Chapter 268: Support Fire (2)

Before midnight struck, that is, before the exhibition began in earnest, there was a conversation.

"Why did you call me?"

Adelia sat in her seat, looking somewhat deflated compared to her usual confident self. Her sky-blue eyes rolled from side to side, and her broad shoulders, a result of her training, seemed narrower.

It wasn't the same terror she felt when meeting her relatives, including Hiriya, but it was a behavior clearly showing she was cautious. Moreover, sitting stiffly with her fists on her thighs, she appeared somewhat like a rag doll.

"Don't be too tense, unni. Someone might think we're bullying you."

"Yeah. Just relax."

The two women sitting opposite Adelia, Marie and Cecily, spoke in turn. Despite wearing casual clothes before the exhibition began, they still exuded their own charm.

The shining white hair contrasts sharply with the black hair, showing distinct personalities.

Adelia, who thought she fell short in appearance and personality compared to them, naturally felt inferior.

Especially since they are Isaac's lovers, whereas she will enter as either a concubine or a personal maid in the future.

Although she is a bastard child, having lived in the Ters Kingdom, she has keenly observed the ecology of the nobility with her own eyes.

Her biological father, King Friedrich, did not have concubines, so the conflicts were relatively low, but she clearly understood her low status.

Above all, Adelia, who grew up under harsh persecution just because she was a bastard from a past mistake, couldn't help but feel anxious.

"But... Lady and Princess are Isaac's official lovers? His wifes? Anyway, you're in that position, right? But I..."

"Well, does Isaac really care about that? Doesn't he treat everyone fairly?"

"At least he won't discriminate. Isaac is subtly sensitive to people's hearts."

The two women, who understood what Adelia was worried about, comforted her as they exchanged words.

They are women who usually spend time with Isaac and can even see through his mind, revealing their innermost thoughts.

Isaac doesn't care about social status and prefers horizontal relationships over vertical ones.

Going further, he detests the act of pressing someone down with power and hierarchy, as Rina and Leort once did, which ended in their embarrassment.

Fortunately, their relationship has improved. Anyway Isaac always desires an egalitarian relationship.

"Still... I..."

"Ah, forget it. Let's talk about something else, okay?"

Despite Adelia's persistence, Marie brushed it off. As someone who, like Isaac, prefers egalitarian relationships, such conversations were frustrating for her.

Of course, she's aware of her status as a noblewoman. While it's natural for commoners to address her formally, if that person is Isaac's woman, the situation changes. Furthermore, after learning about Adelia's tragic past, Marie hoped she'll find a bit more happiness. Adelia was a rare trustworthy person in the world.

Several other factors also made it possible for Adelia to be accepted as Isaac's woman. Remembering that Marie was the one who first proposed the maid idea gives a rough idea of what she might be thinking.

"...Yes. So, what did you call me here to talk about?"

Adelia nodded hesitantly at Marie's blunt words and got to the point. She was visibly diminished, devoid of confidence.

Seeing her like this, Marie cast a sharp glance at her before turning to look at Cecily sitting beside her. Cecily happened to turn her head at that moment.

Their blue and amber eyes met, and without a word, they both smiled softly, knowing who would speak first.

It was a smile seemingly tinged with a sinister cunning, as if concealing a plot.

Soon, the two women shifted their gaze forward, and Marie was the first to open her mouth, bringing up the main topic.

"Unni. When are you going to do it?"

"What? What do you mean..."

"When are you going to have your first night with Isaac?"

"..."

Wasn't that a bit too straightforward? At the blunt question, Adelia's sky-blue eyes widened.

Her pupils shook as if an earthquake had hit, and her cheeks began to flush red.

"Why are you so flustered? Didn't you expect this?"

"Oh, no. It's just... I've been thinking about it..."

Unable to continue her words, Adelia fumbled in response to Cecily's question.

She had been thinking that since she became Isaac's lover, they would naturally have their first night together. After all, they had already engaged in intimate and lingering kisses before. If they didn't proceed, it would seem odd.

But, she had merely been 'thinking' about it. She had concluded that there was no place for her to intervene where the other two women were present.

Fortunately, she had met a good person and had connected with a man she loved, but she kept in mind the intention to protect him from behind, not by his side.

"...How could I think of intervening when you're all here?"

With great effort, she calmed her racing heart and expressed her true feelings. Her voice, barely above a whisper, and her lowered head seemed to speak for her heart.

Marie and Cecily were there, wondering how they would intervene. Wasn't it because of their compassionate hearts that they had become Isaac's women?

Marie and Cecily nodded as if acknowledging all the meanings contained in the confession. This, too, was expected.

"So, if we were to concede?"

"Pardon?"

"If we were to concede, what would you do, Unni?"

Following Marie's suggestion, Cecily spoke next.

"Surely you wouldn't refuse even if we were to concede to that extent, would you?"

"··· ···"

Whether she was speechless or found it hard to comprehend, Adelia blinked her eyes alternately at the two women.

Their smiling faces seemed genuine, not mere jest, which made it even more incomprehensible.

Why? Why were they treating her so well, a mere concubine? They had nothing lacking, rather they were exceptional women.

Had that thought been fully expressed on her face? Marie, with her characteristic chuckling smile, then spoke up.

"Unni, you're really cute. How come your face reveals all your thoughts? You're just like Isaac."

"Yes, yes? No, I mean... um..."

"Never mind. Unni, stop beating around the bush and do as we say. Understand?"

"Now you can be honest, right?"

"··· ···"

In the end, Adelia had no choice but to accept the offer meekly. It was like crossing over a snake fence, but deep down, she also harbored some expectations.

One's desires aren't truly concealed by hiding. So, let's be a little greedy, just a little.

With this in mind, she somewhat alleviated her hesitation and looked straight into their eyes.

"So... what should I do? I don't know anything..."

"Um... first of all..."

Upon Adelia's courageous question, Marie pondered deeply and then made a suggestion.

"Perhaps we should start with your attire?"

******

I blankly stared at Adelia, who appeared for the night shift. Sitting on the bed, she naturally looked up at me from below, a perspective brought about by her posture.

Currently, she's wearing a maid uniform, one that conspicuously exposes her shoulders and collarbones. Moreover, the skirt is so short that it barely covers half of her thighs.

Perhaps according to Cecily's advice or her own desire, she even has a white garter belt on. She's truly showcasing what it means to be a sexy maid.

It's quite radical for Adelia, who usually appears modest. It's a different kind of radical compared to Cecily. Not the dignified knight shown in the morning, but solely a maid for the night shift. The contrasting allure between the two situations excited my heart.

"··· ···"

"··· ···"

Adelia and I stared at each other silently for a while. Adelia looked embarrassed and avoided my gaze, but there was a subtle anticipation on her face.

Now I understand why Marie and Cecily took her with them. It must not have been easy for her to concede, but it seems Adelia made her own decision.

Well, I should respond to that decision. It's not like I was panicking with this, having dealt with countless nighttime encounters...

'...Still, it's inevitable to feel nervous.'

Unlike Marie and Cecily, who have been lively so far, Adelia was different. I'm not some guy who can easily charm a woman, so it's natural to feel tense.

Moreover, Adelia seems to be preparing to rise above her past pain. I could easily break those wings if I'm not careful.

So, I have to handle this delicately, but she has already entered my bedroom, wearing not ordinary clothes but the maid uniform I designed. It's certain.

...Though Cecily might have altered it to be more revealing than originally designed. Mine wasn't designed to be that revealing.

"...Noona."

"...Yes, Young master."

"Do you want to sit next to me for now?"

In the midst of this awkward atmosphere, I gestured to the seat beside me. Adelia swallowed nervously and then moved cautiously.

The movement I saw wasn't careful but rather creaky, like rusty machinery. It seemed to signify the level of tension she was under.

Excessive tension isn't good during the first time. From now on, I plan to ease that tension. The most important thing for a woman on the first night is none other than the atmosphere.

I've learned through experience that half the battle is won with the right atmosphere.

"Did Marie and Cecily concede?"

"...Yes."

Adelia nodded in agreement to my question. The light from the small lamp illuminated her face.

Adelia had neatly gathered her thighs and placed both hands on them. She seemed embarrassed, unable to raise her head.

Cute. The contrast between knight Adelia during the day and main Adelia at night made her cuteness even more pronounced.

I slowly reached out and held her hand. As I did, Adelia trembled noticeably and stiffened.

Then she firmly grasped my hand without pulling away, as if she never wanted to let go.

Brush-

Gently, I ran my fingers through her hair with my other hand. She flinched at first but soon calmed down.

Adelia's face seemed redder than before as I continued to caress her head. Each of these reactions exuded charm.

Now that she's going to be my woman, I handled her delicately, like fragile artwork.

"Mmm, mmm."

For a while, Adelia enjoyed my petting, making happy sounds, and pressed her face against my shoulder. Seeing her body's trembling slightly ceasing, it was a sign that she was relaxing. I gently stroked her cheek as we shared each other's warmth. I could feel the pounding of her excited heart from here.

"Noona."

"Yes..."

"You're not holding onto any regrets now, right?"

Regrets, she must have completely let them go. Coming to my bedroom late at night in such daring attire.

But this isn't me answering; it's Adelia answering herself. Has she really detached herself from her blood ties, which she desired so much? They were the family she longed for, yet she was elegantly cast aside, and even Hiriya, whom she loved, is trying to take away.

Even the remaining regrets are falling away, why would Adelia...

"Yes. I don't have any."

"Is that so?"

"Because my family is... right here."

Adelia replied softly, her voice moist. I smiled at her response.

Until recently, there was a large nail driven into Adelia's heart. Even if the nail could be removed, the hole would remain, inevitable as it was.

I will fill that hole and, furthermore, paint it in a new color so that even scars cannot be found.

"Noona."

"Yes. What is it?"

"What kind of person would you like me to be? Would you like me to be an ordinary person? Or..."

I hesitated for a moment, then gently turned and faced Adelia.

Adelia, too, was staring straight at me with her now blurry sky-blue eyes.

"Would you like me to be incredibly famous? For example..."

The manuscript hidden carefully in the desk comes to mind. A decisive evidence that I am Xenon.

"Xenon, perhaps?"

If she wants, I'll gladly show her. There's nothing I wouldn't show her, even my body.

Perhaps Adelia had expected it as well. Just knowing that I am Xenon would make her realize why Cecily became my lover in an instant.

Moreover, I hinted at some circumstances through the exhibition. Looking back, there were several suspicious situations.

To such a question, Adelia replied...

"It doesn't matter."

"It doesn't matter?"

"Yes."

Her answer really caught me off guard. I expected her to be surprised or at least some reaction equivalent to it, but this is beyond my expectations.

Upon seeing my expression of surprise, Adelia leaned her face against my chest.

Then, she opened her mouth with a soothing voice, using the rhythm of my heartbeat as if it were music.

It wasn't her usual firm and confident voice, but a voice filled with love and affection.

"Whether you are Lord Isaac, Sir Xenon or the emperor's hidden child, it doesn't matter to me. I only think of how you've treated me all this time."

"...Even if the Kingdom of Ters might cause trouble?"

"It's okay. If you really were Sir Xenon, even the Kingdom of Ters wouldn't dare to disrespect you. And even if not, it's fine either way. I just like you for who you are."

"..."

"But if you're Sir Xenon, can I at least get your autograph? I'm a huge fan of Xenon's Biography."

Is she getting lost in her role? Adelia continued to speak politely even though I've given her permission to speak informally.

Still, her sincerity got through properly. Just like Marie, Adelia doesn't care whether I'm Xenon or not.

She just loves the person, yearning for affection. Because of this, my feelings toward her only grew stronger.

Let me give her an unforgettable, beautiful memory. With firm determination, I gently removed Adelia, who had rested her face against my chest.

Adelia looked at me with a puzzled expression as if to ask why. Her sky-blue eyes shone brightly even in the dim light.

"Noona."

"Yes?"

"You're really lovely, Noona."

"Huh...what?"

Adelia's question was left unfinished as I abruptly silenced her with a surprise kiss.

For a moment, she seemed startled, giving my chest a slight push, but soon she completely surrendered. I could feel the tension draining from her body.

"Um... mmm... mwah."

Sweet and sticky kisses followed, and the awkwardness dissipated, replaced by a growing heat.

Unlike me, who was quite adept, Adelia seemed a bit clumsy. She tried to match me somehow, but it was still lacking.

That's why it was more satisfying. Her slightly clumsy attempts suited her, and she would improve with practice.

"Mwah... haa..."

After a long, lingering kiss, Adelia and I parted our lips simultaneously, as if neither wanted to be the first to let go.

A thin silver thread connected our lips, adding to the peculiar sensation.

"Haah... haah..."

I observed Adelia's reaction after the kiss ended. Her eyes were just half open, and she was exhaling deeply.

Although I felt like just laying her down on the bed, it wasn't time yet. She came here for a "night service," so I should act accordingly.

With that in mind, I gently caressed her cheek and spoke in a low, seductive voice,

"Now, can I want to receive the night service?"

"Yes, yes..."

Adelia rose from her seat as if enchanted by my question. Perhaps her legs were weak from the kiss, as she stumbled a bit.

I reached out to where she had been sitting all this while. And there it was. Ever so slightly, it was damp. She seemed as excited as I was.

As I ran my hand over the bedsheet, a sound came from the front. The rustle of clothes being removed, the sound of fabrics brushing against each other.

Shifting my gaze forward, I couldn't help but gasp at the beauty that unfolded before me.

Wearing strapless lingerie and a white garter belt to match her maid outfit, she exuded a sexiness that rivaled Cecily's. But what added to it was the clearly defined abs on her stomach, giving off a healthy aura. From the well-toned thighs and firm hips to the rounded buttocks, everything was there, showcasing the essence of vitality.

"T, then..."

Adelia blushed and slowly knelt down. Naturally, my gaze followed hers downwards.

Then, she swallowed nervously and reached out her hands. Her hands were aimed precisely at my waist.

I was currently wearing only a robe, and even that was loosely tied, revealing my well-toned upper body completely.

However, since I was wearing underwear, I could tell where her hands were heading.

"···Gulp."

Adelia finally grabbed onto my underwear and swallowed nervously once again. It was truly adorable how she looked at me.

Seeing her like that, I nodded in permission. Lifting my hips slightly was just an added bonus to help her.

"From now on···"

Adelia, with lips trembling with gratitude(?), spoke.

"I will listen··· to your orders."

Slowly, very slowly, she pulled her hands downward.

Translators note:

WARNING. Next 2 chapters are NSFW.