There was no way Redian, and I didn’t know what we were doing right now. Having lived many, often rough lives, I wasn’t particularly naive. Maybe that’s why. The barely brushing lips using a tiny cherry as an excuse were annoying.
If you’re going to do it, do it properly.
It would be one thing if it felt entirely innocent. But perhaps because of the moonlight seeping through the curtains or Redian’s inherently relaxed gaze…
How did he get so skilled when he was trapped in the underground castle?
Even though it was just a slightly heated breath brushing past, it felt strangely sensual.
“…”
I bit into the cherry as if it were a candy, staring intently at Redian. I had no intention of looking away.
“Why?”
“You’re too skilled.”
Redian’s eyes hardened slightly, perhaps thinking I would be a bit surprised or flustered. Of course, it was true that his provocation felt more intense than ever. I just didn’t show it.
“Well.” I smiled back nonchalantly.
Even if I truly saw Redian as a man, he had to wait until I allowed him to cross the line.
“This is just child’s play.”
“…”
Redian’s eyebrows twitched as I said that.
“We’re adults, Rere.” I playfully gave him another quick kiss.
“That’s right. We’re adults.”
But there was no escaping.
“Then, if you allow me, instead of this childish play…”
It was because Redian supported my head as if cradling it, giving me no room to retreat.
“I can do anything for you, Master.”
“…”
As the distance between us closed, his cool scent seemed to bind my entire body, and his blue eyes were breathtakingly beautiful. Our breaths intertwined more and more…
“You love me, don’t you?” His smile, whispering love, was almost mischievous.
In the stifling air, our gazes locked.
“No. This won’t do.”
“…”
I gently pushed his shoulders. Even with a slight touch, I could tell how much strength he was using to hold back.
“Of course, I do love you, but…” I immediately stood up and took a step back. “We have to keep our boundaries.” I didn’t forget to lightly kiss his forehead.
Phew, that was close.
It wasn’t because I didn’t want him or because I had superhuman self-control that I could push him away. In fact, I might even be the more dangerous beast in this situation. Yet, I could push Redian away because… He’s cute.
I liked the way Redian bit his inner cheek. The impatient impulse lingered on his handsome face, the expression of holding back so much that veins stood out on his forehead.
“Why? Are you annoyed?”
“…No.”
I asked because he looked cute like that.
“Of course not.”
Redian quickly hid his emotions and smiled. However,
“What would happen if we crossed that line…”
His persistent gaze didn’t hide his feelings.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
* * *
The next day, I was preparing to go to the Sea of Ananke.
{Princess.}
It was at that moment.
{You must have seen the gift I gave you two or three times, so why haven’t you said anything?}
The video orb sent by Vallentin started circling around me.
“Gift? What gift?”
{Have you not checked the drawer?}
“…Drawer?”
I hadn’t had any reason to rummage through the drawers. Besides, if there was something important, Daisy would have taken care of it or mentioned it.
{Do you even know how important it is?!}
“What on earth did you leave there?” Annoyed by Vallentin’s nagging in the morning, I opened the drawers one by one as he indicated. “Nothing here.”
{…Nothing?}
“Yes, nothing.”
The drawers were meticulously clean, not even a speck of dust.
{Could the maid have cleaned it out?}
“If so, Daisy would have told me first.”
I could sense Vallentin’s odd expression through the video orb.
{Has the barrier been opened recently?}
Barrier, meaning…
“It’s been opened quite often.”
Even just recalling the past few days, it had been opened numerous times. It opened whenever I went for a walk with Redian and when Juyong came yesterday.
{Ha, damn it.} Vallentin muttered, running a hand over his face.
“What kind of amazing gift is it?” I asked, noticing his expression was more than just troubled. No matter how valuable, if it could be bought with money, Vallentin wouldn’t be this serious…
{A portrait of Lucifer.}
“What?” I paused for a moment, taken aback.
{A portrait of Peidion before he fell.}
“What are you talking about? Isn’t that in the underground library of the Decilio Kingdom?”
Theia had many public statues and remaining mythological paintings or relics. In contrast, all paintings of the Archangel Lucifer were burned or disappeared after his fall. So, a portrait of Lucifer alone was extremely rare. No one thought his traces still existed.
{Yes. I put that painting in the drawer to give you, Princess.}
“Why would you put something that’s probably kept like a national treasure in your kingdom in my drawer?”
The sudden news left me feeling dizzy. Could this lead to diplomatic issues and possibly war? Would I be held responsible? Why? My mind raced through the worst-case scenarios.
{The figure in that portrait…} The video orb around me buzzed with Vallentin’s voice. {Looks exactly like Redian Hyu Rixon.}
A brief silence followed.
{…Aren’t you surprised?} Vallentin asked, perhaps because my reaction was too calm.
But it wasn’t surprising, as I already knew. I’d seen Redian’s rampages and magic firsthand, so…
I actually expected it. Honestly, it’s not a face or ability a human would have.”
{…Hmm.} Vallentin’s eyes narrowed as I shrugged.
Wait a minute. I wasn’t surprised because I already knew, but if that portrait fell into someone else’s hands… The incarnation of a devil.
I turned my head urgently and looked out the window. The only beings that could come and go here were devils and Norma. The devils were lazing in the garden as cats, and only birds flew in the sky, so…
Birds?
Those free wings that could go anywhere and beaks that could carry anything.
“Ah…” I nodded. “Someone must have taken it.”
{What kind of fearless brat would do such a thing?}
“Grand Duke.”
{Pardon? Are you talking about Grand Duke Benio?}
“Yes, Grand Duke Benio.”
I wondered what he was holding that made him dream of rebellion. And even though he should have proceeded secretly, there must be a reason he publicly spread rumors of rebellion.
“Hmm, as expected,” I spoke without taking my eyes off the view beyond the window. “I must kill that b*stard.”
It was as if I was calmly commenting on the nice weather today.
* * *
“What’s wrong?” Redian asked as he returned at the agreed time. “Your expression doesn’t look good.”
“…” I stared at Redian without answering.
What would happen if everyone found out about Redian’s true identity? I thought of those who were branded as devils or witches and killed in many lives. Would he be burned on a pyre or sacrificed on an altar?
“No way.”
“…What?”
“That can’t happen.” My voice came out with an unexpected force.
“Master.” After observing my expression for a moment, Redian spoke. “If the weather’s bad, we can postpone the walk.”
The weather was perfect, with a clear breeze blowing. But he seemed to think I was scared of going to the Sea of Ananke.
“No. Let’s go, Redian.” I grabbed his hand and stood up. “Open the barrier.” Then I stepped back to let Redian open the barrier to the Sea of Ananke. “This is finally my chance to rise above you again, and I can’t miss it.”
Redian, holding my hand tightly, smiled faintly at those words. “Even now, I can’t lay a finger on you without your permission, Master.”
When the wind blew, his silver hair lifted, and his eyes toward me became clear.
“What more do you want?”
“I’ll crush them all.”
Only then…
“So I can protect you.”
Did my long life’s purpose seem clear.
“You have to be loyal to me for life.”
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