Secrets of the Azure Sea

“Just in case, should we put a railing on the window too, you know, to avoid any accidents?”

Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment at what seemed to be a remark of lack of trust from Zanarf.

“I won’t do anything careless anymore.”

Zanarf raised an eyebrow, looking at Floria with suspicion.

“Is that so? By the way, do you know what everyone is saying about you?”

“—Huh?”

“The story about you chasing a parrot into a small boat and nearly getting swallowed by a whirlpool has spread all over the island. Thanks to that, you are now known as the Parrot Princess”

‘No way, everyone on the island must think that I’m foolish.’

As she wore a despondent expression, Zanarf’s features softened slightly.

“You’re royalty, and the islanders have been watching you from a distance. Perhaps that made them feel closer to you? That big guy, Largo, seems to have taken quite a liking to you– Saying that you, who made me risk my life, ended up being swept away by something as trivial as a parrot.”

“…I’m sorry… Thank you for saving me.”

“I swore an oath. I swore to protect you with my life.”

‘As I thought. Zanarf could have abandoned me, yet his principle seems to be to keep his promises. That’s why he risked danger to help me.’

After a short silence, she continued.

“…Um, is your shoulder alright?”

“It’s nothing serious. Just a little swollen. Kirie wrapped it up so tightly that it’s a bit hard to move. But I don’t think I’ll need it anymore.”

Zanarf removed the cloth from his shoulder and stepped closer slowly. The room was filled the salty scent of the air mixed with Zanarf’s distinctive masculine fragrance.

“You’re the one who told Kirie, aren’t you? Thanks to that, the pain has eased up quickly.”

“—I’m really sorry. Because of my carelessness. Is there anything I can do? If it still hurts, I can help you change clothes or with your meals.”

That much she could do, even if Kirie wasn’t around.

Zanarf chuckled lightly.

“Don’t worry about it. It was indeed careless, but it’s all in the past now. Besides…”

He took a step closer and pulled Floria’s slender waist toward him.

“Above all, I’m just glad you’re safe. —Floria.”

His large hand gently cupped her cheek. Her heart raced as she looked up at Zanarf, and slowly his face drew nearer. The warm touch of his lips brushed against her ear, and with his breath against her skin, these slow and sensual moves made her heartbeat quicken.

“But, you know, there’s something only you can do.”

“W-what is it? Anything at all… ah…”

Zanarf’s lips, which had been tracing Floria’s ear, slowly slid down to meet her lips.

“Hmm… mmm…”

She was captured by his hot, seductive lips.

Without giving her a chance to object, he held her chin, in short moments, he slipped his slick, warm tongue between her lips. Floria’s eyes widened in shock.

‘I’m being kissed.’

As Zanarf’s tongue scooped up Floria’s quivering one, it entwined with her sweetly. The rough texture brushed against her tongue, igniting a strange heat deep within her core. Everything felt fresh and exhilarating, and Floria found herself becoming intoxicated by the sweet sensations Zanarf was giving her.

“Fuh… mmm, Zanarf…”

“The wedding ritual isn’t over yet. Tonight, we will have the true wedding rituals. Just the two of us.”

The wedding ritual? Wasn’t everything supposed to have ended that night? What did Zanarf mean by the wedding rituals?

That question was quickly drowned out by Zanarf’s heat. Like a bee thoroughly gathering honey from a hive, he explored her soft mouth delightfully. The brazen sensation writhing inside her mouth set her body ablaze with heat.

“—Ria, you’re adorable.”

He teased her tongue with his, coaxing it into his mouth. A wild, salty taste mixed with the sea breeze made her head dizzy.