Chapter 3: Affection

When she beheld the man named Lorenzo Agnadello for the first time, Louisa was honestly surprised.

How youthful…!

She found it difficult to believe that he was almost of the same age as her father.

Contrary to the expectation, Lorenzo was a gallant gentleman to whom the word ‘robust’ fitted perfectly.

His brunette hair was both glossy and lustrous, while his shoulders were broad, and his back taut. However, what stood out to her the most was his ambitious expression, which was quite unlike a man in his early fifties.

As she stared at him, Lorenzo smiled sweetly, before taking her hand, and pretended to drop a kiss on the back it. Yes, pretend, instead of actually pressing his lips. At how gentlemanly the gesture was, Louisa’s impression of him rose favorably.

“Nice to meet you, Lady Louisa. It’s truly an honor to be able to meet you.”

With his refreshing, sarcasm-free, greetings, Louisa’s tense shoulder relaxed.

Since the morning, she had been nervous. After all, Lorenzo—her marriage partner—was going to visit her.

“I’m honored to meet you, Mr. Lorenzo.”

For the time being, she was relieved that she was able to greet him in a ladylike manner.

Since it’d been a long time since she had participated in the diplomatic arena as royalty, she was anxious that she might offend him. Not only that, she also feared that her husband-to-be might be arrogant.

…But it seems that my worries are unfounded.

Looking at his daughter’s peaceful expression, the emperor nodded with satisfaction and pointed to the scenery outside the window.

“My palace should be in full bloom. If you don’t mind, why don’t you take a stroll? Louisa, please guide him.”

The emperor’s intention of making the two spend the time together was as clear as the day.

Somewhat embarrassed by her father’s brash arrangements, she sent a glance at Lorenzo’s way, and he nodded with a smile.

“Then, shall we go, Lady Louisa?”

He extended his hand, and Louisa put her hand on his while nodding.

“Yes, of course.”

“Let’s go.”

Smirking, he moved Louisa’s hand to his left elbow.

She was taken off guard by the fact that he had swiftly assumed an escort posture.

Thus, Louisa and Lorenzo went to the garden, all the while her father was smiling grandly behind them.

“How beautiful.”

As if to match her pace, Lorenzo walked steadily alongside her, before letting a voice of admiration towards the rose garden.

Amidst all the gardens that existed in the palace, the rose garden might be the most feminine, where her father and five older brothers seldom went near.

Hence, at first, she thought that he was being polite, but he seemed to genuinely appreciate the roses in the garden.

“Are you fond of roses?”

“Well, rather than roses, I simply am fond of beautiful things. Therefore, it can be roses, lilies, flowers, trees, the sky, and all manners of nature’s beauty. Those, along with art forms such as painting and sculpture, as well as poetry and writing, are all wonderful.”

Upon hearing his passionate speech, Louisa was convinced that his love for beauty was authentic.

“I agree, they’re wonderful. Come to think of it, isn’t Mr. Lorenzo a patron of many artists?”

“That’s correct. I have to protect those who create beauty.”

“I found that ambition admirable.”

The conversation was casual, but wasn’t boring in any way.

Spending time with Lorenzo felt like a breath of fresh air. After all, despite the tension, she felt comfortable enough to be herself.

…If it’s him, we might be able to get along well despite the nature of our marriage.

Even though it’d only been a few hours since they first met, she grew sure of that. To Louisa, the first impression was important, and if Lorenzo lived up to that, she’d feel at ease marrying him.

Accompanied by casual chit-chats, they spent their time taking a leisurely stroll around the rose garden.

Then, Lorenzo turned to her with a serious look on his face.

“…Regarding our marriage.”

‘Our marriage.’

She gulped at those words.

“I’m not oblivious enough to not know how painful it is for such a young and pretty princess to marry a widower such as myself.”

At the unexpected words, Louisa hurriedly shook her head.

“T, that’s not—…”

But, as if to interrupt her, Lorenzo smiled bitterly as he waved his hand.

“Lady Louisa, this is but a marriage of convenience, while I already have a legitimate child. As such, I won’t force you, so please be rest assured.”

Louisa also wasn’t oblivious enough to not know what he was referring to—

—it was probably about the nighttime activity.

She didn’t know he’d address it right away, and was confused as to how to react. Should she shudder? Or should she have blushed?

But instead, Louisa found herself relieved.

…I’m foolish.

If we get married, it’s only to be expected.

If anything, it’d be disrespectful if Lorenzo was made to indulge her.

“There’s no such a thing. I don’t believe Mr. Lorenzo is that kind of person.”

And she did believe that.

While she didn’t know everything that was there about his personality, he didn’t seem like the kind of person who’d force himself on a woman.

Upon hearing that, Lorenzo’s eyes became gentle, as if he was looking at his own child.

“Thank you, Lady Louisa. I appreciate those words. I’ll never do you any harm, so please be rest assured and marry me.”

At the thoughtful words of her husband, Louisa could only smile awkwardly as she nodded, since no words would come out.

***

“Sister, how was Mr. Lorenzo?”

Her younger sister—Therese—whom she hadn’t seen in a long time, quietly whispered to her.

Therese, who married the Duke of Wolfegg last year, wore a pale blue dress on top of her plump belly.

In response to Lorenzo’s visit, the emperor had thrown a ball, to which Therese was invited.

…Shouldn’t she be resting in bed instead?

“Hey, Therese, is it alright for you to be here? Your belly is so big, it’s as if the child would be born at any moment…”

When coupled with her delicate body, her swollen belly looked so heavy, Louisa couldn’t help but be worried.

However, Therese only burst into laughter.

“My sister, what are you saying!? Didn’t I mention that the child would be born in the fall?”

“Well, certainly, but should you be walking around so much…?”

“Don’t worry. The doctor even advised me to exercise more. Hey, more importantly, let’s talk about Mr. Lorenzo. I heard that despite having the same age as my father, he’s still youthful and full of vigor!? Isn’t that great!?”

Louisa smiled at her sister’s cheerfulness.

As usual, her little sister had a penchant for romance stories.

And that part of her remains unchanged, even after she had gotten married.

“You’re not wrong. I was a bit anxious at first, but I feel safe with him. Therefore, if it’s with someone like Mr. Lorenzo, I think I’ll be fine…”

“But Sister, is that all? Is that all you feel when you saw him?”

“Huh, of course… What else should I feel?”

“I mean, Sister, isn’t he sexy!?”

“…Huh?”

Louisa’s mind went blank.

Sexy…? Mr. Lorenzo…?

In the first place, wasn’t the expression ‘sexy’ commonly used for women? At the very least, she had never used it to describe a man before…

Reflexively, Louisa shot a glance at Lorenzo, who was chatting with her fathers and the other guests a short distance away.

“Sexy…?”

She must’ve had an incredulous look on her face.

Upon seeing Louisa’s expression, Therese sighed in amazement.

“…I mean, he’s so dreamy! Woman, looking at him should give you nothing but peace of mind!”

…Dreamy?

Yet another baffling remark to Louisa.

As if making excuses, Louisa mumbled to her sister.

“Eh, erm, I, I mean, he’s very gentlemanly and… comforting, is he not…?”

But her words only caused Therese’s eyes to widen in shock.

“—Comforting!? Sister, you need to get your eyes checked!”

“Huh…”

Louisa cringed at her sister’s overdramatic response.

“I’ve never been behind someone as hot as him! He’s just sooo tantalizing! Just look at that amount of masculinity! He’s full of—or rather, overflowing with it, he attracts women just by standing!”

“…A-attracted?”

“Look, those women around him! They’re giving him signals!”

Louisa’s sister dragged her to get a better look, and she reluctantly followed.

…Certainly, the women seemed bedazzled by him.

“Y-you’re right…”

When she cooed in astonishment, Therese went agape, staring at her as if she was the most pitiful thing.

“What’s amazing is you, who’s unfazed at someone with a charm of that magnitude…”

“Huh?”

Louisa was perplexed.

Her sister’s pitiful gaze prompted Louisa to observe Lorenzo once again.

A strapping man with a toned body that hadn’t been weathered down by age. Slightly, slanted eyes, giving off a loveable impression.

Well, he was indeed good-looking, but that was all.

As for the ‘overflowing charm’ part, she certainly didn’t see anything oozing from him.

“…Er, I don’t really get what you mean, but Mr. Lorenzo is a well-mannered gentleman, so we’ll definitely get along well.”

When she stated her opinion yet again, Therese’s exasperated expression changed to a slightly concerned one.

“Sister… you… didn’t see Mr. Lorenzo as a man, did you?”

“Eh…”

Louisa was dumbfounded.

…To see him, as a man…

To be quite frank, it never even dawned on her.

Seeing the awestruck Louisa, Therese put her hand on her cheek and sighed.

“If you’re smitten by a man, your heart will race, as you desire for his touch… My Sister, you don’t feel that way towards Mr. Lorenzo, I believe?”

“…”

Louisa was at a loss.

Certainly, she didn’t feel that way when it came to Lorenzo—

—However, as for the feelings that Therese had described, she had once experienced them.

Seeing that her sister had become silent, Therese finally realized her own slip of the tongue, and added in a panic.

“D-don’t worry? As the two of you spend the time together, it may lead to love? After all, Mr. Lorenzo is so charming!”

Louisa smiled vaguely as her sister’s words passed over her head.

At the same time, she desperately dismissed a certain name that came to mind.

***

Soon, the day where she had to depart to the Republic of Adriace was upon her.

Louisa embraced her tearful mother and said some parting words to her father. Then, she embarked on a luxurious chariot drawn by six horses, leaving her hometown.

During the second day, the heavily-guarded chariot entered a town that was located around the border. Once they had crossed that town, she’d reach Adriace.

Like yesterday, Louisa had to endure the rocking of the chariot, along with the rattling noises it made. She gazed at the scenery from the window.

Thirteen years ago, she was put in a carriage to leave her hometown, as well. It was quite similar to the present time, with the only difference being that she was heading South, instead of West.

…The return trip was by the sea, wasn’t it?

She remembered crying and boarding the ship with Hoover as if it was yesterday.

At that time, she was sent back to her country.

This time, she probably wouldn’t.

As for whether or not that’s unfortunate, Louisa couldn’t say.

All she wished for was the past love that still resided in her heart to dissipate.

She’d be spending the remainder of her life with Lorenzo, and not Gaius.

While contemplating heavily, she arrived at the checkpoint of the border.

The escorts from her father would only be protecting her within the territory of the Holy Kingdom of Charule.

From here on, I’ll be in charge of the escorts from Adriace.

In other words, after crossing the border, Louisa would become a part of Adriace.

She would no longer be under her father’s protection, but in Lorenzo’s. Once again, she was reminded of her own vulnerability. Nevertheless, Louisa steeled herself—

—I have an obligation.

At the same time, she couldn’t help but notice that her surroundings were getting noisy. Perhaps, it was because her escorts were getting swapped.

At last, she’d be handed over to her husband.

Louisa grew nervous at that.

As a princess, I have to maintain my dignity…

But when she prepared herself to meet the messenger of Adriace as the princess of Charule, the chariot shook with a loud bang.

—Huh!? What is happening!?

A roar erupted outside the carriage.

There were multiple people.

Along with the shriek of the horses, the carriage suffered from an impact, as if something had crashed into it.

“—Protect the Princess!”

Suddenly, there was a clamor outside, followed by the clanking sound of metal clashing against each other—

—the sound of a swordfight.

No way, we got attacked—!?

Since it was the wedding of a distinguished princess, a great number of escorts aided her. After all, the nation that despised the alliance between Charule and Adriance wasn’t limited to just Elandia.

Regardless, it never occurred to her that she’d be under attack.

By targeting her, they had turned both Charule and Adriance into enemies.

Surely, no country on that continent could handle two great powers.

What should I do…!? Should I escape…!?

Since the carriage was attacked, the enemy was definitely aiming for her. As such, if she were to get caught, she’d either be imprisoned, or killed, and neither bode well with her.

First, she had to assess the situation…!

She tried to peer outside the window, only for the carriage to swerve with a massive bang.

As she frantically turned around, the door was torn open, and something black rushed in.

“—!”

It was a man in black attire.

Before she could scream, however, she was put under a chokehold, and her mouth was covered.

Everything happened so quickly.

—Ah.

Her field of vision narrowed, dyed in gray.

“…Good night, Louisa.”

By the time she thought that she had heard a gentle voice, her consciousness had fallen into the deep darkness.

***

“Louisa.”

A husky voice, belonging to a male, uttered her name, and Louisa’s eyes fluttered open.

Eventually, her blurry vision cleared, and she soon bore witness to the breathtakingly handsome face in front of her.

A masculine, undaunting beauty. A high bridge, yet defined nose. Luscious lips. Dark, yet dignified brows; and beneath them, a pair of sleek eyes. His wolfish, silver eyes bore into her.

“…Who?”

Wandering on the border between dream and reality, Louisa asked. Perhaps, due to her disoriented state, her voice faltered.

“It’s me, Louisa.”

In return, the handsome youth answered with a smile.

Even if you say that…

She had no clue who he was.

Who could it be?

“You are…?”

“Your husband.”

At the mention of the word ‘husband’, Gaius was the only one that came to mind.

However, she immediately dismissed it.

—That’s not true.

Her husband wasn’t Gaius, but Lorenzo.

As for Gaius, he had already wedded another woman.

“…—can’t be, you aren’t my husband.”

A fleeting smile appeared on her face.

Her husband was Lorenzo, and not the strange youth in front of her. Louisa knew it for certain, and the same went for everyone in the imperial palace.

Then, why would the man lie to her?

—Ah, I see. I must be dreaming…

Sometimes, dreams were incoherent.

Not taking kindly to the fact that his words were denied, the handsome youth frowned sullenly. Come to think of it, Hoover would react similarly upon being told to wait.

At the thought of her dog—which she left in her hometown, Louisa giggled.

Looking closely, the youth had lustrous black hair, just like Hoover.

“You look like Hoover.”

Upon hearing that, the youth widened his eyes, before bursting into laughter.

“Sometimes, dogs do resemble their owners.”

“But I’m Hoover’s owner?”

…Don’t claim my dog as your own.

Louisa objected in annoyance, causing the youth to lift an eyebrow.

“He was originally my dog, though?”

“What did you say!?”

—Is he ignoring me?

Louisa puckered her lips in protest.

“Hoover was originally Gaius’ dog. Gaius entrusted him to me, so now he’s mine!”

At her insistence, the youth laughed once again.

“Then, Hoover is my dog, after all—for I am Gaius.”

“What did you say!?”

Louisa repeated the same line.

What did he say just now…?

Even though she was dreaming, her heart was pounding…

As if unaware of her inner turmoil, the youth only chuckled.

His smile was so beautiful, she wanted to cry.

“I’m Gaius. I’m sorry for being late—I’ve come for you, Louisa.”

…Ah, as I thought, it’s a dream—

—and his words only convinced her further.

Thus, she fell into a deep slumber once again.

***

Louisa was crying.

A boy took her hand, and gently kissed the back of it.

“I pledge my eternal love, loyalty, and devotion to my beloved wife, Louisa.”

At his oath, Louisa wept.

She was happy.

Gaius was her husband—while she was his wife.

With those words, it was as if her future had been secured, and her heart was full.

—Gaius, I love you.

However, when she parted her lips, about to utter those words, the hand which enveloped hers grew steadily for some reason.

In shock, she shifted her gaze to his face, and saw a fine young man.

“I’m done playing house, Louisa.”

The young man sneered.

Somehow, Louisa understood that he was Gaius.

…Playing house?

What was that supposed to mean?

Did that mean that the oath was nothing more than a prattle?

“I have to go. My wife is waiting.”

The man turned on his heels, about to leave the stunned Louisa behind.

Louisa frantically reached out to him.

Don’t go—!

Don’t go, Gaius—!

Don’t leave me—!

Her chest was about to burst—

—Why…?

I’ve been waiting for you!

I’ve been waiting for you all this time, believing only you.

“Nooo—!”

“Louisa!”

At the same time as she let out a scream, a deep voice uttered her name.

The moment she opened her eyes, she saw the same beauty in her dream.

“—Traitor!”

Left behind in her dream, Louisa reflexively swung her hand in anger.

Then, there was a dull sound, as heat began to gather on her palm.

“Huh…?”

For the first time, her consciousness felt clearer than ever.

“It’s not… a dream?”

With an astonished look on her face, Louisa stared at her palm. Upon feeling the stinging pain, Louisa regained her senses, and it finally dawned on her.

She had just slapped the man.

Looking up, the handsome man was staring at her, wide-eyed, with a bruised cheek.

“I’m sorry! I, I thought I was still dreaming!”

To examine his cheek, she drew closer, inciting a gentle smile from the man.

“You were calling my name in your sleep.”

“Eh…?”

Considering her dream, she must’ve called Gaius’ name.

While staring at the man’s face, Louisa cautiously asked.

“…Are you Gaius?”

In response, he smiled profoundly, and nodded.

“Yes, my dear Louisa. I’m your husband.”

At his affirmation, Louisa tried to find any similarities between the Gaius she knew and the man before her.

Louisa had only known the 11-years-old Gaius.

Meanwhile, not only was this man taller, both his face and voice were also different.

…But he’s Gaius.

She recognized his gray eyes. In the dark, his eyes would gleam akin to silver.

Above all, her instinct was screaming—

—This man is my husband.

…How foolish I am.

Louisa immediately dispelled the emerging feelings.

The man who’d become her husband was Lorenzo, not Gaius.

Louisa closed her eyes, as if to dismiss the man in front of her from her heart.

“…Even if you are, I’m not supposed to be your wife.”

Her voice was much lower than intended. Despite her surprise, she went on.

Opening her eyes, she stared straight into Gaius’ eyes.

“Aren’t you married?”

When she uttered that question, she didn’t know that she’d be fervently praying in her heart.

…Since my father was the one who told me, there can be no mistake.

Even so, she still wished for it to be a lie.

However, her wish was in vain, since Gaius nodded without the slightest hesitation.

“Oh, right. The former wife of my brother, who passed away half a year ago…”

Despite knowing the truth, Louisa was still in shock.

“I, I see…”

After all, twelve years had passed.

If anything, it’d be strange for someone to still believe in a mere childhood promise and wait with bated breath.

For Gaius, the oath was simply a child’s babbling.

Only Louisa saw it as an eternal promise.

Self-deprecation, along with sorrow, swirled in her chest.

She wanted to throw up, but didn’t want to be an embarrassment in front of Gaius.

At the very least, in front of this man, Louisa didn’t want to be stripped of her pride as a princess—no, as a woman.

Paying no heed to the silence of Louisa, Gaius spoke in a carefree tone.

“More importantly, you’ve become prettier, Louisa. Back then, you were as lovely as an angel, but now you look like a spring goddess. How I dreamed of the day I’d hold you in these arms… I love you, my dear wife…”

Louisa couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

Not only did he gloss over such an important topic, he wasn’t even the slightest guilty when he said those remarks.

“…How can you? How can you say such a thing?”

Louisa glared at Gaius.

What the hell is he saying?

How could he profess his love to a woman beside his wife?

“…This is outrageous!”

The abject humiliation brought her to tears.

Who does he think he is?

Does he intend to make me his mistress?

“You’re a married man! You have a wife, and yet, you spouted such nonsense to me!”

Louisa trembled in anger, but Gaius only tilted his head with a quizzical expression.

“You’re my only true wife, Louisa. I love you.”

“Don’t be silly!”

Reaching her boiling point, Louisa struck the beauty once again—with all her might, this time.

As a result, there was a loud, crisp, sound.

“After pledging your love and loyalty, you still dare to utter such words!? Don’t mock me!”

“I didn’t insult you.”

“You did! By confessing to me despite your marriage, you already insulted me!”

At his lack of understanding, she felt more sad than angry.

As her tears overflowed, her nose become stuffy, accompanied by hiccups. Louisa grew impatient.

I’m so silly.

So miserable she was that she wanted to just disappear.

“Louisa, calm down.”

He began to rub her back, as if coddling a pampered toddler, and Louisa grew furious.

Shaking off Gaius’ hand, she glared at him with tears and snot on her face.

“Don’t touch me! Only my husband can touch me! Not you!”

Gaius was astonished at the words she shouted in anger.

Then, the corners of his lips slowly became upturned.

Unlike before, nothing about that smile was gentle. A smile so cruel, akin to that of a predator who had spotted its prey.

His grey eyes shone silver, while his black pupils locked onto her.

In horror, Louisa involuntarily wrapped her arms around herself.

“…Your husband? Who’re you referring to if it isn’t me?”

His tone, devoid of any emotions, only fueled her fear.

She shivered, her mouth agape.

At that, Gaius raised an eyebrow.

“…You don’t want to answer? That’s probably wise. If another man’s name were to slip out of your mouth, I don’t know what I’ll do.”

At the erratic remarks, fear—along with irritation, swelled within her.

Seriously, what is he saying?

‘Another man’?

When he himself has married another woman?

“You’re crazy!”

At her defiance, Gaius spread his arms, all the while smiling softly.

“You’re not mistaken. I know what I’m doing is wrong, but I love you too much to care. Now, let’s cease all the questions and answers. Quickly, I want to feel that you’ve indeed returned to me.”

He tried to embrace her, and Louisa flailed her hands as if to resist.

“No, absolutely not—! Don’t touch me—!”

Gaius sighed briefly, before catching both of her wrists, and pushing her down. She fell, and her head hit something fluffy. At that moment, she knew that she was on the bed. When she opened her eyes, his silver eyes were boring down on her.

“…Stop. Only my husband, Mr. Lorenzo, may touch me.”

Despite his earlier warning, Louisa dared to mention another man’s name.

She was afraid of him, yes, but her defiant side wanted to provoke him as much.

Gaius’ eyes twitched.

“…Your husband, eh? It seems that you still don’t understand the situation you’re in. Enroute to your marriage, you were kidnapped—by none other than me.”

At those words, Louisa was taken aback.

Suddenly, the memories before she lost consciousness resurfaced.

Kidnapping?

—That’s right!

On my way to Adriace, my carriage was attacked…!

So, Gaius did it?

“H-how dare you kidnap me…! As if my father would stay silent, and not to mention, Mr. Lorenzo—!”

No sooner had she said it, Gaius sealed her lips using his.

“—Mmm, mmmnh—!”

Louisa groaned. She twisted her head to escape, but Gaius seized her head. At the same time, her lips were met with a slimy sensation.

She tried to roll away, but Gaius was so heavy that she couldn’t. Seeing that she was still hellbent on resisting, Gaius rested his weight on her, as if to restrict her movement. When she opened her mouth to stop him, a hot, damp, fleshy object invaded. Apparently, his tongue was lying in wait all along.

“Mmm, mmmnn—!”

At first, his tongue caressed hers, but soon launched a ferocious attack after she attempted to bite it. Their tongues entwined, sliding and entangling against each other.

It was the first time in her life to taste someone else’s body part.

In fact, she didn’t know it had a taste.

Realizing that she didn’t particularly loathe it, Louisa was astounded.

“Nnh… Mmph, nn—…”

When her overflowing saliva was about to spill, she reflexively gulped.

Then, Gaius’ hand gently stroked her back, as if to compliment her. The warmness of his large palm could be felt through her clothing.

Why… Why do I find it pleasant?

Even though they were in the middle of something important.

Yet, his kiss blew everything away.

…Gaius is married!

Why it isn’t me?

…When she should be the one who shares both happiness and sorrow by his side.

From the corner of her closed eyes, tears fell, and Gaius rushed to wipe them away.

Stop.

With her eyes still closed, Louisa thought to herself.

If you’re this kind to me, my anger, frustration, and sadness will melt away…

Lost in thought, Louisa’s resistance weakened.

Seeing that, Gaius unraveled their tongues. Then, said tongue began to roam around her teeth, before sliding down her jaw.

On her chin, a tinge of pleasure began to bubble.

Her skin tingled.

“…Nn, mm, ah—”

Surprised at her own, sweet, voice, Louisa’s eyes went wide.

Before their lips separated, Gaius nibbled on her lower lip.

As Louisa looked up at him with a hitched breath, she could see pleasure pooling in his silvery eyes.

“…Do you not want to?”

“…Huh?”

“…The kiss. Do you not want me to touch you?”

As he asked that, his eyebrows were slightly knitted, and Louisa blinked in confusion.

“…No, it’s not like that.”

When she saw how uneasy he looked, she blurted her honest thoughts.

She didn’t hate it. If anything, it was the opposite. The thrilling sensation was something that she’d never felt before. At the same time, she wasn’t scared in the slightest.

…Come to think of it, at the end, didn’t she try to entangle Gaius’ tongue with hers?

…At that time, I was thinking that I wanted more.

At Louisa’s response, Gaius’ eyes narrowed in satisfaction.

“…I’m so happy. Then, Louisa, once again—…”

Enraptured, her eyes naturally fluttered shut.

After crawling into her mouth, his tongue gently overlapped with hers, as if to soothe her. At his kind gesture, Louisa bashfully welcomed him. However, when she began to relax, his movement became fierce. His tongue swirled in her mouth—licking, slurping, and ransacking it. In the end, she had to swallow both of their saliva, before finally being forgiven.

Their fervent kiss rendered Louisa both powerless, and breathless.

In the meantime, Gaius disrobed.

His majestic body was seared into her mind.

At a glance, she could tell that he had trained on a daily basis, since his body was supple. His rippling muscles reminded her of a wild beast.

Dazed, Louisa noticed her own state too late.

When she could easily feel the touch of his hand on her skin, Louisa realized that she was in a nightgown, and let out a scream.

“H-huuuh—!? My, my dress is…!?”

“Oh, forgive me. When I kidnapped you, your dress got dirtied in the process, so I took it off for you.”

Huh…?

Louisa blinked.

Who changed her into this nightgown…?

“I especially prepared this nightgown for our first night.”

Without having any chance to clear her doubts, Gaius suddenly dropped a bombshell.

“What…? You… prepared for—G, Gaius, wait!”

“I won’t.”

However, her plea fell on deaf ears. As if he didn’t hear anything, he pulled the ribbon on her chest.

As she panicked, he quickly stripped her off her nightgown, leaving her in her birthday suit.

Louisa screamed, half-crying.

“Wait!”

Nevertheless, Gaius wouldn’t have any of it.

“Like I said, I won’t. I told you, it’s our first night. How long do you think I’ve been waiting for this moment? I won’t wait a second longer—I’ll make you mine.”

Restraining both of her wrists above her head, Gaius peered into her face and spoke.

His eyes were dead serious.

Louisa gulped—however, not because of fear. Instead, her heart throbbed with joy at the thought that he desired her badly.

Conscious at how obscene she was, Louisa shut her eyes, trying to regain her conviction.

“Louisa…? Open your eyes.”

But in the next second, Gaius’ mellifluous voice enticed her.

“N-no…”

I need more time…

Impatience, Louisa groaned, eliciting a laugh from Gaius.

“Alright, you may keep your eyes closed.”

No sooner had he said that, their lips overlapped once again. This time, he nibbled on her upper lip. She could feel his warmth. Then, his large, bony hand slid under her head, cradling her as if she was a treasure.

Due to his warmth, she was no longer tense.

Afterwards, his thick tongue slid between her teeth. It was velvety, yet vigorous. His caress, roaming around her sensitive parts, drove her crazy. As if enchanted, she reflexively wound her arms around his neck.

In-between kisses, honeyed gasps escaped her, and Louisa looked into Gaius’ eyes.

“Gaius…”

At her feverish whisper, Gaius squinted his eyes slightly.

Apparently, that was the limit of his indulgence.

As he held her head in place, Gaius hungrily devoured her lips. A rough kiss—one without the slightest skill, intention, or restraint.

Confronted with the raw lust of a male, Louisa did her best to keep up with him despite her breathlessness.

Amidst the kiss, his fingertips—which was once caressing her head, slowly made its way to her neck. His temperature was warmer than her own. The touch of his skin on her bare neck caused her shudder—not because of disgust, but due to pleasure.

As if to enjoy the contour of her neck, his hand traveled there several times, before going to her shoulder blades. The place touched began to burn, as if a fire had been lit.

Under his touch, her body went aflame.

After her lips were freed, Louisa incredulously stared at him, saliva spilling from her lips.

She was in a trance.

Seeing that, Gaius smiled. Despite that, he seemed burdened. Perhaps, by his own desire, which threatened to go out of control.

Upon realizing that his gaze was drawn towards her chest, Louisa became embarrassed, as she rushed to conceal her chest. Sensing that, Gaius caught her arm.

“No, show me.”

“…!”

To her frustration, she couldn’t resist his strength, and Louisa glared at him.

However, his smile didn’t falter.

“Why can’t I look?”

Not expecting that short of questions, Louisa was taken aback at his tactlessness.

As he waited for her answer, Gaius smiled.

“…Because it’s embarrassing!”

When she squeezed such an answer, Gaius’ smile deepened.

“Haha… I see, so that’s how you look when you’re embarrassed.”

“…!?”

Apparently, he found her embarrassed expression welcome. Once again, her face became flushed.

“S, stupid…!”

At Louisa’s full-blown denunciation, Gaius merely shrugged.

“No man won’t be aroused at the sight of their bashful lover.”

When he casually uttered the word ‘aroused’, Louisa’s cheeks reddened even more.

Gaius spoke in a hoarse voice.

“Aah, you look so lovely…”

Then, he inched closer to her chest.

For her breasts to be seen, how ashamed she was! Desperately, she tried to cover it wit her arm, but Gaius firmly grasped it.

“Don’t cover them. They’re truly beautiful.”

“B-but…”

“Show me, I want to see them.”

Under his command, Louisa finally dropped her arm. Nevertheless, she couldn’t bear to look at him, and averted her gaze.

“…Pure white.”

As he muttered so, Gaius cupped her breasts, and they fit snugly into his large hands. Enveloped in his palms, her milky, twin, mounds were fondled.

The kneading sensation baffled her.

—It’s, weird…

No one had ever played with her breasts before. To be quite frank, she thought that it’d be more exciting. While her heart was thumping, she wasn’t sure if it felt good…

Why is he rubbing my breast so…?

Since he was a man, was he curious due to not having them? Seeing how passionately he was caressing her breasts, Louisa became convinced.

However, Louisa was abruptly brought back to reality when he suddenly pinched her nipple, causing her body to flex.

“Aah—!”

“I see, your nipples are sensitive.”

Gaius chuckled as his fingers began to torment her nipples.

“Ah, no, aah, aahn…!”

Every time he either flicked or tugged at it, a sharp, sweet, pang ran through her lower half. Her dormant instincts informed her that it was pleasure. As her body heated up with more pleasure, Louisa’s head spun.

“How cute you are.”

As he spoke, Gaius outstretched his tongue, licking her nipple. Overly sensitive after being fondled with, the hotness of his tongue pervaded her.

“Nnaah—…”

Her heart hammered in her chest.

With his fingers on one of her nipples, as his tongue rolled on the other, wave after wave of both pleasure and shame hit Louisa.

She no longer thought of pushing him away.

She could only accept the pleasure he gave her.

“Look at how red you are. Your skin is glistening, how wonderful.”

Gaius said in admiration as he let go of her nipple. Freed from the torment, Louisa was relieved, but it was short-lived. A moment later, his teeth grazed on her ribs, and a new wave of pleasure shook her.

“Ah, nh—aah…”

His lips roamed all over her body. Sometimes, he’d nibble—the other time, he’d suck. He was probing for her sensitive parts. Every time caressing a certain spot would elicit a louder moan from her, he’d relentlessly assail that spot. Each time, Louisa’s hips would buckle at the unfamiliar pleasure. At that point, she could no longer resist, let alone be rational.

Thus, when he lifted her legs, she could only surrender her body to him. Gaius looked down at the naked Louisa, and smiled.

At the dazed-looking Louisa, he whispered softly.

“Good girl.”

Then, he parted her legs. In surprise, she stiffened, knowing what’d it’d entail. As in, he’d inevitably see it. As she endured the shame and anxiety, she tried to relax.

Upon seeing that Louisa had ceased all manners of resistance, Gaius narrowed his eyes.

“…It’s clean.”

At his muttering, Louisa blushed profusely. She didn’t have much undergrowth there. Her pubic hair was scant, akin to baby hair. Even though adult women were usually thicker… She was embarrassed at being thought of as a child.

“D-don’t look so much…”

“Why?”

Gaius ran his fingers through her pubes, and the warmth of his palm made her waist tingle.

“B-because it’s childish…”

If she wasn’t careful, she might cry, so her voice naturally became smaller. Then, she heard Gaius chuckle.

“Idiot, I don’t think it’s childish at all.”

“Eh…”

But it is—

—As she thought so, out of the corner of her eye, she saw his black hair between her legs.

“Huh, hey—kyaah—!”

As she lay on her back, Gaius dropped a kiss on her folds. In response, she was at a loss for words, and covered her mouth with her hands.

I, I can’t believe it, I can’t believe it at all…1

The place she’d rarely touch except when needed, Gaius’ tongue was all over it.

That alone made her mind sizzle.

His tongue traveled across her petals.

—This dampness; was it his saliva, or her overflowing juice?

Without any clue, Louisa tensed up, accepting his advances.

The tip of his tongue savored her petals, before moving towards the dripping honeypot behind them.

“—Ah!”

She could feel his tongue slithering on her honeypot, slowly plunging in. But he didn’t go deep right away, opting to soothe her with gentle caresses.

It was as if she wasn’t herself.

Something was wriggling within her, and it felt terribly… strange.

After savoring the outermost part, Gaius eventually parted the florets, and sank one of his fingers in—

“—Hyii!?”

Even if it was just a finger, the sensation of a hard, foreign, object penetrating her was shocking.

As his fingers probed inside, there was a squelching noise.

“Does it hurt?”

At his question, Louisa shook her head.

“No, it doesn’t…”

“You seem uncomfortable.”

He muttered wryly, seemingly apologetic.

She wasn’t so flexible that she could just perform according to what she had learned from her nightly activity lesson. In the first place, she didn’t even get the chance to do so.

As she pondered so, an intense pleasure racked her entire body.

“Aaahn—!”

Gaius had licked her clit—peeling the foreskin with the tip, before swirling his tongue around the bud.

“Ah, …ah, ah, n-no, don’t—! Oh my god…”

Louisa let out an unimpressive roar as her protruding, overly sensitive bud was being toyed with. As his tongue ramped up and down, she jolted, as if her nerves had been stimulated directly.

As her clitoris was assailed, his long fingers twisted and turned inside her. Before she knew it, two of his fingers were in. They moved rhythmically, causing a wet, sloshing, sound.

“N, no—! I, I’m going crazy—!”

As the pleasure intensified, her body was scorching. In her mind, she could vividly make out the wild, thumping sound of her heartbeat. Her limbs were clenched as they shivered—

—Then, her vision became white.

“Ah, ah, aaah—…”

In the last second, Gaius sucked on her swollen clit, inciting a bestial roar from Louisa.

“Hyaaaa—!”

Unable to withstand the pleasure, something exploded within her, and she saw a flash—akin to lightning. Before long, her body was met with an overwhelming sense of relief.

“Aah…”

Beads of sweat scattered across her entire body, as her consciousness returned from the white world to reality. Then, Louisa slowly sank into the sheets. In a daze, she realized what had just taken place.

“Well done.”

Gaius sat up between her legs, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

She stared at his face without replying.

…I see, this is what it means to climax, it sure feels good…

After caressing her cheek with his palm, Gaius took one of the cushions from her bed.

“Louisa, bend your hips.”

As she moved, Gaius placed a cushion under her waist. In a position where her buttocks were slightly lifted, Louisa became dumbfounded. Then, a kiss landed on her cheek.

“This way, it’ll be easier for you.”

Is that so…?

Gaius proceeded to hook her knees on his elbows.

“Ah…”

A hot, hard object stood at her entrance.

Stamen and pistil…

Such were the terms she’d learned in her bridal class. The hot, foreign, thing was Gaius’ stamen—which would then enter Louisa’s groin—the pistil. Then, after the stamen had released its seed inside the pistil, the entire act would reach its completion.

In other words, the act was proceeding in an orderly manner.

…This, will be inside me—

—it’s happening…

But then, it dawned on Louisa.

This isn’t right.

Her husband was Lorenzo Agnadello, not Gaius.

Even if it was a loveless, political, marriage, would Adriace accept a bride that was no longer chaste?

Not to mention, Gaius had a wife. To be embraced by him would be an act equivalent to tormenting that woman.

…Regardless, I want to be embraced by Gaius.

After all, she had long dreamed of becoming his wife. To her, it was only to be expected that one day, he’d claim her body.

Forgive me… But, just once… Once should be fine, right?

Even if it was just an illusion, she wanted to feel as if she’d become his wife.

—What a foolish thought.

No, not just stupid, but also reckless.

The common sense she had honed through her princess education was telling her to stop.

Louisa closed her eyes, as if to dismiss the thought.

Conflicted by the thoughts, Louisa stiffened, and Gaius gave her a peck.

“It’ll be alright. Relax.”

“Y-yes…”

If it was that easy, then she wouldn’t be nervous in the first place. As expected, Louisa couldn’t relax. Anxiety brewed in her chest. Even when she tried to dismiss it, it was to no avail.

Seeing that she was still tense, Gaius gently pressed their forehead togethers. Due to the proximity, his visage became out-of-focus. However, she could see the sincerity in his eyes.

“Louisa.”

“…Yes?”

“I love you. In this entire world, you’re the only one I care about. I’ll definitely protect you.”

The inside of her chest began to feel warm.

Despite knowing that it was a lie, she was still happy.

Gaius was married. If he truly deemed Louisa as important, he wouldn’t have this.

She blinked, dispersing the emerging tears.

Despite that, I still love him, no matter what…

Despite knowing how mistaken it was, she yearned for his touch—for them to connect deeply, both physically and mentally.

No sooner had she realized that, she let these words slip.

“…I love you, Gaius.”

As they adorned her eyelashes, the tiny droplets of tears swayed. Gaius pressed her lips against her eyelids, as if to sip them.

“I love you, too. For the remainder of my life, you shall be my one and only.”

With each word that he’d spoken, she found it more and more difficult to suppress her tears. Gaius laughed awkwardly at her overflowing tears.

“Don’t cry, Louisa. If you cry, I won’t be able to proceed.”

He was at the brink of his patience.

At that, she couldn’t help but smile.

—As for her, she had long passed it.

For twelve years, she’d been yearning for his embrace.

Gaius nibbled on Louisa’s earlobe. When she shivered at the stir of his tongue, the burning rod that’d been placed against her honey jar rammed in.

“—!”

She gasped at the rigidness—it felt like a large piece of bone!

Gaius slowly writhed his hips, gradually making his way inside. While the size wasn’t extreme, it was still too big to slid in smoothly. She was being shaken, and she inadvertently looked up towards Gaius. At that moment, her eyes went wide.

Gaius seemed fierce. His shapely brows were knitted, while his eyes gleamed like a wolf. Sweat trickled down his forehead. His face, as he looked down on her, was the epitome of masculinity.

Her lower half ached.

His masculine charms had invoked her womanly instincts.

Then, Gaius pounded her, and his hot mass plunged deep into her.

“Aah…!”

Louisa became breathless.

Not only had he driven into her narrow passage, he had also pushed against her internal organs.

“Did it hurt?”

Gaius asked in a raspy voice, and Louisa—still shivering, shook her head.

Fortunately, it wasn’t excruciating. Still, it was very uncomfortable. Perhaps, it couldn’t be helped, since it was her first time.

“…How about you? Does it feel good…?”

Concerned at the fact that his eyebrows were knitted, Louisa timidly asked.

Gaius’ widened his eyes, before frowning in astonishment.

“Shouldn’t it be obvious? Of course, it is. It’s hot, and it’s sucking me in… I’m going to melt…”

“I see…”

Relieved, Louisa’s cheeks became loose.

“I’m happy that you feel good inside of me…”

At the thought of getting intimate with her beloved, and not to mention, being able to satisfy him; a genuine, yet absurd elation welled in her chest.

Her smile took his breath away.

Then, as he furrowed his eyebrows, Gaius groaned.

“…Are you going to kill me?”

“Huh…?”

Louisa couldn’t hear what he was saying. When she tilted her head, Gaius kissed her.

“Nn, mm, uh, …mm—”

His tongue swirled inside, before sucking on her tongue. The brief, yet intense exchange left her wanting for more.

Licking the saliva from his moist lips, Gaius smirked.

“I won’t be rash, but I’ll also savor every moment, since I’ve been waiting for so long.”

“Huh…? Ah, aah, aah—!”

Gaius thrusted into her, and she could feel his hard tip on her innermost part, which caused a wanton moan to escape her lips.

She felt a dull pain, accompanied by a feverish throb, as her inside clenched.

“Ugh…”

Gaius held his breath, as if to endure something.

“Ah, haa—!”

As he twitched inside her, she was soaked in juice. Almost at the same time, Gaius pulled back—scraping her walls, and just before it fell out, he rammed it in once again.

“Uuuaaah—!”

I’m burning…

At the corner of her eyes, tears began to sprang up.

His member was raging inside her, and her body and mind were about to melt into mush.

“Aah, Louisa, Louisa—!”

In heat, Gaius called her name, as he pounded her over and over again. Love nectar dribbled down her freshly-opened honeypot as she tried to endure his ruthless onslaught.

The obscene, wet, noises—along with the creaking of the bed, echoed in the room, overlapping with their rugged breathing.

“Aah, aah, so, so deep, I, I can’t—”

Louisa whimpered, and clung tightly to his back. Gaius cradled her between his arms, and kissed her lips.

“Louisa, my adorable Louisa—aah, damn, I’m losing my mind—!”

The entire time, Gaius didn’t stop his movement.

As he filled, stirred, and pounded her, Louisa’s inside began to tighten around his member.

“Shit—! It’s so good…!”

Louisa tightened at his groan.

“…!”

At the same time, he strengthened his embrace around her, as his movement came to a stop.

When she opened her eyes, she saw his face stiffening in anguish.

Like a finishing blow, Louisa kissed him on the lips.

“I love you.”

“…Dammit—!”

Gaius growled, and exploded inside her.

As he convulsed and jerked, Louisa let go of her consciousness.