Chapter 16

Every occupant of the pub halted their activities simultaneously and turned their attention to the Duke of Flame and Fury, who was now perched on a chair.

What's this about? I wondered, suppressing the urge to giggle, as Lethias cleared his throat and swallowed hard. And then, finally, he began.

"As you all know, I have a fiancée."

'He's just rubbing it in,' 'Is he showing off again?'—a chorus of playful jeers and comments filled the air.

Nevertheless, our Bear remained undeterred, forging ahead with his speech without a hint of embarrassment.

"Feeling envious, are we? Well, it's too soon for that, because we're getting married this winter! And guess what? It's on Christmas Eve!"

Just then, Yann, who was skillfully carrying a brimming glass of beer in both hands, struggled for a moment to regain his balance. He muttered in a bewildered tone:

"Yeah... Is this a shotgun wedding?"

"Whoa, what kind of nonsense are you spouting?!"

"No, if it's on Christmas Eve, that's only about a month away. It feels a bit sudden..."

Indeed, the announcement had an air of urgency about it.

From the moment he started talking about marrying her, I had expected this, but I couldn't believe that they were planning to tie the knot on Christmas Eve with just a month to go.

While the possibility of it being a shotgun wedding couldn't be ruled out, well... ahem.

"First of all, congratulations."

"Absolutely, congratulations."

"Can we attend the wedding too?"

"Congratulations, Duke."

"If you're not going to invite me, don't ask for my congratulations."

Amid the renewed buzz in the hall, Benya remained silent. He didn't seem surprised at all. He simply fixed his Hyung with an expressionless gaze.

Lethias responded to the boisterous well-wishes with a cheerful smile, though he also kept glancing at his younger brother with an anxious, worried look in his eyes.

As the wave of greetings gradually subsided, a different sort of tension seemed to fill the air.

Cautious glances were exchanged, even Yann and Valentina casting rare glances back and forth between the two brothers, their usual composure somewhat shaken.

Stepping down from the chair, Lethias cleared his throat awkwardly. Clear, sky-blue eyes turned my way, a hint of genuine vulnerability in his gaze.

Why are you looking at me like that, you rascal?

Hey, it's not like you’re my dearest son that I'm marrying off!

"In any case, I've already talked about it with Alsie... I just didn't want to proceed without your blessings."

"Congratulations, Oppa. Though I have a feeling my workload is about to increase even more."

I offered a smile as I spoke, eliciting another round of low laughter. Finally, Benya stood up and spoke up.

"Indeed. Congratulations, Hyung. Although I would've been less shocked if you'd given me a heads-up."

Only then did a genuine, relieved smile spread across Lethias's face.

"Thank you, really. I was actually contemplating how to break the news to you..."

"Hyung does have a knack for impulsively doing things.

“Ahahaha, so the Christmas Eve wedding is set in stone, huh?"

"Well, it's already been arranged that way, so there's not much we can change now. Anyway, I've got somewhere to be, so I'll take off. You all enjoy your beer and have fun. We'll discuss the details later."

Following Benya's departure, Lethias gazed at me and Valentina with a puzzled expression, as if unsure whether to continue reveling or to remain cautious.

"He just..."

"I'm not sure either. Sasha?"

"Hmm. Oppa, for now, it's a good day, so just relax and have fun. Congratulations again."

"Hey, thank you, Sasha! It's always you who truly gets me!"

Lethias, eyes brimming with emotion, enveloped me in a bear hug that felt almost stifling. As his strong arms wrapped around me, I was unexpectedly overwhelmed by a sense of suffocation.

Once again, the vividness of his survival struck me, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of regret for what he would never experience due to Estelle's absence.

My mission to prevent Lethias from falling for the female lead was accomplished. Our tender-hearted, affectionate duke had found happiness with Alfonsina.

Now, I had to ensure that no other variables interfered with their happiness.

* * *

Even after being immersed in the warm bathwater for quite a while, I still felt a bit lightheaded. The moisture from my wet hair left a circular mark on the soft carpet where I was sitting.

Wendy, patiently nestled in my arms, gave a small whine as if she couldn't bear it any longer. Oh, you adorable little thing.

It suddenly occurred to me that your name was Wendy as well. The original Wendy was resting solemnly in my room.

"No, well... Young master?"

"What's the matter?"

"Well, Miss Sasha from earlier... She's been sitting on that cold floor for a while, and no matter how much I try to persuade her, she won't budge..."

I strained my ears to listen to the conversation taking place on the other side of the hallway. Cold floor? Mr. Butler, what on earth...? The floor here is comfortably warm thanks to the plush rug.

Suppressing a hiccup, I loosened my grip on Wendy, who immediately darted out of my arms and scampered down the hallway.

Quite the discerning little pup, I must say. She seems to favor the person who finds her the most bothersome. Clever dog...

"Arf arf arf!"

"Sasha?"

Benya crossed the hallway, seemingly ignoring the happy tail-wagging pup, and eventually stopped in front of me, his gaze fixed on my eyes.

"What are you doing there?"

"Yeah, I was waiting."

I smiled and leaned my head back, inadvertently knocking it against the study door. Ouch!

Wendy, having given up on getting attention from Snake Eyes, nestled back in my arms. Awww, are you trying to comfort me? I paused and hugged Wendy tightly, blinking back my tears.

"Wendy, isn't our Young Master so mean?"

Benya stood still for a moment with his hand in his pocket, looking at me with his characteristic snake-like eyes.

It seemed like he was pondering whether to be mad or not. After a while, his voice carried a hint of difficulty.

"Who gave you alcohol?"

"Hic. They didn't. Somehow, there was a beer-drinking contest after you left like that."

"Is that my fault?"

"Yeah, it's your fault. Didn't you realize everyone would lose their restraint without you?"

"Yes, it's my fault. So, who won?"

"Of course, I did! It wasn't much different with the Night Butterflies either. Hiccup, my ears are still ringing from all the shouting."

It was an evening that reminded me of my days at boarding school, something I hadn't experienced in a while.

Benya, who clicked his tongue at my triumphant hiccupping, soon bent over and extended his arms. Before I knew it, he lifted me up quite effortlessly.

"Wow! Wendy, our Young Master is really strong, isn't he?"

"Don't you want to put that dog down?"

"No. She said she likes you too. I'm a bit concerned because so many creatures seem to have some kind of crush on you."

"Coming from you, that's rich."

Is that so? Anyway, Benya deftly entered the study with me in his arms and the puppy under one arm.

He walked over to the sofa and sat down. Wendy, uneasy due to her awkward position, squirmed out of my arms and scuttled under the rosewood desk.

"How many rounds did you play...? You only had beer, right?"

"Well, I started with beer and then switched to absinthe. Ah, my head."

"And how about Hyung?"

"Oppa only had a few beers. This is my heroic sacrifice for him. I drank enough so he couldn't drink anymore."

"Don't tell me you had some other ulterior motive? Is there something you need to tell me as well?"

"... You always catch onto things so quickly, it's almost scary sometimes."

I wrapped my arms around Benya's neck and rested my heavy head on his broad shoulder.

Alongside his light musky scent, I could feel his cool sky-blue eyes observing my face with concern. A comforting and secure sensation...

"Benya."

"Yes."

"Do you dislike the idea of Oppa getting married?"

"What's there for me to like or dislike? He was going to do it someday anyway. Initially, he used to hate the idea, saying he wouldn't marry even if he were a cold, decomposing corpse, but now he's into it."

A giggle escaped from me. Benya settled me on his lap, positioned my legs together, and gently stroked my back with his other hand.

I've often thought about it, but he really does have large hands. Ugh, he's tall, his hands are big, his feet are big, and... other things too. Oh my, what am I even thinking...?

"Holding the wedding on Christmas Eve is so like Hyung."

"I know. A wedding on Christmas Eve must be quite a spectacle. The entire imperial city is practically invited."

"Yeah, it's a perfect day for causing a ruckus."

For a brief moment, our gazes met with meaningful understanding. I hesitated for a moment, then smiled.

Anyway, I'll be quite busy for the next month or so. I'll make sure to orchestrate the best wedding possible. So that whatever shenanigans might happen behind the scenes won't have any impact.

"I have a question."

"What is it?"

"It's about the connection between books and poison."

"Books and poison?"

Then I recounted the story I had with Jerome at the church the other day. Benya listened silently as I spoke, and finally, he nodded as if he understood.

"If my uncle's memory serves me correctly, I can hazard a guess as to what poison he used."

"Really? How?"

"In short, it's like applying a specially formulated poison to the book's pages. The paper becomes stiff like new, so when you read it, you'll naturally lick your fingers to turn the pages."

A shiver ran down my spine, sobering me up. I see! The answer had been right there all along.

"Seems like you're becoming more sober."

"Yeah, thanks."

Benya didn't inquire about when I had learned these details, and I didn't ask him whether he believed his parents might have fallen victim to a similar scheme. Some things simply didn't need to be spoken.

"I wonder who the person who ultimately delivered the book was. Could they have been aware of what they were doing?"

"You talk as if you already know who it is."

"It's not like that, it's just a hunch..."

"They might have done it unknowingly. Or they could be surprisingly innocent. Just because they were a deeply discriminated child doesn't mean they are automatically tied to murder."

It was like that. But it wasn't just that single fact that was constantly gnawing at me.

"... I sense a twisted thinking of compensation from them."

"From whom?"

"From my poisoner. More specifically, in the way that person treats me."

Knoxus was the one who had poisoned me on the day of the hotel opening. Even though his intention wasn't to kill me, I was poisoned nonetheless.

And now he was desperate to be my savior as if his prior actions had never occurred. He's ensnared in his own fantasies and making matters worse.

I offered a faint smile and playfully tugged on his tie.

"The issue is that even someone like the Ducal Prince, who has quite the inferiority complex, someone who despises you while also wanting your approval, exhibits it. What do you think these two individuals have in common?"

"Well... Other than them both having split personalities, they both want to become a knight for the unfortunate heroine?"

After a moment of silence, we both erupted into laughter, holding onto each other. While I laughed until my eyes teared up, Benya also joined in, chuckling heartily and tightening his arms around me.

"It was really something to witness today. I never expected that useless older sister would step up like that. You truly are a masterful scriptwriter."

"No, what's amusing is that I've never fabricated anything. How does it feel to be depicted as the world's most possessive, unhinged master?"

"Hmm, being your master sounds quite intriguing."

"You're quite the trickster."

His pale blue eyes seemed to sparkle playfully, and then our lips met. Gentle at first, then the kiss grew more intense.

He exhaled, tilting his head back slightly, sending warm kisses to the bridge of my nose, my eyelids, and all over my face.

"You're the master, not me. Anyone who gets to know you quickly realizes that."

It was a whisper tinged with a touch of desperation. Rather than responding verbally, I smiled and drew his face closer once again. Our tongues intertwined as my mouth parted.

"Your lips... they taste sweet."

Our breaths brushed against each other, growing warmer. My hand playfully tugged at his necktie while Benya's hand, which was holding my leg, slowly ascended, lifting the hem of my thin chemise.

"You're going to strangle me. What a terrible master you are."

"Tsk, I'm trying to untie it, but my hands aren't cooperating..."

He laughed, the sound of his laughter pleasantly resonating in my ears.

"So, who..."

"What? Who asked for the drink?"

"No. Who wants to take a bath first?"

As I reclined, the plush sofa met my back. Huh? Are we lying down now? But it's actually quite a comfortable position...

"Phew. I came out without even wearing underwear and just sat down there."

"Hey, I thought you were wearing some..."

"You're lying."

“You are too sharp.”

I tried to lock my gaze on him, but suddenly, he leaned over me. It was in that moment of wondering what he was doing that he...

“B-Benya...?”

My eyes widened as Benya positioned himself between my legs, bending down to lightly lick at my core.

His soft, warm tongue slipped between the folds of my sex, causing my thighs to twitch and my knees to quiver in response.

“Wha- what are you... Oh!”

“Is this sweet too?”

“W-what?”

“You mentioned it tasted sweet earlier.”

That's right!

His warm breath danced across my sensitive flesh.

His wet tongue slithered like a serpent's, tracing around my entrance before suddenly taking my clit into his mouth, drawing a groan from deep within me.

My hips jerked involuntarily, my body responding to the intense stimulation.

“Ah, ah…! T-that's... U-ugh!”

I wanted to tell him to stop, not because I disliked it.

Amidst the overwhelming sensations, a strange thrill pulsed through my body, making this situation—Benya, between my legs, sucking and licking—feel foreign.

This isn't like him at all... I never imagined him doing something like this.

“Why, isn't it sweet anymore?”

“T-that's not... Ah, ah!”

It's hard to explain. This is like being served by him... Well, I have nothing to lose, but it's oddly difficult to adjust to.

As my mind grappled with the situation, my body moved on its own. My hand, which had been hesitating, reached out and gripped his hair tightly.

Soft, silvery strands that I once worried might catch lice in the Bell Tower.

“It's sweet. Your mouth below.”

“Mmm! Y-you too... You devious snake!”

Such enchanting snake-like eyes! Who would've thought that this man, who isn't actually a snake, would possess such skill with his tongue?

Teasing around my entrance, he playfully sucked and licked, drawing distant moans from me.

Each movement sent electrifying pulses through my body, building a heady wave of ecstasy that surged through me.

I could feel my arousal flowing freely.

Benya continued his ministrations until I was left utterly spent. He kissed the sensitive skin on my inner thigh before lifting me up in his arms once again.

His lips trailed kisses across my fevered eyelids, the bridge of my nose, my cheeks, and finally, my lips.

"Sorry. If you didn't like it, I won't do it again."

“T-there’s no way I didn't like it, you idiot…”

What kind of nonsense is he saying now? I squirmed in his arms. He removed my chemise that had ridden up to my chest and seated me on his lap, my legs crossed.

𝔼𝕟𝕕 𝕠𝕗 𝕍𝕠𝕝𝕦𝕞𝕖 𝟙𝟘:

ℂ𝕒𝕡𝕣𝕚𝕔𝕔𝕚𝕠

<<Prev | TOC | Next>>

Updates Status & Announcements

Subscription | Support, Tip, or Donate

ᴛ/ɴ: ᴀʏᴏ, ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ᴡᴀɴɴᴀ ꜱᴀʏ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴛʜɪꜱ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴡɪʟʟ ʙᴇ ᴏɴ ʜɪᴀᴛᴜꜱ ᴛɪʟʟ ɴᴏᴠᴇᴍʙᴇʀ 1, ʙᴜᴛ ʀᴇꜱᴛ ᴀꜱꜱᴜʀᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ɴᴏᴠᴇᴍʙᴇʀ 1 ᴏɴᴡᴀʀᴅꜱ, ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ ᴡɪʟʟ ʙᴇ ᴛʜʀᴇᴇ ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇꜱ ᴀ ᴅᴀʏ, ꜱᴏ ᴘʟᴇᴀꜱᴇ ꜱᴛᴀʏ ᴛᴜɴᴇᴅ. ᴡʜɪʟᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ɢᴜʏꜱ ᴀʀᴇ ᴡᴀɪᴛɪɴɢ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴅᴀᴛᴇ, ᴘʟᴇᴀꜱᴇ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟꜱ ʙʀᴏᴜɢʜᴛ ᴛᴏ ʏᴏᴜ ʙʏ ᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ᴛʀᴀɴꜱʟᴀᴛᴏʀꜱ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪꜰ ɪ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀɴʏ ᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ᴛʀᴀɴꜱʟᴀᴛᴇᴅ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟꜱ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴡᴇʀᴇ ᴘᴏꜱᴛᴇᴅ ʜᴇʀᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛʜɪꜱ ꜱɪᴛᴇ, ᴘʟᴇᴀꜱᴇ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴛʜᴇᴍ, ᴛᴏᴏ. ɪ ɴᴇᴇᴅᴇᴅ ᴀ ʙʀᴇᴀᴋ ʙᴇᴄᴀᴜꜱᴇ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ᴜᴘᴄᴏᴍɪɴɢ ᴍɪᴅᴛᴇʀᴍꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴇᴀʟᴛʜ ɪꜱꜱᴜᴇꜱ.  ꜱᴇᴇ ʏᴏᴜ~