself even more. The words that her maids used to mock her previously kept haunting in her head.How could she hope for her partner to be a good match? Princess really needs a mirror.Sadly, Erna had no other choice but to agree with them.


    Erna hated the tight wedding dress which clung to her body. If the dress had been a little loose-fitted she could have probably covered more ofherself.


    When she arrived at the ceremony, an elderly woman was standing on the podium. The maids led Erna to her.


    Wee, Miss Erna.


    The woman was a stranger to her. Yet, she was very amiable with her greeting. The notion was rather absurd, considering that a stranger would be more courteous and considerate than the maids from her Haband.


    I couldnt greet you yesterday due to various security issues. I am Vanessa, the Chairman of the Hessenguard Council.


    Her introduction made Erna flinch a little. She was one of the people of Hessenguard.


    Shouldnt she be hostile towards me?


    It was said that the royal family of Haband shared their blood with the Grand Dukes of Hessenguard, but werent considered to be an immediate bloodline. For the people of Hessenguard, the Kingdom of Haband would be nothing more than a conqueror. Their eptance of Haband was solely due to theck of sessors to inherit the Duchy and to finally put an end to the long waging war on thends of Hessenguard.


    But why


    The Council of Hessenguard had as much power as the Grand Duke. She had heard that even if the final decision was made by the Grand Duke, it was the Council that did the actual work. So at the moment, with the absence of a Grand Duke, the Chairman of the Council was the most powerful person here.


    Why was such a person weing a supposed conqueror so well?


    A loud voice came from behind which startled her.


    Prince Kalion of the Aether Kingdom is here!


    At the sound, Erna looked back. And then her eyes fell on the boy who was surrounded by the Knights.


    ?


    Her eyes widened in surprise.


    At a nce, Erna had assumed that the knights of the Aether Kingdom were carrying a corpse. She wasnt the only one who had such thoughts.


    The knights and maids from Haband who were standing nearby couldnt help but sigh. The knights of Aether Kingdom avoided their eyes as if they were ashamed of the person they brought.


    Ernas eyes were affixed on the boy who hade with the support of two knights.


    He had a sickly countenance and darkplexion. With hollow eyes, slim cheeks and a bony wrist, he resembled a man who teetered at the brink of death from starvation. Due to his sickly physique, it was hard for the boy to support himself. He hobbled towards the podium with the help of the knights.


    Even though his appearance waspletely different from what the maid described, Erna couldnt take her eyes off him because of his shining eyes.


    Unlike his weak-looking body, his dark blue eyes were piercingly sharp. His eyes looked around the ceremonial hall like a beast exploring a new territory. Soon they met Ernas gaze, who was looking at him in surprise.


    For a moment, the two pairs of eyes collided with each other. Meanwhile, the knights helped the boy stand next to Erna.


    Is this Kalion?


    Erna continued to gape at him in surprise.


    We are of a simr age but


    Kalion was incredibly small even though they were of a simr age. The difference in their physique became remarkably more prominent when they stood next to each other.


    Pfft.


    A few people at the back couldnt stand it and burst intoughter. Theughter spread across the room as if it were contagious. Vannessa was the only one among them who hadnt sumbed to the viralughter. She was contemting on ways to mitigate this situation.


    Erna bit her lips as she took in the raucousughter. She knew all too well that she had be a spectacle. But she didnt expect Kalion, a peer who shared her plight, to be also included in the peoples ridicule. She felt sorry for him.


    What, this pumpkin?


    .?


    For a moment, Erna doubted her ears. Bewildered, she looked at her side with her mouth agape. Although the voice was heavily cracked, it was uniquely low, belonging to someone at the ripe of puberty. It definitely wasnt Vanessas voice, so it must be Kalions


    What are you looking at? Im talking about you.


    Kalion looked down at an embarrassed Erna as if she was a pathetic being. At that moment, Ernas mind finally registered what Kalion had really called her.


    Pumpkin?


    For a moment, Ernas mind became nk. Of course she knew what he meant. But did this mean that as soon as he hadid his eyes on her, pumpkin was the word that had crossed him? Kalions words cut her deep, making her want to cry.


    In all honesty, Erna had been suppressing everything inside her heart.


    Her mothers death; the unfair treatment; the contempt; the fear of being abandoned in another country because she was a royal family member whose death no one cared about. She had endured it all silently.


    The reason why Erna had been able to maintain her calm so far was because she was still the Princess of Haband and now she was going to be the Grand Duke of Hessenguard. It was a heavy responsibility that she had never wanted in the first ce.


    But the moment she heard a boy, whom she met for the first time, say rude things about her, the wall of patience crumbled.


    So rude.


    I know Im not in good shape, but isnt that the same with Kalion? If Im like a round pumpkin, then Kalion is


    The hand that held the bouquet trembled; meanwhile, Kalion turned his head and urged Vanessa.


    What are you doing? Quickly finish this meaningless ceremony


    Like a


    Kalion turned towards the side, from where the sound came. Erna, who was earlier nkly looking at him with her mouth agape, was now ring at him with a piercing gaze. Witnessing those eyes, Kalion and Vanessa, who was about to officiate, were both at loss for words. Then Erna spoke loudly, audible enough for everyone to listen.


    Like a dried earthworm.


    what?


    Kalions jaws dropped when he heard what Erna had called him. But her words did not end.


    Why? Didnt you hear it properly? I said you look like a dried earthworm.


    You!


    Kalion turned and stared at her, but Erna wasnt intimidated by him at all. In the meantime, the cacophony of untamedughter ceased.


    Seeing Erna keep bowing her head from the time she entered the ceremonial hall, everyone thought she was very weak. When they mocked her, she didnt say anything and tolerated all the nasty and unkind whispers about her. Likewise, they expected the same when Kalion passed a rudement on her physique. They thought she would endure it all in silence.


    Erna bit her teeth seeing their thoughts clearly reflecting in their eyes.


    The atmosphere in the ceremonial hall became tense, freezing rapidly.


    How dare you speak rudely to our Prince!


    When the knight who helped Kalion raised his voice, a knight from Haband, who came with Erna, responded.


    Wasnt it your Prince who started with the rude talk?


    The ones whoughed together, now began to fume at the thought of their nation being insulted. The knights voices grew louder, their hands sping the hilts of their swords. The faces of the women, caught in between themotion, paled in fear. They realized that they were not in a situation tough at anyone. Only then did they regret their actions, but things had already gone south.


    This is a sacred ce. Please be quiet.


    It was Vanessa who managed to clear the tension.


    She raised her hand lightly as if warning everyone that she would not tolerate any further disputes At her words, the knights on both sides took their hands off their swords and straightened their backs.


    Vanessa then turned towards Erna and Kalion and said.


    Now, may Imence the ceremony?

 Chapter 4

    Erna looked at Kalion. No one expected there to be any love or respect in this marriage. And Erna was keenly aware of that.


    Nevertheless, she still had a little expectation.


    I thought at least you would understand.


    Even without asking, she could grasp his situation just by looking at his appearance. No one here would blink an eye if he died right now. Perhaps the Aether Kingdom sent him here because they thought there would be another assassination attempt.


    He was just like her.


    They both were in a situation where they had to share a position that was actually meant for only one person. So she thought at least he would sympathise with her, knowing that they both were in the same boat.


    But he just spouted out mean words as soon as he saw her.


    Erna had given Kalion all the sympathy that she could muster. After that, she was left with nothing but anger.


    This world was full of enemies. It was something that would not change even if she died. The kingdom that abandoned her, the maids and knights whoughed at her. And now Kalion, who passed mean remarks about her..


    The helplessness that filled Ernas heart doused her ignited rage. She quickly turned her head, which felt as if it was being crushed. If she could, she wanted to throw away the responsibilities of the Grand Duke and hit Kalions dumb face with the bouquet in her hand. After that, she wanted to punish all the rude maids and knights for treating her like a clown and throw them all in prison.


    But I dont have the power to do so.


    For now, she was just a useless princess of the Haband kingdom. Erna knew that in order for her to have some value in this hopeless situation, she had to be the Grand Duke of Hessenguard. And the position of Grand Duke would be given to her only afterpleting this marriage.


    Yes, please begin.


    When Kalion heard Erna speak gravely, a slight surprise appeared on his face. Erna just ignored him and kept her gaze fixed at Vanessa.


    Does Prince Kalion agree?


    At Vanessas polite question, Kalion hesitated for a moment and then nodded as if he couldnt help it.


    I agree. Lets proceed.


    Okay. I believe you both are fully aware of the obligations and responsibilities thate with this marriage. So I will proceed with the ceremony.


    And so a quiet wedding ceremony was held in the middle of a cold hall.


    * * *


    It hurts.


    Back in her room, Erna groaned and took off her shoes. The shoes prepared for today were not really hers. It did not fit Ernas feet because it belonged to a royal princess, who hade here before Erna.


    Erna took off her shoes, then hurriedly took off her dress and threw them all away. When things that didnt fit her disappeared, she could finally breathe.


    She couldnt remember how the wedding went or even how it ended. The only memory she had of it was of Kalion staring at her intently, as Vanessa blessed their marriage. When Vanessa asked them to kiss to seal the oath, the faces of the two people distorted terribly in a grossed expression. It hadnt even been an hour since they met, but the hostility between the two had reached such a level, that they didnt have any good impression of each other.


    Sadly it couldnt be helped. The kiss was thest process of the wedding and after that the ceremony would end safely. At that moment, Erna hoped that Kalion wouldnt kiss her. Then the responsibility of annulling this marriage would fall on him and the Aether Kingdom would have to send a new royal family member.


    The session of the powers of the Grand Duke of Hessenguard would be dyed a little, but if her marriage partner wasnt him, she could patiently endure the waiting period. At least the Chairman of Hessenguard Council didnt seem to think badly of her.


    However, contrary to Ernas expectations, Kalion clenched his teeth and approached her. He pressed his lips against hers with a gloomy face as if he had no other choice but to do so. In less than a second, the lips of the two touched and then parted from each other right away.


    With this, I inform everyone that the wedding ceremony has beenpleted.


    As soon as Vanessas words fell, both of them groaned as if they were disgusted and crazily rubbed their lips with the back of their hands. There was nothing noble in this royal marriage, that was said to bind the two warring kingdoms and decide the fate of the Grand Duchy of Hessenguard.


    But its over.


    Erna clenched her fist. The wedding was finally over. Now, she was the Grand Duke of Hessenguard. She was going to start working on her duties the next day and immediately get rid of all the maids assigned to her. The moment she decided to do so, the said maids rushed into her room.


    Whats going on?


    Although she had decided to get rid of them, Erna looked at them timidly as she always did and asked carefully. This had be a habit because she had lived being wary of them for a long time.


    What do you mean Princess, oops no Grand Duke.


    Even though her title had changed, the high handed attitude of the maids remained the same.


    You have to get ready for your wedding night.


    Wedding night?


    The words made Erna stiff to her bones. It was something that she had never thought about. Since it was a formal marriage, she thought that with thepletion of the ceremony, the big deal was over. She hadpletely forgotten that the treaty stated- the child born between the royal members of the two kingdoms would be the next Grand Duke of Hessenguard. But both she and Kalion were only sixteen years old.


    In the past, there had been some people who married and also had children at this age. But, having children at a young age risked the lives of both the child and the mother. So recently, people didnt have children until the age of twenty.


    So she thought she wouldnt have to go through the wedding night for the next few years, at least until she had turned 20.


    Besides.


    Before departing for Hessenguard, Marquess Canavan, who was incharge of this operation from the Habands side, had already discussed this with Erna. He had assured her that she wouldnt have to share the wedding night with Kalion for a while. But why? Why all of a sudden?


    Erna saw what was in the hands of the maids approaching her. It was a very thin negligee. She didnt know from what material it was made of, but it was almost transparent.


    Now, you have to wash up and change into this.


    No, I dont want to.


    Grand Duke, this is a very important matter. It is imperative toplete the agreement between the two kingdoms. You cant just decide whether to do it or not because of your personal feelings.


    The maids did not listen to her at all, as if they knew Erna was going to rebel. They grabbed Erna and forcefully led her to the bathroom, holding the negligee in their arms.


    Let go of me! Marquess Canavan himself said that there will be no wedding night! Bring him in! Something must be wrong!


    No way Grand Duke, Marquess Canavan gave me a special order to help you prepare for the wedding night. You! What are you doing? Why arent you taking the Grand Duke to the bathroom?


    The maids, repeatedly calling Erna Grand Duke, made her feel very annoyed. It was clear that they still didnt respect her and addressed her as the Grand Duke only for formality. It didnt seem like it mattered to them whether she was a princess or a Grand Duke.


    She thought she wouldnt experience this kind of rudeness after the wedding, but now facing the same behavior again, Erna fiercely resisted with violence. But strangely, the maids strongly retaliated and dragged her into the bathroom. As Erna screamed and protested, her voice leaked out of the bathroom and rang through her room and hallway.


    After a while, a maid went out and bowed to a man standing in the hallway.


    My Lord, I have done what you told me to do.


    Okay, good job.


    The man standing in the hallway was Marquess Canavan, who was incharge of this operation from the Habands side. Hearing Ernas screams, he clicked his tongue.


    A member of the Haband royal family is behaving in such a way. Its so embarrassing. Before the Haband Kingdom, before the Aether Kingdom. And also before the Duchy of Hessenguard. Dont you think so?


    He said slowly. The maid bowed deeply when Marquess Canavan asked for her opinion.


    The princess, no, the Grand Duke is still young, so she doesnt know how to behave as per her status. I think Marquess should give her a lot of guidance.


    Of course, of course. Thats why Your Majesty sent me here as a representative of the delegation. The duties assigned to me by Your Majesty also includes providing guidance to the Grand Duke. As we all know shecks in etiquette and manners whenpared to the other royal princesses.


    Marquess Canavan recalled the princess actions during the wedding while touching his mustache. A pride which he had trimmed dozens of times.


    This brazen girl! Does she think now that she has be a real Grand Duke, she can do whatever she wants?


    Before they left the Kingdom of Haband, Marquess Canavan was very pleased with Erna. Erna, who had been ustomed to the cold treatment of the royal family, was a weak woman and did not dare to express her opinions. A princess who had a noble status but didnt much stand out. She was a perfect scarecrow.


    I dont expect much from her. Even if she dies, I wont hold you responsible. Your job is just to keep an eye on Hessenguard and Aether.


    Before sending Erna to this deathtrap, the king had said so to the Marquess. Thanks to this, the Marquess was able toe to Hessenguard without any worries. The previous two attacks were targeted only at the royal family members. So even if something happened again this time, it would be only Princess Erna who would die. All in all, he would be safe. Of course, it was even better that Erna was alive. Now, by giving the excuse of looking after the little princess, he could take over her duties and live like the Grand Duke of Hessenguard.


    By the way


    Marquess Canavan frowned as he recalled Ernas quarrel with Kalion at the wedding. She didnt even realise what kind of terrible aftermath that situation could have. Moreover, her words were childish and crude. He shot her several warning nces, reminding her to behave properly, but Erna ignored himpletely and behaved as she wanted. It was as if she had be apletely different person.


    T/N: Just in case if youre wondering why Erna is called Grand Duke instead of Grand Duchess, its actually because of the treaty. ording to the treaty(which is mentioned in the prologue), until Erna and Kalion have a child, they both have to share the position of the Grand Duke. Well a Duchess doesnt really have much powers. So the title doesnt fit with Ernas situation. I hope this helped you.


    By the way, isnt this quite a clever idea? By this way, both kingdoms will have equal im on the Duchy.

 Chapter 5

    Because of this, the Marquess was extremely angry throughout the wedding ceremony.


    I safely brought her here in one piece, but instead of being grateful, she is now behaving arrogantly. Now that she is a Grand Duke, does she think she can act as she wants?


    He had thought that the little princess would forever stay silent but here she was already trying to oppose him. This made him feel very embarrassed. He had thought that while he would rule Hessenguard on behalf of Erna, she would just sit still like a doll and quietly follow whatever he says.


    So Marquess Canavan called for a maid on his way back from the wedding ceremony.


    It seems Grand Duke has drunk something bad during our short time here. I dont understand why a person who used to besowell-behaved and listened to everyone in the Haband Kingdom suddenly acted like that at the wedding.


    The maid was a quick-witted person. Even though Marquess Canavan had said it in a roundabout manner, she understood what he wanted at once. The Marquess was indirectly talking about breaking Ernas spirit.


    Dont worry too much about it, My Lord. Today, after experiencing the wedding night, Grand Duke will very well understand what responsibilities she bears.


    Okay, is there any better way?


    Then the maid looked around and whispered in his ear. And it was what was happening now.


    Marquess Canavan listened to the sounding from inside. Ernas voice, which was initially shouting no and go away, gradually became smaller and soon turned into low sniffles and cries. Marquess Canavan nodded with a satisfied look.


    This was just the beginning. Until tomorrow morning, Erna would continue to be humiliated. It didnt matter even if she was a Grand Duke. After all, she was just an immature kid who didnt even know how to properly hold power.


    Seeing Canavan look satisfied, the maid told him in a small voice, wanting to show off her skills.


    I purposely prepared somepletely see-through clothes. Miss Erna is 16 years old. Shes old enough to be sensitive to the gazes of the people around her. But now that she has to walk in front of everyone wearing those clothes and then spend the night with the other Grand Duke in that state; its going to put a lot of pressure on her weak mind.


    Yes, that will hurt her a lot. So, you and I need to work hard to take good care of her.


    Of course, I would My Lord.


    Both of them knew very well that Erna was ashamed of her fat and messy appearance. Didnt she react sensitively to peopleughing at her at the wedding?


    Besides, its not like the body can change easily.


    Seeing Marquess Canavan smile with a satisfied look on his face, the maid spoke to him again.


    By the way. Will you really meet the requirements of the Aether Kingdom?  Her face, which had been talking excitedly with the Marquess until a while ago, became a little dark. We should reject them because its very insulting.


    Oh, you mean that. We decided to ept it for now and also ask for something simr in return. Apparently, the Grand Duke of Aether was not very cooperative.


    Initially, both sides demanded that before the wedding night, the royal family members from each kingdom should undergo a very old type of physical examination. Both sides knew very well that it could put a lot of pressure on the young royalty involved, but they still raised this demand to insult each other.


    However, it seemed to be too much, and before anyone knew it, the matter fizzled out. Eventually, it was decided not to do it.


    But Aether came forward and brought it up again.


    Marquess Canavan realized that the situation on Aethers side was no different from theirs.


    In fact, the look in his eyes was no joke.


    Even though Kalion looked like an emancipated dead body, his eyes were fierce when he was ring at everyone. It was as if he was saying that if his body had been healthy, he would have knocked down everything and left the wedding.


    Then he again heard Ernas cries from inside. Marquess Canavan smiled satisfactorily and said to the maid.


    I hope the wedding night ends well today.


    * * *


    ~Thud


    The sound of the door closing brought Erna back to her senses. At the same time, she recalled what she had just been through and realized the state she was in now.


    Beforeing here, Erna had to meet the maids from the Aether Kingdom. They told Erna to go up on a small bed, saying that they were going to check whether she had any problem with producing an heir. Then, they suddenly tried to grab her legs and forcibly spread them apart. Erna screamed and rebelled facing the unexpected situation, but they still forcefully examined her body with cold eyes, telling her to obediently ept her duty as a Grand Duke.A cold silver rod was put in the gap between her legs.


    Heuk.


    A cry came out again from Ernas mouth. This was the first time in her life that she had faced such humiliation and misery. It was nothingpared to what she felt while bowing her head when being whipped by the other queens in Haband.


    Erna looked around the room tremblingly. While she was struggling, her thin clothes were pushed back and forth. As a result, they became crumpled and torn.


    I walked down the hall looking like this.


    She recalled the looks of the maids and knights on her way. She had walked like this in front of them.


    Her hands were shaking and her mind had be nk. She staggered and tried to find something in the room that she could use to cover herself. She then saw the bed in the middle. Fortunately, there was a thin nket there. Erna frantically ran towards it, wrapped it around her body, and squatted in the corner of the room.


    Mom


    Erna called her mother, whose face, she had never seen. This ce was very scary. The only person Erna could call for help was her mother, who had already passed away. She knew no one else would take her side.


    Mom Mom.


    Fearing that someone would see her like this, she tried to tightly wrap the nket around her body.


    ~Squeak!Just then, she heard the door open.


    At the sound of the door opening, Erna looked up in surprise. Only then did she realize that there was a door on the wall opposite from where she came in.


    They said that this was the Grand Ducal couples bedroom.


    Located at the center of the Grand Dukes castle, it was said to be the most extravagant room in the castle. The couple was supposed to sleep here together. In thisrge room, there were additionally two more rooms on the left and right, which were supposed to be used by the Ducal couple for their individual purposes. Erna had been assigned the room on the left. And if it was the door on the other side of her room, that meant.


    !


    The moment she saw a person entering the room, Erna almost screamed.


    Just as she expected, it was Kalion who hade in. It was no wonder that he would be here. After all, this was the bedroom of the Grand Ducal couple, and she had married him today.


    But what really surprised Erna was not that he came in it was his appearance.


    Even though she was wearing a see-through dress, at least she was wearing something. But Kalion on the other hand was wearing nothing. His body, as he entered the room, staggered as if he had been pushed inside. However, Kalion didnt fall and immediately stood right up. He then turned around and shouted at the closed door.


    Ill keep what happened today in my mind! And each and every one of you who was in that room!


    Kalions voice sounded so loud and furious that Erna wondered where in that skinny body of his was such powering from. Erna hid beside the bed and held her breath while cowering.


    She didnt want to see the state he was in now. But she couldnt believe she was in the same room with him in this state. At this moment, in the face of his naked figure, Erna understood the purpose of those people for pushing her and Kalion into this room.


    Its to produce an heir.


    Beforeing, the maids had given her a brief exnation of how to make a child. While Erna was washing herself, she was embarrassed by the graphic names of the parts she had never seen before, but the process to make a child confused her even more. As she turned red with embarrassment, the maidsughed as if they were having fun and exined everything without holding back.


    Therefore, Erna thought that the act called sex was very disgusting. How can one put those parts together.


    Im supposed to do that with him?


    She felt as if she was being strangled by the nket wrapped around her body. No way! That was never going to happen. It was already terrible to see someone like this now, but she thought she would rather die than take off her dress in front of Kalion.


    As Erna shuddered and cringed, Kalion, who felt her presence, turned his head.


    Damn it!


    When he noticed Erna, he screamed and tried to hide himself desperately.


    This is crazy! Why are you here.!


    Just as he yelled at Erna asking her why she was here he immediately shut his mouth. Come to think of it, it would have been more strange if it had been someone else other than Erna.


    Kalion approached the other side of the bed and slumped down. He pulled the sheet that was left on the bed, from where Erna had taken the nket. However, his slim arms were not strong enough to take off the sheets that were firmly pressed under the mattress. After several attempts, he gave a wry smile and eventually gave up. Compared to him, Erna was way more on the edge of madness.


    She was still rattled by what happened before she came here, and now that she was with a naked man in a room, she was so surprised that she unknowingly stopped crying. Instead, all her attention was focused on Kalion. Even if he moved a little, Erna couldnt help but be startled and jump in fright.


    Figuring she couldnt stay still like this, Erna reached across the bed and yanked the sheet that Kalion couldnt take off. She then threw the sheet at Kalion, who was looking at her as if asking what the hell she was doing.


    Cover it up! I dont want to see it!


    When Erna shouted, Kalion let out a raspy sound and wrapped the sheet she threw around his body.

 Chapter 6

    It was a strange sight. The two children, who were thrown naked in a beautiful room, were staring at each other with nkets and sheets wrapped around them.


    When Kalion  who had wrapped himself in a sheet  moved his body, Erna shouted,


    Donte near me! If, if you daree even an inch near me, Ill kill you!


    Hah! Its you who should keep this in your mind. Dont you daree to this side.


    Kalion dismissed this terrible misunderstanding. Then he nced sideways at Erna. Seeing her shivering and shaking like crazy, he clicked his tongue and said,


    You better not die.


    It was something he had said out of the blue. Seeing Erna about to say something, he rified so as not to let her misunderstand that he cared about her.


    Because if you die, something much worse than you wille here.


    At those words, Erna yelled at him, forgetting their situation.


    Thats what I should say! The person who seems more likely to die any moment is you!!


    Even though she hated doing something like this, she couldnt help it. She had helped him earlier, so she couldnt believe what she had just heard.


    I really hate him.


    She used all of her energy to say it. She was so annoyed with Kalion that she forgot about their situation for a while. Kalion bowed his head, leaning back on the bed as if he didnt want to see her anymore. Equally not wanting to speak or move anymore, Erna sat with her back against the bed. She brought her knees to her chest and then buried her face.


    Its terrible.


    When she was living in Haband, she lived a life without much hope. She just lived with a vague expectation that she would be a little happy after leaving the royal pce someday. She finally came out of the pce but the world outside turned out to be a more terrible ce than she thought.


    Erna looked around the room. It was a very luxurious and beautiful room as it was located right at the center of the Grand Ducal Pce. Did they really want the two of them to spend the night together? The firece in the room was burning warmly and the herbs on the wall smelled pleasant. So Erna was even more terrified. Her knuckles turned white as she tightly gripped the nket.


    As the night grew deeper, Erna vowed repeatedly that she would never forget todays disgrace. One day, she would definitely pay everyone back. And when that day woulde, she would kick that wretched Kalion out.


    Like this, the terrible night psed in silence.


    Gradually, ten years passed by.


    The Grand Duchy of Hessenguard was a powerful territory that was under the control of not only the Grand Duke but also a powerful Council Body. The Council, which was established about five generations ago, was now an integral part of the Duchy of Hessenguard.


    The Council respected and followed the authority and rights of the Grand Duke, and the Grand Duke also listened to the advice of the Council, recognizing the Council as his proxy.


    During the chaotic times  caused by the suicide of the 17th Grand Duke and the arrival of the two new Grand Dukes from other kingdoms, the people of Hessenguard were worried whether the Council would disappear. From the perspective of a kingdom with strong royal authority, the Council would surely appear as insolent beings that dared to covet the throne.


    However, with the two kingdoms kept in check, the Council still had a strong foundation in Hessenguard.


    And Vanessa, who had been serving as the Chairman of the Council for 10 long years, sat in the conference room with a worried face. In front of her were two personal letters in ornate boxes.


    Just as she was about to take a sip from a cold cup of tea, she heard the sound of footsteps outside, and soon the door to the conference room opened. Vanessa rose from her seat and cheerfully greeted the person who came in.


    Ah Miss Erna, youre here.


    It was Erna who hade in through the door. Vanessa looked at her with admiration for a moment. The fine golden hair that reached down to the waist scattered the sunlighting from the window. With every step Erna took, a beam of light twinkled over her hair.


    Ernas steps, as she walked into the conference room, were steady.


    How are you, Vanessa?


    Erna smiled brightly at Vanessa. Her eyes curved gently and narrowed, but it didnt hide the twinkling, dark green pupils behind. Ernas eyes, which people praised for being reminiscent of the summer verdure, were shining more brightly today.


    Vanessa looked at Erna and recalled her previous self from a long time ago. Her bright golden hair and dark green eyes hadnt changed. But aside from that, everything about her had changed.


    The pimples that marred her face had now disappeared without any trace. All that remained now was clean, unblemished skin. Now that her puberty hadpletely passed, the features, which had been out of ce for some time while growing up, were now properly developed. Round forehead, straight eyebrows, a high and sharp nose, and small, plump red lips.


    The princess of Haband, who was once ridiculed for her ugly and tacky appearance, had now disappeared and now all that was left was a beautiful woman who could leave people awestruck after one nce.


    It wasnt just her face that had changed.


    When she first arrived here, her height barely reached Vanessas shoulder, but now Erna had grown so tall that she had to look up at her. Her chubby body also lost all its fat, and now she had long, thin limbs. But she wasnt exactly skinny, she had all the curves that an adult woman should possess.


    Whats wrong?


    Seeing Vanessa stare at her, Erna cocked her eyebrow, asking whether there was any problem. Vanessa smiled and shook her head.


    Its nothing. Please have a seat. As you may have heard, a letter has arrived from Haband.


    Its not only from Haband, right?


    Erna said in a sharp voice, as her gaze moved towards the table at Vanessas words. The two letters on the table were sealed with different emblems. One which had a dragon as the emblem was from Haband while the other was from Aether which used bears as their emblem.


    That means.


    Ernas face quickly distorted. Just then, she heard heavy footsteps of someone walking down the hallway. The person soon opened the door without knocking, just like how Erna did when she came in. Aside from Erna, there was only one person in the whole Hessenguard who did not need to knock before entering anywhere.


    Sir Kalion, youre also here.


    Vanessa smiled and bowed to Kalion.


    Erna was not the only one who had changed over the course of 10 years. Kalion, who came in after opening the door, was so tall that it was hard for Vanessa to look at him even if she broke her neck. When he opened the door, his head almost hit the top.


    It wasnt only his height that had changed. His whole physique had undergone a drastic change over the passage of time. Now, he had wide shoulders, thick forearms, and strong chest muscles that peeked out even when he wore his robes. His waist was a little thinnerpared to his chest, but his thick legs, which supported his firm body, were as strong as that of a wild horse.


    Seeing his big, firm body standing in front of her made her feel threatened. No one could ever think that this person 10 years ago was a boy who was so thin that he seemed as if he was going to die.


    As soon as Kalion approached Vanessa, Erna, who had moved far away, murmured with a frown.


    The earthworm is also here.


    At her words, Kalion greeted Erna without batting an eye.


    Long time no see, pumpkin.


    A lot had changed in the past 10 years, but the rtionship between the two still remained the same.


    Erna and Kalion sat down at the two ends of the table which could easily seat a dozen people. Erna took the seat on the far left while Kalion took the one on the far right.


    Now, whenever Erna and Kalion had to sit together in the Grand Ducal Castle, it became a rule for Erna to sit on the left and Kalion on the right.


    People said that it was because the room used by Erna was on the left and Kalions was on the right to the Ducal Couples bedroom, which was located in the middle. The two Grand Dukes, whose seats had been so naturally determined, were now indispensable to Hessenguard.


    It had already been 10 years since the two became one through marriage and took the position of the Grand Dukes of Hessenguard.


    With Hessenguard bing a vassal state of the two kingdoms, the people of Hessenguard thought that Haband and Aether would exploit Hessenguard as they pleased. But in the end, that didnt happen.


    After they got married, some nobles stayed behind on the pretext of supporting the two. Their heads were filled with the thoughts of intimidating the Hessenguards Council and using the names of the new Grand Dukes to siphon off Hessenguards resources. But that year, a terrible gue hit Hessenguards capital.


    The whole capital reeked of burning corpses. Even the Grand Ducal Castle could not escape from the clutches of the gue.


    I must return home now. Theres a lot to report!


    When a person died from the gue inside the Castle, Marquess Canavan, who had nned to stick close to Erna for a long time, returned to the kingdom of Haband faster than anyone else.


    It was the same on Kalions side. When the healthiest knight in their group died a few days after copsing from a high fever, everyone made up some excuses to leave the castle. They quickly packed their luggage and returned to the Aether Kingdom.


    Because of this, only Erna and Kalion were left in the Grand Ducal Castle. This became an opportunity for the two to escape from the interference of the two kingdoms.


    It was a good thing, but at the same time, it also could not really be said so. The people of Hessenguard knew they would have to wait for another person toe if any problem befell the two. So they took great care of them. With their oppressors now gone, the two began to change quickly under the care of the unfamiliar but kindhearted people.


    First of all, the biggest change was in the appearance of the two. Erna no longer tormented herself with binge eating and ate only a set amount of food at a set time.


    Kalion did the opposite of Erna. The person, who could not even properly bring water to his mouth, now began to eat several times more than others as if he was eating to fill up what he hadnt been able to before.

 Chapter 7.1

    After a few weeks, the two began to change. Having an organized time to herself, where she could sleep plenty and eat healthily, Erna shed her baby fat and became fit. While Kalion, finally eating a bit healthy, gained much needed weight.


    Erna also seeded in finding her magical skill. A fateful day, she felt a surge of something pleasantly strange in her. She pondered a lot on it and finally confided to Vanessa. Vanessa, on her part, scoured the kingdom in search of a wizard who could teach Erna to hone and use her gift to her full potential.


    Kalion learnt swordsmanship. It was Vanessa who found him a sword master who could teach him properly. The practice made him so hungry that he ate heartily, which did wonders for his physique as did his training.


    People wondered why the two worked so hard to improve their skills. But they had taken a vow that disgraceful night that nobody would ever dare to humiliate them again in the same manner, so they began honing the skill they were most familiar with. To be the best and strongest versions of themselves.


    Once their bodies recovered to some extent, the two began to take care of the Grand Dukes rights. Hessenguards parliament was wary and cautious of the two, but that did not stop them. The parliamentary system of the Duchy did not exist to ignore the Grand Dukes but rather existed due to its cooperation.


    Vanessa cleared her throat to catch the attention of the two Grand Dukes, who at the moment, were staring daggers at each other.


    I was in a hurry to meet you both because, as you can see, letters arrived this morning from the two kingdoms, Haband and Aether, said Vanessa.


    Are they up to something? asked Erna, The two kingdoms, I mean.


    I think so, too, said Kalion.


    An outsider would think that it was great fortune for the two Grand Dukes to agree with each other. But this was not so.


    Erna clicked her tongue. Tsk, tsk, think of something original for once, will you? she said.


    Perhaps you should keep your arrogance in check, said Kalion, scowling. Just because I agree doesnt mean I am copying you.


    Vanessa sighed and shook her head. First and foremost, I wish for you both to calm down and work together, she said, And then read the letters from the respective kingdoms to see what they want.


    Although ring at each other, they nodded. Vanessa handed the letters to them. Erna opened hers with a frown.What nonsense are they going to babble this time?Erna wondered. In the recent past, the Kingdom of Haband wasnt able to concoct a n to exert their influence over Hessenguard. Because they had fled when the gue hit. When the gue was finally over, Haband was attacked by the neighboring kingdom, so their energies were exerted there. Hessenguard had always fulfilled Habands demand, so there was no reason to create any kind of dispute.


    All in all, it hadnt been half bad. With the freedom she finally received, she could grow and nurture her power as the Archduke of Hessenguard. Erna recalled a time when she visited the mining area. Local residents had asked for her help because a magical creature had appeared there. She had gone there to help and led a group of wizards to deal with the creature. The people had been thankful to her. The support had made her feel ecstatic until she heard some whispering their wishes to see prince Kalion use his skill as well. That had dampened her mood.


    She brooded and opened the letter from Haband. The beginning of the letter was always as pretentious as they had ever been: greetings, asking after Ernas health, etc. She skipped to the middle of the letter to find out the main reason, the real intention.


    Theyre obviously going to ask for additional support for the war,she thought.Are they going to ask for more wheat? It has been a poor harvest this year.The Kingdom of Haband always demanded resources and money from Hessenguard. Erna was sure this letter wouldnt be any different.


    Erna, who thought she needed to discuss with the members of Hessenguards parliament, suddenly jumped to her feet as she read thest sentence of the paragraph. So did Kalion.


    What?! eximed both, An heir?!


    * * *


    Vanessa, seeing their reactions, left the conference hall to leave the two to discuss together. Only Erna and Kalion were in the room now. After ring at each other uncertainly, they sat down and read the letters again.


    The contents of the letter were pretty straightforward:


    The two kingdoms eagerly waited for an heir, as a symbol of a peaceful union, but showed their disappointment as they heard no news for about ten years. As a result, they expressed their worries about Hessenguards future and demanded that if they do not hear the news of an heir within the next year, they will send another royal to be the Grand DukeofHessenguard and both of them would be relieved of their duties.


    How dare they? thundered Erna in fury, crumpling her letter in her clenched fist.


    They had always been used as pawns, forced together when it suited the two kingdoms, abandoned when there was the danger of a gue and now this! Although Erna had been grateful for the abandonment because she had imed her freedom and learned magic with no one to humiliate her. She and Kalion had been able to break away from their oppressive homnds and do whatever they wished in Hessenguard.


    Not only that, Erna and Kalion had prepared and trained themselves so they could look after Hessenguard in their own way. And now the two kingdoms demanded a price for their freedom, or they would have them dragged back to their homnds, stripped off their titles!


    How dare they demand anything from us after what they have put us through?!Erne thought furiously. Erna had never thought of returning to that hellhole. That was part of the reason why she had trained so hard to hone her powers so that she could remain the Grand Duke and fulfill her responsibilities well. Erna shuddered imagining Haband dragging her forcefully back. She realized with a pang of helplessness that she couldnt stop them if they did. She had trained and grown her magic and strength for the past ten years, diligently. But it wont be enough to fight the whole military of Haband.


    It was evident that the two Kingdoms intended to pressure both Erna and Kalion.Erna tried to think of logical ways out of this situation. She came up with loads, but none of them were helpful, except


    If indeed, by the sheer impossibility of circumstance, she brought forth an heir, all problems would be solved. She looked up at Kalion at the other end of the table. He was the problem.


    They would have to.


    Erna tried not to cringe. They both looked at each other across the long table, unable to say anything. None of them had anything wrong with them physically. Kalion was okay. He had grown up well, his dark hair had be lustrous, his blue eyes had be sharper, no longer dull and despairing like he used to be.


    All the royals of Hessenguard, who attended the banquet in the recent past, seemed to look at Kalion with admiration. Many women too. They were married, indeed, for matters of legalities. But Erna had only felt indifference toward him. Their lives had been separate, following their own paths, not having to do anything with each other.


    But the physicality of the situation wasnt the problem. They couldnt possibly consummate their marriage and bring forth an heir magically. It just seemed so impossible. There had been no news of scandal regarding Kalion and other women. Nor Erna with other men. They had dedicated themselves to their training so wholly that none of them had given two crushed peas about anything else. Naturally, their days events and news were ryed to one another because in the face of thew, they were the reigning authority over Hessenguard and married to each other.

 Chapter 8

    Kalion opened his mouth to speak as he saw Erna was silent and frowning. What are you going to do? he asked.


    Me? she retorted, What areyougoing to do, might I ask?


    The two were always bickering. Only in public did the two use their formal titles to refer to each other respectfully. But away from other peoples eyes, they were always informal and somewhat rude to each other. Because of this, talking felt familiar rather than awkward. They never used each others names, they made up insulting names to throw at each other. It made them feel a little bit closer to each other in this time of distress. Kalion stood up from his seat, his eyes haunted by chaos, like it used to be in the past.


    Let me tell you this, I have no intention of giving up my position here and going back to that hellhole, he said, vehemently, And I know that it is the same for you. Am I wrong?


    You arent wrong, she said, I have no intention of going back to Haband.


    Your magical skills and your army of wizards, he said, with my soldiers and my skills with weapons is still not enough to fight the armies of the two powerful kingdoms, if theybine. We have only one way. Kalion stopped. He, then sighed. We need to produce an heir. He shook his head as though it was unthinkable.


    We need to do it as soon as possible, he said, cautiously, The letter said that we have to give them some form of news within a year. I heard it takes two months for a pregnancy to be confirmed. He looked at her questioningly.


    Probably, she said, I dont know for sure either. But the changes in the body start manifesting at that time. They say the magic makes it certain.


    So, minus two months, he said, pacing, It means we will have to produce an heir within ten months.


    Pausing for a while, he stared at Erna while tapping his fingers on the table. I dont want this to drag on for too long. Before winteres, I intend toplete a new order of knights that I am forming now. I might postpone it, but after seeing a few married couples around, there are many cases where having children doesnt go as nned.


    Erna, listening to Kalion, was a bit surprised. She had thought him indifferent to any matrimonial lifestyle but it seemed he had been observing couples and the probability of children.


    So, what do you propose? asked Erna.


    So we should get started quickly like I said. If possible He spoke in an indifferent tone as though he was looking through a food menu. But that wasnt fooling anyone. From today, if that is alright with you, he said.


    *


    Erna let out a few exhausted sighs, immersed in warm water in the tub.What am I supposed to do now?shemented.


    She had almost retorted with are you mad? when Kalion hadid out his proposal for today. But she realized it would have been uncalled for, seeing as they didnt have much of a choice. So she had said alright to his questioning stare. She had informed him that she would meet him today in the Couples room an hour before midnight.


    She let out a frustrated sigh. She felt disturbed and helpless at the prospect. Kalion had looked very calm. But she knew him. He was disguising his own distress. No matter what situation they had both been forced into, she tookfort in the fact that she wouldnt be the only one suffering this disgrace.


    Well, its not a big deal to men, blurted Erna aloud, flicking the surface of the bathwater with her finger. With the exception of Hessenguard, men in most kingdoms on the continent could have multiple wives. Therefore, it was standard for royals in Haband to have anywhere from two to five wives. The same went for Kalions hometown of the Kingdom of Aether.


    Kalion must be familiar with the way things were as well. To make a sessor was a duty and a virtue. Men of royalty took many wives and nted many seeds to make sure that there wasnt a shortage of heir when needed. Men didnt have to carry the child inside them and raise them, so what did they care who they nted their seeds in? Shameless pests!


    Erna recalled the ns she had set for this year. Just as Kalion was making all-out efforts to form his knights, Erna was also doing everything in her power to increase the number of wizards under hermand. She had dedicated her every waking hour to learn more magic and to make her group stronger.


    As was evident from todays letter, the grand-ducal was something that the kingdoms could bring down if they wanted, so they needed more power to defend themselves than the position of the grand-ducal.


    I was also going to try to bring people together and teach them at the end of the year.


    The whole n was expected to fall apart. In a rush of irritation again, Erna desperately tried to calm herself.


    Alright, she muttered, Might as well get done with it.


    She hadnt wanted things to go this way ever in her life, but one doesnt get everything one wanted in life. Erna hadnt forgotten their promise. Their position would be secured if they did this. If they produced a child, no one would dare to order them to step down from their position ever again. Erna stood up from the tub and approached the mirror on the wall.


    You can do it, she mumbled to her reflection, covered in a bathrobe. You are not scared. She stood in front of the mirror for a long while, whispering assurances and trying to convince herself that she was brave, bold and beautiful. That this was nothing.


    *


    Ding!


    At the sound of the grandfather clock, Erna lifted her eyes from the documents in front of her. The hour hand was now pointing to 11. Time to fulfill her promise. Standing half-dead like a cow being dragged to a ughterhouse, she looked in the mirror onest time.


    Usually she wore pajama pants in thefort of her room. But today, she wore a dress. It wasnt because of any intention to look pretty, though. She thought that in the face of what they had nned to do, a dress would be better essible to the other party.


    She now stood at the front of the couples bedroom. She sighed, frustrated. Her sighs never seemed to end today. Ernas trembling hand gripped the doorknob and turned it. In the past ten years, not once had shee to this room. This particr bedroom had all her traumas and nightmares epassed in its walls.


    She had had plenty of nightmares after that disgraceful night in this particr room with Kalion. The nightmares were always about a maid poking a cold, metal tool around her insides, with her legs forced apart. She would sometimes see herself wandering these hallways, people staring at her as though she was naked and exposed. The marriage bed and herself with Kalion on it.


    Erna shuddered with her hands on the doorknob.Dont think of anything,she told herself. Sweat rolled down the back of her neck.Should I just turn away?She hesitated at the door. What if she turned away from here, walked back to her room, studied the document, sipped some warm tea, practiced a bit of magic, and went to sleep. What if she forgot all this as just a bad dream?


    Most probably, Kalion would storm up to her room and demand why she hadnt kept her promise. Kalion hated her as much as she hated him. The first night of their marriage had left this deep-seated hatred for each other, and with good reason. Giving him more reason to hate her, although an enticing prospect, wouldnt make it easier for them to do what needed to be done. It would not solve their problems. She cannot brush this off with I am tired today because it will be the same the day after and so on.


    There was no choice. There remained the disgusting task of making a sessor. Erna summoned all her courage and opened the door.


    This particr door had been closed for ten long years, obviously the hinges were rusty. She closed her eyes and stepped inside, and was surprised that the room felt warm as her own. She opened her eyes to a zing firece, decanter and sses on the table, and Kalion leaning back on a sofa.


    Youre here, he said and stood up from his perch.


    He walked towards her. Erna swallowed hard as he reached her and stood before her. The only thing she noticed was how big he was. She knew that he was tall and well-built. As was she. She had always had a well-built physique, delicate wasnt the word she liked or associated with. But the closeness felt like a dash of ice water as she realized that he indeed looked huge whenpared to her. She tried not to look at his forearms, which looked muscr, huge and sturdy.


    The air lingered with the smell of alcohol. She shifted her gaze to the decanter and sses on the table. She was stunned. Kalion never touched alcohol, much less drank it. He always left his wine untouched at meals. She had also heard from the knights he travelled with, that he never touched beer at inns as well. From the smell alone, she could guess that the alcohol on the table was quite a strong one.


    Her eyebrows shot up. This was a day full of shocks for her, one after the other.Liquid courage,she thought. It put her mind a little at ease that Kalion didnt know what he was doing, too. That he was as nervous and anxious as her. The idea of doing this together was so preposterous for both of them that Kalion couldnt even bear to think of it sober.

 Chapter 9

    Erna immediately turned around and went out of the room. A little whileter, she came back to the couple bedroom with a decanter in a hand and a ss in another. Erna had picked the strongest alcohol she could find from her collection and downed a ss of it, hastily.


    Why didnt I think about that?She thought. She felt like a fool. Unlike Kalion, she loved her liquor. But she always held out on drinking a lot because once she got drunk, it was difficult to use her magic. But today, no magic was needed. She downed the half of the alcohol remaining in her ss. This fruity liquor was especially made in the southern region of Hessenguard. It was the regions delicacy. Although sweet in taste, the alcohol was quite strong. Usually, it was drunk after diluted with water or ice. But she didnt care, she drank it undiluted. She needed it.


    It took only a few sips for the effects to kick in. Ernas stomach started to burn, heat rose to her cheeks. When she lifted a hand to her cheeks, it was hot. Her vision started to go blurry. Normally, she hated feeling this way, so she always kept herself in check while drinking. She liked being in the right mindset at all times because she could use magic that way. But today was different. She didnt want to be able to think. She didnt want to be sober.


    When everything began to tilt in her vision, she shuffled towards the big bed in the middle of the room. Shey down on it and heaved a deep breath. Kalion was looking at her, silent and sneaky.What in hell Do I have to tell him everything?she cursed.


    Do it, she snapped.


    Do what? he asked.


    She let fly some swear words. Hurry up and do what we are here to do, she snapped, You how how to, I expect. Erna clenched her jaw, as she clenched her fists to her side.


    The technicalities were that when a man was aroused, he would insert his shaft into the intimate female parts. That was the intercourse Erna knew about. People who were in love did it mostly. She knew it would hurt. Erna didnt like pain. Though it was said that it begins to hurt less as one bes more sexually proficient.


    I have never done it before, I know it will hurt,she thought and wondered about Kalion. It was said that if one of the partners is experienced enough, they could lessen the pain and change it to pleasure. Erna felt the goosebumps prickle up her arms. She didnt like pain, but thinking about pleasure from Kalion made her want to vomit. Just the thought of what she was going to do with Kalion made her shudder.


    It had been ten years now, and still Ernas hostility towards kalion hadnt changed an ounce. It was the same for Kalion. Perhaps they wouldnt murder each other in their sleep, but there was no love lost between them.


    However, Erna was reluctant to look at Kalion. All this brought forth the memory from their wedding night. The disgraceful marriage and the night after. Whenever she saw him, she tried her hardest to avoid him. He was present that night. He brought out all the bad memories. So she tried to walk the other way when she saw himing. Everytime.


    Erna heard him walking towards the bed. She became still on the bed.I hope it gets over soon,she thought. She had read about it in a book. The time differed from person to person, it said. She wasnt sure how long this would take, she had no one to ask about it. She just prayed it would be over soon.


    It didnt matter. She would endure it no matter how long itsted. Hopefully, it will be over soon and she can go back to her room.


    *


    Kalions days were very meticulous. Out of bed at half past five in the morning, breakfast at six, attend a meeting with Congress after checking in with the knights at seven. If there was no meeting, he would go to the field and train with the knights. Lunch at noon. Meeting again. If not, training sessions on different weapons. Then dinner at seven in the evening. After that he went to his room, looked through documents, and read a book. He would do anything he fancied and went to bed at midnight.


    Since his recovery, he had been moving every day ording to this routine. But not today. From the time Vanessa had called him for a meeting, he had felt this deep foreboding that something bad was going to happen. His mood had been low ever since.


    Kalion hated Erna. His first memory of her was her standing nervously, staring at him in a state of shock as he entered the wedding venue. Erna was used to beingughed at. She was always frowning. But that day, her expression had been of pure astonishment, perhaps thats why he remembered her so vividly.


    He hadnt been on the verge of starvation from the beginning. He was the first son of King Aethers beloved second queen, so he had pretty much been the object of his parents affection from a very young age. They simply adored him.


    Kalion had been a very aplished child, good in everything. Even more so than his two older brothers. He aced academics, swordsmanship and even on looks. The King had designated him as his sessor, even though he wasnt the oldest child. Kalion had to grow a little more, and then he would be the crown prince. However, everything had fallen apart on his tenth birthday.


    It had been a normal day. He had decided to engage himself more on sword practice. That summer day he had drunk something that had been usually given to him. It was what he drank everyday. That day, the drink seemed strange and he had started vomiting blood.


    He had been in bed for one week in a state of unconsciousness. His mother was by his bedside, her eyes red from crying. His father was there too, stiff-faced. He had tried to talk to them but his voice was gone. He couldnt utter a word.


    He woke up again to find the medic by his bedside. His parents had left. The medic exined to him that he had swallowed a very dangerous poison. His oesophagus and stomach had burnt from within. A wizard close to the royals had used his magic in time to prevent any permanent damage to his vitals. Still, despite all magic and medicine, his body would take a very long time to fully recover, and even then, he might not recoverpletely.


    The medic has assured him that knowing him, he would recover in no time but it was important for him to not over-stress his body and take his medicines on time. Kalion had heeded the medic and took care of his body. He did everything he was told to do. Kalion had thought everything would indeed be alright. He thought wrong.


    He had noticed that he couldnt even keep down water. Every time he raised his hands to hold a ss of water, his hands would shake. His whole body would tremble, followed by a violent fit of cough. It had been difficult for him to swallow any form of liquid after that. Eating food was even worse. Whenever he thought about eating, or food was ced in front of him, a fear gripped him and his body refused to ept the meals. The medic had kindly exined to him that the psychological state was because of the trauma of having swallowed the poison. This fear had never left him.


    In the beginning, his parents had been very supportive but as time went by, they started bing annoyed at him and his behavior. You just need to control it, Kalion, they would say, You can ovee it if you have a strong willpower.


    Not being able to eat or drink, Kalions body had shrivelled up. His cheeks had be sunken with yellowish pallor. His skin sagged and clung to his body. His muscles that he had earned through hard-work had all but disappeared. Kalion looked and felt miserable. His mother had been ill at ease, she summoned his teacher and instructed him to teach Kalion in the pce. She was of the opinion that he cant lie down on bed forever. But because of his deteriorating health, it was excruciating for Kalion to concentrate in ss. He didnt understand a thing of what he was being taught.


    This had gone on for five months with no good news. The king no longer sought after his son. It seemed he was in no mood to dere Kalion the crown prince, regarding his condition. His mother had recognized the kings change of heart. No matter the effort and the alternatives undertaken to make him feel better, Kalion gave no sign of improvement. They had, atst, thought of one final solution. Their parents had nned for a new baby.


    Ten monthster, she had given birth to a boy. A healthy, intelligent boy, just like Kalion had been in the past. Their parents showered all their attention and affection to this new baby boy, not unlike how Kalion had been treated in the recent past. The pce had been given to the new prince, while Kalion had been transferred to another. The visits from the doctors, and teachers dwindled to once a month. The number of servants who were stationed to attend him dwindled as well. It seemed Kalion was fading from everyones memory.


    On his birthday, when no one came looking for him, he knew. He had known it for quite a while now. He no longer existed as a person to others. No one cared. Several yearster, kalion received an order from the king, the first order in a long long time. An order to go to the Duchy of Hessenguard as a proud royal to represent Aether.


    Kalion cursed inwardly and stared down at Erna on the bed, as he recalled his past. Ernay there, with her face covered with her arms, as though she couldnt bear looking at him. Kalion sighed. They hated each other in equal measure and yet their lives had been ravaged and damaged on both sides causing simr pain. The deed had to be done if there was to be any chance of them saving themselves from their homnd and the painful memories associated with their respective ces.


    What now?He wondered. Kalion wasnt ignorant about sex from the things he had seen and heard from his knights. He was contemting how to finish the deed as soon as possible with as little contact.

 Chapter 10

    He stared again at Erna lying on the perfectly made-up bed. He was unable to look at her in the same way as he had in the past.


    When Erna strolled down the road, members of the knights division would blush and straighten their postures self-consciously, and when Kalion was away, they would talk freely among themselves about how she was the most beautiful woman in Hessenguard. Kalion couldnt have agreed more. Putting his personal feelings aside, Erna was incredibly beautiful, though this fact didnt draw any emotion from him.


    Without a single ounce of lust in him, he wondered how he was going to finish this loveless act as quickly as possible, without having to touch her any more than was necessary.


    Sobbing beneath him, she coldly whispered, I hate you.


    Caught off guard, he looked down at her in shock and saw tears cascading down the sides of her flustered cheeks, her face mostly covered by her delicate pale arms. She didnt even want to look at him and he felt oddly rejected in that brief moment as his ego took a hard blow, as if hed been punched in the gut.


    Kalion froze He felt humiliated. If someone else were to see her like this, what would they think of him? A half-dressed man, lying on top of a small woman who was sprawled across a bed, in tears. Hed be a dead man if anyone saw him like this, and an uneasiness immediately swept over him.


    Although he had been the one to initiate this whole thing tonight, the truth was, he hadnt had any intention of doing it immediately. He had thought that it would be a good idea to start soon, but he didnt think shed agree so easily, since Erna argued about everything normally.


    So, when hed suggested they do it today, during a casual conversation, he figured theyd start in a month or so at the earliest. It would be natural to take time to prepare oneself for this kind of thing.


    However, she had not only agreed but had also chosen the exact time and location! As the hour drew near, hed be more and more nervous. Such a thing had never happened to him before and he needed to prepare himself mentally. But how could he? This wasnt how hed expected this to turn out!


    When ten oclock came around, Kalion eventually took a ss jar from the wooden disy cab, after staring nkly at it for quite some time, and poured some of the dark yellow liquid into a fine crystal whiskey ss. Though he didnt like to drink alcohol, he needed this tonight.


    He walked across the spacious room and stood in front of the door on the left side of it, clutching his ss tightly; the door that hadnt once been opened since that humiliating first night together. After taking a deep breath, he slowly turned therge bronze door handle and gently opened it. To his surprise, the room looked exactly as it had then, and it sent shivers down his spine. Everyone in the dukes castle knew that Kalion and Erna had not set foot in this room together since that awful night.


    This is what it has alle down to,he thought.


    The cleanliness of the room, which had been neglected for ten years, shocked him. Logs of wood burned in the firece making a pleasant crackling sound. It was inviting as if someone had known that they were going to use this room tonight. Of course, that couldnt be, but it looked as if someone had been preparing it like this every day, anticipating this asion.


    After cing the now half-empty ss on the well-crafted dark wooden table, Kalion sat down on the emerald green sofa, outlined with a thick gold trimming. He thought of the people of Hessenguard who were anticipating the birth of a sessor from Kalion and Erna for the two kingdoms. Erna and he had little affection for each others kingdoms though, and he had be more obsessed with the position of Grand Duke of Hessenguard and had moved to Hessenguard. The wealth of this country would lead to his wealth. On top of that, the Hessenguard Council, which had been very supportive since his childhood, guaranteed his activities.


    Under these circumstances, there was nothing good for the people of Hessenguard when a new duke arrived.


    Kalion took a sip of the alcohol he had brought with him. The potent whiskey sloshed down his throat, prompting a sigh. His mind raced as he looked around the room. Seeing it the same way it had looked before brought a vivid memory of that day back to life.


    Nowadays, he had no problem eating, even if it was still ufortable to do so. His body was bigger and firmer than other knights, and his duties were being performed well and with no problems. But since entering this room, he couldnt stop thinking about himself in the past and also the fact that he had to have intercourse with Erna in a little while. He wondered if he could do it.


    Despite thinking about it, Kalion didnt even feel slightly aroused. Perhaps because of the memory of his young self; he had never been moved even when he saw an attractive woman.


    Sometimes, when he journeyed to nearby towns, young noblewomen from the local county estates would try to seduce him.


    Since only a child born by Erna will be recognized as a Hessenguard sessor lets just enjoy it without caring, theyd whisper.


    Theyd all been beautiful women. Their extraordinary faces and luscious bodies would surely lure any warm-blooded man. When they approached him with such temptation, there shouldve been no option but to sumb. Yet, not once had Kalion reacted to such tant seduction.


    This was why he suspected that something was wrong with his body. But, after waking up to find his manhood about to burst through his pajama pants, his doubts were set at bay. Since his body had never reacted to seeing a beautiful woman, he worried if hed be able to be intimate with Erna at all. The difference between not wanting to do it and not beingableto do it was immense.


    He irritably rubbed his hands on his face as he looked down.


    What the hell is going on? he said out loud.


    Normally, hed be looking at all the documents presented to him without any of these embarrassing thoughts in his mind. He felt like a student with a dunce hat on right now, ashamed and miserable.


    He shouldve consulted with Cedric. Kalion thought of his deputy, amoner with a foul mouth and perhaps one of the knights who wouldnt lose to anyone with lewdness, although he was said to be frivolous. Despite this, Cedric was talented and worked well.


    If Kalion had received advice from him about this evening, what would he have said? Perhaps something like Sir, are you worried that you cant keep it up? and then chuckle at him all year, or worse, look at him with genuine pity?


    Kalion shook his head and took another swallow of whiskey. Despite rarely ever drinking, he wasnt drunk, even after a few sses and he realized how resilient his body was to alcohol.


    His thoughts were interrupted when he heard the sound of another door opening out in the hallway.


    The instant he lifted his head, he fell speechless. There stood Erna, hovering in the doorway, wearing a thin white silk negligee which clung to her form in all the right ces. Her hair was wet and looked a darker shade of gold than usual, and her pale face glowed without the addition of any makeup.


    Kalion had to admit it, Erna looked beautiful and he caught himself ncing at her twice. Beautiful to the point where, if she approached someone looking the way she did now and beckoned with even just a flick of the hand so many men would fall on their knees with that single gesture.


    But to Kalion, it was homely Erna. No matter how beautiful she was, all he thought of, was a young girl who had red at him ten years ago as if she were ready to shoot daggers at him from her big wide-set eyes.


    Youre here, she said almost dismissively.


    Kalion rose from the sofa, after recovering his senses, which had been momentarily shaken. He wanted to finish this quickly. ording to the book on reproduction, pregnancy could ur at once, but it may also take several months. How would he be able to keep this up for months? He hadnt even started yet and his neck already felt tense.


    Standing in front of Erna, he looked down at her small frame, had she always been this small? Usually, in the grand dukes castle, they kept their distance from one another. The closest theyd ever gotten was in the meeting room. Though even then, they had sat at opposite ends of the table. As a result, Kalion thought she looked bigger whenever he saw her standing among others. But, standing like this in front of her now, surprisingly, the top of her head barely touched his shoulder. Of course, with others she came up only to their chests, so she was indeed short but he felt somehow strange at how small she waspared to him, considering that she was taller than him when hed first met her. At their wedding ceremonywearing her dazzling white wedding gown that had looked like it was about to burstErna had been taller than Kalion. He vividly recalled having to get on his tiptoes to kiss her after their vows had been exchanged.


    While gazing at her, lost in thought, Erna suddenly turned on her heel and headed briskly out the door. He was startled and confused by her sudden behavior.


    What was that about? Did she think he couldnt perform because he hadnt been able to utter a word to her as yet? He sank back into the sofa and wondered if he should go after her, and ask why she had left, but she just as quickly returned. In her hand was a fruity liqueur that Kalion had seen before. She poured some in a ss and gulped it down. Kalion twisted his face at her. It was a hell of a hard drink. Taking it like that would make his throat sting. But she had drunk it like it was water.


    Sure enough, Ernas eyes were soon at ease. Kalion stared at her unpredictable behavior. Then all of a sudden she jumped into the bed and said to him,


    Hurry up and do it. You know how to, right?


    The dreaded moment had arrived. About to remove his clothes, he stopped dead instead, then turned to get off the bed. But Ernas handtched onto him from behind.


    Where are you going? Do it quickly!


    Turning his head around, he saw her eyes beginning to well up. Kalion remembered seeing her like this. Exactly ten years ago, in this room, on that night. Erna, who had been sitting with a nket wrapped around her, loathing everything, had had the same sad and distant look on her face as she did now.

 Chapter 11

    Youre drunk, said Kalion as he yanked his sleeve out of her grasp. There was no way that shedy a hand on him if shed been in a sober frame of mind.


    Ernashed back at him, Of course I am! How else do you expect me to do this? Just get it over with or are you incapable of doing it? If thats the case, just be honest and tell it as it is!


    Kalion had to bite his lip at Ernas outburst which was not her usual provocation. They had a knack for getting on each others nerves. Her continued mocking words about his inability to get an erection reverberated in his mind. It felt as if someone had taken a sharp-edged sword and sliced deeply through his pride.


    Adding fuel to the fire, Erna mockingly said, Youre not all that great anyway. Just get hard, put it in, and ejacte. If you cant even do that


    At that moment, Kalion snapped. He lifted his hand to her forehead and pressed down hard with his pointer finger. Erna, who was now standing, toppled over onto therge four-poster bed. He couldnt believe she had stumbled from just the force of his finger. When she opened her eyes again, his massive body hovered over her.


    Right, I am not great at this, Kalion said, gritting his teeth, So just deal with it!


    Still reeling from her icy words, he roughly spread her legs open with his solid knees. Ernas face went paler than usual as his beefy body found afortable spot between her legs, and she held her breath in fearful anticipation. It felt as if he was about to devour her alive!


    A sense of shame rippled through Kalions body as he hesitantly reached out to grab her thin negligee, trying to avoid touching her as he pulled it open to expose her slender body. Their rtionship was based on an agreement, yet he felt as if he was raping her and her drunken tears made him more conscious to avoid touching her in any other way than was needed.


    Does it have to be like this? Do I have to go through with this?he thought regretfully.


    She refused to open the negligee herself, perhaps feeling as if it was amand from him and he felt like dying in many ways as he did it himself.


    How could he feel so dirty?


    While he was clenching his jaw and moving his hands, Erna, no doubt ufortable from having her legs forced open, started tossing and turning beneath him. As a result, both their bodies touched, skin on skin and surprised by the unexpected contact, he lost his bnce. On impulse, he held his arms out to steady himself. However, what was under his hands was not the beds mattress but the bare flesh of Ernas legs. Kalion, whose hands were now gripping soft, delicate thighs, hastily removed his hands off of her body and impulsively brushed them off as if hed identally touched a lump of hot coal.


    He questioned if what he had just touched a moment ago was a real person. Why did she feel so smooth and so soft?


    Touching Ernas skin unexpectedly felt unusually pleasant to Kalion and it was a sensation he was unustomed to feeling. He knew very well what it felt like to squeeze another persons flesh. Didnt he wrestle with other knights every day to train himself? As knights, they not only learned sword skills, they trained their bodies too to avoid bodily damage during a fight without a sword, so physical fitness also had to be studied and practiced as a skill. Twisting arms behind the back, neck strangtion, and learning how to break legs were part of his daily routine, and having practiced these skills for so long, he knew exactly how skin, muscles, and bones felt in his grasp. He naively assumed that a womans body would feel the same.


    While still brushing his hands off, he looked down at the flesh he had just held a moment ago. The area above Ernas long, thin, pale legs had turned a light red color.


    How absurd. How could skin change color like that, almost instantaneously, just from the touch of another person? And how could it be so smooth?


    The skin hed felt a few seconds ago was most certainly different from the knights rough skin, this was a smooth texture hed experienced for the first time. If he had to find a simr feeling, it was almost like the silk outfit he sometimes wore at events. It wasnt a bad feeling, it just caught him by surprise. However, Kalion now wiped his hands on his clothes like a madman because it was Ernas flesh, which unsettled him.


    Erna sighed loudly after seeing his reaction to her body, and in a defensive tone spat at him, Youre not the only one who feels like shit you know!


    Kalion, who was about to say he was more surprised as opposed to feeling shitty, mped his mouth shut. It didnt matter how he felt anyway. He tried to get his act together again. The goal was still the same: Finish quickly and get out of this room!


    Whatever happens, dont be shocked, and dont stop until the deed is done,he thought.


    Ernas body flinched and twitched as he once again pulled her negligee up. Looking down, all he saw was a tiny waist, long well-shaped legs, and in white panties which covered her womanhood. The decision to finish quickly and get out of this room was instantly shattered as he looked at her mostly exposed body. When he had entered the room earlier, he had been certain he could get the job done and leave in no time. That was no longer the case.


    What was it about a naked womans body that made him feel this way? It was made up of flesh and bones just like a mans body. If Cedric heard this, hed stare directly into Kalions eyes, and with a humorous look on his face, say, Sir, you cannot be serious.


    But he was being serious now, although he just couldnt understand why he felt so agitated. Was it perhaps that she was curvaceous and thinner than him? No, that wasnt it. It was the same person, whether or not she was clothed or half undressed. His eyes were locked, staring tantly at the curved lines that couldnt be found on a mans body. The more that the reality of the situation sunk in, the more he clenched his jaw.


    His mind tried to convince him that there was nothing to it. He just needed to pull her panties off and spread her legs, and insert his manhood into her after getting an erection that was the problem though, he couldnt get aroused.


    Shit, he blurted.


    Even Erna, in the intoxicated state she was in, flinched at the harsh sound that emanated from the back of his throat.


    Kalion had confirmed it to himself, he couldnt touch her. A war was raging in his mind, he knew he had to try one more time. He was about to lift his hand to grab her panties, but he struggled to bring his hand close to her, let alone touch the flimsy undergarment.


    Was it embarrassment or shyness? Never before had he felt such confusing feelings, and desperation to reach an oue. For what reason should he be hesitating like this?


    And then, finally, it struck him, like a solid blow to the head Hatred!


    Ten years ago, hatred was the sole emotion that had flowed between Erna and Kalion. The memory of her yelling out, Ill kill you if you touch me on this bed!, was still vivid in his mind. It all made sense now and he hurriedly hoisted himself up and got off the bed. Erna followed suit, lowering her negligee and grabbing a woolen nket to wrap herself in; just as she had done ten years ago. After a long and awkward silence, she fell t on the bed without saying a word.


    Kalion approached the four-poster bed, unsure of how to proceed but Erna seemed uninterested in his advance and curled her body up into a fetal position, a subconscious defense mechanism. Kalion backed away slowly and returned to the emerald green sofa, taking a deep swallow of whiskey to settle his nerves. History had just repeated itself. Their appearances may have changed, but their behavior was no different from that of a decade ago.


    *


    Ernas breathing stopped briefly when she opened her eyes. Her body was tightly bound by something. She squealed frantically, What the hell is this?


    A pain immediately shot up from inside her as she spoke, forcing out a groan. Her mind was desperately trying to find an answer.


    Whats happening? What is this ce? What in the world has happened to me? This doesnt look like the grand dukes castle.


    Something like this could never happen to her in the grand dukes castle. Erna blinked her eyes, trying to adjust her vision. With a throbbing headache, she began to realize, little by little, what kind of situation she was in.


    She let out a sigh of relief as she said, A nket.


    She honestly thought she had been bound, but then she realized it was a woolen nket that kept her trapped. Wriggling her neck about, she managed to stick her head outpletely and took a deep breath. Instead of the hot and stale air from inside of it, fresh air now filled her lungs. She scanned the surroundings while taking more deep breaths.


    Despite her hazy vision, Erna realized right away that she was not in the familiarfort of her room, and when she tried to get up, a pain hit her that almost made her faint.


    Ouch! she yelled loudly.


    While grabbing her forehead and sitting upright, she recalled the fruity liqueur she had downed the night before. Why did I drink that? she cursed herself.


    At that moment, she heard a voice from behind her.


    You are awake, said Kalion sarcastically.


    Erna jolted at the unexpected sound of a mans voice, prompting her to turn around quickly. Kalion was sitting right there. She was about to scurry back, but she got caught in the pesky woolen nket and fell back. Rolling on the bed like a caterpir, she struggled out of it and shouted, What is this? Why are you here?


    I guess youre still out of it You remember what happenedst night, right? You should at least remember up until the liqueur kicked in, he said.


    Kalions voice was strained as if hed been to hell and back. At his words, Erna started to recall, one by one, the events of the previous evening: the letter sent by the two kingdoms, and the agreement between the married couple; entering the room for the first time in ten years; drinking the liqueur, and the attempt at intercourse.


    She quickly patted her body down. Fortunately, she had worn her silk negligee during the act, or at least she thought she had but she couldnt quite remember. She was checking between her legs when she asked Kalion, Did we do it?


    Do what? he asked.


    I asked: did we do it?! she said in a demanding tone.


    Like someone had removed a piece of her memory, she couldnt remember a thing after drinking the fruity liqueur. But one thing was certain, she hadid down on the bed at some point and ordered Kalion to do it.

 Chapter 12

    Surely we must have done it? Erna felt perplexed. An old saying came to her mind which said that Men could fulfill their sexual desire at any time, even with a woman they didnt have feelings for. Kalion had said he wanted to get it over with quickly, so Erna presumed that was what had transpired.


    While she checked her body once again, to be sure, Kalion shook the empty whiskey bottle and took a long, deep breath, and softly said, I think we need to talk.


    Alright, lets talk, Erna said unenthusiastically.


    I couldnt do it, said Kalion in a defeated tone, quite unlike his normal self.


    Erna wrapped herself in thefort of the woolen nket and sat on the bed, listening intently as he rted the events of the previous evening.


    So what stopped you then? she asked. Her voice indicated that she was baffled. Kalion approached the bed where Erna was sitting; an irritated look across his face, but stopped halfway and retraced his footsteps.


    You know what, why dontyoutry it? he said sternly.


    Try what? she replied.


    Ohe on, stop acting like you dont know what Im talking about. This is the problem between you and me. Im the only one trying. So how about you try it this time?


    What are you saying? she asked innocently.


    Men say that they can have sex without involving emotions. But from what Ive seen, I believe women can too. Even though its taboo to talk about it, we all know that it happens.


    Erna was speechless at Kalions words, she was naive in a lot of ways but after pondering what hed said, it did make sense. He wasnt wrong in what he said.


    What now? Cantyoudo it? he said, challenging her.


    Erna was now clenching her jaw. Looking at his face  which screamed out, I knew it!  she could see the auspicious omen unfolding. Her head pounded from the strong liqueur shed consumed, as she unwrapped the nket from her body, and swung her legs off of the bed. Kalion stood directly in front of her and stared at her in expectation.


    She felt mortified by his brazen attitude, as if he viewed her as ady of the night, exchanging her services for mary gain. But she sat still before him, swallowing what she wanted to say; he would feel indifferent to anything she said now.


    What do I do now?Erna recalled the process of intercourse, from books shed read and gossip shed overheard in the castle. She knew that a mans penis needed to get erect Her thoughts stopped there, her eyes were glued to the area between his solid legs. This time, she was in a position to undress him, just as he had demanded her to dost night. She reached out her trembling hands.


    Just grab them and pull them down. Thats all you have to do.


    But, just before touching him, she recoiled. Kalion didntugh at her behavior. Instead, he said with a serious face, You hate me.


    She nodded her aching head vigorously at his words. He continued to speak with a nonchnt look on his handsome face as if he knew that shed say that. And I hate you. This is the problem.


    What do you mean?


    As soon as Erna replied, Kalion inhaled deeply and said, We hate each other so much that a mere touch from one another is sickening. How do you think we can make a sessor this way?


    Then what do you suggest we do? Erna was nervously biting her nails.


    As Kalion had said, their flesh must inevitably meet. However, as it was impossible to even do that, quite frankly, it didnt seem like theyd be able to procreate.


    Firstly, Kalion said with a somber face, we have to get to a point where we can put up with each other!


    * * *


    Erna heard a light knocking on her slightly ajar bedroom door. She could make out the silhouette of Orp, her assistant. Looking past her, she saw the big, detailed old grandfather clock, carved out of pristine wood, at the end of the hallway. Since the hour hand was pointing at twelve, it would be time for most of the people in the Grand Castle to eat lunch. But this was also Ernas time to wake up.


    She often went to bedte and woke upte. However, it wasnt because she waszy. By nature, magic became stronger and more manageable during the night hours, whilst everyone slept and the world calmed down. Therefore, the wizard Erna used that time to study and practice magic.


    As Orp was about to open the door, thinking that she should go inside and draw the curtains, as per usual, a voice came from inside, Orp,e in please.


    She hurriedly opened the door fully and then stood in shock. Duchess!


    As soon as shed stepped into therge, spacious bedroom, she saw Erna sitting in front of her desk. Orp quickly approached her and looked over her slowly.


    Did something happen? What woke you up? My word! And youre already dressed!


    Erna ced a hand on her forehead and shook the other at her assistants turbulent voice, Can you lower your voice, my head still hurts


    Hurts how? asked Orp.


    I have a hangover.


    A hangover! Orp couldnt believe the unfolding situation. Not only had Erna woken up before her assistant was supposed to wake her up, but she was already fully dressed. And now she had a hangover on top of that! Your Grace, I thought you didnt drink alcohol. Orp stared at the woman in front of her, wondering if she was the Erna she knew.


    Whats with that weird look in your eyes?


    Its just, I cant believe it. Duchess, is that you? Did something happen that I should know about?


    Indeed something has happened, though she couldnt just tell her openly.


    While Erna was clutching her ever-pounding head, Orp clicked her tongue and tended to her duty of drawing the curtains and opening the windows. As soon as a fresh breeze drifted in, Erna leaned on the desk feeling like she might live after all.


    Ill bring up a dish thats a good cure for your hangover, your Grace. She ced a notepad on top of a smaller table in the corner of the room, wrote something down, then threw it up in the air. It quickly swirled around mid-air and flew out of the window as if it had grown a pair of wings and came alive.


    Orp was a member of Ernas first team of trainee wizards. She had originally worked as aundry maid in the Grand Castle, and now followed Erna who had changed her life so dramatically. Even as a wizard, she was excellent, but she had be an assistant on ount of her excellent abilities to assist Erna with her duties as well.


    You failed a few times, but I see you can do it now. Erna gazed proudly at Orp, who was now naturally using the magic she had taught her.


    Yes. It was a little bit difficult to specify where you wanted to send it, but if its in the Grand Castle, theres no big problem anymore. Ive exined it to the other wizards, so please take a look after you have finished eating.


    Sure, I will.


    Erna thought of the wizards under hermand. The all-female group consisted of members who had been found and trained by her. Her most affectionate wizard group, which had made its first official appearancest year, when they had taken care of the monsters in the southern region of Hessenguard. The Hessenguard Council had been truly delighted and looked forward to their future endeavors. Erna was well-pleased about the fact that her trainees had be the military power for the state of Hessenguard. They were evidence of her efforts to survive up until now, and she would never leave all of this behind to go back to Haband. So, she would grit her teeth and devote herself to making a sessor.


    With her thoughts now on the sessor again, Erna, whod made up her mind, said to Orp, who was checking todays schedule, Orp, I have something I want to ask you.


    What is it?


    If you had to be close to someone you hated with all your heart, how would you go about doing it?


    Orp thought deeply about the unexpected question. Then she soon found an answer, What has made you ask such a thing? If its someone I hate with all my heart, instead of trying to get close, why not bury them? Sheid down the frightening answer with a quizzical look on her face.


    Oh, goodness. No, burying is not an option. Through an unavoidable circumstance, you have to let them live.


    Orp thought it would be fun to y along with the question, but when she saw the serious look on Ernas face, she thought about it once more, twirling her finger in the air. Oh, is it to appease an enemy?


    Erna rubbed her throbbing head again at Orps answer. She would sooner die than tell her she was talking about Kalion. On top of that, quite frankly, Kalion was Public Enemy No. 1 in her eyes. The two were rivaling for the Grand Dukes throne, where only one person could be seated.


    Lets just say its simr to that. In a situation like that, what would be the best thing to do?


    Orp hummed, Wouldnt it be important to get familiar with each other first?


    Get familiar with each other? How so?


    Well, first, you have to get them to drop their guard. While being in the same ce together for a long time, its also important to get used to the other person. Its only when you dont care much if youre next to them, that you can eitherfort them or attack them.


    Erna was now frowning at Orps response.


    Staying in the same ce with Kalion? Over a long period?


    Over the years, when they had seen each other, they had avoided one another or sat at opposite ends of the table, sneering. Every time they had been in the same space together, they had constantly been disgusted by the others existence, and just the thought of having to continue to do it made her feel nauseous.


    Orps voice interrupted her nightmarish thoughts, when she boldly said, Never mind that. Please take a look at todays schedule and the documents that arrived this morning. If your hangover is too much to handle though, I can remove some of the less important things that need to be done.


    No, its alright. I cant change my schedule once its already set. Erna would just have to suffer in silence with her hangover for the remainder of the day.

 Chapter 13

    If you dont do it all today, it wont be a big deal. You arent feeling well, so there is no need to force yourself, Your Grace. Orp insisted.


    Thats enough now Orp! How can I clear my schedule because Im hungover? I cannot do that! Erna snapped, feeling self-pity.


    Orp stared at Erna for a moment and with a hint of defiance said, Duchess, no one will me you for taking a break.


    I wont clear my schedule!


    Yes, as you wish. You will have ate lunch. My memo might not have arrived at the correct ce, so Ill go and see if it did indeed get there.


    Okay, and one favor please, could you bring some cold water on your way back?


    The assistant nodded to signal shed heard Erna and then left the room. Her face was grim as she was heading to the kitchen.I think she should rest some more.


    Erna would say she was fine, even if her assistant rmended her to rest, she was stubborn like that. Erna had no days off. The maids in the Grand Castle had one or two days off in a week, and there wasnt a single day when she didnt tend to her trainee wizards, nor did the lights ever go out in her room. Before meeting her, Orp hadnt liked her.


    Orps hometown was Hessenguard. So, naturally, she didnt wee a Grand Duke or Duchess who was a conqueror from abroad  she favored the deep-rooted legacy of Hessenguard. When Erna had first asked her to work for her because she had the qualifications as a wizard, although she had been happy to leave her maid status, she hadnt been thrilled to work with Erna so closely. That conversation about being in the same space with someone you couldnt stand that was her story.


    She had hidden her true feelings from Erna, and they had spent a lot of time together as a trainee and trainer. After a while, Orp had figured it out. Erna, who had thought she was a scarecrow who did whatever the Kingdom of Haband told her to do, had made a face like shed seen the most terrible thing in the world whenever a letter hade from Haband.


    On top of that, Orp had thought Erna would ignore the Hessenguard Council, but she had attended meetings withwmakers and respected their opinions as much as she could. Even when deciding on policies, she had chosen ones with Hessenguards best interests in mind and had given less to the two kingdoms. And, she had tended to her political affairs every day with no break while still educating her trainees as well. Erna had worked so vehemently for Hessenguard that Orp questioned if she were a human! Before Orp knew it, she had begun following her wholeheartedly, regardless of her underlying dislike of her. When the beasts attacked, she flew off into the woods, pretty much glued to Ernas side. Orp had gotten so used to being with her.


    Recalling their conversation, she pondered about who Erna hated. Naturally, someone came to mind right away: none other than her husband Kalion. People outside the Grand Castle didnt know this, but at least everyone here knew that their rtionship had been on the rocks for years. They were never on the same wavelength, or worse perhaps there was more to the story. Orp smiled bitterly.Can it be so?


    How could Erna step up to the te and get acquainted with such a man? Seeing that the two werent close, it was hard for Orp to even imagine it was Kalion.Then, who is it,she thought curiously.


    While Orp was still wondering over who Erna was talking about, she heard a familiar voice calling her.


    Orp! Cedric bellowed. It was Kalions assistant calling her name.


    Oh my! What is it, Cedric? she said, startled.


    Unlike the extremely rotten rtionship between their respective masters, Cedric and Orp were quite close. It was because they had to pay as much attention as possible to prevent the two  who hated running into each other  from crossing paths in the Grand Castle. However, Erna and Kalion knew nothing about the fact that their assistants met and chatted often, let alone that they tried their best to not let them cross paths.


    What were you daydreaming about so deeply that you couldnt hear me calling you? asked Cedric.


    Oh, I had something on my mind. The duchess is acting particrly strange today.


    Lady Erna too? The duke is also odd today.


    Whats wrong with Lord Kalion? she probed.


    As soon as Orp asked, Cedric, shrugged his shoulders and replied, He usually wakes up on time in the morning and meets his trainee knights, but he showed up veryte today and smelled like alcohol. He doesnt usually drink. Stranger than that, he asked my opinion about whether I could live with someone I hated.


    What? Lord Kalion asked you that too?


    Cedric made a surprised face when he saw the shocked Orp. How could Then Lady Erna asked you the same question too?


    She nodded with a serious look on her face. What in the world? Do you think they could have metst night?


    The two lifted their heads and gazed at the couples room in the middle of the Grand Castle. The heart of the castle had gone untouched for ten years. Then, the idea crossed their minds that maybe this year, finally, the empty room would be used by the couple.


    That night, Erna stood at the door to the couples bedroom. She took a deep breath and then slowly exhaled, but that did little to alleviate the frustration she still harbored. She was hesitant to enter and took another deep breath, trying to clear her mind. They hadnt spoken for too long this morning as she was too hungover to concentrate and theyd both agreed that they couldnt make a sessor in the mindset theyd been in. They decided to meet again after thinking of a way to put up with one another.


    Erna nced at the clock on the wall, it was now 10:02 p.m. They were supposed to meet at 10:00 p.m. but shed spent two minutes hesitating. She knew that Kalion was a man who moved in a timely fashion, to the point where it was quite scary.


    Hes already here.She just knew it.If she waste, he would frown upon her with a look that scolded her for being such an imbecile who couldnt keep a promise. When Erna thought of that face, she suddenly choked up. Then, she hurriedly opened the door and rushed inside. Sure enough, Kalion was sitting on the emerald-green sofa, just like yesterday. The only thing different was that there was a thick stack of documents on the table where the alcohol had been.


    Yourete, he said matter-of-factly.


    Erna didnt respond to his cold words. Because just like he said, she was indeedte, albeit by only two minutes. It would hurt her pride to tell him that she had hesitated uponing in, not to mention she was scared of how hed react to that admission.


    Erna looked around the room. As expected, the flowers in the vase had been changed, and the nket, which she had rolled in like a caterpir and wrinkled in the morning, was neatlyid out now. The firece had been cleared of wood that would have turned to charcoalst night, and new logs were burning.


    Erna scanned the room, as if it were unfamiliar, for a ce to sit down. The only choices left were a single sofa at the tea table by the window, across from the sofa where Kalion was sitting, and the bed. Wondering where she should sit, she balled her fists and decidedly took the first step. She felt awkward, walking like a stiff wooden doll, her shoes nking loudly on the floorboards in the silent room. She sank into the sofa opposite Kalion, relieved to have reached it. Kalions eyes squinted as she sat down.


    So, you are ready to try?


    It was the first time Erna had evere into proximity to him of her own ord. And yesterday had been the first for Kalion. Leaning back on the sofa, she folded her arms and rxed her face. It was a very soft andfortable sofa, but at this moment, it felt as if it were covered in long, pointy thorns; making Kalions stare feel even more intense. But Erna fought through the feeling of difort.


    Try what? she asked, feigning ignorance.


    What we discussed this morning. Kalion said as he set the paper he was holding down on the coffee table and looked her up and down. For us to stand each other? he asked.


    Yes, that. I received some advice


    Those words made Kalions eyes turn fierce and he rudely interrupted her, Dont tell me you have been going around chit-chatting about this.


    Dont be ridiculous? Would I do such a thing? Im sure you are aware that I have an assistant named Orp. All I did was ask her as she passed me by in the hallway.


    Kalion closed his mouth at the word assistant because he had also casually asked his assistant Cedric the same advice.


    After talking with Erna in the morning, he had returned to his room and sat in a daze for a long time. No, he had not been drunk. Hed just had a lot on his mind. Then, by the time he hade back to his senses, it was muchter than the time he normally went out to do his activities. How could he have lost track of time like that? He was furious with himself as he hurriedly ran out to meet his team of knights.


    Cedric had greeted him with a fuss and worriedly asked, Lord Kalion, is everything okay? We were getting concerned and I was about toe and check on you.


    Kalion didnt ask, but on arrival, hed seen Cedric chatting away about something thatd happened betweenst night and this morning.

 Chapter 14

    His assistant Cedric was a very sociable man. Sometimes Kalion loathed him because of his lewd talk, but the knights liked Cedric for that. Thankfully, he only talked like that in front of his colleagues and never acted rudely towards others, so no one in the Grand Castle disliked him. It was never strange or awkward to get advice from him and everyone got along with him quite well.


    Its nothing too important But I want to ask you something. Kalion said in a somewhat nervous voice.


    What is it, sir?


    Whats a good way to deal with an unpleasant rival?


    An unpleasant rival? I suppose slitting their throat is a good option, sir.


    Naturally, an image of a beast popped into Cedrics mind when Kalion said unpleasant rival. As Kalion had dealt with wild beasts before, wouldnt they be the topic of the conversation? Beasts on the prowl were the biggest threat to human life in many parts of the continent and Hessenguard was the only ce where they appeared in waves, but it hadnt always been that way. After the death of the previous Grand Duke, people had questioned if it was a curse from him because the beasts frequent appearance had increased seven-fold. Thankfully, when Kalion and Erna had ascended to the grand duchy after getting married, the number of sightings had decreased, but they still appeared more often here than in other kingdoms. Kalion and his knights often left the Grand Castle to hunt them down and the townspeople enthusiastically weed them because they risked their lives to fight against the encroaching beasts.


    Cedric remembered the first time he met Kalion. Kalion, who hadnt been able to break out of his boyhood, had sliced a beast in half that had been creeping up behind Cedric in the wooded forest.


    I owe you my life! I dont know how I could ever repay you. Cedric spoke lightly, shing a grin at the young boys skill. Im forever indebted to you. Which division of knights are you part of?


    Then came the arrogant way of speaking, where no honorifics could be found. Cedric sighed. From what he was wearing and from the horse he was riding, it was clear that Kalion was a high-ranking aristocrat rarely found in Hessenguard. Still, Cedric talked excitedly, while Kalion wondered if they were of the same ranking. Such a young man is rude to his elders. Skills arent everything. First of all, you look more like a mercenary soldier than a knight.


    I see. I am Kalion, Grand Duke of Hessenguard. And what is your name?


    Your Grace! I am Cedric.


    Cedric thought of him as a suitable high-ranking aristocrat, but he didnt expect someone at the top of the social food chain toe out and fight. After straightening his posture, he bowed his head most courteously. Kalion, who burst outughing at the way his attitude changed so quickly, said to him, Im d you think I am a mercenary. Since I dont need to take you out, from tomorrow, you will enter the Grand Castle. Any objections?


    None, My Lord Grand Duke!


    And that was how Cedric became Kalions assistant. At first, he had thought of himself as unlucky for getting caught by the Grand Duke, because he was a grand duke from abroad. The people here hadnt considered him as someone Cedric had to take care of. But, after hed be his assistant, every time beasts appeared, he never hesitated to run out there with Kalion and put all his energy into the battle.


    At first, he had thought it was just an act to win over the townspeople. One day, however, when Cedric had asked him, While were out here camping, why dont you just rx when people arent watching? Kalion, with a serious look, had replied, This is my duty as Grand Duke. Who treats their duties as a rxation?


    From that day, Cedric became loyal to Kalion. None of his duties as an assistant were done in vain, and he memorized Kalions words as they spilled from him. Kalion, who was much younger than him, sometimes became a good advisor to Cedric if he was struggling with small problems too. But todays question was a bit random. How was he supposed to let him know a way to deal with an unpleasant rival? Wasnt this Kalions forte? He looked down at the sword tied to Kalions waist, with one swipe, he could end all of his problems, so what was he so worried about?


    I cannot kill this rival.


    How can you not, sir? Exactly how strong is this rival? Cedric was confused, assuming this whole time that Kalions rival would be a beast. If he couldnt kill it, then what on earth was it?


    Kalion, who had no idea Cedric was thinking like that, said to him again, Its I think theyre strong, but She was indeed strong because as a wizard, Erna would have the power of a knight. Anyway, I cannot kill this rival. He repeated, sounding tormented.


    You cant kill this rival and you have to see this rival often, and this rival is unpleasant Are you trying to tame a wyvern? Last time, sir, you were thinking about killing them all, but you wanted to tame them instead.


    Kalion nodded at those words. There was no way he could tell Cedric that he was talking about Erna, so he thought itd be best to skip over her identity.


    If thats the case, youd better be with it as much as you can.


    Be with it? If only Cedric knew who he was talking about, hed see the humor in his suggestion.


    Yes. Ive only seen one person who tamed a wyvern before, and he said he was with it all day every day. They yed together, ate together, and slept in the same bed together. At first, it kept its distance from humans, but after being with its owner for so long it eventually let its guard down and even let him ride on its back. Your Grace, how about you do the same? Cedric suggested.


    When Kalion thought about what Cedric had said, his head suddenly started throbbing. Erna had said the same thing about being in the same space and his mind drifted back to their conversation.


    That way, wed get used to each other and we can let our guard down Erna glossed over her words and studied his face. As soon as he said he was offended, she was going to say she didnt feel like doing it. However, Kalion nodded, as if in agreement.


    Unlike what Erna was thinking, Kalion was agreeing with her, as they had yet to find a suitable way to endure each other, so she thought she would just say something that would be unlikely to happen and buy a little more time.


    Good, I was about to say the same thing. Then we dont need to talk much longer. Kalion said as if he was notifying her, From now on lets try to spend more time together.


    What? Erna shot up at his words, almost jumping in the air. He looked at her as if he didnt understand her.


    Why are you so shocked? Didnt you say that first?


    Well, yeah, but Erna hadnt expected him to ept the offer so easily. She noted that Kalion was faster than she had expected him to be, to ept and implement the proposal. She needed to be more careful when proposing something to him. The knowledge shed gained about Kalion up until now was what shed heard from other peoples mouths. It was the first time since the wedding that she had experienced and gotten to know him in person.I thought he was the type to think deeply?she thought.


    While Erna was pondering that, Kalion continued, Ive said this before, I dont have time. I have to make another knight. And, Im not the only one pressed for time.


    What are you babbling about? she asked.


    You revealed the existence of wizardsst year, so Haband and Aether must be watching closely. They still think that there are no more than twenty members in your group. I believe there are twenty at the least.


    Ernas body flinched at what he said. How did he know? Shed let him know that she was raising wizards, but the actual number was a lie. Others would think she had about twenty at the most. Of course, that wasnt a small number, butpared to other countries, it was small. On top of that, since her trainees didnt learn magic systematically, people would think they were weak. Truthfully, there were more than fifty wizards.


    There were advantages and disadvantages to the fact that the wizards raised by Erna were not part of the Wizards Tower. First of all, the downside was that Erna, who wasnt an educational institution like the Wizards Tower, taught everything from the beginning, so there was ack of deep understanding of magic because when she hit her limit while training, her skills often stagnated there.


    On the other hand, her advantage was that since she wasnt registered at the Wizards Tower, there were no records to tell how many members she had and who they were. And, instead of using a formal magic form, Erna learned magic that maximized the efficiency of her research, so she used magic that was much more powerful than the kind used in the Wizards Tower.


    Youve figured it out well, she said in a slightly surprised tone.


    There isnt anything special going on in the Grand Castle, but the number of maids has increased, so I figured it out after noticing that.


    At Kalions words, Erna thought in her mind that she should pay more attention to the next formation of wizards.


    Anyway, this year is thest time you and I can build up our strength without interference from other countries. You know the reason even if I dont say it, right?


    She clicked her tongue when he threw out the quiz question. Yes, I know. The war between Haband and Aether is probably going to end this year, so when the two countries be stable, theyll try to intervene with Hessenguard once again.

 Chapter 15

    Kalion and Erna had been able to increase their powers while their respective countries had been distracted by the war against foreign countries. However, they had now entered a truce and slowly prepared for a peace treaty and the war would most likely be over by the end of the year. If that were to be the case, the two countries would then reach out to Hessenguard, which had been neglected during this time.


    We have to finish all of this before that happens,Kalion thought, feeling the pressure.


    Suddenly Erna became nervous too, she too was thinking the same as Kalion, and having received confirmation from his lips, she felt that they were pressed for time.


    I hope to make a sessor with you as soon as I can. If we do, I think that you can dy your visit to both countries, under the pretext of your stability, said Kalion.


    Alright. That would be a good idea. It will be hard for me, but youll be able to movefortably and if theyin, Ill just use my magic to make one of the men pregnant or something, she said, trying to add a bit of humor to the serious situation.


    Kalions face remained unchanged at Ernas attempt to make him smile. Then he said something without thinking, Im not sure if someone as tiny and thin as you are can endure pregnancy though. Realizing the stupidity of what hed just said, Kalion quickly shut his mouth.What am I saying? What a ridiculous thing to say. Tiny and thin? Did I say that?Not everyone saw it at first because she had such good body proportions and she was about half a head taller than other women. Rather than thin, her body was more on the shapely side.


    On the other hand, Erna thought:Is he saying that Im weaker than he is?If someone else were to say that, shed be highly pissed off, but seeing that itde from Kalion, she had no choice but to ept his words, since theyd been going at it like this for ten years.


    Anyway, I hope we can finish all of this by the end of the month. So lets promise to do it to the best of our abilities, he said.


    Erna nodded at Kalion, whose attitude seemed to care less about what she thought. If that kind of a spell were real, shed use it on him right away.


    Alright, as we agreed to, lets try to spend more time together. As for the location I dont think theres a more appropriate ce than here.


    She didnt want to go to Kalions room and Kalion had no desire to go to Ernas room, so this was the only ce for the two to stay.


    They yawned at the same time feeling drained by all the discussions. One hourter they would reach an agreement on a few matters: Firstly, they would stay in their marital bedroom from 10:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m., (except when they were away on official business); secondly, on the fifth day they would copte; thirdly, on the seventh day, they would take a break from each other to rejuvenate mental health!


    They wondered what the hell they were doing writing these guidelines on an official letterhead, but it was a joint decision to do so, in case one of them tried to back out of the agreement. As soon as the rules were decided they agreed to start the following day and returned to their respective rooms. They buried their faces in thefort of their soft white fluffy pillows and drifted off to sleep, feeling an underlying sense of shame; neither of them would get a good nights rest.


    * * *


    Once they agreed to try to get used to each otherspany, the two kept their promises. At ten oclock in the evening, Erna walked into their cozy marital bedroom, and Kalion, who normally arrived there first, was sitting on the emerald-green sofa, preupied with some work. She went over to the tea-table on the other side of the room, picked up one of his papers, and started looking over it.


    Although they were in a position to have a friendly conversation, neither one of them felt like doing so; they were in the same space, but no words were exchanged. This was going to be more difficult than they thought.


    The room was silent, with only the sound of the firewood crackling and the pages of the documents moving about on the table. On this first night, watching Kalion sit near her for so long was an eyesore for Erna. Every time he moved, stood up, or stretched, her body jolted with surprise. This was her reaction to the ufortable situation. Normally at this time, she would be in her room working alone. But, seeing now that she had to spend time with her big-pain-in-the-ass husband, it was only natural for her to watch his every move. Thankfully, she wasnt the only one who felt like that. As she was writing down additional instructions on the paper, she identally dropped her pen and it rolled toward Kalion, making him flinch. She could tell by his actions that hed put up a wall. After realizing that she wasnt the only one on edge, her troubled mind felt a little more at ease.


    The next day, Vanessa, the head of the parliament, came looking for Erna. Here is a copy of what we decided on in the meeting. Since there are a lot of essential things to do, I think it will be good if you went over it carefully.


    Sighing at what appeared to be ten times more documents than usual, Erna arrived at the couples bedroom that evening hugging them in her arms. Could it be? The same documents shed just received were stacked in front of Kalion. They started reading them together, silently. Like Vanessa had said, there were lots of important things to do. While flipping through the pages, Erna took notes on the parts she wasnt sure about or things she needed to remember. Then, her eyes stopped on something peculiar. as a result, we would like to request a review of Ilgees.


    Where is Ilgees? she mumbled to herself.


    Mumbling to herself was an old habit. At night, she sat in her room and worked alone, so because she never had to care whether someone heard her or not, she was unaware that she was mumbling to herself while reading the documents in front of Kalion.


    The moment she said the name of the area, she heard Kalions voice. Its the name of a forest northwest of the capital.


    Not expecting an answer to her question, she was startled and dropped her pen again. What are you doing, surprising me like that?


    Didnt you ask where Ilgees is? Kalion stared at her as if he was annoyed when shed asked.


    I was talking to myself. You dont have to pay attention, its just a habit of mine.


    Is that so? Kalion, who knew the question hadnt been for him, nodded indifferently and immersed himself in the documents. Erna was also about to do the same but a huge map of Hessenguard hanging on one side of the room caught her attention.


    When something sparked her interest she was the type who usually didnt stop until her curiosity was satisfied, and she was now curious about the exact location of Ilgees. Shed been thinking about going back to her room and bringing her map but instead got up and approached this one.


    Where is this forest northwest of the capital?she wondered.


    Erna had almost all of the names of Hessenguards areas memorized, so her confidence was shattered at the fact that a ce unknown to her hade up. And it was all the more embarrassing now that Kalion knew that too.


    She scanned the northwestern region of the capital. The map had lots of forests, many of them named by region, and their names were tightly written in a box on the map. On top of that, the map had been made quite a long time ago, and the names were written in exaggerated cursive which wasnt easy to read and so she spent a long time looking for Ilgees, but it was to no avail. Erna looked closely at the map, squinting her eyes to find the damn forest. All of a sudden a big shadow appeared from behind, enveloping her.


    Shockedonce againshe was about to turn around when a rough arm shot out over her shoulder and pointed to one part of the map.


    Its here.


    Erna looked at where Kalions finger pressed. Written in very tiny letters was the name Ilgees. She should thank him for finding the ce shed been looking for, however, those words could not escape her mouth so easily.


    Thank you, the two words she never, ever wanted to say to Kalion. While Erna stood with a mouth full of teeth, Kalion returned to his seat and sank into the soft cushion.


    If youre done, hurry and get back to your seat. Youre making me nervous wandering around like that.


    Erna felt difort in his words. Thank goodness she hadnt thanked him. After Kalion let her know where Ilgees was, they didnt converse anymore. When midnight came around, they jumped up from their seats, took their documents, and returned to their respective rooms.


    The next day, Erna left earlier and headed down the long hall towards their marital bedroom. She clutched the documents in her hands and thought to herself confidently,the sofa is mine today.


    The onlyrge table in the couples bedroom was in front of the emerald-green sofa. For Erna, who always used a big table because she liked to look at documents set out with the pages next to each other, the small table hadnt worked at all yesterday.


    At 9:30 p.m., she opened the door of the shared bedroom.Hes not here.Kalion had always arrived before she did, and he seemed to arrive half an hour early. Erna hurriedly rushed in and threw her documents down on the table in front of therge sofa.I should have done thisst time,she told herself.


    Looking down at her documents adorning the spacious wooden table, she felt satisfied and a smile spread across her face. The table wasnt the onlyfortable thing, she also stretched out on the sofa and took her slippers off. When she worked alone in her room, she often looked through documents whileying like this but she had to cover the chandelier and dim the lights to keep from squinting, and so, she had used a magic spell to create better lighting instead. She used the same spell now, in the hopes of making this room more like her own.

 Chapter 16

    Vanessa said that if I look at paperwork in poor lighting my eyes will get worse,thought Erna. Vanessa, who periodically came to her roomte at night, nagged Erna as if she were her mother, for lying down and reading documents like that. So, whenever Erna happened to look at papers, she always remembered to ensure she had the best lighting.


    Erna had settled downfortably on the emerald-green sofa, soaking up the warmth from the firece, when the door swung open. She deliberately pretended to be focused on her work and didnt bother to look up as the sound of heavy footsteps approached and then stopped. After a moment of silence, Kalion asked in a low voice, What are you doing?


    I beg your pardon?


    What are you doing in my ce?


    What do you mean, your ce? This ce isnt reserved for anyone, is it? Erna was right about that. This was a space that was meant to be shared by the two of them. Who was he to say this spot belonged to him? Erna cockily pointed to the tea table where she had sat yesterday and said, Theres space for you over there.


    Kalion red at her for a moment, but she wasnt perturbed by the look he gave her, rather, she was annoyed at him for dering this to be his space.He walked over to the smaller table and unceremoniously put the papers hed brought on it.


    It was a table and sofa that made even Erna feel a little too big for it when she sat there. She wasnt sure what type of people the previous owners were but they mustve had smaller figures than the two of them, which was probably the reason why they used such a cute little table and sofa.


    Wouldnt it break if he sat down?she wondered. Erna didnt have an issue sitting there, but for Kalion, it was apletely different story. Curious about what would happen, she looked at Kalion in anticipation but her curiosity wasnt satisfied because he unexpectedly turned and walked out of the room.Is he upset or something?


    Erna got up, wondering why Kalion had gone back to his room, but he soon reappeared carrying his desk and she stared at him in awe. It was pretty solid-looking andrge and shouldve taken at least four people to move it, however, he was able to carry it on his shoulder! He set it down on one side of the bedroom, left again, and returned with his chair, then sat down as if nothing had happened, and began working with his usual expressionless face.


    Erna was bbergasted as she looked at where she was sitting and where Kalion was sitting. At first, the emerald-green sofa andrge wooden table where she sat, had been like the center of the room, but where Kalions desk was ced down, that now looked like the center of the room. Kalion looked like the owner of the room and it felt as if she was the guest. Erna felt like she had lost to him.


    *


    Erna walked toward the ce where the wizards stayed, reluctantly. It had already been four days since shed started spending time with Kalion. As per their agreement, five out of seven days of the week they were to spend time in the same space for two hours, and on the fifth day, they should make efforts to make a child. On the seventh day, they were not to see each other for the sake of their mental stability!


    The day we promised to make an effort is already tomorrow.Erna became depressed thinking about it especially when she recalled a week ago when shed gotten drunk and acted so stupidly. She knew she couldnt repeat the same mistake and this meant that she had to handle the situation with full sanity.To be honest, Im still not confident,she thought uneasily.


    Erna had a feeling that there wouldnt be much difference betweenst time and this time and she feared how bad it would get. As she pressed her pulsating head with her hands, a voice called her.


    Your Highness! Orp was calling her and waving her hand.


    Whats going on, Orp.


    The sorcerers we sent out are back! They said they couldnt wait to see you.


    The words brightened Ernas face. The people Orp spoke of were those shed sent out of the capital a week ago with an explicit order. Erna hurried towards the building where she taught the sorcerers. As she entered the conference room, familiar faces rose and greeted her. Your Highness! they said in unison, Were back!


    Erna was called Your Highness but they regarded her more as a close teacher. They came running and hugged her excitedly. Just like Orp, they were wizards shed found, taught, and nurtured and she smiled wholeheartedly as she hugged them back. Is everyone all right? Is anyone hurt?she asked.


    Of course not! We are one of the toughest groups out there, replied one of the wizards.


    You said you wanted to see me in a hurry. Whats going on? Erna asked, concern evident in her voice.


    Thats because we just couldnt wait to see you!


    Erna embraced them in her arms, looking lovingly at the wizards hanging on to her. They were the people she trusted and cared about and she had to protect them at all costs.


    Thats not all though. Weve got something we need to give you.


    The words made Ernas face even brighter. Her order had been for them to investigate the remains of the ancient ruins in Hessenguard. When Hessenguard had been established, it was said that diverse and powerful magic was preserved in the tower. Therefore, quite a few records were showing that the first Hessenguard Duke was a wizard, but that was in the distant past.


    Over the years, magic had gradually begun to disappear, and by the time the previous Grand Duke had arrived, there was no magic left to even move the kingdom properly.Records showed that if even a little magic was left, Hessenguard would not have been invaded by other kingdoms,Erna remembered. That was almost a thousand years ago and people these days looked at such records and couldnt believe that there had been such magic, saying that it was an exaggerated ount. But she thought it might have some truth, thats why she ordered the wizards to look into it and she couldnt believe they found a small trace!Erna sparkled with anticipation as the returned wizards opened their mouths and said simultaneously, Have you heard of the Forest of Irgis?


    *


    As ten oclock approached, Kalionpiled the documents he was reviewing and put them neatly together. As he was about to head to the couples bedroom with them in hand, he recalled that tomorrow was the day the two of them promised to make an effort.I dont think much has changed.Kalion thought that once the two spent more time together, it would gradually make them morefortable with each other.


    On the first day, it was indeed different and he wasnt annoyed at Ernas every movement. To be more precise, he was too busy to even care about her.The documents given to him by Vanessa were twice as much as usual, and everything in it was important. In order to attend the next political meeting and discuss everything, Kalion was deeply invested in studying them, even reducing time for practicing with the knights.But it feels a little bit weird,he thought. It was usually Cedric who imed he was going to die from overworking whenever Kalion entrusted the knight with work. So he thought Cedric was going toin and was pleasantly surprised when Cedric had said,Dont worry, Ill take care of the knights, and you can just rx. Strangely enough, Cedric had looked very determined and offered to do everything. Then, unasked, he started to bring food that was known to be good for ones health. Cedrics attitude was suspicious, but it was better than hisints, so Kalion didnt pay any more attention to his behavior.


    Would she be on the sofa again?Before opening the door, Kalion recalled the sight of Erna he had seen for days now. She had always been lying on the sofa, looking at papers.Come to think of it, there is one thing I got used to.Recalling Ernas habit of talking to herself, he sometimes noticed her murmuring something to herself while she read. Of course, he didnt reply to anything that she was saying after shed told him that it was one of her habits. He also knew Erna would not appreciate hisments and shed just re at him for interfering.


    Kalion opened the door expecting to see her lying down on the sofa but was surprised to see the sofa empty. Assuming that she hadnte yet, he turned his head and got a fright when he saw her standing near the wall, in front of therge map. Kalion wondered if she was looking for a ce she didnt know again, but he noticed that she seemed to be looking at the forest of Irgis.


    Why does she care about that forest?he wondered. Having received the same document, Kalion also saw the contents of the forest of Irgis. The request for reconsideration was because they wanted the knights toe more regrly, as monsters were appearing more frequently there than anywhere else. However, many areas within Hessenguard had simr problems, so it was not an area of great concern.


    After a moment of questioning, Kalion shook his head. It wasnt a matter of his own anyway. As he was about to sit down, she asked, Have you ever been around here?


    Kalion looked up, shocked as she spoke in a voice of pure curiosity, without any negative feelings directed at him.

 Chapter 17

    I recall that Irgis is a ce where monsters appear more frequentlypared to other areas. Also, its a basin forest and its greatly influenced by the climate, and the species of monsters inhabiting that area are slightly different to those found in the forests beyond the mountains, Erna said confidently. She squinted at the map again, This path here is oddly straight, is there anything special there?


    In the past, it used to be a sacred ce, Im not sure for what exactly but there is a settlement there and that road was built for them, replied Kalion.


    The two of them were standing in front of the map, having a normal conversation. At first, Kalion was baffled; it was different and surprising that Erna spoke to him purely to ask questions, without any animosity.Well, I guess she does have a very curious personality.


    That was one of the characteristics of Erna that Kalion had discovered, she clung madly to a question that she wanted an answer to. Thest time she was stuck in front of the map, searching for the forest of Irgis, shed wanted to know more about the area and so she had run to her room and brought back books to investigate further until she satisfied her curiosity.Are all sorcerers like that?he wondered.


    It was a poorly understood behavior for him as a knight. Knights like himself didnt have the luxury to think deeply; the act of thinking was directly connected to his life. Thats why Kalion was the type to move on quickly, even if there was a question, and then reflectter when he had time. And honestly, he didnt even try to understand everyst detail of everything. But Erna acted like the world would fall apart if she let go of anything.She has a rather tiring personality.Kalion thought that that was the reason why she was also so sensitive.


    And now, after talking with Erna, Kalion realized that her personality wasnt necessarily bad, although her questions continued, one after the other. Meanwhile, the things that Kalion was suspicious of began to be solved, one by one, and he realized that the numerous questions he had were only one problem.


    Kalion wasnt the only one surprised by the normal conversation they were able to have. Erna was also surprised to see this unexpected side of Kalion.He is more conversational than I thought,she mused. When they were debating with one another in the conference room, the conversation between the two never went beyond ten sentences, but that wasnt the case today. The information shed heard from the wizards, about the forest of Irgis during the day, had sparked Ernas curiosity.


    Its an amazing ce, just an ordinary forest, but there are traces of magical power in certain areas. Doesnt that mean that there used to be strong magical power there in the past? Kalion asked, seeming interested in the area now too.


    A huge magical power. At those words, Erna recalled the ancient magic protecting Hessenguard in the past. If the forest of Irgis could be the key to finding the magicI need more information.


    Erna couldnt run right into the forest but she was dying to find out more about it. Kalion knew where the forest was. It didnt matter whether the person was him or not, Erna wanted more information right away and asked him another question. Kalion looked at her for a while and began to exin in more detail as he answered more of her questions, sharing with her everything he knew about the ce.


    Of course, Erna understood that Kalion was just answering these questions because they were rted to the document. Nevertheless, she felt oddly strange because few people immediately answered her tiresome questions. Kalion didnt add on any of his thoughts but merely told her all the facts he knew, and that was enough for Erna. It was a really pleasant and insightful conversation.


    Erna nced at the document on the table. Unlike her, who usually stayed indoors in the Grand Castle, Kalion traveled far beyond the Castle and therefore he knew every inch of Hessenguard far better than she did.


    Hey, wait a minute, Erna called Kalion as he was returning to his desk. She quickly took the piece of paper that she had written on and said, Let me ask you a few more questions.


    Kalion didnt say no, although some of her notes bothered him. The two of them talked for a long time standing in front of the map, forgetting their respective positions. Sometimes, hesitating to answer but there was no more awkwardness and they ended up staying in the room together muchter than their agreed time.


    Kalion sighed as he twisted his neck around. Every time he turned his neck, he heard a crack and he moved his head and turned his shoulders several times trying to relieve the tension, but his mind was still not focused.This tension must be a result of being caught up until the early hours this morning.


    He sat on his bed reflecting on the previous evening spent with Erna. After hed answered Ernas questions, shed stood in front of the map with a piece of paper jotting down notes as if it were the opportunity to ask all kinds of further questions like, Whats in here? Is there a reason why the road is this way? I think this town was closed fifty years ago, is there anyone who stilles in and out? Did the knights feel anything when they went to this area? Kalion had felt as if he had be an answering map! But he tried his best to answer her questions, she wasnt just asking because she was bored, but rather because of the documents that Vanessa brought her to review.


    In addition, Erna had murmured her thoughts in response to what he was saying, Then it must have disappeared in the war ten years ago. If people still feel something there, is it a sign of magic other than the murder spell they used in the past? But it doesnt seem like and worth it.


    Although Kalion didnt quite understand why she murmured in front of him and not when she was alone, he still listened without responding until he figured out what she was curious about. As a result, the dawn sky was brightening when the two came to their senses.


    Kalion had been in a daze since morning due to a big disruption in his usual schedule. It was only natural as he was unable to sleep. Hed entrusted Cedric with the training of the knights and when he went to see them, not only Cedric but also the knights looked at him with faces showing concern.


    Your Highness, are you sick? Cedric queried. Wouldnt you rather call a doctor?


    Whats all this nonsense? Im just fatigued because I couldnt sleep until dawn. With his response, the knights returned to their ces, still a bit baffled to notice Kalions usual disorderliness.


    Cedric remained and said, I cant believe you didnt sleep until dawn.


    I just had something to do. Anyway, Ill leave todays training to you.


    Cedric nodded vigorously at hismand. Dont worry, Ill take care of it. And, if youre tired in the future, please let me know.


    What? No, this wont happen often, I just had an unexpectedte night.


    Cedric looked at Kalion with a serious face, You have to do what you have to do. I think its okay to forget all the chores and focus on the important things.


    Kalion was confused why Cedric was so determined for him to step down from his duties. Despite putting Cedric in charge, it wasnt like Kalion would take a rxing nap. His body was used to being up and about during the day so he wouldnt be able to fall asleep easily, if at all. And, in the afternoon, people came to see him, so he couldnt afford the time to rest.


    Later that evening, he returned from dinner with the knights, still not having had any proper rest, and went to his room to wash and change his clothes. During the day, Kalion couldnt help but yawn several times and on returning to his room, he felt relieved, as if he could sleep at any moment.


    But isnt today?Kalion quickly looked at the calendar. Today was the fifth day of the week. It was the day he promised to make efforts with Erna to have a sessor. If he fell asleep or didnt make it on time, he knew Erna would not respond to it positively. Most of all, Kalion knew Erna would look at him pitifully, asking if he was irresponsible and the mere thought of her reaction made Kalion feel stressed.


    He sat and waited patiently for ten oclock to arrive as he tried desperately not to give in to his drowsiness, and as the hour approached, he began to feel jittery again.Is this possible?


    A week ago, he had tried but when Erna cried after drinking, hed just stopped. He was not a pervert who was turned on at the sight of a crying woman, and above all, it was unpleasant for him to hug a woman who was drunk and behaving insanely.


    When the clock finally struck ten, Kalion leaped up and hastily approached the bedroom door.I think Im feeling a little better now.He wasnt sure whether it was because of the long conversation the two had the other night, or because he still felt a bit fatigued, but he did feel differentpared to a week ago. Last week, standing in front of this door had felt horrible and disgusting, but today he felt less despair and it could be possible to do what needed to be done unless of course, Erna decided to pick a fight with him.


    He opened the door and automatically looked at the sofa where Erna would roll around to find afortable position, but the emerald-green sofa was empty.

 Chapter 18

    Kalion let out a sigh and was taken aback. He was confused as to why he sighed in the first ce. Was he feeling disappointed?Well, I was pretty nervousst week.Then suddenly, he heard a noise from behind him and looked back, astonished to see Erna lying on the four-poster bed, a ce he hadnt even thought of looking at.I didnt even think she would arrive here first, let alone be lying on the bed?Erna wouldnt normally behave like this.


    Kalion soon felt pity for himself because he was so unaware of his surroundings that he didnt notice her presence. Usually, this wouldnt be the case. Since Kalion hade to Hessenguard, he had sharpened his senses, partly because of his childhood and also because he didnt want to forget the forces who killed all the royal family members and he wanted to be ready for them if they returned. Kalion always thought he was doing a good job of being alert, yet he realized it was just his pride.


    He approached the bed quietly, What are you doing? He asked her softly. Erna didnt respond. Kalion looked at her again and watched as her chest rose up and down as he listened to her breathing.Is she sleeping?


    This was an unforeseen situation. Hed assumed that Erna would be as nervous asst time, but unlike his expectation, she seemed to be sound asleep,fortably, as if she was in her room and her bed. Something didnt seem right. When he waved his hand over her face, instead of waking up, Ernas regr breathing only deepened. He could tell she was deep in sleep.


    Kalion sat down carefully next to her on the bed but it still moved slightly and Erna tossed and turned for a while, but didnt get up.Should I wake her up?He hesitated, wondering what to do.


    While he was sitting and contemting, Erna turned sideways and as she did, the thin nket wrapped tightly around her and he could see the outline of her curvaceous body. He swallowed saliva without realizing it and was confounded.Whats this supposed to mean? Am I nervous right now?


    Even though Kalion was baffled at himself, he couldnt help but gaze down at the sleeping Erna. To him, even now, she was like a pumpkin. A pumpkin that had held a pretty bouquet at their wedding and whose face had hardened when shed seen him. The only things that had changed recently were that this pumpkin was a lightweight now who liked to roll around on the sofa and couldnt stand asking questions and not getting answers.


    Kalion wandered around and tried to recall the pumpkin hed first seen. In the past, Erna used to be a wide and round pumpkin, but nowadays she has changed to a thin and long pumpkin. Kalion thought to himself that from now on, he would recall a different-looking pumpkin every time he saw Erna. When he came to that conclusion, he found himself looking at her once more.What would have happened if she was awake now?


    He felt exhausted and rubbed his face with his hands. Feeling agitated, he got up from the bed and paced up and down, wondering whether to sit on the emerald-green sofa or at the smaller wooden desk but opted to sit back on the bed instead. He was feeling sluggish from being awake until the early hours of the morning. When his back touched the soft mattress, the thought of getting up again vanished and his body rxed. Before he knew it, Kalions eyes slowly started closing and he turned his head to look at Erna sleeping beside him.This is my wife.


    There was no such thing as a fairy-tale wedding for Kalion as hed had an arranged marriage at a young age and hed had the worst experience even before getting married. However, Kalion sometimes saw knights talking about their ordinary married lives.


    One wife woulde to the Grand Castle every day to wait for her husband, another wife who sometimes made a lot of food with the help of her children would give these snacks to all the knights. Yet another wife whod nag at her husband and ask whether he woulde homete or not.


    The most fascinating part for Kalion was how the couples would touch each other casually, holding hands and linking their arms, sometimes kissing. Of course, he also touched the knights while training, but those touches were necessary for practicing swordsmanship, and other times, physical contact was merely needed for a handshake and nothing more.


    Is that why it feels so weird?Kalion raised his hand and squeezed it several times. A week ago hed touched Ernas leg and the feel of it still lingered in his mind, warm and soft. Then, Kalion had an interesting thought,If I didnt get married like this, would I have been able to get that feeling in my hands every day? If I married someone out of my own will, would it have been different?Heughed at himself,I must be really tired. I cant believe Im thinking about this nonsense


    Kalion put his hand down and closed his eyes, it looked like Erna would be sleeping for a long time, which helped him to decide that it would be okay for him to sleep next to her for a while.A week ago both of them had avoided each other, but now they were sleeping next to each other in the same bed, it was almost unbelievable!Cedrics advice was not wrong.


    His consciousness gradually grew dim and he smelled flowers somewhere. Kalion remembered that Ernas hair was darker than usual, it mustve been because she washed it. Come to think of it, he recalled her hair always smelling of flowers, perhaps it was because of the soap she used. Thinking that it was a very different scent from his own, Kalions consciousness sank into the darkness.


    *


    As much as Kalion had been fatigued all day, Erna had also felt exhausted. But a lot of the information shed heard from Kalion, during the evening, had solved some of the problems she had, so it was worth feeling this way.


    Normally, she would fall asleep at dawn and wake up around lunch to meet the wizards, but Erna waited for the morning without falling asleep because she wanted to let them know what she had found out as soon as possible. And as it got closer to the time for Orp toe to work, Erna ran and found her excitedly.


    Who is it? Your Highness! Orp rubbed her eyes and shouted with a shocked face when she saw that the person in the room was Erna. Whats going on? Is it an emergency!


    What are you talking about?


    If youre here at this hour, isnt there something urgent?


    Its not urgent, I just wanted to say something quickly. Is it so surprising that I am here?


    In the morning, usually it takes me hours to wake you up. Im just surprised that you are awake at this time with no help! Why did you get up so early? Orp held her chest with relief.


    I didnt wake up early, I didnt sleep!


    What? You are someone who prefers sleeping to eating!


    Do I? Come to think of it, I often skip meals to sleep more. Lying under a warm, cozy nket gives me much more satisfaction than eating.Erna despised the cold, so she struggled to get out of bed in the winter, to the extent that when others first learned how to produce light, Erna had first learned how to use fire! In recent days especially, chilly weather had persisted, day and night. Orp knew that Erna preferred to be under the covers.


    Yes, I had something to do. Anyway, Ive found out a lot during the night, so please prepare to start the meeting as soon as everyone gets here. I have a new order to give. Erna instructed Orp.


    What did you see without sleeping?


    I didnt see it, I heard it. He knows a lot more things than I realized.


    Who?


    What do you mean who, of course, Kali Erna hurriedly shut her mouth midway of saying his name,I cant say I was with Kalion all night.She Didnt want any misunderstandings when all shed done with Kalion was talk. It doesnt matter. I just need you to prepare things for me right away because I think I need to get some rest soon. Orp looked at her suspiciously and when she left, Erna sighed in relief.


    She thought she would have enough time to rest, however, the wizards arrived earlier than expected and Erna had to head straight to the conference room. She was soon busy with work: leading a meeting, issuing new orders, and informing the council, and when she looked again, it was almost nine oclock.Im hungry.


    Erna had skipped breakfast, reced lunch with a drink, and couldnt eat dinner, so she couldnt help but feel hungry right now. When she came back to the room, she thought about asking the maids to get her something to eat, but as soon as she saw the calendar, her mind went nk.Its today!


    After spending two hours a day together for four days, on the fifth day, the two had promised to work together to create a sessor and that was today!


    Erna quickly washed and dried her hair, leaving more water in it than usual, because she was in such a hurry. She scrambled to their marital bedroom, but when she opened the door, Kalion was nowhere to be seen.


    What the heck? Frustrated, Erna thought it was quite odd for Kalion to bete.Whats going on? Usually, he is always on time. Did he run away because he didnt want to spend time with me? I mean if he doesnt like me he can always say no.Her face hardened the moment she looked at the clock thinking this was strange.

 Chapter 19

    Erna quickly walked to her bedroom to check the time and then returned to their marital bedroom and looked at the grandfather clock. The time on the two clocks was different. It was not until she found another clock on the mantelpiece above the firece that she figured out that the old grandfather clock wasnt working.


    What, theres still half an hour left? Thats why Kalion was not there. Thinking that it was ridiculous how shed been in such a rush earlier, she pondered what to do next. After bathing with warm water, her body had be tired and she couldnt help but yawn. She thought of taking a small nap but knew that she wouldnt wake up in time.


    Erna looked longingly at the four-poster bed, originally made for both her and Kalion but which now represented a wall between the two of them for thest decade, and about a week ago, a ce where Erna had gotten drunk and passed out. To be honest, the bed itself wasnt a good memory nor a bad memory for Erna. However, she did feel like shed gotten used to it after spending time here during the week.


    Erna agonized for a moment and then went up to the bed. Possibly because the servants cleaned every day, the thin nket smelt fresh, almost like sunshine and she climbed inside the covers. The slightly rough but clean sheets were a bit cool at first but soon warmed to her body temperature.Ill take a nap here for a while and Ill wake up when Kaliones in.So she thought. She wasnt drunk so she felt it would be easy to wake up when she heard him. Overconfident in herself, Erna drifted off to sleep.


    Erna woke up and blinked in surprise at Kalion lying next to her, What is going on?Is this a dream? Why is this man next to me?Erna was puzzled and rubbed her eyes trying to focus better. As she stirred, Kalion opened his eyes, and just as she was about to ask him why he was next to her, he unexpectedly grabbed her by the wrist and his face approached hers.


    Hey, what are you doing! Caught off-guard, Erna tried to scream, but her voice was swallowed up by the soft lips that pressed against hers with a tremendous force. The moment Erna realized it was Kalions lips, she felt shivers down her spine.He must be crazy!Or maybe this isnt Kalion?


    There was no way to exin this situation. Astonished, Erna tried to push him away, but her body, which had just woken up, didnt have enough strength. Kalion didnt budge and it didnt stop there. His lips opened and a warm and wet tongue pushed into her mouth. Ernas eyes grew bigger as she felt a strange tingling sensation. She was about to shout, Hey you lunatic! But all that came out of her lips was a crushed moan. Meanwhile, Kalion tightened Ernas wrists and his huge body quickly covered her, all the while slipping his warm tongue in and out of her mouth.


    Erna couldnt get her act together. The impact of this unbelievable situation was not only shocking, but the stimtion she felt confused her. Kalions tongue was violent, breaking into her without permission and it touched Ernas mouth with great ease. Kalions actions were even more stimting because Erna had never experienced such intimacy.


    Kalion had been exploring her mouth for a long time and it wasnt until there was nowhere else he could lick that he slowly removed his lips from hers. Out of breath, Erna could do nothing but lie there and gasp. Their mixed saliva left a silver line across her mouth and Kalion murmured, licking his lips with his tongue, Delicious.


    Erna was dumbfounded when this unexpected word came from him.Does he think Im some sort of food? How am I delicious?


    Kalion let go of Ernas wrist but then grabbed her ankle. She felt his long, thick hand stroking her leg and she stiffened, unable to breathe. She had no idea that this was the sensation someone felt when they touched another persons body so intimately. All her nerves seemed to be concentrated wherever Kalions hands touched. Then Erna met Kalions gaze and he had a strange look on his face.


    Kalion always had sharp eyes just as any knight would. Every time she moved, he didnt miss it, following her every movement with that look in his eyes. Erna thought that Kalion would not even miss dust floating in the air. But at this moment, his sharp eyes were now somewhat rxed.Is he drunk?


    But that didnt make sense. On their first day together, Kalion was fine without a single stumble after emptying a big bottle of alcohol by himself. Drinking a bottle or two would not even make the slightest change to him. Hed probably have to dunk himself into a massive alcohol bottle to even get the slightest bit drunk. But the Kalion on Ernas stomach did not smell of alcohol at all.


    His hand, which was moving up her leg, stopped on her knee. Then suddenly, it moved to the inside of her thigh and he muttered in a low voice, It was somewhere here, as he held a hand full of the tender flesh inside her thigh.


    What! Bewildered, Erna trembled, but Kalion still clung on, not caring.


    Then he said with a satisfied expression, Still soft.


    Erna was really at a loss for his words.What nonsense is he talking about while touching my body?! And what does he mean by still? Does that mean he has touched me before?She came to the conclusion that Kalion must have touched her inner thigh the day she was drunk, and she momentarily thought about kicking him but managed to cool her temper. After all, tonight was the night it had to be done and Kalion would be well aware of that. This unusual behavior of his may be his efforts to create a sessor. When Erna saw the strange look in his eyes again, then she thought that perhaps hed taken medicine that made him dizzy and not alcohol.Ill just have to put up with it.


    Last time, Erna was guilty of drinking, so she felt she couldnt argue with Kalion. All she wanted to do was to end this as soon as possible.But why is he constantly touching me?She wondered if it was because she had closed her legs, so she risked her shame and spread them to make it easier for Kalion to settle in. Erna thought that would make Kalion take his hands off her legs


    Far from taking his hands off, Kalion began stroking the tender flesh inside her thighs without hesitation.Hey!Erna wanted to shout to him to stop but as Kalions hand trailed up her leg and started touching her most secret area she flinched in pleasant surprise. Perhaps because it was a strong reaction, Kalion briefly withdrew his hands for a moment, but he soon reached out again and pressed the back of his hand against her silky underwear.


    The stimtion from him touching the most secret part of her body made her stiffen. Kalion now sped her genitals in his palm, as if enjoying her reaction. Then, his fingers slipped into her underwear and she closed her eyes tightly. She thought he was going to take off her underwear but his hand slipped in and out of them before he grabbed the bottom of her negligee and pulled it up to her chest. In an instant, Ernas legs and stomach were revealed before Kalions eyes and he ced his hand on her t stomach, caressing her white belly as slowly as he had her legs.


    Ooh Erna bit her lips and swallowed a groan as a strange sensation spread through her body, as a hand as big as her stomach caressed her. Every time his hand moved, Ernas body flinched.


    Kalions hands were rougher than she thought, maybe because of handling swords for a long time. She could feel his hard calluses as they scratched her soft skin and it made her hair stand on end. Every time he moved his palm, the prickly sensation spread all over Ernas body and her toes curled. Kalion caressed her stomach for a long time as if it were an interesting object.


    It wasnt an unusual act. Sometimes, when children have stomachaches, parents would touch their stomachs with a warm hand to make them feel better; it was just one of the ordinary parts of a persons body.


    Erna just epted his touch and she noticed that her breath had quickened as if shed had been running all night. As Kalion withdrew his hand, Erna leaped to her feet. As she was about to tell him off, her gaze fell between his legs, Hey! You your, she stammered, pointing her finger at his lower body.


    Kalions pajamas were made of a material simr to Ernas, a white, thin cloth that was made in the northern mountains of Hessenguard, so when he stretched, Erna could see the muscles of his chest. And now, under such a cloth, there was an outline of something huge between his solid legs.

 Chapter 20

    Erna suddenly huped feeling somewhat embarrassed and she wondered if the hups had started because she was so surprised? Tapping her chest to calm down, her eyes remained on Kalions lower body.Its huge!It was longer than Ernas fingers and in addition, the thin fabric also showed its thickness. Erna tried to recall what would resemble it the most.An eggnt?She thought of the thick eggnts shed seen growing in the garden near the Grand Pce, and then she recalled the process of sexual intercourse. When a males genitalia was raised and thickened, it entered the female genitaliaThatsing in my body?Her face turned white.No, its impossible,Erna could tell just by looking at it,thats not a normal size and thickness of something to enter ones body.Her instincts shouted for her to run away!


    She crept back a few steps and looked sideways at the door leading to the next room. There was nothing left in her head about todays obligations and promises, the only idea she had was to flee!


    Kalion seemed to anticipate her agenda and moved ahead of her and caught her before she ran. She tried to pull herself out of his grasp, lowering her gaze to her chest, and saw that Kalions hands did not hold her shoulders, wrists, or legs, but rather, her bre*sts. Erna looked nkly at the big hand that held her chest, his actions were beyond absurd and she stood still with her mouth agape, but no words passed her soft lifts.


    Kalions voice, still soft and gentle, said, As expected, this is the softest ce. His hand then roamed about her chest, which was covered by her negligee, changing the shape of it ording to the movement of his hands.


    Watching in horror as this all yed out, Erna pped Kalion in the face with all her might and yelled, Hey, you punk!


    *


    You bastard! Those were Ernasst words. Fueled by anger, she bolted out of the room as if she were trying to escape the grasp of a monster, mming the door behind her with all her might. The wall vibrated so much that one would think the Grand Castle might copse and everyone in the castle might have been woken by the loud bang!


    Kalion touched his tingling cheek and looked at the closed door. Although Ernas hand was small, the p shed given him was harsh and his face stung. He could taste his blood as it spread through his mouth.That was most certainly not a dream!He sat back down on the bed and reflected on what had just happened. Hisst memory was of watching Erna as she slept peacefully, and then drifting to sleep next to her. Unfortunately, his memory didnt end there.


    Kalion stood in a ce unfamiliar to him and tried to see his surroundings, but everything was hazy as if a fog settled around him. There was nothing in sight, but the scent of flowersing from somewhere reassured him. He stood still for a long time, not knowing whether to walk or standstill. Then all of a sudden, the scent of flowers tickled the tip of his nose, growing stronger and he walked toward the enchanted smell. After wandering about for some time, he stopped and wondered what the point was in continuing in the direction of an unknown and mysterious ce. Then, through the haze, he saw the back of a woman with long gold hair and she felt strangely familiar to him.Who is it?He wanted to see the womans face so he hurried up to her side. However, as soon as he reached out and tried to grab her, she walked away from him,ughing. Before shed moved away, Kalion was able to see what the woman was wearing. It was a memorable thin nightdress, made of the same material as his pajamas. However, he still wasnt unsure of who wore it.


    Kalion was left with an image in his mind of the womans legs which had been visible through the swaying nightdress. And between the gaps in the buttons, hed caught a glimpse of what appeared to be red handprints on her long slim legs. It was all so strange and he felt as if it couldve been him who had made the handprint on the womans body. He looked at his hand and felt a lingering sensation in his palm as if he had touched something very soft.


    He continued walking through the thick fog in search of the woman and caught whiffs of her light scent that smelled of flowers. Lost in thought, trying to put a specific name to the scent, he was startled when the woman appeared in front of him again. On seeing her, Kalion felt a desperate yearning.I dont want to miss her this time.He wanted to grab the woman, roll up her nightdress and feel the white leg that had passed by his eyes for a moment. He had never felt a desire for a womans body in all his life. But now, all he wanted to do was to catch the flesh of the woman as fiercely as a predator that had starved for days. If he caught her, he would knock her down and do whatever he pleased.


    Whether or not it was because he was dreaming, all the morals that hed always adhered to in his life, disappeared in an instant and only lust remained in him. Kalion was bewildered by this behavior of his but continued to follow the steps of the woman, at the same time thinking hed gone mad! He was able to grasp the wrist of the woman who appeared and disappeared in front of him, teasingly, and she wasnt even surprised by unexpectedly being caught by a stranger, instead, she turned around smiling. However, Kalion could not see the womans face clearly in the fog. Then, he took her by the wrist and knocked her to the ground.What a rude thing to do,but he felt more satisfied that hed finally caught her, as opposed to feeling guilty. He searched for the faceless womans lips, and on finding them, rubbed his mouth hungrily against hers. Incredibly vivid senses flocked to him all at once. Her lips were warm and soft, and her tongue, which was wrapped around his, gave him an indescribable and powerful stimtion. Feeling as if he had bitten a sweet flower in his mouth, he teased her tongue all the more. In reality, it wasnt sweet but it tasted sweet somehow. Having savored her as much as he wanted, for a long time, he reluctantly moved his face away and muttered, Delicious.


    Kalion could feel that the woman he was holding was shaking and he almost burst intoughter.You shouldnt be surprised by this. There is plenty more to do to satisfy my needs.He grabbed the woman by the legs and hastily pulled up her nightdress, revealing her long thin legs. Starting at her ankle, he stroked her leg with his hand. This was something that Kalion had never imagined hed do in his life; holding on to an unknown woman, knocking her down, and now touching her body. By his standards, this act was punishable by death. If someone did this in front of him, Kalion would have cut the persons head off! He was doing things he thought he hated and he bizarrely felt quite satisfied by his actions.


    He grabbed her legs and spread them, whispering, It was somewhere around here. Kalion could see a red hand mark on the inside of her silky thigh. He put his hand on the red mark and the size of his hand fitted perfectly as if to show that it was indeed him who had left it. Kalion squeezed the tender flesh, whispering again, Still soft. He smiled in satisfaction, feeling the same as he remembered, and continued to enjoy the tenderness of her flesh in his big hand. Then, as if to ask him to do more, the womans tightly closed legs, widened. Kalion did not miss the opportunity as it became easier to move and he maneuvered his hand even higher up her soft and supple leg, reaching for the deepest part of her inner thigh.


    A soft cloth touched the back of his hand and the body of the woman he was holding lurched forward. In her movement, Kalion saw what he had touched; it was a very thin white cloth covering the secret part between her legs. Kalion hesitated for a moment and reached for it again. A strong desire that hed never experienced before, burned inside him. Even though no one had taught him, Kalion knew what he wanted, and what he wanted, was to shove himself in the secret part between her legs.


    I heard it hurts,and he hesitated for a moment. As much as he wanted to enjoy the pleasure, he also wanted this mysterious woman to enjoy the pleasure as well, after remembering something that Cedric had said. Before Kalion left for war, Cedric would tell stories to the young and innocent knights sitting around the campfire under the clear night sky, about how to deal with women. Kalion had wiped his sword and listened to Cedric, wondering if he should cut out his tongue with it!

 Chapter 21

    Kalion could hear Cedrics voice in his head, If youre the only one enjoying the moment, its violence. You need to have fun together to fully appreciate the intimate experience. Now Ill tell you how you can make it an enjoyable time for the both of you. First of all, gently caress her body with your hands and your mouth.


    Kalion looked at Ernas t white stomach underneath him and instinctively thought that he wanted to cover this area with his own body and he gently touched her.I hope shes not surprised.The skin on her stomach was as soft and smooth as the flesh inside her legs and seemed to possess some kind of power that made it difficult for Kalion to take his hands off of her. He felt that he could touch it every day. Then, he noticed a throbbing sensation in his lower body. It was a rather familiar feeling; sometimes he would feel this sensation when waking up in the morning.His eyes watched as the woman raised her body in response to his touch. Even under her pajamas, Kalion could see a chest that looked voluptuous and inviting. Until now, other parts of her body had been very soft and he wondered how soft that area would be. He genuinely thought that all of this was happening in a dream and so he reached out boldly and grabbed the womans chest.


    As expected, this is the softest ce, he murmured. He enjoyed the full mass in his hands but this alone would notpletely satisfy him. All he wanted to do was tear the thin piece of clothing apart and see her body as it was underneath. The moment he made up his mind and tried to take the nightdress off, her familiar voice yelled, Hey, you punk! Kalions ears rung as her hand connected with his cheek and stars shed before his eyes.


    Left alone on the bed, Kalion couldnt believe the whole situation, So that was not a dream I did do that! This whole situation was ludicrous and he was so sleepy that he couldnt tell reality and dreams apart anymore? Had he done what he thought hed done in his dreams?


    Kalion touched his swollen cheek, the after taste of blood inside his torn mouth was vile. He looked at his hand slowly, anding to his senses, he remembered what it felt like to hold Ernas breasts in his palms, and how theyd changed shape so easily in his hands. At that moment he felt a stiff throbbing pain below his waist. Looking down, it felt as if his p*nis was full of anger and his erection was so hard that it felt like it was going to burst through his pants. His erection often woke him up in the morning, however, it was the first time that the blood vessels had be so stiff that they felt like they could explode at any moment. Kalion bit his lips as he struggled out of bed and walked ufortably to the bathroom.


    It was a long time before he came out again and cold drops of water dripped from his hair, but the heat remaining in his body did not easily dissipate.


    Oh, my goodness, Kalion was out of breath and he vowed to himself to keep what had happened in the bathroom a little while ago, a secret for the rest of his life. He had to because if someone found out that a twenty-six-year-old man had to get rid of his erection with the tingly touch of his own hands, several times, he would be downright humiliated!


    Kalion looked at his hand, which had held Ernas chest. Hed washed it several times with soap, even purposely hitting the bathroom wall, but the feeling of her soft chest that hed held greedily didnt disappear. Darn it! He felt extremely frustrated.


    Without wiping his wet hair, he hurriedly packed his clothes and ran out of the room at a terrifying pace, as the cool night air coiled around his body.


    After a long time, he eventually arrived at themand post of the knights. Kalion looked around, grabbed a wooden sword, and rushed toward a wooden pole that was set up for practice and he attacked it with full force, trying to relieve his frustrations.You bastard!The sound of Ernas shouting echoed loudly in his ears. He wanted to die.What in the world did I do?


    *


    Early Sunday morning, Erna visited the library in Hessenguard, which was being used jointly with the Parliament. She spoke with the librarian and said, Theres a lot of material to look for, and a lot to think about quietly. Those words meant for the librarian to leave. Of course, no one could ignore the order, after all, the owner of the library was the Grand Duke of Hessenguard. The librarian hung a big sign in front of the archives which read, No ess today, and promptly left.


    Having repeatedly checked that the door was locked securely from the inside, Erna quickly began to wander around the archives. After a while, she sat down at arge ck desk with the very thick books shed collected from the various shelves. Human anatomy; The mysteries of the human body and The amazing secrets of the body that we dont know, were some of the books shed chosen. Erna first picked up the book titled, Human Anatomy, and quickly began to turn the pages. It was a book not usually looked at by others in the library, so it was in pristine condition. It was a book read by doctors generally, but most doctors used their libraries which housed collections of professional books from their chosen field of expertise.


    It was a very professional book, but that didnt matter to Erna because she was only looking at the pictures in it. She nced over pictures of muscles, bones, joints, and so on, until her eyes finally rested on one picture in particr and Erna looked at therge writing at the top of the page, P*nis, she felt relieved to have found what shed been searching for. The drawings in the book were very detailed because they were for professionals in this field and Erna blushed a little as she slowly began to read the exnation written next to the p*nis,The length and thickness vary widely from person to person, and the average length of men in Hessenguard, published by the medical center in a ten-year survey, is about six and a half inches long.


    The book was kind enough to mark the length of six inches next to the cross-section of the p*nis and Erna put her hand on it. As soon as she looked at it, a harsh sound escaped her mouth, Good grief so Kalions p*nis is more than twice the average length? The book also circled the average thickness underneath it. Good heavens, dont tell me his p*nis is twice as thick too? She marveled.


    Reflecting on that eventful night, Erna couldnt help but constantly think of the mysteriouslyrge thing under Kalions clothes. Is it natural for someone that has a big body to also have arger p*nis?As Erna continued to read on, a bold sentence in the book answered her question,Arge body does not necessarily mean that the p*nis will berge.


    So its just him that has a rather bigthing.Erna unwittingly stretched out her hands to gauge the size of what shed seenst night. The more she thought about it the more curious she became. After seeing Kalions, Erna wondered if all married women epted such a hideous-looking thing.Does that all go in?She viewed the married women among the wizards and sorcerers differently now, they appeared brave to her.I mean, how can one do that? Does it not hurt? Is it not scary?


    Erna could tell from the book that Kalions p*nis was most certainly bigger than average and she became resentful. It was already mentally burdening to have to spend time with him but adding to that, being physical with him was an overwhelming thought, it was too much for her to handle.


    With the book open, Erna was deep in thought. She knew now that a mans genitals grew bigger and became erect. But unless it was like dried seaweed, there had to be some sort of basic size, a foundation for it to growrge from, How does he carry it in his pants? She was perplexed.


    Erna recalled what Kalions lower body was like and it dawned on her to take a look at that area when he wasnt aroused.I think Ill secretly look at someones lower body because I care about the size of a mans p*nis now. Isnt that perverted?


    No, its academic curiosity. Just for academics. She convinced herself.


    She was grateful that she didnt have to visit him during the day. She would probably only see him the next evening.I assume he wont be erect when he walks through the door, so Ill take a look at it then.


    Do I have to see him tomorrow though? Last night shed pped Kalion so hard across the face that hed nearly stumbled and she felt somewhat embarrassed. When shed arrived at her bedroomter, shed looked underneath her pajamas and found a red hand mark on her chest where Kalion had held her.Should I have kicked him between his legs instead of pping his cheek? Or should I have blown a magic attack even though I know the castle forbids it?


    Erna organized the other books she had brought with her, after finding the answers to her questions, and decided to return them to the bookshelves. The librarian would usually pack them away if she left them on the table, but Erna didnt want to deal with a curious librarian who would no doubt wonder why she was so interested in books about the human body. As she was putting the books back in their ces, she lost her bnce and one slipped from her hand. She rushed to see if the book was damaged and then saw what page it had opened to after itnded on the cold stone floor.

 Chapter 22

    Where did thise from? Erna thought shed only selected books about the human body, but in the book, there was also a short description of the experience of intercourse. Perhaps because it was an academic book, the exnation was written inplicated words that seemed quite simr to the books Erna usually read to gain knowledge, so luckily she didnt struggle to read it. Before s*xual intercourse, forey, such as caressing, is one of the ways to reduce pain. Her eyes narrowed while reading the sentence and she reread it to be certain, before closing the book.


    So, rather than just inserting it right away, its best to touch the other persons body and create sexual excitement to reduce pain.


    In the past, Erna wouldnt have cared less. She wouldve been indifferent and wouldve said that she didnt see the point in spending time on all of this when the experience itself was already painstaking. But after seeing the size of Kalions p*nis, her mind changedpletely! A sessor was important, but she was more important.I dont want to feel pain!


    Erna felt it was unfair that she had to do it in the first ce and the thought of feeling pain made the situation worse. However, that didnt mean she wanted pleasure either. To her, that seemed worse.


    She recalled thest time shed seen Kalion. After pping him on the cheek, shed noticed that his hazy eyes had returned to normal instantly and his face had looked shocked.If he did those actions out of respect for meIt made no sense that she pped him then since he was only trying his best to make the experience more pleasurable for her. However, it had hurt when hed grabbed her chest.What was the point of grabbing my chest as if he was grabbing a loaf of bread?


    Ernas mind was getting more and more befuddled when she heard the knock at the door.


    Are you in there?


    It was the voice of the librarian. Since Erna had told the librarian to leave her alone, she knew it must be urgent so she hurriedly unlocked the door and went outside.


    Whats going on?


    The librarian looked back with a troubled face to where people in parliamentary robes stood.


    Chairman Vanessa is urgently requesting to visit with you.


    *


    Vanessa! Erna almost ran into the parliament conference room, bursting through the open door. Youre here!


    Not only Vanessa, who was sitting but also the otherwmakers who were talking with her, quickly rose to show their respect.


    I heard it on my way here. There are mystical creatures in Haldis? Erna said, waiting for confirmation.


    Haldis was a small city not too far from the capital and it took about five hours by carriage to get there. Surrounded byrgekes and several smaller ones, it was also a beautiful ce for people in the capital to enjoy during the holidays.


    Yes, they appeared at Lake Haldis, but fortunately, the security guards noticed something odd happening in theke and were able to quickly evacuate the people. However Vanessa led Erna to the map on the table, the creatures appeared here, and there, at the same time, so not just in oneke. Currently, the middle of the city is surrounded by these creatures. As you know, the water in theke flows through Haldis. As the creatures also move along the water, we dont think it will be easy to get the people out.


    While listening to Vanessas exnation, Erna became calmer, How many people are trapped?


    Its estimated that there are about three thousand people now.


    How many people that are there can fight the creatures?


    Some of the security guards remain inside. They say the number is about a hundred.


    Thats not enough. Do you have any information on the characteristics of the creatures?


    With the collected information we have received so far, they seem to appear only where theres water. It says they donte on to thend. However, there is a possibility that that will change as time goes by. And it is presumed that they are poisonous. Its also been said that the fish in theke have died since the creatures appeared.


    That does sound like a difficult situation, most likely, all the drinking water in the city is also contaminated.


    We think so too. Fortunately, the security guards have banned the use ofke water after noticing this and they somehow managed to save some water for the public to use. Butits a massive outbreak of creatures and although they are small they seem to be multiplying rapidly.


    We better hurry then, Erna replied.


    Erna bit her lip at the words massive outbreak. The ongoing problem in Hessenguard was that these magical creatures constantly appeared inrge numbers.


    When the previous Grand Duke was alive, Hessenguard was one of the most stablends in the Kingdom. Compared to other kingdoms, the number of creatures appearing and the number of ces these creatures appeared, had been significantly less. But now, it had be one of the most notorious ces in the kingdom for creatures.


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    Humans were adaptable and many had be vignt and managed to somehow protect themselves, but when creatures appeared inrge numbers, it became too much to handle.


    We ask you to send your wizards, Vanessa requested desperately.


    Erna nodded her head, Ill send them right away. And, Ill go with them.


    Thank you. Vanessa who wouldve normally said that Erna didnt have to step into the situation, unusually bowed her head in deep respect. Judging by Vanessas gesture, Erna realized that the situation in Haldis was very serious.


    Then Ill get ready and leave immediately. Tell Haldis that the wizards areing soon!


    Ill send word right away, Vanessa replied with a smile of relief.


    The members of the parliament moved quickly at Ernasmand. She then rushed out of the conference room and headed to the wizards quarters, thinking about what needed to be prepared. She also wondered if there was any work she had to finish before leaving.


    Come to think of it, itll take me a few days to get to Haldis and clean up the mess.This logically meant that Erna didnt have to see Kalion for the next few days. Theyd promised to be together almost every day, but performing official duties had been an exception.Erna felt relieved and walked with a light heart. She felt good that she didnt have to worry about the situation with Kalion for a while because it was driving her nuts.


    Eight hourster she arrived at her destination and promptly nearly lost her mind!Why in the world is he here?Erna was face to face with Kalion, whod been looking down at Haldis from a hill.


    Am I seeing things?Looking at Kalion who was staring down at the city, Erna seriously worried for a moment if her intelligence had diminished. This was a massive outbreak of magical creatures. In addition, the number of people trapped was high and the situation needed to be resolved as soon as possible.


    In such circumstances, Vanessa would not have sought help only from wizards. No, Vanessa would have contacted the knights first, before asking help from the wizards, since the knights had been guarding Hessenguard for a long time.I wouldnt have expected him toe in person though.The moment Erna saw Kalion standing in front of the knights her disposition had changed to one of irritation. And it seemed that Kalion felt the same way, otherwise, the moment he saw her, his face wouldnt have be so stiff.


    As much as Erna was baffled, Kalion also stood in disbelief.I thought we wouldnt have to meet if I came here.


    Kalion was now afraid because Monday was approaching. It was ridiculous for him to even think that way. Hed never been afraid of confronting a house-sized demon nor a million creatures, yet he was currently afraid of just one small human. To make things worse, hed been afraid of meeting this person face to face.Well, I guess that technically it was my fault.


    While Kalion had been thinking about an excuse to give to Erna, to avoid having to spend time with her, Vanessa had reached out for help. Thus, under her request, Kalion had led his knights to Haldis. It was nothing special to him. It was something hed been doing for the past ten years.


    Throughout their journey to Haldis, Kalions head had been full of thoughts about Erna, as opposed to thinking about the creatures.


    It may take a week, maybe two to resolve this situation so we may not meet anytime soon.Kalion was d he had a good excuse to avoid seeing Erna. He even promised himself that hed take as much time as possible to dy his return date to Hessenguard. But not long after hed arrived, he was soon faced with a group of people.


    Whats going on?


    The Grand Duchess Erna is here. She is leading the wizards herself, one of the people in the crowd announced.


    What? Surprised, Kalion looked back and saw Erna riding on a white horse, approaching fast. When the carriage arrived, wizards whod turned white due to motion sickness, lined up outside of it. After theyde to their senses, theyd stood apart from the knights, at arms length.


    The rtionship between the knights and the wizards was neither too bad nor too good. They rarely ran into each other enough to be on bad terms. Not long ago though, there was aint among the knights that the wizards had stolen the limelight and had epted the peoples gratitude for work that the knights had done. But it wasnt enough of an issue to show hostility.


    As they faced each other awkwardly, a man dressed in a security guards uniform raced up the hill. He seemed truly pleased to see the knights and the wizards and soon found Erna and Kalion. He stood in front of Erna, captivated by her beauty. Kalions expression changed and he made a disapproving sound, which was frequently made by his knights as well.

 Chapter 23

    I admit its a beautiful face, but is it that mesmerizing? More than that, I cant believe he is staring at her face when he is in the presence of the Grand Duke. Isnt that rude?When he deliberately coughed, Luzon looked at Kalion and hurriedly lowered his head with an embarrassed look on his face.


    Please grant me your forgiveness of my disrespect. Please have mercy.


    What does he mean by mercy? I was just looking at him but was my expression that scary?Kalion was deep in thought but Erna waved her hand as if it were nothing.


    There is nothing to worry about. Who are you? She inquired.


    My name is Luzon, Im the deputymander of the Haldis Regional Security.


    Okay, Luzon. You may get up. Id like to hear an exnation of the current situation.


    When Erna ordered, Luzon quickly got up and reported the situation so far. Fortunately, there havent been many conflicts since the istion. The people inside are confined to their homes and food is shared under a fixed time by the control of the security guards. But at this rate, the water will run out soon, so its imperative to save the people who are trapped inside.


    This time, Kalion asked him a question. How long do you think the people will be able to survive?


    I think itll be three days at the most. Most of them are ordinary people who have lived here or who came to visit. They areining of extreme anxiety. If the rescue takes long, people are more likely going to get out of control.


    At Luzons words, Erna and Kalion nodded at the same time. A nervous person wouldnt stay sane very long. It was clear that more and more people would move in another direction if the rescue date got pushed back, which would also make the rescue operation more difficult.


    Suddenly, there was a ssh on the surface of theke and a stir broke out among the wizards and knights. Several creatures that had prickly heads, resembling a fish, surfaced. Those were the magical creatures that appeared in Lake Haldis.


    Theye up like that once an hour to breathe, the guard exined.


    Theyre smaller than I expected. I thought theyd be twice that size, Erna said unexpectedly.


    Yes, they are smaller than the average size of any magical beast. Their head looks like a fishs head but their body is more like a dog, and they have webbed ws. When we caught one and looked at it, there was poison in its teeth and ws. Its possible to heal from the poison, but it causes burning pain, so if you get bitten or scratched, the person infected will lose the strength needed forbat for a few days.


    The expressions of the knights and wizards standing behind, darkened. The knights, in particr, seemed to have troubled faces because they had to fight face to face. But if they had to deal with a poisonous creature on top of that, it would make their situation more difficult.


    Then Erna said, If the creatures have that kind of poison, then its most likely that they arent too strong.


    Luzon nodded at the intuitive words of Erna. Thats right. Its hard to deal with them because there are a lot of them and they have poison, but individually, they are not strong creatures.


    Kalion stared at Erna talking to Luzon. Hed never seen Erna doing work before. When both were fulfilling the Grand Dukes duty to defend Hessenguard, they never moved together. It was only at meetings at parliament that they saw one another at work.


    However, usually at the meeting, sarcastic words came out even before they could speak ten sentences, so they often listened without talking at all. If they felt like they were going to talk for a long time, Kalion would take thewmakers to another room to finish his conversation.


    This was the first time that Kalion saw Erna working outside the Great Castle. To him, Erna was someone full of sarcastic words and always picking fights. But in this situation, Erna was the first to jump into action and take the situation seriously. As Kalion was recalling Erna rolling around on the sofa, she shouted in a loud voice.


    Orp!


    Orp, who was arranging the wizards, immediately approached Erna, Whats the matter?


    Remember the magic I talked to you aboutst time? The widespread protection magic.


    Yes, I remember. Are you going to use it this time?


    I think we should. These creatures are difficult to reach, theyre spread out and there are too many. It will be difficult for us to deal with them individually, so we should focus on getting rid of them all at once.


    I agree. Itll take about a day to get ready. It would be quicker for you but the other wizards arent used to this magic yet.


    I understand, but tell them to hurry.


    Erna and Orp proceeded to made ns. Kalion, who was watching the scene, intervened in the conversation between the two, I want you to tell me exactly when and where, and what exactly, you are going to do.


    Why? Erna asked.


    That way, we can move without ovepping each other. Its hard for us to move when there is magic in our way. I assume you also wouldnt want the knights to get in your way either?


    Thats true. A slight irritation passed through Erna and her face showed her annoyance. She turned to Luzon, and her expression quickly rxed as she approached him with a friendly smile. Dont worry too much. It will take some time to prepare, but I dont think there will be any problems, so please tell the security guards and the vigers to be on standby.


    I will do so right away! Luzon blushed at Ernas smile, stuttering as he saluted her.


    Kalion looked at Luzon, with a look of disapproval. Then he turned to talk to Erna, You act pretty sweet to other people.


    How else do you expect me to act? At his words, Erna red at him. She seemed to be greatly annoyed and disturbed by Kalion. Ernas eyes moved from his face and slowly looked down.


    Kalion followed her gaze and his expression hardened when he saw where her eyes stopped, What are you looking at?


    Um nothing! Erna quickly turned away and walked over to where the wizards were gathered.


    Kalion, who was looking at her back, nced down again.No way!Erna hated even the slightest touch of his so there was no reason for her to stare between his legs. Kalion walked over to where the knights were standing and he and Erna went their separate ways.


    This is going to take about a week.It would take at least three days to get rid of the creatures and another few days to save the people andpletely resolve the situation.Kalion sighed. That meant there was no more face-to-face with Erna at night for at least a week or so.Its supposed to be something fortunate, right?It was something Kalion had wanted, but somehow he didnt feel relieved. Kalion approached Cedric, as he had to order the knights to recapture Haldis.


    Five hourster,Erna and Kalion were facing each other again.


    Why are you here? She asked in an annoyed voice.


    And why are you here? He asked, feeling just as frustrated as her.


    The ce where the two of them stood was in front of a mansion outside Haldis, which was rented as temporary amodation. This was supposed to be the base until they got rid of the creatures, a ce where the area representatives prepared urgently.


    As in the Grand Castle, Erna, and Kalion each used half of it, under an implicit promise. Erna and the wizards on the left, Kalion and the knights on the right. Helpers from nearby viges ced tables andrge pots in the garden and made food for them, while Erna and Kalion each called in Luzon or other people familiar with the geography of the area, to discuss how to follow through with their ns. The meetingssted untilte at night.


    After seeing the wizards magically contact the people inside Haldis, checking their safety, Erna went up to the second floor of the mansion. At the end of the long corridor on the second floor, Orp was giving instructions to the wizards.


    Orp.


    Duchess, have you been in touch with anyone on the inside of Haldis?


    Yes. They seem all right and theyre excited that wizards havee to save them. I would like to take a rest now.


    If you go straight from here and turn left, youll see the main hallway on the second floor. Theres arge white door in the middle and you can use that room. The floor n is simr to that of the Grand castle, with the biggest room being on the middle floor.


    Orp was willing to guide Erna but was soon intercepted by another wizard. When Orp asked for a moment to guide Erna first, she shook her head, I can find a room on my own. Im not a child.


    Are you sure?


    Dont worry, you should go to the people who are looking for you. I can take it from here. Erna waved to Orp to indicate she didnt need her help and walked down the hall alone. As Orp had said, when Erna turned left, she saw a wide hallway with a red carpet, and further along was arge, beautifully hand-carved white wooden door.

 Chapter 24

    Is this my room?Erna was exhausted from the nning of the trip, the traveling, and all the talking. She was eager to rx because she needed to be well-rested to be able to prepare arge amount of magic needed to resolve the situation with the creatures.I should go to bed early tonight.


    Usually, Erna would stay up until dawn, but her body was drained and her mind was tired. At times like this, it was best to get a good nights rest. Yawning now, she opened the door and unexpectedly bumped into something with her legs.Who on earth put a block at the entrance to the room?


    As she was about to move it, she saw someones naked, broad, muscr chest blocking her vision. With muscles that seemed to be perfect, Erna was distracted for a moment but soon remembered where this ce was. She was certain that this was her room.Raising her head, Kalion stood before her with a look of bewilderment on his face and the two shouted at the same time, Why are you here? And then simultaneously yelled, This is my room!


    A sudden knock on the door distracted them and Kalion hurriedly put on a shirt and opened the door. The noble couple who owned the mansion was facing them.


    Its an honor to have you both in our mansion. Please let us know if you need anything, the old man spoke, and the olddy next to him smiled.


    The olddy said proudly, Its the room that we decorated with the most care. It may not be as beautiful andfortable as the castle, but we hope you two can rx while you stay here. And please take good care of the people of Haldis.


    Looking at the elderly couple who were weing both of them so sincerely, Erna couldnt very wellin about sharing a room. The two spoke briefly to the old couple, and once they were gone, Kalion sighed and closed the door.


    So


    They gave us one bedroom because they believe we are a couple, Erna finished his sentence for him. The two understood their dilemma and both ced their hands on their foreheads. It wasmon knowledge to those in the Grand Castle that Erna and Kalion didnt get along. However, people outside the castle grounds were not familiar with this. Of course, people working in the castle would go around saying that the twos rtionship wasnt great, but outsiders considered it to be just a rumor and chose to ignore it as if it were some sort of a conspiracy. Thanks to this, it was not well known by all that they werent getting along.


    If I had known this would happen, I wouldve advertised the fact that we dont get along.It was pointless regretting it now though and Erna didnt entirely mean what she thought.Theres no other room.


    On her way up, shed seen the knights and wizards unpacking and resting in the other rooms. Several people seemed to be staying in one room, to the point that it was a bit crowded, thus she realized she couldnt take up more space in those rooms, just to avoid Kalion. Eventually, Erna gave up thinking about going to another room and Kalion seemed unwilling to go anywhere else as well.


    Erna pointed directly at the sofa in the middle of the room and said, You sleep over there. I have to sleepfortably tonight.


    Other couples would give up thefort of a bed for each other and sleep on the sofa or the floor, but these two were not like other couples. Erna waited for his response, assuming hed reject hermand.


    Okay, he said.


    Contrary to Ernas expectations, Kalion epted her request obediently.Whats wrong with him?She looked at him suspiciously, wondering if hed eaten something that didnt agree with him. She noticed now that his whole disposition was different from normal. Usually, his irritation would be visible on his face but today he was trying his best to avoid conflict with her. Erna wondered if hed damaged his head, but didnt have enough strength to get into an argument with him, which her sarcasm would no doubt ignite.


    After washing her dusty body in the bathroom, she strolled back into the bedroom and saw Kalion lying on the sofa sound asleep. It was a beautifulrge dark-maroon sofa, but because of the size of his body, Kalions legs were hanging over the armrest and his head was awkwardly ced at the other end. At that sight, Erna coldly said, Id just sleep on the floor.Wouldnt it be better than lying so ufortably? I guess the floor might be dirty but that could be fixed by cing a nket down, but of course, Im not giving him my nket.


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    She climbed onto the bed, pulling the covers over her and her expression was loosenednguidly by the soft quilt, which smelled different from the nkets that she usually slept under. The moment she closed her eyes, she heard Kalions voice.


    Im sorry.


    His words made Erna wonder why he was suddenly talking to himself so strangely. Then, after a while, she jumped up and said, Did you just say that to me?


    Is there anyone else in this room besides you?


    No, but A word of apology was not something Erna expected from Kalion and then she remembered a part of her body that had been throbbing all day. She lifted her loose top slightly, which resulted in showing her chest and she could still see a light imprint of his hand. She looked at Kalion, who was sitting up, and asked, What are you sorry about?


    I apologize for the unsympathetic management of your thighs, stomach, and chest.


    It was good to know that he knew exactly what hed done wrong, however, him speaking without hesitation like that, made Erna feel embarrassed. She nced down again and looked at her chest.Ive been too busy to even think about it!


    As Kalion spoke, everything that had happened the night before shed before her eyes; how shed felt helpless under his touch, and how all the sensations she felt had multiplied in intensity. Even though Kalion wasnt near her, she felt a sharp pain in her chest and stomach again.Is it pain?Just thinking about it made Ernas body weak and her fingertips and toes tingle. She wanted to curl her legs as a sharp sensation passed through her lower abdomen.


    Kalion, whose head hung low, said, If I were to make an excuse I honestly thought it was a dream. That would never have happened if I had known it was real. The word never was said with a particrly powerful voice.


    Oh? It sounded to Erna as if he wouldnt have done such a thing if hed known it was her. Wow, I wonder what you do in real life to have stuff like that happen in your dreams.


    No! What I meant was


    She cut him off bluntly, Thats enough. Theres no need to apologize. Its disgusting and annoying to think about it again. And Erna said, pointing to the striped carpet on the floor between the bed and the sofa, if you step over that carpet, youre dead to me.


    *


    At the crack of dawn, Orp was pacing in front of Ernas room. If they were at home in their caste, she would have knocked on the door and without hesitation walked into the room to open the curtains and wake Erna up. But the room in front of her was not only for Erna but Kalion as well. When shed discovered that the two were to share a room, Orp had wanted to go to the owner of the mansion and request another room for Erna, but Cedric had prevented her, saying that it could be an opportunity for the two of them to get closer.An opportunity? A chance for two people who dont get along to strangle each other?But Cedric had tried to convince her saying,You know, these days, the two are starting to care about each other. I also asked the maids in the castle and they said the two seem to have started sharing a bedroom.


    Cedric had gone on to tell Orp all the information he had found out. Usually, maids were trained to keep their mouths shut, even more so, Cedric, Kalions lieutenant, should know better. Private information was meant to be kept a secret.


    Cedric wouldnt give up that easily.Finally, that stone-type man is warming up, with a bit of motivation. I need to help him!If Kalion knew what Cedric was thinking, he would most likely blow his head off for interfering, but Cedric was sneaky and was consistently looking for an opportunity to help. Then, when theyd arrived in Haldis and found a mansion to stay in, Cedric had realized that this was the perfect opportunity to help Kalion.


    So, even though Erna and Kalion had been assigned separate rooms, hed changed the arrangement and made only one bedroom avable to them. And, hed also then informed Orp that hed done this on purpose and asked for cooperation. As Cedric left without any exnation, Orp didnt stop to question him.


    Erna usually had a hard time getting up in the mornings, unless Orp came in to wake her. To make things worse, Erna had done a lot of work yesterday which wouldve made her easily fall into a deep sleep.I need to wake her up though as she needs to attend a meeting to prepare the magic.Startled by the opening of the door in front of her, Orp looked up and saw the man in the doorway. Prince Kalion? There he stood, looking several times more exhausted than he had the day before.


    *


    Erna stretched and yawned, looking at the wide window next to her as the bright morning sun streamed through it, warming her face. She got up and approached the window, looking out at the beautifulke situated at the bottom of a towering green hill, Its so pretty! The picturesqueke and city wouldve been a serene setting, had it not been for the creatures.

 Chapter 25

    I shoulde back here some other time.Erna remembered that there was a vi owned by Hessenguard not too far away. In addition to that one, there were at least one or two other vis owned by Hessenguard in the surrounding area. But she didnt often leave the castle grounds so this hadnt interested her before.


    I heard he uses them often though.Shed heard that Kalion usually spent his time in the vi whenever he went on a mission outside of the castle grounds. This information had been given to her by Vanessa, whod once asked Erna if shed wanted to visit these areas. At that time, she hadnt thought much about it, but if there were more trips to suppress magical creatures, that could be an option.Ill have to look into it a bit more once I get back.


    Erna stretched her arms upwards and turned away from the window, feeling so much more rxed after a good nights rest.Ive been on edge every night because of himtelyThen, she realized that there was a contradiction in her thoughts. How could one sleepfortably with the presence of another who bothered them the most?Come to think of it, its ridiculous. I was in the same room with Kalion, and I was sleeping without any precautions? Especially after what had happened recently?And to make matters worse, there were magical creatures everywhere.


    The general public might be fearful, but she wasnt. Erna was one of the most powerful wizards around, with the widest range of magical powers, so, if there were any magical creatures close by, she wouldve sensed their presence. But it was still strange that shed slept so deeply.Was I too tired to even think about it?It was possible, especially if someone was exhausted to the point that they could faint. Erna felt almosttoorefreshed after waking up, and with unsolved questions, she looked around the room, wondering if someone had put a spell on the mansion in the past.


    But no sign of magic was found anywhere in the room. Instead, Erna found something else. There was evidence that someone had slept on the very bed shed slept on! Erna was sure that shed slept soundly in the middle of the bed. But, at the edge of the bed, there was an indentation, as if someone had slept on top of it for a very long time. She looked at the rug on the floor where the mattress ended and she saw indentations there too as if someone had stood there for a long time. She put her foot on it but it was certainly not from her, as the size was half an inch bigger. There was undoubtedly only one person in the room who couldve left the indentations on the bed and the rug, I told him not toe over! She yelled to the empty room.


    Yesterday, Erna had nced at Kalion before going to bed. Hed been lying on the sofa with a calm look on his face. It was so out of character for him and shed expected him to demand his right to sleepfortably, ignoring her feelings about it. And, he wouldve told her to sleep elsewhere if she felt ufortable. But yesterday, Kalion was unable to say anything because he probably felt guilty about what hed done. So Erna had slept peacefully, but now she felt irritated that Kalion had gotten into the bed with her and slept pleasantly too, while she was unaware because she was in deep sleep.


    Dont even think about it today! She yelled again. Erna vowed to not allow Kalion near her bed, even if it meant she had to use magic.


    *


    Are you all right? Cedric looked at Kalion with a slightly worried look.


    Knights themselves were like weapons. Just as they had to care for their swords every day, a knight had to take care of himself too, and a good nights sleep was one of the most important ways to do so. Cedric knew that Kalion always took good care of himself, especially when he was on a mission to fight against magical creatures. He would take extra care to be in the best condition he could be. But today, Kalions face looked as if hed overworked himself untiltest night. His eyes were darker than usual, he had slightly bloodshot eyes, and his hair looked unkempt.


    Why are you asking me that question all of a sudden?


    Im asking you because you seem as if you didnt sleep wellst night.


    Cedrics words reminded Kalion of the previous night.If youe over here, youre dead to me.Erna had said and had immediately fallen asleep. Soon after, hed heard her deep breathing and hed sat quietly on the sofa holding his breath.


    Hed tried his best to convey an apology but it seemed to irritate Erna even more and her eyes seemed to have been filled with contempt. Kalion felt falsely used. Hed never done anything like that in the past, so why all of a sudden was he dreaming about something like that? No matter how much he regretted it, what was done was done and there was no going back. So Kalion had decided to be more mindful and respect Ernas wishes for him to not step over the carpet.


    Hedid back down on the couch and tried to sleep, but it was ufortable and too small for his body, but he had thought it would be better than sleeping on the floor. Not too long after hed closed his eyes again, he had heard a strange sound. His eyes had shot open as he listened to Ernas groaning, wondering what in the world was going on. Jumping up, hed grabbed the sword on the table next to the sofa, thinking it was some sort of attack, and had seen that Erna was alone in the bed. After confirming that there was nothing else around, hed put the sword down and had sat down on the sofa.


    She continued making strange groaning sounds and Kalion could see her body flinching under the covers.Is she sick or something? Why is she like this?Hed wondered.


    Hey. Pumpkin,hed said softly. Erna had always been annoyed by the word pumpkin. It was probably because it made her think about their wedding day. Of course, just as Erna was irritated by the word pumpkin, Kalion was also irritated by the word earthworm. He didnt even worry about swear words, but for some reason, that particr word irritated him. She hadnt replied to him which confirmed that shed been fast asleep.


    But what is wrong with her?Why is she suddenly groaning all alone?Hed thought.


    Kalion had stood at the end of the carpet that Erna had pointed to, and hed watched her. Her head had stuck out of the nket, but her face had been covered by her long hair. Soon after, shed tossed and turned as if shed been ufortable and her hair had scattered about, and Kalion had noticed her exhaling sharp cold breaths.


    Hed unknowingly forgotten what shed said and had approached the side of the bed and looked at her closely.Whats happening to her?Hed remembered asking himself. Erna had looked tired but she hadnt looked like she was experiencing any pain. However, she had been sweating profusely and her face had been pale.


    Hed wondered if he should call the lieutenant and the doctor or perhaps find a wizard who could heal. Kalion had agonized for a while but soon realized that Ernas condition was somewhat simr to something hed seen before.


    A long time ago, hed met a wandering wizard while on a mission to fight magical creatures. Moving with the knights for a while, the wizard had told Kalion a few things about magic and wizards. Then, one night, when the magical creatures had gotten closer, hed suddenly hugged Kalions arm and groaned as if he were in agony. Kalion, whod been staring at the creature, had watched as his knights approached in surprise, but the wizard had waved his hand as if he were okay.


    Whats going on?


    Oh, no need to be surprised. There seems to be quite a lot of creatures nearby.


    Do all wizards feel the presence of magical creatures?


    Its because we use the same power. In the first ce, magic is the power that fills space, and magical creatures are creatures that have flowed in the wrong space and out of normal order, so we often feel each other because we all have the same roots. Im not that strong, but other strong wizards be more sensitive to their nearness. And its like this only at night. Nighttime makes magic much more powerful.


    Is there any way we can help you?


    When hed asked, the wizard answered as if he had waited for the words,Can I sit next to you?


    Next to me?


    Yes, wizards and the knights are opposites. Knights are people who are extremely fit to harness the power of the body, that is, the power of the world we live in. If those people are near, wizards are less influenced by the creatures,the wizard had exined and had quickly sunk between Kalion and Cedric. Then, surprisingly, hed soon gotten better.


    Its simr to what happened with the wizard,Kalion recalled thinking. The only difference between then and the previous evening, was that the magical creatures had been much further away from Erna than they had been from the wizard. The nearestke was a long way down the hill and the magical creatures wouldnt have been able to make it this far onnd. Kalion also remembered that the stronger the wizard was, the more sensitive they were, and currently, the strongest wizard in Hessenguard was Erna. It had made sense that she was so sensitive to the creatures, even though they were so far away. To add to that, it had also beente at night, which meant that magic was far more powerful.


    Kalion had stood next to the bed feeling helpless and wondering what to do. When Erna had moaned and groaned again, hed sneaked up to her, and surprisingly, her face had immediately rxed. The wizards words had been true.


    Kalion had taken a few steps back and her rxed face had hardened as shed curled up. Seeing that, he had hesitated for a moment, then hed approached the bed again, and her face had softened with a gentle smile.

 Chapter 26

    What should I do?Kalion looked at thefortable sofa and then back at the bed. He felt that he should go back to the sofa before Erna caught him by her since shed made it crystal clear that he should sleep there. However, whenever he walked away from the bed, she groaned in pain. Kalion debated: should he achieve peace of mind for himself or peace for Ernas body?


    Naturally, his choice was the former and thats the way that it should be. This is driving me crazy! He sighed heavily as he struggled to make a decision and sat down on the edge of the bed. Soon, he heard peaceful breathing behind him.


    Okay, let me stay here, just this once.Because of what hed done to her, he thought it was the least he could do and he hoped that it would alleviate some of the guilt he felt. Kalion was satisfied with his justification for doing this and he sat quietly next to Erna until he heard Orps footsteps.


    * * *


    Since the day after Kalion and Erna had arrived, the wizards and knights had moved about frantically. They needed a more precise tactic to move forward with, as they were dealing with demons in a form that theyd never encountered before and the fear and uncertainty among them, was evident.


    Erna, who sat in the drawing-room of her mansion and stared at the map for a long time, said firmly as if there is was no reconsideration needed, The knights will only interfere with our movement.


    That is true, but Orp answered with a discontented look on her face and then decided not to continue with her thoughts on the matter.


    Aplex and unknown picture-like letter floated in the air, emanating a visible blue aura of light and Erna opened both her hands in front of her to receive it. It was the magic form that she would be using tomorrow.


    Look here. Can you see its range? Erna asked as she pointed at the detailed map.


    Even if you tell me to look there, it takes a while for me to find what you are pointing at! Orp pouted and looked at the area that Erna was trying to show her. There wereplex letters of light rotating at different speeds.


    Erna asked, with a bit of frustration as Orp stared at it for an extended period, You still havent found it?


    Its you who can find it ridiculously fast! Orp wanted to bang her chest in frustration when Erna stared back at her with an expression showing that she didnt understand what she meant.


    Erna was a so-called prodigy. A prodigy of magic no less. Besides the immensity of her innate magical power, she could also draw the veryplex and borate magic forms, without any difficulty, and she had an inherent ability to memorize them perfectly too.


    The letters that made up the magic forms were not from this world, and each letter was like a living creature. Some letters determined the nature of the magic power, and some letters determined the range in which the magic power could flow.


    Thebination of these letters created a magic form, and the casting of magic was done by flowing magic power into these letters to make them move. At first nce, it didnt seem to be a difficult task to perform, however, if letters were randomly written, the magic would be rendered useless. This was because, while there were letters that werepatible with each other, there were also letters that were contradictory to each other, and even the slightest misalignment in the arrangement of letters would result in the magic not being triggered.


    Because of theplexities involved in the study of magic, the wizards preferred to learn from the Magic Tower. Since it was a ce that contained the information that wizards had studied for thousands of years, one would most certainly be well-schooled there.


    She can create with such sophistication, even though shes not from the Magic Tower.Orp looked at the magic form Erna had drawn. Now that Orp had be a skilled wizard, she could tell the level of sophistication by looking at the moving magic form. Wizards usually made magic forms using five to ten letters.I was able to do up to seventeen.To be honest, it wasnt a spell that was properly cast, as shed failed to control all seventeen characters. Even though she thought that she was one of the best-skilled wizards in Hessenguard, that was her limit.But how many characters are these?


    Orp observed the magic form Erna had created perfectly. Is it forty-one in total?


    Yeah. I added one more character to my previous design, and there was no problem. The direction in which the magical energy ejects probably became more sophisticated.


    Orp got goosebumps from her casual reply, she spoke as if shed just said she added a bit more salt to roasting meat. Was it possible that Erna was stronger than the guardian of the Magic Tower?


    After a while, Orp found the letter that determined the range of magic that Erna spoke of. After looking at it for a while, she answered more seriously, ording to this letter, it seems Haldis and the entireke area would be within range. It also seems that it can get inside the wall and push the demons out with its magical power and crush them. If this proves to be the case, then we wont need the power of the knights as you said.


    Exactly, Erna replied confidently. But this will take half a day to activate.


    Orp ced the magic form that was floating in the air, on her hand, and then threw it upwards and the letters of light instantly magnified as they illuminated the sky. Therger the range of the magic form, the greater the amount of magical power required to activate it. If the preparation was finished today and they started activating it tomorrow morning, it seemed that this demon conquering wouldnt be a problem and theyd be finished before sunset tomorrow.


    Then I will go and speak with Kalions lieutenant. Please rest in the meantime, Orp suggested.


    Im okay. I slept well yesterday.


    Really? Here? I had a bit of trouble sleeping because there as so many demons, but you were okay?


    Strangely, I didnt feel much and I slept soundly. It doesnt matter since thats a good thing I dont know what affected me before.


    As Erna started to ponder, Orp collected the magic form from the sky, handed it to Erna, and then left the room saying, Ill be right back.


    Yes, good luck.


    After Orp left, Ernaid down on the sofa in her parlor.Its been said, that for a wizard to be less sensitive to the presence of demons, its good to be with knights.Erna had learned most of her magic from books. When shed first felt her magical powers, she was given a mentor by Vanessa. The mentor taught her the basics well, but couldnt teach her further. So, she started studying by herself, learning from the books on magic, in the library in the Grand Duke Castle.


    The Magic Tower, which was famous for being closed to outsiders, had surprisingly published many books rted to magic. Thanks to that, Erna was able to learn magic by reading those books and drawing magic forms by herself. The Magic Tower wouldve been bbergasted if they found out. Magic forms were very sophisticated and three-dimensional. One could never replicate the sophistication and the three-dimensional structure of the magic form, no matter how detailed it was drawn in a book. The Magic Tower likely published the books to publicize their greatness, without having to worry about leaking knowledge.


    Thanks to that, Erna sat at ease in Hessenguard as she enjoyed the knowledge of the Magic Tower. Among the books, she read all day, one of them wrote: The stronger ones magical power, the more sensitive one is to the presence of demons at night and it helps to have knights around to ease ones sensitivity. Shed only nced at this once, and shed half-forgotten since, as Erna rarely confronted demons at night or spent time with knights.


    In the book, it said that just being around a knight would alleviate the difort for a wizard, but there was no exnation about how close together they should be. She wondered now if she had slept so sound because of all the knights in the mansion. In the morning, shed seen that several knights were staying in the room next to her bedroom, including Kalions lieutenant, and she thought it might be thanks to them.


    Feeling more rxed, she brought herself back to the present moment and focused on the task at hand. Erna floated the magic form that shed created in the air, carefully examining it to see if there were any problems, Okay, perfect! There were no problems with her design. If shey out the magic form today, at the right ce for the wizards to infuse it with magic power, and then started activating it tomorrow morning, by evening they should be able to rescue the people of Haldis. So, I hope he takes the knights and leaves as soon as possible.


    * * *


    Then, are you telling us to take a step back?


    Orp sighed as Cedrics voice rose, Theres no need to be so infuriated. Why are you so angry when you dont have to work?


    Thats not the problem. It is out of the question for the knights to go back without doing anything. For a knight, that is a shame!


    Well, the knights live so tirelessly. But, as I said, when our Archdukes magic is activated, there is nothing for the knights to do. And its not doing nothing, were asking you to help people.


    Easy for you to say. They are anxious to cut the heads off of the demons. If I tell them to sit back and watch the wizards do all the work, they will cut my head off!


    Thats strange. Wizards like it when they are told to do nothing.


    The door opened and Kalion entered the room visibly annoyed, because the loud difference of opinion between the two, had disturbed him. They immediately straightened up and bowed their heads to him. I could hear your voices well from outside.


    Orp broke out in a cold sweat at Kalions sullen voice. She could talk to Cedricfortably, but not to Kalion. After all, he was an Archduke, like Erna, whom Orp served. Because of his sheer size, everyone froze like a mouse in front of a cat when they stood before him, feeling intimidated.


    Orp, what is this all about?


    We were just discussing the magic to be used, she replied softly.


    Exin exactly what, when, and where the spell will be cast by the wizards.


    Orp became very nervous when he spoke so bluntly and she stumbled over her words as she exined to Kalion the spell that Erna was going to cast. Kalion quietly looked at the map as he listened intently to Orps exnation.

 Chapter 27

    Orp observed Kalions expression, waiting for his reaction, as the tension in her body increased by the minute. It didnt seem like he despised wizards, but as Cedric had said, it would be a shame for knights to have to step back, and it was clear that he wouldnt back down easily.


    I am the only one suffering because of all of this!Orp wanted to cry as she was well aware of Ernas stubbornness and couldnt help but wonder what crime shedmitted for her to be caught between Erna and Kalion like this.


    Finally, Kalion opened his mouth, Okay. The knights will withdraw to the rear.


    I beg your pardon? Orp asked, unsure if shed heard correctly.


    Cedric and Orp, who were expecting rejection, looked at Kalion in bewilderment as he gave an unexpected answer. They turned their heads towards each other and seeing that they were both surprised, it was clear that they didnt mishear.


    Did you say that the spell will start around noon tomorrow?


    What? Yes! Thats right! Orp said, sounding astonished.


    Then the knights will begin their withdrawal in the morning. Deliver the message.


    Yes sir! Cedric replied obediently.


    Fearing that Kalion may change his mind at any moment, Orp hurriedly said goodbye and left the room, and Cedric, who was staring nkly at Orps exit, said in a loud voice, Sir!


    Quiet. As I said just now, all the knights are to withdraw to the rear in the morning and prepare to look after the vigers of Haldis after the spell has been cast.


    Are you saying that we brought three units of knights, but will be returning without even pulling out a sword?


    Think of it as going out for a walk.


    Cedric held his head with both hands and moaned in response to Kalions reply. He knew how much the knights wouldin to him when he delivered thismand, and he slowly turned his head and looked at Kalion with resentment.Im certain that hes losing to Miss Erna on purpose!


    A normal Kalion would never back down in such a situation. For him, the Hessenguard knights were his pride and joy, but now, he was actingpletely out of character by withdrawing them from the battle thaty ahead. Cedric shuddered when he thought about how things were changing since Kalion and Erna started sharing a bedroom. If it was like this now already, what would it be like further down the line?


    The next day, Erna stood on a grassy hill overlooking the magnificentke, rubbing her stiff neck, Ouch.


    Unlike the day before, she was in a bit of a mess. When Orp had woken her up in the morning, the white bed sheets were soaked with cold sweat. Her neck and shoulders were tightly cramped as shed slept curled up tightly in an odd position, like an animal trying to escape the cold, and now she felt stiff and sore whenever she moved her neck.


    It was strange that she felt like this today since shed slept in the same bed the previous night and had woken up feeling fine.Nothing, in particr, has changed, I dont understand this.


    Kalion, whom shed thought would go to another room if he had any tact, had entered the couples bedroom andid down on the sofa with his eyes closed, despite her re. Instead of asking the question about whether hed sat on the bed the day before, Erna had promptly cast a spell. A few of the letters had moved swiftly over her hand, glowing red, and soon a curtain of transparent red light had appeared around the bed on which she was lying.


    What is that? Hed asked. Kalion had alertly stared at the spell Erna had cast as hed raised his body.


    A spell that burns when touched, burning until there is no blood left to burn and bones turn to powder, shed replied.


    Oh, okay then.


    Dont worry, its a spell cast just in case a certain someone forgets about my warning of me having to kill if hees over the carpet. It has nothing to do with you, right? Shed exined sarcastically.


    Message received loud and clear.  Kalion had averted his gaze and had soonid back on thefortable couch, ignoring Ernas scornful grin as shed confirmed that her spell had been cast safely.


    Closing her eyes, shed smirked about what shed said about the spell burning someone to death; it was a lie, and she recalled thinking that only a crazy person would go to sleep with such a spell cast. A spell cast with such power required quite a bit of mana, and she couldnt waste mana on such nonsense, especially with such an important task ahead of her. Besides, this wasnt the Archdukes castle, it was someone elses mansion. She couldnt do an irresponsible thing such as hanging a dangerous spell in someone elses house. So the spell shed cast wasnt that potent, a person would only be stung if they touched the area in which it was.


    She also recalled, that when she was drifting off to sleep, shed thought that it would be a sight if he identally bumped into it.


    In the morning, Orp had woken her up after removing the spell, lecturing her about why she shouldnt have cast it. Erna had looked around her as soon as shed regained her senses and saw that there were only traces of it as shed moved out of the awkward position shed slept in.


    Orp informed her that Kalion hadnt been in the bedroom when shede in to open the curtains and Erna thought it mustve been because he was afraid that he might touch the spell and burn alive! Erna had spun her shoulders widely, immediately feeling a sharp pain in her neck and shoulder.


    Why does it hurt so much? Erna had moaned in pain. The building was full of knights so she hadnt understood why shed felt like that.


    In all honesty, she mustve passed out from sheer exhaustion the day before and then mistakenly thought that it was thanks to the knights that shed slept well. Orp had approached her as shed cracked her neck.


    Maam! All the knights have withdrawn from the nned area of


    operation.


    And the cement of wizards?


    All cements have beenpleted in the designated positions.


    Good. Then send a signal to start.


    At Ernas words, Orp had begun to draw magic letters made of light in the air. It was a very simple spell requiring only two letters, and when the mana was added to the letters, a huge mass of blue light had appeared in front of her and quickly soared into the sky.


    The beam of light had shot up to the sky, making a sharp sound, like the screeching of a hawk, and exploded beautifully in the sky above Haldis. Despite the broad daylight, people had gazed at the blue mes that had looked as bright as midnight fireworks.


    The blue light bursting in the air was the signal for the wizards to prepare. The atmosphere in the forest changed as everyone seemed nervous, perhaps because of the light, or the fact that the demons must know that the wizards were nearby. Suddenly, the demons that had been holding their breath in theke, due to the increased number of people in the area, came up to the surface one by one.


    What a crowd, Erna said as she rubbed her arm while looking at the demons that floated on the surface, who resembled turtles out for a sunbathe.


    Its disgusting, Orp said, feeling repulsed.


    She said she would take care of it herself, but seeing how many there were now, she regretfully thought that it might have been better to just leave it to the order. But, Erna immediately shook her head,Its also a good thing that the order doesnt cause unnecessary damage.


    They were not only Kalions henchmen but also citizens of Hessenguard and they were currently the greatest force that maintained order and security in Hessenguard. So even though they were Kalions people, it was right to treat them with respect; their strength was the strength of the Hessenguard.


    Erna lifted the magic form shed shown Orp yesterday, into the air again, and as she waved her hand toward the sky, the magic form grew exponentially and ascended, filling the void.


    However, no matter how strong Erna was, it wasnt easy for her to maintain a huge spell on her own. Besides that, the wizards still needed hermand, so she couldnt drain all her mana and copse. Therefore, Erna made it possible for her and the wizards to split it up into segments, and then infuse it with mana.Im in the middle, and the other wizards on either side of it will fill it with mana too.


    No special action was required to infuse mana. One just needed to understand and focus on the meaning of the letter itself. Slowly the magic form was filled with mana, and the letters began to shine brilliantly from below.


    Erna tapped her stiff neck and looked up at the sky, It will take some time.


    * * *


    Cedric looked up at the brightly lit sky and said, still grumbling, It seems like its close topletion. As lunchtime approached, the magic floating in the sky of Haldis gradually began to emanate a stronger light. The letters, which had been motionless when theyd first floated, were now shining brightly and spinning at a ferocious speed. When Kalion turned around, the knights were also admiring the sky with a curious face; Cedric was not pleased with the look.


    Foolish bastards. If the wizards do all the work, you will be jobless. You have to be able to feel a sense of crisis. The knights who were nearby heard Cedrics nag and smiled bitterly.


    Still, isnt it a good thing to be able to deal with demons withouting into direct contact with them? Its the wizards duty to eradicate demons, and the knights duty is to war with humans mostly, one of the nightsmented.


    It is, but still, I feel like our duty is taken from us. Cedric nced at Kalion briefly as heined, hoping for some kind of validation about how he was feeling and he wanted to shout out, Cant you see? Im hurt because my duty is taken from me!, but he knew that Kalion would just click his tongue at such aint.


    Enough with your useless chatter. It seems to be almostpleted, so lets get ready to start taking care of the citizens of Haldis, Kalion said firmly.


    Cedric grunted, but faithfully carried out Kalions order, ensuring that the knights were ready to run towards Haldis as soon as the spell was activated.


    While they were waiting for the spell to bepleted, someone yelled frantically, Look there! Demons areing up!


    What? Kalion hurriedly looked to where the knight was pointing. He could see the demons that had been in theke up until now, crawling onto thend, side by side. They seemed to have trouble breathing as they were not used to thend, but they began to advance steadily regardless. Kalion was able to immediately sense what their aim was.The wizards!


    It was clear that they were somehow aware, that the spell that was being prepared by the wizards, would kill them, and thats why they were risking their lives onnd, ignoring their suffering.


    Kalion sprung into action and shouted to the knights standing behind him, I order you to protect the wizards from the demons!

 Chapter 28

    Whats happening! Erna ran down the hill screaming, as she too had noticed the anomaly, she couldnt help but notice! She was able to see the demons crawling onto thend very clearly from the hill she was standing on. She looked up at the sky as she bolted down the hill, seeing that the letters in the center of the magic form were shining and spinning rapidly. The part that she was in charge of to infuse mana waspleted, the problem was, the other parts were not.


    Erna was in charge of the letters that were at the heart of the magic form, the letters that determined the nature and shape of the magic form. Other wizards took charge of the assisting letters which were in charge of setting the range or causing no harm to humans. It truly was an enormous spell, and there werent many opportunities for them to use such a big spell, so Erna purposely entrusted a lot of the infusing to them, in the hopes that everyone would gain practical experience.


    If I had known that this would happen, I would have done it myself! Erna raced towards the wizards, watching her magic form gradually fading.


    She had taught them well, but everyone stillcked practical experience, including her. The moment she saw the demons crawling onto thend, fear had seized her and shed frozen for a moment. Other wizards would be no different.How many of them will be able to protect themselves?


    Most of the mana mustve been poured into the magic form floating in the sky by now. Moreover, there were not many wizards who could quickly draw attack or protection spells, so if a demon attacked them


    Do those monsters think Ill let that happen! She had found and raised every one of these wizards. Some wizards were older than Erna, like Orp, but that didnt matter. Those were her wizards, her pride and strength, and her greatest achievement in Hessenguard.


    As she ran, Erna wrote in the air and the letters immediately started to spin and glow brightly, quickly turning into a gigantic fireball which she then flung at the demons that were onnd now. With the great explosion came bone-chilling sounds of the demons screams and smoke filled the air. Had wizards from the Magic Tower witnessed this, they wouldve been astonishment by her ability.


    Magic was something that could be used when everything was stable and focused, so it was almost impossible to move while casting a spell. The moment you moved, your concentration was broken and the magic form youd drawn up, as well as the mana contained within, would disappear. However, while running and screaming, Erna executed her powerful attack spell, nonchntly.


    Amid the bewildered, dying demons, Erna found her wizards nearby. Unfortunately, while she was attacking the demons that were crawling up, some of them came to their senses and quickly started using protective spells.


    We are fine! One of the wizards shouted. Miel is inside!


    Miel was a very timid child and the youngest wizard in the Wizards order, she was now only sixteen years old. Erna was going to leave her at the Archdukes castle but ended up bringing her with as she had nagged and pleaded that shed wanted toe too.


    Okay! Erna ran in the direction the wizards were pointing.


    When she looked up at the sky, the letter in the magic form shed created had started to spin slower, as the infusion of mana stopped. If she didnt quickly re-infuse the mana, the magic form, which had taken hours to create, would disappear.I must hurry.First, though, she had to quickly evacuate the wizards to safety and thenplete the spell.


    Aah! Miels scream was heard from inside the forest and Erna quickly ran towards it. As she scrambled through the thickets, she saw Miel lying t on her back and a demon was approaching her quickly, waving its ws right in front of her.


    Miel! The moment Erna was about to use a protection spell, another demon nearby jumped towards her and Erna instinctively kicked it with her feet. It was good that she blocked the attack, but her concentration waspletely broken, and the protective spell she had created, vanished.


    At this rate, Miel would be scratched by demonic ws and the moment she thought about that, Erna instinctively put her arms around her as sheid curled up on the damp ground.


    When she heard the screams of the monster, Erna closed her eyes in anticipation of the uing pain, not wanting to get hurt. But then all of a sudden, the demon that had been racing towards Erna and Miel, flew through the air, and with a loud thumping sound, it crashed into a nearby tree and fell to the ground making a disgusting popping sound. The tree that the demon had collided with was dripping with the demons body fluid and it exploded and died.


    How on earth did that happen? Erna said in shock.Was that also a spell? Who wrote it?Erna quickly raised her head and looked behind her.


    Are you okay? A familiar voice asked.


    A huge shadow covered them, and there stood Kalion, breathing heavily. Before Erna could answer him, a demon that was crawling on the ground, attacked Kalion. While Miel screamed in Ernas arms, Kalion drew his sword and she watched in awe as his hands moved like lightning, and before Erna could even interpret what was happening, the demons body rolled on the floor, sliced in half.


    Erna helped Miel up as she watched the blue fluid form a gooey puddle around the split body of the demon. She quickly cast a protective spell on Miel and shouted, Go to the entrance of the forest and stay with the other wizards!


    Miel grabbed Erna as she rubbed the corners of her teary eyes and stuttered, W, what about you, Archduke?


    Do you think youre in a position to worry about me? Hurry on! Miel hesitated as Erna pushed her to go quickly. Hurry! When Erna shouted again, the child finally turned around and ran towards the entrance of the forest. She knew shed cast a strong spell so she wasnt concerned about her safety as she headed to the entrance of the thick forest on her own.


    Once Miel had disappeared into the thick forest, Erna quickly turned her body, realizing that there were still other wizards in the forest that she needed to rescue. As she was about to bolt off in their direction, arge hand grabbed Ernas arm, and as a result, her body staggered backward. Fortunately, Kalions other hand grabbed her before her she hit the ground.


    What? Erna red at Kalion. Then she saw the corpse of the demon lying next to him and remembered that she was so preupied that she didnt even thank him for saving her and Miel from the demons. Thank you, now let go, she said, sounding extremely irritated.


    Wait. Where are you going alone?


    There are still wizards inside!


    The knights will save them.


    All of a sudden, she saw the knights running into the forest as if to prove that Kalions words were true. Feeling helpless, she sat on the ground and listened as the battlemenced between the knights and the demons. A short whileter she heard loud shouts each time they came across a wizard.


    After some time, Erna spoke, sounding quite worried, Your knights are also in danger.


    They are not weak enough to be killed by demons like that. Then, Kalion pointed to the magic form still floating in the sky. Whats happening with that?


    Ernas gaze followed his hand to the sky and she noticed that the central part, where she had put her mana, was still shining, but the parts that the wizards had taken on were quickly losing light. She needed to decide in a hurry what to do next. For her to put mana into the other parts, she had to go to where the wizards were stationed originally, and from there shed be able to use her mana to move it.


    Erna looked despondently at the forest that was filled with the screams of dying demons, knowing that she needed to concentrate when she was infusing mana into a magic form. She had to especially pay particr attention to such a huge and sophisticated magic form, and that meant that she couldnt do anything else while she was working. So, if a demon attacked, she wouldnt be able to protect herself.


    As Erna thought about her predicament, Kalion looked at the forest too.There are more than I thought.He knew that there were many demons, but Kalion still felt a chill go down his spine as he saw how many of them continued to crawl out of theke. There were so many of them, that he was beginning to wonder if theke wasprised only of demons!


    He knew that his knights would not fall prey to such small demons, however, they were only human and they would reach their physical limit if they kept on going, and if they were scratched or bitten by the demons even once, they would likely copse from the poison. Therefore, killing the demons one by one wasnt an option, it would take far too long and be far too risky. There was only one way to go about this and that would be to ensure that the spell that the wizards initially prepared, could be cast safely. Kalion asked Erna, as he looked up at the sky, How can that be activated?


    Erna quickly answered, I have to do.


    Where?


    To the location where the wizards were in charge.


    Where is that?


    Everywhere in the forest! Not just one area! Erna snapped as she pulled her arm free from Kalions tight grasp. So let go! If we dont fix it quickly, there will be a huge battle on our hands.


    I will go with you.


    What? Erna doubted her ears for a moment. Had Kalion said that he would go with her now?


    As she stared at him with a questioning look, he secured his sword in its holster and answered, There are more demons than I thought. I hate to admit it, but the order cant deal with all of them. Therefore, we have no choice but to borrow the power of magic. He continued speaking without giving Erna a chance to say anything, The purpose of using here was to rescue the residents of Haldis and subdue the demons. I can join hands with anyone to achieve that goal. Even if Kalions gaze turned directly to Erna, its with someone you dont like very much. Isnt that right?

 Chapter 29

    Erna was finally convinced that it was indeed Kalion in front of her, after hearing him say that he didnt like her; that was the Kalion she knew so well.


    It was said that he was the strongest among the Hessenguard knights but shed never seen that for herself, and she wondered how they would work together. She knew that she could seed on her own but it would be risky, so if he could block the surroundings, while she put her mana in the spell, they could wipe out these demons at once.


    Erna felt consoled by this thought and she couldnt waste any more precious time pondering about this, as that could lead to dozens of casualties. There were only two options:plete the magic form or retreat. And, of course, both of them had cleared the option to retreat from their minds.


    Okay, lets go! Follow me! Erna turned around and ran into the dense forest. Hearing Kalions heavy footsteps following closely behind her, she realized that this was the first time that she was working with someone like this.


    * * *


    Alicia! Are you okay? Erna yelled.


    Yes Yes! Bu, but the knight over there!


    After finding Alicia, one of the wizards in the forest, Erna helped her up. She had been fighting a demon with magic a moment ago, and her face and clothes were full of the slimy bodily fluid of the demon. Erna looked to where Alicia was pointing and saw a knight sitting on the ground, clutching his arm.


    He was bitten by a demon while trying to help me!


    Kalion rushed over to the knight, bending down to look at his injury, and quickly ripped off the decorative straps hanging from the knights robes on his forearm, and wrapped them around his arm tightly. Norman, how are you feeling now?


    My vision is starting to blur and Im losing my hearing as well.


    Then you wont be able to help.


    Embarrassingly, no.


    Okay. Retreat.


    Norman stood up and staggered slightly before heading in the direction of safety. It didnt help anyone to persevere on the battlefield who was injured and unable to fight with full force. So it would be much more helpful for him to get off the battlefield quickly so that he didnt get in the way. However, in Normans current state, it would be difficult for him to retreat alone. If he was attacked by a demon again, while retreating, it was a certainty that he wouldnt be able to deal with it.


    Noticing this, Alicia said to Erna, I will take him back! He got hurt protecting me.


    In the wizards order, after Erna and Orp, Alicia had the thirdrgest amount of mana. Erna thought for a moment of taking Norman back herself, but seeing that Alicia was already holding Normans arm, she nodded, Alicia, can you use protective magic?


    To be honest, Im not too confident.Usually, Alicia specialized in attack spells. Although she may be confident in burning and killing demons, she was not good at protecting herself, which led to her being ced at the rear of the Wizards order when they went to battle.


    Hastily, Erna drew a magic form in the air, Cast this with your mana.


    At Ernasmand, Alicia immediately focused her mind and infused her mana into Ernas magic form. Due to the mana that was notpatible with protective magic, Ernas drawing of a magic form stopped after it rotated a few times, but fortunately, it then started moving properly again and a white light enveloped Alicia and Norman.


    Its strong, but it doesnt have a wide range so you have to stay focused no matter what happens until you get to safety. Do you understand?


    Yes!


    Then go ahead. If you get hurt, I wont let it slide.


    Alicia looked up at the sky feeling concerned about the magic form slowing down, What about that?


    I can do that by myself, so dont worry. Now go.


    Alicia still hesitated even though Erna was pushing her to leave, but when she heard the cry of a demon behind her, she bowed her head to Erna, deciding to no longer stick around, and said, Thank you, Miss Erna. As she watched Alicia and Norman disappearing into the thickets, Erna sighed heavily and brushed her tangled hair back.


    Kalion, who noticed that she looked troubled, asked, Whats wrong?


    Without Alicia, the time to infuse mana will take longer, so I have to stay focused for at least ten minutes straight. I cant do anything in between and I wont be able to use any other spell either, so Im not sure that I can work safely.


    And?


    It means that I need people to protect me during all of it. I need all my wizards and your knights


    Kalion cut her off, Did you say ten minutes? Do you just need to hold on for that long?


    His calm appearance, after hearing her request for needing more people to protect her, made Erna raise her expectations and she assumed that he was going to call one of the orders to join them.


    But, instead of calling the others, Kalion spoke as he clenched his sword and stood before Erna, Then I alone am enough to protect you.


    * * *


    Alicia!


    Orp saw Aliciaing out of the forest, supporting a knight, and hurriedly ran over to them. The small crazy-looking demons rushed towards them, as if theyd found their prey, but the protection spell that Alisha maintained, made their attempted attacks futile.


    Orp quickly created a simple attack spell, and a gigantic arrow, made of fire, appeared in the air and quickly flew past Alisha and the knight. The demons that lived in the water crazily rolled around on the ground as soon as the fire hit their body, which set them aze.


    Norman hase! Yelled one of the knights. What a guy! Youre alive!


    You came with the help of a wizard. It should be the other way around! Teased another knight. The knights didnt forget to make fun of theirrade, even though they were in the midst of a battle with the demons.


    When Alicia brought Norman before the wizards, the one with the best skills in healing spells, quickly assessed him and cast a spell.


    Its a good thing that this material was tied tightly around his wound because it prevented too much blood loss. Alicia, did you tie it? Also, can you now cast protective spells well? Orp asked, looking a bit confused.


    No. It was tied up by Archduke Kalion. And the protection spell was cast by Miss Erna.


    Orp, who took care of the demons attacking from afar with spells, approached Alicia, surprised by her words. Were you with them? How are they?


    Yes. They are both in the forest. Miss Erna said that she has to cast that spell in the sky.


    You shouldve stopped her! Orp shouted, and Alicia flinched at the thunderous sound. Orp brushed her hair back roughly and looked at the forest, but she wasnt the only one ring at the forest. So youre saying our Archdukes are in there?


    Cedric wiped the blue body fluid of the demon off of his sword after hed killed the ones who were attacking people. Staring at the forest with aplex expression, he asked Orp a question while recalling the wizards hed seen a moment ago, If Archduke Erna wants to cast that spell, cant she use another spell while shes preparing?


    No, she cant. Because all the other wizards have retreated, so Miss Erna has to handle it all by herself.


    Then, no matter what happens, it means Archduke Kalion has to stop any attacks.


    Yes.


    At that precise moment, an eerie cry of demons sounded again from within the forest. They could tell just by hearing the noise that the demons were heading into the forest inrger numbers than before. Cedric effortlessly cut the demons in half that were attacking the shield created by the wizards and then shouted to the knights around him, First order, protect the wizards here. Second and Third order, all raise your swords! At Cedricsmand, the knights moved quickly into formation.


    Orp also shouted, First division. Who is good at protection magic, to use magic with all their might? Second division, follow me. Draw magic forms that everyone is capable of infusing!


    At the same time, the wizards and knights got into formation and entered into a battle stance. There was no awkwardness between them now since they had berades who had saved each others lives from demons, with their backs together in the forest. Without hesitating, they looked at the same enemy as if they had be one entity and finished preparing for the battle.


    Orp and Cedric shouted at the same time, From now on, we are looking for our Archdukes!


    * * *


    A loud thump sounded in the forest, and three demons flew through the air at the same time that Kalion had kicked them, but he wasnt satisfied with that and swung his sword relentlessly. As the sunlight filtered through the branches of the tall green trees, it reflected on his sharp de as corpses of demons fell in front of him, cleanly cut.


    Erna covered her mouth at the sight of that and dry-heaved. She thought that she had a strong stomach, but as the bodily fluid of demons, which smelled like rotten fish, along with the fishy smell of water, kept sshing on her clothes, it seemed that her entire body absorbed the disgusting smells. But she couldntin about it now, especially looking at Kalion standing in front of her, who waspletely soaked, as if he had entered and exited a deep puddle of a demons bodily fluid.What a brave man.


    The dreadful smell seemed enough to make him gag at least once, but he was calm and collected as if nothing major was going on. Not only was he good at tolerating the stomach-turning smell, but hed also killed a few hundred demons already. By that stage, he should be showing signs of exhaustion, but Kalions demeanor hadnt changed much, except for being slightly out of breath. Erna knew now why he was known as Hessenguards strongest knight.

 Chapter 30

    There were those in the order who seemed a lot stronger than Kalion, and there were others who had held a sword for a much longer time than him, so that was why shed thought that the strongest knight was just a term of endearment. Not to mention, shed never seen Kalion fight in person, so she didnt know his skills. After watching him battle with her own eyes now, she had to admit that he was indeed the strongest knight of them all,pared to other knights shed witnessed in action; it seemed rude to ssify him with the other knights though.


    Finally, Erna saw that theyd arrived at the location where she wanted to be, Its here. Stop.


    Kalion obeyed obediently and stopped walking, and then he scanned their surroundings while Erna looked at the magic form floating in the sky. From now on, I cant move from here. I cant help you. And I cant protect myself. If I get attacked while applying mana, that spell will be impossible to cast.


    Kalion knew what she was trying to say, Ill protect you, so dont worry. Just get started.


    Erna stared at him as his words continued to ring in her ears about him protecting her because shed never heard those words said to her in her life. Not even her parents could protect her and, one of them had even thrown her out! And Vanessa, the head of the council, also never once said that she would protect her. Shed always just said that her job was to serve.


    After shed learned magic, no one would need to utter such words to her, and she felt insulted now. Who dared to tell the most powerful wizard in Hessenguard that they would protect her? Besides, she was the Archduke of Hessenguard. She was the one who had to protect the people of Hessenguard and not someone who needed to be protected. Therefore, she had never thought that she would have someone else needing to protect her and she felt highly offended that someone had said that to her.Who are you to say such a thing?Protection was for the weak, so she didnt need it.


    Erna spoke as she felt a strange tickling sensation at the tips of her fingers, You said it with confidence, so keep it! I will trust you and work. If there is even a single wound on me, I will not let it slide! Erna raised her head and looked at the sky, knowing that the fate of the people was in her hands.


    The magic form, which was losing its light, started to spin and shine again when a massive amount of mana flowed in. As it quickly regained its strength, the cries of the demons echoed throughout the forest.


    Until a moment ago, theyd been drunk with victory when theyd thought that theyd defeated the humans who had tried to take their lives. They had seemed delighted that the spell was losing the power to threaten them, but when it started regaining its power they seemed to be anxious and fearful again. In unison, they turned their heads towards the location where they sensed the strong mana wasing from, knowing that they needed to get rid of it. High intelligence they did not have, but their survival instinct led the demons directly to Erna.


    Kalion bit his lip as he felt the atmosphere in the forest change, and unsurprisingly, a rustling sound was quickly approaching the two of them.I must stop them.He nced at Erna, who was in deep concentration, with her gaze fixed on the spell, and it seemed as if she was unable to hear the noise because it didnt look like it bothered her in the least. He knew without even having to test her that she probably wouldnt hear him, even if he called her name.


    It had been said, that when casting spells, wizards focused enough to forget about the world and focused only on themselves and the magic form. He had always thought that it was just a slight increase in concentration and had disregarded that information, but looking at Erna now, Kalion knew that that was not the case.


    Right now, Erna wouldnt feel a thing, even if a demon scratched her back, as she had entered a world where it was only her and the magic form. As she concentrated, the magic form began to spin rapidly, making a loud whooshing sound, and at that exact moment, two demons flew out of the thick forest, aiming for her head.


    The sound of a sword, piercing through their tough leather skin, was heard, and the two demons got stabbed simultaneously, shrieking in agony. Kalion blocked Ernas back with his own body, and the gooey bodily fluids sshed onto his face and clothes without a single dropnding on Erna. The demonic body fluid smelled of rotten fish, and it was clear that she wouldve been disturbed from her concentration by this, so hed had to make sure that none of it touched her. Kalion promised himself this and moved his body again, aware that the demons would continue attacking them because theyd discovered where they were.


    Drilled, cut, and kicked, watching the lives of their kind die every time Kalion moved, the demons did not stop attacking.


    Meanwhile, the magic form floating in the sky was busy being created. Kalion knew without needing to ask, and now, he just needed to hold on a little longer. Unexpectedly, he heard the sound of people approaching them.


    Miss Erna!


    Sir Kalion! Cedric shouted.


    It was the voices of wizards and knights. The closer their voices got, the fiercer the demon attacks became. Kalion then focused all of his energy on holding his sword with both hands, because when they reached them, it would be easier to protect Erna.


    Suddenly, several monsters had appeared before Erna, and he knew it the moment he saw it that if he tried to block them, he wouldnt be able to stop them all, so no matter how he approached this, at least one would escape and attack Erna.


    At that moment, Kalion threw the sword he was holding in their direction, and he stood in front of Erna with his arms open. The demons that were running to attack her followed their instincts and rushed to the defenseless human that appeared in front of them instead.


    Kalion screamed in agony as the demons, distracted by the prey in front of them, scratched and bit his neck, shoulders, arms, and even his legs. He looked back in terrible pain and saw Erna staring at him with round eyes filled with terror. If she was staring at him instead of the spell, it meant that she hadnt cast it as yet, and he felt a moment of sheer panic. All of a sudden, a light brighter than the sun appeared in the sky, and he realized that the spell had beenpleted.


    Everyone standing underneath the intensely bright light covered their faces with their hands and squinted through their fingers. The light was so intense that they couldnt see the person beside them. Although they couldnt see well because of the blinding light, they could hear the sound of thousands of demons screaming within the forest.


    All of the monsters who had entered the forest started to twist their bodies and shrieked in pain. It sounded as if theyd fallen into the fiery pits of hell. Some of them struggled, while others just copsed as they couldnt handle the pain; they all died just by being touched by the light.


    The few that somehow survived quickly turned and ran towards theke, diving in and floundering like crazy as they disappeared into the depths of the dark-blue water.


    Then, arge pir of light appeared around Erna, and as it grew bigger and bigger, like the ripple effect of a stone dropped into a pond, the light slowly spread in all directions, as if soaking the surroundings with light. The remaining demons tried to run away from the light frantically but to no avail.


    Soon, a thick wall of light had formed around the entire area, and the demons frantically scratched at it with their ws, but the wall didnt move. In the meantime, the light that grew from within gradually encroached upon the demons. The light, which did not affect people, burned the skin of the demons like a hot iron as it pressed down on their bodies, as they gradually became squashed between the wall of light and the pirs of light. People didnt even have to look away because they couldnt see anything in the blinding light anyway.


    The world around them was full of lights, the screams of demons, and the sounds of their bodies being crushed. Then, just as quickly as it had appeared, the light vanished, and not a single demon remained alive in the Haldis area.


    Kalion had managed to stay standing but now slowly fell forward, startling Erna, and she reached out and tried to catch him, but her strength was not enough to withstand the massive unconscious body, and both their bodies fell to the ground together.


    Hey? Hey! Erna yelled as she pped Kalions shoulder, but his eyes remained tightly closed. She saw how messed up he was as she looked at his torn clothes and saw that his face, and body, were covered in deep scratches and teeth marks; it was the price hed paid for blocking the demons with his body.


    Just because the demons were dead didnt mean that their poison would disappear, but Erna was still surprised to see that the skin around the bite marks had turned ck, and she speedily drew a healing magic form. However, she had just poured out all of her mana toplete the gigantic magic, so there was very little mana left inside her.


    Not now! She screamed in frustration at the loss of her mana. It was of utmost importance to treat the poison from the demons as soon as possible. If this golden opportunity was missed, the after-effects wouldst a long time and, she felt panic rising as she tried to care for him.


    Earlier, when shedpleted her magic and had regained full consciousness, shed seen Kalion standing in front of her, protecting her from the demons. She knew that he would continue to protect her until the spell was ready so that it could conquer the demons. She had just never thought in her wildest dreams that he would go as far as throwing his body in front of her to keep her safe.


    Erna stood up and grabbed Kalions arm, trying to pick him up, but it wasnt easy to carry the body of a big man who was unconscious. As she grabbed his bulky body and shook him, he moaned, which was proof that he was alive but, she became quite anxious. Even though it was a brief moan, she could somehow feel his deep pain.

 Chapter 31

    Hey, open your eyes! Erna yelled.


    She remembered what Luzon had said about the poison from the demons and how one would lose consciousness from it because of the extreme pain it caused. But Luzon had also said that a person wouldnt die if a demon bit them once or twice.


    Looking at the number of scratches and bite marks on Kalion was concerning. His face contorted with pain despite him being unconscious, and as she watched helplessly, his body stiffened and then convulsed. Erna remembered what her maids had told her, over and over again, when she was a child, and shede to Hessenguard, If you get poisoned, you will die agonizingly. You will lose your consciousness while you struggle, and your body will be stiff. Then soon after that, you will die.


    Shed known then that the words were said to scare her, but she could see now that they werent wrong in what theyd said. If a person lost consciousness and their body became stiff, breathing would be difficult, and they would die. And now, Kalions symptoms were just like that, and at this rate, he would die. This shocking realization made Erna feel paralyzed with fear which was something shed never experienced before.


    Although he was annoying, he was her so-called husband, yet he was a stranger to her. If they happened to run into each other, theyd look at one another and click their tongues. And when something needed discussing, Erna and Kalion would refer to each other as pumpkin and earthworm before theyd said ten sentences. However, they just disliked each other intensely, and she never wanted him to die.


    Their rtionship had always been aplicated one, and on some level, they secretly admired each others ability to survive and prosper. As Erna sat by Kalion, clueless about what to do next, she heard a voice calling them from the forest again.


    Miss Erna! Where are you now! Please answer me! Orp screeched.


    Hearing her voice, Erna snapped out of her daze and shouted, Here! Im here! Come fast!


    Relieved to hear her voice, Orp rushed to her, Miss Erna! Cedric was also with her, and the two of them stopped, startled by the sight of Kalion lying down and Erna holding his arm.


    Erna said, without letting go of Kalions hand, Save Kalion! Because of the hectic situation, no one noticed that Erna had said his name for the first time.


    The spell cast by Erna had wiped out all the demons in the Haldis area at the same time. When the people saw the dead demons floating on top of theke and those at the bottom of the towns waterways, they praised Ernas name as they were reminded of the power of magic once more.


    The knights, who usually wouldveined that only magic was being praised, then agreed with the people and praised the Archdukes magic ability and said they didnt realize that the Archdukes magic would be so grand. Even though it was not their strength that defeated the demons, their faces showed a sense of pride at the aplishment.


    When they were able to return to the isted vige, those who had been separated for a while embraced their families and shed tears of joy. The knights actively helped clean up the mess in the city, performing the tasks that required strength, and the wizards cast a purification spell all over theke so that no more demon poison remained in it. But unlike everyone else who busy, Erna did nothing because she felt physically and emotionally drained.


    You must rest, too! You activated that huge spell by yourself, and your mana haspletely run out! Orp said firmly.


    Orp, do you need to shout that out like that? I have very little mana right now. As Erna sighed, Orp realized her mistake and kept quiet for a brief moment but soon nagged again, Anyway, stay inside. Leave the aftermath to us, okay? Orp would only agree to stop nagging her if Erna promised to stay put.


    Erna had no intention of leaving anyway as she needed to recover after using almost all of her mana, and if it werent for that, she wouldve dly helped with the cleaning up of the city.


    The task at hand was much bigger than theyd anticipated. Besides the cleaning up, the wizards and knights had to heal and calm the wounded, and they had to purify the traces of poison that the demons had left behind. They also had to make sure that no demons had survived, and then they had to fix things that had broken in the city during the raid.


    Erna approached the window and looked at the city floating on theke. Although she was far away, she could see that everyone was busy, and it wasnt just the vigers who were moving about the city. Erna noticed that among them were a mixture of wizards using magic and knights using their strength to perform tasks.


    When did the wizards and knights be so close? Erna wondered aloud. When theyd arrived here, the wizards and knights had summed each other up and had remained guarded. But now, their hands and feet met like those who had always worked together. Do you be so close just because you fought together once?


    The fact that they were protecting each other in the forest, and dealing with demons together, seemed to instantly tear down the invisible wall theyd built between each other. It wasnt a bad thing because Erna was sure that there would be a few more times when they would have to move together in the future, and it would be more helpful to carry out a mission if theyd built a certain level of friendship and trust.


    Erna had told them to step back this time because she didnt need them to fight in the battle. However, it was a im she was able to make because they were dealing with demons. If they were facing people instead, then the strength of the knights would be a valuable skill.Its best not to have war among them.


    As she stared out the window, she wondered if it would be possible that the many years of war between neighboring countries could be over. Hessenguard had dered itself neutral and was able to avoid the fire of war. However, the neighboring countries would not stay back and overlook what was going on. Haband and Aether and Kalion and Ernas countries were looking to start exploiting at any moment.


    Erna got up from her seat and stretched. It wasnt something to be solved so easily just because she kept worrying about it. If so, it would be better to put off worrying for a while and take a good rest to recover mana as soon as possible. The best way to recover mana was to sleep deeply for as long as possible. But she couldnt at the moment.


    Erna approached the bed with a bitter expression on her face, and a deep sigh escaped from her mouth as she looked on top of the bed that she was going to use for her rest. There was Kalion, lying as if he was dead. How long is he going to sleep? Erna slumped down on the single sofa that shed pulled over to the bed and looked at him as he slept soundly.


    After Kalion had copsed, Orp and Cedric, along with the wizards and the healers in the order, had luckily found them. The healers had pulled out the ws of the demons that stuck in Kalions arm, and then theyd sliced the wounds with a knife to drain the poison. After that, it had been the wizards turn.


    When theyd used a healing spell to purify the poison of the demon, a magical light had enveloped Kalion, and his distorted face had softened. She was relieved to see that he was feeling less pain, but Kalion had continued to keep his eyes shut throughout the whole process.


    Erna had be worried because most people would regain consciousness when healing magic was used on them and she soon became anxious because instead of regaining his consciousness, his eyes didnt open.


    The healer from the order had examined Kalion further and had said, It seems that more poison has entered his body than I thought. In that case, even if you use a healing spell, the damage doesnt go away all at once, so you often fall into a deep sleep to recover.


    Because of his height and size, the strongest knight in the order was summoned, and he carried Kalion back to the mansion. Then, they immediately moved him to this room, and three days had now passed. Healers came to examine him a few times, but there wasnt anything they could do to help him.


    Is he okay? Erna had asked them worriedly.


    One of the healers had replied in a bright voice, as if trying to reassure her, Hes Fine. His face is glowing, and his breathing and heartbeat are all normal. Hes just in a deep sleep, so when he thinks hes recovered, hell wake up. There may be side effects, but for someone so healthy, it shouldnt be a problem.


    Three days was a long time for someone to remain asleep, and Erna still felt anxious. She remembered thest moment when Kalion had fallen and how bravely hed blocked her from the demons, using his body as a shield to protect her.Who does something so reckless to keep his words of protecting me?It wasnt as if he didnt know that there was terrible poison in the demons teeth and ws, yet he still chose to risk his life to block their attack on her. He honestly didnt have to go that far to keep such a promise.


    The people said that Ernas spell had saved everyone, but Erna thought differently. If Kalion had not stopped the demons at that time, she wouldnt have been able toplete the spell. So it was Kalion whod saved everyone.Of course, theres no way Ill admit that!She knew that Kalion would tease her, saying that it was fortunate that shed admitted it.


    Erna turned her head to look at the basin and towels on the bedside table next to the bed. Kalion wasnt the only one who was injured. Many knights and wizards plus a countless number of vigers from Haldis, and some men in the security forces were wounded too. As a result, the healers were very busy and didnt have time to take care of Kalion, not that there was much more that they could do anyway.


    In the end, caring for Kalion had be Ernas job. The mansions servants had said that they would do it themselves. But Erna had insisted that she would care for him. They were busy taking care of everyone else, and she had nothing to do in particr because she had to take a break to recuperate. Besides, she was the only one staying in the same room as him.

 Chapter 32

    Although the healers looked troubled, they seemed to be somewhat relieved when Erna said she would take care of Kalion.


    He will sweat a lot, so pour water into his mouth regrly. You can asionally wipe his body with a damp towel so that his body doesnt get sticky. We will stop by once in the evening.


    As the healers had said, Kalion sweated profusely. She thought there would be no more pain, but at night he groaned softly. He upied most of the bed, and Erna tried to fall asleep on the sofa instead.Should I ask the servants to bring another bed?


    She thought that they would bring her one if she told them that she was tired due to nursing, but when Erna walked down the corridor, she saw that most of the beds were upied by injured people. Eventually, Erna gave up on the idea of asking for a bed, thinking it would be a bit selfish of her as there was already a big bed in her bedroom. She didnt need mana in a hurry, but when sheid down on the soft sofa, she wasfortable and soon dozed off.


    She took care of Kalion in between resting, wiping his body with a damp towel, and dripping freshwater onto his dry lips. It wasnt a difficult job to do, but she wanted him to wake up. Resting her chin on her hands, she watched Kalion as he slept. Shed never looked at him for such a long time before, and now she noticed how sculpted his face looked. He had a broad forehead with thick eyebrows above big eye-sockets that looked sunken in, which gave his face a sculptural feel. She didnt think that his long eyshes suited him as her gaze moved to his chiseled-looking sharp nose.


    Lazily, she got off the sofa to attend to him again, and the face she saw up close while wiping off the sweat was much better-looking than Erna had been aware of initially.I see why young girls flock to him.


    Once a year, the Archdukes Castle held a big banquet at the end of the year, hosting it with the people from the council. At the start of the banquet proceedings, the nobles and legitors, and especially young women, flocked to Kalion. The older women took a step back and looked at Kalion with big smiles on their faces, muttering about how they wished they were ten years younger!


    When people who didnt know Ernas situation and then envied her, saying how lucky she was to have such a person like Kalion to be her husband, she had to try desperately not to spit out the wine she was drinking. But now that she was looking at his face, she understood a bit more why they made thosements. He was good-looking enough to be left in the corner, if he could keep his mouth shut, to look like a magnificent stone statue.


    While Erna was thinking about that, she noticed the faint traces of the demons ws on his neck and reflexively clicked her tongue. Of all ces, why did it have to leave a mark there? It was such an eyesore, and Erna shook her head.What am I thinking now? Why do I care where the wound is on his body?


    After a while, she stood up, feeling irritated because she felt sorry for him whenever she saw the wound. Before she knew it, Kalion began to let out a low moan. As expected, the sweat rolled down from his forehead, and Erna wet the towel with water, squeezing it above his eyebrows and then gently wiping his face. She then proceeded to wipe his cheeks, neck, hands and arms, and even his muscr chest.


    Climbing onto the bed, she stretched out her hand and unbuttoned the rest of his pajamas. Initially, shed regretted volunteering to take care of him, but after about three days, shed gotten used to it enough to stretch out her hand without hesitation.


    At first, shed been embarrassed by the fact that shed touched another persons body, but now it was a bit of fun for her. Shed also felt oddly shy because his body had firm muscles, which shed only seen in the book shed read. Every time she touched his statue-like muscles with the towel, she was simply amazed that a human body could be so hard, and she couldnt believe that a man could feel like this. Erna had only ever seen drawings of mens bodies, and it was the first time shed seen one up close, so she observed it freely because she thought that she would have no other chance to do so. It wasnt just his chest, arms, and legs that Erna was able to observe as much as she wanted while meticulously wiping him. There was also the secret ce between his legs, and her eyes were constantly drawn to that area.


    She looked carefully at the shape of the long thing between his legs, underneath his thin pajamas. Of course, she didnt know exactly what it was.Its already big!It wasnt the terrifyinglyrge size that shed seen the other night in their marital bedroom, and she now wondered if what shed seen was only a fantasy. She did recall thinking that it was something too big to be on a human!


    No, I shouldnt!Erna giggled to herself, tempted to touch the thing as she stared between Kalions legs.


    She focused instead on wiping away the sweat on his body, thinking that it was almost like sexual harassment. Still, her gaze remained on his thing. If Kalion stared at her with such a gaze, she would p him.


    What was that? Startled, Erna noticed that his thing moved slightly. Not sure if shed seen it correctly, she stared at it intently. After a moment, Erna realized that she wasnt seeing things because the thing slowly rose, unlike its master, who was lying still. Curious about this strange thing that was moving, she bent forward to get a closer look.


    What are you doing? Kalion asked.


    Aaaah! Erna screamed, startled by the sudden sound of a voice. When she turned her head, Kalion was staring at her with a quizzical look on his face.


    * * *


    Im going to sleep here today, Erna said matter-of-factly.


    Orp was bewildered at the sight of Erna sitting on her bed, Here? Is there something wrong with the Archdukes room?


    No, there is nothing wrong with the room, Erna replied, wanting to add that she had a problem with the man in the room. But she kept quiet instead of trying to exin the embarrassing situation that shed found herself caught in.


    Then why do you want to sleep here?


    Oh, um. Kalion woke up. So I thought that it would be good for his recovery if he rests by himself. You know you get distracted if someone else is there?


    Right, I heard that Archduke Kalion has woken up. Does he have any problems with his body?


    No, there seemed to be none.


    Erna remembered how the room had looked before shed walked out. Food had been piled up, like a mountain, on the wide wooden table, and Kalion had eaten fiercely. Themon knowledge of starting to sip soup to ease a stomach that hadnt eaten for days hadnt seemed to phase Kalion.


    Once hed finished eating, the healers had left the room saying that he could rest on his own. And when they were alone, Kalion had lifted his arm and sniffed his armpit, pulling a face. He hadnt liked the smell of his body after not being able to wash properly for days. Grabbing a towel, hed headed to the bathroom.


    You, wait here and dont go anywhere, hed said as hed nced back at Erna, whod sat quietly on the sofa. After saying that, hed gone into the bathroom and closed the door. When she heard the sound of water running, shed bolted out of the room and raced to Orps bedroom and then imed that she was going to sleep there.


    His eyes were not joking. Erna could understand that no one would let it go that easily once theyd found out that their crotch had been stared at while they were unconscious!


    Erna buried her face in the soft pillow on the bed.Crazy, crazy. Why did I do that? And why did he have to wake up then?Lying on Orps bed, Erna let out a silent scream and kicked around.


    Maam! Youre blowing dust everywhere! Why are you doing this? Orp, whod been wiping the dust with a cloth, asked. Then suddenly, a cool sensation was felt in the room as the door opened, startling Erna, and she quickly raised her head from the pillow.


    Orp, why are you Oh! Kalion, whose hair was so wet it was dripping, was staring at her with his arms crossed. Then he said in a calm voice, Come to the room.


    Im sorry, I apologize. I will never do that again.Erna wanted to say these things, which shed read in a book that had also exined that there would be no situation that one couldnt get out of if they used those three phrases well. But right now, she couldnt speak with confidence. The person whod written the book could im such things, but that person had never met someone like Kalion.


    If there are kind eyes that look like they could stab you to death, would they look like his do right now?Erna desperately turned away from Kalions re and stared at the open door longingly. If he raised his fist, shed immediately run out.Or, perhaps she should I block him with a spell?


    Out of the blue, Kalion asked, Why are you looking at the door?


    To run away, Erna replied honestly.


    What?


    As Ive said before, I hate being hurt. So, I have no intention of being hit and taking it calmly.


    Hearing Ernas answer, Kalion frowned, Why do you think I will hit you? Have I ever hit you? His face was full of displeasure as if he had heard something very insulting. Then suddenly, his eyes lit up. Or did someone dare to attack the Archduke of Hessenguard with that kind of a threat?


    Thats not it. I say this because your eyes look like you are going to beat me to death right now. Erna couldnt say that shed said it because shed remembered her childhood momentarily, so she replied moderately, but Kalions eyes were still angry. She looked at him and then opened her mouth as if she had a good idea. You did it once, and I did it once, so lets pretend it never happened.


    What are you talking about?


    You you touched my body. We exchange this for that, so lets forget about it as if nothing happened.


    I am at a loss with your thinking. You pped me on the cheek that day, didnt you? Erna raised her eyes without averting her gaze any longer as Kalion persisted.


    But you touched me. I was only looking, Erna replied as her cheeks flushed.


    Staring at it is also s*xual harassment, Kalion stated.


    In terms of the gravity of the sins, yours is heavier.


    It would be ludicrous to call it an adult conversation between the two Archdukes who supported Hessenguard. The two of them, who had been arguing childishly, saying that one was more at fault than the other, and also that one was more shameless than the other. Finally, they spit out thest words, huffing.


    Earthworm, Erna spat.


    Pumpkin, Kalion replied bluntly.

 Chapter 33

    The two twenty-six year olds red at each other while spitting out words that even six-year olds wouldnt say. It was Erna who spoke again.


    Anyways, why did youe to me? I purposely left, thinking it would be better for you to sleep morefortably today. If you were calling me to argue about that, Ill just go back.


    Kalions anger should have been relieved a little since he argued as much as he wanted to. In addition, after the Haldis area was restored, some of the knights and wizards in this mansion moved to the amodation in Haldis for smoother restoration work.


    In the meantime, there was an empty room that became avable as many people were fully treated, as well as an extra bed in Orps room. If people were told that Kalion slept in another room to have a good nights sleep, they would not be suspicious.


    It wasnt because of that.


    Then why?


    Didnt you promise?


    What?


    A promise? Erna wondered if she had promised Kalion anything, but she couldnt remember. Erna stared as if she had no idea. Kalion spoke after hesitating for a moment.


    Today is the sixth day.


    Why does it matt Are you really going to do it?!


    She was about to snap why it mattered if it was the sixth day or the seventh day of the week, but then she remembered the first promise the two of them made to each other. On the sixth day, they would try to have a sessor.


    But, you dont feel well right now, so do you really need to make an effort all the way out here?


    Her voice cracked as she responded. It was something she hadnt even thought of; she really didnt think about it even alittle. Until a few days ago, her head was filled with magic and battles with demons. After that, Kalion copsed and lost consciousness. But this was what he decided to think about the moment he woke up?


    My body is fine. Its normal. No, rather


    Kalion, speaking up to that point, wiped his face with both his hands and swallowed his words. Then he spoke again.


    Anyway, you dont have to worry about my body.


    Erna looked at him suspiciously. Kalion was urging like a person whod be in trouble if he didnt do it right away. He didnt seem normal. Even back at the Archduke Castle, he wasnt too willing. In addition, she didnt understand why he demanded it first when they were in a situation where it was all right for them to not do it.


    So, I want you to keep your promise.


    Erna remained silent. At Kalions request, she realized that she had no ground to refuse. She had no intention of evading her duty. However, she didnt understand why he wanted to do it out in the middle of nowhere. Realizing that it was useless to argue, Erna got up from her seat.


    Okay. I wille back after I wash up, so wait.


    Even though she washed in the morning, seeing Kalion with his hair wet and smelling soapy, she felt like she had to wash herself.


    As Erna entered the bathroom with her face that of defeat, Kalion quickly got up, opened the door, and twisted the lion-headed ornament attached outside to the side. It was a sign in Hessenguard not to knock on the door ore in because the person in the room would like to restfortably.


    He immediately closed the door and then locked it tightly after twisting the ornament. Then he threw the hanging key onto the sofa.Stupid demons poison.He sat on the edge of the bed and looked down between his throbbing legs.


    When he opened his eyes, the first thing Kalion felt was neither thirst or hunger. There was another desire that were just as ardent as those.


    I want to hug her.


    He was taken aback by the amount of s*x*al desire he felt. Then he opened his eyes and saw Erna. He wondered if he was dreaming again, but he stayed still intently as to be careful if it was a dream. But as she stared between his legs, he suddenly felt something stir inside him, and his body treacherously responded to those feelings He thought Erna would freak out, but instead of averting her eyes, she looked at it more intently. She even brought her face closer to it.


    At that moment, he sensed that something was going to happen to him if this continued, so he called Erna, and she screamed and ran away when their eyes met.


    Kalion, who was left alone in the room, quickly pulled over the nket and covered his lower body. His body felt numb after lying down for a long time. As he looked back at his memories of what had happened, he realized that he had no memory after he was bitten by the demons.


    Momentster, the door opened and the healers entered.


    Sir! Youre awake!


    Breathing a sigh of relief, they looked over his body for any abnormalities, telling him how many days had passed since he fell and what had happened.


    Is there anything you need?


    At the healers question, Kalion turned his head. He saw Erna who returned to the room. She remained standing at the corner, eyeing the situation.


    Gulp. He swallowed his saliva without even realizing it. However, Kalion desperately tried to clear up his mind and decided to focus on other things first.


    In an instant, food was ced on the table and, contrary to the healers concerns, he chewed and swallowed aggressively. Contrary to his hope that filling his empty stomach would help subdue the urge, it fueled his lone desire even further.Strange.


    Kalion was fully aware of the abnormalities of his body. Meanwhile, the maids of the mansion entered the room to clean up the dishes he ate. Kalion looked at them for a moment. Sensing his gaze, the maids looked at him while blushing, and only after noticing that Kalions gaze was cold, they quickly left the room.


    Since I dont think there will be any more problems, you can rest here for one more day and then return to the Archduke Castle. This beautiful ce was originally a resort town. You can rx and well head back slowly.


    There is something I want to ask you for a moment.


    Ask away.


    Kalion took the old man he trusted the most among the healers to a corner and asked in a low voice. Are there any aftereffects from the poison of the monster?


    What are you talking about? the old man replied confusedly.


    I mean, can there be any abnormalities in the body even after receiving the healing spell?


    Of course. There are barely any permanent effects, but there are quite a few temporary symptoms. Anyway, since things from another world entered and left the body, it cant bepletely intact.


    What are the symptoms?


    Why? Is there something you feel is abnormal?


    No, I dont think its that much Just in case I develop symptomster, I may want to refer to them.


    It was a hasty excuse, but it was a usible statement even for himself. The healer seemed to understand too and he exined every effects he was aware of.


    Lack of appetite, temporary loss of sight or hearing, low mood, sudden changes in emotions The healers words continued.  Hyperventtion, an increase in blood pressure, etc., although they do not show well.


    He looked at Erna sitting on the sofa, he coughed with a slightly embarrassed expression, then came closer to Kalion and whispered in a small voice. Increased libido as well.


    There it was. Kalion felt like he had finally found the answer. He knew something was up. It was because of the demons poison. Otherwise, there was no way hed look for Erna as soon as he opened his eyes.


    When the healers finished their work, they left the room for him to rest. As Kalion immediately approached Erna, he smelled something foul.Damn it.


    He couldnt pay attention because he was eating like crazy, but now that his hunger disappeared and his senses returned to normal, his body felt icky. Come to think of it, he had been lying in bed sweating for over three days, so there was no way his body was normal. No matter how much his body was wiped down with a towel, the stickiness of sweat remained on his body.


    Kalion said to Erna, who was surveying Kalions expression.


    You, wait here and dont go anywhere.


    Then he went straight into the bathroom and washed his body like a madman. While washing, he counted the days. And he realized an important fact. The fact that time passed while he was in bed and it was now the sixth day of the week.


    Good.


    He muttered, hastily wiping his body dry. Today was the day he was allowed to hold Erna.Seems like we can do it today.Until now, he couldnt do it properly because it was embarrassing and awkward to touch her in his normal sanity. But now it seemed like he could do his duty quickly.


    But waiting for him as he rushed out of the bathroom was an empty room.


    Kalion immediately ran out of the room.


    Sir!


    We hear you woke up. Are you okay?


    When he came out of the hallway, the knights who remained in the mansion ran to him and talked to him. Normally, he would have said he was sorry for causing concern, for showing such a shameful appearance, and then talked about what had happened while he was in bed. But there was only one thought left in his mind.Where is Erna?


    Sir?


    The knights called as they saw Kalion looking over the hallway without any reaction to their words. Kalion finally came to his senses and answered. Have you seen Erna?


    Sorry?


    Do you know where Erna is?


    At Kalions words, the knights looked at each other for a moment. They were knights who had been with Kalion for quite a long time. Therefore, they were well aware of Kalions manner of speaking.


    Since he came to Hessenguard, he never once called Erna by name. But he was looking for her, calling her Erna naturally, as if he had been calling her that for a very long time now.

 Chapter 34

    Uh, um. If its Madam Erna, she was running upstairs earlier


    I see.


    Before the knight could finish speaking, Kalion passed them and headed upstairs. He was the most courageous and daring on the battlefield, but he never ran once inside the Archduke Castle. Of course, this wasnt the Archduke Castle, but it was still a ce to show respect. But now, he was running, out of his mind.


    The knights, who were shocked by Kalions actions, looked at each other for a moment.


    Come to think of it, Sir Kalion fell while protecting Madam Erna


    Unlike in the Archduke Castle, they were sharing a room here too


    After a while, they all murmured with bright faces.


    Can we finally hear the good news?


    ***


    After searching through all of the mansion from the third floor to the basement, Kalion found her in Orps quarters in the annex. And that was how they got here.


    Hearing the sound of running water in the bathroom, Kalion nervously circled around the room.It cant be possible that this ridiculous aftereffect bes permanent, right?


    He was told it would get better with time, but since he woke up to this moment, his desire didnt diminish, but got stronger. But he had an unfounded hope that once he slept with Erna, it would fade a bit.


    Son of a


    Kalion stopped his steps and let out a curse. He really thought hed gone crazy. The fact that he spent the whole day thinking aboutying with Erna after waking up  If he was informed of this before he fell, he would have avoided being bitten by a demon at all cost!


    Kalion walked over to the wall and pounded his head against it. It was only after he hit his forehead to the point he almost scraped it that he was able to think about his situation calmly.Lets think positively.


    The truth was he failed to sleep with Erna countless times. The first time, he didnt want to grab her from walking out of it, and the second time, he grabbed her out of desire.


    It was clear that his n toplete it quickly would fail. That would be troublesome. He wanted to resolve the problem of a sessor before winter came so he can focus on the new orders work.It would be better to use this as an opportunity.


    He thought he could do it now. He felt he was still reasonable, but there was also desire. When Kalion calmed his heart, he heard the sound of the bathroom door opening. He turned like lightning and looked over. He could see her damp hair, tousled from being dried with the towel, and her pajamas tightly wrapped around her body, covering her neck.


    Hey, lets think it over. We dont have to do it today oh!


    Before Erna could finish speaking, he grabbed her wrist and led her to the bed. Erna turned to grab her fallen towel, but Kalion refuted that cleaning was useless now and sat Erna down on the bed.


    Gulp. Erna became nervous at Kalions different attitude from usual. He lightly pressed Ernas shoulder. She fell to the bed easily and he climbed right on top of her.


    Oh my God, we are really doing this today?Erna closed her eyes at Kalions eager attitude. Then she heard the mans voice from above her.


    You dont like it?


    Erna wanted to bite back at hisment, but at his voice that was lower than usual, she found herself instead staring at him with wide eyes. Kalions eyes were staring back at her, probing, searching.


    Even in this situation, he was still handsome. As she looked into his dark blue eyes as he quietly stared at her, she could feel her heart beating faster little by little.


    If asked whether she wanted it or not, she could confidently say no. But if asked if she hated it as much as thest time she would probably be uncertain with her rejection.


    A scene kept repeating in her head over and over when she kept looking at Kalion: the way he fell blocking the demons while she was chanting, and the way he slept as if he were dead after that.


    She couldnt bring herself to say it out loud but she did feel grateful.


    Could I have done it?


    Of course, saving her would mean saving the city and its people, but if she was told to block the demons that flocked to her with her own body, she didnt know if she could do it for certain. But this man did it. As she thought about it, it felt like a barrier that she had built in her heart was breaking down a bit. He was her lifesaver in a way. If he hadnt blocked the demons, she could have gotten badly hurt or in the worst case scenario, her life in jeopardy. So then


    Its not that I like it but its not as bad asst time. Erna said so in a small voice, as if she had made up her mind. If you want to do it, dont ask unnecessary questions, do it quickly.


    At her answer, the corners of Kalions lips rose. At that sight, Erna realized that she had brought herself to danger.


    Snap. Erna lowered her gaze as she heard something from below. When did he move? Kalions hand was unbuttoning her pajamas from below. Snap, snap. He wasnt unbuttoning them, he was tearing them off!


    Before Erna could even say what he was doing, Kalion applied force in his hand, pulling her pajamas down in one stroke. The buttons, which should have been sewn pretty tightly, were torn so easily that they rolled over the bed and the floor.


    Kalion looked at Ernas heaving chest. He thought it would be enough to take her pajamas off, but she was also tightly d in her und*rw*ar.


    With a displeased face, he reached out a hand. Then he remembered what happenedst time. Wasnt he pped wildly in the cheek after grabbing and touching her recklessly? Actually, getting hit wasnt a problem, but he was more concerned that Erna ran away to her room quickly after that. Kalion looked at the door for a moment. He wanted topliment himself for locking the door and tossing the keys altogether.I cant miss it again.


    The moment he was about to hastily put his hand on Ernas underwear, he saw Ernas expression, as if she was holding back by clenching her teeth.


    In an instant, his reason, which had gone away, quickly returned to him. That didnt mean that the desire to hold her was gone. But he didnt want to see Erna obviously being scared of him acting like this.


    He didnt want to force it. He knew this was something they had to do out of duty, but at least hoped it wasnt terrifying. Like their wedding and first night.


    Kalion stood up. Erna, who was very nervous, looked at him suspiciously as he suddenly retreated.


    There is something I want to tell you first.


    What?


    You know Im a little strange right now.


    At least he knew. Erna was surprised that Kalion knew his condition himself.


    To be honest The poison of the demons seems to be the problem.


    Why poison? Erna also got up and wrapped her now button-less pajamas around her as she listened to him.


    From the moment I woke up, my body felt strange. To be precise I felt s*xual desire.


    At those words, Erna opened her eyes wide and asked again.


    At me?


    Yes. So, when I asked the healer, he told me that this phenomenon often urs as a result of the poison of the demons.


    Ernas eyes flickered.


    It doesntst long, but to be honest, I felt like I wanted to release it, so


    You came looking for me since we have to do it anyway? Erna supplied for him.


    Yes


    At Kalions words, Erna understood why he was acting so strange today. So, he was trying to deal with the l*st caused by the poison of the demon.


    She was told the reason, but she felt an unknown sense of disappointment. After she thought for a moment, she asked Kalion a question.


    Then why are you telling me this?


    What do you mean why?


    Isnt that something you can keep from me? Its only proper that you have to keep your promise no matter what the situation is and I would have just thought today was a little different than usual. You honestly wouldnt be proud to say that you became like this because of demons poison.


    Erna was right. He didnt have to tell her. Whatever he was trying to do, shed be patient.


    Because you seemed scared.


    Erna looked at him quizically.


    Your face. You looked scared. Im not a pervert who can hold someone whos crying because she hates it. At the very least, I said it in the hope that if you knew why I was acting like this, you would be a little less afraid.


    At Kalions answer, Erna realized. Hes more conservative and thoughtful than she initially thought.


    She sighed. Honestly, I was scared, no, I was a little surprised just now, but I understand now that it was because of the poison of a demon. Ah, since its because of the poison of a demon, I also have something to say to you.


    What?


    you.


    Suddenly Erna turned her head and said something under her breath. Because of that, Kalion couldnt hear her properly.


    What?


    Her neck reddened before she knew it, and she spoke again with some difficulty, as if the words felt stuck inside her throat. Thank you. At Kalions silence, she continued. Actually, I should have said it right when you woke up, but I havent been able to say it until now because everything was hectic. No matter what, thank you for protecting me.


    The moment she started speaking, the things inside her heart seemed to pour out after. It didnt seem like the right situation to say all of it, but she felt relieved after saying it. Then,


    I was trying to hold back Kalion spoke. But I cant anymore.


    In that moment, Ernas body fell back again.

 Chapter 35

    Kalionid Erna down on the bed then spread his arms out andid his hands by her side. He climbed on top of her, as if he was locking her within him.


    I dont want to be pped in the face likest time, so Ill ask you for permission in advance. Can I touch your body? he said.


    Erna considered telling him no, but she remembered that in the books she read, pration without f*repl*y could cause great pain. She hated being hurt. So, if Kalion touching her body could make it less painful it wouldnt be a bad thing. Then, all of a sudden, Erna remembered the prior events.


    She red at Kalion and replied, As long as you promise not to touch hard.


    Hard? Kalion asked.


    Yes. It hurt when you grabbed my legs and do you know how much it hurt when you also squeezed my bre*sts a week ago? Dont they say it hurts when guys get kicked between their legs? Women also feel pain in that area!


    I didnt think I was grabbing them so hard


    They hurt for a few days because ofyou! Your handprints are still there, but you didnt even know you held them so hard


    Ernas face hardened. Apparently, Kalion didnt seem to know how strong he was. It was clear that he would use his hands as hard as he wanted, leaving his handprints on her body.


    Kalion hurriedly redeemed himself, as if he had read Ernas thoughts. I will be careful. I will never leave a mark like that.


    Good. You promised. Dont forget to put your hands away immediately if Im in pain.


    Kalion nodded his head violently to the point his head might fall off.


    The fact was, he had always been bothered by his strange desire to touch her. But both times, he didnt get to touch her to his satisfaction. But today, he was sane and they had set each others rules, so it was clear that he could satisfy his desires as much as he wanted, but with her permission.


    Ernaid down on the bed and covered her face as if she didnt have anything more to say and signalled him to do as he pleased. Kalion didnt like it, but he couldnt say anything. If he asked to lower her arms to show her face a little, for sure shed be mad at him.


    Kalions hand touched Ernas leg. her nervous body jumped that moment. But, as Erna only bit her lips hard and didnt push him away, his hands began to move a little more boldly.


    His hands, slowly climbing up on her legs, slowly lifted up the pajamas that were around her knees. The hand that followed along the gentle curve of the leg moved up a little more. She parted the pajamas covering her chest, only to be met with her underwear. Kalion was troubled for a moment.How am I supposed to take it off?


    Her underwear, made with a cloth in the middle and a thin string over her shoulders, was wound around her body more tightly than he thought. He couldnt tear this off too, so he had to take it off carefully, but he didnt know where to start and how to take it off.


    His hands wandered over Ernas chest, and finally, carefully, he grabbed her bre*sts over her underwear.


    Uh..!


    Kalions hands were sorge that he covered Ernas bre*sts, which were by no means small.


    Ha


    Erna was the one being grabbed but a sigh escaped Kalions lips instead.


    He couldnt believe how soft they were. When he was in his dream state, he hoped that when he actually grabbed her mounds in real life, it would be different and that would lead to his desire disappearing. But the moment he put his hands on them, he couldnt think of anything else. Ernas body under his palms was softer and warmer than he remembered.


    He felt a desire to hold on to it a little harder, but he was desperately patient, and he resisted the urge. If he did, she would say it hurt like thest time and for sure will tell him to remove his hands immediately.


    Erna felt like there were sparkles in front of her eyes as Kalion slowly grabbed her bre*sts in his hands and rubbed them gently.


    Last time, she was flustered and it even hurt. So, this time, Erna had to make up her mind and ept his touch. Today, he honestly told her his condition and asked for her understanding, so she allowed it. If he had rushed andid her down like thest time, she would have casted a spell to make sure he would spend a little more time in bed even though he had just woken up.


    It just needs to hurt less thanst time.If it was possible to reduce the great pain experienced during pration, she was going to try to put up with a little bit of pain. But this


    Was it pain? No, it wasnt painful. But why couldnt she do anything and breathing felt difficult?


    His thick, long fingers moved little by little and traced her sensitive, tender skin. Her mounds, gently pressed under the palm of his hands, moved slowly in circr motions. Then, when his fingers moved again, he scratched the tip of her bre*sts.


    At that moment, Erna let out a loud m*an that surprised herself. The hands that were used to cover her face were now covering her mouth. Was Kalion surprised by the sound of m*ans? His hands, which were constantly moving, stopped. Kalion stared at her with an ar*used face.


    As Erna was about to breathe a sigh of relief when his hands stilled, Kalions fingertips, which had raised his fingernails, pressed the tip of her bre*sts.


    Her body shook violently at the unexpected surprise. It was too stimting. Then Kalion put his knee between Ernas legs, and gently pressed her thighs apart with his knee. He held her down enough, not too heavy, but with enough weight to prevent Erna from moving.


    Having fixed her body with his own body, he again rubbed the tip of her chest, which had hardened through thickness of the silk, with the tip of his finger.


    Ha! Uh!


    Her body fluttered like a fish onnd as he pressed on what was protruding under the soft cloth. Erna didnt know what to do under a stimulus she had never experienced before. So she was clutching on whatever part of the bed sheet she could hold and anchor her body. Meanwhile, Kalion teased her tips to his hearts content.


    He didnt do anything that hurt. Because all he did was press, rub, and grab a little. The more he did, the harder her tips became. Kalion was going mad at the tender flesh that revealed its existence slowly and clearly under the cloth.


    I want to see it.He couldnt stand it anymore and shoved his hand under Ernas underwear.


    Hey! Not like Ah!


    Erna was going to yell at him for putting his hand in without taking off the underwear properly, but the moment his callused fingertips grabbed and rubbed her n*pples, she stopped as if she was struck by lightning.


    Ah, ah!


    She tried to stifle her gasps as an electrifying sensation spread from her head to her toes. As her trembling body eventually stilled, Erna realized that something between her legs had gotten wet.


    Erna?


    Erna blinked her eyes, as she came back to her senses at Kalions voice.


    Erna?It was her name. A name that other people had called countless times. But now that name sounded more unfamiliar than any other word in the world. Erna soon found out why.Did he call me by my name now?


    Kalion never called her by name. His constant Hey, you always reced her name. She wasnt upset about it. Because she was also calling Kalion in the same way. But why did he suddenly call her by her name? Her fingertips felt itchy and she didnt know what to do. It was strange to feel such embarrassment even though it was only her name being called.


    Are you okay?


    A voice filled with worry came from above her head. Erna released a deep breath she had been holding back and slowly nodded her head.


    I.. Im Oka.. Ah


    Her voice didnt sound okay, but Erna still answered. What the hell happened a little while ago? She lowered her hand and patted herself below. She could feel that she was wet between her legs, beneath the exposed underwear. Her face turned white, wondering if she had made a mistake because of the strange sensation from a while ago.Theres no way.


    If it was though


    Erna made up her mind to get out of this situation, even if it meant was going to use magic to stun Kalion above her. At that moment, his remaining hand came in next to his other hand, which was still clutching one of her bre*sts. Her underwear, unable to withstand his handing in, rolled up, revealing Ernas pale bre*sts under the light.


    Kalion, who was about to grab her bre*sts again, raised his hands for a moment and then looked at Ernas slowly bouncing bre*sts.


    Its not that he didnt know what womens bre*sts look like. He had seen it from a painting or a sculpture. He had looked at them, but he never had any special feelings about it.


    But Ernas bre*sts, under his hands, took his reason in an instant. Finally, the flesh he had been wanting to see was now exposed.


    Her voluptuous br*asts, which spread slightly to the side were like pure ivory, as if milk had been poured on them. In the center of her chest, the pink tip, pretty as the petals of spring that had fallen, was hardened from his touch.


    Kalion swallowed dry saliva without realizing it as he saw the particr exquisite thing on her milky skin. The unknown thirst he felt upon waking up after being poisoned by the demons made his mouth dry again. Kalion was more certain than anyone else that it would not be resolved with water.


    He lifted her bre*sts slightly with his hands and brought them back into his own hand. Her voluptuous flesh and hardened nipples slid out between his fingers.


    Erna.


    A terribly low, cracked voice called her name. With his eyes shing with a more terrifying force than ever before, Kalion opened his mouth again.


    I can suck them.


    It was a notice, not a question. Kalions lips moved downward slowly.

 Chapter 36

    What are you doing? Erna asked, feeling almost limp from the constant stimtion. But it was already toote by the time she understood the meaning of his words. Hey! Wait ! Kalions lips bit her chest. Never in her life had she ever imagined that someone would bite her bre*st like this. Especially not Kalion!


    Erna was desperately trying to push Kalions head away from her chest. But as the warm, wet tongue wrapped around the tip of her n*pple, just like when hed been rubbing them, she had no desire to stop him. Erna moaned and groaned as she twisted her body frantically every time Kalions tongue sucked the soft flesh in his mouth. The lewd sucking sound of her wet flesh made her feel as if she were going crazy.


    Oh, dont! Ah! Ah! Even uttering short words couldnt be aplished because she was short of breath. Then Erna realized that her voice was sounding weird, so she desperately twisted her body. Because of that, Kalion lost the bre*st he was biting, and Erna took the opportunity to move her hand quickly. The moment she created magical letters in the air, Kalion grabbed her wrist to stop her. But they were written already, and Erna hastily poured her mana into it.


    The magic spell was cast with a bright blue light that almost blinded Kalion, and he clenched his teeth, preparing for the shock that woulde to him. But contrary to what he thought, nothing happened. He opened one eye and saw the magic spell hovering at his bedside. Nothing had changed, and he wondered what it was going to do.


    Erna stammered as if she had recognized Kalions question, It, its to let no sound outside the room!


    It was a bedroom designed for a husband and wife. For the owners to have privacy, the room mustve been built, so that sounds inside couldnt be heard by other people outside. Still, Erna wasnt entirely at ease. She had just made loud noises without intending to do so, and if the sounds leaked out the room, shed be embarrassed.


    While holding her wrist, Kalion asked, If you soundproofed the bedroom, then youre not disliking it, right?


    Now, why would you interpret it like that?


    If you didnt like it, you would have blown me up instead!


    Erna couldnt deny what he said. She thought about it for a moment, and he was correct. If Erna hated it, she couldve thrown a fireball at Kalion without the slightest hesitation. But just now, instead of attacking him, shed only stopped the sound from escaping the room.


    Then, I can now! In a moment of madness, Erna wanted to blow up Kalion, but he grabbed her hand, which was about to draw magic letters, and she couldnt continue. The moment their eyes met, Erna felt a chill down her spine. He was staring at her intensely, and an unknown desire shed in his dark blue eyes.


    Erna had previously seen a look simr to this. One day, when shed caught someone whod been illegally catching animals, the beast shed seen in the cage had a look like this. They were eyes that searched for a way to swallow their opponent. The beasts attitude had been cautious and elegant, but its eyes said otherwise; it would swallow up the poacher if there had even been the slightest gap.


    Erna realized it was ridiculous to be thinking that she was going to be eaten by him. But at that moment, as if answering her thoughts, Kalion pounced on her. Ernas body was smallpared to Kalions, and she toppled over onto the bed. He then greedily bit her bre*sts as hed done earlier, but his tongue moved more freely than before.


    Kalion couldnt get his mind straight. Erna didnt dislike it, and the moment he recognized it, he felt that thest wall that remained within him had copsed. As soon as he knew he could want more and she would oblige, he found what his instincts were craving. His mouth sucked hungrily on her bre*st, like a child seeking milk, and his other hand gripped her supple flesh painlessly. Then he rubbed her taut n*pples between his fingers and listened to her mo*ning in response.


    Every time he moved, Erna also twisted her body. With his body now covering her, Kalion felt her every movement beneath him. As his desire to make love to her intensified, he felt a throbbing pain rising below, and his erection grew bigger and bigger.


    Suddenly, Kalion felt an urge to burst outughing. When he first decided to make a sessor with Erna, the thing hed most worried about was that his member wouldnt respond to her at all. Hed never had a crush on a woman in his life. It wasnt that he couldnt feel emotions, but this was Erna, whom he hated! It was clear to him that it wouldnt be easy for them to blend, and he recalled what Cedric had often asked, What will you do if it doesnt stand up?


    Kalion didnt have the slightest desire to have Ernas recognition of his biological masculinity, but that didnt mean he wanted to hear her say, Its not getting up. He never intended to show her any weakness because it was clear that she would use it against him and ridicule him every day. Therefore, Kalion had been very nervous about doing this with her. But now, he felt calm because all the tension and worry hed felt had been pointless.


    Without moving his mouth from her chest, Kalion began taking off his clothes with his other hand. It wasnt an easy task because their bodies were in close contact. It would be much easier to remove his clothing if he lifted his head and used his other hand. However, Kalion didnt want to be apart from her for even a short period. So he continued with his face buried between her bre*sts.


    When he was finally able to untie theces of his trousers, his erection burst through the top as he lowered the pants. Kalion immediately put his body on top of her again.


    Erna sucked in a deep breath, surprised when something erect touched her legs. Hey, wait. Theres something down there!


    Kalion swallowed his disappointment and raised his head when Erna spoke, sounding like she were out of breath. Are you asking because you dont know? Or do you want to check it out? He asked.


    Neither!She wanted to scream, but she couldnt get it out of her mouth.I didnt see it incorrectly.Therge chunk of flesh, now being rubbed between her legs, was big enough to give her goosebumps all over her body. It wasnt something shed seen incorrectly before.


    Kalions hands now focused on removing Ernas clothing, and the thin satin nightgown effortlessly slipped down her body. When her bre*sts and shoulders were bare, Kalions hands moved down below her belly. Her nightgown had wrapped around her legs, and he pulled it up to her waist. And then he slipped his big hand into her silky underwear.


    Hey! You! How dare you! Erna shouted. She knew she couldnt do it without taking her panties off, but for some bizarre reason, Erna felt she had no choice but to stop him. Kalion ignored her words as he ced his fingers on the sides of her underwear and pulled them down.


    Kalion pulled her underwear down so quickly that it seemed like hed done it all his life. Unsatisfied with where they were, he then pulled them down over her ankles so that they wouldnt inhibit his movements. Without giving it a second thought, he tossed them over the bed, and theynded on the floor. Before Erna coulde to her senses, his hands grabbed her knees and spread them wide open. She let out a shrill scream. In her mind, no one could remain sane if their legs were spread wide open in front of another person. Shocked by Ernas scream, Kalion immediately stopped moving and looked down at her.


    Erna watched his chest moving up and down wildly. Then she slowly moved her gaze downward. And the moment she saw his hard-on, she couldnt help but shriek, Oh my God! Erna searched for a God she didnt even believe in! She could tell by looking that it wasnt a size that could fit into her tiny body. Erna now regretted that she thought Kalion could put it inside her. It wasnt a branch but more like a baguette! Whatever it was, it wasnt something she couldfortably take in.


    Ernas mind went numb momentarily, and then fear rose in her. It would be painful, and judging by the look on Kalions face, he wasnt going to be gentle with her. Ernas eyes became teary because she felt scared and overwhelmed.


    Kalion let go of his hands that were holding her knees for a moment and wiped his face. His erection was so big and firm, and hed never seen it like this before. And because of that, he felt a throbbing pain which hed never experienced in the past either. Although no one taught him, Kalion instinctively grabbed his erection and put it between Ernas open legs. The soft pink flesh that had been tightly closed opened as he touched her wet lips, and it made a lewd sound.


    Kalion swallowed loudly, but his mouth was dry, and it hurt his throat. He could feel that his entire body had heated. And as he became more sensitive, he could feel things more intensely. Especially now, as the tip of his hard-on touched the inside of Erna. Kalions head felt as if it were boiling.


    Ernas whole body was soft and warm. So even though he thought he was crazy, he couldnt stop touching her. When he put her bre*sts in his mouth, he thought there would be nothing softer than this. And now, he had no choice but tough at his previous thoughts.


    Kalion looked below, and each time he exhaled harshly, the tip of his erection slid in and then out of Ernas cleaved flesh. He couldnt help but moan as he felt the wet, soft, and warm skin on his. A wild longing hed never felt before enveloped him. It seemed that he would never be satisfied if he didnt taste all these sensations beneath him right now. Kalion grabbed Ernas waist tightly with both of his hands. It was instinctive, which would allow him to prate deeper.


    It was her bre*sts that he bit and sucked on, but he didnt know why the lower part of Erna was wet. As he was about to give strength to his waist, imagining the pleasure he would enjoy from now on, Ernas voice interrupted him.


    D-d-dont, she stuttered, sounding shaken. Kalion tried to pretend he didnt hear her. Hed promised to stop right away if she didnt like it. But it was absurd to leave things like this and stop, now, especially since hed felt the incredible sensation of his hardness slipping into her. Kalion gripped Ernas waist tighter. No matter how much she struggled, hed be able to keep her in ce.


    Briefly,ing to his senses, Kalion pondered,Wouldnt it be okay to be like this?He also thought that if the demon poison had caused these sensations of pleasure, he was happy to live with it. Then he could get this crazy feeling every time.


    His member wiggled as if it could no longer wait, and all he had to do was push his waist against her. Kalion was just about to move when he heard Ernas voice again.


    Stop, Kalion. When she called his name, his body hardened, and he looked down at her in frustration.

 Chapter 37

    Kalion, it was his name. The name Lieutenant Cedric called him that a dozen times a day. Not only Cedric, but the knights of the order, the people of Archduke Castle, and the members of the Council called him that too. So there was no reason to feel special just because he heard it again. But the sound of his name sounded like thunder in his ears now.


    What did you just say? Kalion asked.


    Dont do it, Erna mumbled.


    Kalion slowly raised his head and looked at Erna. It wasnt just a trembling voice he heard. There were also tears in her eyes. He wasnt sure when shed started crying. But he saw now that her long eyshes were covered with transparent drops, and herrge, round eyes were wet with tears. It was the way Erna was looking at him that made him freeze again, just like when shed called his name. His fear of seeing the scariest thing in the world had just happened; Erna was afraid of him right now.


    Why? Kalion asked, looking baffled. He let go of her waist and lifted his body toe close to Ernas face. Because of his movements, his throbbing penisnded with a thumping sound on Ernas white belly.


    Erna looked as if she were about to faint as she whispered, You, this, please stop.


    Kalion stood up in surprise at the sight of her speaking without being able to breathe correctly. His fully erect penis clung to his stomach, and Erna recalled the sensation of it being pushed into her a moment ago. Although there was no pain because it had just been the tip of it, Erna could tell that if the whole thing went inside her, she wouldnt handle it. Only by looking at it did Erna know what she was trying to allow into her body.


    In all honesty, Erna had thought that it would be easy. Many women in the world got married, had intimate nights with their husbands, and gave birth to their children. It should be no problem for her to do the same, and Erna became acutely aware of how arrogant her thoughts were. She had to let go of her pride for a moment and then cling to him when he put his erection inside of her. Erna just needed a little more time to prepare herself for this invasion.


    But judging by the lust in Kalions eyes, it didnt seem like he would stop. She highly doubted that he would keep his promise of stopping if she said it hurt or she disliked it. Erna had no sexual experience but had heard many stories about the intimate time between men and women. And not all of the things she heard were good. When it came to intimacy, Erna had been told by others that there were people who acted violently for their pleasure and that this would cause a great deal of pain.


    I dont enjoy being hurtlike that. Erna knew that few people liked to experience pain, and she was no different and particrly hated her body hurting. The pain caused by external shock reminded her of the days when shed lived with her head bowed down in the Kingdom of Haband. Her older sister and brother, as well as her younger sister, used to kick her secretly.


    Eventually, the tears that had welled up in her eyes cascaded down her cheeks. Shed rather die than show weakness in front of Kalion like this. He was the one person she hated to expose weakness to. Surely he would tease her and ask her how she expected him to do it after seeing her acting like this. Thinking about that didnt help her tears to stop. At that moment, his body, which was almost covering hers again, pulled back. Erna looked at him in surprise at his unexpected movement.


    Do you hate it that much? He mumbled in a slightly cracked voice. Ive said it before, but I dont intend to force it.


    Erna looked up at Kalion in disbelief. That was what he said, but the thing on his lower body seemed to think otherwise as it jerked about, and Erna couldnt rx.


    Kalion saw where her gaze was and sighed loudly, shaking his head. He then turned around to sit on the end of the bed and snatched his trousers thaty beside her, putting them back on. He got up slowly, feeling his over-excited erection wiggling ufortably in his pants, and put on the rest of his clothing. After moving his erection into a morefortable position, Kalion sat down next to Erna and asked, What is scary?


    Erna had managed to clear her mind a bit, and she answered his question in the most casual voice she could, Its not scary. Im just not used to it as yet. So, I have to prepare myself.


    Okay, lets just say its like you say, Kalion replied, how do you think you can get used to it?


    *


    Are you okay? Is there something wrong, or are you feeling unwell? Vanessa asked. Sitting next to her on the conference room table, she looked worriedly at Erna.


    Erna raised her head at her sudden question. Nothing is wrong? Why are you asking such a question all of a sudden?


    It seems like you are not yourself today.


    With that, Erna thought about what she had done today. Shed awoken to Orps nagging at lunchtime and had eaten a light meal. Then, Erna had taught the wizards before attending council meetings in thete afternoon. And now she had something to look over with Vanessa, so it was just the two of them. It was just an ordinary day with nothing unusual happening that Vanessa needed to concern herself.


    What is different? Erna asked, looking at her in confusion.


    Its the first time that the two of you ended a meeting without a fight.


    Is it?Erna recalled how the meeting had gone earlier. When shed entered the conference room, Kalion was already seated at therge wooden table. He sat where he usually did, at the far right of the conference room table, and looked over the documents scattered about the desk. Hed looked up at Erna for a moment and then returned his attention to the paperwork. Erna had decided to pay no attention to him and went to her seat. Soon after sitting down, she became solely focused on the paperwork in front of her too.


    The content of the meeting was nothing special. Among other things, Erna had to exin to the councilors, in a bit more detail, about the appearance of demons in the Haldis area theyd visited two weeks back. asionally, Kalion helped out with a word or two, but there were no issues between the two of them during the meeting.


    You also didnt say anything when you came in, Vanessa added.


    Thats because I see him every Never mind. I guess Im still a little tired. Erna hastily changed the subject. So, what about this part here?


    In the past, she wouldve frowned upon seeing Kalion, and there wouldve been name-calling for sure. Buttely, seeing him every night, she honestly didnt think much of it. She was so used to him that she didnt feel a need to have to talk much.


    Fortunately for Erna, there was a lot to discuss, so Vanessa didnt question her further, and an hourter, she was able to leave the conference room and head to the wizards quarters alone. Turning her neck and shoulders, back and forth, Erna sighed as she mumbled, It wasnt a lie that Im tired. Lately, she was struggling to rest at night. And theck of sleep was beginning to take its toll on her. After muttering for a while, Erna started walking again.


    She wouldve been awake until dawn to manage her mana in the old days. But these days, when she left the master bedroom and returned to her room, Erna slept as if shed fainted. It didnt mean that she woke up early, so Orp had woken her when shed arrived to do her duties.


    Erna couldnt open her eyes properly, and Orp had nagged, What are you doing every night that you cant wake up these days?


    Ernas face had turned blood-red when shed recalled the previous evening. Nowadays, she was exhausted every morning, and shed yawned as shed stretched her body. When shed pressed on her chest by mistake, shed felt a slight pain, as well as a tingling sensation. One couldnt see them, but the breasts under her clothes were in a bad state.


    Crazy bastard. Erna freely cursed the person who was not present. What am I doing every night because of him. It was insane to say I need to get used to it. I shouldve just done it then. As she muttered her words, no one was around to listen, and Erna continued her walk to the wizards quarters.


    * * *


    When Erna arrived at the wizards quarters, she saw Alicia and Miel, who seemed to be returning from being out somewhere. She was concerned about their well-being during thest expedition because it had been a frightening experience, but fortunately, they didnt seem to be traumatized. The two wizards looked at Erna lovingly and waved their hands warmly.


    Archduke! Miel called out. Where are you twoing from? The twodies ran up to Erna and clung to her arms.


    Erna smiled and said, We went to the Knights Order!


    To the knights? Alicia asked, looking stunned.


    Yes, after returning to the Archdukes Castle, I went to say thank you for the help in Haldis. And in a turn of events, weve be close friends, so we often hang out there these days. Of course, I show them some magic, and I use attack magic to help with their training.


    Little Miel was excited to talk, The knights are phenomenal. I knew that magic spells can be destroyed by using physical power, but simple spells, of one or two letters, can also be destroyed just with a punch or a kick.


    Yes! They say that Archduke Kalion can destroy even greater magic, Alicia added.


    The two of them beamed as they talked about what theyd seen and heard in the Knights Order. When Ernas head started to hurt from the frantic talk from both sides, Orp appeared.


    Orp looked at the two of them and raised her voice, You two! I didnt see you in the morning practice. Where did you go? Did you go to y at the Knights Order again?


    While being shouted at, the two quickly hid behind Erna. But Erna was not a shield they could trust. You missed practice again? So this isnt the first time? Erna asked, looking disappointed by their behavior.


    No, we just, Miel attempted to make an excuse.


    Miss Erna! Please scold them! Theyve been doing this for a week now! Orp pleaded.


    What? A week? When Erna stared at them with dagger eyes, Alicia and Miel realized that it was toote to ask for forgiveness, so they quickly turned to run away.


    Both of you stay there! Orp yelled, but they werent about to stop. Erna clicked her tongue and shook her head, and then drew a magic form in her air. Soon, a circr ring of bright red light appeared above Ernas head, which quickly flew over the two, who were running away. The light circled their waists and immediately lifted them into the air.


    I can break this, Alicia! Miel boasted, drawing a magic form in the air as she struggled against the red ring holding her off the ground.


    Ill help you, Miel! She yelled back.


    Erna could see what the two of them were doing. Miel, who could draw delicate magic forms well, was in charge of the magic letters, and Alicia was in charge of injecting her magic into them. When the spell that the two had created collided with Ernas, both vanished into thin air.


    Oh, you just destroyed my spell now? Erna looked at the two, deciding to have fun with the situation. We can do the training we were going to do this afternoon, now.


    For wizards, extinguishing the opponents spell was like throwing punches in a boxing match. When Ernaughed, Alisha and Miels faces turned white, and they whispered simultaneously, We are dead.

 Chapter 38

    We were wrong. Miel acknowledged, hanging her head in shame. We will never miss a lecture again.


    Erna looked at the two of them as they bowed their heads in front of her and picked up the floral teacup. As she sipped on the soothing tea, she looked at Alicia and Miel, who were in a mess because theyd had to frantically block Ernas spells for almost an hour.


    Orp had thought about stopping her but went inside instead and brought the wizards out, saying that it would be a good study for them. Their eyes had widened at first as theyd been unsure of what to expect. On seeing that a spectacle had arisen, they went back inside, returning with snacks, and then sat on the ground, cheering for Alicia and Miel. The poor girls were being worked hard by Ernas spells.


    So, can you run away?


    Miel, run! Were going to be caught by her!


    Little Miel desperately called out to her friends, Save us, as she rolled around on the ground.


    Alicia, who was older, shouted, You guys are just watching and not helping us!


    After an hour of being tossed about on the grass, Alicia and Miel werent able to move a single finger. Seeing this, the wizards giggled and cast healing spells. It was their way of saying that they wanted to see more.


    Now promise that when you go to the Knights Order in the future, youll get permission from myself or Orp in advance.


    But Alicia started to protest but realized it wasnt a clever idea. Never mind. We will go with permission in the future.


    Then both of you should go and wash up and rest. You look messy. When Erna said they could go, Alicia and Miel wasted no time, fearing that she might change her mind. As the two disappeared, Erna sped her chin and asked Orp a question. It seems that they have be closer with the knights than I thought.


    I guess so. Its not a bad thing, but I am a bit worried. Its all men over there, which concerns me. In particr, Miel has a fantasy about knights. Every time she says Mr. Knight, her eyes twinkle.


    Muscle idiots.


    At Ernas poignant remarks, Orp smiled, To a little girl, they would look like princes. Besides, there are people with beautiful looks, like Sir Kalion. Erna groaned as her expression changed to one of annoyance, out of habit. Its not a bad thing like you said. It would be good for wizards to get used to the attack modes of the knights, and it would be good for the knights to know how to avoid the attacks of wizards. Id like to know what kind of magic the opponent is using. It will be difficult to study that.


    Erna put the teacup down, picked up one of the books stacked on her table, and unfolded the part she had earmarked, I was going to teach this section today while experimenting with magic I used in Haldisst time.


    Erna looked morbid, so Orp took the book in her hand, closed it, and ced it on the desk. Arent you overworking yourself? There are limits to your teaching every day.


    But what should I do? Youre busy with your business, and Im the only one who can teach wizards. Erna slumped down in her chair. She then turned her gaze to the Magic Tower that was on the cover of the book. I need someone from the tower, but I cant just call anybody.


    Then Orp spoke quietly, If you look closely, you will find people who are more blind to money than loyalty to the tower. Would you like to convince them?


    I would have to pay quite a bit.


    Leave it to Council President, Vanessa.


    You say it so easily because its not your business. Erna clicked her tongue, sounding irritated, and got up from her seat.


    Are you going?


    Yes. Given the atmosphere today, I dont think the wizards will listen to me. Ill rather do it tomorrow.


    Okay. It will be good for you to take a break. Strangely, it seems that youve been tired ever since you came back from Haldis.


    That? Oh, never mind. Ill go now. Theres no need to walk me out.


    Do not worry. I will stay put, Orp giggled.


    So heartless. Erna left the room as she nced at Orp, who always had something to say.


    *


    As night fell, Erna looked at her watch. It was 9:30 p.m. She had some time to herself before the dreaded 10 p.m. meeting with Kalion. She pondered for a moment, holding the papers and books she had not read yet, and opened the door to the master bedroom. As she listened to the sound of the door opening, Erna recalled how shed wanted to die when shed first stood in front of it. But things had changed, and she was able to open the door without being overwhelmed by fear.


    Youre here? Erna sighed. Of course, you are here early.


    As she entered, Kalion stood up as if hed been waiting. Erna put what shed brought on the table next to the sofa and sat down. Kalion hurriedly came over and sat down next to her, but his actions didnt stop there. He grabbed Ernas golden hair, which reached her waist, and yed with it as if it were fun. Then, he let go of her hair and slyly grabbed her shoulder. Of course, it didnt end there either. Erna pped his hand as he slowly descended it towards her bre*sts. The harsh sound ricocheted off the walls, and Kalion held his reddening hand.


    Erna said coldly, When will the demons poison disappear for good? And this was the reason why Erna was tired every night, recently. Kalion, who was still experiencing the after-effects of the demon poison, wanted to touch her body every day! The healers said they couldnt be sure, so I asked Vanessa to bring the priest. Because you need priests to cure the poison of demons.


    Although hed been smacked by her once already, Kalion still reached out his hand again. As she was about to push it back, he said, After the priestse, we may not be able to do as we are now. So please cooperate.


    What? Erna raised her arms as if she had given up. Seeing her surrender, Kalion jumped at the opportunity and reached out to unbutton her pajamas. Erna warned that shed rip out his hair if he became rough with her again, so Kalion obediently moved his hands carefully as he undressed her. Although he was gentle, his hands seemed to be skillful, and she was soon bare-chested.


    The pajamas shed worn in Haldis, had been thrown away while they were still there because she didnt want her maids to gossip about it. And when shed returned to the Archduke castle, she was careful not to have the new set torn apart too. She wouldnt have an exnation if the maids saw that all the buttons were missing.


    Erna had no bra on, and her voluptuous bre*sts could be seen by him straight away.I feel like this crazy bastard is going to bite my bre*sts!Kalion was in the habit of trying to rip off her bra in frustration because he couldnt untie the sps, so shed given up on wearing one under her pajamas. Initially, shed thought she would die of embarrassment, but it was said by some that humans were animals of adaptation, and it soon became morefortable not to wear one. Therefore, the amount of time Kalion spent undressing her had decreased.


    Are you going to continue here? She asked calmly and matter-of-factly. Kalion nced at the bed as if he knew what she was implying. Erna sighed and got up from the couch. As she walked across the room, Kalion was hot on her heels, and he climbed onto the bed straight after her. Sheid down and gotfortable, anticipating what was toe. And just like the previous night, he took her bre*st in his hand and lowered his head until his lips touched it.


    Ah! Erna began to moan and groan immediately when Kalions head moved from one bre*st to the other. The sound of his mouth sucking her bre*sts was heard, and Ernas toes curled from the sensations. She thought perhaps shed get used to it if they did it more often. But instead, her body seemed to get more excited, and she no longer felt numb from the stimtion. Surprisingly she seemed to have be more sensitive. Erna lowered her gaze and looked at Kalion. She was now used to doing this with him and felt more rxed.


    Two weeks had passed since their return from Haldis, and the two continued to do what they had promised. They spent several hours a day together in the master bedroom getting to know each other.


    The night shed pushed him away in Haldis, Kalion had taken her words seriously. At the rate they were going, hed said he didnt know when they would be able to make a sessor. So he suggested that they work together to achieve that goal. By that, Erna knew he meant thatshehad to make more of an effort, and she had no choice but to agree.


    After touching and licking her body for a long time, Kalion sat up, and Erna followed suit. It was time for her to get used to this. Woah, Erna eximed as she took in a deep breath. Shed done this yesterday and the day before too. So she couldnt understand why she still felt a bit embarrassed and ashamed.


    Kalion sat with his long legs stretched out, resting his back against the headboard. As Erna approached, he spread his legs slightly apart, and she sat down between them. Then she slowly began to untie his pants.


    Erna knew what to expect, and she saw that his thing was already very excited. Unsurprisingly, as she pulled down his pajama bottoms, it popped up, revealing its presence.This poison is some work of art.Erna was well aware that the reason he clung to her body and heated up like this was due to the poison of the demons. So she was thankful that she could avoid making such a terrible misconception that Kalion perhaps had feelings for her.


    It was difficult for Erna to do all these things. But she honestly thought it was because of the poison and, therefore, intimacy with him couldnt be avoided. Erna also thought that it would be good for her to have a child while he still had the poison in him. After the poison left his body, she assumed he may no longer be so proactive and would probably turn away from her in disgust. So it was a good idea for Erna to try her best now, to finish the job while Kalion was still clinging to her.


    Erna made her mind up and then reached out to touch his thing. Kalion groaned and flinched as she carefully gripped his erection. She studied it closely, looking at its length and her knees felt weak. Moreover, it was so thick that it wouldnt fit in her one hand. So Erna held it with both her hands and gave a gentle squeeze.


    Kalion trembled violently, and Erna quickly said, Oh, sorry. Did it hurt?


    Its not because it hurt, I can assure you, Kalion replied with a naughty smile on his face.


    What?


    Never mind. Continue.


    Erna obliged, moving her hands slowly up and down his shaft. Oddly enough, his thing gradually grew in size the more she rubbed it. After swiping up and down for a while, his erection was big enough to reach his stomach. Erna knew now that this was its full size, and it would ejacte if she touched it a little more.


    Two weeks after shed returned from Haldis, Erna recalled Kalions words hed said before theyd left, How do you think you can get used to this? Shed had no clue how to answer that then. And she never knew things would turn out like this. But here she was, slowly getting used to his naked body.

 Chapter 39

    Erna had managed to regain herposure after the initial shock of Kalion asking how shed get used to his thing. Its because I havent seen it before! Wouldnt you be scared too if something that youre unfamiliar with was going to enter your body? Erna had snapped.


    Kalion had replied without thinking, It shouldnt be a problem if youre familiar with it then, right?


    Erna had stared at him, looking baffled by his words. And then Kalion had said something that he never thought hed say aloud to any woman, What I meant is that the problem will be solved if youre familiar with my p*nis. In his mind, it had made logical sense. If she was scared of his thing, because she was unfamiliar with it, then she just needed to get to know his p*nis better.


    Kalion had spoken more mindfully to her after that, and once shed listened to his suggestion, Erna had all but freaked out! So you want me to touch and examine your p*nis?


    Yes. Of course, it will take a bit more time because ofyou, but we can make a start.


    Erna had narrowed her eyes at the words because of you. Theyd agreed to have a child, but this had been dyed, and it sounded like he was implying it was because of her.


    If she was honest, Kalion was correct in what he was saying. And whether or not it was because of the demons poison, Kalion was raring to go! Erna was the one that said she couldnt do it with him at thest moment. So she couldnt very well say that she wasnt going to try to get familiar with his p*nis.


    It wasnt a responsibility she took lightly, as Archduke of Hessenguard. But yet, she was straying away from the most important and necessary procedure each time Kalion tried. Erna reflected on her actions and realized that it wasnt something she could keep avoiding because of fear.


    Ill do it! Shed proimed.


    I beg your pardon? Kalion had asked, looking stunned.


    I said, Ill do it. Erna had pushed her fear aside and had grabbed Kalions pants. Ill get used to your thing, starting now!


    The picture she had in her mind was of having to touch his p*nis once or twice and then stopped. But that was not the case, and from that day onward, Erna held it daily. When she touched his p*nis in the beginning, her face scrunched up in disgust, as if she were stroking a demon with her hand. And as she watched his thing grow, Erna looked frightened, and there was a possibility that she might cast a spell and blow it up!


    But as time went on, her face began to show interest. And from then on, she acted like a curious wizard. She held onto his thing and did all kinds of things with it in her hand.


    Kalion was told by a friend, that wizards were people who found everything in the world interesting, but he did not think his p*nis would be the object of someones affections. Kalion had no choice but to be still and allow her to y with it.


    * * *


    Kalion returned from the shback to the present moment and looked at the hands that grabbed his throbbing erection.What small hands.Erna couldnt hold his entire shaft with one hand, so she used both of her hands to rub his erection up and down. It wasnt aplex hand movement but rather a simple rubbing up and down. But to Kalion, that was enough, and he was excited just by that.


    After a moment, Erna let go and then stepped back, which meant she was done for the day. Feeling somewhat disappointed, Kalion stared at her back while she was facing the other way. Erna had a tall, slim figure with curves in all the right ces. He noticed that shed sweated somewhat after rolling around with him on the bed because the back of her pajamas was wet and clung to her back. The thin cloth revealed her sensual body, and suddenly, Kalion was curious to see herpletely naked.Shed rather die than show me.


    Kalion undressed her almost entirely, to the point where there was no sense in having the remaining clothing on, but Erna never took her clothes offpletely. Kalion had suggested removing them all, as it might bother her, but shed said she wouldnt consider doing that. It seemed to be pride that prevented her from doing so.


    After washing her hands, Erna turned around to face him. Her cheeks were red, and he wondered if she felt embarrassed. As she walked toward him, her long, untied hair reached her waist and tumbled over her round bre*sts that were visible through the open buttons. Kalion immediately felt desire stirring in him again, and he suggested to Erna, without thinking, How about we do it today?


    Do it today? Do what?


    The thing we said well do on the sixth day of the week. It seems like you dont need more time to get familiar, so if possible, trying a bit more every day would be good.


    Erna lost her words momentarily, and she wondered if hed finally gone insane. Attempting this once a week was difficult enough, but now he wanted her to go further every day. After some thought, Erna realized that she couldnt argue with his suggestion again. The time they spent together, from the first to the fifth day of the week, was meant for them to get used to each other, and feelfortable touching one another. Things had progressed since they couldnt even stand being in the same space together initially. So theyd ovee the first hurdle, and touching was no longer a problem.


    Erna rubbed her aching bre*st with her hand. Kalion was now licking them every day because of all of this. She didnt know why she was annoyed even though shed shortened the time of her trying period. Perhaps shed shortened it too much. Erna replied powerlessly, as she couldnt find a reason to say no, Okay then.


    But Erna still had concerns, even though shed said yes. It still seemed like it was going to hurt, and she wondered if shed be okay.What if he forces it in, saying he finds it too annoying to hold back any longer?After thinking about different scenarios, Erna said to him as he was getting up. You stay right there.


    Why?


    Im going to do it this time.


    Ernas going to do it?As Kalion wasntprehending what she meant, Erna got back on the bed and approached him on her knees.


    You lower your hands and hang onto the bedsheet, she instructed.


    Why the hands?


    So you dont grab my waist and my legs. Please dont grab me. Thest time hed held her, she remembered that she couldnt move at all. So she felt better to have him in a position where he couldnt grab her at all, so she could therefore escape at will.


    Kalion did what Erna told him to do. It was a weird sight to be exposed with his half-erect p*nis while sitting on the bed. A short whileter, Erna lifted her nightgown slightly and then tried to sit on him. Kalion finally understood what she meant by shell do it.


    Her bottom, which was hidden by her nightgown, slowly descended on Kalion. As her most private part touched his throbbing hard-on, they wriggled simultaneously. They had been unable to prepare themselves for the skin-on-skin contact because her bottom was covered by the nightgown. Therefore, they couldnt see how close they were to each other, so they were both taken by surprise by the sudden stimtion.


    Dont you dare move, Erna said.


    Okay.


    Feelingfortable with his reply, Erna moved her body so that she could put his thing inside of her. She had spent a lot of time studying the theory of intimacy. It didnt matter who moved their body because only one person had to insert the mans p*nis somehow.Ill remove it if it hurts too much.If she left it up to Kalion, she wouldnt be able to do anything if he just rammed it in. But if she was in control, she could at least take it out when it hurt too much. If anyone heard her thoughts, they would put their hands on their forehead and shake their heads, Erna thought, as she lowered her body slowly.


    Ah! The moment the head of the p*nis entered her, Erna let out a moan because it felt stiffer than shed expected. At the same time, as her body swayed, she grabbed onto Kalions shoulders. Ouch! Although only the tip of his head entered her, Erna teared up as she felt pain between her legs. Kalion lifted his hands, but she stopped him, Dont grab me!


    His hands were hanging in the air as Erna screamed at him, surprised by his movements, and Kalion wondered if hed identally stumbled into hell. The part of him that had entered inside of Erna was wriggling and yearning for more. At the same time, he could feel liquid leaking out from the head of his p*nis because he liked the warmth and softness. It was just the tip inside her, but Erna stopped moving and breathed deeply, and it seemed like she felt some pain. But to Kalion, even her breathing was stimting. An intense fiery sensation could be felt when either of them moved, even slightly, and it spread throughout his body.


    Erna, who was breathing hard, decided to be a bit more courageous. She thought that if she could put it in a bit more, perhaps it would be easier then. Erna bit her lips as she held onto Kalions shoulders. But she bit them too hard, and now they were covered in blood from the cuts caused by her teeth. As she lowered her body again, Erna threw her head back and screamed! Shed sat on him too quickly, and half of his raging hard-on went inside her, causing her to yell, Ouch!


    At first, she only felt pain. It was a pain she thought shed experience if her body got split in half and a club entered in between her legs. And then, as she slowly breathed, she could feel another sensation. But she still couldnt move her body.


    It hurts, Erna said in tears as she held Kalions shoulders tightly. She couldnt do it. She had to lift her body. Erna stopped immediately after trying to get off him. His thing inside her was scratching the sensitive area, and Kalions wriggling wasnt helping.


    Kalion was desperately collecting his patience and was hoping Erna would move.Either take it out or put it in, please!But after not being able to move for a while, she started sobbing, and he sighed heavily. What are you doing? Please hurry up.


    I cant move, Erna whimpered.


    What?


    I cant move. Dont you dare move! Erna shouted as Kalion tried to lift his body. But it was toote, and Erna felt his erection entering her even deeper, and she screamed in pain. Even a little movement is too much!


    As if to suggest her words werent a lie, Ernas face was pale, and her body had stiffened from the pain. She also seemed to be battling to breathe. Why are you so big? Erna spoke as she gasped for air, In the book, it says its smaller than this?


    Erna wasining about how big his p*nis was and that it was causing her pain. And for some unknown reason, his erection inside her grew in size. Kalion smirked when she stared at him in shock, and her eyes widened.


    Hes smiling?Erna thought for a moment that perhaps shed seen incorrectly. In ten years of being married to Kalion, Erna had never seen him smile like this.


    Brushing his fingers through his sweaty hair, Kalion said, It doesnt matter if its too big. You are married to me.


    Why does that matter?


    Im the only one you can be intimate with, so, Kalion smiled even more wickedly, get used to my p*nis.


    For a long time after hed spoken, Erna had to stay on Kalions thing. For so long that she wondered if her insides had changed to the shape of his p*nis. Eventually, once Kalion had calmed down, his erection got smaller, and he was able to take it out with ease.

 Chapter 40

    Archduke! Archduke Kalion! A servant of the council entered the Order, shouting at the top of his lungs. The knights stopped their training and stared at the servant, wondering what on earth was going on. The servant ran straight up to Kalion as it seemed to be something urgent. Archduke Kalion! I have a message from the council head, Vanessa. The priest you requested is here.


    Kalion, who was on the training ground, sparring with knights, clicked his tongue when he heard the news. He was surprised at himself for reacting like that and making it seem like he was disappointed by the news. After all, he was the one whod been waiting all this time for the priest. He then tossed his wooden sword to Cedric.


    That was dangerous! Cedric scolded him.


    If you dont have the skill to catch that, then dont call yourself a knight. Ill be going to the council, so go be the rest of the knights sparring partner.


    What? There are ten of them left?


    Only ten of them left? Kalion said, teasing Cedric. Well, Im off then. As he waved goodbye and turned around to leave, he could hear Cedricining under his breath, but he chose to ignore the remarks.


    Kalion moved at a snails pace toward the knights showers to freshen up. Normally, he would wash up quite quickly, but today his hands were moving slowly, and by the time he was out of the shower, it had taken him twice as long as usual. And, it took him just as long to get dressed before heading to the council.


    As Kalion walked painfully slowly, he wondered if the poison would leave his insides today. Since being attacked by the demons in Haldis, the demons poison had taken over his body for an absurdly long time. The sexual desire aftereffect had made him very h*rny every night he saw Erna. Kalion was relieved, however, that his lustful feelings were only toward her. There were many women in the Archduke castle, and it would be difficult to avoid them all. If his body reacted to those women, as it did when he saw Erna, hed be in serious trouble. Kalion bit his lip when he thought of this; it would not be a pretty sight to see. He also contemted whether his desire for Erna had anything to do with the fact that she was the only woman to have seen him naked.


    Every night, Kalion was unbelievably lewd and promiscuous, which shocked him. Hed wrapped Ernas legs around his waist as hed licked her neck and sucked on her breasts. And that was not all. Hed pushed the tip of his erection inside her slowly, telling her to get used. But he now realized hed been too hasty and had rushed her.


    The sensation Ernas most secret part provided was out of this world. The pleasure he derived from that experience was indescribable, and hed barely been able to stop himself from going deeper. But it was all because of the demons poison. There was no way he would feel such sensations from Erna otherwise. In a way, he was thankful for the poison in his system because they could get used to each others bodies more quickly.


    Kalion felt iffy. He liked and disliked what he felt emotionally as a result of the poison. And now, he still thought that as long as the poison didnt cause any other problems, he wouldnt mind having it in his body permanently. Other than the s*xual issues with Erna, there were no other problems between them, so he felt happier nowadays if anything.


    Should I send the priest back?If he did, Vanessa wouldin about how difficult it had been to convince the priest toe at such short notice. Distracted from his thoughts, he heard someone calling him while dragging his feet to the meeting room.


    Archduke!


    As Kalion was about to answer, wondering why he was being called in the first ce, someone else spoke in the cloister across from him. Whats going on? Erna asked.


    As he stared in confusion, he noticed Erna standing with her wizards. When he realized it was her, Kalion hid behind the closest marble pir.


    You forgot this! A maid called after Erna.


    Oh, thank you! She replied as the servant of the Archduke castle handed her the green hair essory. It was a gift. So I set it aside to make sure I take it, but I always forget, Erna said as she stuck the essory on her hair. But because she didnt do it while looking at a mirror, it wasnt on correctly, so a wizard beside her took it out, saying that shed do it for her. Then the other wizards swarmed around her, making suggestions about where to ce the essory.


    They circled Erna and moved their hands for a while, and then one of them said in a proud voice, How do you like it?


    I cant see it myself? Erna said as sheughed. The wizards quickly cast a spell, and soon, an oval shape with a watery-looking surface appeared beside Erna. After observing her reflection in the water, she smiled brightly and then spun around. She was wearing Hessenguards traditional clothes rather than Archduke clothing, and the hem of her skirt made a beautiful circle around her as she twirled. How does it look? Is it pretty?


    Kalion knew she was asking the wizards around her, and not him, but he nodded his head and answered. It is pretty. He hastily covered his mouth with his hand because he couldnt believe what hed said. And even more so, he couldnt believe what hed thought as his eyes stayed fixed on Erna.


    Kalion rubbed his face roughly with both of his hands. But even then, the image of Ernas smiling face while spinning around seemed to be burnt into his brain. Meanwhile, Erna left with her wizards. But Kalions head kept reying her brightly smiling face and her sweet-sounding voice.Am I crazy?Kalion punched the pir in the cloister. He felt pain in his hand, but that didnt erase the image of Erna.It has got to stop.


    It seemed like hed underestimated the potency of the demons poison. He thought it just increased s*xual desire but had no idea that it would impact his emotions. Kalion didnt know what he was thinking. How could he see her as pretty when just yesterday shed been talking about dried-up earthworms? He could not allow these thoughts. No matter how much he touched and sucked on her naked body, to think she looked beautiful was ridiculous. If that was true, then people would stay with the first person with whom they had a sexual encounter. Kalion no longer walked at a snails pace towards the council but instead bolted in that direction!


    The person waiting for him led him straight to the room where Vanessa was in, Youre here. You were taking longer than expected, so I was wondering if I should send another servant, Vanessa said, ring at him as he walked into the room.


    Sorry about the wait. I was interrupted on the way here, Kalion said, unable to look her in the eyes.


    Interrupted?


    Its nothing important. So, about the priest.


    At that moment, the person whod been sitting quietly on the beige sofa stood up. His head was covered with a white hood, and a thick robe covered the persons entire body. Therefore, no one could tell if it was a man or a woman. This person was one of the few priests left on the continent.


    Some people possessed theplete opposite power of mana and performed miracles that couldnt be aplished by magic or quietly served god while not showing themselves to others.


    A long time ago, the kingdoms of the continent asked the priests to be on their side as they were at war, but the priests refused all of their requests, and the furious kingdoms, who were worried that they would join other empires, started to massacre them.


    It was then that most of the temples got burnt to the ground, and many priests died. But as they had divine power, the people who killed the priests, and the royal family of the kingdoms, were all cursed.


    These events had taken ce a thousand years ago. The kingdoms that were on the continent during that period were all gone now. There were new kingdoms on the fallennd, but the priests still hid and didnt reveal their presence to many people. There were times when priests helped people in need and that was the only reason they werent forgotten entirely by society.


    I know it was difficult to find a priest. Thank you, Vanessa.


    Thank you for recognizing my hard work. Ill be off so you two can speak alone, Vanessa said and then left the room.


    The moment shed gone, Kalion quickly approached the priest and introduced himself, Im Kalion Hessenguard, the Archduke of Hessenguard. The priest nodded in acknowledgment but remained silent. It was more the manners ofmon men than hierarchy.


    Two weeks ago, I was attacked by the demons residing in theke in the Haldis area. Since then, Ive been suffering from the aftereffect of the poison. So I would like to remove the demons poison from my bodypletely. Ive spoken to the healers, and they said it naturally disappears after about a week. But for some strange reason, it feels like the poison is getting stronger. Kalion thought about Ernas image again. There was no way that hed find her beautiful again once the poison had drained from his body. At the same time, his desire for her every night would vanish too.


    The priest stretched out his hand after quietly listening to his story. Understood. Give me your hand.


    The priest, whose hands and voice one couldnt distinguish the s*x of, grabbed Kalions hand with both of their hands. What effect did the poison have?


    That is, well, its been affecting my feelings. And my sensations as well as making me focus on a specific desire. Kalion couldnt very well say that it was making Erna look pretty, and that it made him want to touch her body, and that it made him feel good when he touched the delicate part of her body. So he just glossed over what he was experiencing.


    The priest raised an eyebrow as he looked at Kalion, By the sounds of it, it seems like some strong poison. But theres almost no instance where the poison affects ones feelings.


    Will it be hard to purify the poison?


    Ill have to see how much poison is in your body, and then Ill be able to answer how long itll take.


    Okay. Lets start then. The moment Kalion spoke, the priest grabbed his hand tighter and then started mumbling unknown words. Within seconds, a golden aura seeped through the priests hood and sleeves, which then started wrapping around Kalions body. There was no pain. Just a bit of tickling, as if it was a feather caressing him.


    The gold aura, flowing from a person he couldnt see the face of, seemed divine but very bizarre from a certain angle. Once the gold aura enveloped Kalionpletely, the priest started mumbling again.


    If the wizards were borrowing power from letters, the priests seemed to borrow the power from speech. It was something that couldnt be witnessed by people, usually, and Kalion was hoping that the divine power would be able to fix him.


    After a while, he could tell that the priest was very agitated. What is it? Is it that bad? If he looked that agitated, the poison in his body must have been strong. Or perhaps the amount in his system was too much for even a priest to purify.I knew it!Kalion had reacted to Erna because of the amount of poison in him!


    The moment Kalion thought he was going to understand his condition, the priest red at him and said bluntly, Theres none.


    What is it? Is there no way to treat this? Kalion asked again because his brain had not processed what the priest had just told him.


    The priest shook their head, Thats not it, the priest said in confidence. There is no poison in your body.

 Chapter 41

    Often, when people faced the truth, they couldnt handle it, and their first reaction would be to deny it. Kalion wasnt any different. He recited the priests words and then bluntly said, This is not possible. I am sure you must be mistaken. After I was attacked by the demons my body felt different. In Kalions eyes, this was not only strange. He also believed he was in a critical condition.


    As Kalion stood in shock and disbelief, his gaze fell upon the woman who hed considered to be a pumpkin for the past ten years. Erna was a woman that annoyed him to his core. But yet, he wanted to touch her and nibble her flesh. And not only that, he wanted to make passionate love to her too.


    Besides all of this, there seemed to be a much bigger problem. Kalion had been captivated by the image of her smiling brightly and spinning around in the cloister. Time had stood still as hed watched her golden hair shining under the sunlight and listened to the sweet sound of her bubblyughter. It had been a picture-perfect moment, and he recalled this image vividly.


    The way his body had reacted to seeing her made him one hundred percent certain that there was something wrong with him. Because if hed been in his right frame of mind, there was no way that he wouldve looked at Erna like that.


    Kalion put his hands together in front of the priest again, as if praying, and said, Its not that I doubt you. Anyone can make a mistake. So look for the poison of the demon in my body again.


    Kalions words, you must be wrong, seemed to linger in the air, and the priest held onto his hands as he responded, God does not make mistakes.


    But Gods agent might, Kalion spat back without thinking.


    The priest unwillingly used the divine power as Kalions became more demanding with each response. As the golden aura seeped through the pping robe of the priest and wrapped around him, Kalion red at the light.Oh dear God, dont make a mistake this time.


    But after a moment, the priest repeated the words, There is no poison in your body. There is a very faint trace of poison, but this was from a long, long time ago. It is not recent.


    Hearing the priests words sent another wave of shock through Kalions body, and he froze. The trace of poison he was referring to must be the poison hed drunk when he was a little boy. The divine power could trace this that far back but couldnt trace the poison from two weeks ago! Feeling frustrated, Kalion pleaded once more, sounding defeated, Im sorry, but please check again.


    Very well, the priest sighed.


    Although Kalion couldnt see the priests face, he had a feeling that the man was staring at him suspiciously. But Kalion couldnt care less about that at this point. All he wanted was for his suspicions to be proved correct.


    Theres no way.It had to be the poison. Everything hed felt had to be because of the poison.If not.Kalion remembered the feelings he felt for the past two weeks. And he was petrified that the feelings would be solely his own.


    ***


    Kalion plodded around the Archduke Castle that evening feeling miserable and sorry for himself. The kind priest whod arrived at mid-day was only able to leave veryte that evening, and so Kalion kept on asking to be re-examined because he refused to believe the results.


    The priest examined his body so many times that the divine power eventually ran outpletely. And the only thing the priest could say was that there was no poison in his body. Finally, the exhausted priest had forgotten who stood in front of him and had said, Archduke, do you know how so many kingdoms disappeared in the past? The curse of God is, hed started to recite the story of the ancient curse to Kalion. In the end, Kalion had given up and allowed the priest to leave the castle.


    The priest didnt leave empty-handed and had received so many gifts that an extra carriage was required to transport them. But before setting off, the priest wished that God would look after Hessenguard and blessed Kalion to have what he wanted. Feeling thankful for the gifts, the priest had left the castle in a happy mood, but Kalion couldnt find any joy. There were no recent traces of poison found in his body. Therefore, Kalion could no longer me that for the amplified desire he thought was caused by the demon poison.


    After walking about the castle aimlessly for a long time, Kalion was suddenly startled out of his self-pity by the squeaking sound of a door opening. Oh my god! How did I get here? He was opening the door that connected his bedroom to the master bedroom as if he was a pigeon trained to return home. Kalion was unaware of what he was doing, and his feet had automatically headed there. It was as if this was the ce he was supposed to return.


    The master bedroom was the same as usual. The fire was crackling, keeping the room temperature warm, and theforting scent of herb oil lingered. The master bedroom had always been spic and span. But the space started changing, little by little since the two of them had started making use of it.


    Therge wooden desk that Kalion had stormed into the room with some time back was still in the corner, and Ernas documents had piled up beside the emerald-green sofa. At first, theyd left the room with all the things that theyd brought, but at some point,ziness had taken over. And therefore, there were many items piled up on his desk, and the smaller table beside the sofa also umted more of Ernas things.


    Then one day, Erna said her pen seemed to be broken, so shed taken one of his, and that pen eventually found its way onto the table beside the sofa. Kalion had thought of taking it back but had left it there. This room was Ernas space as much as it was his, so it didnt matter where it was. Kalion didnt know how this had all happened so quickly, and he couldnt remember when hed ever found it normal to share time and space with Erna.


    Kalion jumped when he heard the door open unexpectedly, and as he turned around, he saw Erna entering the room. He vividly remembered the first day when shed walked through the door. The expression on her face had been one of fear as if she were about to face the most terrible thing in the world. And she had turned her head as if she was in pain from just looking at him. She had been timid then and had been startled by even the slightest touch of their bodies.


    But that was then, and this was now, and he watched as she walked over to him confidently. Then she turned her head to the right as she stood in front of him. The soft golden hair was neatly tied up, with a pretty it and on the side of her head was the green hair essory that hed seen earlier in the day.


    Hey, look at this. Isnt it pretty? Its a gift from a new merchant that is settling in Hessenguard, Erna said with a broad smile. It seemed to please her quite a bit. The fact that shed boasted about it in front of the magicians, and to him now as well, showed how happy it made Erna feel.


    It was indeed pretty with the dark green ribbon and the delicate gold decoration on it as well. It mustve been made for Erna specifically, to begin with, or else there was no way it would look perfect on her. But how was it that he found her tied hair underneath the ribbon, prettier? Kalion remembered the priests words. There was no poison in his body, which meant all the feelings he was currently feeling werent affected by anything else.


    It wasnt the poison that was making him feel she was pretty. He thought that she was pretty. It wasnt the poison that was making him seek her body. He was seeking her body, and it wasnt the poison at all. These were his normal emotions.


    Kalions lips parted in realization. He finally understood the priests wordspletely, even though he heard them in the early day. All the desire that he thought was swarming him because of poison was his.


    His face immediately reddened because of the level of his desire which was endlessly lewd and promiscuous. And the blind desire raged in him.


    Kalion couldnt easily ept those desires. It was too confusing since the past ten years were full of hatred toward Erna. Kalion had to scrape together the logic which had kept him going for the past ten years. He had to think quickly, and he asked himself what his poison-less, past self would do in a situation as ufortable as this one.


    While he racked his brain for a solution, Erna moved her face close to his, I asked, what do you think?


    Even though he didnt think so, Kalion replied coldly, Its not pretty.


    What? Erna looked taken aback, and she blinked at him in confusion.


    Clenching his fists, Kalion looked at her green eyes, which peered through the long eyshes that cast a shadow beneath them. And although he could see theshes shaking in dismay, Kalion still spat out, Its ugly.


    ***


    That was absurd, Erna said, feeling hurt by Kalions nasty response.


    Erna stared at the hair essory on her table as she sat in her office. She had been going around all day yesterday feeling joy and appreciation after shed received the gift and asking everyone if it was pretty. And, of course, everyone hadplimented how good it looked on her.


    Erna enjoyed receivingpliments because shed been unattractive as a teenager. The only nice things said about her then were that she was quiet and didnt bother anyone. Erna never heard thepliments that her siblings always heard, and so Erna craved acknowledgment. She felt that the void in her heart got filled, especially when she received praise from the people she liked.


    You like hearing those words, even though youre not a child? Orp asked with an expression of not understanding her.


    Erna shamelessly answered, Yes, I like it. So pleasepliment me all the time. That is your biggest task as my aide.


    Yes, yes. Archduke Erna is beautiful, wise, kind, elegant, and perfect. Hurry up and sign this document.


    Even at the half sarcasticpliments, Erna smiled brightly and took the document, and Orps smile was fake as if she gave up on her.


    From then on, Orpplimented Erna more often. But not only Orp. She begged her magicians and Vanessa forpliments too.I want to hear good words from the people I like.It was now the mindset of Erna as she continued to ask other people forpliments.


    Erna had been going around the Archduke castle the entire day, showing off her hair essory. Usually, she wouldve felt satisfied when she put it back into her jewelry box. But Erna didnt feel like she was satisfied after entering the room. Then shed realized the reason. She hadnt shown it off to Kalion.


    In the past, there was no way she would show off anything to Kalion. But yesterday, it had felt natural that she should show it to him as well. Perhaps it was because she wanted to hear him say she was pretty. After bing an adult, everyone in the Archduke castle praised her, but Kalion always called her a pumpkin. So shed re-done her hair and put the hair essory on, thinking there was no way he couldnt ept the fact that she looked pretty.


    When shed heard Kalion enter the master bedroom, shed headed in that direction quickly. And as usual, he was there. But tonight, Kalion was in his Knights Orders uniform, not in his pajamas, and she wondered about that for a moment. But Erna soon approached him and pointed to her hair. She was in a hurry to ask him to look at it.


    Over thest two weeks, he hadnt uttered any dis-likable words like he usually did. So Erna thought today would be the same, but hed spat out that it was ugly, which wasnt what shed expected. And then hed left the room as if he was escaping. Kalion hadnt returned for the remainder of the evening.


    While she sat with a heavy heart from what had transpiredst night, Vanessa visited her office. Miss Erna, theres something you should take a look at.


    What is it? Give it to me. Erna took the document that Vanessa handed to her. When she touched the papers, she felt a small amount of pain, and a sh of light sparked on Ernas hand.


    Ouch, Erna mumbled as she shook her finger. Its divine power? Did you meet a priest? Theres a trace of divine power here.


    Then Vanessa answered, Yes, yesterday I brought a priest as Archduke Kalion requested. The priest blessed the castle as well as Kalion before leaving. It seems like the trace is there because of that.


    Erna stood up immediately and asked, A priest was here yesterday?


    Yes, that is correct.


    At that moment, Erna finally realized why Kalion was different than usual.He purified the demons poison.It wasnt that Kalion had changed. Hed only returned to his old self.

 Chapter 42

    That night, Erna sat in her room, unable to do anything. Under normal circumstances, she would finish the work she couldnt attend to during the day, but tonight she couldnt even think about focusing on that. She was obsessed with only one thought. Kalion had be his unpleasant past self.


    Perhaps it was a good thing and should instead be viewed as a wee turn of events. Erna had seen first-hand how the strong poison had impacted him, but it was only something she knew. It had made him h*rny towards her. However, she wasnt sure if that was a good thing or not.


    Erna went and threw herself on the bed, hugging one of the cushions on it, and sighed, If the poison has been purified he should be back to normal for good.


    As sheid down, Erna reminisced about the Kalion ofte. She recalled him frowning and turning away the moment hed faced her as if she was someone he didnt want to see. And his old attitude shed into her mind. She remembered that whenever there was even the slightest chance of him being able to criticize and look down on her during a meeting, he would. Kalions expression was always so visible that anyone could tell he was annoyed with her. Erna agonized about what shed done to him and why she needed to hear hispliment so desperately when deep down shed known he wouldnt give one.


    Erna put her face in the cushion and screamed, Why did I? Why? Did I do that? She mustve also gone insane because shed spent far too much time with Kalion recently. Perhaps the demons poison was contagious. No, it was. It had to be. Or else there was no exnation as to why she went and asked Kalion how she looked with the pretty essory behind her ear.


    After rolling around on the bed, feeling frustrated and embarrassed, Erna turned her head to the clock and saw that it was 10:05 p.m. Imte!


    Erna had to force herself to get off the bed, and the moment she held the door handle, she couldnt help but pause. The humiliation from yesterday held her steps back. She kept thinking of Kalions face. The face that showed that she was unbelievably absurd. She was sure that he was thinking that when he was staring at her with that expression.


    You can do this, she said to herself, trying to build up the courage to leave the sanctuary of her room.


    After a moment of hesitation, Erna finally opened the door. She didnt want to be made fun of, so it would be better if she confronted him about why hed spoken to her in such a manner. Hed made it seem as if nothing had transpired between them thest couple of weeks.


    Mustering all her courage, she walked down the passage with her head held high, but the moment she stepped into the master bedroom, she could sense something was wrong. Kalion was good with timekeeping, and it was as if he had a clock within his body. But this evening, he was nowhere to be seen, even though it was past their promised time. It was a first, and Ernas mind immediately started obsessing again. She thought about the purified poison and the expression on his face when hed looked at her briefly.


    It then dawned on her that Kalion must also be feeling embarrassed because of the way hed behaved. And perhaps he even felt a measure of self-disgust because hed craved someone he didnt even like and had clung to her body with lust.


    Is that why he didnte?Ernas shoulders slumped as she tried to make sense of his absence this evening. Like she had been wriggling on her bed in embarrassment, maybe Kalion was punching the cushions in his room in frustration without making a sound.


    Erna looked around the master bedroom, feeling somewhat saddened. Until recently, she had been morefortable being here alone, but now it felt odd and out of ce to be on her own. When Erna turned around to head back to her room, her eyes fell on the table beside the emerald-green sofa. The documents and books shed previously brought into the room were still stacked on top of the table. Since when did I start leaving my things here? In general, she didnt like leaving her belongings scattered around. But the room contained a lot of her things now. It was as if this was afortable space for her to work.


    Erna marched over to the small table and gathered up as many documents as she could carry. And without giving it a second thought, she walked back to her room in the hopes of erasing any trace of her presence from the master bedroom. The humiliation of their encounter was overwhelming.


    Were back! Cedric shouted the moment he saw the Archduke castle. The way hed expressed his happiness by his actions had been over-exaggerated. Even the tone of his voice was too much. Kalion sat next to him in silence, unlike Cedric had expected, and he watched the Duke, who stared at the castle with aplex look on his face.


    Kalion had changed over the past few weeks, so it wasnt much of a surprise to Cedric that he acted like this today. But he was concerned about the more dramatic changes in him that had started three days ago. Theyd received a message from the Knights Order, and this seemed to have upset Kalion. It said that the same type of demons that had appeared in Haldis had suddenly reappeared. But thankfully, this time, there werent even ten of them, so the defense in the area had killed them all right away.


    As Cedric had sat andpiled the document that evening, feeling relieved, Kalion had intercepted it and had said, Were going to review it. Follow me.


    Please, no. I have so much to do! Cedric had pleaded, but Kalion wouldnt listen. And so, Cedric was forced to follow him and the Knights Order, leaving behind arge amount of work piled up on his desk. But hed known that he couldnt send Kalion alone.


    When Kalion and the knights had arrived in the town where the demons had been killed, the townspeople had already cremated their bodies. Cedric wasnt sure why at the time, but Kalion had looked very disappointed about this.


    Maybe one of them is still alive here somewhere, Kalion had said.


    I was advised that they are all dead. What do you hope to achieve by capturing a live one anyway? Cedric had asked him, unsure of his motive for this.


    I just wanted to check something, Kalion had replied without borating on what he wanted to see.


    Then the next day, Kalion had gone into the forest on a demon hunt, saying that he was hoping to find one still alive. But there had been none, and hed only encountered a hungry wolf. So the Knights Order had returned to the castle without aplishing anything.


    Well put it back into the stable, so just go in and rest. Cedric quickly took the leather reigns and handed them to another knight. And then gently nudged him to leave. He felt that if he didnt do that, Kalion wouldnt leave them in peace.


    There are some documents I still have to take care of, Cedric started to say.


    Ill review them! Kalion said louder than he wanted to.


    I should wash up first.


    All the knights are in the shower house. It should be more refreshing and faster for you to wash in your room!


    Just like Cedric anticipated, Kalion didnt look like he wanted to go back to his room. But Cedric put up a magnificent defense. It was a tiring three days, and if he got bothered by Kalion tonight as well, he would copse. Please go back to the castle and rest! Thankfully, Cedric got some help from surrounding knights and was able to kick him out of the Knights Orders mansion. Since the knights had also sensed Kalions increased sensitivity over the past three days, they were happy to assist.


    Listening to the cheering from the knights, who could finally rx if he left, Kalion had no choice but to return to his room in the castle. And so he walked back on his own in the still of the night.


    When he entered his room, it looked the same as when hed left it three days ago. He thought he should wash up first, so he walked to the bathroom. Hmm. Kalion saw the scratch around his elbow. He tried to remember how hed gotten it and thought that it mustve been when he was trying to catch the wolf in the forest. It didnt sting, let alone hurt, so he hadnt realized it was there. But it looked worse than it seemed as the scratch mark was wide.


    After Kalion finished washing up, he looked at the clock and saw it was 9:50 p.m. and decided to put his ear against the door to the master bedroom. Although the door to the hallway was well soundproofed, the inside door was just a standard door. So if he listened carefully, he could hear any sounds inside. But no matter how much he concentrated, there were no noises that suggested any movement in the room.


    Is she not there yet?Kalion camped out in front of the door and focused on listening for any soundsing from the other side. His eyes switched between the door and the clock as the time dragged by slowly. And then it was finally 10 p.m., and he sat on the edge of his seat in expectation of the hallway door opening. But the room remained dead-quiet.Why is she noting?


    Other than their first meeting, Erna was always on time. That was most likely because she didnt want to hear his nagging voice about her beingte. Kalions eyes focused on the clock: three minutes, four minutes, five minutes, and then ten. He sensed something was wrong. There was no way Erna would be ten minuteste. Then he thought that perhaps she hadnt received word that hed returned home. That would exin then why she hadnte to the master bedroom. Kalion felt a bit sad, even though that was a logical thing to assume.


    Wouldnt shee even if there was no business to attend? The master bedroom has essentially be their office nowadays. There were all kinds of things in there at this point. From documents to utensils, so there were many times when Erna came early to work. But she still hadnt arrived tonight.


    Unable to contain himself any longer, Kalion jumped up and grabbed the door handle. But then he remembered what hed said thest time hed left the room.Damn it. He couldnt understand why he was acting like this. It wasnt like he wouldnt see her again. And they still had to continue sleeping together.


    Regret came over him when he thought about what hed said out of embarrassment. Kalion hadnt meant to be so nasty to her. But when hed realized that his feelings werent because of the poison, hed reacted in his old way. And now, he was left wondering how Erna would look at him when she saw him again.


    In his mind, he reyed the moment shed walked over to him, asking him if she looked pretty. It was the same smile shed shed to her people earlier in the day. As he thought about it, it was the first time Erna had smiled so excitedly while speaking to him.


    Kalion broke into a cold sweat. It felt like hed made a big mistake, and his stomach went into knots. He couldnt take it anymore, so he opened the door to the master bedroom, and the moment he walked in, the familiar air surrounded him. The room was the same. Warm with a refreshing scent of herbs and a well-made bed.


    His eyes widened as he looked around the room. The table, beside the sofa, was made use of by Erna, so any recent documents from Vanessa would be piled up high on it. One time when shed put more on top of the pile, it had copsed, hitting the cup beside it, which caused the ink to spread over all the documents. Since then, hed noticed she was more careful to ensure that the papers were stacked more neatly.


    All the documents were gone. It wasnt just the documents that were gone. Ernas pens, ink cup, paperweight, and the books she read. All Ernas belongings thaty about the room were gone. Why? As flustered as he was, he looked around again just in case, but he couldnt find any trace of Erna. Then he looked at the top of his desk. And there was the pen that Erna started to use as if it was her own. It meant that she no longer had use for it and had returned it to him.


    The moment he saw that his mind went nk. Kalions body moved before his mind, and he stormed out of the room and headed to her bedroom. It all happened so quickly, and without even realizing it, he was knocking on her door and shouting, Erna!

 Chapter 43

    Erna!


    Erna jumped in surprise when she heard Kalions voice bellowing through the door. She pulled the nket up to her chin andid still while he rattled the door aggressively and then pounded on it with his fists as he continued to shout her name. It sounded like he was going to break the door down if Erna didnt open it. She stared at the rattling door in disbelief.What is wrong with him?


    The day after Kalion had left, Vanessa informed Erna that hed left Archduke Castle to subjugate the demons that had appeared again. But shed also said that it hadnt been necessary for Kalion to go to the town in person. Erna had then realized that hed left the castle out of embarrassment after his body had been purified.


    She understood his motive for doing so because she was also highly embarrassed about everything. And so Erna had cleaned up all her stuff in the master bedroom and didnt go back there. She had done this out of kindness for herself. If the master bedroom showed no traces of her, then both of them could forget about the fact that theyd gotten strangely familiar with each other over the past two weeks.


    When shed heard Kalion returning earlier, Erna had walked over to the window immediately. Then shed crouched below the windowsill and had sneakily raised her head to observe him, asking herself why she felt the need to hide.


    Erna hadnt done anything wrong. So she couldnt understand why she was feeling guilty and behaving in such an unusual way. It was so out of character for her to act this way. In all this confusion, the one thing she was sure about was that she couldnt face Kalion right now. The only reason hed clung onto her was because of the demon poison, while she had been in her right frame of mind when shed epted his behavior without protesting.


    While Erna was looking out the window, shed watched in the moonlight as Kalion headed to the Knights Order without even looking at the castle, and shed rolled her eyes. Shed then gone over to her bed and had thrown herself on it feeling relieved in a sense because he wouldnt being back. Perhaps he wouldnt return for a few days. Since hed left Archduke Castle on purpose, out of embarrassment, there was no way he woulde to the master bedroom. And Ernaforted herself with this thought.


    Erna reached out and grabbed the cushion shed been screaming into as Kalion continued to bang on the door. As if she wasnt already embarrassed enough, the innocent cushion had to receive her punches again. After bullying it for a while, Erna crawled into the bed and wrapped herself in the nket. And it looked like she was in a cocoon. She was determined to sleep well this evening in the safety of her room because she knew that Kalion wouldnt go into the master bedroom.


    When Kalion eventually stopped banging on the door, Erna wiggled herself out of the nket and walked over to the inter-leading door to the master bedroom. She then put her ears against the door, and a secondter, asked herself what she was doing. Erna felt pathetic at that moment.


    Even though it was a covenant, she didnt know why she observed his mood so much, nor why she was waiting for him. Leaning against the door, Erna pulled her hair and twisted it despite herself. Pulling her hair seemed to settle her heart strangely. It might be because it was a feeling shed gotten used to for the past two weeks, as Kalion had done that to her often.


    Kalion touched every part of her body. And out of all the areas he caressed, her hair got the most attention. Of course, she smacked the hands that touched her waist or breasts. But Erna didnt mind him touching her hair, and so he fiddled with it almost the entire time they were in the room together.


    While she was thinking about how shes gotten used to such bizarre things, she heard Kalion entering the master bedroom. As she listened intently, it sounded like he momentarily stopped his steps as if hed noticed that she wasnt there. Even then, she thought maybe he would go back to his room, but she heard him march towards her door, and now he was pounding on it.


    Erna quickly turned the knob after observing the shaking door. It looked like he was going to break it, and someone outside might hear themotion.


    The doorknob turned with a click, and the door opened, and there was Kalion with his hair wet as if he had recently washed. He lowered his hand, which had been banging on the door, and stared at Erna.


    What do you want? She asked. But Erna was well aware of the fact that he was going to inquire as to why she hadnt met with him.


    When she was about to answer and remark that he too waste, Kalion asked, Why did you move your belongings?


    What?


    It was a random question. Erna assumed he was going to ask why she didnte, so this caught her off-guard, and she blurted out, I thought they might get in your way, so I cleaned them. Is that a problem? I didnt touch your stuff, and I also returned the pen that I borrowed. You didnt like my belongings anyway. You said it was a mess.


    Kalion didnt say anything as he stood towering over her. She was correct in what she was saying because it had been like that at first. Each time her belongings piled up on the small table beside the sofa and Erna sat down, Kalion stared in displeasure. Hed even told her to clean up a few times. But since when did he stop caring about that? To see Erna lying on the sofa, her belongings increasing in number, and the fact that she was around him, had started to seem normal. So when he saw that all her things had disappeared, Kalion thought maybe Erna also disappeared.


    I didnt mean for you to get rid of them. Kalion swallowed hard and kept on brushing his face nervously with his hand. He felt like he should say something but nothing came out of his mouth because his head was spinning with things he wanted to say.


    Kalion was not stupid. He knew more than anyone about the feeling of someone desiring another person. It was difficult for him to ept that the person he felt a desire for was Erna. But Kalion still wasnt delighted with Erna because every time he saw her face, it reminded him of the past. And the moments of shame that he helplessly had to process.


    There werent many people that knew hed returned to Hessenguard from his trip, aside from Vanessa and maybe a few councilors. And some old servants in Archduke Castle as well. But they were the ones who bowed down to him, and none of them dared to look directly at him. Erna was the only person who remembered his past that would meet his eyes and scoff at him.


    That was the main reason why Kalion didnt like Erna. No matter what he did after bing healthy, she would remember hisme past vividly. Through Ernas eyes, Kalion saw himself ten years ago. So thats why he didnt like her then. Thats why he had to dislike her. And those feelings had remained until recently.


    But why?Kalion grabbed Ernas hand impulsively and then led her to the master bedroom. Erna followed his lead without protesting. Once inside, Kalion mmed the door as if suggesting to her not to even think about running away. Then he grabbed her waist and lifted her tiny body. Being as big as he was, she felt as light as a feather, and he embraced her with ease.


    Kalion buried his face in her thick hair that tickled him as he walked with her in his arms. He then put Erna on the four-poster bed and climbed on her, locking her between his legs.


    Ernas eyes were wide open in shock as Kalion put her down on the bed in such a short amount of time. What are you doing?


    Well, we have to make a sessor as promised.


    Yes, I know, but why in such a rush? Erna said to him as she didnt understand the sudden urgency, and she added, I heard the priest came by?


    Im caught!Kalion thought as his stomach hit his ankles, and his mind went nk for a moment. Ernas words sounded like she was questioning why he was clinging to her without the poison in his system. His mouth became dry. It was the same question hed asked himself for the past three days. There was no poison in his body, so he couldnt fathom why he still felt such lust for Erna. But it felt good the more he touched her. The silky blonde hair wrapped around his hand, and the breast that turned into a beautiful shape when he grasped it, felt wonderful to the touch. He liked the soft and squishy feeling, so he couldnt take off his hand even though he was thinking he was going crazy. Since when did he even like something so soft to the touch?


    Then something came into his sight while he was still feeling perplexed. It was the scab from wolfs scratch hed noticed when he was washing. Ernas gaze also turned to where he was staring when he became still. She quickly straightened up after seeing the scratch, and because of that, her forehead butted against Kalions chin.


    Ouch! They both cried out as each held onto their respective forehead and chin. As Kalion held onto his chin, thin fingers touched his arm. Kalion looked down at Erna in surprise and saw her frowning and rubbing her forehand as she held onto his arm with her other hand.


    Did you get attacked by a demon again? She asked as she looked at him as if he were pathetic. No one in Archduke Castle would dare to talk to Kalion in a tone of voice like that. How poor are your skills that you keep getting hurt?


    Even though she was saying such things, Ernas finger didnt leave the scratch mark. Thanks to that, Kalion could think while digesting her words again. She was making fun of him and found him pathetic. But her eyes and hand were still on his arm. And it reminded him of Erna when she was taking care of the wizards in Haldis. When the wizards were hurt and lying down, her gaze upon them was full of worry and pity. And now, her gaze that fell on his scar looked simr. In other words, she was worried about something as small as the tip of a fingernail while still finding him pathetic. Kalions body shook the moment he realized that. And a weird feeling made his fingertips tingle.


    Meanwhile, as if she suddenly realized something, Erna asked, Did the poison get you again?


    Kalion stared nkly at her and then furiously nodded. It felt like hed found an oasis in the middle of the desert. The truth was that Kalion still couldnt ept the priests words. There was no way hed be like this with her without the poison. Either the priest was a fake, or there was some poison that even a priest couldnt find in his body. That had to be the reason. Of course, this new scratch wasnt from a demon. But it would be a good excuse until he found an actual answer about why he was feeling like this.


    Kalion swallowed hard again. Many theories went through his mind. Out of all of them, there was a brief thought as to why he desired Erna continuously. If he held her until he was pleased, maybe this chaos would disappear.


    Erna turned her head and sighed as she noticed that Kalion was in deep thought.Attacked by a demon again?She now believed the fact that this man was the best knight in Hessenguard might be a lie. Otherwise, what else could exin him getting attacked by a demon twice! But the moment he said he had been poisoned again, she understood why Kalion was behaving like this tonight.


    Strangely, Erna felt relief during all this. At least it wasnt enough poison for Kalion to copse. But for two weeks, hed be horny like this again.Why?!She was confused about why she felt relief.


    Suddenly, Kalions hand grabbed onto her face and turned it towards him, Erna.


    She had goosebumps as a deep voice that sounded like an echo from a cave called her. It wasnt from fear. It was a different feeling that made her lower stomach tingle and her legs close up. Erna stared at his handsome face, and in his eyes, she saw a fiery passion.


    Kalion lowered his head and whispered into her ear, Im sorry, but todays going to hurt a little.

 Chapter 44

    Erna felt as if a lump had formed in her throat when she heard Kalions words and she swallowed reflexively. The time hade to make an heir, and if she was honest, the main reason they hadnt seeded thus far was because of her fears. If shed endured the pain and if she was less frightened, then the first time Kalion entered her would have been the end of it. But the thought of something entering her body was still scary. And it didnt help that Kalions p*nis was much bigger than those shed seen in the books! Comining about this to herself would do nothing to make it smaller, so all she could do was ept the reality of the size of his manhood.


    Making a child was an obligation that needed immediate attention regardless of her fear of pain. Kalion could have ignored her feelings if he wanted to. And she knew he felt a strong sexual desire because of the demons poison. Last time, when the tip just entered her, he couldve been more forceful by grabbing her waist and pushing her down. Or he couldve moved his body so that he went in deeper. But he didnt do it.It was probably difficult for him to hold back.


    She remembered his expression then, as shed sat on top of him while facing him. It wasnt just her whod been having a tough time. Every time shed moved a little or even breathed, Kalion had also flinched. And whenever his heavy breathing had reached her shoulders, Erna had be nervous that he would enter her. But Kalion had kept his promise of not hurting her.


    Erna could now believe that he wouldnt purposely hurt her just because he was looked down on her. And as a result, that was the first trust that she gave to Kalion. However, Erna still didnt like him. The memory of him calling her a pumpkin at their wedding was something she probably wouldnt be able to forget until the day she died. He was rude and arrogant and had no right to call others a pumpkin. If he didnt say that, she wouldnt have called him an earthworm.


    If Kalion was someone in a much higher position, then she would have epted it. But Kalion shared the Archduke title with her. So out of all the people in the world, the two had the same level of authority. And that was another reason why she didnt like him. The problems which Erna could let go of because of the title could not be dealt with under Kalions watchful eyes.


    Erna was looking at him as he waited patiently for her answer. And she felt his thick arms trapping her by his side. She then saw the scratch that had been made by a demons sharp nail. Kalion didnt look like he was in pain, even though the scratch was pretty big and bruised. Instead, he seemed to feel tickled when she touched it.


    Hearing Kalions words about being affected by the demons poison again made Erna think he was a bit pathetic. But at the same time, she also felt somewhat sorry for him. Of course, it wasnt like he wanted to get hurt on purpose. Especially not by a demon with venom, which had nearly killed him thest time.


    Okay. Erna slowly nodded her head. And then she waited for the pain toe.


    ***


    In the beginning, Kalions touch was soft like before. He had caressed her waist and then moved up without hesitation. Erna flinched as she watched the hands that were groping her supple bre*sts. But his hands didnt stop moving, and his palms pushed her bre*sts up. The palms of his hands covered both her voluptuous bre*sts, and he squeezed them harder as if he was entitled to explore what was his.


    Ah! Erna moaned when his grasp tightened, but it didnt hurt, and she ran her tongue across her soft lips. Her breathing quickened as his fingers skimmed across her bre*sts and found what they wanted. As Kalion teased her hard n*pples through the thin clothing, it felt like her bre*sts were going to climax, Ah, ah! The calluses on his fingers rubbed on Ernas sensitive part a little roughly, and her moans grew louder.


    Each time Kalion rubbed her with his fingers, Erna arched her back in pleasure. It was the same sensation that shed felt from his hands over the past two weeks. But she didnt know why she wasnt getting used to the feeling. Erna couldnte to her senses because stars were shing in front of her eyes, and Kalion then lowered his head to her chest. And as usual, he bit her bre*st over her clothes.


    The pajamas revealed the shape of her body as it became wet from the warm moisture, and they stuck to her skin. Kalion was able to see her n*pples through the clothing, and his thirst for her rose quickly. He didnt understand why his manhood throbbed while looking at them through the top because she wasnt evenpletely naked. Unexpectedly, the word pervert went through his mind, but he desperately erased that thought as he stuck his face between her bre*sts. Kalion began to moan and groan with pleasure himself now.


    As he nibbled and sucked her n*pples with his soft lips, Erna shut her eyes and shook her head. Her thick blonde hair was untied and spread across the pillow. And as she moved her head, her hair moved too, and he thought it looked sexy.


    It was a pitch-dark night, and Kalion thought for a moment that her hair shed in his eyes. There had to be poison left in him for sure. Or there must be another problem otherwise, he couldnt exin why he wanted to have all of Erna so desperately.


    After biting her voluptuous bre*sts for long enough, his rough hands grabbed her thin waist. He didnt know what to do first. Because he also wanted to feel the hair that was spread out on the bedsheet. Like a child whod fallen into a giant candy jar, Kalion wanted to grab onto all parts of Erna at the same time!


    Suddenly, Kalion dug his face between her bre*sts again while gripping her waist. Of course, his mouth kept sucking on what it desired, and the thick skin under the wet clothes slowly turned red.


    Ernas body shook with him as he instinctively rolled his tongue more roughly, and she started to let out short breaths. Ernas body soon froze, and then she shook. And then she became limp. Kalion was not surprised by that anymore. It was the same reaction hed seen for the past two weeks.


    Kalion gently caressed Ernas waist as she was breathing heavily. And as he did, Ernas body felt the stimtion, and she flinched. Even then, she didnt avoid his touch. Kalion knew now that they were both ready for more intimacy.


    The moment he knew, he straightened up. And then his knee went between Ernas legs. He maneuvered himself between the limp body that couldnt even instinctively resist and carefully lifted her leg to spread her legs. Kalion could see Ernas vagina because the pajamas were now by her stomach. And she wasnt wearing underwear. It opened up by his touch and was sopping wet from her juices.


    Kalion thought he was going insane as he brushed his lips with the back of his hand. No man wouldnt go crazy from this sight. And he had a barbaric desire as he looked at the body, that was limp from the constant stimulus. Kalion got undressed in a hurry as if his clothing was an annoying chain that was holding him captive. He used to only take off his pants before. But now, he threw off everything he was wearing.


    You, why? Erna suddenly came to her senses as Kalions body was revealed under the light of themp, which hed turned on. It was a threatening body that resembled arge beast with wide shoulders and a hard chest. His abdominal muscles were solid and perfectly shaped. And then her eyesnded on the excited p*nis between his legs. She thought he might shove it in her, but he stretched out his hands and grabbed onto her pajamas. Kalion looked like he wanted to rip her clothes off, and Erna shook her head, Kalion, dont rip it. Slowly, please.


    Kalions eyes shed at her suddenly, What?


    I said, dont rip my clothes.


    No, not that. What did you say before that?


    She had to think for a moment, and then Erna carefully said, I said Kalion.


    It was his name. But he didnt know why he was reacting as if he heard it for the first time. As Erna mumbled it again, Kalion bit his lips and acted like he heard something unthinkable.


    Erna found it a bit funny, so she said in a bit of a teasing tone, Whats wrong, Kalion?


    At that moment, his body froze on top of her, and Erna felt a bit awkward, so she mumbled his name again, Kalion, Kalion. It was a name shed heard enough over the past ten years. A human being that she called you or hey, or even stupid dry earthworm. A name that belonged to the master of the Hessenguard Knights Order, and the same name as the Archduke of Hessenguard. And, of course, her husband. It was a name that epassed all of those titles.


    As she was thinking about how shed never called his name in ten years that she could remember, Kalion grabbed her hands and their fingers interlocked. Shed held his hand before, but this was the first time theyd intertwined so intimately, so she looked at him with surprised eyes. Kalion held onto her hands and pushed them down beside her. And Erna then realized she was trapped underneath him.


    You! Her voice sounded like the deep cry of a beast. Why? As she was about to ask him what he was doing, his erection brushed against her, and then the thing shed waited for, for a long time, slipped deep inside her. The most secret part of her had been closed up until now. But it opened to its limits and swallowed his throbbing hard-on.


    Erna couldnt think for a moment because of the shock of it entering her all at once. She opened her mouth and couldnt even breathe from the unbelievably big shock. The pain was in the unrecognizable radius and paralyzed all her senses as Erna screamed!


    Suddenly, tears started to fill up in her eyes. She slowly felt the pain from between her stiffly open legs. And then the pain swallowed her like a wave, and she cried. It wasnt the first time hed entered her. Butst time, Kalion only put half of his thing in her, which she could manage to take. When his erection entered Erna all at once and filled her body, it was like the previous experience had no meaning. She couldnt do anything. Even if she breathed and she froze from the pain that spread through her body. Tears kept streaming from her eyes.It hurts. Its hard. Im scared.


    Kalion slowly bowed down and whispered into her ear, Erna.


    The moment Erna heard her name, she understood why Kalion was surprised. Her name that came out of his mouth sounded very unfamiliar, and his whisper tickled her ear.


    Erna, slowly. Breathe.


    His words gave her some courage. And the breath that was stuck was released, and then the pain was felt by Erna. But other sensations stirred in her too. Slowly but surely, Erna became aware of her surroundings. The familiar scent of the master bedroom, the crackling sound of the firece, the hard warm body covering her, and his heartbeat felt through her hands.


    Erna. Kalion seemed to be having a difficult time like she was.


    Unbelievably, Erna thought this whole experience wasnt that bad. I, Im. Okay. So, tonight, she said despite herself, lets finish it.


    At that precise moment, thest bit of logic that remained in Kalion disappeared.

 Chapter 45

    Any shred of logic Kalion had left soon flew out the window the moment his fully erected p*nis entered Erna. The way her insides wrapped around his manhood was like nothing hed ever felt before. It was warm and soft, and the way it squeezed his throbbing hard-on was driving him out of his mind. The moment he reached Ernas deepest part, Kalion felt like the thirst he had had for the past few weeks was finally quenched.


    It was the moment hed been building up to, and it was so worth the wait. All of Kalions senses focused on the intense feelings below his waist, and it felt like he and his genitals had be one. There was nothing he could see nor hear properly. The only thing he could feel was the pleasure that Erna was giving him.


    Ah! A tingling feeling ran down his spine with each breath he took. And at the same time, he felt all of his senses were mushed and mixed inside him. It felt as if his brain had melted. Kalion knew that was a true passion. Being inside of Erna was pure ecstasy, and he felt a newfound fondness for her. He bit down on his lip as he wondered why he hadnt known how good this could feel until now.


    The way her narrow inside seemed to grip his hard-on was delightful and satisfying, and it wasnt letting go. Kalion also felt the aching of his er*ction, wanting to explode inside her warmness. As he slowly moved his waist back, the thickest part gently rubbed against her inside as it wasing out.


    Ah! Erna sucked in a breath and moaned loudly. Even though it was a careful movement, it felt like the world was shaking for Erna. An unfamiliar pain slowly woke her momentarily paralyzed body as the sharp thrusting pain started to add some heat.


    Kalion slowly pulled his er*ction out. Mmm.


    The head of the p*nis got stuck at her opening and the ce that was opened to its limit hurt. Erna sucked in a deep breath, and her eyes opened wide.


    Now, if I pull out just like this.However, Kalion stayed there for a moment and rubbed the head of his pulsating p*nis against her cl*toris before slowly easing himself back inside her soft flesh.


    Ernas head moved from side to side on the pillow as his er*ction followed the wet path and pressed inside her deepest part. There were tears in Ernas eyes. But it wasnt because of pain. The sensation that felt like a fire wrapping around her entire body started from the deepest part of her stomach.What, what is this?


    It was a sensation shes never heard about nor felt before in her entire life. And the fact that it was Kalion who was making her feel this incredible amount of pleasure confused her the most. Erna looked at him as he stopped momentarily, and the expression on his face was one shed never seen before. She let out a high-pitch moan each time he moved his waist. And she thought he would scoff at her. But each time Erna let out a loud cry of delight, Kalion moved even more carefully. And Ernas voice started to sound heated as his thing slowly moved back and forth.


    When Kalions waist movement started to speed up, Ernas insides squeezed around him harder because she was getting used to him. As her stiff body became more rxed, the pleasure started to conquer the corners of her body fast. And then Ernas breathing quickened when she felt a tingling feeling in the tips of her fingers, which went all the way to her toes.


    Erna didnt know what she could do to calm the heat down. Slowly, the breathing of the two of them started to ovep. The bodys that were trembling on their own started to move together as one. And the pleasure heightened as they moved in perfect rhythm together. Ah!


    The moment Kalion rammed his waist against Erna, she let out a loud moan as she bit her lips out of surprise. Kalion then moved his body insanely fast as if he was saying he wanted to hear more moaning. His movements got faster and rougher. But now, Erna no longer felt pain.Faster!Erna hoped that he would move more quickly and was stunned at such thought. She had initially thought this would be a terrifying experience and that it was an act that had no emotion. And also, that it was only done by couples to bear a child. In other words, something that was no different from an act of a beast.


    The day her body interacted so intimately with Kalion was a day Erna would never forget. And the misery of thest ten years melted away. She hadnt wanted to remember anything, so shed forcefully drank alcohol in the beginning so that she could perform her obligation. But now, what she thought was a terrifying act, felt opposite to that. Erna was sharing her body and her breath with the person on top of her who shed hated the most in the world. But it didnt feel bad. She even thought it was good.


    Erna! Kalion called her name at that moment as he mmed his waist hard against her.


    Ahhh! Ernas eyes shed at him as she clenched her body and tightened her insides. She thought she heard Kalions moan. Erna wanted to cover her ears.Dont call me. If you call my name again But Ernas plea was ignored by him, and he called her name.


    Erna!


    The corner of Ernas heart tingled at the same time because he was the only person who could call her without any title, and Erna blushed in response. As Kalion moved his waist faster, his breathing continued to quicken, and beads of sweat rolled down the sides of his handsome face. Erna started to wonder if it was a giant beast riding on top of her. Erna knew that something inside her was getting ready to burst when Kalion rammed her harder and harder.


    The two hands that were intertwined gripped tighter. At that moment, they clenched each others hands harder as if there was no one else to hold on to in the world. Ahhh! They both yelled at the same time as they climaxed together. Kalions hot liquid filled her each time his body shook from the intense orgasm.


    Kalion thought of the mornings when he couldnt calm his er*ction down after waking, and hed had to resort to self-pleasure. But when he was rubbing himself to release the build-up, he didnt feel as satisfied as he did now. And hed thought about this act even more as a result. But now, he felt such pleasure that he could do this until he died. Kalion then pushed himself inside of Erna, even further, to release the remainder of his hot s*men in the deepest part of her.


    Their bodies stayed together for a long time after theyd reached climax, and his er*ction became soft. Finally, Kalion slowly lifted his waist, and his thing slipped out from the ce where it had been gripped by her. And the white sticky liquid poured out her opening and trickled to her bottom. Kalion was shocked by the amount of s*men seeping out of Erna, where his big thing had been just a moment ago.


    But he didnt miss a moment of this. It was the most exciting and lewd thing hed seen in his life. And Kalion felt an unspoken satisfaction from watching the image that he had created.


    A long timeter, Erna came back to her senses and tried to close her legs. But Kalion, without letting go of the hands which were on her legs, put his body between her legs.


    You, why? Before Erna could finish asking why he wasnt getting off her, she felt something touching her pained bottom. It was the thick, big thing that shed been clenching between her legs not so long ago. Ernas eyes widened as she realized what had touched her.


    You, you! Why did you be big again! Before she finished her question, the big thing opened her vagina, which was just about to rx and close. However, at that moment, her body, which was remembering the pleasure vividly, started to react again. It was a crazy naughty act. To rub ones g*nitals on another persons g*nitals had seemed bizarre at first. Erna felt shame at the lewd act that she hadnt been able to see in a book.


    Their mixed body fluid made naughty sounds as their skin rubbed together. And heat shot up to Ernas face making it feel as if it was going to explode. The first time around, Erna didnt know what was going on, so she was swayed by his actions. But now that her senses were back, everything was embarrassing. Even the hands that were intertwined felt out of ce.


    Erna.


    What?


    You said it clearly. That you want to go all the way.


    But we, we did! Hed exploded inside her, so wasnt that the end?


    Kalion spoke in a deep, sexy voice, Im not finished with you as yet. As his words left his mouth, his solid er*ction slipped inside Erna, and she gasped in surprise.


    ***


    Kalion carefully lifted his head off the soft pillow. Judging by the amount of lighting through the curtains, it still seemed to be dawn. He got off the bed and retrieved his clothes on the floor. While he was getting dressed, he heard a soft mumbleing from the bed.


    Mmm.


    When he turned his head, he could see the outline of Ernas body underneath the light-blue nket. Kalion smelled the room momentarily, and an embarrassingly thick scent of sp*rm lingered. But there was nothing he could do about that since hed kept on ej*ctingst night. Although hed shot all of it inside of Erna, her insides could not contain all of the s*men, and it had freely flowed out.


    Kalion hadnt lost sight of the goal of all of this. A sessor was needed, and therefore Erna had to be impregnated. So it was only right that he kept pouring his s*men inside her. And it was the right thing to do to ensure that he released enough inside her.


    After he got dressed, he realized that his p*nis hadnt calmed down entirely. It was a wonder how there was still desire left even though they had s*x until it was dawn. Kalion approached the bed and looked at Erna again as she tossed and turned a bit. The nket was below her bre*sts now. The bre*sts hed held and sucked to his hearts contentst night werepletely naked. Although almost the entire part of her bre*sts was red, there werent any marks.


    Kalion ignored his throbbing c*ck and lifted the nket to cover Ernas shoulders. As he watched her sleeping, Kalion recalled that the room was always kept spotless by the maids. But he didnt know when the maids came to clean, but if they arrived now, they would disturb Ernas rest. Kalion walked softly to the master bedroom door and gently eased the door open. And thankfully, the hallway was quiet. He quickly turned the lion ornament in front of the door to the side, which was a sign that they were resting and were not to be disturbed. So Erna should be able to sleep deeply now, in peace.


    As he was about to return to Ernas side again, he noticed that the crystal water bottle on the table was empty. Last night, Erna had drunk quite a bit, which wasnt a surprise as shed cried quite a bit too.Shell drink more when she wakes up.He thought for a moment and then took the empty bottle to his room. Thankfully, the bottle in his room was still full of water, so he filled the crystal bottle hed brought with him and then returned to the master bedroom.


    Kalion couldnt believest night. The way theyd made love until the early hours of the morning felt like a dream. His face blushed like a well-matured red apple as he remembered what hed done with her. It felt like hed discovered the ultimate sensation of his life!I should do it more for a while.


    Kalion was thinking about doing this until a child was conceived. So when Erna awoke, hed check her condition and then take it from there. But when Kalion opened the bedroom door, he stopped dead in his tracks. Therge four-poster bed that Erna had been lying on, mere minutes ago, was empty.

 Chapter 46.1

    If anyone asked Erna how her body felt today, she would have only one thing to say, Save me!


    Lying on the office sofa, she moaned and groaned from the aches and pains in her body. And this was one of those rare asions when Erna was d her office sofa was as big and asfortable as her bed. It felt like someone had beaten her body all night long. And her muscles hurt even if she moved only slightly.


    Erna usually seldom exercised. So shed never felt nor thought of where her muscles were attached. But now, her body hurt just by breathing, and Erna discovered muscles she never knew she had.


    As she ced her hand on her stomach, her body felt pain just by that movement, and she frowned.


    Erna tapped underneath her belly button. Even though Kalions sem*n had left her, she still felt like something was in her stomach. As she groped where it felt empty, Erna let out a moan. Right now, there was something other than her muscles that hurt. If someone asked her how she felt physically, Erna only had one thing to say in response, I want to die. She did. And why? Because she was embarrassed!


    Erna cursed her fantastic memory. Her brain, which had memorized all the spells in the books wlessly, vividly remembered what had happenedst night. The ces where Kalion had grabbed her, how hed moved, what hed said, she recalled everything detail of their time together. And what made Erna want to die were the things shed said, Mmm, more, faster!


    The moment she recalled that Erna punched the teal sofa, and the muscle pain came back immediately. She let out a tear as sheid back down. The poison that got in his system, is it contagious? The demons poison affected people in a variety of ways. Shed heard that the poison could get transmitted to someone else like a disease. That was most likely the case with her. It had to be because there was no other exnation of her clinging onto a fast-moving Kalion out of genuine pleasure. Either way, I thought once would be enough.


    Last night, when Kalion backed off after doing it once, shed thought it was finally over. And shed assumed that Kalion would calm down a little. But he had done it three times again! Or was it four? She might have lost consciousness in the middle. Eventually, she had cried from exhaustion while Kalion had kept a tenacious grip on her.


    The second time around, Erna had realized that one area inside her was sensitive to stimtion, and shed clung on to him, moaning like crazy, when Kalions erection had pressed against that part. After figuring that out, Kalion had continuously aimed for her g-spot. And after all, that, as if something went wrong with her head, shed started to cry, and Kalion had whispered in her ear, Lets do it onest time. And then hed pressed his hard-on against that part again.


    At that moment, the world around her had turned white. When shede back to her senses, she was sobbing in Kalions arm. Soon after, shed fallen asleep. And when shed woken up again, Kalion was getting dressed.


    While Erna had been contemting if she should also get up, there had been a click on the door, and Ernas eyes had widened as she knew what the sound was. Kalion had pushed the ornament to the side, and she knew what it meant! It meant that they wanted to rest and were not to be disturbed. If it was another room, thats what others would think. But this was the master bedroom, and the meaning of pushing that to the side meant that they wanted privacy to do other things.


    Suddenly her throat had dried up. Erna had desperately swallowed her words as shed been about to call him insane! Kalion hade back into the room again and then left for some reason. Seeing this as the perfect opportunity to escape, Erna had rolled out of bed. And shed then bolted to her room. Erna hadnt even bothered to get dressed. She had to run away or else face doing it again!


    Ernas legs had felt weak the moment her feet touched the floor, so shed wobbled as if she was a newborn animal. When shed made it safely to her room, Erna had locked the door to the master bedroom from her room and had then crawled to the bathroom immediately.


    As she filled the bath with hot water, she watched the hot steam rising. Feeling fatigued, shed climbed into the tub andid down and had stared nkly at the ceiling for a long time. After what felt like hours, Erna felt ready to get out of the tub, and she started to get up but then felt a strange sensation between her thighs and looked to the cause. When she looked down, there was a white liquid that was streaming out of her.


    At the sight of that, Erna had freaked out and immediately dove into the water in the tub again. How much is in there that itsing out! Erna couldnt leave the bathroom for a long time. Thankfully, she knew Kalion wouldnt disturb her there.


    Jolted from her thoughts all of a sudden, Erna heard someones voice and shot up in surprise. But then she grabbed her waist and crashed down on the sofa in agony. Whos there?


    What are you doing?


    Orp, when did youe in? Erna was about to yell, but then she realized that was also painful, so she mumbled instead.


    Just a moment ago. I was going to wake you up, but what brought you out this early?


    I remembered I had something to do. Erna couldnt bring herself to say she took refuge here because she was afraid that Kalion woulde to find her and ask to do it more. She had to see him at night anyway, but for now, she had to run. Running was also a tactic. Erna was desperately hoping to validate her actions, but then someone knocked on the door.


    Whos there? Oh my, its Vanessa. Orp opened the door and greeted the visitor in a weing voice. Erna could barely sit up when she heard that Vanessa had arrived. Vanessa? What is going on?


    When the head of the Council, Vanessa, came to see Erna without making prior arrangements, it meant she had some important news. After struggling to sit up, Erna turned to look at Vanessa and saw that she had a very stern expression on her face.


    What happened? Vanessa asked, looking stunned.


    That is, Erna fumbled for words, Ill be out in a moment! You two chat so long.


    Orp left saying that shed bring tea and snacks of her choice. And once Orp was out of earshot, Vanessa took out a rolled letter from her bag. There was a golden symbol on the back, which was stamped and sealed with special wax.


    Erna immediately recognized the symbol. Haband. It was a gold dragon that represented Haband, Ernas mothend. Erna quickly opened the letter handed to her by Vanessa, and the ripped wax dropped on the wooden table.


    Ernas eyes scanned through the letter quickly. And Vanessa could see Ernas face quickly turning pale as her hands began to tremble.

 Chapter 46.2

    Cant you do it properly! Again! Kalion shouted.


    The knight in front of him squatted when he heard Kalions angry voice. Then he stretched out his arms and legs, lying down, and yelled, Just kill me!


    Kalion narrowed his eyes at the knight that was daring him to kill him. Then the knights close-by took his side and yelled simultaneously, Yes! Just kill us!


    Why are you like this morning! One of the knights asked.


    If you haveints, tell us! Dont beat us like a dog! Another knight shouted. These were the knights that had already sparred with Kalion, who had won.


    Dont sound so weak and soft! Kalion yelled back.


    At this rate. If you fight any more seriously, you might kill someone! The knight that got punched in the chin by Kalion yelled as if it was unfair. And the knights that hadnt sparred as yet whispered to each other while looking at Kalion. They seemed to wonder what was wrong with Archduke.


    Tsk. Kalion realized that everyone was looking at him with resentment and stopped. Rest for an hour and start again. Stay alert until then!


    Tyrant! A knight yelled.


    Coldblooded! One of the other knights bravely shouted out.


    The knights booed at Kalions words. So he stopped, turned around, and bellowed, Starting in ten minutes! The knights that said those words were then tackled by the surrounding knights. As the sparring ground became a mess, Kalion left the Knights Order building and returned to his room.


    He was exhausted and well aware that he was taking out his anger on the knights, using sparring as an excuse this morning. Kalion was in a bad mood because Erna had disappeared from their bed as soon as hed walked out of the marital bedroom.


    The moment hed seen the empty bed, hed been stunned and at a loss for words. Then hed looked around and had seen the pajamas that Erna shouldve been wearing, still crumpled in the corner. Because the nket was gone, it meant that shed wrapped herself in it and then left. Hed then approached the door to her room, and when hed turned the doorknob, all he heard was a clicking sound. The door locked, and since then, Kalions heart was in confusion.


    As he analyzed the events of the previous night, Kalion couldnt figure out why shed left without saying a word. Although hed acted like a crazy person until dawn, he had hugged her again and again. If she didnt like that, he wasnt going to do it next time. But when hed pulled her waist, Erna had hugged his neck and yelled as if she were enjoying what he was doing. From that moment, Kalion had let go of all reason.


    But Erna had encouraged him to do more to her, and shed even yelled he should go faster. However, when hede back to his senses, Erna was sobbing. The problem was, instead of stopping at that sight, hed moved even rougher. Kalion covered his face with his hands, Was I too rough?


    It was a concern he had for the first time in his life. Of course, because he hasnt done it with anyone until now, it wasnt something hed had to think about before. Kalion couldnt rx at all. Honestly, he couldnt think of anything awful that had happenedst night. It was a good experience. To be more honest, it was a wonderful experience.


    Kalion had always frowned upon the knights who wanted to meet women all the time. But now he could understand why. And he wondered if there was anything in the world that couldpare to the sensations of intimacy. The warm, soft, and squeezing feelings hed felt had been pure ecstasy. And he vividly remembered the feeling of Ernas thin arm wrapping around his neck so tightly.


    Kalions face immediately turned blood-red, and he shook his head crazily, attempting to get rid of the image in his mind. The priest that Vanessa brought mustve been a fake. There had to be demons poison in his body still, or else there was no way he would lose his mind like this.


    After denying everything to himself for a while, Kalion returned to his senses and turned his stiff neck while he sighed heavily. He had a strong body that didnt hurt easily, even after a long session of sparring. So if he was feeling such pain afterst night, he could only imagine what Erna must be feeling like now.


    He could guess Erna was experiencing muscle pain and probably thought that she might be dying.


    It was a pain that Kalion knew well. It hadnt been a long time since hed arrived in Hessenguard. And he had barely recovered when he started to train with his sword. As hed moved his body without resting, his body started to be more muscr, healthier, and firmer. For Kalion to be bulkier, the muscles in his body had been ripped, damaged, and had then regenerated. And in order to have a solid body like this, he had to go through hell and had experienced a lot of pain in his training.


    He thought of Erna saying how shed die from a papercut. And then, one day, she had gotten one while paging through a document as shed sat curled up on the emerald-green sofa. The way shed cried and overacted had been something else. If Erna had reacted like that after getting a small nick on her finger, then Kalion didnt want to think about how she was behaving now. She probably couldnt even breathe. While he was obsessing about Erna again, there was a knock on the door.


    Its me, Cedric.


    Come in.


    Cedric spoke to him as soon as he walked into the room. The council has requested for the knights backup. But this time, I think youd have to think long and hard about who to pick.


    Whats happening?


    That is, well, Habands delegation ising.


    Kalion lifted his body at that, From Haband?


    Yes, and the leader of the group is, lets see, Cedric looked at the paper handed from Vanessa, it says, Marquis Canavan.


    Kalion remembered right away that he was the one whod brought Erna here some time ago.

 Chapter 47.1

    Erna was lying spread out on her bed with a nket thrown over her legs. She had her thumbnail mped between her front teeth and was restlessly chewing on it. She had lost track of time after Vanessa had visited her that morning. Her mind had been so preupied by a single thought: Marquis Canavan ising.


    How could she have forgotten that name?


    Erna knew his name well. He was one of the main powers in thend of Haband. She often saw him moving around in the pce from afar. She watched as he went to greet the first or third queens children. He never came to her.


    Erna had only seen him up-close for the first time when she had left Haband.


    Hed spoken politely enough to her, and his eyes had been warm and kind, but anyone watching could see by his actions that this was all an act. He treated Erna like a burden he simply couldnt get rid of. Like baggage hed tried many times to dump, but just couldnt shake.


    During her trip to Hessenguard, Erna had made a few small requests, none of which had been granted. One had been for a piece of fruit when shed been starving after throwing up her food because of the motion sickness shed experienced after riding in the carriage for the first time. Marquis Canavan had just scoffed at her and said, I dont think it will kill you to lose some weight on the journey. Im sure youll be just fine, princess. Erna had to survive on nothing more than the water the maids brought her. Not even they seemed to care about her health.


    She could still remember the sound of the knights and maidsughing at what hed said. Powerless to do anything else, she had lowered her head and returned the carriage. Later, when all of Habands delegation had eaten their meal, shed sat quietly in the carriage with her head buried in a cushion.


    Shed had to keep her mouth shut the entire journey to Hessenguard. She hadnt dared ask anyone for anything, no matter how desperately she may have wanted or needed it.


    Erna covered her mouth and gagged at the memory.


    It had been 10 years ago. But no matter how hard she tried to remind herself that it was in the past, that it was gone and done, that she had lived through it, it always brought on such a visceral reaction. It was like a scar, engraved right into the very core of her being.


    She curled up, almost hugging herself forfort. She kept her breathing quiet and measured to stay calm.


    Suddenly, someone knocked on the door.


    The sound pulled her out the vivid memory and back to reality. She raised her head and listened as the sound faded to silence. The knock hade from the master bedroom. She turned her head to nce at the clock. It was 10:01 p.m. Erna clenched her fists before she shot to her feet and marched over to the door.


    She flung it open and shouted at Kalion, Im allowed to bete as well, you know! You dont have toe up here and knock so obnoxiously! She shoved past him and went to sit on the bed in the master bedroom. Im going to tell you right now that I cant do it. I just cant! Everything hurts My bottom she trailed off, feeling embarrassed about what she was going to say. She quickly changed her thought path. Im hurting all over! I just cant!


    Kalion didnt seem bothered by her shouting. In fact, he turned from the door and walked slowly over to the bed.


    She quickly fought down the urge to shout something along the lines of You beast! at him, and chose to justy down on the bed instead.


    Erna felt the mattress dip down beside her as Kalion sat down. The feeling of him so close and the feel of the bed moving was enough to bring back the sensations and memories of the previous night.


    It doesnt look like he cares about my situation much, Erna thought to herself.


    While she was in pain, she didnt feel like she was going to die. Last night, Kalion had seemed satisfied. She was sure he wouldnt keep doing it if he wasnt.


    Erna squeezed her eyes closed when she felt Kalion grab her arm.


    Today has already been a bad day because of Marquis Canavan. What did it matter if the end of the day was a mess? What did it matter if she slept with Kalion? Yesterday had been pleasurable. She remembered the feeling of their bodies twined together, writhing in ecstasy. Erna didnt think it was a bad thing that she wanted to lose herself in those feelings again. It would be nice to just forget about everything for a little while.


    She felt Kalion slid his hand under her waist and hips and turned her over. Erna allowed her body to be flipped over so she was lying face-down in the pillows. Really? This position? she thought, and was about to twist around, but Kalion gripped her by the back of her neck and held her down.


    Hey! Erna shouted, I dont mind if we do this again, but not in this position


    The rest of whatever she was going to say was cut off when Kalions hands pressed down hard below her neck. The pain was so intense that she fell limply against the bed. She felt Kalions wild hands moving over her body. Pressing down on all the parts of her that hurt the most; neck, shoulders back


    Erna tried her best to get out of his grip, but he was holding her securely down by her waist.


    Is this what a tearing muscle feels like? Erna thought. For the moment, she forgot about Marquis Canavan and Kalion. The only thing she could do was scream in pain. Then, as everything got too much, she started to cry. Stop! Stop it, you asshole!


    Erna tried to fight against him, punching at him with blows that held no power. Finally, Kalion let go of her. She was so furious that she aimed a solid punch at him. How dare he do what hed done without any warning! But just as she was about to connect with his face, Kalion spoke.


    You should feel better now.


    Feel better? What are you talking about? Erna stared at him with her eyebrows furrowed, but then finally understood when she saw Kalion massaging his own neck. It Hurts less.


    You seemed sore when I touched you. I had a feeling youd be stiff since you spend most of your time lying down and dont exercise much.


    Erna ignored the fact that he was talking down to her like she was simple. She reached up and carefully touched the parts hed been massaging a moment ago. While the stiffness and ache hadnt disappearedpletely, it felt much better.


    As she kept pressing on her previously aching muscles, Kalionid her down on the bed again. I heard a delegation ising from Haband.


    Erna bit her lips and sighed. For just a moment, shed forgotten about that.


    It sounds like its quite a grand procession. They sent a request to the Knight Order for more guards.


    Erna sighed and pushed Kalions hands off her. I know, Vanessa told me already. She told me it was about 30 people altogether. As far as I know, theyreing here for scouting purposes. Ill let you know if something happens, alright? Judging by her tone and attitude, she didnt want to talk about this anymore.


    Kalion didnt push her either. He just nodded and said, Alright then, just lie down for me.


    What? Why? Hey! What are you grabbing at, you crazy bastard! Erna said as Kalion cupped her breasts.


    They were still sensitive from theirst encounter and ached in a way that was pleasurable. Ernas screams of ecstasy didnt stop untilter that night, and when dawn finally came, she passed out without a second thought about Marquis Canavan.

 Chapter 47.2

    For three days after that, Kalion couldnt see Erna.


    The morning after their time together, Kalion had massaged her entire body, making sure every single muscle was rxed and supple. Of course, Erna had thrown a cushion at his face as she left, and hadnt passed up the opportunity to call him a cold-blooded asshole before shed closed the door. She couldnt stay, she had to get ready to greet the Habands delegation that was arriving soon.


    Part of the agreement between Erna and Kalion was that they couldnt meet if they had responsibilities to attend to. So, Kalion had no choice but to ept Ernas absence.


    Even though he knew Erna wasnting, Kalion still religiously went to the master bedroom at 10PM. While his behavior was habitual, it was also morefortable for him to work at the desk in the bedroom. But as time wore on, and he was keptpany by nothing more than the firewood crackling in the hearth, Kalion found himself ncing towards the empty bed more and more frequently.


    I really should look for another priest, he thought.


    He didnt want to ask Vanessa again; hed feel too bad. He felt it was better to use a personal connection in this sense. He remembered when hed first arrived in Hessenguard. Hed had no one to turn to, no one to help him But now hed built and grown the Knight Order to such an extent that he had many people who he could call his own.


    Kalion nced between the bed and the document he was supposed to be reading. Then he shook his head and raised a new document to his eyes. This is he muttered.


    Just as Cedric had said, the document contained a list of all the knights that would be guarding the Haband delegate. Listed there was also the standard by which Cedric had chosen the knights.


    It went as follows: I dont want to give the Haband delegates anything to look down on, so I chose the best looking and fittest knights we have. They are all well-aplished and have the skills to protect Archduke Erna without a problem.


    Kalion blinked heavily, then reread what Cedric had written. For a long while, he couldnt take his eyes off the document.


    ***


    Erna sighed heavily, then quickly covered her mouth with her hand. It wasnt the first time this ride that she thought she should have just taken a horse. The only reason she went in the carriage in the first ce was for formality. But it had only made her grumpy. It kept reminding her of the old days. The only saving grace she could count at that moment was the fact that she was alone in the carriage.


    Its okay, its okay, she kept repeating to herself. It had be like a personal mantra over thest few days.


    Marquis Canavan was powerless in Hessenguard. She and Kalion were the authorities here, and Marquis Canavan could do nothing more thane, look around, and then leave.


    He cant pull any of his tricks here, she reminded herself.


    Erna knew the incident that had taken ce on that first, disgraceful night had been by his order. Not long after Marquis Canavan had arrived in Hessenguard, there was a pandemic. Hed quickly packed up and left, leaving behind a handful of maids. Abandoned and alone, the maids had held a meeting to try and figure out what they were to do next.


    Marquis Canavan left us here in Hessenguard to save himself What a terrible predicament we are in now. We treated Princess Erna badly because of the Marquis. He was going to be the regent for the princess, the true authority of this ce But now With the way the princess res at us, the townsfolk are never going to let us close to her.


    If I had known this was the way things were going to turn out, I would have treated the princess better


    Erna had overheard their conversation and had thus figured out that the awful event on the first night had been Marquis Canavans doing.


    Was it truly all because of him? The thought set Erna so badly on edge that she started biting her nails again. She could hardly believe she was going to see him.


    We have arrived! I can see the delegation there! one of the knights shouted.


    The townsfolk slowed their pace and stepped out of the way when they heard his voice. The carriage driver slowed the horses, and Erna poked her head out the window to see what was going on. Sure enough, she could see an impressive crowd of people gathered together. For the first time in a long time, she saw they were wearing Haband clothes that bore Habands symbol.


    Ernas face paled. She had to speak to them now. She had to speak to the people, who hadughed at her and insulted her, as if nothing had ever happened. She had to speak to them as the Archduke of Hessenguard.


    She thought that the 10 years shed been preparing herself would be enough. She thought she was ready. But now that the moment had arrived, she could feel her breathing bing shallow, and the overwhelming urge to run took over her. As the carriage pulled to a stop, Erna bit her lip to try and calm herself down. The time had arrived, she had to speak to them.


    Maam? Orp called from outside the carriage. She found it strange that Erna hadnt stepped out yet.


    The voice seemed to break her out of her steadily rising panic. Erna grabbed the handle of the carriage and took a deep breath. Just open the door and get out. Its as simple as that.


    Erna tried to open the door, but her arm refused to respond to her wishes. She froze. She had to speak to these people alone.


    The sound of frantic hoof beats, apanied by surprised cries from the people, indicated that a horse and rider were fast approaching.


    Erna didnt even get the chance to wonder what was going on outside. The carriage door was suddenly opened, leaving her reaching out in front of her like a fool. She heard a man click his tongue at her, and then an outstretched hand appeared in her view


    Let me help you out.


    Erna was speechless as she stared down at Kalions upturned palm.

 Chapter 48.1

    Erna looked at the hand stretched out to her. She was so worried this was a figment of her imagination born out of a deep hope and fear. She didnt think she could handle it if it was. This was something shed been wanting for a very long time.


    When Erna had firste to Hessenguard, shed known nothing but terror. Shed wanted nothing more than for someone to help her, guide her in a ce that was so foreign to her. But because shede from Haband, shed been left to struggle alone. Shed be so used to being treated badly that she didnt even know how to ask for help anymore. And even if she did ask, she didnt know how she wanted to be helped.


    The memory of her first sight of Hessenguard was still so fresh in her mind, even after all these years. She remembered shed arrived, exhausted, starving and dehydrated. She hadnt been able to eat or sleep properly for an entire week. When the carriage door had opened then, there had been no knight offering his hand to her. She hadnt even been worth that much to them.


    In fact, theyd hated her. They hated the fact that this princess was going to be representing Haband at the wedding. They saw no reason to be kind to her. As soon as the wedding was over, they were content to forget about her existence and focus on the person who truly mattered, Marquis Canavan. He was going to be the truth authority of Hessenguard.


    Erna had to help herself out the carriage that day. Shed been so weak shed stumbled and fallen, looking more like a beggar than a princess. Shed been weighed down by the foreboding fear of how she was supposed to survive there.


    So, perhaps the hand in front of her now was a product of her wishful thinking, of her hopes that shed be treated like a human this time around. It was impossible that the hand she so desperately wanted to see was really opened to her.


    Why him? Erna thought as she stared at the open palm. If she so badly wanted help, surely she would have dreamed up someone she could depend on?


    Erna raised her head and stared nkly at Kalion.


    Judging by his tousled appearance hede here in a great hurry. His chest was rising and falling hard, and his cheeks were flushed a light red with exertion. His hair was sticking up in a way that was out of character for his usually neat appearance, and the strands that werent wind-swept were stered to his forehead by sweat. For a knight, Kalion was usually quite tidy, so it was strange to see him like this.


    Erna looked past his flushed face to stare at the other people behind him. If this was a hallucination, it was starting to feel very real. Even the knights and wizards seemed to be in on the y. They wore confused expressions, and their mouths were partly open, either in a gasp or paused midway through a sentence.


    It was impossible that she could dream up such a scene Perhaps this wasnt her imagination after all?


    Is this real? she thought.


    What are you doing? Kalions blunt voice broke through her thoughts. Are you just going to stand there looking stupid in front of Habands delegation?


    Ernas senses quickly returned to her when he spoke. This really was Kalion. Not even her imagination could have so vividly dreamed up the sarcasm in his voice.


    She quickly fought down 10 years of bottled-up irritation. Her first instinct was to p his hand away and tell him she didnt need his help. That was how the two of them had always been though; poking fun at one another and bickering. But Erna stretched out her pale hand andid it in Kalions palm.


    Despite having insulted her only a moment ago, Kalion carefully took her hand and helped her out of the carriage. He was the picture of a perfect gentleman the entire time, helping to restore her grace that she had lost 10 years ago. Because of him, she was able to dismount from the carriage without even the slightest shudder.


    Why did youe? Erna asked curiously as she stepped lightly to the ground, keeping a tight hold on his hand.


    What? Kalion shot back.


    Habands delegation had visited a few times during the past 10 years. The parties sent through then hadnt been made up of anyone as high and noble as Marquis Canavan. Usually, it was just a low ranked noble who brought an order or a message, like a request for war supplies for Haband. Vanessa or Erna usually dealt with them, and Habands delegation certainly had no interest in meeting Kalion once their request had been granted.


    You were never interested in meeting Habands delegation before. So, why did youe now? Did something change your mind? Erna asked.


    Kalion tried to reply, but his throat dried up and his words failed him. Why had hee?


    At dawn that morning, Kalion had gone down to the Knight Order for the first time in a while. Hed immediately noticed that most of the knights out on the training field were new recruits; none of the more senior knights were around.


    Confused, hed hunted Cedric down and asked him what was going on. Through arge yawn and cocked eyebrow Cedric had said, Habands delegation is arrivingter this morning. Did you forget? They left an hour ago but should be back at the castle before lunch time today.


    It was a formality to meet a foreign delegation far away from Archduke Castle. But it was also a precaution. It gave the knight party enough time to determine whether the delegation had brought anything dangerous with them, like weapons.


    When Hessenguard had been in shambles after they had lost their former Archduke, Haband and Aether had seen fit to ignore this formality. But after Hessenguards domestic situation had calmed once Erna and Kalion had taken over, both countries were once again requested to respect Hessenguards custom.


    Ever since Kalion had seen the request for more manpower at the Habands delegation meeting, he had been on edge.


    Probably because of Marquis Canavan, Kalion thought.


    Then Kalion realized Canavan had been the noble whod apanied Erna 10 years ago. It made sense to him why Erna had insisted that Haband adhere strictly to the formality; she was uneasy being around Canavan, then and now.

 Chapter 48.2

    Ever since this thought had dawned on him, Kalion had paced restlessly around his office.


    Hed thought harder on the matter and realized that Erna always lowered her voice when she was talking about Habands delegation. She always ended the conversation as quickly as possible, or stated that they wereing for scouting purposes, brushing off other questions by promising to tell him if something happened. It was the first time that Kalion realized she was scared.


    The thought of this had upset him greatly. The image of her all curled up in fear just kept reying over and over in his mind.


    Shes normally so confident.


    She never missed out on an opportunity to back-chat him, but she cowed down to a lowly Marquis of Haband.


    Kalion didnt like that at all. Erna was now a strong wizard and Hessenguards Archduke. Everyone knew this, everyone respected her for it. She was no longer the abandoned princess from 10 years ago. There was no reason she should feel small and insignificant in front of Marquis Canavan


    If that man so much as treated her rudely


    The thought had hardly entered his mind before Kalion had mounted his horse and was galloping towards the meeting spot. Surprised, Cedric tried to give chase, but couldnt keep up with him.


    Kalion took a road that was familiar and well-trod. He could still see the track of Ernas party, even at the speed he was going. As soon as he arrived at the meeting point, he quickly summed up the situation.


    The first thing he saw was Erna struggling to force herself out of the carriage, and then the subordinates standing around, looking uneasy. Then hed seen Habands delegation, standing around and scoffing at her dilemma.


    Without a second thought, Kalion had dismounted, gone to the carriage and opened the door. Just as hed expected, Erna was frozen in a state of terror, no doubt reliving her first arrival here 10 years ago.


    That scared, abandoned girl whod been all alone in an unfamiliar carriage


    And so, hed offer her his hand, silently telling her hed escort her.


    I dont know Kalion thought to himself. I dont know why I did this.


    He nced at Erna out of the corner of his eye; she was still ring at him, waiting for an answer.


    He had to find something to say. But he just couldnt understand why hede. Why had he followed Erna? He must be crazy to be worried about her. If this had happened in the past, he wouldnt have cared. This was a matter between her and her homnd. But now


    Kalion rolled his eyes, if only to buy himself a little more time. He had to think of something. Suddenly, he remembered Cedrics report on the standards of the knights being sent. Without thinking he answered, I was told we had to send handsome, fit, skilled knights.


    Excuse me? Erna had no idea what he meant. Shed asked him what he was doing here, how was this an appropriate answer? But then she remembered what she and Vanessa had said when theyd requested an escort from the Knight Order. Kalion had just repeated her exact words.


    So, here I am. You forget about the person most suited to your description, Kalion said.


    Erna tried to say something, but just ended up opening her mouth and staring at him. So, he was here because he thought he fit the brief best?


    Erna subtly twisted her hand out of his grip. This man had lost his mind.


    As she slowly backed up, a look of irritation unfolding on her face, Kalion quickly added, To watch over the Haband delegation.


    But it was toote for that. Erna was already fed up with him. Why dont you shout a little louder. I dont think they can hear you over there, she seethed.


    Kalion reached over and closed her mouth, cutting off any other sarcasticments she might have made. They stared at each other for a moment, then turned and approached Habands delegation together.


    The Habands delegation made no move to leave their carriage, even when they saw Erna and Kalion approaching.


    How impertinent.


    I know.


    In terms of hierarchy rank, Marquis Canavan was a few steps lower than Erna. But even though she, the Archduke of Hessenguard, was approaching him, he gave no indication that he was going to leave the carriage.


    This was a sign of immense disrespect but Marquis Canavan didnt seem to care. He acted as if he were of a rank higher than she was, and the Habands delegation didnt deter him.


    These assholes havent changed a bit Erna thought as she crossed her arms and red at them.


    Quite suddenly, it dawned on her that she was no longer scared. Before shed got out the carriage, she had been literally frozen with fear, but now she was regarding them with an irritable stare and aid-back stance.


    The fear from the past 10 years seemed to have disappeared, leaving her rxed and confident. She nced at Kalion, noting how he had taken up a stance very simr to hers. And he was making no effort to hide his displeasure.


    He still irritated her to no end, and today she felt that he was acting rather strange, but she wasforted by his presence. She got the impression that if she lost her temper, he would as well.


    While shed been studying him, Marquis Canavan finally exited the carriage with an escort. It was the first time in 10 years that she saw him.


    With his hair carefully brushed back and his well-manicured moustache, and his Haband vestments, he looked exactly the same as she remembered him, if only a little older


    Once he was standing firmly on the ground, he stared at Erna, blinking slowly before he said, Are you a Hessenguard councilor? Im Marquis Canavan from Haband.


    Against her better judgement, she scoffed at his words. He didnt even recognize her.


    Erna took her time studying him, noting how he looked a little smaller than thest time shed seen him. She knew it was because shed grown, but in her eyes, it was because he was nothing more than a thin, weak old man.


    She had once regarded him as a being of absolute and overwhelming power, but now she could see in his eyes that he was nothing more than a fool.


    Erna wasnt scared of him anymore.

 Chapter 49.1

    The servants of the Kingdom of Hessenguard had spent thest few days preparing a grand banquet for this very asion. The banquet hall was so rarely used that there had been a lot of tidying up to do. The chandelier had to be dusted and cleaned, the decorations had to be changed, and the curtains had to be taken down and reced with something far grander than the everyday wear. With a lot of time, and the hard work and diligence of the staff, the room was once again glowing with its former splendor.


    A cool breeze blew in through the half-opened window, cooling those inside and wafting the smell of strong alcohol around the hall.


    The Kingdom of Hessenguard always liked to do things on a grand scale, right down to the food that had been specially prepared with ingredients imported from all over the world.


    The people of Haband were tired and hungry after their long journey, and shamelessly tucked into the food spread before them. Sitting among them was Marquis Canavan. Thus far, he had remained perfectly silent and hadnt dished a single item of food onto his te.


    The Marquis hasntmented on the food yet I dont think hes impressed with Hessenguards cooking, someone sitting near him whispered to theirpanion.


    Marquis Canavan heard, and just gave a wan smile. It wasnt that he didnt like the cooking, he was just very surprised.


    Ignore them, my queen. Thank you for your courteous treatment, he said to Erna


    Marquis, you still seem to think Im a little girl, Erna said in reply.


    Marquis Canavan immediately bit back whatever else hed been about to say.


    Erna rested her chin in her hand and bnced her elbow on the table. She stared intently at him in an almost challenging way. Because of this, all those sitting near the Marquis were curiously watching the two of them interact.


    I dont me you though. Its been a while since the two of us saw each otherst, Erna said with a warm smile and a shake of her head. She could feel everyones eyes on her, she had to make herself look good in front of them.


    After shed said this, the delegates went back to happily enjoying their meal, relieved that a vtile situation wasnt brewing.


    Its not that, the Marquis said in a friendly manner, more to himself than to those around him. He paused when he thought back to when hed left the Kingdom of Haband.


    During thest decade, the Kingdom of Haband and Kellon had continued with their cold war. Neither side had gained anything, and neither side had won. Theyd only recently signed a peace treaty when it became apparent that the damage to the Kingdom of Haband was bing severe. The Kingdom of Haband had taken great blows to capital cities and farnds, the likes of which were either slow to heal or impossible to ovee.


    It was only thanks to the tributes from the Kingdom of Hessenguard that the royal family of Haband was able to continue with their grand life of luxury.


    The Kingdom of Hessenguard had finally had a good harvest since the death of the former Great Prince. For years theyd struggle with weak, poor, or failed crops. But since the establishment of their new Great Prince, their harvest had been bountiful. However, it was strange that theyd suffered so much. Hessenguard was one of the countries on the continent that wasnt often gued by natural disasters.


    Once the war had stopped and circumstances in the kingdom itself had stabilized, the royal family of Haband turned to the Kingdom of Hessenguard for aid. They didnt think it would be a crime to steal a bit more from them to help revive their kingdom. After all, Hessenguard had spent thest 10 years rebuilding themselves and stabilizing their economy. For the briefest of moments, the Haband royal family had felt guilty about their ns. But after theyd heard rumors about how rich and peaceful Hessenguard had be, they felt much better.


    Technically speaking, Hessenguard was a subordinate country to Haband, and in that sense, a ce that was worth the sacrifice when it came to Habands revival.


    The war was the main reason Marquis Canavan had applied so passionately to be part of the delegation this time. His estate had been devastated by the fighting as it was on the border between Haband and Kellon. He hadnt been able to pay property taxes and the only way to rectify this seemed to be to take over Hessenguard. Granted, it was in his own personal interests, but in his eyes, it would ultimately be helping the Kingdom of Haband.


    But Marquis Canavan wasnt the only one here seeking the abundance of the Kingdom of Hessenguard. To try and get a leg up on the rest of them, Canavan reached for a story from the past.


    Princess Erna, I took you with mest time, am I correct? I must admit, I have missed you terribly. Its been difficult to be away from you for long. I still remember how you used to follow me around everywhere Im sure you didnt miss me half as much as I did you. In fact, Im certain youll be quite delighted when I leave again. This of course was a lie. But no one sitting there knew that.


    Just as Canavan had hoped, the King of Haband appointed him as the representative of the delegation again. But what the king didnt know was that Marquis Canavan hadnt yet collected any of the promised information on the Kingdom of Hessenguard. Canavan was under the impression that it would be an easy enough task to aplish once he arrived in the kingdom. A task, he thought, that would be made easier once he got to speak with Erna.


    Intimidating her should be easy. He remembered her being a young, ugly princess that not even the maids would attend to. He didnt know how Hessenguard had managed to keep her a secret, because the aristocrats who sometimes delivered letters always told him how beautiful she was. Even moreughable were the stories of how shed gone on to create a wizards group.


    It was difficult enough to get even one wizard out the tower. They were constantly holed up in there like a bunch of hermits. Canavan couldnt understand how theyd managed to create what could be called a group. Did they really consider a handful of beginners a group?


    But now, sitting in this banquet hall, Marquis Canavan realized hed been terribly wrong. He thought hed be able to control her without any problems.


    He thought she would be the person he remembered her as; that crying, sniveling girl who clung to him. He thought shed be scared. But hed been so very wrong. He barely even recognized her now. She was beautiful and talented Until this very moment, hed thought shed be unloved, isted and hated; no matter how much magic she possessed. After all, who was she but an invader in the Kingdom of Hessenguard?

 Chapter 49.2

    My apologies, Marquess. Please forgive my mistake, its been a while since we had visitors, Marquis Canavan said.


    Oh, its quite alright. As I said earlier, its been a while since wevest seen each other, Erna answered politely.


    Marquis Canavan was touched by the way Erna was treating him, especially after the way he had treated her. It made the purpose of his visit that much harder to bear. The night before the Marquis had left Haband, the king had called him aside and told him some sensitive information.


    They havent had any children yet, the king had said. I heard Erna and her spouses rtionship isnt stable. If I am being honest, its quite strange that she hasnt born a child. Im beginning to think there is something wrong with her. Or perhaps there is something wrong with the royal family. Not only that, I heard she is being merciful towards her people, but she couldnt be bothered to make regr tributes to her homnd. And you know what? Thats why I will never ept her as the princess of Haband. How can she call herself a princess when the people in her home country are suffering?


    Thats what Ive been saying the Marquis had said in response.


    He understood what the king was trying to say, and he understood that the king wanted more from Hessenguard. Ultimately, he wanted Hessenguard to be a colony under Haband.


    But I think we might be able to use this to our advantage. Ive heard tell that she became a powerful wizard there in Hessenguard. My thoughts are thus; being her back to Haband where she will give birth to a sessor. The child needs to be taught from day one that they are part of the royal family of Haband.


    Looking at Erna now, Marquis Canavan could clearly hear the kings words echoing in his head. In a way, the king was right. It would be better to drag her back to the Kingdom of Haband and give the prince a new princess.


    But that was a secret he intended to keep for now. As he watched Erna speaking to those around her, smiling andughing, Marquis Canavan had a suddenpse of judgement. Without thinking his next words through properly he said, I must admit, the King of Haband was asking after news about the prince. He seemed particrly troubled by the fact that there has been no news of a royal sessor.


    Ernas expression pinched at the mention of a sessor.


    Princess, if you dont mind me suggesting, I think you should see one of the doctors in Haband. Depending on whether you have a fertility problem or not, I think it would be wise to return to your home country for a visit and possible treatment. I have no doubt you sometimes miss your home. If I am speaking openly, this was the main reason for my visit today Marquis Canavan trailed off when an arm suddenly snaked around Ernas waist.


    Both Erna and Marquis Canavan were surprised when they realized who the arm belonged to.


    There is nothing wrong with Erna.


    Prince Kalion Canavan said in an exhaled breath.


    Kalion was staring at him as though he were a predator, and Canavan was his clueless prey. Marquis, Im sure you know that Erna has been busy with the recovery of the Kingdom of Hessenguard. We still have to deal with frequent attacks from beasts, and there are still many internal affairs to be dealt with. Not to mention that there are plenty of castles that still have to be attended to. Erna and I barely get to spend any time together, so please, forgive us for theck of news that you and your king so desperately desire. While Kalions words were decent and cultured, his tone suggested that he would be taking no more nonsense from the Marquis.


    Forgive me. I was too eager. I will be patient until the time arrives. I was just concerned for her highness, Marquis Canavan said and offered no more. He was eager to end the conversation after Kalion had so brashly and aggressively intervened.


    In the end, it was Vanessa who cleared the remainder of the cold atmosphere. She was sitting eating a little distance off, but she turned to them and smiled as if nothing had happened. Then she turned to the guests as they arrived and raised her ss in wee, inviting them to stay and enjoy the meal.


    Those sitting nearest to her also took up her cheers, raising their sses andughing. Within the span of a few minutes, the ugly situation that had been brewing between Kalion and Marquis Canavan was washed away with a few sses of wine.


    ***


    You really were brutally honest back there, Erna said.


    I know, Kalion replied.


    As the banquet drew to an end, Erna and Kalion went to the couples bedroom. No one gave them a second thought or a nce as the two of them left, but Erna did thank a few of the guests for attending the banquet on her way out. Once she and Kalion were behind closed doors, she thanked him as well. Then theyd been silent for a while. Erna knew she would eventually be called on to mother an heir within the year, but she hadnt expected the Marquis to want to take her home so soon.


    He said the official schedule was a month, but I have a feeling theyll stay longer. I dont doubt they will take this opportunity to write some detailed reports on the situation here in Hessenguard. Once they find out that weve only been sending a small portion of our stock to the Kingdom of Haband, theyre going to lose their minds, Erna said with a sigh as shey down on the bed. For now, she and Vanessa had managed to deceive Canavan with their words. What can I do to get him to leave?


    Erna closed her eyes with another heavy sigh. She had the strong desire to lock them all underground, but before the thought could take root, she felt the bed suddenly shake. She opened her eyes in surprise to see Kalion. He was crouched over her, trapping her between his arms.


    He said you were the biggest purpose of this visit, Kalion said.


    Correct.


    Marquis Canavans official business on this visit was to check on the princess. The king had started to worry about her with her being so far away, and of course, the fact that he had received no news of a potential heir.


    Then its simple, Kalion said and rested a hand on Ernas perfectly t stomach. He could feel the warmth of her skin beneath the thin dress shed worn for the banquet. The two of us should give them a sessor as soon as possible, he said, gently stroking her with the tips of his fingers. Lets give the Marquis something to see in a month.

 Chapter 50.1

    Erna realized toote what Kalion was trying to do. She struggled in surprise, but Kalion had already pinned her securely between his legs. He reached up and started unbuttoning his robes, his hands flickering over them hastily. Annoyingly, Hessenguards traditional robes had quite a lot of buttons to undo.


    Kalion eventually lost his patience and tore the rest of the buttons off. Heughed when he saw Ernas look of surprise as she watched one of the buttons roll across the floor. Why is she so surprised? Her clothes are going to look like this soon anyway.


    Kalion quickly removed his shirt, then reached towards Ernas cor. She looked at his hand for a moment before she lowered her eyes.


    You tried to kill me the first time I touched you, Kalion said.


    He clearly remembered the first night hed met Erna in this room. They had drunk that day because it was awkward and painful to be together at first. Neither of them could remember what it felt like the first time he touched her body. All they could recall was the way theyd wiped their hands on their clothes as if they had touched something they shouldnt have. But


    You got used to it.


    Used to what? Erna said suddenly. His words made her look up at him expectantly. In the dim gloom of themps, her green eyes glistened in an almost magical way.


    Kalion thought they were rather beautiful. As the thought settled in his mind, his hands slowly stopped moving.


    When was thest time he thought something was beautiful?


    You arent avoiding it anymore, Kalion added.


    Erna grabbed hold of Kalion in surprise and tried to shove his hands away from her cor. But Kalion wasnt going to relent; she already knew this.


    He let go of Ernas top button with a smallugh.


    Its toote to pretend you dont like it, Kalion chuckled.


    Get your hands off me!


    At Ernas cry, Kalion gently reached out to her. In a soft voice he said, Theres no reason for me to undress you when youre nning on doing it yourself.


    What?


    Are you going to stay fully clothed while we make a baby? If you dont take your clothes off, Ill have no choice but to rip them off you.


    You Erna was utterly speechless at his sly response.


    Strange. The old Kalion wouldnt say things like this. Aside from the basic, required words and expressions during political meetings, Kalion never really said much. And when he did speak, Erna oftenughed at how simple his dialect was. She always thought it was because he preferred to spend time practicing with his sword rather than talking.


    But now she had to erase her prejudices. She was utterly speechless by what hed just said. Since when had Kalion learned to smooth talk like that?


    What do you want to do? Kalion asked.


    Erna was silent.


    Do you want to take your clothes off yourself, or do you want me to do it for you?


    Erna turned her face away without answering. The cool feeling of the sheet under her cheek made her realize that her face was burning.


    She must be angry. She had to be angry. There was no other reason why her face would have warmed at Kalions words. Usually, she wouldugh at him for saying such vulgar things.


    But she stayed silent.


    Eran fisted her hands in the bedsheet as Kalions hands fiddled around at the cor of her clothes, slowly loosening the buttons.


    He had torn his own clothes off, but he was undressing her slowly, revealing each part of her previously concealed pale skin. Once he had popped the button on her chest open, he slid his hand into her shirt through her open cor.


    Erna sucked in a deep breath but otherwise stayed silent. She was nervous, wondering if Kalion wanted to touch her bre*sts again.


    His hand skimmed under her bra until he found her hard n*pple. He slowly began to tease it as he unbuttoned her the rest of the way.


    Erna felt frustration building in her body at his attention. Thats it? Youre not going to do to me what you always do? She knew she should be d, but she couldnt deny that the n*pple he was teasing felt itchy and hot, like it was yearning to be touched.


    His casual unbuttoning motions had reached her belly button now. He fisted his hand in the material, pulling it away from her so he could rub his palm over her smooth skin. He hummed in satisfaction.


    Erna twisted her body, her movements opening her clothes the rest of the way.


    Kalion made a noise of disapproval. He knew he should have been d because he didnt have to go through the effort of unbuttoning her anymore, but then he realized something. This was no longer a burden orbour for him, he was actually really enjoying himself.


    Bute to think of it, it had always been like this with her.


    Before he kissed her properly, he touched, sucked and nibbled her entire body, making sure to never hurt her. Everything he did was pleasurable, everything warm and soft


    As he ran his hands over her like a person possessed, he managed to quickly pull himself together. He had to keep himself in control, because the real pleasure hadnt even started yet.


    The hand hed been caressing her stomach with dipped down. Erna twisted away and closed her legs.


    She had only ever slept with Kalion once, but her body vividly remembered the experience. She was already wet, and he was only touching her. She would be ashamed if Kalion found out about it; about how much her body yearned for his touch.


    She tried to convince herself that it was nothing. This was nothing more than an obligation to make a sessor, even if she didnt want to. It was better to just get the whole thing over with. She had never thought doing this with Kalion would be pleasurable. But she was confident that she would be disappointed if Kalions hands moved away. Of this, Erna was ashamed. She would rather die than be caught in such apromising position.


    She pushed his hand away where he was busy undoing her buttons below. In a shaking voice, she said to Kalions enquiring expression, Ill do it.

 Chapter 50.2

    Kalion grabbed her hand. She held him at bay as she arched up and undid the lower button.


    Kalion was staring down at her so intently that she couldnt concentrate on what her fingers were doing. She kept on fumbling over and over again.


    Kalion said slowly, amused by her behavior, You


    What? Why? Erna shot back in a low, husky tone.


    Ive been dreaming about this for so long already I think I have a knack for driving people crazy.


    Words could only promise so much, what really counted were actions. Erna could see in Kalions eyes that he had something nned. And it was obvious that he thought he had a real talent when it came to making women swoon.


    What are you talking about Oh my! Erna yelled in surprise as he suddenly jerked her body. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw her robe float through the air tond somewhere on the bed. Hurriedly, she reached up and grabbed his muscr arm. Wait! I havent washed up yet!


    Kalion stared down at her.


    What? Erna asked.


    So what if you havent? Kalion grabbed Ernas hands and pinned them over her head.


    Kalion had wanted to do this since he and Erna had entered the room. No, that was a lie. He had wanted to do this since the Marquis had spoken to Erna. It had made him wish he had done this more often, and he was starting to regret that he hadnt.


    I shouldve done this sooner. If I had done this before they spoke, she wouldnt have heard such things from him. In fact, he wouldnt have said anything at all.


    Kalion buried his face in her neck breathing in the smell of her. He hated the fact that she said she wanted to wash up first. There was nothing wrong with the way she smelt. She had chosen to wear a sweet, flowery perfume for the banquet that evening. And mixed with her natural scent, it was like a drug to him.


    Im dirty! Erna protested.


    Its okay.


    No, its not!


    I dont care. Im happy right now. Kalion pretended not to hear her and pressed his nose into her neck again. He flicked his tongue out, dragging it over the skin of her pale neck. Erna stopped struggling, showing that she had now given into Kalions wishes.


    Kalion epted her surrender with a smile. He hugged Erna around the waist, marvelling at how t her stomach was, even after the banquet. It looked like shed had nothing to eat the entire night. Come to think of it, he hadnt really seen Erna eat anything. He only saw her eating some soup and grilled vegetables.


    You hardly ate at the banquet. Did you lose your appetite because of the Marquis? Kalion asked.


    No, its just Erna mumbled softly. I dont want to gain weight again.


    Kalion clicked his tongue at her answer. He always wondered why she was so thin. He thought it was because she didnt eat properly.


    Thats why your stamina is so low, he said.


    Whats wrong with my stamina?


    What do you think Im referring to? Or have you forgotten that you fainted before we could even do it three times?


    Thats because you did it like crazy! Erna said hotly.


    His words irritated her. Yes, she did tend to eat less, but that didnt mean she didnt eat. The only reason she had fainted that day was because Kalion had wanted to have s*x nonstop! No normal person would have been able to withstand that. She couldnt believe he was treating her like a weakling by bringing that up now.


    Before she could say anything, Kalionid his hand on her stomach and spoke again, Erna, lets have a baby. The previous expression in his voice had disappeared to be reced by affection.


    Erna stared up at him nkly, almost surprised by the way he sounded.


    The hand Kalion was stroking her stomach with came up and cupped her cheek. Our child.


    Ernas heart suddenly ached at his words.


    They always called it a sessor. A child born between a Haband royal and an Aether royal. The child was to be the future of the Kingdom of Hessenguard. They needed to have the baby for political safety. It was nothing more than a duty that had to be fulfilled.


    Kalions words made her realize it was so much more. She had to embrace what was more than just an idea. It was somethingplex; it was a life she and Kalion were going to create.


    Suddenly, Erna was curious about what their first child would look like. What color would their hair be? What color eyes would they have? Would they be a boy or a girl? These thoughts surprised her so much she was speechless. She had never thought about things like this before.


    Then Kalion spoke again, And I dont want my child to be weak. His tone was still light and affectionate, but it carried a heavy undertone.


    Never. Our child wont be weak. Ill make sure that doesnt happen.


    Erna remembered what Kalion had been like a few years ago. Hed been so weak that hed stumbled trying to pull a bedsheet onto his bed.


    Kalion was silent for a long while before he started moving again. His face rxed, and he eased himself down to rest between her legs. He held her back firmly with both hands to keep her steady.


    Ernas expression hardened. She remembered the time hed taken her so wildly She knew that when he held her like this


    He blew out a heavy breath as he thrust forward.


    Erna screamed as Kalion buried his hard erection deep inside her without hesitation.

 Chapter 51.1

    Erna was struck speechless by the sudden pration. She was helpless to do anything else aside from bite her lip against the burning sensation. It didnt help that she hadnt eaten much and was nearly faint from the pain.


    Shed already had a hard time handling Kalions erection when he was only halfway in. She had cried. But when shed rposed herself and looked down, it was to see their bodies were tightly pressed together now.


    She stammered as she tried to speak. Slowly, her senses returned to her. Now she could truly appreciate just how girthy he was. Her mouth opened in a gasp, it felt like she couldnt breathe. She hadnt even done anything wrong, yet she wanted to beg for mercy.


    Even now, Erna couldnt understand how such pain could bring pleasure. She also wondered how in the world Kalion managed to fit such arge pen*s in his trousers.


    Ah Kalion, Erna said, trying her hardest not to moan.


    She wanted to move away, but Kalion kept on pressing himself into her body. As he slid deeper into her, Erna could do nothing but pant like a beast that had been stabbed. But gradually, she calmed down.


    She could feel a strange beat pulsing through her body. It didnt fit the beat of her heart, but the longer they stayed pressed tightly together, the more in sync the beating of their hearts became.


    Are you okay? Kalion asked.


    Erna nodded at the affectionate question. But in truth, she wasnt alright. Kalion was too big for her, and the oppressive heat of his body made that fact clearly known. What bothered Erna more than the pain was the incessant tickle when she stayed still.


    As initially promised, Kalion always checked on her. Just a little while ago, he had incessantly asked her if she was okay. For some reason, this gave Erna the ridiculous idea that Kalion thought she was weak.


    Yeah Erna moaned, clenching her itchy fingers.


    Then Ill continue. When they had first started this, Kalions voice had been stiff, as if he wasplying with an order. But now it was quiet and soft. It was almost like he was speaking to someone he loved. However, his actions conveyed a different message.


    Kalion pulled his hips back before he thrust into her again, knocking up against her bottom. She could hear his heavy, strained breathing as he rocked in and out of her. She could feel her soft, inner walls being repeatedly stroked and teased. She tried not to moan. But before long, she couldnt help it.


    Whenever Kalion pushed into her, she would exhale an excited moan. She had been wet and ready before hed started, but every movement on his part only made her more excited. The sound of him pushing into her made her want to cover her ears. She couldnt believe her body made that sound. Well, not her on her own. She couldnt believe that Kalion could get her body to make that sound.


    She remembered the first time she and Kalion had done this. She remembered what shed said, Whats so great about this? Cant you just put it in and ejacte?


    Back then, Erna hadnt known what sex entailed. She didnt know it was a process, that this was what had to happen. She didnt know it wasnt just something that could be over in a few minutes. There was a lot to do, and so much to feel throughout the entire process.


    Erna felt tears gathering in the corners of her eyes as Kalion repeatedly thrust in and out of her. She could feel her body tightening in preparation for her orgasm. She tried to grip onto Kalion, but she couldnt. She fisted her hands in the bed sheets, pulling them into a wrinkled mess as waves of pleasure swept through her.


    Stop, she groaned.


    Does it hurt? Kalion asked.


    Yes Just go Go slowly, Erna said with a nod, barely able to speak through all the sensations coursing through her.


    Kalion smiled down at her. Ill do whatever you want.


    His was very kind, and she thought that, perhaps now, she would be able to think straight. But she quickly realized she was wrong.


    She thought that by slowing everything down things would be easier. But Kalion slowly slid himself into her again


    Erna groaned in pleasure, her body trembling. Now that he was moving slower, she could feel every inch of him. She could feel him caressing the inner, most sensitive parts of her body with every stroke.


    Erna cried out as she twisted her body. Her vision turned white, then throbbed with an ever-threatening darkness. Red kept sshing across the darkness as she tried to regain control.


    Kalion was taking off her bra now. He gently cupped her excited bre*st and pinched one of her hard, rosy n*pples between his fingers, rubbing it gently. He couldnt resist the temptation of bowing his head and taking it between his lips.


    With the overbearing sensations of Kalion teasing her n*pple while slowly taking her, Erna could barely think. But if there was one thing she knew, it was that it wasnt enough. It wasnt good enough. She wanted more


    Erna started rocking in time to Kalions thrusts as he entered her again.

 Chapter 51.2

    Kalion leaned down and bit her lips. Really, you


    Why, why Erna muttered, feeling uneasy at the low growling of his voice.


    Dont tell me to go slow if youre going to act like this, Kalion thought, looking down at her trembling body.


    As he gazed down at her tear-stained face, listening to her babbling, he realized that she probably didnt know what she was doing to herself. It was the first time she had ever moved with him. Kalion stayed perfectly still, gazing down at her.


    Erna started to move on her own.


    Fuck Kalion muttered, then bit back the curse. He felt like he was about to lose control of himself in a state of childlike excitement.


    Erna was leading for the first time, begging him to pleasure her. That alone was enough to drive Kalion insane. He didnt mind taking the lead, but now, she wanted more.


    He thought he would be happy if she did this to him all day. He wanted to forget about the political affairs meeting, the knights group, and everything else. All he wanted to do was roll around on the bed from morning till night. He wanted the constant pleasure to melt his brain and watch how it melted her body.


    Kalion hugged Erna and lifted her up when she moaned. He could feel her inner muscles tightening as she gripped him firmly around the neck.


    Kalion Erna whispered.


    Kalion hugged her even tighter when she moaned his name. She wriggled against him, taking him into her entirely. It was the first time she had ever felt such pleasure, it was the first time he had ever been so deep inside her. She could feel every part of her body be more sensitive; her pale neck, her bre*sts, her waist, her smooth belly


    However, Kalion realized that he was more excited by Erna calling his name than anything else. It was like a drug to him.


    Perhaps he was poisoned by her magic. Maybe the poison was actually Erna herself? Maybe that was why he had been slowly getting addicted to her from the moment he had tasted her.


    Kalion held Ernas waist tightly again. Slowly, he lifted her up off his hard erection. She was as light and fragile as a paper doll in his hands.


    Oh, my Erna gasped at the loss of him inside her, at the loss of pleasure. She felt empty as her own wetness slid along her inner thighs.


    Then Kalion slowly lowered her back onto his erection, slowly driving himself deeper into her.


    Erna tipped her head back, letting her long golden fair spill down her back. Her bre*sts quivered in front of Kalion as she breathed, seducing him even further. Kalion could find no reason to refuse such temptation.


    He sucked her n*pple into his mouth, teasing it with his tongue as he eased her down further onto him. As he rubbed against her sensitive inner wall, making her all the more sensitive, she shuddered.


    Then she spoke, More.


    She wanted him to move faster. She wanted him to be rougher, harder But Kalion continued to move slowly, just as she had asked him to.


    Erna bit her hand to try and clear her thoughts. In this position, she couldnt move on her own. And, in order to relieve the building desire, Kalion had to move faster But she had just asked him to slow down.


    Erna could feel her body getting hotter and hotter. She nced down at Kalion and caught his eye as he wasvishing her bre*st. She was sure she could see a smile around the corners of his mouth.


    You she breathed.


    She could tell by his smile that he knew what she wanted. He knew she wanted something stronger; she just didnt know what she wanted.


    He briefly raised his head and said in a strong,manding voice, Tell me.


    Tell you what? Erna replied.


    Tell me to fuck you harder.


    You, you! Erna stammered as she stared down at him.


    Kalion stopped moving his hand, only partly holding her now. Come on, Erna.


    Youre awful!


    I dont want to be the nice guy anymore Come on, tell me, Kalion teased.


    Erna closed her eyes at his words. He was a bad guy; the bad guy. He knew what she wanted; he was doing this to her on purpose.


    Even though she knew what game he was ying at, Erna hugged him around the neck and begged, Please She gave in, pleading just to get him to move again. Fuck me harder, Kalion.


    Kalion gripped her roughly, hugging her tightly to him. How many times am I going to spill my seed in you tonight? he thought.


    But he knew that the more times he climaxed in her, the higher the chance of conceiving a child would be. Regardless of this, he was going to pleasure her and use her until she was begging him to stop, until she couldnt take anymore. He was going to fill her up until their passion spilt all over the bed.

 Chapter 52.1

    Erna felt like she was going to die.


    In fact, she thought she was dying as shey there on the bed. She did her best to prepare herself after begging Kalion to f*ck her harder. But she never could have guessed just how faithfully he would grant her request.


    As he gripped her waist and pulled her down toward him, he thrust up into her. It wasnt long until Erna heard him making small, strained noises in her ear.


    His genitals were like a weapon. Every time he moved inside her, Erna groaned and tears skimmed over her cheeks. He was absolutely merciless as he pounded into her body.


    Erna started to feel overwhelmed by everything; all the feelings and emotions she was experiencing. She tried to push him away by grabbing at his hips and pressing him away from her. She wanted to get up and run. But she wasnt strong enough to fight against him. As her strength waned, Kaliony her down on the bed beneath him.


    Erna groaned and moaned as her body tightened every time Kalion thrust into her. He held her tightly in his arms, hugging her to his body as tears spilt down her cheeks over and over again.


    She felt like she could barely breathe. And as long as Kalion kept moving, it felt like she would never be able to breathe again.


    The next morning, Erna didnt even have the strength to lift a finger.


    Water she said in a sleepy, hoarse voice.


    The cup next to her bed wasnt out of her reach, but it was too much effort for her right now.


    Did you say you want some water? Kalion just managed to hear a murmur of what she said. He reached over and picked up the cup. But she couldnt even muster the strength to take it out of his hand. Oh, my, he said in shock when he saw what state she was in.


    He held the cup in one hand and lifted her up with the other. The motion pulled the nket off her body, revealing her bre*sts. But she didnt care.


    Drink. Kalion pressed the cup to her lips.


    Erna struggled to lower her head and take a few sips; some of the water leaked from her lips and spilled down her chest. Then she turned her head away to show that she was finished.


    Kalion reached out to wipe her chest dry but paused when he saw the red marks on her pale skin. He swallowed heavily, barely managing to say, Erna?


    Erna had already lowered her head again. She gave no response.


    Kalion leaned over to see why she wasnt answering him. Perhaps there was some problem But then she took a deep breath and her body rxed. She had merely fallen asleep.


    He studied her face as she rested, marvelling at how quickly she had dozed off again.


    As he took in all her features he thought, not for the first time, that she was pretty. She had soft blonde hair that framed her round face with its cute, sharp nose and red lips. Her long eyshes cast spidery shadows over her fair cheeks as she rested.


    She wasnt ugly in the least bit. But she still had the type of face that made it look like she was ready to hit him with a bouquet at any second.


    Youre ugly, Kalion said, pulling gently at her cheek.


    Erna whined as if he were seriously irritating her and wriggled closer to him, pressing her face closer to his chest. Now he could see all her facial features in greater detail.


    Her eyshes were still wet, and there were still tear streaks on her face because of how much shed cried. Kalion reached out and wiped her eyshes gently with the tips of his fingers.


    Later when she woke, she stared at him so intensely that it looked like she was unwilling to ever let him go. This only made Kalion move harder and faster. And as he did, Erna shed more tears.


    He thought by now she would at least show some weakness; but she only stared at him all the more fiercely. So, Kalion f*cked her harder, until she was crying and calling out his name.


    I cant be Kalion hurriedly thought back to the faces of the knights before his movements became dangerous. The thoughts made him feel ufortable, and thankfully, calmed him.


    With Erna still firmly locked in his arms, he enjoyed the tired feeling that overtook her body. He had no idea how long it had been since hed moved his body this wildly. Not even during a battle, or when he was confronting the Knights did he move like this. It felt like he had lost his mind a little.


    Kalion reached out and swept her golden blonde hair off her forehead, to find that her skin was wet with sweat from their antics. He buried his face in her neck, drawing a deep breath. Strangely enough, she didnt smell much like sweat. If anything, she still had the fragrance of the flowers from before; and it smelt like it had gotten stronger.

 Chapter 52.2

    Yeah Dont Erna opened her eyes and tried to push him away when she felt his breath on her throat. Her mind was still blurry as if she were in a dream, and her hands were too weak to do anything more than slide over Kalions sweaty chest.


    Kalion cleared his throat and said with difficulty, I think we need to wash up. He could barely take his eyes off her body.


    They were both soaked in sweat. But not only that, Ernas belly and legs were slick with his sticky white seed. It dribbled out from between her legs, creating a wet stain on the bedsheets beneath her.


    Thats why we need to clean up.


    There was no way he could sleepfortably in this state. He tried to hug her, but Erna pushed him away with more strength than she had before.


    I dont want to, she said.


    Erna.


    No Im going to Erna tried to struggle out his arms as if she hated the feeling.


    Kalion held her tightly and whispered quickly, Okay. Its fine. We dont have to. Lets just sleep.


    Okay. Erna stopped struggling after this.


    It wasnt long until she was fast asleep again.


    Kalion didnt sleep. Hey awake, lost in thought, trying to decide what to do. Finally, he moved Erna onto the sheets beside him and went to the bathroom. He left the door to the couples bedroom open, so he could keep an eye on her in case she decided to run away.


    Fortunately, Erna didnt move while Kalion went to fetch water and towels. She remained dead asleep. In fact, it was more like she had fainted, rather than fallen asleep.


    Kalion wiped Ernas body, face, arms, legs and the tips of her fingers clean. Each touch was gentle, careful, and sincere. But when he got to her chest, he felt a small tingling sensation chase through his body.


    Ernas n*pples were red and swollen, and her chest was patchworked with bite marks. Kalions eyes darted over her body, taking in all the marks he had made. He hadnt been thinking when hed done this; everything had just been so hectic. He had no idea it would be this bad. When Erna woke to see this, he wouldnt me her if she pped him through the face.


    But that wasnt the only problem he had to deal with.


    Kalion released a breath and slowly cast his eyes downwards. He couldnt believe he was getting turned on by looking at someone who had copsed from exhaustion. How could this be so arousing to him? Had he really be such a beast?


    He took a few breaths to calm himself, then reached towards Erna again to carry on cleaning her up.


    He repeatedly wiped the inside of her thighs to clean them. It was a little more difficult because she kept getting messy again when the sticky white substance leaked from her body down her legs.


    Kalion desperately tried to keep his raging mind under control as he worked. He tried to keep all his attention on his hands. By the time he had finished cleaning her up, it was already dawn.


    Once he had cleaned and folded the towels, he looked towards the door to Ernas room. He wanted to go and fetch her some fresh clothes but was worried that he would get into trouble if he went in there without her permission.


    After careful consideration, Kalion went to his own room to fetch afortable tunic. He dressed Erna in it, thenid her down on a ce on the bed that was clean.


    Now that she was clean andfortable, she looked even happier and more rxed than before.


    Kalion was just settling down to go back to sleep when he felt a slight stinging sensation at his throat. He quickly got out of bed and went to stand in front of the mirror.


    Oh, my


    No wonder his skin felt like it was hot and burning.


    From his chin to his chest were deep scratch marks. But it wasnt just the marks of her nails on his skin; there was also a bite mark on his shoulder. This was already forming a very dark, using bruise.


    She bit me quite hard.


    He had asked her to bite him whenever she had bitten her lips to swallow her groans. He clearly remembered her expression as she arched her back, fighting down the sounds wanting to escape her lips. She hadnt refused his request. And he hadnt felt any pain when shed bitten him. At the time, the sensation had been pleasurable.


    Kalion smiled bitterly when he saw the marks Erna had left on him, and he smiled at the thought of what had been left on her.


    He had indeed shown her his unwillingness to lose.


    As he was standing there, he had the vague feeling that someone was standing outside the door. When he turned his head to look over his shoulder, he nced through the window and noticed it was quite bright outside already.


    Goodness.


    The maids outside were turning the lion statue. It wouldnt be long until a maid came up here to clean the room.


    Kalion nced at Erna again. She was still sound asleep. If the daily activity carried on like this, she was going to end up being woken up.


    I should tell them not toe in. Kalion made his way to the door and opened it.


    But he never could have prepared himself for the man he saw standing on the other side.

 Chapter 53.1

    Vanessa?


    The one standing in front of the door was Vanessa. As soon as Kalion came out, she bowed with a darkened face to show courtesy. She normally didnte here often. On top of that, there was no more reason for Vanessa to be hanging around in front of the couples bedroom, as they might not know if she was in front of their door.


    Vanessa bowed deeper, perhaps noticing Kalions curiosity, and spoke.


    It appears youvee out because of me. I am sorry for this.


    Why are you here?


    I, uh


    The moment she tried to talk, a rugged voice came out from below.


    How long is Hessenguard going to ignore Habans envoy?


    It was an arrogant voice full of displeasure. It was none other than Marquis Canavan. Kalions face twisted at the marquiss voice. He questioned how the situation had unfolded this way.


    You are out at this hour because of the marquis?


    At Kalions chilly voice, Vanessa bowed her head even more as if the marquis visit was her fault.


    Right. I was on my way to the parliament, sir, and the servants rushed out looking perplexed, grabbing me and asking for help. I wondered if something had happened, so I came, but Marquis Canavan tried to go up to see Princess Erna recklessly.


    Talking up until there, Vanessas face was just as nched as Kalions.


    I thought youd be sleeping at this hour, but I asked them to wait and I came up, but from this point on, I was thinking about what to do by apologizing foring to you two.


    Kalion leaned closer to listen to the voiceing up from below. From what he heard, the marquis seemed very displeased with the grand dukes servants blocking him. And even worse there was a p! The sound echoed all around. Kalions teeth clenched at the sound.


    An arrogant one. How dare the kingdoms envoyy a hand on a servant in the grand duchys mansion? The servants here all moved under the grand dukes name. That meant that they, too, have shared some of the grand duchys authority. It was because of that that they received respect whenever they went to the capital. People took off their hats and bowed at the mere sight of the attire of the grand duchys attire that they wore, and people greeted them with polite words and behavior. No one could believe that anyone had raised a hand to them as if they were livestock.


    Kalion remembered the marquis behavior fromst night. He had even acted rudely toward Erna. Perhaps the marquis was also aware of his actions in front of everyone here.


    Anding here at this hour


    The left wing of the Grand Castle was Ernas space. He must have known that much, and since it was the marquis who hade here in the past, he would not have taken the wrong way. However, it was obvious that he insisted on using the central stairs to try to find Erna bying to the couples bedroom.


    Is it dangerous to check?


    Kalion recalled the letter he had received from the two kingdoms. The two kingdoms had spoken like theyd given Erna and Kalion a one-year grace period, but it was actually a notice for them to prepare to leave Hessenguard.


    No matter much it was said that the two kingdoms were in chaos because of the war, they werent that stupid to not know that Erna and Kalions rtionship was on the rocks. Even Marquis Canavan knew enough information about that to be here today. But what he saw when he came here would have made him embarrassed because it was the appearance of the grand duke and grand duchess, like it was a stage y.


    So he would daree to the royal couples bedroom. To check if the two really slept in the same bed together. Marquis Canavan was shing his eyes to find ws in the grand duke and grand duchess of Hessenguard.


    Kalion clenched his fists. He wanted to pulverize Marquis Canavans head this very second. Something that had happened in the past came up in his mind. About the ones who had taken off their clothes and pushed them into the room. They had returned again to peep into the room.


    Throw them out the window and take care of them. The harsh and reckless thoughts that he would never have done if he were his usual self passed through Kalions mind. Of course it was an image in his head. He quickly tried to find a reason.


    At the same time, Marquis Canavans voice was getting louder. Judging from the attitude, the marquis would climb up here even if Vanessa was sent away. If so


    I shall go.


    Kalion let out a sigh. He didnt want to wake Erna, whom he had pestered from early this morning. She had cried so hard her eyes had started to swell; who would want to see her like that? He was confident in that part. He had never ever intended to let anyone see her like that.


    Suddenly, Kalion felt weird. What did Erna showing herself at her lowest have to do with his confidence? He vigorously shook his head. Having heard Ernas crying all night, it seemed that his brain was operating strangely.


    Then shall I go down and tell him to wait until Erna is ready.


    No, we are finished here. Kalion blocked Vanessa, who tried to turn around. Just go down.


    After saying those words, Kalion strode down with his long legs. The scratches Erna had given him stung under his loosely hanging pajamas. Ill show them if they want.


    ording to the letter from the two kingdoms, there was no more evidence to prove that the grand duke and his wife were trying hard.

 Chapter 53.2

    When the voice from overhead was heard, even Marquis Canavan turned his head to the servant standing in front of him, blocking his path. Thick, long legs covered with hard muscles like a wild horse in a meadow were slowly descending the stairs. The owner of those legs revealed himself.


    Grand Duke Kalion


    Even though he was draped in pajamas as if to show everyone that this Grand Castle was his home, Kalion didnt appear to show any sign of embarrassment or hesitation.


    Just his messy hair and wrinkled gown. And more than anything else long scars remained on his exposed neck and chest. Everyones eyes were fixed on the deep red scars on his chest. Kalion didnt really try to hide them as he casually slicked his hair back. Even though his behavior had left him feeling drowsy, there was a colorful side to him that made everyone gasp in awe.


    Please be polite to our guest, marquis. I think youre past the age of me having to tell you this. Or have I misjudged your age?


    Several of the servants who were blocking his way twisted their faces to hold back theirughter at Kalions truly pitiful voice.


    And I thought you knew the inside of the Grand Castle well, but seeing you here at this hour makes me think that you really dont. So, I will give you a good guide in the future. Vanessa, the dog raised in the Congress gave birth, right?


    Yes. Before long, Vanessa, who had followed behind Kalion, replied, twitching her lips behind him, Ill give the youngest pup to the marquis. Since it knows exactly where it can and cannot go, it will be a big help to him.


    Thanks to Kalion, who didnt even turn around and ask if he had less sense than a dog, some of the servants shoulders were shaking.


    Wait, its not that I meant something different Its just!


    The marquis, who hadnt expected to hear such a sarcastic remark thrown to his face, made a loud grunt. When he did that, Kalion quickly raised a finger to his lips as he said in a voice like he was scolding a child, Hush, marquis. My wife is still sleeping.


    Kalion then slowly swept down his neck with one hand. Such gesture emphasized the scratches along his neck.


    Then from now on, I hope you are more careful. Take the marquis outside.


    The servants, following orders from their master with slightly excited faces, bowed before the marquis as he pointed toward the front door.


    We will guide you out, Marquis Canavan.


    Marquis Canavan watched Kalion from behind with a dumbstruck expression as Kalion turned and ascended the stairs. Even before Kalions silhouette disappeared, he had to leave the main building of the Grand Castle as if he were almost dragged out. Before he knew it, he was out the door, and Vanessa asked from behind him with a serious face.


    There is a ck dog and a white one; which one do you find better?


    The servants back inside could be heardughing from behind the closed front door. It was only a little whileter that the marquiss face, who finally grasped the situation, turned red.


    Theres no need for that!


    The marquis roared at Vanessa before turning around with the knights who hade with him. The knights had no swords on their waists. This was because Erna and Kalion had taken their weapons away from them beforeing to the Grand Castle, out of courtesy. The marquiss footsteps returning to his room were fierce.


    I cannot tolerate this. He thought about what he could do. All of his poweres from Haband. Thats why he had to reach out to Haband before he could do anything. I need to send a letter. He worried about what to write in the letter.


    His weapon had been taken away as soon as he arrived. Princess Erna had treated them poorly and never even provided a proper meal. A bigger problem than that was she was falling in love with another grand duke, who was his enemy and was handing over everything that should have belonged to Haband.


    Thinking of the letter to be filled with red lies, he stormed off with rough steps and disappeared. And there was someone who was continually watching him like that. Chairman Vanessa.


    The council staff who had approached her from the side whispered to her, No matter what, doesnt it seem better to send the marquis the ck dog?


    There was nothingical about those words.


    * * *


    Kalion, who had returned to his bedroom, stood staring nkly for a long time after closing the door.


    What in the hell did I just do?


    He looked at himself in the mirror hanging on one side of the wall; himself in his pajama gown. Never once has he ever gone out looking like this. He was always dressed perfectly to the point where Cedric grumbled. But how could he stand in front of so many people like this?


    Unable to believe what hed just done, he put his hand up to his mouth. Of course this ce was the Grand Castle and his home, so it didnt matter what he wore around here. This, however, was not a good look to the other aristocrats. Kalion looked at himself in the mirror once more. The red scratch marks on his neck were still visible.


    It had been done impulsively to shut up the marquis, who had firmly believed that it would only be them two. If the marquis sees such clear evidence, Kalion didnt think he wouldsh out anymore. It was good up until then. But why


    Kalion recalled what he had said earlier.


    My wife is still sleeping.


    His face had quickly blushed in an instant. Kalion mumbled with a nk face, Am I going crazy?

 Chapter 54.1

    I think Im going to die.


    Ernay on the sofa in her office and thought the same thing as dawn. Her body would be used to doing this much by now, but why was she still hurting? Anyway, the good thing was it seemed to hurt less than thest time.


    Will I get better after a few more times?


    Erna, who had pondered for a moment, was surprised and jumped up. But then she ended up lying back down because of the pain in her hips. Wait, what do you mean more!? But not that she thought about it, it was something she had to keep doing.


    Erna softly pressed her fist down on her waist while lying down. Of all the magic, why wasnt there one to make physical pain go away? This made her wonder if she should invent it.


    There wont be a need for that. Come to think of it, these muscle cramps were certain and quick to get help from others; better than using aplicated magic spell. So it was just like how Kalion used to rub her body in the past.


    Crazy bastard


    A slew of curse words flew out of her mouth as soon as she thought of Kalion.


    Thest time they slept together, Erna knew that Kalion had movedter than usual. However, she didnt know that there would be more time left after lunch today. She had thought he had something left to say, so she had told him to tell her if he had anything to say, but Kalion had hesitated and talked about what happened in the morning.


    Thanks to that she was able to wake up at once.


    Then those scars were seen by everyone!


    It was Erna who wanted to die of shame even though she hadnt shown it.


    Of course the servants of the Grand Castle would already know what the couple did in their room. Werent they the ones to tidy up the messy bed? But something else had revealed thatpletely. On top of that, Kalion didnt exactly say it, but he never seemed to have told Marquess Canavan decently.


    I want to hit him


    Erna wanted to punch the hell out of his chest that he had openly revealed. Then she felt something rolling in her pocket and took it out. What she now held in her hand was a bright, transparent sea.


    To be exact, it was a refined stone called Piece of the Sea that could only be obtained from a very special ancient site.


    Erna lifted that above her head. Upon closer look, a deep blue crystal was seen. But when she shook it a little, she could see the blueness inside sloshing around like water. The magic contained in the stone was shaking.


    That was what Kalion had given to her this morning.


    Erna, who had gotten a rough exnation from Kalion after waking up, grabbed her hair and screamed, I was going to endure it while the marquis stayed!


    As soon as she yelled that out, Kalion sucked his teeth and replied, Is there a reason to endure it?


    What?


    Even I know that youck physical strength. Thats why Haband is still bowing to Aether. However, that did not mean that Haband would bow to the envoy.


    What does that


    Before Erna could question what the hell he was talking about, Kalion said, You could be angry that the envoy was treated poorly. But if we send valuable things to Haband first before they contact us, the story will change. Of course, along with the letter that has been written moderately and long, saying that you are worried about the prestige of the country because of the rudeness of the envoy they sent. Then the royal family will notice that there is friction and think about which hand to raise. As those who offer tribute obediently and those who do not offer anything cause problems to the envoy. Who do you think theyll choose? On top of that, Habands king seems to have lots of doubt.


    His words were not wrong.


    There was something he noticed when Kalion had greeted the marquis in a ce far away from the capital. That some of Habands delegates had particrly looked at the marquis. Perhaps the king of Haband didnt trust the marquis, so he had ced extra eyes on him.


    Erna was deep in thought for a moment when she opened her mouth to speak.


    Its insufficient through that alone.


    Kalion quietly waited to say whatever else she had to say.


    It should also be said that the marquis was taking a separate share here.


    Mistrust is like an ember, the more the wind blows, the faster it grows. He is a king who does not trust all marquises. If the marquis was stealing the things he had tried to dedicate to the king, sending precious things separately at least the king of Haband would seriously start considering changing envoys.


    Erna, who was rolling her head, wrapped up in the nket again and muttered, copsing on the bed, By the way, there is a problem.

 Chapter 54.2

    What is it?


    Theres nothing more to offer.


    Actually, it wasnt like there was nothing. Because Haband had quite a lot of secretly hidden grain and resources. But it wasnt small enough to quickly bring it to Haband and wasnt something to be called precious.


    Erna thought about the jewels left in the Grand Castle for a moment. The two countries had looted for a long time and were wary of each other, but there were famous jewels, which could be called the pride of Hessenguard, and since they couldnt be reached easily, there were more jewels left in Hessenguard than people thought.


    But that isnt something I can use.


    All ownership also rests with Kalion. On top of that, Erna had neverid a hand on Hessenguards things.


    They were all treasures of Hessenguard with long histories and many stories. It was impossible to immediately send it to Haband to deal with this situation.


    I have many memories of my father, but he always wore a ring on each of his ten fingers as there is a custom that the Haband royal family likes to get dressed up. If youre going to give it to those people, it shouldnt be a big deal.


    Kalion, who heard that, blinked and said, Why dont you?


    Why dont I what?


    You said that the Haband royal family likes to dress up. I dont think Ive seen you dress up once.


    Erna froze at Kalions question. No, now wasnt the time to worry about such a thing.


    Have I ever done something to impress someone? On top of that, performing magic while being all dressed up is a pain. Wait, thats not the important thing. I have no intention ofying a hand on those Hessenguard jewels. So theres nothing to offer.


    Kalion suddenly stood up at her words. Then he walked back to his room.


    What made him act that way? Erna wondered. His abrupt behavior only made her stare at him from behind as he left. Kalion, who returned to the couples bedroom a little whileter, threw something at Erna from his hand.


    Send this.


    What? What is th Ah!


    Staring down at the thing that had fallen onto the bed, Erna covered her mouth to suppress a shriek. A Piece of the Sea was rolling around randomly on the sheet Erna had already seen one or two jewels like that from Hessenguard. She picked it up with trembling hands and brought it closer to her face. Thats when she squeezed and shook it. Her eyes grew wider after seeing the liquid jewel inside slosh around like water, then she mumbled, My goodness. Its real Where did you get this from?!


    Even worse, the thing Kalion had thrown at her was bigger and more transparent than the ones from Hessenguard. Which meant it was much more precious.


    From an ancient ruin.


    No way. No ancient ruin has appearedte Erna stopped in the middle of her sentence. Then she squinted her eyes and red at him. You hid them?


    How could I hide them? I just didnt tell you.


    He had clearly gone to an ancient ruin with his team of knights. How well had he kept his lips so sealed that even Erna hadnt heard a word of it?


    Where!? If its a site where you can find a Piece of the Sea!


    Its gone.


    What?


    Dont you also know the features of an ancient ruin? At a determined time, the door disappears and the entrance reappears in a new ce. At the ancient ruin we found, the entrance was gradually getting smaller because it was almost time for it to disappear. So we werent able to look around that much. Now itspletely gone.


    Oh


    Erna let out a sigh of pity at Kalions exnation. She then gathered her wits and said to him as she held up the Piece of the Sea, Ill hear the important partster; for now tell me why youre giving it to me?


    More than the fact that hed hidden it, she couldnt understand why he was giving such a precious thing to her. Kalion hesitated before saying to her,


    What happened today was my mistake. So I should be responsible for the tribute to be sent to Haband. And Kalion, pausing to look her up and down, continued, if you need more just say it.


    At those words, Erna said without hesitating, Give me all you have.


    ***


    Erna, who thought about what had happened this morning, stared at the Piece of the Sea held in her hand.


    I guess I really am crazy.


    Could the poison of magic make a person go around so positively? Still, when Erna said to give her all of it, Kalion sighed and held out his hand.


    Erna put the jewel into her pocket as she remembered Kalions hands mercilessly pressing down and kneading her body. It seemed like a good idea to demand more jewels from him.


    Then she remembered the marquis, who was the beginning of the problem.


    If so, it would be best to move faster than the marquess. Erna giggled as she stood up from the sofa and walked over to the desk and sat. The moment she was about to take out the high-quality paper she normally used when sending a letter to Haband, there was a knock at the door followed by Orps voice.


    Maam! Princess Erna! Marquis Canavan has disappeared!

 Chapter 55.1

    I couldnt hear the details, but they said he cked out after being attacked, said Orp, hurriedly following closely behind Erna.


    Attacked? How in the world did that happen?


    No one would attack the marquis though there were plenty of people who did not like him. How many times a day did he show off his arrogance? From the first time Erna ever met him, he had emerged from the carriage as if he were the higher person. On top of that, after hearing what Kalion said, he had even raised a hand to the servants this morning. But that wasnt enough of a reason to attack anyone. If a servant had attacked a delegate, he wouldnt have had his life spared.


    No matter how developed the parliament was and no matter how the boundaries of status were blurredpared to other countries, there was still a clear difference in status here. It may be saddening if someone were to be pped by a foreign marquis, but there was no servant crazy enough to retaliate against him for that.


    If so, then who?


    Only two people here had the right to be angry at the marquiss behavior: Erna and Kalion. Erna tightened her clenched fist. At some point, the two would have raised suspicions.


    The delegates from Haband standing in front of the rooms door nodded when Erna appeared. Theirck of etiquette exined how they felt toward her, but she was not willing to point it out now.


    When she entered, the doctor, who had just finished treatment, bowed politely to her.


    How is the marquiss condition?


    Im sorry.


    Erna closed her eyes tightly at his words. Was he really dead? Shed thought of him as a guy she wanted to kill, but now that it was true it made her feel awkward. The moment she started to feel dizzy, wondering what shed do from here, the doctor said, He regained consciousness, but its going to be difficult for him to movefortably. I think he should rest for at least a month.


    At the doctors words, Erna ced a hand over her chest. Thank God he issnt dead. Soon, however, she became enraged.


    Who in the world hit him? Where is the culprit!


    This ce was the Grand Castle. As a princess, she had to take responsibility for whatever happened within these walls. She had to know who in the hell had acted so randomly here.


    At that time, a servant, who was standing next to the doctor, came forward one step and politely reached out his hand in front of Erna.


    What is this?


    Erna had asked where the culprit was, and this guy just decided to extend his hand out to her? When that happened, the doctor, not the servant, replied,


    It is the one who did it.


    What?


    This is the one youre looking for.


    He pointed to the servants hand. It was at this moment when Erna took a closer look at what he was holding. There was a ck insect about the length of a little finger. It certainly seemed to be a kind of bee that had been crushed to death by something, ttening its lower body.


    This is the culprit? Ernas voice absently came out of her mouth.


    Correct. It is a kind of poisonous bee, and it builds a house in this season. Strangely, it moves alone without a queen bee, and only during the breeding season it


    Now isnt the time for a bee exnation. Is this thing really the cause of the marquis cking out? Did anyone see it?


    At those words, the doctor figured out what Erna was thinking and said, Of course. Not I but the delegates from Haband witnessed the attack.


    As he spoke, he turned his body around and stared at the delegates standing next to the bed. Ernas gaze was also fixated in that direction. Perhaps the doctor was telling the truth, they bowed to Erna with unshielded embarrassment on their faces.


    Did you guys see all of it?


    Yes.


    Then exin to us what happened.


    After lunch, he told us to get ready because he had a letter to send to Haband, and then he sat at his desk and started writing. Then, after a while, after his refreshment arrived, a bee came in through the window. It wandered around the marquis exceptionally, so he swung his hand to drive it away, but suddenly it clung to his neck and stung him. He screamed, and when we rushed in, shocked, that area on his neck had already started to swell. So when we rushed outside and found a doctor here, there was someone who helped us.


    When Erna asked with her eyes who that person was, the doctor replied, Chairman Vanessa. She came here just in time, to discuss the contents of the Haband letter. Fortunately, she was able to deal with the dangerous crisis thanks to her good first aid skills.


    I see.


    Erna, upon hearing their exnation, approached the side of the bed to look at the marquiss condition. Perhaps because of the danger of lying down with a swollen face, he was sitting up and leaning on arge cushion. And perhaps he was conscious because when she got closer to him he moved his eyes, which were so swollen she could barely see them. But she was close. The marquis not only couldnt greet her, but he also couldnt even say anything.


    Erna asked, who now saw the marquiss condition, Is he really going to be alright? The swelling is really serious.


    It isnt life-threatening. But it will be difficult for him to move until the swelling goes down.


    At those words, Erna held back saying Thats a good thing. Nevertheless, she was going to send a secret letter to Haband to try to change the envoy. But that gave her a reason to leave on her own.


    Of course, since it had happened in the Grand Castle, Haband would send a letter stating how sorry they were for not managing their delegates enough, but even Haband couldnt argue that they couldnt manage the bee. This was all a random urrence.

 Chapter 55.2

    It must have been chaotic, but please rest for a while. I will bring some tea.


    Orp turned around behind Erna, who had returned to her office. She hurriedly said to Orp, who was about to leave, Please make it warm.


    Are you cold?


    Yeah, its strange I feel chilly.


    Erna hugged herself as she sat on the sofa. A calm silence fell in the room after Orp went out with a nervous look on her face.


    Erna fell deep into thought. After having seen the marquiss condition, she didnt think he would be able to work right away even if he got better. On top of that, Haband, who deliberately sent the delegates to take Hessenguards things, could not wait more than a month. I said that I want to contact the main pce.


    Those believed to have been nted by the king had asked Erna to return the weapons to the knights who would be sent to Haband and ce Hessenguard knights at the border.


    They think better than the marquis. Erna watched their eyes move about busily. Perhaps they were madly writing a letter to send to King Haband by now. They must have filled it as much as possible with what they had seen and heard here. And it seemed that they would also check the capabilities of Hessenguards knights.


    It will take about a week to go, and even if the royal family decides on a new envoy as soon as possible, it will take two weeks. And returning will take about another week.


    Seeing Marquis Canavans state, the delegates would also calmly wait for the new man toe. Then, for at least a month, the Grand Castle would be quiet again, if not as much as it used to be.


    I must hurry. Erna hugged her body, which felt even colder, as she recalled what she had to do. She needed to have the baby as soon as possible.


    Oh


    She felt a heavy dull pain from below that she had forgotten about due to the chaos. Hugging the soft cushion, shey herself down on the sofa again. She used to lie down often, but recently, she often lied down here as if it were a bed. This, of course, was because of Kalion.


    Last night, it was Kalion who had been doing it like crazy. Erna thought that it wasnt a bad thing. Was it better than being uncooperative? If Kalion had negotiated with Aether and promised to remain the same and if she had refused to go to bed with him, Erna would have been the only one to disappear from Hessenguard.


    However, she did not neglect her promise to sleep together, as Kalion had not negotiated with Aether. No, it was a problem because he was too eager. Anyway, he had decided to join hands with Erna in this matter.


    If so, I too should be diligent. Erna, however, didnt know what part of sleeping together she had to be diligent at. Kalion was always the one moving, so should she do something differently?


    However, when Kalion came inside, she couldnt get herself together. On top of that, he pushed her like crazy. Then, Erna, who was wondering if she had to move while Kalion was motionless, jumped up in surprise at the thought.


    I guess Im also crazy.


    How did shee up with these thoughts? Right when she blushed and felt embarrassed about herself, Orp came in with tea. Seeing Ernas bright red cheeks, she quickly set down the tea set, took a nket from the corner of the office, and ced it over Ernasp.


    It seems your condition is worse than I thought. I think it will be better for you to take a break from work today.


    Erna, who was about to tell her that that was not possible, only nodded. Strangely, her body was acting up pretty badly today. It felt like a fever wasing on, and she kept getting the shivers. These were not normal symptoms of pregnancy. It hasnt been that long since thest time she slept with Kalion; plus, there was no way the symptoms would appear this quickly.


    But I feel like I havent done many lectures these days.


    Erna thought about the magicians she was teaching.


    Right now you have to rest. Theyre all struggling with thest assignment you gave them. I dont think theyve understood even half of it.


    Was my exnation that bad?


    Ernas shoulders drooped. The magician who taught her in the pastwhen she hadnt a single clue about magichad done such a good job from the beginning. Thanks to that, she didnt struggle in ss and was able to absorb basic knowledge.


    Umm, its not that you cant teach well, but its still hard for the wizards


    Looking at a depressed Erna, Orp thought about how she should improve her exining skills.


    There was indeed a problem in the way Erna exined in ss. She felt frighteningly unusual about magic. Because she used to not understand where ordinary wizards had difficulties.


    When Erna asked Its easy, right? after doing a simple magic that everyone thought was difficult, they had no choice but to crack a fake smile and answer yes.


    Thats the same as saying they cant do it.


    As Ernas voice grew fainter, Orp deliberately said in a bright voice, How are they supposed to learn the same way you did? I guess the number of wizards has increased, so you need to teach ording to their understanding. Why dont you find a new wizard like you saidst time? That way, youll be relieved on days when you are not feeling well or when youre outside the Grand Castle.


    should I?


    Yes. Ill look into it as well.


    All right. Ill leave you to that.


    Erna nodded as she took a sip of the tea Orp had brought in. Still, her body felt chilly.


    ***


    As soon as Kalion returned, he hurriedly washed and headed to the couples bedroom.


    He had also gone to see Marquis Canavan earlier today. Seeing the state that he was inhis face so swollen he couldnt moveKalion thought that the marquis was a lucky man. Because if he acted like he had this morning one more time, he really would have had to take care of it somehow.


    When he entered the couples bedroom, saying that they should finish talking about Marquis Canavan, he saw Erna curled up on the bed sleeping.


    Kalions walking became cautious all of a sudden. Approaching closer to the bed, he carefully sat next to Erna so that she would not wake up. Had she been that tired? Erna fell into a deep sleep with no signs of waking up even though he sat next to her.


    Then, Kalion saw her slightly opened lips. Staring at her red lips, he realized something: Never once has his lips been nted on hers.

 Chapter 56.1

    Kalion quietly studied Ernas face while she slept. Her lips in particr.


    When he happened to meet gazes with Erna in the parliament, she had squinted and sucked in her lips as if she had seen something she wasnt supposed to. The corners of her mped mouth had raised a bit. To the point where he had wanted to apud her because she could express her feelings well through just her lips.


    Was it because Kalion had seen that expression often? If someone were to tell him to draw Ernas face, Kalion would only draw a short stick where her mouth would be. Of course with one side slightly nted upward. But her lips right now were different from what he normally thought.


    Her plump lips, which looked so good, were so dark red that they seemed to bleed. Perhaps because it was a ce that highlighted her exceptionally goodplexion on her white face, Kalions gaze continued to stay on her red lips.


    Then, he saw some other deep-colored marks on her. Kalion noticed on her shoulder something that resembled teeth marks.


    When she slept, her lips, which normally should be closed, were partly opened due to her lying on her side, exposing her neat white teeth. And deeper into her mouth was a pink tongue.


    Kalion absently gulped at the moment he peered inside her mouth. Was he bing nervous or something? Her hair falling over her lips fluttered from her face each time she breathed. Kalion lowered his head. When he brought his face close enough to almost touch hers, he, too, could feel her breath on him.


    Kalion felt the muscles all over his body stiffening with tension as she breathed warmly past his face. He felt a sweet scent from her breath. Something so sweet he could probably taste it if he swallowed.


    Casually he spread his lips, thinking that just feeling her breath was not enough. At that moment, Ernas closed eyelids slowly went up.


    Their eyes met at a distance shorter than the size of a normal hand. Kalion had to face her sleeping dark green eyes. He could see himself reflected in them. He liked them quite a bit.


    Ernas hazy eyes became focused at the same time she blinked them a few times. When surprise came over her eyes as she opened them, she realized what Kalion was doing.


    Trying to kiss someone whos asleep


    N-no, I


    When Kalion stuttered, not knowing what to say about his actions a little while ago, Erna, who shook off her sleepiness by rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand, said, Are you trying to take this?


    Huh?


    When he heard a voice full of sleepiness instead of a voice yelling out What on earth are you doing? he looked down at her hand that was brushing up against his chest. In her hand was the Piece of the Sea he had found. Seeing that there was a pressed mark on her fingers, Erna seemed to have been holding that even before she fell asleep.


    When he had approached her, however, that beautiful jewel had note into his field of vision.


    Kalion thought about the time when he found it at the ancient site. Hadnt he taken it because he had been blinded by its beauty or something, knowing that there wasnt much time left before the entrance was closed? After escaping, Cedric, who was with him at that time, had grumbled for days: That crystal is blinding me!


    He had been so distracted, but why hadnt he seen it a while ago?


    Then, his gaze went back to Ernas lips again. With his eyes going back and forth between her eyes and the crystal, he found the answer to the question he heard a while ago. The color of Ernas lips was deeper than that of the Piece of the Sea. Thats all. Other than that, there was no other reason why he hadnt seen it.


    What are you doing? I said take it.


    While he was still hesitating, a fully woken Erna spoke out again.


    She recalled the situation from a little while ago. When she had opened her eyes at a presence, she had seen a familiar blue color even though her vision was blurry. When something was right in front of her, normally shed be surprised, but at Kalions eyes, she had almostfortably closed her eyes again. Like it was natural for him to be here.


    Then after she was fully awake, she felt something strange when Kalion shifted his body back.


    Why was he so close? On top of that, he didnt even wake me up. Then, looking down at the crystal in her hand, she took a guess. Did I tell him to take this thing?


    Wondering why he hade closer than he needed to, to her it seemed that he had tried to take this while sleeping. Well, she didnt need it anymore.


    Erna said to him, who had quickly scurried away, Whats wrong with you? Did you hear about Marquis Canavan?


    I heard.


    Then you must know that I dont need this anymore. Because that man fell even before he could use his hands, there is no need to dedicate this to Haband anymore. Im just going to write a letter asking for a recement for the envoy. Fortunately, he didnt die, thanks to Vanessas outstanding medical skills. And it cant be argued that Haband couldnt manage the punishment for us.

 Chapter 56.2

    Erna recalled the punishment shed seen earlier. They had said this kind of ident happens sometimes. During the breeding season, bees be particrly violent. She heard that some of those who trek the mountains dont end up so lucky and lose their lives.


    The bee had been looking for a ce to build a house, when it seemed to have hovered in the garden of the Grand Castle and inevitably entered the marquiss room. And of all people, he had been the one to provoke the violent bee. There was no one to me for the ident.


    It would have be aplicated problem if the marquis had been discovered by servants in the Grand Castle. He probably would have been poisoned instead of stung by a bee.


    Thankfully the witnesses were Habands delegates. They were the ones who had learned how to catch bees. It was because of them that Hessenguard didnt have a big responsibility in the matter. Just care for the unconscious marquis andfort the heartbroken delegates with generous food and appropriatepensation. Of course the Piece of the Sea was not needed to console them.


    Erna held out the crystal to Kalion as if telling him to take it now. All the while her eyes were still nted on the thing. It wasnt valuable solely through its beauty and amazement alone. Sloshing around inside the crystal waspressed magic.


    They say its equivalent to the power of a hundred magicians.


    So during a war, while each country gathered its magicians, the Piece of the Sea was also held desperately. Because if you had this, the other magicians could use their powers. However, this was also not used indefinitely, and it was only used in important wars because it was so precious. And Erna only looked at it, she had never held it in her hand.


    Though she thought of giving it back, that was disappointing. Should I too go find the ancient site?


    It was Erna who had stayed mainly in the Grand Castle until now because it hadnt been long since the magician team moved. She would be more likely to find the entrance of the ancient ruin only if she had to travel around wandering from ce to ce in Hessenguard like Kalion.


    As she was still looking at the Piece of the Sea with a disappointing face, an unexpected answer came back.


    You take it.


    What?


    I dont want to take something back that Ive given. So, just, you take it.


    Ernas jaw fell open at his answer.


    Are you nuts? Do you know what this is? Its not just some pretty stone. This thing is really expensive and rare.


    Who doesnt know that? I already know that.


    Then why give it to me?


    Kalion was speechless at Ernas question. He knew well enough that the crystal was precious. Thats why he had felt like the worst thief in the world this morning when he had told her to let go of it. And now he was asking Erna to take it as if it were a stone that had been dropped on the sidewalk.


    Kalions head spun round and round. Why am I trying to give this to her? Why? For what? Soon he found a decent answer.


    I heard that magicians can use powers through that.


    That may be true


    Since its something I cant use anyway, you take it and make it useful. Souhhh Isnt there something for your body or something? Recovery powers or something like that. Kalion, finally finding a decent answer, spoke first before Erna could get a word out. Your body couldnt hold out for a long time. You always lose consciousness too easily.


    Thats because you


    So, with the magic powers of this, you can endure longer in bed. Im worried if this will only give us a proper sessor.


    At his words, Erna ran her fingers over the crystal in her hand. How can he just give this away so easily? Erna knew very well that Kalion was eager to have a child.


    He detested returning to his home country as much as she did. There werent many nights where they could make love, but Kalion had tried several times one night.


    Erna recalled his semen that had been sprayed inside her. Kalion had continued to release himself inside her as if letting her know what the word overflow means.


    Kalion, too, must be desperate.


    He must be hoping that she gets pregnant soon and that a child would be born. To preserve the top position of Hessenguard. However, she couldnt hold out every time and fell asleep as if she fainted, so it was natural for him toin.


    all right.


    Erna lifted herself to set the Piece of the Sea on the nightstand.


    Perhaps because of the aftermath of yesterdays event, she was about to tell Kalion today that she doesnt think shes in the mood. On top of that, her body still felt cold, and she was so tired that she had been sleeping before Kalion came. Looking at the Piece of the Sea, however, she couldnt let those wordse out of her mouth.


    Kalion was so faithful in making a child he had given her that crystal. On the other hand, she tried to say that she couldnt do it because she wasnt feeling well. Somehow she didnt seem to be fulfilling her duties.


    That wasnt a good thing. If something had to be done, she had to endure it even if it was difficult. That was obvious, and she has always been that way. Thinking that Kalion too would think the same, she got close to him and said,


    Kalion.


    W-why?


    When she called his name out of the blue he flinched and stared at her. Then in an earnest voice, she said, Lets have s*x.

 Chapter 57.1

    Kalion doubted his ears for a second.


    Come again?


    I said lets do it. Isnt that what you came here for?


    Erna didnt say exactly what, but he couldnt help but know. This ce was the couples bedroom. Here, werent there only a handful of things for a married couple to do? At this time at least, it was obvious from her attire that she wasnt asking him to y a card game.


    What made Kalion feel embarrassed was Ernas attitude.


    Kalion knew very well that if it werent for the letter telling him to have a child within a year, she would have nevere into this room no matter what and would never have rolled around in bed naked with him. Was that it? Most of the time Erna left her body for Kalion to do whatever he wanted.


    She once moved her waist on her own, but that was because of Kalions urging her to do it first.


    At that time it was obvious that she had not been willing to do it, so Kalion had stopped requesting it from Erna. Because rather, he had thought that it was better to finish as fast as he could. But this time she was the first to say it. For the first time ever.


    The second that Kalion, who had frozen for a moment, realized what was going on his face turned red hot. With his ears burning, he didnt know how to respond, so Erna made the first move while he was hesitating.


    Click. Click. She was now unfastening her buttons. He peered through her pajamas without making a sound.


    What is happening right now? Is this some kind of joke?


    He questioned what exactly was going on in front of him, but obviously, everything was real. Each time Ernas fingers moved, a button was slowly unfastened. It became obvious that Erna hade here not wearing any undergarments, because when the bottom button was unfastened, her full bre*sts were exposed.


    The red marks he had left on her the other day seemed to tell him that what he was seeing now was not an illusion. Ernas pajamas were still slightly open, covering most of her bre*sts, even though the buttons were all loosened. Kalion, lifting his hand, almost pulled off her clothes, but the moment his hand moved, Erna had no choice but to sit still as it seemed like his hand would stop.


    He swallowed hard. Though the movement wasnt anything special, now not just his neck but his entire body was in pain. At the same time, Erna, with all of her buttons loosened, hesitated for a moment before reaching out and grabbing Kalions shirt. Eventually, he couldnt take it anymore and grabbed her wrist.


    Why are you doing this?


    Not only his neck but also his lips were very dry due to tension, creating a terribly low voice from his mouth.


    Erna had been in the Grand Castle all day long, so she couldnt have been bit by a demon beforeing here. But he didnt know why she was showing such different behavior than before.


    Ernas face became redder when Kalions questionable eyes gazed at her. To her, his words Why are you doing this? had sounded like What is wrong with you?


    Uh Im just


    She wanted to say, Since youre eager, Ill put in that much effort, but her lips were frozen.


    Up until now, it was Kalion who had spoken slyly to her. If she said what was on her mind, she wouldnt know what else to do. On top of that


    Thinking that she might be burning, Erna cooled her red cheeks with the back of her hand. She felt ashamed. Extremely ashamed.


    Never in her life had she once thought about reaching out and undressing someone. The fact that it was Kalion made it even worse. The way he looked as if she was attacking him because he didnt want to do it made her feel ashamed. Kalion had a reason that it was because of the demons poison, but wasnt she perfectly normal? This was why she really seemed to attack Kalion, because she wanted him.


    The heat rose and her head was spinning, but Erna clenched her teeth and began to unbutton Kalion.


    Hey, you


    As soon as Kalion tried to throw some words at her when she still didnt take her hand away, she looked him in the eyes and said, Just shut up.


    Because of her trembling voice, she didnt have much force to her, but Kalion didnt say a word and obediently shut his mouth like she had told him to.


    He just nkly stared down at the pale hands unbuttoning his pajamas. He thought that her hands would retreat if he said at least one more word. Thats not what he wanted. So all he did was stare at her fingers.


    All that was heard in the still room was the cracking sound of wood in the firece, the rustling of pajamas, and Kalions rough breathing. Feeling the warm air winding around him, he suddenly remembered something from this morning.


    Without realizing it, he had told Marquess Canavan, who hade looking for him at dawn, that his wife was sleeping. The short word wife had given him a restless feeling thatsted all day. They have been married for ten years, but never once had that word passed through his lips.


    Whether it was a gift or a curse, Erna was in a position to be addressed as Grand Duchess of Hessenguard rather than wife. Thats why Kalion and others did not use the word either. Still, Erna was obviously his wife.

 Chapter 57.2

    Perhaps because of what had happened this morning, Kalion had muttered the word several times today. And each time he did the tip of his finger felt itchy, prompting him to tap on his innocent desk or even spar with some knights. Still, the itchiness didnt go away.


    And now his wife was undressing him. The fact made Kalion go nk in the head. What is this, and why is his whole body so drowsy?


    All the while Ernas trembling hands continued to unbutton him diligently. She was embarrassed to death that she was doing this to him. But at the same time, she didnt understand why she felt this way.


    They had already done everything they needed to do, showed each other their most secret ces, and mingled in the nude. She had even climaxed while screaming his name. But to be ashamed of undressing him? Why now?


    Erna thought about that as she finished loosening the final button. She had to take it off, but Kalions arm was stuck.


    Lift your arm a bit.


    Kalion followed her orders like an obedient child. Rather, because of his position, she stood up from the bed and had to pull it up over his head herself.


    His tight muscles were revealed when his shirt waspletely off. She could see his broad, wide chest. Kalion hadnt even done anything, but she didnt know why she was gasping like this.


    Now that his shirt is gone Now all that was left was his pants. After secretly admiring his chest, her eyes went down to his pants. Looking down at the same way, following her gaze, Kalion turned his head. This was because his thing was so erect it was almost poking a hole in his thin pajama pants.


    He hadntid a finger on Ernas body, but he really felt like he had be a beast full of lust, so he tried to turn around. Erna, however, moved first.


    H-hold s-s-still.


    Her stuttering voice and shaky hands betrayed her, but Kalion again remained still like a gentle sheep and obeyed her orders. Her hand came to the knot on his pants and started to untie it. Because of the raging thing in his pants, however, her hands ended up wrapped around it.


    Hey, you


    She thought she was going to die of embarrassment, but when she felt a direct stimtion, stars were shing in front of her.


    I said hold still!


    Erna let out a shriek when Kalions body wiggled. So, he just raised one hand and wiped his face like crazy without doing anything. His manhood then grew in size as if he was pleased with this stimulus.


    Erna was just as flustered as he was. Is it this hard to loosen a string on a pair of pajama pants? More than that, why is this thing getting bigger?


    Seeing that it was bulging more even though the string was being untied, she thought that no matter how good it may be, this was too much. On top of that, her fingers had slipped away several times due to the knot being tied too tightly.


    Kalion sat right in front of her, watching her concentrate with her head lowered as she untied it. As his buttonless pajamas stretched out forward, his chest also came into his sight.


    Kalion, who didnt know where to look, eventually fixated his eyes on Ernas plump, healthy-looking lips. It was because he couldnt even tell what he was going to do if he looked down.


    Her lips poked out as she concentrated. Kalion tried to forget the feeling of her wrist grazing his erect pen*s by desperately thinking of something else. However, remembering what he had to do tomorrow with his knights or the content of the new book he recently read was not enough to make him forget what was happening right now.


    So, he desperately began to think about something to forgetlike what would it feel like if those lips that he can see now touched his face.


    Meanwhile, Erna had already seeded at untying the knot. And slowly she lowered his pants. When she did, the raging thing in his pants sprung up as if waiting for her.


    The stimtion that had continued from earlier had already wetted the tip with glossy liquid. If she stimted it a little more like this, it would soon bust everywhere.


    Normally it was inside of her; seeing it face to face like this was her first time, so she sat calmly, staring at it. Then she slowly lifted her head.


    When she did, Kalion, who kept looking at her lips, met her gaze. At his piercing gaze, Erna wondered if she had done something wrong. KalIon opened his mouth.


    Your lips Nevermind.


    He quickly closed it again. appearing to have lost his mind. Since he had almost asked her if it was okay to kiss her.


    While he beat himself up inside, wondering why the hell he acted like this, Erna looked very embarrassed. Did I do something wrong?


    Surprised not knowing why Erna suddenly did so, Kalion looked at her absently. Erna, her eyes still roaming around in a confused manner, seemed determined about something and swept her long blond hair behind her ears. Then, slowly, she lowered her head. And right when Kalion thought that something was tickling him, he felt something very slick and smooth touch the tip of his pen*s. He shouted to himself as soon as he realized what it was.


    What are your lips doing there?!

 Chapter 58.1

    Kalion couldnt believe it. The fact that Erna had lowered her head and ced her lips down below. At the same time, he felt betrayed. Thats not where I wanted you to do it! Why, all she did was put her lips on what was in front of her. So, what?


    He thought somehow that he had to push her away. However, Kalion had no choice but to stop moving due to the sensation felt from down there.


    What the What is. He knew that Ernas body was warm and soft everywhere. If there was one ce he didnt know, it was only her lips. And right now, what sparked his curiosity was this feeling all over his body. This feeling of soft, moist lips slightly nibbling on his manhood.


    His body trembled heavily. His vision turned white as the wall in front of him shone brightly. His heart pounded like crazy, and he couldnt see or hear anything as if his thing touching Ernas lips was the only active part of his body. Unable toe back to his senses, he gripped the bedsheet like a madman the moment her tongue licked the tip of his pen*s.


    Mm..!


    A moan mixed with heavy breathing came from him. A contradictory sense of tickling and stinging prated Kalions head. He thought that he had felt most of the senses that a human could feel in his life when he first had s*x with Erna. And now he believed that there would be no more intense impact than this. That was aplete mistake.


    Kalions reason, which still had one strand left, was desperately shouting at him: Stop Erna, now! Push her away and end this vile act! That tiny shouting, however, was trumped by the sounds of Ernas heavy breathing, sending it to oblivion.


    Kalion thought that everything happening at this moment was terrible.


    The disheveled blonde hair that tickled his abdomen; her breath that tickled the tip of his pen*s; and her lips that slightly nibbled on it. These were all too terrible for him to endure.


    Ahh Ohh


    A moan that hadnt even flowed out of his mouth when he had had his arm ripped off by a demon seeped through his clenched teeth and out his lips. This unexinable,plex feeling pulled on him from below. Every muscle in his body became stiff with agitation and his nerves straightened his back sharply, forcing him to take all the stimuli more sensitively. Kalion knew that he couldpletely rip off Ernas scalp right now. But she is nibbling on my He clenched his jaw even tighter.


    I didnt know. He had heard about a few acts that brought on pleasure. However, each time he couldnt possibly imagine the act.


    Every so often when he woke up in the morning there were times when he had no choice but to relieve himself in the bathroom because the feeling wouldnt subside at all. What he felt at the moment of org*sm was the same pleasure followed by displeasure and a sense of shame he felt this very minute. Thats why he couldnt understand why others felt immense pleasure from such a thing. Even worse, the act was being done not by himself but by someone else. It gave him goosebumps just imagining someone else touching his private part, and he couldnt believe it was making him feel good. He wondered if this was what being a pervert felt like.


    The present Kalion, however, decided to acknowledge it. That if his feeling pleasure from this act was considered perverted. No doubt he was probably a sick, twisted pervert.


    But this is really Kalion struggled to raise his hand like a poorly made wooden doll. Then, cing his fingers in between the strands of Ernas moving head, he pushed softly.


    Ahh


    As soon as her soft hair wrapped between his fingers like waves, he pulled her hair back, thinking it shouldnt be like this. It was a touch full of desire. I wish you would do this more. Erna, just a little bit more. To me.


    Arrgh!


    His action sent Ernas lips further, his pen*s deeper down her throat. Surprised, her teeth slightly scratched his shaft. When that happened, it grew evenrger inside her mouth.

 Chapter 58.2

    Actually, Erna, as much as Kalion, couldnt get her head on straight.


    This isnt what I was thinking. But the moment Kalion mumbled something after meeting her gaze, Erna took turns thinking about the pen*s in her mouth and what he had said and then came to an arbitrary conclusion.


    So, do it with my mouth?


    If this were normal, she would throw a fist at him and ask if he was crazy. However, Erna, whose head was already mixed up with embarrassment due to her initiating this blowj*b, had no time to think rationally. And most of all, the problem was Kalion was staring at her.


    He only had two ways of looking at her: When he was annoyed and when heughed at her. But today he was different. The way he stared nkly at her now made him seem like he was eager for something. It was Ernas first time to see him so serious and desperate.


    She had no choice but to move at that stare. He looked at her with that face, but he had decided to be aggressive today anyway, so she thought she should pay him back for the effort he had put in alone


    Even though she had made up her mind, she too didnt know much about how to please him. All of her knowledge about it hade from the love novels she secretly peeked at when the other wizards werent around. Thats why she felt repulsive when she had grabbed his thing and put her lips around it.


    Never once in her life had she thought that she would put her lips on a mans pen*s. And the fact that it was Kalion made her feel even worse. She then nced up at him.


    Kalion had a look on his face that Erna had never seen before. His crimson cheeks, heavy breathing, and twisted face. Gasping with a dreamy look, he reacted violently just by Ernas slight movement. Under the light from themp, she could see drops of sweat flowing down his chest. His heavily expanding chest cast a shaking shadow over the bed.


    And at that moment, Erna didnt think this act she was doing was difficult anymore. Kalions body shivered even at the tiniest movement from her. His face was redder than it had been a few seconds ago. Thats why Erna, forgetting about the rising heat in her head, stayed concentrated on sucking and licking.


    It was sorge that she could only fit so much into her mouth.


    Am I doing this right?


    From Kalions reaction, it didnt look like she was doing a poor job, but seeing that all this was her first time, she couldnt tell if she was going too slow or too fast. Then, Kalions hand grabbed her head and pressed down as if asking to do it better. Due to the sudden movement of her head, Erna, taken aback by his sudden action, ended up scraping her teeth on his pen*s.


    Kalion let out a shriek before shoving her away. Having been suddenly pushed, she felt scared. Did I do something wrong? Her face sunk. It wasnt on purpose. All he wanted her to do was suck it better.


    At that moment, Kalions penis, which had extended to its limit, shot out fiercely arge load of sticky sem*n. The warm liquidnded unapologetically on Ernas stomach, chest, and chin.


    Oh


    She didnt say a word as she was sprayed with thick sem*n, only sitting calmly staring at it.


    Sh*t.


    Kalion was the first to speak; muttering clumsily as he struggled to stand up. His face distorted and nched with fear. Seeing him that way made Erna even more hesitant to move. Did I do something wrong? Dont tell me I hurt him just now


    Suddenly left alone on the bed, she slowly wiped off with her hands what had been sprayed on her body. This isnt the time or ce. First wipe it off, then


    Because of the heat growing in her head, however, she couldnt pull herself up ordingly. Eventually, as soon as Erna, who was about to get up, staggered and fell back on the bed, Kalions voice came from across the room.


    Hey! Hold still.


    She thought he had left the room. Kalion came running from the direction of his room. While watching him scurry over toward the bed she noticed a wet towel in his hand. As soon as he arrived at the bed, he hurriedly wiped her body down with it.


    Sh*t. That was my fault. I didnt intend to do that. Seriously! He eximed, wiping her down frantically. Erna opened her mouth to interrupt his gibberish and asked, You didnt want to do that?


    What?


    Just now you were frowning.


    Oh, uh Its not like I didnt like it or anything.


    Kalion replied in a hurry. He didnt know why she acted this way all of a sudden, but he instinctively realized now that if he answered here that he didnt like it, he could never feel the crazy pleasure from a while ago again. And it wasnt something he didnt like. It had just embarrassed him. Why was Erna doing this to him?


    Before she knew it, Kalion had wiped her entire body. Then his fingers fiddled with the buttons on her pajamas. If this were the normal Kalion, she would consider him weird and just fix her own buttons and go to sleep. But she didnt want that today.


    What is up with you today? he asked.


    I just thought Id try to be diligent. Since y-y-youve been putting in so much effort.


    Ernas face turned even redder.


    So, are you ready to put in the effort now? she asked.


    Y-y-yeah? That way we can make a sessor


    He couldnt finish speaking because Ernas body had fallen backward. As he climbed on top of her, he began to take off his pajamas with one hand.


    You said youre trying to be more diligent, didnt you?


    He took off his shirt and grabbed Ernas pajamas.


    Keep your word.

 Chapter 59.1

    Ernas pajamas instantly fell beneath the bed. There was no time to scream or stop Kalion. He quickly took off everything she was wearing andid her down on the bed.


    Hey, w-wait a sec!


    The shocked Erna gripped his arms, but that wasnt enough to stop him. Kalion, in fact, had already mentally left this world.


    He had always been the one moving in the rtionship. Erna had moved first a few times, but it was only a handful. Most of the time she would lie down quietly with her eyes closed, just waiting for him. So sometimes Kalion was anxious. Was it actually that he was terribly bad at it? Wasnt it true that doing something a lot didnt make you good at it?


    Kalion thought that this kind of behavior from her was inevitable, since she wasnt doing it because she wanted to. But gradually he felt sorry for her. Now, he was feeling pleasure from her that he could not refuse.


    Recently, except for the demon subjugation, nothing about work had kept him upte with his knights. Unlike before when something happened, he had handed over most of his work to Cedric, returned to his room sharply in case he waste, washed up, and came to the couples bedroom.


    The more he enjoyed his time spent with her, the more he thought about Erna having to constantly endure this ce. It wasnt like they would continue to have s*x unless a baby was born anyway. Thats why she didnt need to think too much about the s*x. Unlike the first hard time, which had been difficult, wasnt it good enough now to spend the night together without any problems? But Kalion came to find out that he was wanting much more.


    He wished that Erna would moan louder. It would be better if she screamed his name. And he wanted her to want him like he wanted her.


    At first, he thought it was a self-confidence problem. Because he had thought he looked ugly and needy when he grabbed the motionless Erna and moved his waist on top of her. Thats why he had urged her to move more. If only they could enjoy this time together; if only she got pleasure from him.


    Kalion spread Ernas legs again and a tingly feeling in Ernasher regions returned. She was already wet down there. If he were likest time, he would have tried to stick his erect manhood inside her. But not this time.


    Kalion lowered his head and slowly licked her inner thighs.


    Ah!


    Then, the surprised Erna twisted her body. Kalions eyes glistened. As expected, her body was sensitive when she was scared. So that made it even better.


    What are uh, you trying to


    Her voice trembled slightly at this different-from-normal behavior of his. Kalion carefully ced his lips in the same spot as ifforting her. Erna let out a short moan each time he did. At the same time, Kalion could see it; the wet, contracting form of her v*gina, which he had been inside countless times before.


    He swallowed dryly. He felt the sense of urgency from long ago he got every time he hugged Erna. An urgency that never went away no matter how much water he drank; no matter how many times he licked and kissed her body. His lips moved to a deeper ce. The moment Erna, who had noticed what he was trying to do, wiggled in surprise, but Kalion held her legs tighter and moved his lips to the ce he wanted.


    His nose seemed to open the wet opening and his thick tongue prated her.


    Ah! Ah!


    Ernas arms tapped the bedsheets like crazy. But all there was to grab were wrinkled sheets. Because he held her legs tightly, she had no choice but to struggle like a beast caught in a trap.


    Kalion, getting what he wanted, licked her v*gina like he had begged for it.


    Oh St-stop it! Kalion!


    She tried to push his head that was shoved in between her legs, but he didnt move. She had no choice but to ept the stimulus that hit her from below.


    Oh!


    And the moment Kalions tongue hit a sensitive spot inside her, her eyes widened and her body shook. Erna realized that something wasing out of her, and Kalion was swallowing it!


    Hey, why


    An unbearable sense of shame and humiliation made her mind go nk. She had experienced an org*sm several times before. Today, however, was different. How How could he Shocked and ready to scream, she realized something at that moment: Hadnt she done this to him a little while ago?


    At a loss of words, she ced her two hands over her mouth. A star shed in front of her and her waist trembled finely. A thunder-like tremor hit her every time Kalion moved his tongue. It was until after a long time that he lifted his head. She felt deathly embarrassed as she soon figured out what the liquid that stained his lips was.


    Lifting his body, heughed as he wiped the back of his hand across his mouth.


    Lets do it, Erna.


    Erna had never been so afraid of him, whose smile looked innocent like a child who knew nothing.

 Chapter 59.2

    Kalion stared over at Erna who was in a deep sleep. He couldnt remember how many times they had done it. All that he could remember was that they had explored one anothers bodies like crazy. He caressed her body, which still hadnt cooled down. Erna had left on his body as many marks as he had left on hers. Kalion slightly raised the nket that covered her body. Underneath, he could see her body covered in reddish marks.


    He recalled Erna crying on top of him, with her body full of bruises. He had purposely ced her on top. The moment she had fallen down exhausted, not knowing what to do, her face had twisted terribly and she also


    were so cute.


    At that moment, Kalion jumped up in surprise. Because of that, the mattress shook, and Erna curled her body up with a groan. He hurriedly pulled the nket over her again before standing up from the bed and sitting down in a chair next to the bed.


    What did I just say? Cute? Her?


    He bowed his head with his hands deep in his hair. Heat spread to his ears, causing his eyes to burn. But no matter how much he shook his head, no matter how much he rubbed his face, he couldnt get the image of Ernas face at that moment out of his head. He then grabbed the innocent armrests. Crack. There was a sound of tree bark splitting.


    Did I injure my head without realizing it?


    If it wasnt because of the poison of the demon, as the priest had said, wouldnt it mean that he just had weird things going on in his head? But why? Why just now? Was it the feeling that people talked about? If he slept without someone else besides Erna, would it go away?


    Kalion absently ced his hand over his mouth. It was very brief, but if his wife wasnt Erna If he had faced this situation with another woman


    When he thought up until there, a physiological disgust turned his stomach upside down.


    Actually, Kalion had gotten a lot of temptations. It was especially when he went out to conquer the demons and stayed nearby because it took a long time. There were times whenndowners and their daughters seduced him. Each time, Kalion stared at them with a face like he had heard the most blood-curdling sound in the world.


    He had never wanted anyone before. But howe now Of all times


    He scratched his troubled head as he turned his body. His thoughts turned to Erna. He had called her a pumpkin when she was young, but now she was a beauty acknowledged by anyone in Hessenguard. Erna had been tempted by others just as much as him. Perhaps there was a foolish person who thought that his seed would grow in Ernas womb andter be the future Grand Duke of Hessenguard.


    Snap! One armrest of the chair which had shaken under Kalions grip a while ago eventually broke this time.


    Who was it? Wait, I dont need to know. Because Ill just snap his neck if I see him.


    Kalion burned his hostility by huffing and puffing at an imaginary opponent, who might have been there for a long time or not. Then, he saw the Piece of the Sea that Erna had ced on the table in the corner of his eye. It glistened brightly as it was absorbing the morning sun rising over the mountains.


    Kalion squinted his eyes. Dont tell me Erna changed her mind because of that thing. He recalled her, who was still asleep, grabbing it and hesitating as she said she would give it back to him.


    It was the most versatile thing among the relics found at the ancient site and was sought out by many. And most of all it was pretty.


    All of a sudden, he remembered when Erna had said that she was thinking of trying harder. Dont tell me it was because she found that, he thought.


    Stopping there, he shot up from his chair. The broken armrest rolled around on the carpet, but he rushed to his room without looking at it. And after a while when he returned to the couples bedroom his face had a proud smile. Until Cedric came to his door, knocking urgently.


    ***


    Mmm Erna felt thirsty as soon as she woke up. Kalion. Some water, please She called out to him naturally but didnt receive a reply. She rolled over to the edge of the bed and raised herself, stifling a yawn.


    As she opened her eyes, she could feel it. Her condition was different from normal. At first, she thought that it was because she and Kalion had had s*x like crazy, but the dizziness was more severe than the soreness. Thankfully, having curled her body up for a bit, the tingly feeling disappeared, but she was still thirsty.


    Forcing her eyes open, she scanned the room. But Kalion was nowhere to be found. She wondered if he had gone to his room for a bit, but there was no sound of his return. In the end, Erna forced herself out of bed, put on her pajamas which had been flung to the floor, and headed to the table where the water kettle was. Something shy caught her attention right when she reached out to grab a cup.


    Huh?


    Looking down at the table, her eyes grew twice in size. There was the Piece of the Sea. So it wasnt a problem to have it. If it was a problem


    Did they multiply?


    The Piece of the Sea, which had obviously been one piece, had somehow be five pieces.

 Chapter 60.1

    Erna had never heard of the Piece of the Sea splitting into multiple pieces. If so, then this meant that someone had brought more pieces here. Of course, that someone would be none other than Kalion. Because even if she searched the entire continent for the one who had brought this here, there was only one person.


    He said that there werent any more. She recalled his expression fromst timestaring at her like she was crazywhen she told him to give her all of them. He had sworn up and down that there werent anymore, but anyone could tell that he had clearly been lying.


    But she had said she knew there were more in Kalions room, but she couldnt possibly go through his things because he had found them, so she had given up on getting more. Erna hadnt forgotten about them, though.


    There wasnt a reason for Kalion to take this and put it here in the first ce. So no matter how much she tried her best to doubt it, this was obviously a sign of him giving it to her.


    Erna looked down at the crystals in her hand which made a crunch sound as she moved them around her palm. The blue light shone so translucently under the morning sun.


    It sure is pretty. Looking at the sun rays beaming off the crystals, she realized the blue color looked like something she had seen before. Now, what was it?


    At that moment, she remembered. The blue eyes that had stared at her all through the night. Eyes that widened every time she moved her hips; eyes that squinted every time she groaned.


    Erna closed her eyes as she fell onto the bed again. It was good that she remembered that the color was pretty, but was she reminiscing about Kalions eyes? As she tried to raise herself again, she knew her hip was sore and wouldnt budge. She had overdone herselfst time.


    We really did go crazy. She could remember up until the third time, but from then all she could recall were bits and pieces, like someone had sliced her memories with a knife.


    Erna fumbled around a little between her legs. Last night, Kalion pestered her with his tongue like a mad man. Thanks to this, she had org*smed several times while crying in shame. After a long time when herher regions became soft and sticky, he lifted her legs, wrapped them around his waist, and slowly attempted to enter.


    Normally, she would have epted him with a little pain, but it hade inside her smoothly without difficulty. The moment the tip of his manhood reached Ernas deepest spot, she reached org*sm again.


    Do you know that you are extremely sensitive right now?


    Erna hated how he grinned while talking. Just a moment he was panting between her legs. As she stared at him while trying to catch her breath, the corners of his mouth curled up as if he was having a good time. Then she felt his thing poking around inside, thrusting. After a while, Kalions smiling face stiffened.


    You really


    It was probably from that moment that the two of them started coveting one another like crazy.


    Erna, wondering if she should get under the nket, struggled to raise herself. The room was still quiet and the door connected to Kalions room was still closed tightly. It didnt look like he would return. Erna then felt the vastness and stillness of the room. Was it possible to feel the difference of having one less person in a room?


    But he was a bit weird.


    She pressed the back of her hand against her cheek. They had done it to the point where she couldnt tell if they had been arguing or just having s*x. But yesterday, strangely, Kalion kept putting his lips down there. Each time he did, Erna turned her head to avoid his lips. She didnt understand at the time. Why it was so embarrassing to have his lips touch her while their bodies rubbed together.


    So she had pushed him away a few times, but he had persistently taken over her neck and bre*sts with his lips as if he would do it elsewhere if she didnt like him kissing her face. At the same time, the lower half of his body never rested. Erna hugged Kalions neck tightly and also moved together with him in unison.


    Thats why Kalion had been rougher than usual, and Erna had taken him all the way inside her.


    Then, when he reached climax, Kalion hugged her closer as he released his juice as deep as he could inside her. Around the time when the two of them were catching their breaths,panting, she thought Kalion would let go of her, but not only did he not, he hadid down with her still in his arms. Erna, who had used his body as a bed, had moved to try to get off of him, but he didnt let go of her. Eventually, she becamepletely exhausted and gave up on releasing herself from his arms, and he stroked her head as if telling her shed done a good job.


    At that touch, she closed her eyes without realizing it and left her body to him. His hand, which had been stroking her head for a long time, came down to her back and patted her slowly. Erna fell asleep feeling that.

 Chapter 60.2

    She looked at the Piece of the Sea in her hand. Was this her reward forst night? Had she done a good job? Had he enjoyed it?


    Not this


    She would rather him give her a cup of water or something when she woke up.


    Somehow him not being next to her was upsetting, so Erna got out of bed and headed to his room. After setting the crystals in a drawer and taking a shower, she discovered Orp in the room.


    Youre awake, madam?


    Y-yeah.


    Her head was still hazy even after showering. On top of that, she could barely move her shoulders and neck, like something was mping them down. When Erna turned her shoulders with a grim look, Orp, who had been watching her for a while, went out to bring a meal; a long timeter, she dragged in a cart containing several trays.


    Wait, how much did you Oh, you dont look too good, so I think you should eat. This should be enough. Orp somehow seemed to be enjoying this moment.


    Do you like how I am in pain?


    How could I? I brought this food because I was worried.


    Erna looked down at the food Orp was putting out in front of her. Having worked under Erna for such a long time, she was clearly aware of what Erna liked: freshly washed and delicious fruits, thick yogurt with honey and nuts sprinkled on top, and crunchy vegetables. The freshly baked bread next to it smelled savory.


    Erna, who was usually reluctant to eat a lot, realized how full of food the table was. But she took just one bite of bread before cing it back down, and after taking a sip of juice her hands didnt move.


    Madam Erna? Whats wrong?


    When she did not want to eat anymore and stared quietly at the table, Orp approached her with a worried look.


    For some reason, I dont feel like eating.


    At her words, Orp turned around and stared in the direction of Kalions room.


    Actually, she had figured it out from the moment she saw Erna. That the two must have had an amazing night together. Erna, who had always been energetic, was staggering to the point where her hands were shaking. The reason Orp hadnt run to Kalion and grabbed him by the cor was that Erna didnt hate him that much rather.


    She looked exhausted, buttely, her face had gotten smoother. At the least, Kalion would never force her to do something. Still, they had to do it moderately!


    As Orp was looking past the wall, Erna asked with a strange look on her face, Orp? Whats wrong?


    Oh, its n-nothing.


    Orp, hastily diverting her gaze from Kalions room, slid a cup of tea to Erna as she started to report what had happenedst night.


    Marquis Canavan is still swollen badly and delegates want to send a letter to Haband as soon as possible. I think the remaining knights are nning to visit the border area to escort them.


    Remaining knights?


    Oh, and Lord Kalion went out this morning to vanquish some demons. It means the remaining knights who didnt join him.


    At Orps words, Erna now realized why Kalion was gone when she woke up.


    Where this time? And how many demons? Which type?


    Oh Hold on one second!


    Normally when Kalion went out to hunt for demons, Erna only nodded with an all right and didnt ask furthermore. But when she suddenly asked back, Orp scurried over to the desk to check the reports that hade in this morning. At the same time, Erna was restless, waiting for her reply.


    There was nothing particrly new about Kalions going out to hunt demons. Wasnt it something he had to do as the grand duke? But why was Erna unusually curious about it this time?


    The number is low, and its the flying type. Those are feisty ones.


    And the location?


    The location Oh, I see Its a ce called Ilgees Forest.


    Ilgees Forest. Erna right away could remember where it was. It was because of Ilgees Forest that Kalion and Erna had had an earnest conversation for the first time when they had that awkward moment in the bedroom before.


    It was chaotic at first, so he had quickly told her to sit down, and the next day, the two had a serious talk in front of the map of Ilgees Forest and its surroundings. Then, she had found out that Kalion answered quite in detail and steadilymore than she had expected.


    She thought deeply with her chin cupped in her hand. If he went out to hunt demons, he would return in a few days. If so, then she could rest at night. However


    She then thought about the chilly feeling of being alone when she woke up in the morning; the quietness when she called his name. She asked Orp, Flying demons must be dangerous, right?


    Of course. But Lord Kalion would have no prob


    No, I think it will be dangerous for him.


    Pardon?


    On top of that, our wizards dont really have any experience fighting flying demons. Even so, I thought they needed to practice at least once, but now the demons have appeared. So, I think it will be good for them to go out and help him What do you think?


    Orp had no choice but to nod at the question that already seemed to have a fixed answer.

 Chapter 61.1

    Crackle. Bonfires that had been built and lit by the knights burned throughout the forest.


    The night was the time when demons became stronger. On top of that, the ones that hade out this time were the types that could fly up into the sky. Not knowing when they would attack from above, the knights quickly recognized their approach and set bonfires all over the campsite so that in case of an emergency they could light up their arrows and shoot them.


    Is there a need for all of this? We caught two during the day already, grumbled one knighta recent recruitas he threw more firewood into a bonfire.


    Anyone would say that catching two demons is an easy task. Frankly, it was Lord Kalion who caught them.


    Nevertheless


    The rookie knight recalled the battle that had happened during the day.


    ***


    Not long after they had entered the forest ck shadows had appeared from above, and they had all looked up at the sky in a defensive position.


    Theyre here!


    All of them gulped at the sight of the hideous monsters; these beings were things that had crossed over from some unknown world. So, there were many times when they did not understand themon sense of this world.


    What had flown over the knights heads were living beings with no eyes, nose, or lips. Only charred figures like they had been burnt to a crisp. The demons hadrge wings which made them look like flying carcasses. Some had five wings, some had three wings. On top of that, they had about six human-like arms protruding from their bodies.


    Upon first look, all of the knights had felt cold sweat rolling down their necks.


    Perhaps the demons had recognized that the knights were difficult to deal with, they had let out a bizarre sound and roamed above the forest.


    Everyone in the defense position!


    When Cedric yelled, his team members all guarded themselves with their shields, never taking their eyes off of the flying monsters. Amidst that, one of the demons quickly came lower but was struck with a shield. It was about asrge as a full-grown human male. Its power was enormous because it had hit the shield at a high speed as it had fallen from the sky.


    nk! The moment the knight who had absorbed the hit fell backward and stumbled, another one of the demons circling the sky had bolted down toward them, trying to attack while avoiding the shields. However, before it could snatch up a knight with its ws a blood-curdling shriek came from inside the forest.


    Lord Kalion!


    The severed leg of one of the demonsshed violently beside the knights while Kalion, after shielding himself from the blood of the demon with his thick cape, shouted at the defending knights, Aim your arrows and shoot!


    At that moment, the ones wielding their bows and arrows ducked under the shields of the surrounding knights as tight as they could before aiming their fire-d arrows up and shooting. The demons hurriedly flew high in the sky even while knowing that they had the means to attack them. But one of them, which had three wings and couldnt keep up with the others, was struck on its side, sending it plummeting to the ground.


    Landing with a thud, it was iling around like it had broken its arm or legit was difficult to tell which body part it was. As the knights approached it to surround the area, the demon made a deafening sound, threatening them.


    Sh*t, this things got a hell of a temper.


    Looking at the demon on the ground pping its body, Cedric ran his fingers through his hair in an annoyed manner. It was a robust monster that had probably only recently entered this world. Had Cedric not been so lucky, he might have had to confront it for at least one extra day.


    Cedric thought about which of the two demons that had fallen to the ground should be tortured first. But that became a pointless worry after only a few seconds. Kalion beheaded the one that had almost wed the knight who had stumbled to the ground. His sharp sword came down on its thick neck, dug into the muscles, and severed the bone.


    Cedric could tell from the relentless attitude of Kalion. He is really pissed right now. Of course, he could guess the reason. Id be a fool if I couldnt guess after seeing him this morning.


    Cedric had truly wanted to die when he stood in front of Kalions room to report the appearance of the demons. It was a fact that he knew that Erna and Kalion were spending their nights together these days. Because the scratches under his cor had been caused by human nails.


    On top of that, the recent Kalion had gone back to his humble abode. Of course, he used to move swiftly in the past, but if there was still a matter of the knights, he stayed upte to hone their skills, but now all of that had disappeared. And Cedric knew quite well that it was dangerous for Kalion to be with Erna.


    But how could he feel good after knocking on the bedroom door early this morning? As expected, Kalions body, which had only been covered in a bathrobe, was full of reddish marks.


    Upon receiving Cedrics report, Kalion, clearly bothered, had ordered him to get ready to depart. The first time that had ever happened. Normally the first one to go out to catch demons was Kalion. How could he be so annoyed like that?


    Isnt this dangerous? But there was no way Cedric could tell him that a husband shouldnt leave his wife behind. As they departed from the Grand Castle, he had given one order to Cerdric: Try your hardest to finish this as quickly as possible so that I can return.


    But


    Cedric sighed as he saw the demons flying in the distance. Returning early would be an impossible feat.

 Chapter 61.2

    The knights, after gathering the demons remains, hung the corpses around. This was an act to lure the ones that had flown away on purpose because they had confirmed that these men had camaraderie.


    The rookie knight, still thinking about the battle from earlier, stared into the night sky with his face twisted like he had manure smeared on his face. Then, he heard a rustling noise and felt a presence behind him.


    He, along with the other knights who had built the bonfires, branded their swords and scanned where the noise hade from. Soon, however, they sighed and lowered their swords. The approaching sound was obviously a human, a civilian. Otherwise, it wouldnt have been this chaotic.


    Soon after, several more people appeared from the forest roads. Standing in front of the knights, Cedric sighed as soon as he saw the emerging figures. The ones who had found their campsite were the chief and the residents of the surrounding vige.


    My, oh my! Fes.


    The vige chief ran with a weing face as soon as he saw them. Looking behind him, there were young men sloppily holding swords and women dressed in colorful clothes that did not match the mood of the night forest.


    He could tell just by looking at them. It wasmon for heads of neighboring viges or cities to bring their children with them when they went out to hunt the evil demons. Anyway, their visit waste today as this was a forest.


    Lets see. That one over there who cant even hold a sword properly would be his son and thedy dressed colorfully must be his daughter, right? Cedric thought. He was sure that the vige chief would beg him to enlist his son in the knight guild and would want his daughter tofort Kalion. Wait, why havent I let him know the rules of our guild?


    If someone gets in a rtionship with a person at the mission site, they will be kicked out, and if the rtionship turns out to have been made by coercion, they will be executed.


    Of course, if the rtionship was really meant to be, there was no problem in inviting the significant other to the capital and officially reporting the rtionship to the knights. However, many people had such vain thoughts because it was known that the invitation waspletely omitted ording to the rules and that the knights were finding girlfriends at the mission site.


    What is going on here? I would have told you to refrain froming out as much as possible until the end of the demon hunt, said Cedric.


    My, oh my! You remember well. But you knights are fighting tooth and nail, so I cannot just sit back calmly. Im here to give my strength, even if its a little. And you all may be a little hungry, so we brought some food.


    Why hadnt he known that it would be better for them to sit back calmly? On top of that, unless the knights absolutely needed it, they never ate outside food, fearing it may beced with poison.


    As Cedric approached, thinking he should send them back before they offend Kalion, a low voice came from behind.


    What is going on?


    At Kalions voice, Cedric pressed his temple. It was wrong to send them back quietly.


    As soon as Kalion approached him the vige chiefs daughter rushed forward and greeted him. She seemed to have tried to look elegant but only came across as clumsy and sloppy.


    Wee, Lord Kalion. I am Freya; we met this morning.


    I asked, what is going on. At his cold demeanor despite her politeness, Freya winced for a second before bowing deeply at the waist.


    Indeed, she had confidence. She was called the best beauty in the vige. The vige men would easily grant her any request at the mere appearance of her smile. These days, Freyas confidence was at its peak since a rich man from the nearbyrge city continually bought her presents and talked of marriage.


    Meanwhile, this morning, when Kalion came to the vige to hunt for demons she thought she would pursue Lord Kalion. She couldnt be his wife since he had Madam Erna, but it was clear that she would be happy even if it was a government position where she would only receive love for her appearance and body. On top of that, they still didnt have any sessor.


    Freya didnt know the detailed reason, but they had no children despite being married for over ten years. That alone was evidence that their rtionship was not harmonious. If so, then couldnt she enter the heart of Lord Kalion, who doesnt even love his wife? If I birth his child, he might cherish me even more, she thought. She stared at Kalion while filling her head with delusions.


    Her face naturally disyed an outcry. The shadow cast on her face every time the bonfire swayed added yet more sense of distance to her beautiful face. Her tall figure suited themander of the knights more than the grand duke, but her face showed arrogance; she seemed ustomed to dominating and ordering others around.


    Any minute now hes going to scold me to go back, Cedric dreaded. He was about to cover his ears as he prepared for Kalions angry voice.


    You, can youe closer for a second?


    Unlike her expectation, he called Freya toe to him. At that order, she smiled brightly while Cedric stared nkly with his jaw wide open. Up until now, he had never seen Kalion tell a woman in that manner toe to him.


    D-dont tell me His eyes shook mercilessly at this novel scene. He turned around. The knights standing behind him, their eyes as big as dinner tes, were also shocked at what was happening; a few of them were even seen whispering to each other. I thought he was into Madam Erna, but is he just into women in general? Cedrics face was nched.


    Kalion, not paying any attention to the others, just stared at Freya in front of him. Perhaps Freyas confidence had shot up as he stared because she soon approached him.


    Oh my! Then, she poorly pretended to stumble and clung to Kalion, so everyone would know. I apologize. Im just scared because I thought there were monsters around My legs just gave out.


    The knights cleared their throats and chuckled as if they had heard her say Take me to your tent. It was at that moment when they stepped in and tried to stop her, thinking it had been a long time since she had done something so ssic, so childish.


    Is that so? Then it would be best for you to go home and rest.


    Everyone heard the chilling voice behind them. Every person on the campsite suddenly turned their heads at the voice they had heard. And like everyone else, Kalion, looking there, stuttered with his mouth wide open.


    Er-Ern-Erna?


    Standing there alongside Erna was a pale Orp.

 Chapter 62.1

    Damn it.


    Inside a tent installed in the campsite, Kalion grumbled as he cupped his chin. He had been in the same condition since this morning.


    No matter how often demons appeared, once he showed up, it became quiet for about two weeks, but he didnt know theyd show up again so soon. For the ones that didnt have any particr threat, he could send Cedric or his knights, but for the flying types. he had to grit his teeth and leave his castle.


    It was possible to hit them with arrows, but they had an extra defense. So he didnt miss the moment when a flying demon swooped down to the ground, and it was quite difficult to catch because he had to attack it.


    No matter how few demons there were, his unit of soldiers could be exterminated if theycked the skills and techniques to deal with them.


    And the most annoying thing to Kalion about the demons


    taking a long time.


    They sometimes had to be caught over the course of several weeks if there were enough of them. It made Kalion nervous thinking about how a few years ago when he had gone to catch about ten of them and spent two months stuck in the mountains waiting for them.


    The Piece of the Sea that he had left on the nightstand crossed his mind.


    I wanted to watch her wake up beforeing here.


    He thought about how Erna had begged him to wait a little longer when he had given her the Piece of the Sea for the first time. Erna hadnt a clue what to do when hed given her only one. She had told him to take it back because she didnt need it, but Kalion had seen that her gaze wouldnt look away from it and the way she held onto it when she fell asleep.


    It was something he had gathered because it had made him wonder if she would need itter. Kalion had taken it out of the safe in his room and ced it on the nightstand. She would like that, he thought.


    In front of others, she tended to show off like a true grand duchess, but in front of him, Erna was disorganized. Somehow she may have jumped from the bed, saying how good the stone was. If he were really there with her, she would say to him Youre really giving me this? Thank you!


    Kalion ran his hand down his crimson face. Nothing had happened, but somehow his cheeks were hot and tingly as if something had touched them.


    Alone in his delusional thoughts, he looked down between his legs after a while. Since Erna was not here, it was well stored in his pants. Kalion stared sincerely at that part of his body, and he thought about the time when someones red lips were wrapped on his manhood. That feeling was so amazing that he could die right away. But where he wanted her lips to be was not there. Why on earth did she choose to look down instead?


    He let out a sigh as he closed his eyes. Night patrols were fair from Kalion to the new recruits, so he had to get a little shuteye now, which was break time. Shortly after, however, he opened his eyes back up as he tossed and turned. He kept thinking about his time with Erna whenever he closed his eyes to try to go to sleep.


    I couldnt go to the end.


    Last night, as they rolled around together, Kalion had sought Ernas lips over and over. Erna had turned her head every time, however. In the end, he had even failed at kissing her lips. They had had s*x as much as he wanted, but why did he have toin to himself because he only remembered that moment?


    Does she not like me? Kalion could not understand. Wait So she didnt want his lips on her lips, but it was okay to lick her down there? Does that make sense? He turned over again and closed his eyes. This time he thought of something else.


    Ernas words that she would work hard were not false. Aside from the part when she wouldnt kiss his lips, Erna had really moved aggressively during everything else. She had hugged him, moved her body with him, even giggled in surprise when he ej*cted inside her, cing her legs around his waist. Kalion could thrust himself deeper inside her.


    To be honest, he felt the pleasure of his brain melting even when he moved alone, but when Ernas body joined him, the pleasure seemed to have doubled or multiplied tenfold.


    Their sweaty flesh rubbed on one another, but far from being unpleasant, he was impatient because he couldnt reach more. When his finger had inteced with her fingers and he began to thrust firmly, she moaned and her v*ginal walls tightened. Every time that happened, Kalion had to concentrate with all his might. If he didnt, he probably would have ej*cted too early on.


    When Erna, who had run out of stamina first after going at it for hours like animals, was exhausted and sprawled on the bed, Kalion had taken her in an embrace and put her on top of him. Her voluptuous bre*sts were sagging over his chest, giving him pleasant pressure. Her sweaty hair covered his stomach like a nket, and Kalion gently raised his hand to tidy up her hair. Then, as he patted her tiny head, Ernas eyes slowly fluttered closed.


    Soon, he hugged her, who fell asleep breathing softly, and he was overwhelmed in pleasant fatigue. Before long, his fingertips were softly tapping her back. Somehow, he felt good that she had fallen asleep without knowing he was touching her like this. Kalion grabbed her body and raised her.


    If he kissed her like this


    As he stared nkly at her sleeping face, however, he carefully ced her body back on top of him again. He didnt want to covet someone who didnt know what was going on because she was sleeping. He wanted to see her reaction to his behavior when she was awake. Though she may p him across the face.

 Chapter 62.2

    Yawn.


    Kalion, unable to fall asleep, continued to toss and turn. He wanted to return as soon as possible. His body shot up the moment he thought that. After spacing out for a while, he swept his face down with his hand again.


    Up until now, never once had he thought about quickly returning home while out hunting for demons. That was a fact, because among his duties, it was one of the most basic things. No one was at the castle and no one was waiting for him there anyway. He had been thrown out of his home country, and not a single person in Hessenguard wanted him.


    Vanessa, the Chairman of the Hessenguard Council, treated him kindly, but otherwmakers he sometimes encountered looked at him as if they were dissatisfied with his angr face. They never fully expressed animosity toward him. But he was a grand duke that could be reced if they had to do so. At that time, his life would be in danger if someone just ran up and kicked down the castle door.


    In order to survive, Kalion had to recover and at the same time show that he was worth something. His body which had been abandoned in his home country could not be abandoned even here. He had to diligently do everything that was thrown at him. Diligence was not a virtue but a necessity for survival.


    The same would go for Erna.


    Kalion thought she would naturally leave before him since she had cried all day on the first day. When he had run into her at the Grand Castle, he thought she was still holding out. But when he thought about it, it was natural. Erna would have nowhere to go if she were thrown out of Hessenguard like him.


    Thinking about stuff from the past, he stood from his lying position. As expected, no matter how much he tried, sleeping was out of the question tonight. When he couldnt sleep a wink, conversing with the knights or keeping a watchful eye out for demons would be better.


    By the time he left the tent, the end of the campsite had be noisy. Kalion was also on alert, immediately drawing his sword, and soon found out that they were the vige people who had stopped by in the morning. I should send them back right away, he thought.


    At the sound of a womans voice, he felt a hatred deeper than before.


    Why in the hell do I think Erna will hug me after I left her?


    They were people he didnt understand. Why did he think a married man with a wife would want another woman? Then, as he approached, the woman named Freya came to greet him. Kalion, who was about to tell her to return to her vige, realized that Freya and Erna both had simr hair and eyes. So naturally, he looked her up and down.


    He sensed it deeply: Just because their hair and eyes had the same color didnt make them look simr.


    Despite having the same color, he felt different from when he met Erna. Ernas blonde hair shone even in darkness and was smoother than silk. And her eyes? When the sun rays hit her eyes, her green pupils looked like leaves on a tree.


    Kalion decided to onlypare the two women up until there. He would feel sorry if hepared their faces. Kalions eyes then fell to what Freya was wearing.


    Why doesnt Erna dress like this?


    Erna mainly dressed in arge robe worn by other wizards. And on days where she had political affairs meetings or when she had to do her duty as the grand duchess, she wore her duchess dress and robe.


    Even on banquet days, she was clothed in her grand duchess robe. Erna rarely wore colorful and pretty dresses. However, at the recent weing banquet held for the delegates from Haband, she wore something other than a robe for the first time in a long time. She seemed more out of her mind that day


    While staring at her outfit, Kalion thought, Should I buy her clothes like this when I go back? Kalion told Freya toe closer. Then Freya stumbled on purpose, and anyone could see her clinging to Kalions arm.


    At that moment, he felt unbearable displeasure, just like usual. He gravely hated when someone touched him, even more especially when it was a woman.


    But why Erna? Should he hug and kiss her first? At that time, the voice he wanted to hear so bad echoed loudly in his ears.


    Is that so? Then it would be best to go home and rest.


    Kalion winced and turned at the voice.


    Erna?


    At first, he thought his ears had tricked him. But the person he saw now was definitely Erna. Kalion shoved Freya from his arms and immediately ran to Erna.


    Erna? How did you?


    The shock was intense, but he was more pleased. The moment he tried to grab her though, she pped his hand away while ring at Freya and said, Why? Are you shocked you got caught?

 Chapter 63.1

    Shocked you got caught? It was a short but fierce sentence.


    If one werent an idiot, he could feel the thorns protruding from her words. That was certain. Her husband had been holding another woman in front of her eyes, and if her words hade out calmly thered be a problem.


    At Ernas chill voice, Kalion could feel his heart sink deeper inside his chest.


    N-no, its a misunder


    Sorry, I came too quickly and ruined the mood. Im such an airhead.


    Every word, every syble seemed to burn. Cedric, who stood behind Orp and Kalion, who stood behind Erna, talked with his mouth shaped like an o.


    Oh, what is going on? This is a misunderstanding, a real misunderstanding, Madam.


    Ernas eyes turned to Freya.


    The essories she had on were too colorful and already out of fashion. On top of that, she was revealing way too much, ording to Ernas standards. Frankly, Freyas outfit did not look good to Erna. But she is a cute one.


    The unique face of the youngdy who had only recently be an adult was cute and quite likable. She probably rattled the hearts of all the neighborhood boys. And maybe even Kalion.


    She thought about Kalions behavior from a few minutes ago in the thicket. When she had first seen her approaching, she thought he would scold her strictly, following the rules of the knights, and send her back immediately. However, contrary to her thoughts, Kalion had called the young woman up close and looked her up and down.


    At that appearance, Erna had felt a burning sensation in her chest. She hadnt even realized how tightly she was balling her fists. At first, she had almost immediately yelled out What the hell do you think youre doing? However, she soon realized that there was a reason to react like that.


    Why should I?


    Of course, since they were a married couple, she had the right to get angry and quibble about her husbands intentions. But they were a different kind of married couple from others. Partners who cooperated to make a childpulsory to prevent the husband from returning to his home country, leading to an inevitable political marriage. Was that all they were?


    Not long ago, Erna hadnt been interested in whether Kalion met other women or not. The same went for Kalion. And now, in fact, she was reluctant to say something about him meeting another woman.


    Thew of Hessenguard states that punishment shall not be given to a man or woman even if one of them finds another spouse. Instead, if the other person wanted a divorce, the one who had a rtionship with someone else became the guilty one, robbing his/her initial spouse of their property.


    If thats not a legal punishment, they can be criticized morally, but honestly, who would dare tell a grand duke he ought not to live that way. And more than anything, Erna was not in that sort of inseparable rtionship with Kalion.


    Erna exhaled heavily. She thought the burning in her chest would subside, but not alone did it not, it only made it raise even more.


    She couldnt even grab him by the cor and shake him in front of everyone. The authority of the grand duke was superior, so if Kalion asked what it had to do with her, Erna would really feel like shed kill him.


    Erna desperately gathered all of the remaining reasoning inside her and told the chief and the woman, This is a dangerous zone. So go back to your vige. Ill send wizards and knights so you wont run into any trouble on your way back.


    Fortunately, her time as the grand duchess over the past many years had helped her pretend to have a calm face and voice that did not tremble. However, that did not mean that her gaze was soft.


    Yes, Your Highness!


    At Ernas ring eyes, the chief hurriedly grabbed his daughters wrist and bowed his head. But Freya stared at Kalion with sorrowful eyes, unable to pick up her feet easily. Then her eyes met Ernas. They hadnt even spoken, but Erna could already tell that Freya had something she wanted to say to her: We would have had a good time only if you hadnte here.


    Ernas balled fists were now trembling.


    Departing for the Grand Castle, she grabbed Orp, who seemed to be yelling out if they really had to go, got on the horse, and bolted away. It wasnt a very rough road, but it wasntfortable enough to ride a horse over. On top of that, perhaps because she had spent the night with Kalion, there was still some pain leftover on her body. Erna had to clench her teeth whenever the horse jumped over a small puddle. Because each time it did, her hip throbbed with pain.


    Still, she sped on the horse because she was a little worried.


    Demons might suddenly appear in waves like before.


    She felt jittery from the moment she recalled the demons that had emerged from theke. No matter how prepared Kalion may be, it would be dangerous if flying-type demons poured out as much as then.


    But this was how it looked when one brought a fatigued body out of concern. Erna turned her back away from the chief and Freya, who had been taken away by the knights and wizards. And from Kalion as well.


    She didnt even want to see him now.

 Chapter 63.2

    Shocked you got caught? It was a short but fierce sentence.


    If one werent an idiot, he could feel the thorns protruding from her words. That was certain. Her husband had been holding another woman in front of her eyes, and if her words hade out calmly thered be a problem.


    At Ernas chill voice, Kalion could feel his heart sink deeper inside his chest.


    N-no, its a misunder


    Sorry, I came too quickly and ruined the mood. Im such an airhead.


    Every word, every syble seemed to burn. Cedric, who stood behind Orp and Kalion, who stood behind Erna, talked with his mouth shaped like an o.


    Oh, what is going on? This is a misunderstanding, a real misunderstanding, Madam.


    Ernas eyes turned to Freya.


    The essories she had on were too colorful and already out of fashion. On top of that, she was revealing way too much, ording to Ernas standards. Frankly, Freyas outfit did not look good to Erna. But she is a cute one.


    The unique face of the youngdy who had only recently be an adult was cute and quite likable. She probably rattled the hearts of all the neighborhood boys. And maybe even Kalion.


    She thought about Kalions behavior from a few minutes ago in the thicket. When she had first seen her approaching, she thought he would scold her strictly, following the rules of the knights, and send her back immediately. However, contrary to her thoughts, Kalion had called the young woman up close and looked her up and down.


    At that appearance, Erna had felt a burning sensation in her chest. She hadnt even realized how tightly she was balling her fists. At first, she had almost immediately yelled out What the hell do you think youre doing? However, she soon realized that there was a reason to react like that.


    Why should I?


    Of course, since they were a married couple, she had the right to get angry and quibble about her husbands intentions. But they were a different kind of married couple from others. Partners who cooperated to make a childpulsory to prevent the husband from returning to his home country, leading to an inevitable political marriage. Was that all they were?


    Not long ago, Erna hadnt been interested in whether Kalion met other women or not. The same went for Kalion. And now, in fact, she was reluctant to say something about him meeting another woman.


    Thew of Hessenguard states that punishment shall not be given to a man or woman even if one of them finds another spouse. Instead, if the other person wanted a divorce, the one who had a rtionship with someone else became the guilty one, robbing his/her initial spouse of their property.


    If thats not a legal punishment, they can be criticized morally, but honestly, who would dare tell a grand duke he ought not to live that way. And more than anything, Erna was not in that sort of inseparable rtionship with Kalion.


    Erna exhaled heavily. She thought the burning in her chest would subside, but not alone did it not, it only made it raise even more.


    She couldnt even grab him by the cor and shake him in front of everyone. The authority of the grand duke was superior, so if Kalion asked what it had to do with her, Erna would really feel like shed kill him.


    Erna desperately gathered all of the remaining reasoning inside her and told the chief and the woman, This is a dangerous zone. So go back to your vige. Ill send wizards and knights so you wont run into any trouble on your way back.


    Fortunately, her time as the grand duchess over the past many years had helped her pretend to have a calm face and voice that did not tremble. However, that did not mean that her gaze was soft.


    Yes, Your Highness!


    At Ernas ring eyes, the chief hurriedly grabbed his daughters wrist and bowed his head. But Freya stared at Kalion with sorrowful eyes, unable to pick up her feet easily. Then her eyes met Ernas. They hadnt even spoken, but Erna could already tell that Freya had something she wanted to say to her: We would have had a good time only if you hadnte here.


    Ernas balled fists were now trembling.


    Departing for the Grand Castle, she grabbed Orp, who seemed to be yelling out if they really had to go, got on the horse, and bolted away. It wasnt a very rough road, but it wasntfortable enough to ride a horse over. On top of that, perhaps because she had spent the night with Kalion, there was still some pain leftover on her body. Erna had to clench her teeth whenever the horse jumped over a small puddle. Because each time it did, her hip throbbed with pain.


    Still, she sped on the horse because she was a little worried.


    Demons might suddenly appear in waves like before.


    She felt jittery from the moment she recalled the demons that had emerged from theke. No matter how prepared Kalion may be, it would be dangerous if flying-type demons poured out as much as then.


    But this was how it looked when one brought a fatigued body out of concern. Erna turned her back away from the chief and Freya, who had been taken away by the knights and wizards. And from Kalion as well.


    She didnt even want to see him now.

 Chapter 64.1

    Ancient ruins appeared throughout the continent, and when someone said the words: The entrance to the ruins has appeared, it usually meant a phenomenon in which a passage through where one could enter the ruins had been created. Andpared with other countries, this passage appeared very often in Hessenguard.


    At first, the passage had remained in the same position instead of appearing in various ces. It had been in the same spot, but not everyone could see it.


    ording to research at the Wizards Tower, it was said that long ago when wizards ruled the continent, it had been created between this world and another world. But in order to acquire ess to the ruin, one must possess a special kind of power, but as centuries passed, such knowledge had be forgotten. People could no longer enter the ruins.


    However, as centuries passed again, cases in which a space between this world and the ancient ruins opened as if an old wall was copsing. Certainly, it was an umon urrence; the passage was only a glitch as a result of the ruins repairing themselves, the passage would close shortly afterwards. If someone were to enter the passage out of mere curiosity, he would be stuck inside, never returning to his world.


    Despite such risk, people pursued the ancient ruins solely for one reason: the priceless precious treasures the ruins held within. There was a rumor that the Piece of the Sea were hundreds in the ancient ruins.


    Kalion, who had been inside an ancient ruin before, knew it was an exaggerated rumor. Though it didnt mean there werent any treasures, however. The rumor was quite a problem because gold and silver were not treasures, but ancient devices.


    I should go take care of this, thought Kalion. He had to examine the ruins with his knights after they seeded in subduing all of the demons. Usually, the passage of the ruins remained from as short as five hours to as long as a week. Since it was opened now, there was ample time to explore it.


    Kalion and Erna looked around. There were still demons left. Even so, it wasnt a big problem for the two of them.


    The demons, who had caught on to these unusual opponents, flew back up to the sky, but Ernas magic was quicker. As the hand that had written down countless of magic forms moved without hesitation, the light in the air quickly grew like a vine and grabbed the wings of the demons in the sky, pulling them to the ground.


    Kalion couldnt understand thenguage of demons, but he could at least understand that a scream meant deathly pain. He moved first before Erna summoned another magic trick. Woosh! At the same time that she heard a noise that sounded like a sword swipe, the head of a demon was seen rolling away.


    She certainly isfortable, Kalion thought. He understood why other countries were desperately trying to protect wizards. The strength of one powerful wizard matched that of ten knights. But this is also possible because of Erna


    A normal wizard could never summon such powerful magic like this. Hadnt the wizards he met in the past struggled and wasted time by just drawing magic forms?


    I cannot understand why Haband is trying to take her away.


    King Haband would have a burning feeling in his stomach. A wizard as strong as Erna would be the best, even in the tower. Her mere presence could put strong pressure on the surrounding kingdoms, but it was natural that he wanted to have her back again because he had abandoned his daughter before knowing her full potential.


    Kicking the demons head which rolled on the ground, Kalion stared at another one heading toward Erna. At first, they had seemed to be hiding while sending one at a time, but since that hadnt worked, somehow they all seemed to be attacking at once. Kalion intended to take care of them, so he approached her and stood guard.


    His face staring at her was as stiff as a stone. Seeing her up close, he saw sweat dripping down her temples and her lips trembled under her harsh breathing.


    Whats wrong with you? he asked.


    Look! In front of you!


    When the shocked Kalion drew closer, Erna, dumbfounded, screamed out loud. Is he crazy? How could he take his eyes off the demon headed at us? Right before the demons w could reach him, however, he quickly turned around, kicked it to the ground, and sliced its head off as it vigorously pped its wings in shock.


    Ernas vision darkened the moment she saw the blood-stained sword and heard the pping sound. Something warm wrapped around her. It was only then that she could see Kalions face with his head down in front of her eyes; Erna realized that he had covered them both with his cloak.


    She heard the sound of a sticky liquid dripping beyond the cloak, which was protecting them from bloodstains. Ernas face blushed after feeling his body temperature, like shed felt when she was in bed with him, along with the smell of sand from the cloak surrounding them. Why did this scent give herfort?


    Kalion immediately removed the cloak and shook it off. As it was a cloak made solely for the purpose of hunting, the blood dripped to the ground, leaving it unscathed. Perhaps because Kalion had sliced it just right, he immediately stared at Erna again after ncing at the carcass on the ground.


    Thanks to the remnants from the stream of light she had summoned earlier, her face shone clearly. Streaming sweat; dry lips; sunken eyes; all the way down to her skin which looked rougher than normal. Anyone could tell that her condition was not normal.


    Are you hurt anywhere?


    Dont touch me! She sharply smacked his hand away when Kalion tried to grab her. At that moment, his body faltered.


    Usually, when he came up above her and clung to her, he didnt falter no matter how hard she pushed. Kalion couldnt have faltered like that just because he had his hand smacked away.


    At that moment, Ernas body started to stumble. Looking down at the ground in shock, there was something else, not earth, nor a demon. It was


    a passage of the ancient ruins?


    A passage of the ancient ruins which had sprung up to the side had grown enormous. Not only the ce where they stood but also the surrounding scene was distorted at the same time, illuminating different spaces. Not even in books had they seen the passage spring up massively like this.


    On top of that, the shape was not roundly perforated as it had been so far. This looked like the door had opened; like it had been waiting for its owner.


    Erna felt her body sinking.


    Right when she screamed out in shock at the sudden situation, Kalion grabbed onto her hand. The ce where he stood, however, had also transformed in the passage, and the two began to sink into the ground together. Looking up at the distancing sky, Erna lost all senses.

 Chapter 64.2

    Ugh


    Erna woke up with a pounding headache. While blinking a few times she thought of something that had happened before she had cked out.


    Oh!


    It shocked her so much her eyes grew wide. When she had almost finished off the demons, the passage of the ruins had appeared, and as it widened she had fallen through the ground below


    Kalion had also grabbed her hand. The aghast Erna looked around her. It was a strange space she had never seen before. It was obvious that it was the ancient ruins she had fallen into, but where was Kalion?


    Ugh


    She lowered her head at the groaning from below. Then she saw him, pinned below the debris. He groaned again, frowning as if he was about to get up. Erna hurriedly broke free from his arms and scurried back. Then, when the cold wall settled on her back she looked around once again after barely pulling herself up.


    This is the ancient ruins.


    The chunks of light that seemed to be made from magic stuck to the wall, allowing both of them to glimpse at their surroundings. Ernas eyes hastily scanned the inside of the ruins. She had never expected to end up in the ce she had said that she would enter at some point.


    It was a space made with stones stacked on top of one another, an architectural style she had never seen before. When she felt the wind blowing to the point where her hair fluttered slightly, it didnt seem to be an enclosed space. The wind had that wet dirt smell that was native to underground terrains.


    A little whileter, Kalion was able to lift himself. He hastily scanned the surroundings as soon as he came back to his senses. Then, after discovering Erna staring at him from a few steps away he let out a sigh of relief.


    Hey, are you all right?


    Erna, who was going to say thank you because she felt sorry that he had fallen, recalled the fact that the two had been fighting loudly before the copse. She hurriedly shut her mouth and rolled her eyes as she didnt know whether she should scold him or thank him. Kalion, on the other hand, sighed again with an air of surrender and stood up, eyeing her up and down.


    She doesnt look injured. Her body didnt look like it was in its best condition, but for now, she didnt seem to have any visible injuries. Kalion tilted his head back to get a look at the ceiling of the ruins. What in the hell was that?


    He tried to recall all of the ancient ruins passages he had seen up until now. Thergest wasrge enough for a grown adult male to enter. The passage that had sprung up before the couple fell, however, was massivepared to that one. And more than anything, its shape was different. Like the big square gate at the Grand Castle. It wasnt a hole created by a brief copse of the ground; it seemed like a proper door had opened.


    The strange part was there was only just one. The passageway of the ruins remained in ce until it was created and disappeared. But even when Kalion and Erna looked up from the location theyd fallen to, the passage was not seen.


    Kalions face sunk. To the best of his knowledge, entering and leaving the ruins was only possible through the channels created. There were horror stories about the ruins owing to that fact.


    Greedy for the treasures in the ruins, people had explored the inside relentlessly, and the passageway of the ruins had closed on them. Many yearster when people entered the passageway in that same ce, there had been white valleys embraced with all kinds of gold and silver treasures.


    Kalion swept his hair back ruggedly and turned his head. Erna, who was staring at him, said, stuttering,P-passage c-c-closed? Her eyes were in the direction of the empty ceiling.


    It seems so.


    Her eyes trembled at his reply. She also knew about the horror stories of the ruins. If the passage disappeared, one wouldnt know when it would open next. That meant that the two of them were trapped inside.


    Erna staggered and lost her bnce. Her frail body and feeble will couldnt handle the situation she was currently in. Kalion, who looked at her trembling figure pitifully, sucked his breath and approached her to wrap his cloak around her.


    Hey! What is this!?


    Lets go out and argue.


    What? Erna looked at him, baffled.


    Im saying lets stop arguing until we at least get out of the ruins, Kalion exined.


    Erna, who was about to yell out in defiance, grabbed the cloak around her shoulders as she nodded helplessly.


    okay.


    He was scary, so was this strange ce; and the fact that she couldnt go back if she were to make a mistake. She would have cried immediately if she were alone. Even now she was ready to burst into tears. She was able to endure because of Kalion next to her.


    First lets search around for a bit, said Kalion as he reached out for Erna.


    She grabbed his hand. All she could trust and rely on right now was him. Feeling that grabbing his hand wasnt enough, Erna grabbed his arm instead, almost as if hugging him. Kalion could feel her trembling, and the warmth of her body as well.


    With Erna in his arms, Kalion began to move. After looking around we ought to find some ce to have a rest, he thought. Soon after, they were able to reach the huge entrance, which they assumed to be the door of the ruins. The moment Kalion stepped toward it, looking around just in case something dangerous was present, Erna gripped his arm.


    Taken aback, he turned to her, who had been still up until now. Whats wrong?


    Over there


    He looked in the direction she was pointing. Above the entrance was ancient calligraphy written on a stone with a subtle glow; calligraphy hed seen before.


    Its ancient calligraphy.


    Kalion couldnt care less about it. What he could read, however, was only Hessenguard written at the end. What was written before that, he couldnt make out. The moment he was about to walk past it, not wanting to spend any more time on it, Erna clutched him and said, There Our names are written.

 Chapter 65.1

    Crackle. The sound of a burning fireball which Erna summoned echoed in the wide space. With Kalions cloak nketing her, she kneeled on the soft carpet. The fireball, about the size of a standard bonfire, emitted warmth, but Erna shivered even more. Weird.


    The ruin was a peculiar ce. Tilting her head up, she stared above. Stones neatly trimmed with straight lines with no decorations were piled up, reminiscent of a huge castle gate. Above them was the ancient wording, still shining subtly.


    Erna. Kalion. Hessenguard.


    No matter if she read it dozens of times, her name and Kalions name were clearly written.


    When she had first seen the text, it felt like her heart was about to burst out of her chest. Had Kalion not been next to her she probably would have screamed and ran away. When she stepped back in surprise, almost sobbing, Kalion quickly gave strength to his hand holding hers. It was only thanks to this that Erna was able to calm herself.


    Are those really our names?


    At his lower-than-normal voice, she could tell he was also nervous.


    Is there someone here?


    If Erna was afraid of not being alive, Kalion was wary of those who were breathless.


    Do any of your magic tricks have an exploration function?


    Y-yeah, but


    She trembled as she drew an orb in the air. Because of her shaky hands, however, it kept dying out withoutpleting. It was too much to summon with her quivering fingers because it was so delicate that it would deviate even if her hands made a slightly wrong movement. When she sobbed after failing a third time, Kalion lowered her hands, Stop.


    N-no. I can do it. Just one more


    Youll die before you can draw it. Just stay here. Ill be back after I look around inside.


    Youre telling me to stay here?


    Erna freaked out at his words, clinging faithfully to his arm. It was a desperate move, like someone hanging from a cliff with only a single string.


    There arent any demons inside the ruins. I havent witnessed a single one up until now, Kalion said.


    You think I am scared of demons? asked Erna, almost as if protesting.


    Right. You certainly are not scared of them. That he knew, as he had seen her relentlessly handle the demons before their sudden descent. Then, well, dont tell me youre scared of ghosts.


    Erna jerked back heavily at that word: ghosts She didnt even have to answer back for him to know that she was scared of them. He exhaled briefly. Not a single demon had been discovered in the ancient ruins up until here. The dangers in the ancient ruins were this ces defense mechanism.


    Kalion looked at the sign before him. Just by looking at the writing, I can tell it says Do Not Enter.


    On the contrary, they would be safe here if they didnt touch the side where the demons were on. Thats why it was good for one person to explore the inside while the other waited in the spot where theyd fallen, to check just in case the passage opened again.


    When Kalion stared at Erna while wondering what to do, she, nched, held on to his arm tighter and said as if begging him, If y-y-you leave me alone, Im not going to l-l-let you g-go.


    Was it a plea or a threat?


    Looking at her tremble as if she would faint immediately if he pulled his arm away, Kalion decided to give up one of the two. Either give up on exploring the inside or give up on waiting to see when the passage would open up.


    He stared up at the ceiling. There was no sign of the passage opening. Its a different passage than normal. A whileter, Kalion made up his mind.


    Okay, let go of me.


    Ernas grip on his arm tightened.


    Well go together, Kalion said. He looked at Ernas head shaking,menting in his mind that his words werent so trustworthy. He never knew shed be afraid of this. Now that he had thought of it, he didnt know one thing that Erna was scared of. Wait, he knew one thing. It was herself.


    It was obvious why he didnt know anything else. He was not interested, and Erna would have made every effort to make sure he didnt know anyway.


    I didnt know youd reveal yourself like this. A chuckle came out of his mouth despite the situation. He fixed his sword to the other side as if he had no other choice. Actually, it wasnt all that bad since Erna was clinging to him. In the event of an emergency, it was advantageous for those who were together to respond simultaneously.


    With a trembling Erna wrapped in his arm, he scanned the inside of the ruins. It was an underground ce well-decorated with straight stones. Kalion, who was looking at a nearby room, soon noticed another strange thing.


    It was unknown in what style it had been built, but the things inside looked familiar.


    Theyre not that old.


    Erna, after she also noticed them, tugged on Kalion and approached the furniture in the room. From the time they entered, she had felt an unknown familiarity, to the point where she would have thought this was a room in the Grand Castle if only this wasnt an ancient ruin.


    You see this here? Erna pointed to the side of the furniture. When Kalion looked, there was a crest too familiar. Two pirs. This stamp meant the Grand Duke of Hessenguard. This is a mark written only on objects in the Grand Castle.


    This time, Kalions back felt a bit chilly at Ernas voice. The current ancient ruin was where objects that might have been around hundreds or thousands of years ago were found. But how could there be more recent objects here, even ones that belong to the Grand Castle?


    Erna was looking around a bit more, when she said with confidence, Looking at the style of the furniture, I think it was popr about thirty years ago. Its simr to the stuff in my room. I remember this because Vanessa told me that the legs of this table had been carved in the shape of this flower, and I liked it and tried to take it, but it was a little out of fashion.


    At Ernas words, Kalions face stiffened even more.


    Erna continued, Based on the amount of stuff here, its clear that someone was determined to take them out. But if these are from 30 years ago


    This was absurd. Because even though this was an ancient ruin it meant that people had beening in and out of this ce until decades ago. Silence hammocked in the room.


    Even from there, the two continued to look around the ruins. Feeling reluctant, however, they took only a few nkets for immediate use and returned to the ce where they had fallen.


    Having returned, when Kalion wondered if he should go find something to start the fire again, Erna, wondering why he was worried about that, summoned a fireball.


    And it was too early for that.

 Chapter 65.2

    Erna saw the nket syed out below. Kalion left out only one of the many things he had brought andid them next to her. This was the same Erna who would normally refuse, but today she received whatever Kalion gave her. I dont want to argue.


    What if Kalion suddenly were to leave her alone here, saying he was annoyed? The problem was the fact that it didnt mean that he wasnt angry.


    Sitting silently, what had happened prior to falling into the ruins kept lingering in Ernas head. The way Kalion had looked at Freya, to be exact.


    A tear rolled down her cheek.


    On top of having been dragged out here when she was supposed to be resting, her body was overwhelmed with fatigue, having used up so much energy handling the demons. She had fallen on the ruins and walked around with a lot of tension, feeling numb from her neck to her shoulders and legs. She felt upset.


    Erna gathered her knees and buried her head in between them. How can this situation make me cry? She realized that she was a strange person. She had no idea why in the world she was so emotional these days with everything going on.


    Sitting opposite her and watching her sit silently with her head buried in her knees, Kalion didnt know what to do. Then, as soon as he heard a whimper he asked her a question even though he knew that it would be best to keep his mouth shut.


    Are you crying?


    Erna winced at the sound of his voice, but replied a few secondster sounding like there was a lump in her throat.


    not crying.


    Sure. Not crying. Anyone could tell that her voice waspletely absorbed in tears.


    The passage is gone, but we arent dead; there is no reason to be afr


    I said Im not crying! yelled Erna, lifting her head after wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. However, even though she was able to wipe the tears away, she could not hide her bloodshot eyes.


    Kalion got up and approached her, grabbing her wrist and bringing her face close to his for a look, as if telling her not to cover her face.


    But youre crying.


    Has this man seriously lost his wits? If he wasnt a person, shed expect him not to be one. Erna quietly gritted her teeth as she turned her head.


    Dont tell me its still because of what happened with me and that woman.


    At those words, she turned back around and grilled him. Still? That woman? Listening to him, it seemed like he was talking like someone who had been holding on to a small problem for a long time. Heat rose from inside her. This time she really felt like crying, so when she tilted her head down Kalion forced her chin up with a hand and said, I said it was a misunderstanding.


    Oh, right. It was a misunderstanding. But frankly, I dont really care whether it was a misunderstanding or not. Thew doesnt stop your affairs, and its not something I can intervene in. Still Erna tried to speak as calmly as possible, but in the end, tears were falling on her cheek. shouldnt you be considerate?


    At her words, Kalion was rendered speechless.


    How How could you try to get with another woman while sleeping with me? You dont care, so you think you can just relieve your sexual desire whenever you want? If youre going to do that, at least do it after you get a sessor! From then I wont have to even think about you!


    She continued, ring at him after she lifted her head, You know that we wont need to see each other after we have a child anyway. Because like you, I too will enjoy my time meeting somebody else


    What? Kalions face, which had shown embarrassment a while ago, was distorted immediately. What did you just say?


    What I said was I too will enjoy my life.


    Amongst the aristocrats, there were lots of married couples who, after having children, stopped caring for each other and found respective side lovers. As long as no problems emerged, no one minded it. Would there be a problem if Erna also lived like that?


    She recalled in her head the names of several male aristocrats who always chased her. She could easily count at least ten. She thought about how she could fill a year if she changed boyfriends once a month. Wait and see. Erna would have many more lovers than Kalion. Because she never ever wanted to lose against him!


    Dont cry, Erna.


    When Erna was making up her mind to decide her men from January to December, Kalion growled in a cracked voice, You think you can do that to me? He grabbed her wrist tightly while staring at her. Beyond his eyes were balls of me.


    Ive said it clearly that you are the only one I hold. Even from now on. So, he lowered his hands and wrapped them tightly around her waist, pulling her into his arms, you too have to hold only me.

 Chapter 66.1

    At Kalions audacious words, Ernas eyes went aze. She asked, Why?


    Why what?


    Why do I have to do that? Why is it that you are telling me what to do? And so what if I dont?


    Kalion couldnt find the words to reply with. Did she mean:Frankly, even if I had a lover like other aristocrats, what does it matter to you? But it made him upset to think about that. Erna spending time with another man; eating with him; sleeping with him; talking to him


    Kalion had seen a different side of her over the past few weeks. He remembered first how shed gasped and called out his name in his arms. Just thinking about the way she had cried and hugged his neck always made Kalions mind sh white.


    Every time he had moved she too would shake alongside him. Then, as soon as he could no longer put up with it and poured out his desires, Erna also had trembled, hugging him tightly. The satisfaction of that moment was iparable to anything else.


    Imagining her that way with another man, he thought about how he should get rid of him more than a monster.


    That isnt the only thing.


    Being in bed with Erna wasnt the only thing he didnt want to share with someone else. While pretending to be a perfect grand duchess outside, acting calmly and dignified, Erna rolled around like a cat on a spring day whenever she entered a room.


    Spreading her body on the sofa like it were a bed; reading; suddenly getting up to take a look at the map; and if there was an area she didnt know, she drilled him with questions about this, that, and the third.


    At first, he used to think that was annoying. She would irritate him with so many useless questions when the map didnt even concern Kalion. Her questions, however, had all been regarding internal affairs of Hessenguard, and Kalion had answered obediently, thinking that it was an extension of his duties. After a while, their conversations naturally became longer.


    A story that would begin about the meeting agenda that Vanessad brought in would end with something about the total tax rate of Hessenguard next year. To Kalion, the time spent talking about that stuff was not bad. No, he kind of enjoyed having someone to worry about such problems with.


    No matter how much Vanessa, the head of the head council, consulted and gave advice, the final say was given to the Grand Duke of Hessenguard. He continuously had to worry about how much of an effect his decisions had on the people.


    Is it right like this? Is there any problem? Is there not another way? Even though he had been the grand duke for the past ten years, Kalion always felt as if he was taking a test.


    He was still nervous as to whether he would be thrown out of Hessenguard if he happened to make even one tiny mistake.


    He had always thought that he was the only one who had that feeling, but talking with Erna made him realize that she had the same inner struggles as him.


    Was that it? From some point on, Kalion kept asking Erna first about this and that. Every time he did, she listened to him earnestly and spoke her mind.


    There had been plenty of times when shed fallen asleep on the sofa when Kalion sat at his desk, going through documents.


    He had frequently watched her fall asleep with books about magic on her chestbooks he knew absolutely nothing about. With the sound of firewood in the firece crackling nearby. In a warm space. And the sound of Ernas light breathing.


    Kalion realized what he didnt want to share with others: Their worries together, their enthusiastic conversations, and her face when she fell asleepfortably.


    That was the Erna only he knew. He never ever wanted anyone else to see that part of her.


    Despite her staring at him in front of him right now, Kalions palms itched and his heart was racing like hell. It felt like a wild bird was frantically pping inside his chest.


    Up until now, he had desperately denied what that tickly feeling meant.


    He used to think it was poison from a demon. The priest had said there was no such thing, but there had to be. Otherwise, he had to admit it.


    The fact that he had fallen in love with his wife, who had been bothering Kalion for the past ten years.


    Erna tried to snatch her wrist that was in his grip, but Kalions hand was too firm. She thought about storming off, but that would be a futile act as well. She was just exhausted, drained. Her head was nk since she had cried.


    Should I use magic to fly away?


    But she couldnt. She didnt want him to see her like that, and she also didnt want to throw him down mercilessly. What if Kalion faints after that?


    Erna was scared of the ruins. Though it was Kalion whose stomach turned upside down, it was better than him not being here. Then should I beat him up with magic if he goes outside?


    Erna bit her bottom lip. If she had intended to, she would have already flown away when Kalion was following her. But she didnt do that. Because she was annoyed yet relieved at the fact that Kalion was following her.


    Erna looked at him grabbing her with a hardened face. She knew exactly why she was annoyed by saying this to him.


    She didnt want him with any other woman.


    As soon as she thought about the voice that whispered her name all night saying another womans name, she felt a sharp pain like an ice pick had pricked her chest.


    Kalion, who annoyingly brushed her hair whenever shey down; after rolling around naked together, he thoroughly wiped her, gave her water, and warmed up her stiff body.


    He was the first person in her life to touch her in that way. When they had s*x, he acted however he wanted, and when it was over, he was careful with her as if holding a thin ss. Thats why the time they spent at night together was good, though exhausting.


    The s*x with him wasnt bad, and she liked the hands that took care of her after it was over. More than the five pieces of the sea.


    Her vision became blurry because of the tears. Erna wanted to calmly refute Kalions words like she used to do. Why was the thing that used to be easy now so hard to do?

 Chapter 66.2

    She wasnt afraid of the ruins. What she was afraid of was the fact that Kalion may not get close to her anymore.


    If they made a sessor, their original purpose, he would probably turn back into the indifferent man he was before; he would probablyugh at her and call her a pumpkin, like before, and turn his head, annoyed.


    Kalion didnt know how much effort she was putting into the people of the Grand Castle; the royal princess whod been abandoned by Haband.


    Therefore, Erna always had to smile at the people of Hessenguard because she thought there was nowhere to go if she were to be abandoned even here. She couldnt make any mistakes since she could be reced at any minute even though she was the grand duchess.


    Erna had learned magic diligently because she wanted to show the people of Hessenguard desperately and didnt want to go back to Haband.


    I am worth something. So please dont abandon me.


    Among those people, Kalion was the only one whose heart she didnt have to try to win.


    I dont need affection. The thought would forever be in a corner of her heart. Maybe thats why she had blurted it out more. But now, she couldnt believe she wanted Kalion to be next to her.


    Now she had no choice but to acknowledge it. The fact that she wanted her husband, who had only been seen as a dried worm for the past ten years.


    At that time, Kalion opened his mouth.


    I will try.


    That was random. Erna didnt understand why he suddenly burst out with this when shed asked him what he would do if she were to see other men. She wondered if it was a joke, but Kalions face was serious.


    What do you want in a rtionship? You said youd enjoy your life. What kind of guy are you going to meet and have fun with?


    A handsome one! With a nice body A kind man!


    Then you can enjoy me.


    What?


    I think the first two conditions have been met, so I just need to fulfill the third one. Tell me this kindness that you want. I will conform to everything.


    Kalion hadnt said anything difficult, but Erna found it hard to understand. Enjoy me? On top of that, I will be kind? This was why he was craz


    So be my lover.


    The moment Erna recognized that the strength in her body was released, she copsed. Kalion skillfully received her body in his arms, then patted her back. This was the kindness Erna wanted.


    Erna, hey.


    Nervousness was ingrained in the voice urging for an answer. Even Kalion knew that. That these werent the words a husband said to his wife of ten years. However, he didnt want to spend the time after this like the past decade again.


    Kalion wanted to hold his wife even just a little faster.


    Please


    Ernas face turned nk at that word before being buried back into his chest. Then, she nodded just barely enough for only Kalion to know.


    A smile formed on Kalions face. That was enough for an answer.


    * * *


    Kalion crossed his legs and watched the sleeping Erna. She had fallen asleep almost as if shed suddenly fainted or something. Her breathing became more rxed when Kalion put her head in hisp so she could sleep a bit morefortably.


    That, however, was only temporary. Kalion carefully ced his hand over Ernas forehead. It was definitely hotter than before. On top of that, she kept curling her body as cold sweat dripped down her neck.


    Hurts


    Kalion became concerned as soon as he heard Erna say this in her sleep. Even so, these days hed kept thinking that she looked tired, and with everything going on it seemed like her body was being gnawed away.


    We have to go out somehow.


    No matter how much he looked at the ceiling, there was no indication of the passage opening. The people outside also had no way to deal with it.


    Kalion, who worried for a while, ced Ernas head on a nket, then stood up and drew his sword.


    Kalion?


    At that voice, Erna immediately pushed herself up and looked around for Kalion as she rubbed her eyes. Fear quickly stung her eyes filled with light pain. She approached him like she was crawling and grabbed him by the pant leg. Kalion felt sorry for the way shed crawled toward him but at the same time proud that she was relying on him.


    Lowering his body toward her, he grabbed Ernas hand gripping his pants.


    We cannot continue to stay here like this. I think I have to look around inside a bit more Are you able to stand up?


    Erna, after a weak head nod, tried to hoist herself up. But before she could stand properly her knees buckled, and she was right back on top of the nket like earlier. Kalion watched her tumble back down, then he decided to lift her onto his back after thinking for a moment.


    What are you doing?


    A fever-induced scruffy voice came out of Ernas mouth.


    There is no other choice. If were going to go together, carrying you is the only way.


    Perhaps agreeing with him, Erna buried her face into his back. Feeling her hot breath on Kalions back made him feel unsettled.


    He wondered if shed caught a cold, but she was hugging her stomach to say so. A troubling feeling nketed Kalion. We have to get out of here quickly.


    After fixing Ernas position on his back, he moved further towards the ruins.


    Perhaps she was sick but not asleep, Erna used simple magic every now and then to help him explore. She summoned a light to brighten the dark surroundings; the high ces that were out of sight could be explored with magic.


    With her on his back, he didnt stop to rest and continued to trek the ruins. It didnt only consist of one floor.


    Walking up the stairs, Kalion saw a straight path. One side of the road waspletely made up of rooms, as stone doors were seen everywhere. He slowly walked the hallway. Then, when he stopped right in the middle, he realized there was a door muchrger than the ones hed seen in this ce before.


    And he felt something familiar the moment heid eyes on it.


    A long, straight path up the stairs. And a humongous door in the middle. Clearly this was


    Kalion.


    Ernas frightened voice came from behind him.


    Ive thought about it since earlier but isnt this structure simr to that of the Grand Castle?

 Chapter 67.1

    It was just like Erna had said. The site they were in was just like the structure of the Grand Castle. Erna wondered for some reason if the two were simr, but that was further proven upon seeing the simr structure and the furniture inside.


    A chillness also traveled down Kalions spine, who was on the rather bold side, and goosebumps rose on his exposed skin.


    It was the ancient ruins. A building from an era where many recordsno matter how short they weretechniques, and magic had been lost well over a thousand years ago. It was clear that the Grand Castle, which had been built hundreds of years ago, was modeled after this ce.


    The Grand Castle was thergest building in Hessenguard. If such a ce had been modeled after such a specific site, Kalion would have definitely heard an exnation of the origin of its form at least once but he had never heard of such a thing.


    He struggled to turn his stiffened neck to stare at the huge door next to him. If this ce had the sameyout as the Grand Castle, then this was the couples bedroom. There was no way ancient ruins needed such a ce. But there hasnt been anything revealed to show why the ruins had been built in the first ce.


    Evidence of people living there had been discovered, but this ce wouldnt have been built for general residence.


    Kalion stared at the stone door for a long time, then he raised his hand. If this ce really was exactly like the Grand Castle, there would at least be one bed inside. Before he mustered up the strength to push it open, Erna pulled his sleeve and whispered in a low voice, Dont open it.


    As soon as Erna, who had been silent up until now, spoke, he felt an even bigger wave of tension.


    Why not?


    Look at those decorations.


    Kalion looked in the direction where she was pointing. Decorations were carved on the stone door. A statue of a lions head. Kalion knew exactly what that was: something seen only on buildings in Hessenguard. A piece of decoration that informed people outside whether the owner of the room coulde in or not.


    If the lions head was looking straight ahead it meant that you could enter, but if it was turned to the side, it meant otherwise. And the one they were looking at right now was smashed and turned to the side.


    I dont think we can enter.


    Kalion nodded at Ernas frightened whisper. The stone decoration hadnt only been smashed to pieces.


    When looking around, there were traces of sharp cuts here and there. It was clear that it had been struck hard with something blunt. Seeing that the traces were persistent, the person who had done it seemed to have done it with lots of passion.


    What on earth had happened to the owner of this room? More than that, who in the hell was the owner of this ce? Kalion recalled back when theyd first entered this ce.


    The significantly different type of passage from what had generally urred so far; their names which had been written above the door leading inside; the structure simr to the Grand Castle; the Grand Castles stuff which had not been around that long. This site had so many suspicious points.


    And on top of all that, Ernas body being carried by Kalion was gradually getting hotter. Kalion passed the door of the couples room and looked around somewhere else.


    Lets take a rest here for a bit before we continue.


    ording to the structure of the Grand Castle, there was a bed in the maids room. This ce wasnt all that different from the Grand Castle. Kalion, after setting Erna down onto the bed from his back, put his cloak around her shoulders.


    Perhaps she was having body aches now, Erna moaned when her body touched the hard bed. Kalion felt around the top of the bed with his hand.


    Until a few decades ago, someone obviously stayed here, deduced Kalion. There was also furniture in this room, and there were quite a lot of pieces of furniture in other ces as well. It wasnt a ce for only one person. Several peoplethat is, people associated with the Grand Castlehad stayed here.


    Who in the hell were they? He rummaged through the room. Thankfully, in the room, there were dusty ss bottles and ss cups.


    Erna. Sorry but can you use your magic on these?


    Yep


    When he lifted a bottle and ss, Erna, recognizing his meaning, summoned a magic orb in the air. Then, arge mass of water the size of a human head appeared above the ss bottle and floated around.


    After Kalion washed the dust off of the bottle and ss, he poured water inside of the bottle. Soon, the ss bottle contained water, and he put it in the cup and brought it to Erna.


    Are you all right?


    My head hurts a little.


    This was the same Erna who habitually said, Im fine. But the pain was enough for her to admit it; it meant she was in real pain.


    Water flowed down her chin. Her hand, suffering from high body temperature, was not holding the cup properly. In the end, when Kalion, who couldnt look at her that way anymore, lifted it for her, and she drank the water, barely spilling any.


    She would have never thought his handing her water when she was tired and lying down after s*x would help in a case like this.


    Having drunk all of the water in the cup, she weaklyid down on the bed, curling up her body. Seeing her like that made Kalion upset for no reason. Should we go to the next room? he thought. If this was like the Grand Castle, then the next room was his. Of course, even though he didnt know who the owner of the ruins was, it was an important room in the center. There was a sign saying Do Not Enter but it wasnt the room next door, so I think itll be okay.


    On top of that, anything was fine to get out of here, so he had to get a clue. Kalion lifted Erna from the bed. He wanted to let her rest, but hed be in trouble if he were to leave her here alone.

 Chapter 67.2

    Erna, though half asleep, hugged his neck. Somehow proud that Erna was trusting and relying on him now, Kalion hugged her more firmly. Having passed through the hallway, he pushed the stone door with all his strength with his back.


    Unlike his expectation that it would be heavy due to its size, the stone door opened lightly as if itd been waiting for him. As a result, Kalions body faltered greatly. Fortunately, not falling, he looked into the room.


    I knew it.


    This ce also looked the same as when he had received his room in the Grand Castle for the first time. No, it was almost the same. Simr furniture, simryout, simr decorations. Although it was his first time here and it had the same appearance as if he had gone back in time ten years ago, he felt a sense of surprise.


    Ill have to find out when we get out.


    At this rate, there must be a record of the Grand Castle. Kalion thought he had to find the records of the furniture that had been sent elsewhere at that time. Of course, that is, when they got out safely.


    Upon discovering a bed, Kalion set Erna down onto it. He became more worried about her body drooping. He wanted to go to the Grand Castle right away, give her a bath, andy her downfortably to sleep.


    Hold on just a moment.


    Erna, perhaps too exhausted to reply, closed her eyes after looking at him. Kalion hurriedly rummaged through the room. Desk. Chair. Writing utensils. Books on the shelf. When he saw the books on the bookshelf, half of them were books he couldnt even read. The moment he was about to grab one that looked like it was about the ruins, the magical lights on the wall went out at the same time.


    Kalion!


    As soon as it became pitch ck in all directions, Erna yelled out his name like a shriek. Kalion, while feeling around him, immediately found her and got closer. Her heated body retreated deeply into his arms.


    The l-l-lights


    It was dark now, so Erna could summon the light again. When she waved her hand around to do so, Kalion grabbed her hand with one hand and ced the other over her mouth. As soon as she lifted her head at this abrupt action, she heard him give a quiet Hush! in the pitch-ck space.


    What happened? With her body frozen, she slowly turned her head.


    If Kalion hadnt put his hand over her mouth she would have screamed out right then and there. In the middle of the darkened room was a gray, ghost-like figure of a person.


    It was Ernas first time in her entire life to ever see something like this. The ghost wandered around the room in the dark. Though it was a ghost, it didnt make her melt with fear like shed imagined.


    If it werent for the glowing gray light, it was just a clear ghost believed to be a person standing there. He looked about 40 years old; a skinny man with a rather beautiful appearance.


    If it were a ghost it might have noticed the presence of Kalion and Erna, but it slowly walked around the room without giving a nce to them. Then, it went through a drawer in the desk and put something in its pocket. Kalion narrowed his eyes as he watched the figure.


    He too thought it was a ghost at first. But upon a closer look, there was something different about it. The sight in front of him now felt more like he was witnessing someone elses memory than a ghost.


    It was like someone else was showing what had happened here in the past, nketing Kalion with an odd feeling. The moment he studied the ghostly figure, he realized something familiar in its face.


    Who is that? While Kalion tried to remember where hed seen the man, feeling like hed run into him a few times in the Grand Castle, the ghost started to move.


    Stepping slowly, it went out and walked the hallway. He thought about just letting the ghost disappear like this, but his instinct whispered that he should follow it now.


    Kalion lifted himself and started walking, still holding Erna. Fortunately, Erna seemed to hesitate for a while, grabbed him, and walked together with him.


    The lights in the hallway had also gone out, turning it pitch ck. Thanks to this, however, the ghosts figure was seen more clearly.


    The ghost was wobbling like a seriously injured person. Its walk, which seemed to be exhausting and made the figure look like it was about to fall right away, made Kalion feel sorry for the ghost, forgetting his fear for a moment. The ghost slowly walked down the middle stairs.


    Ooomph!


    Kalion following behind it tripped on the edge of the step, summoning a loud noise, but it didnt turn around. Like someone who hadnt even heard it.


    At the sight of that, Kalion snapped his fingers. But the ghost still didnt turn around. When Erna grabbed his sleeve as if asking what the hell he was doing, he straightened his shoulders which had winced with tension, and said, It cant hear us.


    But Erna, who tried to stop Kalion and had freaked out as soon as he spoke, said carefully after confirming that the ghost continued to move without caring about the two, But that person


    You know who it is? He looks familiar, but I dont really remember.


    You dont remember? Weve seen him several times, said Erna, as if shocked that Kalion didnt know who the figure was.


    Richard Hessenguard.


    Kalion, as soon as he heard her say that name, stopped dead in his tracks and thought about where he had seen him. Thest portrait hanging in the corridor of the Grand Castle.


    The 17th grand duke, who had taken his own life.


    Richard Hessenguard.


    He was definitely the ghost walking ahead of them.

 Chapter 68.1

    The moment Kalion realized the identity of the ghost he felt his neck getting stiff. If it were an unidentified being, his curiosity would have rousen more. However, goosebumps erupted on his entire body at the moment he realized that a ghost should never be in front of him. But


    Kalion, perhaps knowing something about Richard Hessenguard, recalled something.


    The 17th Duke Hessenguard. A faithful grand duke who hadmitted suicide. That was all.


    He was shocked that he knew so little about thete Duke Hessenguard.


    After inheriting the Grand Duchy, he had received education about Hessenguards history, customs, climate, dialects of the districts, and cultural traditions. The council members had visited alternately every day without a break, and Kalion had epted their visits without avoiding them even once even while he was devoted to recovering.


    Among them, Chairman Vanessa was the one most eager about education. While concerning Kalions health, if Kalion wasnt fit to sit in ss and study she would sit next to his bed and talk about Hessenguard as if she were having a conversation. Vanessa was quite a superb chatter, and thanks to her Kalion could hear tales about Hessenguards history with no problem.


    Hadnt she even told him hidden stories that didnt appear in history books? But There wasnt much about Richard Hessenguard.


    He had asked about thete grand duke. However, Vanessa had shed a troubled grin, and from then Kalion had never been curious about him.


    He had been busy surviving, so he couldnt find the time to hold onto curiosity about someone already dead and gone. His death was already over, and it was too much for Kalion to face what was toe. And as time passed and he regained hisposure, Richard Hessengard had be a forgotten man for him. So much that Erna had to say his name a while ago for Kalion to recognize his existence.


    When Kalion started walking again Erna stumbled while holding him up. Had Kalion not hurriedly grabbed her she would have rolled down the stairs.


    Perhaps even Erna was shocked since she stood there just holding on to him. The ghost was disappearing in the distance, but he couldnt urge her to walk in a hurry. He bent down in front of her.


    Get on. Hurry.


    Ernas lips quivered like she was trying to say something, and she jumped onto his back as if giving up. Her hot, feverish body leaned against Kalions back.


    Kalion wiggled the exhausted Erna around to find afortable spot before setting off to follow Richard.


    The heat emitting from her body felt even hotter because she was breathing on the nape of his neck. He could also feel her body heating up. Probably feeling colder than before because of the fever, she trembled with her arms around his neck.


    Nevertheless, as she felt helpless by herself, unable to do anything, Kalion followed Richards path.


    The ghost that went down to the 1st floor was walking towards the end of the hall. And it stopped where a wall was.


    Is it going to walk through that wall or something? Kalion assumed that it would move like a ghost moved, but different from his expectations it ced one hand on the wall. Then, a light from the wall nketed the ghosts hand.


    Kalion hurriedly scanned the wall where its hand was. He could see aplicated patternwhether it was writing or a picture, he did not knowetched into the wall. As soon as the ghost put its hand over it the wall opened and the ghost entered into the darkness behind the opening. And then it was gonepletely.


    Kalion, shocked that the ghost had disappeared out of the blue, thought about when the ghost had opened a drawer. It had looked like it was opening, but that was a delusion. It couldnt have any effect on what was real.


    He hurried towards the wall. He could see the pattern where the ghosts hand had been. He held Erna firmly with one hand and ced the other on the pattern.


    He had thought the wall was going to be cold, but he could feel the warmth on his palm and a strange tickle at the same time. When he lifted his hand, the pattern started to glow, then the light beaming from it wrapped around his body. The light quickly swept through his body just like hed seen a moment ago.


    Rumble.


    Stairs appeared in the darkness as the wall opened. Another distant air was felt inside the ruins. Suddenly Kalion thought about the Grand Castle. Was there something like this beyond the walls in the Grand Castle?


    Again? What is this?


    Even amid pain, Erna, who was on his back, wiggled her head over his shoulder and looked down.


    Then, she said, What are you doing? Just go.


    You said that youre scared.


    At this point there is nothing to be afraid of. Hurry and follow it. She beat her hand on his back as if telling him to hurry.


    Who, me? Those words had risen in Kalions throat, but he decided to hold them back for now.


    So what if shed said she was afraid? There was no reason for him to hesitate since she was telling him to go. Kalion carefully started down the steps. The stairs were quite steep enough to make it clear that if he were to make the wrong step, someone would get seriously injured.


    The moment he followed the ghost far ahead for a long time, a gust of wind passed by Kalions sweaty forehead again. Finally, the end of the stairs was seen. Beyond that


    pirs?


    There was a huge underground space. At the end of the space were two humongous pirs, prompting him to wonder if they were supporting the ruins. It was his first time ever to see pirs, but Kalion was sure what they were.


    The symbolic crest of Hessenguard was two pirs. There was no doubt that the origin of the cresty here.


    Kalion caught his breath for a moment after setting Erna down. Having carried her all this way his back was already soaked in sweat.


    Erna, seated on the floor, was staring with sleepy eyes at the ghosts back. She, too, upon first look could tell that Hessenguards crest had started with those two pirs. At the same time, she felt a powerful presence.


    So theyre here.


    The wizard she had sent to Ilgees Forest had said that there were traces of a powerful magic demonstration leftover from the past. But it was confirmed that the magic had really been demonstrated here, as she hadnt found the ce that would have been the center of the demonstration.


    Its natural no one could find it because it is in a crack hidden underground in the ruins.


    Erna managed a smile; shed finally resolved the curiosity shed held this whole time. Watching her react like that, Kalion stared at her from the side with worry in his eyes. How could she smile like that when she was in so much pain due to the headache caused by her fever? Dont tell me the fevers gone to her brain and caused her condition to worsen?

 Chapter 68.2

    After a deep breath, he lifted her again.


    You smell like sweat, Erna said.


    Hey.


    Was this the time to bicker over that? Kalion grumbled, but Erna smiled and hugged him.


    Its not that I dont like it.


    He put his lips on the sweaty arm that was hugging him. Crazy. Did she need to look this pretty at a time like this? He truly cursed the current situation. If only they werent in a ce like this. No, if only that ghost wasnt here. No, if only Erna wasnt sick


    Gritting his teeth, he approached the pirs while holding her. The ghost had arrived in front of the pirs. The two of them drawing closer to the pirs soon realized something strange.


    The pirs were clearly unscathed. But the moment the ghost ced its hand on one of them there seemed to be an ounce of realism that it would copse at any moment.


    Thats what it used to look like, they thought.


    Richard Hessenguard had died ten years ago. If so, new pirs would have been built between those years


    No way that could happen, thought Kalion. It was impossible to make new pirs of this size, and even more impossible to move them to the ruins. Were they restored? He wondered. Kalion couldnt figure out a way to cleanly restore broken pirs to how they looked now. There was only one answer.


    Magic.


    It was said that the first grand duke of Hessenguard was a wizard. If so, it was highly likely that some ancient spell had been put on the pirs.


    The ghost put its hands on the pir and bowed its head. Even though it was a hazy figure, it was easy to see that he was crying. In fact, he was crying his heart out. With a face so grief-struck it made Kalion think that he couldnt cry that much even if he lost his arms and legs.


    After crying on the pir for a long time, he took something out of his pocket. It was a sharp-edged dagger. Holding it in his two hands


    Wha!


    Erna was so shocked at the ghost she turned her head. The ghost slit its own neck without hesitation. Red blood was seen on the hazy gray figure and it was flowing down his neck, wetting his clothes so vividly. With that final act, the ghost disappeared. At the same time, magicalnterns lit up the darkened space.


    The two, who were relying on the faint light emitting from the ghost, suddenly closed their eyes at the pouring light. The humongous pirs were still ahead of them. Therge space contained nothing but two pirs.


    What should they do now?


    When Kalion was thinking, Erna in his arms muttered, When you go in the crest


    You mean that thing on the wall?


    Yep, that She struggled to open her mouth. I saw that in the ce we fell into


    ***


    Oh


    Sweat dripped from Kalions forehead like heavy rain. He couldnt remember how theyde out from the underground.


    Erna, who was still on his back, let out a few groans of pain and passed out. Her forehead was boiling when he ced his hand on it. Though she had passed out, Erna still mumbled she was in pain, and tears flowed from her eyes.


    What kind of sickness was it that she was having such a hard time?


    Having returned to where theyd fallen, Kalion looked at the walls one by one and wandered around looking for the ce with the pattern, as it seemed that Erna could not pull herself together.


    Found it.


    It was clearly the pattern hed put his hand on before going underground. And when he put his hand on it again


    He stopped for a second and looked behind him. It was a ce with so much to see. The structure like that of the Grand Castle; misceneous objects; the ghost; and the underground pirs. The unrecognizable things from a past no one mentioned felt like a secret. But


    Kalion let Erna down from his back, held her in his arms, and approached the pattern. What was important to him was not a secret.


    He recalled Erna blushing during his confession.


    My wife. And now my lover too.


    What was important to him was in his arms now.


    Without hesitating, he put his hand on the pattern. When he did, the same beam of light hed seen before going underground wrapped around his hand, and he felt a distant sense of falling at the same time.


    Kalions instinct told him to hold Erna tightly so she, his only one, wouldnt get injured. The scene around them became blurry. And the moment Kalions foot hit the hard ground


    My Lord!


    Lord Kalion!


    He heard familiar voices.


    Cedric? Orp?


    The two shocked faces looking at him from a spot a bit far away were no doubt his aides, Orp and Cedric.


    Kalion scanned his surroundings. The first thing he felt was the cool and fresh air of the forest. Next was the blinding sunlight hitting his eyes.


    This was clearly Ilgees Forest.


    He didnt know how much time had passed, but when the two disappeared, the surroundings, which had been nighttime, were now brightened by the sun high in the sky.


    Kalion yelled to the two people running toward him with shock on their faces,


    Prepare the horses! Were going to the Grand Castle immediately.


    Held in his arms, Erna was still syed out with her eyes closed.

 Chapter 69.1

    The Great Castle was upside down.


    When Kalion began their mission to subdue the demons, he thought he was hunting the same kind of monsters as usual. However, on the day he left, everyone was left wondering when Erna had followed him that afternoon, iming they were worried because of the flying demons. Because she had never interfered with Kalions demon-hunting like this before.


    Regardless of what people said, Erna rode the fastest horse from the Grand Castle to Ilgees Forest as she led wizards, believing the demons would be taken care of quickly as the most powerful wizards and the strongest knights would be hand in hand. The next day, however, there was a shocking rumor circting in the Grand Castle.


    The grand duke and the grand duchess were missing. They were presumed to have been caught up in the passageway of an ancient ruin, and currently, the passageway of the ruin had disappeared.


    How could they have gone missing at the same time? How could the passage have disappeared with them inside the ancient ruin?


    Those who were well-aware the features of the ruin stood motionless upon hearing the news. Among them was Council Chairman Vanessa, whose face was nched.


    All of the remaining wizards, to Ilgees Forest! Council troops too. Lets go! To find the hidden passage around us, ordered Vanessa urgently. She, and a force equivalent to that of most of the people in the Grand Castle, headed to Ilgees Forest.


    Normally, this was something that should never happen. Because whatever the situation, it was a principle to leave a minimum number of troops to protect the Grand Castle.


    However, Vanessa was adamant to bring with her as many as she could. A few council members had cautiously asked her if she was taking it too far, but they had no choice but to turn around when she left only the words of hope that Erna and Kalion would return safely.


    Seeing Vanessa unable to fall asleep as he waited for the news with an anxious face in the council room, her secretary said, I hope at least one of them survives.


    The secretary recalled Hessenguard when the grand dukes position was officially vacant. The demons were constantly invading the two kingdoms. It was a period of confusion as to whether the empire would disappear with too many monsters.


    The secretary unknowingly quivered in fear, wondering if that time hade again, when she heard Vanessas mumbling.


    No, this cannot happen twice


    She was about to inquire on the meaning of her words when she heard hurried footsteps along the hallway.


    I have a message from assistant Orp. She said she is looking for the two of you. She is on her way to the Grand Castle now, and Madam Erna has cked out, so she is asking to send knights


    Prepare them now!


    Without dy, Vanessa bolted out of the meeting room.


    The maids gathered in Ernas room and prepared the necessities to tend to their master, and all the doctors of the Grand Castle nervously anticipated the arrival of the royal couple.


    The delegates of Haband hadined that the knight which took care of Marquis Canavan hadnt returned, but the people of the Grand Castle merely answered half-heartedly, saying they would look into the matter, but never even bothered sending a doctor to the marquis.


    After a few hours of anxious waiting, a trumpet sounded at the Grand Castles gate.


    The royal couple was returning.


    As soon as the door opened, one horse bolted inside like crazy. The people knew that was a sign of Kalion riding on his horse.


    Lord Kalion.


    When he arrived in front of the main building, Vanessa and the other council members greeted him.


    Kalion disembarked from his horse, his appearance very disorderly. He normally would walk around in a neat robe even after training with the knights. He was never jittery aside from when he ran into Erna.


    Now, however, Kalions clothes were stained with sweat, and dust covered his hair which had been disheveled by the gusts of wind. Even his face was pale from having not eaten or slept properly, but his bloodshot eyes were frightening still.


    When the people who greeted Kalion became bewildered and didnt know what to do, he yelled out, Doctor!


    Kalion would be the one to greet them briefly first, but he simply ignored the audience before him as he hastily scanned his surroundings for a doctor.


    In Madam Ernas room!


    When Vanessa, who immediately followed him, shouted an order, Kalion immediately ran upstairs. As soon as he entered Ernas room, the maids took her over from his arms andid her on the bed. The doctors immediately examined her.


    Kalion asked the oldest woman among the doctors, Why is she sick? Is it a disease?


    The doctor lightly clicked her tongue and said to him, From now on, I must examine her to know the cause. So please step out, Lord Kalion.


    What?


    Do you think yelling and screaming are good for a patient? Also, if you remain dirty like this, Sir, you too will catch something. Apparently, you also need treatment and some rest. So I hope you get some rest after you leave here and wash up.


    What does that!


    While Kalion stood frozen, dumbfounded, Orp and Cedric, whod followed him, came into the room panting.


    The doctor gestured to them as she said, Please assist Lord Kalion so he can get some rest.


    In short, take him and leave. The quick-witted Cedric and Orp understood what shed said. Cedric grabbed Kalions back and pulled him away.


    My Lord! You must wash up first, Sir.


    I cant leave her alone!


    Cedric usually bolted away at Kalions blow, but with Kalion being fatigued he wasnt as strong as he usually was. On top of that, from the moment Erna was handed over to the people, his tension had eased and he had no more strength in him.


    When not only Cedric but even the rest of the knights whod followed him rushed in and grabbed Kalions arms and legs and left, Ernas room became quiet.


    The maids hurriedly took off Ernas clothes and wiped her face with a clean towel. Even then, there were still reddish marks left on her body.


    Pretending not to see them, the doctors, maids, and even Orp fake coughed as they dressed her in clean clothes then scanned her body. Orp looked at Ernas body on the bed with a worried face. Then, there was something she suddenly thought of.


    Excuse me, this is a mere guess, but..

 Chapter 69.2

    The door opened with a click, revealing a fresh Kalion. Water trickled from his damp hair and spilled on the floor. Having washed his filthy body under warm water, his tense muscles were now rxed. He plopped down onto the sofa while drying his hair with a towel.


    It has been two days. Fortunately, there didnt seem to be a big difference between the time hed spent in the ancient ruin and the current time.


    When the two were being attacked by the demons, the campsite was also attacked. So even though the monsters heard the sounds, they couldnte to the couple immediately. Fortunately, most of the demons backed away from them, and only two came to the campsite.


    Was it because theyd practiced on their way to and from each others training ground after theke city? The wizards under Orpsmand grabbed the demons trying to escape to the sky and pulled them down to the ground, and the knights swung their swords without hesitation.


    What was so difficult to deal with when there were only knights had be a walk in the park with the help of the wizards.


    Those who took care of the campsite headed to the ce where a loud noise was heard. They didnt have to worry about Erna and Kalion anyway. The one and only thing that worried them was the mood after those two left the campsite.


    Dont tell me that was an explosion by Lord Kalion.


    Orp didnt reply to Cedrics chucklingment and avoided looking at him. She knew how scary and long Erna wouldst once she was angry. Even worse, she was a problem. Erna, with her strong self-pride, couldnt have it let go quietly.


    Lord Kalion exploded?


    It could happen


    When not only Orp but all of the knights fake coughed as they looked away, Cedrics face turned pale. His steps hastened toward the direction where the noise originated.


    The explosion and shrieks from the demons had disappeared before they arrived. It was clear that the two had handled all that had remained. Or Erna may have handled Kalion with the demons.


    Then, Kalions voice was heard from afar.


    Erna!


    And an ensuing short scream after a while.


    After looking at each other, Orp and Cedric rush to where the noise hade from.


    My Lord!


    Lord Kalion!


    The ce theyd run to, calling out to Kalion respectively, was a huge passage of the ancient ruin. Surprised for a moment by the size they were looking at for the first time, their steps were halted. But the passage quickly became smaller and soon disappeared. What was left was just a demon carcass rolling around.


    ***


    The wizards and the knights have been searching for the royal couple, but right before Cedric and Orp were about to go crazy, Erna and Kalion had appeared before them.


    Cedric had asked Kalion questions about the ruins and the world that existed inside, but Kalion didnt reply to a thing. His thoughts were a mess. As the fatigue from not having slept rushed in all at once, his temperature rose and his mind became nk.


    Is Erna okay?


    He thought about her being lifted by the maids ced on the bed. Meanwhile, Erna still couldnt remember how she had gotten all the way to the Grand Castle. A few times, she muttered that she was hurt, specifically her lower abdomen.


    At that moment, there was a word that went by in Kalions head: miscarriage. But Kalion shook his head no. Considering the days and the number of times he and Erna had slept together, it was too early to call it a miscarriage.


    Kalion swiftly changed his clothes after clearing the thoughts in his head. Hed been told not to even think abouting close to her until he himself was already clean.


    Kalion knew better than anyone else that he needed to rest, but he didnt think he could rest with Erna in such a state like this. He intended to return to Ernas room, but he heard someone knocking on the door.


    Lord Kalion, may Ie in?


    It was the voice of the doctor who had given the orders to take him away earlier.


    He clicked the door open.


    Erna!


    The doctor in front of the door looked at Kalion who seemed like he would run away right away, then looked around and asked in a tiny voice, It is not right for me to say it here. May Ie inside?


    Come in.


    When the doctor entered, Kalion hurriedly shut the door. He felt something strange about her scanning the room, her appearing cautious. It was obvious that shede to report something about Ernas condition. But if she had to be wary of others like this


    What kind of disease is it for her to be acting like this? Kalion gulped. His mouth was as dry as a desert. Dont tell me its life-threatening, he thought. Was Erna able to stand up?


    I came because I think I should say something about Madam Ernas condition, the doctor began.


    All right. He tried to reply as calmly as possible, but his voice cracked badly.


    The reason she fainted like that is Sighing, the doctor answered with a grief-stricken face as if she understood Ernas pain. Menstrual cramps.

 Chapter 70.1

    For a while, Kalion couldnt say a word. After a long silence, he finally managed, although stuttering: M-menstrual cr-cramps?


    Yes, Sir. Just in case you dont know what it is


    No, no. I know enough.


    A long time ago, when he was studying a book on muscles, he had read an exnation about menstrual cramps. Kalion felt even more embarrassed. He knew that it involved several symptoms and other levels of pain depending on the person. Still, did it hurt enough to cause death? To faint?


    He thought about when Erna came out of the ruin. Her nched face, therge beads of sweat on her face, her tightly shut eyes that refused to open even when her name was called Seeing her curling her shivering body had made it seem like she would die that very second.


    Is it seriously menstrual cramps? And not another illness? Kalion inquired further.


    Yes. I am done confirming it, the doctor assured. On top of that, Ms. Orp said that Madam Erna was always like this, she added.


    Kalion exhaled in relief, So it isnt a terminal illness? There is no threat to her life?


    The doctor nodded at each of Kalions questions.


    No, sir. Its just critical pain. There are no other problems.


    At the doctors certainty, Kalion leaned back on the sofa like he, too, was on the verge of fainting. Somehow, Erna had turned out okay. That was all he needed.


    The doctor continued to exin to Kalion, who was sprawled on the couch.


    Madam Erna is definitely in more critical painpared to others. As Ms. Orp said, she has been in this terrible condition for a few days now. On top of that,tely, there have been many things that Madam Erna has had to worry about. The hunting of the demonsst time in theke area, and even the problem with the delegates from Haband


    Kalion nodded weakly at the doctors words. Thered definitely been some things going ontely. It was obvious that those problems had made Erna even more tired


    Still, isnt the biggest problem you, Lord Kalion?


    Me?


    Suddenly, Kalion became the culprit of everything thatd happened. Kalion looked at the doctor and blinked nkly. Before long, she was looking at him with a sharp look in her eyes.


    It was, indeed, out of line for her to look at a grand duke in such a way, but right now their rtionship was more like doctor and guardian of a patient than servant and grand duke. As such, she decided to say what she had to say.


    As a citizen, I am d that you two have a good rtionship, but there is a problem, if I should look from a doctors standpoint. First, I am talking about the bite marks on Madam Ernas chest and shoulders.


    Kalion shot straight up at her words.


    H-h-how d-did you


    How did I what? I saw them when I was changing her clothes, sir. Thats not important for now. Madam Ernas skin is rather fragile, so her marks and bruises remain for quite a long time. When the same kind of bruise is made in the same area it doesnt go away and turns into a scar. And on top of that, it is easy for that area to be more fragile. So please refrain from it in moderation.


    Kalion stared at the window for a second. Embarrassment rushed at him like a wave. Should I jump out of the window? he thought.


    Uh, uh, I


    Not knowing how in the world he could reply, all that came through his lips was a stutter.


    For now I n to restrict anyone from visiting Madam Erna for a week, Lord Kalion. So you dont have t


    Why? For what?


    Kalion, who had been looking for a good ce to escape because his entire face was turning red, swiftly whipped his head back to the doctor.


    The doctor grinned at the way the intimidating Kalions vigor had changed in a split second. She then said, I mean Madam Erna. First of all, she is still sleeping after taking her medicine, so you wont be able to meet her even if you go to see her, Lord Kalion. Ms. Orp is in front of the door, standing firmly so that no onees inside.


    Okay


    Orp really was one to put her life on the line for Erna. On top of that, since the doctor had said that Erna was sleeping after having taken medicine, he didnt want to wake her.


    I shall leave now. The doctor bobbed her head goodbye and left the door, leaving Kalion behind to sink back down into the sofa.


    Is everything fine now since she is okay? Kalion wondered aloud. He sat still for a while before jumping up from his seat, approaching the bookshelf, and looking through a book. Its here somewhere, he muttered.


    Soon after, he found the book listing every part of the human body, and after finding the section discussing menstrual cramps he began to read through the content quickly. A sparkle appeared in his eyes at thest line he read.

 Chapter 70.2

    Erna opened her eyes. Themp on the bedside table shone a subtle light just bright enough not to hurt her eyes. Blinking, she felt a grittiness in her mouth like she was chewing on sand.


    Water


    As soon as she turned her head, she saw the water kettle and a cup. With a short reach, she could reach them, but she didnt want to move. She thought of calling Orp from outside, but even that was a nuisance.


    I fell asleep after having my medicine. She had awoken in the Grand Castle after fainting in the ruin. While the doctor and Orp asked her about this and that, Erna felt something pouring between her legs. Thanks to this, she was able to know the reason why she had been in so much pain these past few days.


    Erna tossed and turned. Pain struck every muscle in her body like shed done an intense workout, and her stomach hurt twice as worse. A pain that seemed to break her back came regrly and then disappeared.


    It hurts


    The pain wasnt only in one or two ces. Her gums swelled, giving her a headache. She felt nauseated. All the while thinking non-stop that she wanted to eat something. Even though she tried to think, however, there wasnt really a meal she was craving. In the end, she only had a few sips of nd soup because she was hungry.


    She wondered if she should go back to sleep, but she couldnt since shed already slept too much. In the end, Erna fell deep into her thoughts with her eyes wide open. Kalion was the very first thing she thought of. Kalion must know, too.


    Her head was pounding. From the doctors conversation shed heard in her sleep, the oldest doctor was telling Kalion that he had to go.


    When Kalion and Erna first discussed with each other about the pregnancy, there was something she had promised. That she would tell him if there was a problem in her pregnancy. I cant tell if its a problem or not, so I just kept my lips closed, but


    At the time they decided to have a sessor, Erna had been thinking about the age to bear a child. It would have been easy to calcte if her menstrual cycle had been constant, but unfortunately, her cycle had a mind of its own.


    Ive had this problem since I was young, but When she first came to Hessenguard, it had happened about two or three times a year. It was said that the number of times increased after the body recovered, but there had been times when it happened once every three months and once every six months at the longest. And sometimes even twice a month.


    Anyway, the good thing was that the doctors whod examined her had said that there wasnt a problem, so Erna never mentioned it to Kalion. Because its a vulnerable topic.


    Had she told him at the beginning and they didnt end up with a sessor it would be her fault. She didnt want to bebeled a defective woman like that and get sent back to Haband.


    Does he know everything now? Erna wondered in worry. The doctor had said that Kalion too should know about her condition. That way, he could take the proper precautions.


    When Erna had muttered What precautions? Orp had looked around and whispered to her, Madam, actually we all saw it when we changed your clothes.


    Should she have died then? Erna buried her head in her pillow. She knew that a lot of people would notice now anyways, but letting them know in this manner was so embarrassing that she wanted to die.


    What will Kalion say?


    Meanwhile, it was certain that Kalion had put in more effort in the pregnancy than her. Wasnt he the one who had moved his body from sundown to sun up? Of course, Erna too had put in the effort, butpared to Kalion who normally used his body she had just desperately followed his moves.


    Will he be annoyed?


    He may get annoyed and ask why she hadnt told him after receiving all the information from the doctor.


    Erna pictured Kalion in her head. What if he knew that she hadnt said anything about her condition up until now? She felt scared that Kalion might be disappointed in her. It felt like dark clouds were spreading over her head slowly, scattering rain. The moment Erna turned her body to sleep again she heard the sound of the doorknob turning.


    Click.


    Erna stared at the door leading to the hallway. She wondered if it was Orping in, but the door was shut tight. Then, the only door left was the one connected to the couples room. She looked in that direction and saw the door slowly opening.


    Why is that door opening? Only one person could open that door ande inside. Erna called out his name.


    Kalion?


    When she did, a familiar face appeared in the space between the wall and the opened door.


    Can Ie in?


    Kalion looked at Erna lying down and asked permission. Realizing that they still had to ask for permission when entering each others rooms, Erna nodded. When she did, Kalion rushed to her side.


    It was Kalions first time inside her room, and Erna looked at him with a puzzled face because she had never thought he woulde in at a time like this, given her condition. Why did youe? she asked.


    Just curious if youre okay. If you were asleep I was just going to take a look at your face and leave.


    His words werent a big deal, but strangely, listening to his voice tickled Ernas palms. Then, she realized that his voice was smooth like honey. The moment her worries about whether hed be disappointed in her disappeared, Kalion suddenly put something in front of her.


    Eat this, he ushered.


    What is this?


    Kalion handed her a te filled with something. Wondering what it was because the light was not bright, when she brought it close to her face, she smelled something savory and sweet.


    Kalion hesitated while putting the te in Ernas hand. Thats when she found out there were various snacks on it.


    She couldnt figure out how in the world hed gotten these, so when she stared nkly at him, Kalion said, hesitating, They say that sweets are good for menstrual cramps.


    You brought these? asked Erna.


    Yep, Kalion replied, rather proud.


    Yourself? asked Erna again, in disbelief.


    Yep.


    Ernas eyes fell on the te again. On it were so many snacks that it wouldnt even take her a week to eat all of them.


    Oh my, did he clean out the entire city? Erna wondered, feeling a strange tingle on her heart.

 Chapter 71.1

    If Kalion hadnt looked so awkward, Erna would have thought he brought this many snacks just to tease her.


    There were cookies, brownies, biscuits, and even dried fruits. When Erna was calmly staring at therge number of snacks, Kalion crept and sat next to her, who was lying down, then his face turned grim when he noticed that she hadnt touched them.


    Theres nothing you like? he asked.


    Its not that, but


    Actually, there was nothing sweet she wanted to eat. Rather than drooling over the sweet smell, she felt nauseous. Erna, however, grabbed a chocte cookie from the very top and took a bite. I should never be eating at this hour.


    Ever since she became an adult she had stuck to a rigorous diet. On days when she used enormous amounts of magic, her weakened body craved something to eat, but she suppressed the urges. If she were to gain weight and go back to how she used to look in the past That was something she dreaded thinking about. However, seeing Kalion ring at her with waiting eyes made her lips quiver.


    She couldnt recall Kalion ever watching her eat these kinds of snacks. She wasnt certain since theyd never shared a meal, but he didnt seem to like it that much. Still, he had brought all of these here for her


    Thankfully, the cookie was more delicious than shed expected. So much that she could still endure her painful cramps. Perhaps, however, since shed eaten a dry cookie with a dry mouth, her throat was scratchy.


    As soon as Erna turned her head to try to get a drink of water, Kalion moved first. He hurriedly poured a cup of water and handed it to her, and Erna downed it hard.


    Erna could finally breathe again when her throat was relieved. While tapping on her chest she looked at the cup in her hand. It was the same kind of cup scattered around the Grand Castle, but something about it was familiar.


    It seems like the one I saw at the ruin, Kalion pointed out.


    At Kalions mumble, Erna almost dropped the cup. This familiar-looking thing had also been inside the ruin. With a serious look on his face, Kalion asked, After you regained consciousness, did the people ask about the ruin?


    I think I was asked about it, but Erna tried to recall the people around her when she had woken up. The first person shed seen was the doctor, then Orp, and after that, Vanessa.


    Who asked?


    Was it Orp?


    No matter how much medicine she took, her head was ringing thanks to the piled-up fatigue from the past few days. It was strenuous to try to remember whatd happened then. But someone had definitely asked.


    Did you see something at the ruin, Madam Erna?


    The moment she remembered those words it became clear whod asked.


    it was Vanessa.


    Orp could not have asked in that tone. On top of that, Orp had continued to exin to the doctors what symptoms Erna had shown when her menstrual cramps were serious in the past.


    At Ernas reply, saying Vanessas name, Kalion let out a short sigh. It was a reaction that said hed anticipated that to some extent.


    By the way, why? she asked.


    Erna, you. How much do you know about Richard Hessenguard?


    Erna recalled the ghost theyd seen inside the ruin and replied, That thete grand dukemitted suicide before we came. He had a rather quiet personality, and he understood his duties as grand duke well


    Do you have any memory about where and how he killed himself? asked Kalion.


    none.


    As Kalion continued, Ernas face stiffened.


    During her childhood, she hadnt been able to ask about him. He was a difficult figure to speak of in front of citizens of Hessenguard; a duke whod thrown his country away by killing himself. The people of Hessenguard had been abandoned by him. And she stood in that position now.


    Since everyone was conscious of each other, unless Erna asked first the others didnt speak of what Richard Hessenguard had done. That was an implicit promise between her and the people of Hessenguard.


    He died inside the ancient ruin.


    Thats right


    But all of the people of Hessenguard know that hemitted suicide. If so, did someone ry the details to the others after witnessing his death? And did they know it was suicide?


    At Kalions words, Erna realized he was suspicious of something. About the old Grand Castle stuff theyd seen inside the ancient site. And that everyone knew that Richard had died in there. After thinking for a while, Erna opened her mouth.


    Why hasnt anyone ever told us about the ancient ruin?


    Im not sure of the reason, but its obvious they want to hide something from us, Kalion said.


    Vanessa.


    Vanessa.


    A brief silence fell. They both knew well that Vanessa had been in charge of their education during their youth. She had told them both everything they had to learn about the grand duke of Hessenguard. If there was something they didnt know about Hessenguard she didnt want them to know.


    Why did she do that? Ernas heart felt cold in one corner.

 Chapter 71.2

    Vanessa had always been friendly. Erna had trembled with fear and at the same time felt relieved that she had left Haband when she first came to Hessenguard when the gue had gone around to everyone in Haband.


    No matter how much they had mocked and ignored her, she still had been more familiar with the people of Haband.


    Erna had shivered in a nket, fearing that the Hessenguard people might ignore her, the child of the invader, and drive her to her death.


    It was all thanks to Vanessas dedication that Erna had been able to gradually adapt to Hessenguard. She, the Chairman of the Hessenguard Council, had always treated Erna politely and instructed not only Congress but also all of the Grand Castle to have that attitude.


    The first person in Ernas life to ever respect and care for her. It was because of that that Erna had clung to Vanessa even more. As if shed be her mother.


    On the day Vanessa had gone to Kalion, Ernas lips had poked out all day long. What if Vanessa liked Kalion more than her? Jealousy had raged despite her being such a young girl. Thanks to this Kalion had been even more despicable. It would have been more like siblingspeting for parental affection.


    Even now, Erna still liked Vanessa. The parts that she and Kalion didnt agree on had been managed by the council led by Vanessa. People say Vanessa was raising the council to keep the two in check, but without her, they would not have their current authority.


    How could that Vanessa have hidden something from them? Especially when it also pertained to the death of thete grand duke. Even though it was not yet clear, a sense of betrayal and loss quickly came and attacked Erna.


    As soon as Ernas shoulders drooped, Kalion quietly sucked his teeth.


    When Kalion gathered his thoughts, he too felt a sense of betrayal. That emotion soon turned into distrust for the entire Hessenguard. And Erna was feeling the emotion that he was feeling.


    Kalion, while feeling sorry for the fact, wasforted by the fact that he had at least one person to discuss the situation with.


    It must be because its something we shouldnt know. Kalion naturally took the te from her hand and continued. Rest first. You said that you hurt more because of the things going ontely.


    But


    You need to get well soon so that you can figure it out quickly. Meanwhile, I will delve deeper into it. And I think I got a clue about the stuff we saw at the ruin. I confirmed that there were missing items in the document drawer marked annex. But it didnt show which annex it was. Since its confirmed that the stuff came from here, now I have to find the people who worked there. Though I think Ive found some of them, too.


    Ernas eyes widened at Kalions words.


    That was quick.


    There is no room for hesitating when its obvious that there are things to look into. However, it is a little annoying that I cant bring a lot at once because I have to hide documents rted to the ancient ruin from the maids.


    At the sight of Kalion answering coolly, the emptiness in Ernas heart from a while ago disappeared, and she felt reassured.


    This was fun.


    Erna had expected that the person she trusted the most in Hessenguard and the person she couldnt trust the most would change like this.


    Then Ill go. You get some more sleep.


    While Erna took one more sip of water, Kalion was about to get up. At his form, Erna said without realizing it, Going already?


    At her reaction, Kalion, who was about to turn around, stopped in his tracks. Erna tried to fix whatde out of her mouth, but she was toote. A smile spread over his surprised face.


    Why? Are you sad Im going? Holding the te that still had a lot of snacks leftover, Kalion smiled shyly. Should I not go?


    He sat down again next to the bed. Erna turned her head to try to avoid his stare. Thinking about what he would say from now on and how mischievous hell be, her face heated up. Then, suddenly she realized that she had to apologize to him.


    Im sorry.


    Huh? Kalion, who was trying to reach out and hold Ernas hand, stopped for a moment at the sudden apology. About what?


    I dont know if the doctor told you, but Erna pulled her hair while talking about her physical condition; her irregr cycle; how it was unknown exactly when the childbearing period was. the doctor said that I have no problem in bearing children I didnt tell you.


    Erna stopped there and closed her eyes tight. She thought he would have at least sighed or something. Or he might be annoyed or say something sarcastic. Whatever his reaction, Erna was not confident in looking straight at him being disappointed in her.


    And she didnt mention any other problems?


    H-huh?


    But unlike what shed expected, all Kalion did was quietly ask a question.


    I mean your body. Is there anywhere else youre hurt?


    I have no other pains! Seriously!


    Erna replied in a hurry, just in case he was suspicious. Then, he grabbed one of her hands. His long fingers with thick joints prated between Ernas fingers and held them firmly.


    Then were done.


    Done with what? When Erna stared nkly at him, he lifted her hand and brought it to his face. His slightly rough lips pressed the back of her hand and rubbed it. His face cast by themp was shaded, revealing his features deeper than usual.


    Erna couldnt say anything to her husbands face for a moment. Kalion smiled and said, If theres no problem we can do it until onees up.

 Chapter 72.1

    If theres no problem we can do it until onees up.


    Understanding what exactly that meant after a brief silence, Erna freaked out and tried to snatch her hand away, but Kalion had his fingers entangled even stronger than earlier.


    You, you


    Kalion burst outughing when she looked at him as if she was tired of his calm attitude. He hadnt even done anything yet. Why was he so surprised? Kalions eyes stared directly at her while his lips ran down her arm. Erna felt numb from head to toe by the feeling of the hot lips rubbing over her soft skin.


    Kalion, who had brushed his lips lightly over her arm, let go of the hand which hed held too gently. When Erna looked puzzled at his actions that were different from his thoughts, Kalion shed a bitter grin.


    If only your body werent in this condition, he sighed. You havent been out for at least a week. No, maybe you didnt go out until it happened.


    There was no need to ask him Until what happened? because the gaze full of desire passed over her bre*sts andnded on her stomach. Though he was only staring at that region, the vivid feeling of having her insides filled reyed in her mind.


    Her earlobes were as hot as her body that had heated up in an instant. Kalion licked his lips at Ernas reaction that she might burst any moment. She had turned red as if licking her would make her taste sweet.


    Erna thought about the precautions the doctor had given her. However, her body, which he couldnt help but concentrate on, tasted so sweet when he bit and licked.


    But Kalion also didnt like leaving marks on her body. It was not just a matter of them being seen, but the sensitive parts of her body may be particrly weak, and she could develop skin problems. He didnt want to stop tasting her, however.


    Then there is one thing left. Kalions starended on her thick, red lips. Just try to get all better. He would embrace her as long as hed endured. He was nning to taste her and enjoy her to his hearts content. Erna couldnt escape. Because she had promised to enjoy her time with him.


    Kalion sighed. He felt a tingle down there just through his imagination. Since there was nothing he could do now, however, he had to leave before he did something dangerous.


    I will go now. Rest now, since I wont be back for a few days.


    Howe? asked Erna.


    If I stay longer, your assistant and doctors who will be standing outside may do something like slice my neck. And Kalion stared at the pile of snacks still on the tray. Next time Ill bring something that you like.


    Lastly, Kalion went back with a slightly ufortable walk, unlike when hede.


    In the once-again silent room, Erna looked at the door hed left through, then crept under the nket.


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    Her arm and the back of her hand where Kalion had nted his lips felt hot. Was it because of him? Erna hadnt felt any other pain that bothered her until his arrival. If Im a problem


    I cant sleep.


    Despite taking medicine, she couldnt fall asleep until dawn because what Kalion had said rang in her ear like an echo.


    ***


    After Kalion had snuck into Ernas room, the Grand Castle was peaceful for a few days.


    The delegates from Haband grumbled that the doctor still hadnte on time, but after the Grand Castles people said theyd look into it they quickly removed their protests from their minds. Because of that, Marquess Canavans swelling showed no improvements, and he still wasnt able to leave the hospital bed.


    Thats none of my business.


    After quickly reading something rted to Marquess Canavan from the documents that had been sent to him, Kalion stacked them in one corner of his desk. Cedric, who hade into his office just in time, held out a new document in front of him and said, Heres something you should know, sir.


    Whats this? asked Kalion.


    A message from the border area. It says a new team of delegates from Haband ising.


    Already? Kalion frowned as he snatched the paper from Cedrics hands. All the while giving him an order: You eat thest ones.


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    Y-yes, sir


    At that, Cedric staggered towards the edge of Kalions desk. There, was a te with a few snacks leftover. Taking a deep breath, he pushed the snacks into his mouth. Thanks to this, only crumbs were left on the te.


    Finally, theyre all gone! Kalion had randomly brought the te of snacks to his office a few days ago. Then, he had suggested all the knights eat one and leave.


    Since Kalion had never suggested anyone to eat snacks up until then, the knights had happily epted his rmendation, thinking that the snacks contained medicine that would develop their muscles more.


    Knights also have a sense of taste. Especially after getting all sweaty, the snacks tasted even sweeter than normal when their lips needed stimtion. Sometimes some people refused to eat stuff too sweet, but Kalion refused to do so.

 Chapter 72.2

    By the time the snacks piled on the te were about to bottom out, the Grand Castles chef led his disciples to Kalions office, holding a tray full of all kinds of sweet things. After he asked what in the world led them to bring such things to his office, the chef replied with loads of emotion.


    My Lord, you dropped by my kitchen a few days ago and swept up all the snacks I made. No, you wanted to eat that much, but I wondered how did you endure it? So I showed off my skills like this, My Lord. Please give them to the knights as well.


    Even so, this is


    What is this, food for an elephant? Who would eat all of this?


    The chef who didnt notice Cedrics silent scream left after setting down a pile of snacks not only for Kalions office but for the entire knight order.


    Kalion then told Cedric, From now on, you eat ten at a time.


    How am I supposed to, sir!?


    I cant throw out whats already been made, Kalion replied nonchntly.


    Then you eat some, Lord Kalion, urged Cedric.


    I said three is my limit. But I believe you will be a deputy who shows himself challenging his limits.


    Since then, the sweet smell had not gone away from the knights quarters. The faces of the knights, whod eaten them because they were good at first, became pale the more they ate. Often some people entered the knights building but came back with their mouths covered in sweet crumbs.


    Eventually, Cedric had no choice but to ask for help to defeat the sweet and evil things that filled the knights quarters.


    What is this? Why didnt we get any of this?


    The wizards that hade with Orp were the knights saviors. Even so, they said that they craved sweets after using magic, asking Can we take them all if you dont eat them? as they took entire tes.


    When Cedric was deeply thanking them for their help, Kalion, who looked at the documents, mumbled, The delegates areing in too fast.


    I know, sir. I thought theyd take longer, but there will be two more pieces of luggage to carry. Cedric grumbled, saying, I hope the bee that stung Marquess Canavan attacks once more.


    Kalion discovered something strange while going over the documents. Last time, Marquess Canavans name was at the top of the delegate guest list. This time, however, the representatives name wasnt there; just a few of the same aristocrats names. Whats going on?


    In this case, it was one of the two: either there wasnt a special representative or they didnt want to let him know who the representative of the delegates was until they arrived.


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    Is it thetter? Haband was drooling to swallow Hessenguard by any means necessary. On top of that, when the cost and resources for restoration after the war were needed, there was no way that Marquess Canavan, who was in bed, would be left as the representative.


    Who on earth ising? He hadnt expected the representative to be a secret. He couldnt guess how much they were trying to send someone unexpected.


    Then, a bell rang, signaling that it was six oclock in the evening.


    Then go home and rest for today. I should get going too. Take the te when you leave and put it in the kitchen.


    Yes, Lord Kalion. Cedric quickly grabbed the te and left, just in case Kalion changed his mind or said something else.


    After deciding to sit in the office a little more, Kalin organized the documents and stood up from his chair. His thoughts drifted to Erna. Was she still in her bed? He still hadnt seen her since this morning. Perhaps she wouldnt be there even if he went back tonight, but he had said he wouldnt see her for a few days.


    It was so that she could rest peacefully andfortably, but Kalion wanted to p himself in the mouth for saying that. He wanted to see her, but he was embarrassed to go back because of what hed said.


    Today Ill have to sleep in the couples bedroom


    Expecting that Ernas scent might be permeating the room, he headed to the main building of the Grand Castle. Then, he heard wizards voices from a distance. Assuming the nearby wizards were just returning, he was about to pass by. But there was a voice so annoying to his ears amid the mixture of high-tonedughter.


    A man?


    Ernas team of wizards mainly consisted of women. Since she was bedridden now, no way there could have been a newly-appointed wizard; who in the world was that?


    Kalion looked at where the voice wasing from. He could see the wizards walking with their backs turned to where he was standing far away. There in the middle was a wizard who seemed new. A man dressed in clothing not that of the Grand Castles wizards.


    All he could see was his back, so Kalion kept looking over, but they disappeared around the corner of the building without turning around. Who in the world was that?


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    When Kalion couldnt pick his feet up because he was thinking about the man whod disappeared, Orp, walking from the main building, discovered and greeted him.


    Lord Kalion? What brings you here?


    What brings me? More important than that, that man among the wizards


    Madam Erna is okay now, so he was looking for y


    At that moment, he bolted to the main building before she could even finish speaking.

 Chapter 73.1

    Erna was seated in her room, waiting for Kalion. Itll be a while before he gets here, she thought. Looking at the clock, it was well past 6 oclock. She knew that unless it was a special day, Kalion usually returned to his room after a rigorous training in the knights training grounds.


    Before Orp, whom shed worked together with up until a while ago, left the room, Erna told her to call a servant and tell them that if Kalion came, she was looking for him. She presumed Kalion would pay her a visit after washing up as soon as he came back.


    Is he back in the couples bedroom? Erna wondered. She stood up and looked at the documents piled on the table. It wasnt just one pile of papers. There were three piles stacked as high as her chest when she stood before the desk. They were all documents thatd arrived while she was recovering for almost a week.


    Papers were delivered to her every day, and since she was bedridden for several days, the documents have piled into a mountain. Erna attempted to attend to some of them, but Orp immediately noticed, and like thunder, she snatched the documents from her hand, telling her to rest.


    Orp, are you disobeying me now? Erna had asked. Where on earth did she get off snatching away documents from a grand duchess?


    I wont give them back even if I am beheaded for disobeying! The doctor said to rest in bed for a week and not do anything! Orp had replied resolutely, reminding Erna of the doctors instructions.


    Of course, Erna had expressed her dissatisfaction, but Orp and the doctor were adamant.


    Orp had taken all of the documents that were constantly being delivered to her room away from Erna, promising that she would give them back once she got better. bbergasted at her behavior, Erna had screamed at her to bring them back as an order, but even the servants smiled awkwardly and merely told her You must rest now as they sneakily clutched the documents in their arms while following Orp.


    Since then, until this morning, all Erna had been given were novels or books of expertise like a dictionary that she could read without any worries.


    As soon as morning came, Erna ordered Orp again to bring the documents thatd piled up, and Orp, as if she had been waiting, dragged in a handcart she had left next to the door.


    Hah


    After an earth-rattling sigh, Erna began topartmentalize everything: the stuff on her desk, the things she had to look at before going to bed, and the documents she needed to discuss with Kalion. After she finished organizing, Erna clutched the documents she needed to go over with Kalion and shortly left her room, heading to the couples bedroom.


    Arriving, Erna scanned the bedroom. Had Kalion not used this ce in the meantime? It had been well managed, but she felt a unique chilliness in the empty room.


    While heading for the table next to the sofa she looked at the top document. It was about the issue shed talked about before Orp had left.


    Have I finally found a decent instructor?


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    In the meantime, she had continued to try to find an instructor who could exin the theoretical parts to the wizards. Unfortunately, Erna didnt seem to be good at exining it easily, and Orp, who could teach more easily, still had a lot of work to do. So shed gone around searching, and finally, there was someone suitable.


    I should go ahead and meet them tomorrow.


    It wasnt an official hiring yet, because she had to meet them in person and check whether their magic talents and knowledge are up to par. However, there was one problem: the instructor was a man.


    Her team of wizards was made up of all women. It wasnt because of some special reason. If you were looking for talented people, there just so happens to be more women than men.


    But it wasnt that there werent any menpletely. Somehow, however, the men whod entered had left for the wizards tower where they could gain greater honor and wealth rather than being in Hessenguard as magicians.


    Eventually, Erna stopped taking in male wizards. She persevered in mentoring, but in the end, only the wizards tower looked appealing to their eyes.


    On top of that, theyre ufortable to deal with. They fought and had lots of conflict with the differences in one anothers abilities. So, to avoid such annoyance, Erna didnt try to include any men in her team of wizards. But should I not care since its an instructors job? There was also one more thing that bothered her.


    The potential instructor was handsome.


    The first time Orp had informed her, Erna had stared at her in disbelief. But Orp didnt fold at Ernas cold re and continued to exin about the applicant.


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    Its hard to find such a handsome man. Everyone is already following him around.


    At that, Erna shed a grin as she said carelessly, More handsome than Kalion?


    After having said those words she mped her lips tightly in shock. Of course she knew that Kalion was handsome. No matter how much she was sick of it, Ernas eyesight was extremely normal and her standard of beauty was not much different from others.


    But Erna never mentioned Kalions name once when there was a conversation about a handsome man. It was as if such a person did not exist in this world.


    But now, how could she bring up his name so naturally, as if Kalion had be the standard of the worlds handsomeness?

 Chapter 73.2

    Erna awkwardly rubbed her flushed cheek with her hand as she remembered her coversation with Orp, regretting what she had said absentmindedly. while approaching the table next to the sofa. The moment she was about to ce the documents on it, there was a crashing sound apanied by the opening of the door of the couples bedroom connected to the hallway.


    Wh-whats going on!?


    Erna was so surprised by the noise she urgently backed away from the door. In turn, the pile of papers she had just set down fell messily to the floor. When she unconsciously tried to grab them, the ones she was holding fellpletely from her grip. She looked down at the paper-covered floor before lifting her head.


    Kalion? Whats the matter?


    Erna knew that he was the only person who could storm in the room this way, so she was not too surprised at his sudden appearance. But she was, however, curious about why he was huffing and puffing like someone who had just escaped the grip of death.


    You!


    As soon as Kalion locked gazes with her he strode over with his long legs, unmindful of the mess on the floor.


    Hey! Dont step on my documents! Gather them Argh!


    Erna bent down to collect the papers, but her body was lifted in the air. Kalion had grabbed her by the waist waist and lifted her. Erna wondered why the hell he had done that and screamed as soon as she realized that he was carrying her over to the bed.


    Hey! You animal! Doing it as soon as youe huh!?


    Erna thought Kalion wouldy her on the bed, but contrary to her thoughts, he ced her on the edge of the bed very carefully. Then, he bent down to be eye-level with her.


    His gaze was soft but persistent. He looked through her as if he had be the most demanding diamond appraiser in the world. With a sharp gaze that didnt seem to miss a floating speck of dust, Erna, unable to speak, had to catch his searching eyes.


    After a while of staring at Erna, Kalion lifted a hand and ced it on her forehead. Next, her cheek, then her neck. Erna remained still, looking at him with eyes that said, Why are you doing this?


    You dont have a fever, he finally said.


    Its been a while since it went away, replied Erna.


    Does your stomach and waist hurt? Kalion asked.


    Those too are fine now.


    At Ernas reply, Kalions slightly stiff face rxed. His eyes beamed and the corners of his mouth curled. Somehow, Erna felt embarrassed at his reaction. She tried to turn her face away from him, but Kalion closed the distance between them as he gently ced his forehead against hers.


    Thats a relief Kalion breathed a sigh of relief, his eyes shut tight.


    Erna looked at Kalion, and then carefully, lifted her hand. It wandered in the air briefly, as if at a loss, but her hand soon swept his cheek.


    Come to think of it, theyde back alive from a situation where they could have died No, where they were almost certain they would have died. Both of them knew that it was because of each other that theyd been able to return. Like that, the two btedly shared relief andfort.


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    After some time had gone by, Kalion took a step back to look at the mess of papers on the floor, finally bing conscious of his surroundings, and asked, Whats all this?


    All of what? I brought them here to look at today, but since you all of a sudden burst through the door


    Youre going to look at those today? he inquired.


    Erna saw that Kalions face was distorted at her words. Thinking for a moment, she replied as if it were nothing.


    Can I not? I purposely brought them here to choose things to talk about with you.


    Kalion brushed his face with one hand at her reply. Anyhow it seemed like Erna had made a deal with the devil. Otherwise, she wouldnt be able to choose what to say that made him so upset.


    Kalion felt the inside of his mouth getting dry. She was the same woman who had yelled at him for carrying her to the bed, calling him an animal.


    No matter how much better she felt now, did she too want to behave like an animal as soon as she got better? Reflecting on whether he was too immersed in his desires, Kalion lowered his body and began to gather Ernas documents that had fallen to the floor.


    Perhaps he was good at anything he did with his body, Kalion quickly picked up everything that had fallen and put them on the table.


    Are you done? Erna asked.


    Yep


    He replied with a somewhat rxed voice. But Erna called him over with a hand gesture.


    While inwardly grumbling, Kalion immediately went to her side like a trained puppy. As soon as he approached her, Erna stood up from the bed. Having be the same eye level as him, she leaned forward slightly and whispered as she kissed him on the cheek.


    Thanks.


    At that second, Kalion couldnt think of anything. What had she done just now? The soft, rosy lips that had just grazed his cheek whispered something that made Kalion lose his senses again.


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    You want to do it now?


    Kalion stood frozen in his position like someone whod been struck by lightning. He doubted his ears for a moment. What did she just say?


    It was until a bit of time had gone by that he understood what shed said. He could see Ernas face, which was turning red, and looking at him gently. He didnt reply, instead, he turned around and left the room.


    Outside, he hit the lion decoration hanging on the door of the couples room until it created a sound. The lions head, which was facing the front, turned to the side helplessly. That meant that until he called someone, no one could ess this part of the building.


    Now, nothing could interrupt him.

 Chapter 74.1

    Erna looked at the anxious Kalion.


    She could guess what had made the sound outside the door. Kalion had turned the lions head so that no one could enter. Upon hearing the sound, however, she thought that he hadnt turned it but something had flown away. She gulped.


    Erna was well aware of how much Kalion pushed once he lost his mind. Because there had been a few times when she scolded him for holding her all through the night. Looking at Kalions momentum now, it was clear that he would push her as hard as then, or more.


    The hand he was gripping tightly was trembling.


    This isnt scary. Erna knew the reason for her tremors. Her body would have known first before her brain. Otherwise, she wouldnt have that tugging feeling in her lower abdomen or the tingly feeling between her thighs like this.


    Because Kalion had been inside her for a long time before, she knew very well how she would act when she was in his arms.


    As she was determined to remember that time, Kalion, who had returned from closing the door, said to her, Hold on. Wait just a second.


    Erna immediately thought that he would rush in and knock her down onto the bed. He turned around and ran to his room. Eventually, Erna, who was left alone in the couples bedroom, looked over at the door where Kalion had disappeared, wondering what was going on.


    She wondered if she should wait like this, and suddenly she became curious. What does Kalions room look like? Come to think of it, she had never seen his room before.


    Kalion had been in her room. If so, shouldnt she be able to go into his room at least once? Erna was hesitating before carefully inching towards the opened door.


    With her body standing in the couples bedroom she stuck out her head to stare into Kalions bedroom.


    So this is his preference.


    His room was the real Kalion.


    Unlike her room, his didnt have any special decorations. Just old furniture that looked like they were from when the Grand Castle had first been built; clean walls with not a single photo hanging; neatly ced books.


    Now that she had thought about it, Kalion was the type to tidy up whatever, unlike her, who moderately just tossed things around.


    It doesnt match his appearance. While mumbling inside, she stuck her head out even further. Water was gushing in the bathroom. I wondered why he rushed out so urgently; so hes washing up.


    She wondered what in the world was so urgent. Erna was relieved but somehow disappointed that Kalion was in a more rational state than she had thought. It was like she had been hoping for him toe at her.


    Erna mustered up the courage to enter his room.


    The ce she had never once entered in the past ten years. Despite it being a ce she coulde to by crossing through two mere doors. And now an unfamiliar ce shed secretly entered while the owner of the room was washing up. Its morefortable than I thought.


    Meanwhile, Kalions scent, which shed gotten used to, filled the entire space. Just as he had buried his face between Ernas neck or chest and inhaled for a long time, Erna sometimes sniffed Kalion without him noticing. At first, it smelled like a fragrance for men. It was a warm smell between the smell of heavy trees and thick winter clothes.


    However, when she was lying on his body in a state of exhaustion after intercourse, she knew it was Kalions body scent.


    Interestingly enough, when she smelled that scent, she felt less nervous and closed her eyes. Like it was okay to fall asleep wherever she could smell that.


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    As she was standing in a ce filled with his scent, she feltfortable despite it being her first time here.


    Erna snuck over and sat on the edge of his bed. Its quite big.


    It was a bed simr to the one she used, but perhaps because of Kalions height and physique, it felt much wider and longer than hers. In the past, she would get annoyed and scream Why is his stuff much bigger!? Now, she was thinking about whether she fit Kalions body.


    Ernaid down on the bed, wondering why this space, only two doors down from her room, was so fun and new.


    Even though Erna thought she should go back to the couples bedroom because she hade in without Kalions knowledge, she somehow rolled around on the bed, hoping to stay longer.


    At that moment, the water noise from the bathroom stopped. I should go back! Erna panicked. However, Kalion came out of the bathroom with a crashing noise before she could even get up.


    How in the hell was this so urgent that water dripped from Kalions hair, and his bathrobe was hanging halfway off his body?


    Erna?


    His eyes grew wide at the sight of Erna sitting on his bed. At his reaction, she hastily apologized.


    Sorry. I wondered if something happened since you ran out all of a sudden I just came in because I was curious while looking inside from the hallway.


    Why are you sorry about that?


    As she had entered without permission, she had thought Kalion might feel ufortable. He asked back as if baffled at her apology.


    If you want toe,e anytime, he said as he approached Erna, and if youre okay with it


    Erna thought she could see his sneaky smile in the gently dimmed room. The next moment, Ernas body copsed gently onto his bed.


    Shall we do it here? Now?


    This is your bed though


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    Thats why I want to do it here.


    Kalion grabbed the gown hanging off his body and threw it to the side. As soon as he looked at Erna, whoy on the bed, blinking, his manhood instantly stiffened.


    For the past week, he had continuously thought about Erna in this room. He was in good physical shape, and when he had a desire, it was hard for him to fall asleep without resolving it. Erna wouldnt know, how many times he had m*sturbated to the thought of her on his bed.


    Afterward, he always had to go to the bathroom and rinse off his sticky body. Kalion imagined every time he came out of the bathroom, I wish Erna was here right now.


    But now she was sitting on his bed.

 Chapter 74.2

    Erna had entered the space which only he had used for the past ten years. Unbelievably, Kalion realized that and had lusted more than ever so far. Erna was in his space, where Kalion spent most of his time, with no fear of how crazy it made him.


    Kalion reached out and dug through the front of Ernas clothes. His big hand dug through the cor hurriedly and untied her bra.


    Was it because he was in a hurry? When his hand slipped a few times, unable to untie it, Erna lifted a hand and stopped him as if telling him to wait a second.


    Ill, Ill do it


    Even her voice stopping him was trembling, but neither of them could notice the others appearance.


    They had already confirmed each others thoughts and feelings properly at the ancient ruin. From then on, however, because of the condition of Ernas body, the two were forced to be separated.


    It was the same for both of them that they were anxious. They wanted to see each other. They wanted to see each others faces, converse together Now, they wanted to explore each other to the fullest, regardless of any shame or anything. They also wanted to confirm how messy the other could get, how much the other wanted them.


    After Erna hoisted her body up, she slowly took off her clothes in front of the heavily-breathing Kalion. The silk pajamas she was wearing fell to the bed, and not too longter the part covering her bre*sts fell too.


    Recognizing the darkness, her naked body was revealed under themplight in the room.


    Kalion carefully lifted a hand and slowly squeezed her wobbly, voluptuous bre*sts. Soft and stic; white and sweet. From the moment they were fully in his palms, he clenched his teeth so that he wouldnt tremble. At the feeling of having her in his grasp, he began to lose his temper so much that it was hard to hold out between his legs.


    He couldnt endure it any longer and, after sitting on the bed, hugged Erna in his arms. Her back touched his chest, and his hands under her armpits squeezed her two brea*ts.


    His hot breath came down on the nape of Ernas neck. His tongue licked up her white neck.


    Ah!


    With the feeling of hair rising, Erna felt a thrill flowing down her spine.


    Kalion held her bre*sts at will with both hands and squeezed harder; they bounced at his touch until his hands wrecked them.


    Mm


    Rather than feeling pain, however, Ernas body was trembling in pleasure at the touch of his hands, which coveted the softness he hadnt enjoyed in a long time. The more he did, the more her light pink n*pples rose upright. Kalion pinched them with his fingers.


    Ah, mmm


    All hed done was grab, but Ernas body trembled while she gripped his thigh. Kalion enjoyed her reaction. Because Erna remembered very well what he was going to do from now on.


    He pressed her n*pples hard and rubbed them.


    Oh, ah!


    At the strong stimtion, Erna shook as if she were going crazy. She tried to run away to avoid the stimtion he was giving her, but Kalion had already locked her up tightly. All Erna could do was struggle in his arms.


    D-d-dont!


    It was a moan close to begging, but Kalions hands didnt stop. Because he knew this wasnt what Erna truly wanted.


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    S-stop it! Kalion!


    Ernas body on top of his was all worked up. More and more rough breathing escaped her lips. Kalion knew very well that it was because she was approaching the peak. Then, the moment Ernas breath sped up, Kalion pulled on her two n*pples.


    Ahh!


    Grabbing his thigh, her body shivered like shed been struck by lightning. Erna gasped as if she had just run with all her might. When her body, which had been calm this past week, was vited, she couldnt think of a thing. She was senseless as if her brain had melted.


    Then, Kalion, who was massaging her bre*sts, gently let go, then he held her waist firmly with one hand. And the other hand dug into her underwear, which was still left on.


    Kalion!


    Hush. Hold still.


    After holding the shocked Erna firmly with one arm and bringing her in closer, Kalion dug deeper down. The finger moving through the soft inner flesh was already wet and dripping.


    Ah! Erna flinched and trembled at the sudden poke of his finger. W-w-what are y-you doing?


    Trying to loosen it up.


    Loosen it up? Loosen what? Erna, who didnt understand his reply, was so surprised she grabbed his hand digging under her. However, Kalion did not care and slowly stirred his fingers inside her.


    Oh, yes!


    Ernas body leaned forward while her tight inner flesh widened. However, Kalion was holding on so tightly that fortunately, she hadntpletely copsed.


    Meanwhile, Kalions fingers pressed her insides. As expected, this ce was unbelievably soft and warm. He held Erna, who was squirming in his arms, even harder. No one had ever taught him properly, so his actions were only based on instinct. So, when his thing was erect, he immediately put it inside her. He thought it was natural. Meanwhile, he didnt know much about other stuff.


    But he hade to learn after reading the book that caressing the body was not just for the feeling, but for women to take the male body morefortably and deeply. To lower the pain during s*x, there was a way to loosen a womans insides. Also, he should always keep his body clean. Otherwise, his partner may get hurt, as per mentioned in the book.


    Thats why I washed up like crazy. He wanted toe at her with his clothes off. But what if he hurt Erna doing that He didnt even want to think of that situation.


    Kalion was more absorbed in his actions, holding Ernas trembling body in his arms.


    Kalions finger continued its business inside,thinking it would hurt her if he were to immediately pierce inside of her.


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    Kalion took his finger out for a second. Ernas v*gina was dripping wet. Erna inhaled deeply when what had entered inside her escaped.


    Why in the world are you


    When she suddenly tried to question whether he was doing something he hadnt done, Kalion whispered in her ear, This isnt working. Ill put in one more.


    What?


    Before Erna could even stop him, two fingers slowly attempted to enter inside her.

 Chapter 75.1

    Erna twisted her body at the sensation that felt sharper than the one just a while ago. Kalions fingers carefully spread out the pulsating membrane and entered.


    So far, he had always entered hastily and ruggedly. And Erna had never med him for his hastiness. Because she had understood and let it slide that he was that much s*xually excited. Of course that didnt mean that it was painless.


    Still, she thought that quickly reaching climax and forgetting everything under the pleasure was much better than being in pain for a long time. For her, the slowness just prolonged the time she was in pain. Now, however, it didnt bother her that Kalions carefree fingers were wiggling inside of her.


    The more she got used to it, little by little, it increased in size. Receiving pleasure from someone for the first time in a long time did not bother her, and steadily she stepped up the staircase of pleasure.


    Kalion, this ah hold on


    She was unable to tell him to stop. Despite feeling it herself, she held Kalions fingers as hard as she could. As Kalion rubbed his lips on her round shoulder, he rubbed his other fingers that werent inside of her on the cl*toris.


    Ahhh!


    Then, her body shivered like a bird caught in a nest. Her inner walls had tightened at the same time Kalions fingers had entered.


    After carefully putting his fingers deeper inside her he rubbed the inner walls. The hot softness wrapped around his fingers as if it had been waiting. Even though he moved slowly, the erotic, wet sound filled the room because Ernas insides had already been dripping wet.


    Mmm, ah


    Erna didnt push him away, and, holding on tightly to his arm, closed her eyes and enjoyed the pleasure Kalion was giving her.


    His fingers, which had reached their limit, were slightly bent inside her.


    Argh!


    Ernas eyes shot open in surprise at the sudden cramped feeling deep inside of her.


    Kalion, d-dont Its too much inside!


    She shook her head while staring at him with her body turned. To Kalion, her moist eyes reacting to the sensation from his fingers looked pretty. He had to soothe her, but strangely enough, he wanted to try while looking at those eyes to see if there was a bad side somewhere in her nature.


    He bent his fingers even more. He could see her pretty green eyes shaking in surprise. He knew well when Ernas eyes were getting wet. With Ernas head turned, he softly bit her earlobe.


    Ahh!


    Ernas entire body was sensitive, but among all the ces, her ears were the most sensitive. Her body, not knowing what to do about the fingers wiggling inside of her, trembled and shuddered intensely.


    Kalion was impatient. He originally hadnt wanted to give her this pleasure through only his fingers. Erna could already feel his penis under her, its tip rubbing against her until it hurt.


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    Kalion, stop please


    The liquid flowing down his hand made a moist sound and wet the bed sheets. Recognizing this, Ernas eyes became wetter, hazier.


    Kalion shook his head no.


    I cant.


    Why Kalion, please


    His body flinched for a moment as Erna begged him while squeezing his arm. He pressed his lips together. Where in the world had he learned things like this that shook her soul?


    dont. Today, you


    The words she spat out kept getting interrupted by his loud breathing.


    I have something bigger to give you.


    At those words, Erna flinched and trembled. At her shocka mixture of fear and anticipationKalion smoothed her insides with more care.


    Entering again and again


    Before long, the fingers roaming around inside her had be three. Ernas eyes teared up as she felt her insides expand even more.


    His fingers moved quickly, little by little. And the moans that flowed from Erna, who was hugged in his arms, became shorter.


    Ah! Oh


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    As her slim body shook, the dazzling blonde hair hanging over her shoulder shook as well. Each time it did, her bre*sts shook up and down and her taut n*pples would appear through the locks and disappear.


    Looking down over her shoulder, Kalion admired her body, the way she epted his fingers while liquid flowed out of her. It was such a beautiful, er*tic scene that no one else in the world could see but him.


    Kalion again focused on the act. nting his hot lips on her flesh like she were his. Before long, his hand which had grabbed her waist moved up and rubbed her bre*st, fulfilling his sneaky desire.


    Erna could no longer think of anything else. It felt like her brain had already melted. There was so much she had to tell Kalion. Stuff rted to state affairs and the ancient ruins that had been dyed. However, when she looked at him all that she had done and the things she had had to do disappeared, and only he was there.


    From when had she been this way?

 Chapter 75.2

    This was not the case when they tried to get used to each other by slowly touching each other before having s*x. No, rather, at that time, she had been even more reluctant to see Kalion.


    She had hated herself for not being able to endure the stimtion of his body and thought that Kalion wouldugh at her. She thought how much he wouldugh at her if she copsed while he remained unscathed.


    However, the moment Kalion said to her Lets do everything, she was so afraid that she didnt want him to see her copsing form anymore. So she was about to be honest. Just like now.


    Kalion st-stop it not your fingers


    Despite thinking to herself, she wondered if she was crazy. Sitting naked on his thighs, how could she shake her back and beg for something else? Her face burned in embarrassment. She was ashamed of herself. More than that, however, she wanted more of Kalion.


    Still catching her breath, Erna turned her head. There he was, staring at her with a nk look on his face.


    You really


    A rough, low voice leaked through his gritted teeth. He was desperately holding back the urge to act the way he wanted and hadnt expected Erna to beg first.


    Kalion quickly took his fingers out from inside of her. A sticky string of liquid hung from them. He picked up and threw the towel that was around his waist.


    His thing, which had been covered by the thick towel, expressed a chaotic vigor. After turning Erna around on hisp to face him, he grabbed his erect manhood and positioned it.


    The sound of it rubbing on Ernas v*ginal lips made her embarrassed. Kalion shook it slowly. The blunt tip slightly dug into her.


    Erna had asked for it, but when Kalion pushed it inside her, she was surprised and raised herself. Looking down in disbelief, almost on the brink of tears, she mumbled, Why did you get bigger?


    Kalion didnt know whether to be d or sad at thatment. Erna, barely managing to endure her excitement enough to make her jaw tremble, released it with her fingers, but it was still too much to ept.


    You cant I, this will not go inside


    You told me to stop using my fingers.


    Yes, I did, but


    This time, fear shone in Ernas eyes. She couldnt believe that he had been harboring such a thing.


    Kalion lifted a hand and pulled her shoulder so she wouldnt back away. Then, her face appeared even closer than before. A pretty face every time I see it, he thought. Even though in the past when he used to call her pumpkin, he had known that that nickname didnt suit her.


    Damn. Where else in the world can I find a pumpkin like this? Straight eyebrows, round andrge eyes, tall nose, and above all, those thick, red lips. Kalion stared at her lips like a possessed person. He who had bit and sucked every inch of her body. The only ce he hadnt tasted, however, was her lips.


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    He wanted to lick them. And he wanted to slightly nibble on them. He was crazy curious about what they would taste like.


    Meanwhile, he felt the strength in Ernas body gradually giving away. Kalions thing, which felt like it would shoot inside at any minute, tapped and rubbed her insides. Each time it did, the stinging sensation from below hit her body like thunder.


    Y-yes!


    Unable to win against the powerful feeling, she twisted her body at the waist and gyrated. The more she did that, however, the fiercer Kalions manhood became. The tip, which was raised to its fullest extent, was shiny and wet with bodily fluids.


    Erna, who was thinking about her private parts, suddenly realized that Kalion had be quiet.


    Kalion?


    Lifting her head, wondering why he was that way, she encountered his gaze staring at her. Kalion seemed to be thinking about something. The moment Erna became curious about why the hell he was acting that way, he opened his mouth.


    Your lips.


    Huh?


    Thats why I He hesitated and struggled to speak; unlike his usual self. can I kiss you?


    Frozen at those words, Erna only stared at him. A kiss. Erna had only experienced that once in her entire life. With Kalion at their wedding. At that time, she had cried out of resentment, shame, and sadness.


    Perhaps that was the most disgusting moment in her life, Erna had erased everything thatd happened on that day as much as she could. However, her feelings from that time remained deep in her heart.


    She hesitated. That day had left a strong impression on her, so a kiss still felt fearful to her. But


    Erna reached out and pulled Kalions neck.


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    She suddenly thought of food she didnt like. When she was young, she had tried it once, and because of the bitter taste, she had never touched it until she became an adult. That she hade to eat it again was a coincidence.


    The moment she realized that it was apletely different taste from her childhood memory, the bitter taste thats been etched in her memory had disappeared.


    If she kissed the same person again, that kiss, too, would be like that.


    So would it be possible for her to erase all the displeasure that had been stuck in her memory for a long time?


    Erna slowly ced her lips on Kalions lips. She thought she could feel his hot breath, then Kalions soft lips touched hers.

 Chapter 76.1

    Kalion couldnt believe the situation now.


    Erna had pulled on his neck and kissed first. When what he had wanted over the past few weeks happened, he felt a tingle like stars were bursting in front of his eyes.


    Erna. Kissed. First.


    Those words repeatedly went around in his head like he had be the worlds biggest idiot. However, the moment he tasted Ernas soft, smooth lips, he couldnt think of anything.


    How could something so sweet exist in this world?


    As their lips touched and slightly pressed with each other, Kalion instinctively pushed his tongue in when their lips naturally parted. His tongue brushed smoothly over her teeth. There was a moist, clingy sound like a while ago when he had taken his fingers out of her. He grabbed her waist with both hands and hugged her tighter in his arms.


    Their lips collided, and their touching chests rubbed each other. At the same time, his pen*s rubbed against her v*ginal opening.


    For her entire life, Ernas lips experienced its second kiss, and she felt er*tic. The two carefully tasted each others lips like birds pecking together. Wondering if her lips fell away for a second, Kalion urgently rushed to her lips again.


    Erna was shocked at the way he crazily rubbed and nibbled on her lips that she let out a moan. Her lips opened quickly. Kalions warm, moist tongue entered her mouth and explored inside. His tongue twisted inside, scraped up her cheek, and wrapped around her tongue.


    He, who knew that Erna would not back away anymore, wrapped his two hands around her face. All the while putting his tongue deeper into her mouth. If her lips were small, would her tongue be small, too? Augh flowed out the mouth of Kalion, who felt the tiny piece of flesh wrapping arduously.


    A wet sound seeped out of the lips that did not part.


    Ah, mmm..


    Erna was trying her best to ept Kalion even though she was struggling. Before the kiss, she had been worried. What if he hates it the second time? But now she realized how meaningless that worry was.


    After a long time, when Erna, catching her breath, patted his shoulders, Kalion moved back. His face, a little far away, was full of regrets. At the same time, he looked very nervous.


    From some point on, when he saw Ernas lips, he thought he wanted to kiss her. So he had been secretly aiming for them several times, and Erna didnt seem to be aware of it, but she would always sneak away from his lips. It worried Kalion.


    He liked her to death. So much that it would be nice to kiss like this until the day he died. But would Erna feel the same way? Nervous like a criminal awaiting his sentence, he stared at the lips he had just coveted a moment ago.


    Was it because he had pushed her to the limit? For a long time, Erna gasped for air as she caught her breath. Then, her head wilted when she was barely calmed.


    Did she not like it?


    Still, wouldnt she get better after a few more times? If only she practices until then


    Erna, who was bowing her head, muttered in a small voice as Kalion was rolling his thoughts.


    How could it be so good


    Indeed, the kiss was more than Erna had expected. She felt like his body was floating around. Kalions tongue, which had moved colorfully as much as her g*nitals were entangled, gave her whole body a sense of numbness with a different feeling from what she felt during the s*xual stimtion.


    Her mind, which had be so distant that even his rising breath felt pleasant, was addicted. Erna thought that she was now in trouble. She wanted to experience it again


    Erna lifted her head. Then, he, who was still staring at her, wrapped his hands around her cheeks and kissed her forehead.


    What a relief.


    Kalion?


    What a relief that you didnt hate it.


    Ernas heart skipped a beat at his face smiling brightly as if he were truly relieved.


    Kalion had always looked at her as if she was an annoying roach; his demeaning stare had always made her ufortable. Now, his eyes were soft while he smiled at her, seeming to melt away.


    As far as Erna knew, he was never one to smile this way. She didnt know his entire life, nor was she around him every single minute of the day, but she had never seen a simr expression on him.


    He was the strongest knight and the most handsome man in Hessenguard. When a man like him smiled


    Erna hugged him without saying a word. She didnt dare to look him in the face now. If she did, it may make her say something silly and absurd.


    Kalion also silently hugged her body that clung to him. Always soft, warm, and fragrant.


    Holding Erna, Kalion became a little upset over the past decade. Why had he not known that she was by his side?


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    The two were hugging each other for a long time, still feeling what theyd felt for the first time.


    In the meantime, however, desires had steadily umted.


    Unable to withstand any longer, Kalions thing, which had gotten stiffer, squeezed through Ernas narrow gap. In the past, she would have already died, but today it felt stiff but didnt bother her.


    Erna


    When she heard his drowsy voice in her ear, Erna shook a little without realizing it and tried to embrace him, who began toe in.


    Kalion matched her movement and inched his way in.


    Ah ah


    Erna trembled. It didnt hurt as much asst time, but that didnt mean that the massiveness had decreased.


    Kalion tried gritting his teeth as he attempted to enter. Erna did not like pain. She wanted to make her time with him full of only good things. In order to do so, it was worth holding back her desire to go wild right away.


    She blinked her eyes to shake off her tears. It didnt hurt, but it was hard to breathe with her insides filled with his thing.


    Kalion sighedmixed with satisfaction and pleasureover Ernas neck.


    He always was this way, but, seriously, why was he so big? Erna thought.


    His motion, which felt like itd reach Ernas deepest point, stopped. The feeling of his roughness rubbing between her legs made her feel ashamed. Their bodies in contact were more explicit and felt clearer than her own body.


    Oh, ah


    Through the sound of Kalions breathing alone, Ernas body trembled. Before long, her stomach felt numb.


    Does it hurt?


    Did Kalion feel that she was struggling? He had friendlily asked as he swept his hand down her back.


    It doesnt hurt, but its a bit hard. Because youre so big


    She gasped even though they were lying motionlessly. Kalion put both his hands on her buttocks then pulled her in more.


    Ahh!


    Kalion delved deeper as if mocking Erna, who had thought that he could go no further. She always thought it was deep, but when he came into a ce that he had never really touched, Ernas body experienced convulsions. Her breath flowed out nonstop.


    Ohh, ah, ahhh


    Her body trembled as soon as Kalion really reached the end.


    Erna.


    Y-yeah.


    Do you remember what I said?


    Wh-what?


    What you said was more than one or two words, she thought. Normally, she would have shot back at him, but she listened to him while holding her breath.


    I said I would do it until we make a baby .


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    Erna shivered at those words. Her buttocks held in his hands clenched. Before she knew it, Kalion was lifting her in the air. His p*nis, which had been spending a rxing time in the soggy cave, came out dripping wet.


    Kalion didnt take this thing all the way out. He put the thick tip over Ernas entrance and waited until she got adjusted to it.


    As soon as what had filled her insides came out, feeling empty, Ernas inside piqued a hole and pulled his thing.


    Y-yeah


    Both of them felt it vividly. The veins in Kalions neck bulged as he gritted his teeth. The soft smile hanging around his mouth had long disappeared. Now, Kalions eyes were overflowing with a burning passion.

 Chapter 76.2

    Perhaps because he thought she was open enough, he grabbed Ernas body and let her down. Her v*gina, which had already been wet enough, easily swallowed Kalions p*nis to the base of it at once.


    Ah! Yes!


    Ernas body quivered like a spear had been pierced through her. Kalion lifted one hand and patted Ernas belly. He didnt like that it was still t. He thought that it would be nice if his thing, no, if something conceived by him were ced inside there.


    Legally, Erna was his wife. But the couple hadnt recognized that for a long time, so Kalion wanted clearer, more solid evidence. And he knew very well how he had to make that happen.


    Knowing that Erna hadpletely gotten used to his thing, he ced her on top of the bed. Her golden hair flowed messily over the bed which Kalion always slept in alone. That alone allowed Kalion to be s*xually excited.


    His manhood entered Ernas body as if it would pierce through it. Kalion trampled up her body with all his might to the point where her v*gina tingled.


    Ah! Ohh!


    Ernas body went up because of his constant strength. Kalion, who somehow didnt like it because she seemed to be moving away from him, grabbed her waist with both hands and moved his waist faster.


    Ah! Argh!


    The pleasure moving in like a wave surged sharply through her body. She absolutely could not escape. It was like she had to remain in his arms for the rest of her life, being pounded by him. But she didnt want that.


    Kalion, sl-slow down ah!


    His movement, however, got even faster, like he didnt even hear her begging.


    He was too fast. At this rate


    Her mind turned nk so quickly that it was impossible topare to before. Perhaps he notice her change in mood, Kalion, who seemed that hed continued thrusting quickly, didnt move anymore after onest thrust.


    Ahhh!


    Ugh


    The two let out a moan at the same time. The earnest desire that he had endured for more than a week poured into Ernas insides. Shepletely lost her will of resistance and epted the s*men that shot out hard and wetted the inner walls.


    Ohh


    Ernas drooping body flinched sensitively every time Kalion shot out some more. Having reached org*sm too quickly, Erna was so embarrassed she turned her head. Then, Kalion reached out and grabbed her cheek, turning her face in his direction again.


    The moment their gazes met his lips fell on her lips once again. Erna was also waiting, so she weed Kalion, who was willing to open her mouth with his tongue and crawl into her ce.


    The two naked bodies coalesced with each other. When Ernas hard n*pples grazed Kalions chest, his p*nis, which hed taken out, started to regain strength again.


    Again


    When Erna made a crying voice as if whining, Kalion kissed her forehead, eyes, and nose as if he was dying for her love.


    I told you. I will do it until we make a baby. If I fill you up every day it will happen someday. I dont want to go until it happens.


    He only spoke up until there, but Ernas face was nched. Kalions words somehow did not sound like a joke. If he wanted to do it, he was going to do it.


    When Erna squirmed at hisment, Kalion smiled and hugged her body with his arms, tightly sandwiched himself between her legs, and moved his waist.


    Why are you trying to run away, Erna?


    Hey, hold on! Sl-slow down! Ah! Ohh!


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    Her voice was rxed, but her waist wasnt. Trapped in his arms, she helplessly had to ept him. The tip of his p*nis relentlessly scraped her insides. Body fluid from each of their bodies flowed down to the contact area, and every time Kalion moved, a white bubble was created.


    I cant let it spill.


    Arrgh!


    Why do you ssh so much? Look at you spilling it like this.


    No, its your f Ah!


    Erna was appalled at the sound they were creating, so she immediately shut her mouth. Kalion, on the other hand, scratched her sensitive insides with his manhood. It was as if he was asking: How much longer are you trying to hold out?


    Erna, let me hear your voice, he said.


    I d-dont want to. I feel weird now


    Whatever. Youre so pretty.


    At that, Erna grabbed his shoulders with her struggling arms and pushed him away. Those words made her weak the most. It was something she had wanted to hear at least once because it was good to hear it from anyone when she was young.


    Despite hearing it often aftering to Hessenguard, she still felt thirsty for those words. She didnt even know how much more she had to hear it to fill the space in her heart.


    Why did you say


    Kalion felt a pang in his chest when he stared at her face streaming with tears. The words werent anything specialjust words he thought of often today. But the moment he said them, Erna had truly burst into tears. Kalion then realized, that Erna had really wanted to hear those words.


    That was hard to figure out because he could just say what he thought of. Kalion pulled Erna into a tight embrace and whispered, Youre pretty, Erna. The prettiest.


    Momentarily freezing up at those words, Erna couldnt stop the tears that fell from her eyes. She couldnt feel the thirst anymore.


    One more time, Kalion she begged with her voice trembling, say it just one more time


    Why was she begging him like this? Kalion felt his chest tighten again. He couldnt guess why Erna was behaving this way. Because he knew both Erna in the past and present.


    My wife, Erna. He kissed her forehead with a smile. You are pretty.


    Kalion licked the tears from her cheek as he kissed her. A faint smile appeared on her face. Kalion waited while shey there crying quietly for a long time.


    Barely calmed, she wiped away the tears with the back of her hand and fumbled for Kalions face.


    Unlike a while ago, this time she kissed him all over his face. Kalion shed a smile at the ticklishness. His heart tingled when she thanked him not with words but with her lips.


    Are you all right now? he asked.


    Erna nodded, blushing. She was thankful that Kalion had listened to her instead ofughing.


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    Then can I too ask you a favor?


    what is it?


    Kalion hadntughed at her absurd request. So, of course, Erna was ready to hear whatever he was going to say.


    Kalion lifted his body, grabbed Ernas waist firmly, and whispered, Cry a little bit more.


    At that moment, his hands grabbed her bre*sts, and his waist began to move violently.

 Chapter 77.1

    Y-yeah


    Erna, bent over the bed, felt the heaviness of Kalion getting on top of her. With his hands, he spread her weakly dangling legs. Her insides, which he had entered countless times, stretched open with a sticky sound. Her tiny hole pouted and opened as soon as Kalion spread her legs.


    Ahh


    Erna felt it flowing inside of her. Feeling the semen he had shot inside her all night, her body quivered and trembled.


    Kalion. Sto-.- oh!


    Before she could even tell him to stop, his manhood had already entered her swollen, wet insides.


    Oh!


    Erna gripped the sheets firmly. Her body arched in shock woman for a moment but soon fell onto the bed again. A lowugh came from Kalion behind her. Her eyes sharpened at the sound from him.


    You b bastard, she muttered, still in the same position. She couldnt tell how much time had passed. All that she could tell was that they had been doing it for a very, very long time.


    At first, even she had performed diligently along with him. However, the difference in their stamina was evident. When Kalion reached orgasm the second time, she was already exhausted. Kalion, however, was unscathed.


    How long have been holding it in? You think Ill stop a second time?


    She should have known then that Kalion was too crazy for her handle. He was always kind to her when he made love with herkissing her, caressing her. But when it was too much that Erna could no longer count the times theyd done it, it was no longer kindness.


    Erna focused on Kalions manhood. Kalion had said that everything he performed with his body was good; however, she hadnt known it included s*x. As if he had memorized them all, he pierced only the ces that Erna reacted strongly to.


    In the beginning, Erna had told him not to, but not too longter, she was begging him with tears in her eyes.


    The pleasure he was giving made her addicted. It had never felt this good, even when she had seeded at summoning a tremendouslyplicated spell.


    Is this what it feels like to be on drugs? Her head went nk, and she let out a moan. She realized something while doing it with Kalion: Why is he better?


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    Then, suddenly, she recalled what Kalion had said. He had told her that he read a lot of books while she slept. It wasnt a lie. On the nightstand by the bed were several bookmarked books. Though she didnt know what kind of books they were, she thought about burning them after today. Especially the book thatd taught Kalion how to move his waist while caressing her bre*sts with his tongue moving around busily inside her mouth.


    He wondered if she didnt like the fact that she was drooping and that he was the only one moving. Kalion lifted her waist out of the bent posture.


    Erna stumbled over and over again trying to break free again but managed to pull herself up. Even though she was up, she felt ugly because he was just holding up her b*tt.


    Damn. Youre dripping again, Kalion said as he poked his finger at the ce that was tightly meshed. He dabbed his fingers on the inside of her thighs runny with bodily fluids. Not only the inside of her thighs but her stomach was already covered in dried sem*n. Filling her inside wasnt enoughhe had even left remains of his sexual desire outside of her.


    Hey, you are a real piece of work


    Erna mumbled as she struggled to keep her limping body up. Everything in front of her was going in circles. The moment she was about to faint, unable to withstand anymore, Kalion grabbed her at the waist and wiggled her in his arms.


    Arrgh!


    As she was twirled around while trapped in his grasp, Kalions manhood scraped and poked around her insides relentlessly until she reached climax again.


    Kalion hugged her limping body tighter in his arms. Their bodies soaked in sweat and bodily fluids were sticky, but that only made him even h*rnier. However, even he knew now that he needed to stop.


    He was afraid that Ernas body, which had only recently recovered, might fail again. More so, he would be the culprit if she were to fall sick, given that they have not eaten anything at all since dinnertimeit was now the middle of the night.


    Kalion kissed Ernas face while shey in his arms. His lips erased the traces of the tears on her skin. Atst, sping her tightly in his arms, Kalionid her down on the bed, and slowly pulled out his manhood.


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    Her insides, which had endured his p*nis for such a long time, didnt easily shrink down even after it was out. He rubbed his face as he stared at her v*gina. Why is the liquiding out nonstop? Kalion then tucked Erna under the nket and headed to the bathroom.


    Erna was left alone in the bed, confused. Her entire body was tingling. Not only her lower abdomen that constantly epted Kalion, but also all over her body, which he had bitten and licked, trembled with a tingling sensation.


    You f*cking


    Erna, whose mumbling voice was mixed with resentment, curled her body. Though she cursed him, she longed for the heat of his body that fell away for a moment. Having been stuck to his body all these hours, she felt it was natural that he was next to her.


    Little by little, Ernas eyes closed.

 Chapter 77.2

    I need to bathe Bastard. Did he go to the bathroom alone?


    She wondered if hed clean everything up after he washed. She too wanted to get up and go straight to the bathroom in her room, but she couldnt even lift a finger, let alone walk. She could only exhale wearily.


    Then, she heard the sound of the bathroom door opening, and Kalion approached the bed again.


    Is he already done washing?


    Whoa!


    Shocked from suddenly being lifted, Erna wiggled from Kalions grasp.


    Hold still. Youll fall.


    What is Why did you


    Why what? You have to bathe. How can you go to sleep like this?


    Kalion walked toward the bathroom carrying her lightly. As soon as he entered, they were hit with a burst of steam. Erna rubbed her closed eyes as she scanned the inside of the bathroom.


    The tub Its huge.


    His bathroom was more like a bathhouse. Hot water brought on by magic sshed in the huge space decorated with colorful tiles. It was a big enough space for not only Kalion but four other men his size.


    What is this? Why is yours so big?


    At Ernas grumpy voice, he stared at her as he if was speechless.


    Is that important right now?


    Alsoining, he entered the water, still holding Erna. Ernas whole body was wrapped in warmth, and she could not help but moan in relief andfort.


    Taking a seat in the huge bathtub, Kalion held her and fastened himself tightly to her. Erna leaned her head on his chest before closing her eyes. Then, Kalion lifted a handful of water to wash her face. Her eyes, still red, stimted his carnal desire.


    Erna was pretty when she smiled. However, she was so beautiful when she cried while calling his name that it made his mind go crazy. So, Kalion made up his mind that he would have to kill the next bastard to make her cry. Only he could see this.


    He moved his hand, thinking if Erna found out she would scold him for acting like a baby. When he pressed his thumb slightly on her bottom lip, she bit his finger like shed done during s*x and swirled her tongue around it.


    Hey


    Having almost said a curse word, he pursed his lips shut. His manhood started to tingle as he stared nkly at the lips sucking his finger. It felt good somehow. He wanted her to swallow it up like this.


    As he washed down Ernas body thatd gotten dirty because of him, Kalion thought about how lucky he was that it was too big for her to swallow.


    Of course, he didnt just bathe her meekly. When his hands, which caressed her face, ears, and neck, slid down to her chest it was more meticulous and stayed for a long time than the other spots.


    He yed with his heavy bre*sts as if they were dough. Squeezing hard and rubbing up and down with his palms, he slowly scratched under her n*pple.


    You


    Erna, who knew he was ying around with her bre*sts, lifted her hand to signal stop while sshing water at him. With water suddenly flung on his face, he decided to get revenge on her by pulling her n*pples with his fingertips.


    Arrgh!


    As soon as he pulled themnot enough to hurt herErna curled her body in surprise. But that didnt mean he was going to back down. He trapped her with his legs so she couldnt escape, then he yed with the tips of her bre*sts.


    Her body flinched and curled in the water again.


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    Kalion, Kali ah!


    Ernas body copsed while calling his name. Once again, in the water this time, she had reached the climax.


    Kalion giggled as he kissed her lips. Then, she pushed his face with her weak fists as if she didnt want him to see her this way.


    I told you to stop


    Sorry. But what am I supposed to do? Youre so pretty when you climax.


    What are you talking about?


    Erna fell again in his arms as if she had no more energy to speak. Kalion really couldnt tease her anymore, he thought that he truly ought to wash her.


    His hands washed the dried-up s*men on her belly. Then, juices spilled out from between her legs. He thought it was a very er*tic sight, so he gritted his teeth and continued to wash Erna.


    Kalion, your thing


    Huh?


    Your thing Its poking too much


    deal with it. Since its not going soft anytime soon.


    Feeling resentful that he had not been able to enter her again, he washed her body with a bothered look on his face. Next, he massaged her body under the warm water.


    In the middle of that, he all of a sudden stood up, put on his bathrobe, and left the bathroom. Not even wondering why hed done that, Erna fell asleep on the edge of the bathtub.


    When she opened her eyes again he was not in his bed but the couples rooms bed.


    Somehow that was cool and refreshing. Unlike his bed where theyd have crazy s*x, the bed in the couples room was clean. Then, Erna smelled something that made her nose tingle.


    Are you awake?


    Sitting next to her, Kalion took Erna, who rubbed her eyes, and raised her body. It seemed that her wet hair smelled good.


    Huh Whats this?


    Whats what? You havent eaten.


    Erna looked at the table filled with food and fell on the bed again. She was hungry, but she didnt have the strength to walk to the table. So she reached out to Kalion and said, Feed me, Kalion.


    Kalion stared nkly at her. Soon, his thing was protruding under his gown, throbbing up and down. Erna muttered with a tearful look, Not that, you crazy bastard


    After grinning, he picked her up and ced her on the sofa next to the chair. Pondering as he stared at the table, he picked up a slice of orange and put it between Ernas lips, and a taste of sour juice burst into her mouth.


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    Kalion picked up another slice and fed it to her from his mouth. Like this, he felt like a parent bird feeding a chick. A parent bird, however, didnt lust to have a woman in its arms.


    As Kalion fed her a few more slices of fruit, Ernas energy recovered little by little. While Kalion gazed at her, wondering if she would thank him for wiping her mouth with the back of his hand, or if she would kiss him again, she said, Come to think of it, they say that Marquess Canavan is alive these days. And the envoy from Haband? How is it going with the ancient ruin situation? Im supposed to see the document but couldnt because of you, so hurry up and tell me.


    Work is what you do as soon as you wake up?


    Kalion stared resentfully at Ernas lips, uttering words that did not have the slightest trace of lingering feelings of love.


    It was inevitable. His wife was this kind of person.

 Chapter 78.1

    Kalion began to exin to Erna in detail while sheid down what had happened; so much that she could not be thought of as a grumbling person.


    Unfortunately, Marquess Canavan is alive and breathing. And he has gotten quite better. Strange enough, however, he still has some swelling, so his mental state is just fine, but its still difficult for him to move. I think when Habands new envoy arrives hes nned to be ced in a carriage and taken back.


    Kalion had overheard some of Habands delegates whispering in the corner.


    After the news that a new envoy wasing, the delegates staying in Hessenguard were busy preparing for it.


    Obviously, it was natural that they were less interested in Marquess Canavan. Marquess Canavan was sensitiveshowing his displeasure with his servantsand because of that, the delegates were eagerly awaiting him to go back.


    Listening to Kalions exnation, Erna continued to ept with her mouth the fruits he gave her.


    All the while, she was secretly surprised. To her, Marquess Canavan was someone who had always appeared in her nightmares. Though, to be exact, it became a nightmare once he appeared.


    Even after waking up from her dream, she winced whenever she heard his name, but now she couldnt care less whether his name was mentioned or not. Because Marquess Canavan was now nothing to her.


    Come to think of it they still havent given us the name of the new envoy, she said.


    Yeah. It seems that our knights couldnt exactly figure it out. Apparently, only a small percentage of the new delegates in Haband know the true identity of the new envoy. Haband seems to be so strict that they couldnt even see his face Just from the knights behavior, it definitely seems that no one will know who he is until he arrives here. They say that in any case, that person will arrive on the border and rest for a couple of days before moving again.


    At that, Ernas head tilted.


    Weird, huh? Kalion said.


    Resting for two days was not usually heard of on carriage journeys. How could an envoy not be used to travel? It was like saying that a fish was poor at swimming.


    Though Erna and Kalion mocked Marquess Canavan as much as they wanted, he had some experience in diplomacy. How could a foreigner, someone sent as an envoy to Hessenguard, not be ustomed to moving in a carriage? Did they send someone who only saw the papers in the pce? wondered Erna.


    But theres no way theyd send someone like that at this time. The situation about Habands envoy continued to bother her. Someone the people around her didnt speak of; someone unustomed to riding in a carriage; someone worth only sending as an envoy.


    Then, she had a guess.


    is it someone of royal blood?


    Still, she had her doubts. After thinking for a moment, Erna decided to put off thinking about the envoy for now. Ill see when he gets here.


    Even if the king of Habandes, Hessenguards response will not change much anyway. And if its someone more arrogant than Marquess Canavan, she will just have to treat him ordingly.


    Ernaid down on Kalions thigh and continued to ask him questions:


    What about the ancient ruin?


    About that There are some ancient records about Ilgees Forest left, but theres no record of 10 years ago. And there are records about the stuff from the Grand Castle, but thats it. I looked up the servants involved, and they said they had lost contact and didnt know.


    Is it possible that theyre lying? she inquired.


    Its highly possible. But that doesnt mean I can arrest them and force them to confess, replied Kalion.


    that is true.


    Perhaps because of the strong power of the council, Hessenguard was a ce where the rights ofmoners were guaranteed more than those of neighboring kingdoms. Without urate evidence, Kalion could not drag anyone into confessing. Of course, they can be dragged by force. However, it wasnt easy to handle what came after that.


    Kalion added, And do you remember the underground ce at the ancient ruin we saw Richard Hessenguard go down into?


    Yeah.


    I looked around here too just in case, and its an underground space. I knocked under the wall where Richard Hessenguard was going down and found several hollow ces where the sound echoed.


    That means


    It means there may be a pir below the Grand Castle, too. I couldnt look closer because there are too many eyes around. Kalion picked up the cushion at the end of the sofa and gave it to Erna, who was wiggling her empty hand. Stillying on his thigh with her eyes closed, she hugged the pillow with a satisfied look on her face.


    Kalion pulled the tassel hanging on the edge of the cushion that Erna held and ced it on her chest. The crest of Grand Duke Hessenguard was stitched above the tassel, showing that it was the property of the Grand Castle.


    The two pirs Erna muttered.


    Fiddling with the tassel, Erna thought about the form of the pirs shed seen in the ancient ruin. One of them was cracked as if itd crumble any moment. And Richard Hessenguard had taken his own life while looking at them.


    The two pirs symbolizing Hessenguard. What other pair has more significance in Hessenguard?


    Well, Kalion paused after pondering on it for a second, You and I.


    Stop joking around.


    It isnt a joke. We are a couple important in Hessenguard. Right now, you and I.


    At Kalions serious answer, Erna stared at the tassel decoration and asked, Up until now, there has only been one grand duke? Are we the first couple?


    That is so, but, Kalion mumbled, unable to find an answer. However, it was even hard for Erna, who had said no, to say that his thoughts werepletely wrong.


    One of the pirs waspletely cracked, like itde crashing down at any moment.


    Erna tried to recall again what she knew about Richard Hessenguard. He hadmitted suicide. Everyone had spected about the reason, but There had been a lot of people pessimistic about his wifes death, saying he had killed himself because of her death.


    Two pirs. A grand couple. One dead. One copsed pir.


    Then, did the other pir copse after Richard Hessenguards death? At some point, Erna was thinking that the pirs were the Grand Duke and Duchess.


    For now lets think of a way to secretly enter underground here. First, we need to choose a room somewhere on the first floor and keep everyone from entering, she said.


    The things that went on in the Grand Castle belonged to confidentiality. However, Vanessa wasnt someone who like confidentiality, so it was very easy for her to receive information on what transpired in the castle. Someone may have already confessed to her somehow.


    Erna couldnt me anyone for that. If anything really happened to them, wouldnt theye to Vanessa first? She was the Chairman of the Council and also the closest friend and advisor of the grand duke and duchess.


    Anyways, lets take it one thing at a time for now. Should we start getting ready to meet Habands envoy from today?


    At that, Kalion reached out and put down the cushion Erna was hugging. Next, he lifted her and went to the bed. In a snickering voice, he said, Come to think of it, I forgot to say something. You got two extra days of vacation.


    What? But I never heard that.


    Right. I notified them while you were sleeping earlier. Kalions hand slid beneath Ernas pajamas and whispered, So youre stuck here for two more days.


    Hey, hey! H-h-hold on!


    Since you really might faint if we do it this very moment, I am only going to touch you now. And after a long nights rest Kalion mumbled as he nibbled on her ear. Lets do it without a moment to dry up. Lets hurry up and make a baby.


    At that, Erna screamed out inside:


    Save me!

 Chapter 78.2

    Two dayster, Erna could finally get back to her work.


    Madam!


    Your Grace Duchess! Are you okay?


    As soon as she appeared the wizards who hadnt been able to see her scurried towards her and greeted her.


    Thest time theyd seen her was in Ilgees Forest. After that, shed gone missing before returning to the Grand Castle unconscious, and they were worried sick because she had note out for nearly two weeks again.


    Y-yep. Im fine


    Erna definitely looked healthy. She had a healthy glow to her. On her skin was a gloss that hadnt been there before, like she had gotten skin treatment. However, at the same time, she had bags under her eyes as though she had stayed up all night. On top of that, she had a subtly sluggish mood to her.


    These days rumors hade up in the Grand Castle about her appearance.


    It was no joke, they said


    Its so bad she hasnte out all day, they said


    It was a blessing for Hessenguard that the rtionship between the couple had grown stronger. It was because of that that everyone who heard the rumor shut their mouths about it. They must work diligently on their loveit was the genuine sentiment of the people of Hessenguard.


    Erna, who had greeted everyone, was on her way to the office. As soon as she entered, the unfamiliar smell of paper hit her all at once.


    Thats intense.


    She stared at the stack of papers on the desk before holding back a yawn and quickly sitting.


    Ugh!


    Upon sitting down, she tried to hold back the groan from the stinging pain in her back.


    Damn it Kalion


    Erna cursed immediately when she recalled whatd happened these past two days.


    Kalion had extended her vacation on his own ord. And while putting her duties on hold for two days she had been stuck in bed. And, as Kalion had dered, she really had spent the whole time soaking wet.


    What was really scary was that Erna had distinguished between lying about wanting to stop and telling the truth.


    While he had clearly ignored her as she had said habitually that she didnt want to do it when she had multiple org*sms, when it had gotten to the point where it felt like she really hated doing it, Kalion had withdrawn neatly, despite his raging erect p*nis below.


    I wont let you go


    Erna stood up and went to the bookshelf. Staring at the book that shed put there, a smile appeared on her face. Soon she took out a book about the Grand Castle and began to draw a magic form in the air.


    Well see tonight, she muttered under her breath, a smirk forming on her lips.


    Tonight, Kalion woulde running to the couples bedroom. However, he would be the one to cry.


    When she was humming at the thought of getting revenge, there was a knock at the door.


    Its Orp. May I enter, madam?


    Come in.


    Entering, Orp cracked a bitter smile as she looked at Erna.


    Finally we meet here, madam.


    Huh?


    Nothing I thought you would never leave that other room again


    be quiet.


    When Erna red at her, Orp, as she understood, approached with a faint smile on her face, and spoke, Of course. First, I shall start with the urgent news. I mention that a new wizard arrived while you were resting, right?


    Oh, that man, Erna nodded her head.


    Yes. In fact, he has been taking lessons for a while.


    How is he? asked Erna.


    Perfect.


    Erna was secretly shocked at Orps answer. Even Orp was someone who acted as fastidious as her. No, sometimes she examined things more meticulously than Ernait was the duty of an assistant. So how could the word perfecte from the mouth of such a person?


    Um Frankly, I was worried since hes a man, but after hearing that I think I have no choice but to hire him, spoke Erna.


    I understand why you worried, madam. Actually, there is a bit of a problem since he is handsome. I said that there are already people following him around, right?


    Erna thought about thest time when Orp had said that. She had asked back if he was more handsome than Kalion.


    Tell him toe in, for now. I have to see his face.


    Orp scurried outside, and withthin seconds she entered with a man.


    The moment she saw the man she absently shot up from her chair. A man with blonde hair and blue eyes. A little taller than Erna, the man with his grinning smile, was indeed, as Orp had said, a man rarely seen. That, however, was not the reason why Erna was shocked. There was a face she recalled as soon as she looked at him.


    Kalion?


    Something about the new wizard resembled Kalion.

 Chapter 79.1

    When Erna, surprised, stared at the man he said to her with an embarrassed look on his face, Do you have a problem with me?


    N-no Its just you look like someone I know, she replied.


    The mans eyes grew in shock, and he said back, That cant be. Its notmon to find someone as good-looking as me.


    Meanwhile, Orp was staring at the man, when she asked Erna in a low voice, He looks like someone.


    Doesnt he resemble Kalion? muttered Erna.


    At those words, Orp turned around to Erna with a face that said she couldnt disagree more and asked, Where do you see that?


    His eyes, his lips when he smiles


    Well. Ive never seen Lord Kalion smile so heh-heh


    Erna shut her mouth at the way Orp smiled bashfully. Judging from Orps expression now, it seemed that she was saying I dont think so.


    Orp then whispered to Erna, I shall go get some tea now. Spend some time chatting.


    After Orp left, Erna offered the man a seat once again. When he sat down after she brought over the papers regarding him she stared at him sitting opposite her.


    Erna asked, Your name is Abel Perding?


    Yes, madam.


    I have heard from Orp that you temporarily took over the wizards ss while I was away.


    That is correct. I think I have to do something rather than sitting idly if I want to receive a better score. Abel grinned as he replied in a quiet voice.


    Good choice. I cant deny that that made me give you a better score.


    He would be quite busy teaching wizards in this ce. If he was just looking for high pay and was going toe and y around, Erna would have given up on him first, but he was doing his job on his own ord, not merely waiting for instructions.


    On top of that, from what I heard from Orp the students say your ss is great. Frankly you know it isnt easy to find someone to instruct wizards. So, Im thinking of hiring you, if I can. Before I do, can I give a few tests? asked Erna.


    Of course, madam. Still, Im a little nervous that Your Grace, who is said to have the skills of a genius, will test me directly.


    Abel did not show signs of panic or displeasure even though he said he was going to take the test out of the blue. This only meant that he was confident in his abilities or that he was good at hiding his feelings. It could even be both.


    Erna summoned a magic orb in the air and made it float.


    Tell me what kind of magic this is.


    ***


    Ernas test went on for quite a long time. She summoned over five types of magic orbs until the tea Orp had brought in had turned cold. Abel calmly studied what she summoned, and he continued to admire her after she exined what kind of power she used.


    There is no wizard even in the tower who can arrange these orbs so efficiently. So, the rumor I heard wasnt an exaggeration. Abel repeatedly eximed, amazed at the magic that Erna had summoned.


    And he wasnt the only surprised one. Erna also was impressed by his knowledge. After erasing thest orb, she took one sip of cold tea, then asked him a question.


    Frankly, your knowledge of magic is perfect. Rather, thanks to you Ive learned a lot. By the way, if your skills are to this degree, why did youe to Hessenguard? If youre in the tower I think youd earned more money and honor.


    Abel drew a bitter smile at her straightforward question. My magic skills are weak.


    Oh


    With that response, Erna was persuaded why hede to Hessenguard. She asked, Is it hard staying in the Wizards Tower?


    Yes, it is, but I never intended to stay there in the first ce. That ce is dominated by power, so people like me, with only theoretical and academic knowledge, just keep rolling like cogwheels. However, when you leave the tower, everyone looks for wizards who can be put into the war right away. Those with weak skills like myself cant earn a lot of money even when weplete our courses.


    Thats what Erna had expected. The only ce where anyone could do academic research on magic was the Wizards tower. Most countries try to take the strongest magicians produced in the tower. As that happened, most of the kingdoms had to keep an eye on the Wizards Tower. This was because it was easy to obtain a strong wizard only when they watched well enough.


    But when they mentioned the high pay To be honest, I would have gone to the ind beyond the continent, not Hessenguard, he continued.


    I see. Erna put down the papers shed been looking at. Ill say this since I dont want to keep dragging you along. Youve passed. I want you to officially be a member of Hessenguard and immediately take charge of the wizards basic education.


    I am grateful for your quick decision. Then may I stand up now? In fact, I had expected to pass so I booked a ss in the afternoon ahead of time.


    Ernaughed at his brazen reply and stood up from her chair.


    Good. Go on. By the way


    Pausing for a moment, she looked at him again. She had been scolded by Orp but couldnt get rid of the thought that Abel looked like Kalion.


    The problem was she hadnt been able to exin when Orped asked where exactly did the two men look alike.


    Well, Kalion isnt the type to normally go around smiling.


    She didnt know how he behaved around his knights, but from what shed seen in the meantime she thought thered rarely been times when he went around smiling outside the training grounds.


    H seems to be smiling only when hes with me.

 Chapter 79.2

    Her face turned crimson when she thought of that, until Abel pulled her out of her thoughts.


    Duchess Erna?


    Oh, I am sorry. By chance are you from Aether? Erna asked.


    No, madam. Why do you think so?


    Nothing. Its no big deal. You can go now.


    The embarrassment of having pointlesslypared someone from far away and thinking of Kalion made Erna rush him out.


    After Abel left, she hastily began gathering the things thatd been pushed back over the past few days.


    She counted the days on her fingers how many times shed gotten to rest for a long time after bing the grand duchess. In the past when she had serious menstrual pains she had insisted on bringing documents to the bedroom and processing them, even when lying down.


    But that is impossible this time. She had cked out for a long time, and even Kalion had helped her so she couldnt look at the papers for a while


    I was incredibly busy, she muttered under her breath. She resented Kalion as she signed the papers frantically.


    ***


    Time had gone by, and it was lunchtime, but Erna still couldnt get up from her seat. Orp eventually brought in her meals, and after setting the table, she told her Eat after the next page as she grabbed Erna and sat her down.


    Orp pleaded, Please eat something. Whats going to happen if you faint again?


    Do I look like Im going to faint?


    N-no right now you look healthy, madam still, you must not get sick again! Chairman Vanessa also asked me to do so.


    Oh, Vanessa


    When Vanessas name was mentioned, Erna sighed and sat on the sofa. Oblivious to Ernas frustration, Orp was so ted about Ernas decision to eat that she continued to push food in front of her.


    Speaking of Chairman Vanessa, it must be loud over there today, said Orp.


    Clueless, Erna asked, Why?


    Why what? I dont think youve looked at the document yet The new delegates from Haband have been requesting some pretty annoying things.


    Haband? What kind of requests? Despite it being her country, Erna frowned every time the name Haband was mentioned.


    Hold on, lets see Orp found a hunk of papers after rummaging through Ernas desk drawers. These are Habands requests


    Crazy bastards. Seriously. A deep sigh came from Ernas mouth as soon as she saw the thickness of the papers. At first nce, it had to be dozens. How could all of those be Habands requests? They must think Hessenguard is their ve.


    Orphe smiled bitterly when Erna muttered in a disdainful voice. As a native of Haband, it was ironic how she was perfectly angry on Hessenguards behalf.


    I dont know who the new messenger is, but Ill break his leg this time. No, thats not enough. Because you can still work with a broken leg. Well, this time I cant work properly for some reas


    At that moment, Erna realized that Habands delegates had never once moved from Hessenguard. Before she hade to Hessenguard, the royal members that had been sent here had been assassinated.


    After that, when she arrived a gue had broken out and everyone had had to leave. Since then, the long war in Haband had continued. As soon as the delegates came back here, the representative had been stung by a bee and fallen down, so their work couldnt be done properly.


    With Erna now deep in thought after realizing that fact, Orp, sitting next to her going through papers, scowled.


    My word! They say they want to stay in the Grand Castles main building. And they want me to rece all the walls, furniture, and bedding with new ones because of the gue from ten years ago? Orp sucked her teeth as if bbergasted. How many people died of the disease ten years ago?


    Erna felt weird at Orps mumbling. They said that the gue from ten years ago hadpletely swept across Hessenguard. The stench of burnt corpses had permeated not only the city but the Grand Castle, and delegates of Haband and Aether, unable to withstand it, had fled, leaving behind the young duke they had brought.


    Orp, however, was talking like that wasnt anything too special.


    The gue wasnt a big issue ten years ago? I heard that quite a lot of people died said Erna.


    I, too, thought that at first, but at that time many more people died from the war than the gue. They say that its still going around, but almost no one has caught it. And many people who caught it have recovered. So we just said amongst each other, Isnt the rumor too big?


    Erna shut her mouth at Orps exnation. She remembered well whatd happened at that time. Because she had been shivering alone, not knowing when shed catch the gue.


    At that time, Erna remembered the person who had delivered the news about the gue to Marquess Canavan.


    Vanessa.


    It was Vanessa who had reported the number of bodies burned every day, not only in the capital but also in the entire Hessenguard area.


    Then, a familiar voice entered along with a knock.


    Duchess. Its me, Vanessa. May I enter?


    Normally this would be a weed visit, but Erna had to stare at the door, unable to answer and frozen in her seat.


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