By Zephyria 
“This is the room. Please call me anytime if you need anything.”
Elian, who entered the room, surveyed its interior. It seemed they had put a lot of effort into it, as the room was filled with antique furniture.
The room where Kirendis had kidnapped and confined him was acceptable, but not as much as this room, which the Ducal Family had properly attended to.
‘Hmm. Good.’
As Elian, who had always worn, eaten, and enjoyed only the best, this environment was quite satisfactory.
“Oh. Good. Are you staying here for a while? I’ll have to visit often.”
If only there weren’t an intruder, he could have appreciated and enjoyed it more.
“It seems your business here is done, so why are you still here?”
Elian said, with the wish that he would disappear quickly.
“Hey. Why so cold between us?”
It seemed he had had his fill of fun with the Duke, and there was a clear nuance of him trying to latch onto Elian next.
“If you want to know what being truly cold is like, you’re welcome to stay.”
“Oh? Really?”
He tried to threaten him with a meaningful remark, but Lac’s eyes lit up as if he welcomed it. However, Elian’s words were not over.
“Depending on how you act, my return will also change.”
Elian smiled a little. Then, Lac’s face crumpled.
The reason he wanted to stay here was obvious.
If the Imperial Palace was in disarray and paralyzed by work, they would have sought someone to solve the problems rather than solving them themselves.
In the past, Elian would have been the target, but now he was officially retired.
If so, it was obvious who they would seek.
Someone with influence second only to Elian, yet who didn’t care about anyone else’s opinion.
“Ah, that’s too much. You’re going to do this?”
“I told you to handle it yourself, so I don’t know what you don’t like about it.”
“How is that handling it yourself? You’re just telling me to get lost, aren’t you?”
“Glad you have some sense.”
Elian brushed off Lac’s resistance lightly. He was above Lac, who was running.
It was just annoying because he didn’t know what Lac was thinking, but that didn’t mean Lac was superior to Elian.
“Hmm.”
As all his attempts were thwarted, Lac seemed to be deep in thought.
Just as Elian thought he might have to properly make him understand, Lac swung his thick arm and lunged at Elian.
“Ugh.”
“Hahaha. As expected of the Grand Duke. But there’s a huge flaw in that statement. Wouldn’t it be solved if I, conversely, told the Duke that the Grand Duke is at the Ducal Mansion?”
Ah.
Feeling the weight of the thick arm on his shoulder, Elian realized that even fools grow.
He seemed to have learned a lot from being outmaneuvered every time.
‘Or perhaps he desperately didn’t want to return to the Imperial Palace.’
He couldn’t hide his frustration at having his defense breached after so long.
Lac, seemingly in a good mood, began dragging Elian around and bothering him.
“Ooh. Grand Duke, look at this. The view is amazing, isn’t it?”
“The view is all the same……”
“Oh. What’s this? Wow. The Duke really put a lot of effort into this, didn’t he?”
“Effort what……”
“Gasp! This is said to be incredibly hard to find, even in the capital!”
“Not interested……”
“Huh?! What is that!!”
“……”
Elian had to admit his defeat. It seemed difficult to drive away this nuisance today.
In the past, he would often barge in like this and bother Elian. Sometimes threats worked, and sometimes he would cling on excitedly like now.
There was no other way then. He just had to wait until his interest waned.
“Haa……”
It was indeed a headache. Just as he wondered how long he would be pushed around, the door opened and someone entered.
“Kirendis.”
It was Kirendis, who had remained in the reception room to talk with the Duke.
He was breathing heavily.
“I thought it would take longer? It ended quickly.”
Kirendis had to discuss succession with the Duke and talk about the Rebel Army. So he thought it would take quite a while, which made this unexpected.
Or perhaps he had been considerate because it seemed like it would take too long?
The Duke wasn’t that delicate a person, so that didn’t seem right either.
‘Then why so early…….’
He tilted his head with a question, and Kirendis approached with a fearsome expression. Then, he forcibly removed Lac’s hand from Elian’s shoulder and said, “What are you doing?”
Elian’s jaw dropped.
Kirendis’s red eyes were burning with jealousy. But that wasn’t a big problem. Or, was it a problem?
It wasn’t jealousy itself that was the problem, but the phenomenon it would cause.
“Oh?”
Lac’s eyes sparkled with full interest.
‘No!’
Elian screamed inwardly.
He himself had a tolerance for Lac, so he was fine, but Kirendis was not at all.
And wasn’t Lac someone who gave even the Duke a hard time?
“You… dislike it, don’t you?”
But Kirendis glared at Lac, uttering words he shouldn’t have.
‘Ah.’
Elian sighed softly and closed his eyes.
“Wow. What is this?”
Lac’s eyes had perfectly detected an interesting creature.
‘We’re doomed.’
It seemed difficult to drive Lac away now.
The daily life of the Ministry of Finance began by locking the doors tightly.
“No problems today, right?”
“It’s perfect, with the locks secured.”
“Good. Still, it’s fortunate that no one comes looking for us at the crack of dawn.”
“Everyone considers waking up late a virtue.”
“Except for the Ministry of Finance.”
“Yes……. Except for the Ministry of Finance.”
The people of the Ministry of Finance, who gathered to start work earlier than anyone else, slumped their shoulders with deathly pale faces.
Even when Archduke Esiton was here, they arrived early, but they also left early.
However, these days, even working overtime wasn’t enough, and they were being ground down like mad.
What was different from back then?
Even though countless incidents, big and small, had occurred in the past, the days they worked overtime could be counted on one hand.
The workload seemed similar back then, but for some reason, it wasn’t progressing now.
‘Even though he’s a difficult person to serve, he was someone who handled his work reliably.’
Count Cliton, who succeeded Elian as minister, let out a deep sigh.
No matter how he thought about it, the only difference from back then was ‘the presence or absence of Archduke Esiton.’
His fast work speed and watchful, cold gaze clearly made a significant difference in work processing speed.
Simply put, back then, they worked frantically out of fear of being watched, but now, there was a slight looseness.
Moreover, since they couldn’t solve troublesome problems quickly, the speed was bound to be slow.
‘At times like this, His Majesty…….’
He increased the workload.
Even with such a huge hole, he didn’t seem to be thinking of filling it, making his insides burn.
At this rate, he felt he would die of overwork soon. While they were somehow managing now, he could feel himself reaching his limit.
Most people were dozing off with hollow eyes, and some even muttered nonsense.
“Count! Count!”
Just then, a loud noise came from outside.
It was Baron Remson, who was habitually late.
“I told you to come early so many times.”
Still, it was fortunate that he came before the ministers arrived.
For now, he was grateful just that he showed up for work without running away, so he couldn’t scold him.
Count Cliton sighed deeply again and waved his hand, signaling to open the door.
As soon as the door opened, Baron Remson entered and shouted loudly, “Archduke Esiton has returned!”
“What?!”
“Is that true?!”
Everyone jumped up and shouted.
If that were true, this was not the time to be doing this.
“Where… where is he said to be!”
“He is staying at the Rippen Ducal Family!”
“Oh, no way!”
At the Rippen Ducal Family!
Count Cliton quickly began directing the Ministry of Finance.
“Take the urgent documents immediately and head to the Ducal Family, and the rest should organize documents according to the order. If too many people leave at once, it will arouse suspicion, so let’s meet the Grand Duke one by one, carrying documents.”
“Understood!”
“Understood!”
Everyone responded with one heart and scattered.
If Archduke Esiton could just look at the documents and say a few words, they could be freed from this hell.
Even if they wanted to escort him to the Imperial Palace immediately, he was officially retired.
Moreover, even if he returned, it would take quite some time due to his poor relationship with the Emperor.
‘As long as it doesn’t get caught. As long as it doesn’t get caught.’
He knew he shouldn’t be thinking this way, but how else could he survive?
Count Cliton, carrying a large stack of documents, headed for the Rippen Ducal Family.
To put it simply, Lac completely latched onto the Ducal Family.
He thought Lac would leave if they didn’t give him a room, but that was a huge miscalculation.
―Oh my. I can’t give you a room? Well, I have no choice. Grand Duke. The bed is wide, won’t you spare a small corner for me?
―Are you crazy?
―Tsk, tsk. A future head of a Ducal Family shouldn’t use such harsh words. I’ll be sharing with my old friend, so don’t worry and get your work done.
―Haa…… I’ll give you a room.
―Oh! Will you? Thank you. If possible, the room next to the Grand Duke’s……
―I will give you the furthest room.
―Eeeh? I prefer the room next to the Grand Duke’s.
―Those rooms are already occupied. Let’s go.
―Occupied? They don’t look occupied at all…….
―Let. Us. Go.
The conversation between Lac and Kirendis flashed through his mind.
Lac, sensing his intentions, had tried to stick close to Elian, which led to this situation.
Kirendis was helplessly drawn into it and ended up giving him a room, and to prevent him from approaching Elian, he had to watch him day and night.
Lac seemed to find this amusing, and instead of bothering Elian, he hovered around Kirendis, provoking him.
His interest had completely shifted.
Thanks to this, Elian could rest peacefully, but it was only for a brief moment.
“Grand Duke, please save us!”
“Save us!”
Nobles belonging to the Ministry of Finance, with hollow eyes, came looking for Elian.
He was taken aback, as he hadn’t expected them to come with armfuls of documents. However, seeing how desperate they must be, he accepted them.
As a result, Elian’s room turned into an office where nobles frequently came and went. Documents piled up, creating a mountain.
“This agenda is……”
―Bang!
As Elian was giving advice and passing the time, he looked up at a loud noise.
“I’m here, Grand Duke!”
It was Lac.
“Why do you keep coming to this room?”
Of course, Kirendis was with him.
“Don’t disturb us and come here quickly.”
“Disturb? I’ve made a difficult journey to help the busy Grand Duke.”
“That’s not something someone who can only wield a sword should say.”
“Then, teach me how to wield that pen.”
“Hmm? Me, to the Young Duke?”
“Yes. So, hurry up and let’s go.”
He always came like this, even though he would disappear in less than five minutes.
‘But it seems he’s doing it deliberately because the reaction is amusing.’
The problem was that this method worked too well on Kirendis.
Why did he pick out actions that Lac would like so perfectly?
They were a match made in heaven, enough to make one jealous.
‘Lac has ruined another person.’
It was truly regrettable, but there was nothing he could do.
Elian himself didn’t have a solution.
‘Sorry, Kirendis.’
Thanks to Kirendis, Elian, who had gained freedom, quickly began processing the work.
He gave advice to the nobles who came in order and, in his remaining time, read the documents from the Ministry of Finance to see what had happened.
By just reading the documents without going himself, he could grasp how the Imperial Palace was operating.
Money always had a tag attached to it, after all.
Even the Emperor couldn’t escape this, so there was no better material.
‘Still, it’s unbelievable that important documents can be taken out so easily.’
This would have been impossible when Elian was the Minister of Finance. But now that he was gone, there were loopholes everywhere.
If a spy from another country were to steal the data, it would be a serious problem.
However, after understanding the situation, there was no other alternative, as not doing so would make the problem even bigger.
‘Marius.’
As he delved into the documents, Marius’s suspicious activities kept surfacing.
He had left behind countless traces, making one wonder how he had hidden them so perfectly.
‘What on earth was he hoping to achieve by doing this?’
The most incomprehensible thing was this.
Now that he was Emperor, what was he lacking that he would try to summon a Black Dragon?
“Elian-nim.”
Just then, a familiar voice was heard.
Looking up, he saw Jade, who had always been by his side during such worries.
“Welcome.”
It was fortunate that Kirendis was preoccupied with Lac. How bad had their relationship been on the way to the capital?
With Lac added to this, it was just terrible. It seemed best to avoid them meeting as much as possible.
‘Still, it’s fortunate that Lac acknowledges Jade.’
Perhaps because they were both Sword Masters.
Since they had a surprisingly good relationship, he thought the worst could be avoided.
“How did it go?”
“He received a salary cut and a three-month suspension for unauthorized absence.”
“That’s fortunate.”
“It’s thanks to you, Elian-nim.”
As he said, it was the result of Elian’s intervention. Unauthorized absence was practically desertion.
Moreover, since there was an order not to go find Elian, the crime was even greater.
But who was Elian?
He was someone who held all sorts of weaknesses over the nobles.
Considering he was also a valuable Sword Master talent, even Marius would have found it difficult to dismiss him.
Even if he pushed for it, the nobles’ backlash would have been severe.
“What about Marius’s movements?”
“After the administrative meeting, he has been spending time with Duke Cheston. It seems they are preparing for the next subjugation.”
“Already preparing for the next one?”
“I don’t know what they are discussing, but it is said that the private soldiers of the Duke Cheston’s family have not yet returned.”
“Hmm.”
Elian fell into thought for a moment.
Unreturned private soldiers.
Continuous meetings.
If he had proceeded with the subjugation immediately after becoming Emperor, it should have been time for them to return by now.
If not, they were likely headed elsewhere.
Especially if he was genuinely preparing to summon a Black Dragon.
“Keep a close watch on Marius and Duke Cheston. It seems our prediction is correct.”
The Imperial Palace was already in chaos due to the impact of the previous subjugation.
It was suffering from a lack of funds because they had drawn budgets from other areas. But if they stopped here and reorganized, they could manage.
‘But if they proceed one more time here…….’
A hole that would be difficult to fill would be created.
“We need to hurry.”
They had to advance the timing even a little. The longer they delayed, the exponentially the national treasury would decrease, and that would be left as the burden for Lion to bear.
In addition, Marius would have heard that he had returned to the capital, so there might be movement. They needed to prepare for that as well, so they had to move quickly.
“Pass this news to the others and tell them to move as quickly as possible.”
“Yes. Understood.”
“And……”
Elian shared the detailed matters and instructed Jade to share the information.
While Phantom would handle information sharing, someone had to inform Phantom.
Therefore, he couldn’t ask just anyone. Elian himself was too conspicuous to go out, so Jade was the best fit in many ways.
‘It’s also something I’ve always asked him to do.’
Rather, since he had more time after being suspended, it should be easier to make contact than before.
Elian nodded and concluded the conversation.
“So, we’ll proceed like this, and let me know immediately if there are any progress reports from the Rebel Army or Lion.”
“Yes. I understand.”
With Jade by his side, the sense of security was different.
Just by listening to reports and giving orders like this, he felt that the plan was progressing step by step.
Perhaps it was because of the long time they had spent together?
Elian looked at his knight, who silently followed him. His calm, light brown eyes were still fixed on Elian.
“Is there anything else you wish to convey?”
Seeing him with exactly that kind of look, Elian asked, and Jade nodded, saying, “There is something I wish to tell you.”
The reports had already been sufficiently received. Therefore, the words that followed were likely to be personal matters unrelated to the rebellion.
‘What could it be?’
Before, he would often seek advice like this whenever his performance faltered, but now there was no need for that, making it difficult to predict.
“Is it a long story?”
“I do not intend to take up too much of your time, Elian-nim.”
In that case, it was fine. Even if it were long, it was right for Jade to take the time.
“Tell me.”
“Would it be alright if I came to see you again this evening to speak?”
“This evening?”
He didn’t know what he wanted to say, but it seemed like quite an important matter.
“I will be here, so come whenever you wish.”
“Thank you.”
“There’s no need for thanks.”
What was there to be thanked for?
He chuckled, thinking this was so like Jade.
Time passed.
Elian read through numerous documents and dealt with nobles who visited for advice from time to time.
He often dealt with Lac, who came to provoke Kirendis, and offered comfort to him, who was suffering in many ways.
After sunset, the three of them had a boisterous meal, and upon returning to his room, he reviewed the documents he still hadn’t finished.
“Jade is late.”
Despite that, there was no word from Jade. It was at the moment he started to worry, as Jade was someone who kept his time precisely.
—Knock, knock.
“Come in.”
As the door opened, Jade entered. He was wearing comfortable clothes instead of his Knights Order uniform.
Seeing him like this felt refreshing, as it had been a long time. He had always stood by Elian’s side with a steadfast, knightly demeanor.
“I thought you insisted on the uniform because it was comfortable, but I guess not?”
Elian said, mixing in a joke. Jade then replied with a gentle smile.
“You have changed so much.”
“Me?”
As he asked with bewilderment, Jade continued.
“You seem to have gained some composure.”
“Hmm.”
Composure.
Now that he thought about it, it seemed so. Despite having important matters ahead, he didn’t feel as rushed as before.
‘It must be because of Kirendis?’
He smiled, finding it amusing that one person could have such a significant impact.
“It seems so.”
“I’m glad I came to speak with you today, then.”
Jade said with a faint smile. His smile was something rarely seen, so it felt a little strange.
“You look much better when you smile. Did something good happen?”
A stoic handsome man was good, but a handsome man truly shone when he smiled.
It was the same for his knight, and Elian felt satisfied.
“If it’s something good, it might be. I’ve gained the courage to say something I’ve hesitated about for a long time.”
“Courage?”
As Elian tilted his head, Jade slowly began to speak.
“Jade!!”
The moment Elian embraced him with a bright smile, Jade felt his breath catch.
‘Ah.’
He had always stayed by his side, but this was the first time he had seen such a wide, smiling face.
No, it felt more like it had been a long time.
The day they first met.
Elian was embracing him and smiling with the same pure face he had seen that day.
At that moment, along with the relief of his safety, the dam of his heart, which he had barely held back, collapsed.
“I’m late, Elian-nim.”
A slender body that fit perfectly into his arms. Yet, a person with an upright and firm core.
The person he loved, the person for whom he wouldn’t hesitate to lay down his life.
Jade realized he could no longer hide his feelings.
His resolve to hide them for life had begun to crack when Elian went missing, and now, at this very moment, it had completely crumbled.
When would be a good time?
When should he say it?
Countless thoughts flashed through his mind.
What kind of face would he make after he confessed his feelings? Would he be troubled? Would he not embrace him with a smile like he was now?
Feelings mixed with anticipation began to form him anew.
But.
“Elian!”
The moment he heard a voice filled with worry, he snapped awake from his dream.
“Don’t do that again! You said you wouldn’t do anything dangerous!”
“I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.”
The two people, holding each other tightly as if they were too precious to each other.
Jade realized. He knew because he had watched Elian for a long time.
It was this man who had made him smile again.
That his heart… had found its owner.
“……”
Jade could say nothing. There was no room for him to intervene.
He was just a little late, but the price it brought was too great.
Would it have been different if he had mustered the courage a little sooner?
Would it have changed if he had conveyed his feelings a little faster?
Regret washed over him. But…
‘I can’t stop now.’
His heart was overflowing like a waterfall from the dam that had already collapsed. He wanted to rebuild it and stop it, but there were no materials left.
He felt his emotions surging beyond what he could bear.
So, uncharacteristically, he engaged in a war of nerves with the younger man. He lingered around Elian, provoking him.
It was a pathetic act.
Now that he could no longer convey his feelings, he felt like the biggest fool in the world.
Even amidst this, Elian moved forward relentlessly. He led people, shining brighter than ever.
‘Ah, right.’
Only then could Jade decide on the direction he needed to take.
Elian, mingling with people, laughing and talking, moving forward without hesitation.
That very image was the Elian he had wished for.
A person who couldn’t help but be loved by anyone. Everyone here loved him.
Jade did too. He loved him more than anyone, cherishing him as if his life were not too precious to give.
He wanted him to always smile, and he always wished for his happiness.
‘Yes. That’s enough.’
As the Rebel Army’s activities began and Elian returned to the capital, he came back as Archduke Esiton.
He was not the same as when they had been together.
He was still charismatic and confident, but somehow different. Instead of always being on edge and running at full speed, he had gained composure.
Though it might have seemed awkward, it suited him perfectly, as always.
“There is something I wish to tell you.”
Perhaps that was why.
Jade impulsively opened his mouth.
“Is it a long story?”
“I do not intend to take up too much of your time, Elian-nim.”
It was probably because he no longer wanted to regret anything.
Elian, who had returned with a captivating presence, would shine even brighter in the future. It was clear that everyone, not just himself, would come to know that light.
So, before more people became aware of it, he wanted to settle in a little deeper.
Even if he wouldn’t be repaid, he didn’t want to remain just one among many.
He wanted to be remembered as someone even slightly special in his heart.
“I will be here, so come whenever you wish.”
Having received permission, Jade visited Elian not as a knight, but as a person, as a man.
“I thought you insisted on the uniform because it was comfortable, but I guess not?”
Elian, understanding Jade’s intention, smiled. His relaxed demeanor, even making jokes, was certainly different from the past.
“You have changed so much.”
“Me?”
He didn’t seem to realize it, but Elian looked incredibly at ease.
He didn’t look like someone facing the dangers of rebellion and summoning the Black Dragon.
It wasn’t that he didn’t feel the urgency, but it was the composure only someone with conviction could show.
“You seem to have gained some composure.”
“Hmm.”
Elian seemed to ponder for a moment, then smiled and continued.
“It seems so.”
In his affirmative smile, one person was reflected.
Kirendis Rippen.
A person who would soon inherit the ducal title and make a name for himself as a young duke, and who was also skilled in swordsmanship.
If there was one thing he could be certain of, it was that.
That he would soon catch up to him.
‘He needs to be at least that good to not be troublesome.’
If the person were inferior to him, he felt he might become greedy at any time. So, he thought it was for the best.
But…
“I’m glad I came to speak with you today, then.”
Even so, he wanted to convey it clearly. He wanted to speak without regret.
Before that man, who had grown so much, took away even this opportunity.
“You look much better when you smile. Did something good happen?”
“If it’s something good, it might be. I’ve gained the courage to say something I’ve hesitated about for a long time.”
“Courage?”
Ironically, much of this courage came from that man.
If it weren’t for him, he would still be unable to say it.
If that person hadn’t come into Elian’s life, Elian would have considered himself the most special person.
“Before I speak, I wish to know if the effect of the power of the eyes you possess is still valid, Elian-nim.”
He spoke cautiously.
He was a knight and had performed that role for a long time. Therefore, he could predict the future to some extent.
He knew that if he confessed recklessly, it would not be easily believed, and there was a high chance he would pretend not to know.
He didn’t want that to happen, so he wanted to convey it clearly and conclude it.
“My power of the eyes?”
Elian tilted his head, but then nodded without suspicion.
“I will judge carefully whether it is true or not, so speak.”
He probably couldn’t imagine it. He had hidden it so well.
What kind of face would he make?
Would he be surprised?
Jade imagined his face and slowly began to speak.
“I…”
As his lips parted slightly, his heart swelled. It was a wonder how he had endured it until now, his lips quivering.
Elian was waiting for his lips to open.
How moving this moment was.
For this moment alone, he was satisfied that he possessed him exclusively.
‘After I convey all these feelings…’
He would have the materials to rebuild the dam of his heart. Then he could reorganize himself.
After it had burst completely, it would surely become even stronger.
If that were the case, he could stay by his side and protect him.
So, he opened his mouth without hesitation.
“I harbor someone I should not harbor.”
Elian’s eyes widened. He had never dreamed of such a confession.
His expression was far more beautiful than he had anticipated.
“I love that person.”
This time, a look of bewilderment crossed his face. He seemed to have guessed who the target was. It was typical of the quick-witted Elian.
So, he had to convey it more clearly.
“That person is…”
“Jade…”
“It is you.”
Meeting his blue eyes, he stated it firmly, and only then did Elian’s face show disbelief.
Jade conveyed it to Elian once more.
“I… love you.”
“I… love you.”
Elian could say nothing. He had suspected it, but he hadn’t expected his guess to be correct.
Jade had never shown such feelings before. He was more taken aback than he would have expected from someone he thought lacked perception.
“I have liked you for a long time. I think I started to hold feelings for you so gradually that I don’t know when it began. Perhaps it was from that day. The day Elian-nim reached out to me.”
“Jade…”
It was hard to believe, but Jade was sincere. He was conveying his feelings with eyes devoid of any falsehood.
He had mentioned the power of the eyes, so this must be what he intended to say.
It was an excellent choice, indeed.
His instinct had recognized the truth, and it was imprinted in his mind.
Otherwise, he would have pretended not to know. He wouldn’t have wanted to break the relationship they had built.
‘Nevertheless, the fact that he brought it up…’
It meant he wanted to let it be known, even at the risk of danger. If so, it was right to listen seriously.
He didn’t know if their relationship would remain the same as it was now, but he had to face it squarely.
It was consideration for him, who had stayed by Elian’s side and accompanied him for so long.
“I…”
He opened his mouth cautiously. The answer was already decided, so there was no hesitation.
However, Jade seemed to know that fact as well.
“I am not asking you to accept my feelings. I am merely telling you because I would regret not having conveyed them.”
His voice, speaking in silence, was filled with many emotions. It was overflowing with emotions, a wonder how he had hidden them.
Elian quietly listened to the answer regarding the feelings Jade had accumulated.
“I am Elian-nim’s knight. That fact will never change. It is enough just to be able to convey that there is someone who holds such feelings…”
I see…
Elian realized. Even at this moment, Jade was being considerate of him. He had given the answer first, reading Elian’s concern about their relationship changing.
He was saying, ‘Don’t worry, I will remain your knight and be with you.’
“Jade…”
Elian was speechless at his unwavering sincerity, even at a moment like this. He couldn’t even imagine what kind of heart he had to utter those words.
His words contained a mixture of truth and falsehood, but that was only natural.
Liking someone was not an emotion that could be controlled. No matter how much one resolved not to, greed was inevitable.
So, Elian had to convey it clearly.
“I’m sorry.”
It was a short phrase, but there was no more appropriate word.
A definitive rejection.
He felt a pang of guilt, having never faced him so seriously to give an answer.
Especially since the recipient was his most cherished knight.
‘Will he be alright?’
If he had realized it a little sooner, wouldn’t he have been hurt less than now?
He suddenly had that thought. Because his face had blurred the moment he heard the words of rejection.
Even knowing that, there was nothing Elian could do. He could only wait.
“You don’t need to apologize. Even saying this was all my own greed.”
Jade said, suppressing his emotions. His bitter smile was etched into Elian’s heart.
Elian would probably never forget this face for the rest of his life. He could guarantee that much.
“You should just go down the path you desire, Elian-nim. I will follow behind you. As time passes, these feelings will eventually fade. It won’t take long.”
Having said that, Jade seemed somewhat relieved. However, knowing that outward appearances weren’t everything, Elian still felt concerned.
“How is it? Was everything I said just now true?”
Jade asked, trying to lighten the mood. Elian could only answer with a smile.
“Yes. I swear on my name.”
“That’s a relief.”
Now, all Elian had to do was trust Jade and move forward. Looking back occasionally to see if he was following well.
There would surely be times when he would stop, but that was fine. He just had to wait for a while then. He would then follow again, having become stronger.
‘Because it’s Jade.’
Elian reassured himself of his trust and looked at Jade.
Having finished speaking, Jade bowed his head and offered a farewell.
As the door was about to close, Jade suddenly turned his head and said softly.
“I had intended to pretend I didn’t know, but it felt a little cowardly.”
“Hm?”
As Elian tilted his head, Jade smiled faintly and continued.
“I think you should probably go see the young Duke Rippen.”
“Huh?”
“He seemed to have returned after seeing Elian-nim. Well then, I’ll be going.”
—Click.
“……”
Jade had completely disappeared, but Elian remained frozen.
‘Uh… so…’
The significant remark that he should go see Kirendis. The information that he had visited and then left.
Putting it all together, Elian could only come to one conclusion.
―Flames.
Jade had already known Elian’s heart.
He was certain it was a love that would not be returned.
‘Since when…….’
Elian lowered his head. He wanted to hide his blushing face, even just a little.
It was quite embarrassing to have one’s feelings discovered by another.
At the same time, he thought he had hidden it well and didn’t know where it had shown.
He worried that perhaps others had noticed too.
Then, a realization suddenly struck him.
‘Wait a minute.’
Elian shot up from his seat and replayed Jade’s words in his mind once more.
―I saw Elian-nim, so I thought he had returned. Then I’ll be going.
The word ‘returned.’
How did Kirendis know Jade was inside and return?
Naturally, he must have found out because the words the two were speaking leaked outside.
Jade’s…… confession, that is.
“Crazy.”
Elian headed straight for Kirendis’s room. At first, he walked quickly, but his heart grew impatient, and he ran with all his might.
He ran without even knowing why he was running.
“Haa, haa……”
But when he actually stood before the door, he couldn’t go in.
‘If I go in…… what do I say?’
His mind had gone completely blank. He had come impulsively, following his heart, but he wondered if this was the right thing to do.
However, if he turned back now, something bad felt like it would happen.
His intuition told him so.
‘Right. My gut feeling has never been wrong.’
Still, the hesitation was probably because it concerned Kirendis.
―Knock, knock.
Elian carefully knocked on the door. But no response came from inside.
‘Did he not return to his room?’
He tilted his head and knocked again, but there was still no response.
He couldn’t have fallen asleep by now, so he thought he really wasn’t there.
Still, just in case, he tried turning the doorknob.
―Screeeech.
“Huh?”
The door opened. Elian, surprised, cautiously entered and called out to the owner of the room.
“Kirendis. Are you in there?”
It was his first time trespassing in someone else’s room, so his steps were cautious.
The room was dark, and faint moonlight illuminated the interior.
As his vision adjusted to the darkness, the interior began to become clearer. He saw the sofa, the table, the display cabinet, and then the bed.
On it was a familiar silhouette.
“Kirendis?”
Though it was hard to see in the dark, it was definitely him. He could tell just by the silhouette.
He thought it was a little strange that he could now recognize him even by such things.
“I heard you came looking for my room. I thought maybe something urgent had come up, so I came to see……”
He approached, making a flimsy excuse. The person sitting by the bed had his head deeply bowed.
‘From where did he hear?’
How much did he hear?
What was he thinking?
Thinking such thoughts, he naturally arrived at the question of what he himself would have done in that situation.
Would he not have been jealous?
The mere fact of being with someone other than himself could be enough to evoke jealousy.
Especially since it was the moment the other person confessed their romantic feelings.
He would have been burning with possessiveness. But he wouldn’t have been able to show it. Their relationship wasn’t yet at a point where such things could be freely expressed.
So, he would have naturally recalled…… being rejected……
That situation.
―Can you… bear it?
Elian’s single question was enough to set Kirendis ablaze.
The fact that he also wanted him.
The truth that he was thinking the same thoughts.
It fueled Kirendis’s anticipation.
His heart swelled with the thought that he might one day receive a response.
He was glad that, just for today, he could touch and feel him to his heart’s content.
How much had he held back with so many interrupters on the way back to the capital?
Lion, at least, knew the situation, so it was less of a problem, but Jade was completely unaware.
As soon as Elian got out of the carriage, Jade attended to him, assisting him. He acted as if it were the most natural thing, and Elian didn’t find it strange either.
He didn’t know how much jealousy that caused. Both the way he naturally attended to him and the way Elian naturally accepted it.
‘That ends today too.’
Jade returned to the Imperial Palace. Naturally, Elian could not accompany him. He was to stay at the Duchy until the rebellion ended.
In his own territory, that is.
“Yo! Long time no see, Grand Duke.”
But that was merely a fleeting wish.
Just when he thought he had finally gotten rid of one, another interrupter appeared.
At a glance, he could tell that this person was fond of Elian.
He knew well what abilities Elian possessed and what intentions drove him.
He was similar to them, yet different. He was in a position to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Elian.
His confident smile and his overbearing attitude were just one measure of his strong influence.
‘Sigh…….’
Kirendis found it unbearable. Why were there so many formidable people around Elian?
He felt infinitely humble and insignificant. He wondered when he would become someone who could stand by his side.
He even felt anxious, wondering if such a day would ever come.
So, he had no choice but to be wary.
“Elian… dislikes it, doesn’t he?”
He didn’t want to give him even a moment’s opening. He knew Elian found it amusing, but he couldn’t help it.
If only he could divert Elian’s attention to himself.
But perhaps it was because he paid too much attention to him.
It was a day when he was on high alert to stop Lac from approaching Elian.
A person called the Vice Commander came and dragged him away. Leaving behind words of caution, saying he had reached his limit.
He didn’t know what had happened, but he felt immense gratitude towards the Vice Commander.
It was because he could finally spend time with Elian.
Kirendis immediately headed to Elian’s room. Then, by chance, he overheard.
“I… love you.”
It was Jade’s voice.
Kirendis froze. He knew Jade had feelings for Elian, but he hadn’t expected him to confess so soon.
No, he had been complacent.
He had been reassured by the way Elian showed himself only to him. Unbeknownst to himself.
‘Pathetic.’
Kirendis returned to his room. He could do nothing. He realized the nature of his relationship with Elian.
A relationship where he could claim nothing.
He couldn’t tell Elian that he was his and to give up his feelings, nor could he complain about that fact to Elian.
All this time, Elian had just been understanding.
As he realized that, his heart became complicated.
What did Elian reply?
Did he say he felt the same?
Did he reject him cleanly?
Imagining him rejecting him apologetically made his heart sink. It felt as if he himself were in the situation of being rejected.
He couldn’t imagine a scene where his feelings were accepted.
‘What… should I do?’
He felt lost. He didn’t know where to go.
―Knock, knock.
Just then, he heard a knock on the door.
Kirendis didn’t answer. He didn’t want to see anyone.
―Knock, knock.
But the person outside didn’t give up. They thought he would leave if he didn’t answer, but they didn’t.
The door creaked open, and he felt the presence of someone entering.
‘Who is it?’
Who could enter this room without permission?
The answer was already decided, but he couldn’t lift his head.
“Kirendis. Are you in there?”
It was Elian’s voice.
“Kirendis?”
He was getting closer.
“I heard you came looking for my room. I thought maybe something urgent had come up, so I came to see……”
He knew he had come looking for his room. Did that man tell him?
‘Why?’
While he was in confusion, Elian’s gentle voice flowed in.
“Kirendis.”
Elian carefully reached out. As he gently stroked Kirendis’s face, he felt a slight flinch.
There was only so much he could do for him, who was so prone to jealousy and anxiety.
Nevertheless, Elian spoke.
“Kirendis. Look at me.”
As he slowly made him lift his head, their eyes met. Kirendis’s pupils trembled slightly.
As expected, they were filled with anxiety.
“What are you thinking?”
“I…”
Kirendis, finding it hard to maintain eye contact, quietly lowered his gaze.
His anxiety transmitted from his fingertips.
“Don’t think about anything.”
Elian whispered softly to him.
“Just look at me, Kirendis.”
He was thinking too much. So, Elian wanted him to think simply. He wanted him to feel only the emotions Elian was sending him right now.
“Elian……”
As if sensing that feeling, Kirendis lifted his head.
Elian, as if proud, gave him a short kiss. Then, his eyelids fluttered.
Feeling the palpable tension, he smiled slightly and opened his mouth.
“I only do this for you.”
His eyes widened in surprise. What was so surprising?
Elian found that sight incredibly endearing. So, he kissed him again, lightly tracing the inside of his mouth before pulling away.
“You just need to remember that.”
Would he be reassured by this? Would he not be anxious?
Elian smiled again, hoping his intention had worked.
It was an unintentional smile, born from finding Kirendis so lovable.
―Thump.
At that smile, Kirendis’s heart began to beat strongly. It was a natural progression.
“Elian……”
He had clearly felt lost, but it seemed he had found the path he needed to take.
Elian was showing him the way with an incredibly loving smile.
Saying that he was… special.
“Hic!”
He couldn’t hold back. Kirendis pulled Elian into an embrace and kissed him deeply. He plunged in without restraint, pushing him down onto the bed.
Trapping him between his legs, fixing his hands on the sheets, their tongues intertwined.
He traced Elian’s teeth, brushed his palate, and breathed hot breaths into him.
“Haa.”
In response, Elian clung to him actively.
His hands traced his waist, and while their tongues were slickly entwined, he busily moved his hands, feeling Kirendis.
The moment he realized that, heat surged through him.
“Hoo.”
Lifting his head, he saw Elian gasping for breath.
His disheveled state on the bed further heightened his feverishness.
He had no idea what switch he had flipped, and that was incredibly stimulating.
‘Haa. Damn it.’
His throat felt parched. His chest felt like it would burst.
Kirendis, with his eyes half-glazed over, grabbed the hem of Elian’s clothes and yanked them off. Then, his bare white skin was revealed.
“Oh?”
Only then did he notice Elian’s flustered expression. But he had already lost his reason.
“J-just a moment. Hic…!”
Realizing his gaze was unusual, Kirendis pinned both his hands and covered his lips.
Elian, unable to move, had no choice but to accept the rough kiss being thrust upon him.
Their tongues tangled in his mouth, mixing saliva, as he relentlessly breathed hot air into him.
He was panting, his breath growing shorter with the relentless onslaught.
“Haaap… eep.”
He tried to get some air, but it was futile.
Elian struggled, trying to signal his situation.
Fortunately, perhaps because Kirendis understood his intent, or perhaps because the timing was right, Kirendis bit his lip.
“Haa, haa……”
But his lips had merely changed direction.
He kissed his neck, kissed his collarbone, and then began to move slowly downwards.
Then, his gaze fixed on his chest, which rose and fell.
The red buds, contrasting with his white skin, looked tempting.
“Haa.”
His throat felt parched, so he swallowed the luscious buds whole.
“Hnnng.”
A strange moan was heard, and sweetness spread throughout his mouth.
It was so sweet that he rolled them gently with his tongue before sucking them in. Then, dizzying moans poured out one after another.
“Haat.”
It seemed quite stimulating, as he felt a movement of Elian reaching out to stop him.
But there was no strength in his hand. He merely trembled his waist and exhaled hot breaths. It was like a signal that he was enjoying it.
Kirendis, reassured, continued his actions.
He lightly bit the slightly raised buds, then wrapped his mouth around them, and sucked them with his tongue.
Then, sounds like pained groans were heard repeatedly.
After a few more repetitions, Elian had completely surrendered himself to Kirendis.
He was accepting the ravaging by Kirendis, holding his head.
“Haa.”
Hot breaths escaped him naturally. His breath touched the moist nipples, and Elian’s waist twitched.
“Hnnng.”
A whimpering sound filled with pleasure was heard.
When he slightly lifted his head, he saw Elian with a flushed face, unsure of what to do.
‘Haa. Damn it.’
Muttering curses inwardly, he again took the nipple into his mouth. This time, he rolled it slightly before nibbling and tormenting it with his teeth.
Then, the signal came immediately.
“Ah.”
It was a sound made not from pain, but from pleasure. Gaining courage, Kirendis continued to hold, suck, and bite, tormenting Elian.
“K-Kirendis.”
His voice, calling his name while panting, heated him up instantly. At the gesture of begging him to do something, his head swam.
“Elian.”
Kirendis changed his destination, leaving a kiss mark with his lips, and began to move downwards.
As his lips touched his ribs, his navel, and his lower abdomen, leaving a trail, Elian let out small moans and flinched.
He did not stop Kirendis. Instead, he waited for what was next. So, without hesitation, he grabbed his pants and pulled them down.
―Thump.
His aroused penis sprang upwards. Seeing that, Kirendis’s mouth watered, and he licked his lips.
Then, Elian’s body ignited.
“Hhuk.”
As if this sight was quite stimulating, he fidgeted restlessly. He found it so endearing that his chest ached, and he eagerly took it into his mouth.
“Haaat.”
With the powerful stimulation, Elian lifted his head and moaned. Buried in the sheets, he trembled.
“Ah……”
As his sensitive part was fully engulfed in the wet, hot space, his head and body grew hot, and his eyes began to blur.
“K-Kirendis.”
Elian closed his eyes and began to feel Kirendis. He surrendered himself to the rising pleasure, feeling every movement.
When he filled his mouth and sucked, it felt like his soul was being pulled out, and when he only lightly held the glans and circled it with his tongue, he had to strain with all his might not to ejaculate.
“Ah, ah……”
Elian continuously moaned. His entire body was too hot.
But Kirendis did not stop. While stimulating his penis by moving his head up and down, he began to move his hands, caressing his waist.
His hands moved higher and higher, finally reaching the sensitive buds.
“Haat.”
The moment his fingertips touched them, Elian moaned and stiffened completely. He felt a burning sensation because Kirendis had just been biting, sucking, and chewing there.
“J-just a moment.”
Startled, Elian twisted his waist and tried to resist, but he couldn’t move as Kirendis swallowed his penis deeply.
“Haa-eut.”
He swallowed the shaft deeply and began to caress his nipples.
He rolled them gently with his fingertips, and bounced them, creating recoil. Each time, his waist twitched. He tried not to, but he was helpless.
“Haaat…… Kiren…… dis. J-just a moment.”
His body had no strength. The pleasure that reached the top of his head was controlling his body at will.
“Ah, ah……”
Elian could only clench the sheets tightly and accept the pleasure Kirendis was giving him.
He hadn’t expected to feel this way through his chest, but his body was so hot. The burning pleasure transmitted from above and below dominated his entire body.
Every place he touched, every place he brushed against, seemed to become a erogenous zone. He writhed and twisted his waist several times, wondering if this was really this good.
“Hnnng. Ah. Kiren, dis. I… I think I’m going to…… come.”
A signal came from his heated body. Panting, he tried to push Kirendis to lift his head, but he didn’t budge.
Instead, he increased his speed, stimulating his penis and nipples.
“Haaap, eut, ah. Ah, no.”
As the speed gradually increased, my mind turned white, and pleasure began to surge. I tried to push down somehow, but I couldn’t do anything.
I just struggled to hold on, even for a little while.
But the moment Kirendis thrust his penis deep into my throat and twisted my nipple, pleasure poured down like a waterfall.
“Haah.”
Gulp.
As the thin liquid was expelled, Kirendis’s Adam’s apple moved.
I could feel the gulping motion clearly.
“Haah……”
Even that was too stimulating, so I squeezed my eyes shut. A throbbing pleasure coursed through my entire body.
“Hoo.”
Kirendis savored Elian’s penis meticulously until the very end before pulling his head away.
Elian regained his freedom, but he could do nothing.
As his reason returned, embarrassment washed over him. He felt like he had been too engrossed, too pleased, all by himself. He couldn’t possibly lift his head.
“Elian.”
As if sensing his feelings, Kirendis slowly began to move upwards.
As if performing a sacred ritual, he kissed Elian’s navel, then his ribs, chest, and neck, before taking his lips fully.
“Hngh.”
Elian had no choice but to pull Kirendis closer. He searched his mouth thoroughly, swallowing his saliva, to see if there was any semen left from what he had swallowed.
He should have pushed away strongly, but he couldn’t because he liked it too much.
He felt sorry for that.
“Haa. Why?”
As if sensing his emotions, Kirendis asked, pulling his lips away.
Elian hesitated for a moment, but decided to be honest.
“I just felt like… it was only good for me.”
“I enjoyed it too.”
As if to prove his words, Kirendis pressed his lower body firmly.
“Ah……”
His penis was engorged, looking like it would burst through his pants. Just touching and caressing Elian had made him this aroused.
‘I should… do it for him too, right?’
Knowing how large Kirendis’s was, Elian hesitated slightly.
But he wanted to return the favor.
“Haa.”
Having made up his mind, Elian slowly began to move down.
Kirendis didn’t stop him. He seemed to be anticipating it as well.
Feeling a sense of satisfaction from that, he unbuckled his belt and lowered his pants. Then, with a thump, a large object sprang out and hit Elian’s cheek.
“Are you okay?”
Caught off guard by the surprise attack, Elian opened his eyes wide. Kirendis looked flustered.
But for some reason, his penis began to swell and harden even more.
“I-I’m fine.”
He tried to say he was fine, but his voice trembled at the sight of the object before him, which was far too large.
Had it always been this big?
Perhaps because the distance was so close, it seemed even bigger today. He wondered if he could swallow it all.
‘It’s impossible… right?’
He realized he probably couldn’t do for Kirendis what Kirendis had done for him. Elian’s mouth was too small to swallow all of his.
“Hoo.”
Elian took a small breath and gently took the formidable penis into his hand. As it filled with heat, a short groan came from above.
“Ngh.”
It was a low, deep sound. The voice seemed to resonate with his heart, so he stuck out his tongue and licked it lightly.
“Ugh.”
The groan, clearly suppressing pleasure, made Elian’s body heat up.
It felt quite good, so he licked it again and again, then tentatively took just the tip into his mouth.
“Haa.”
The stimulation seemed intense, as he let out a hot breath and his thighs tensed.
Entrusting the most sensitive part to him was a great stimulation for Elian, who now held the initiative.
Every time he circled his tongue to stimulate it, the suppressed groans he heard were incredibly pleasant. Each time he flinched, a greedy desire for just a little more arose.
He became increasingly absorbed in the act. Closing his eyes, he felt the texture and warmth on his tongue as he sucked.
Unable to swallow it all, he used his hand to stroke the rest of the shaft, rolling and pressing the glans.
“Haa.”
Then, he felt it grow even larger inside his mouth.
He didn’t know how much bigger it would get, but he swallowed as much as he could and licked it.
As hot breaths of pleasure poured out continuously, Elian also felt his own heat rising.
As if infected by Kirendis’s heat, his body grew hotter and hotter, drawing him into the act.
A little deeper.
A little faster.
“E-Elian.”
He heard a flustered voice. Kirendis had realized he was swallowing too deeply.
That meant he knew he couldn’t do it the same way from the start.
Feeling a bit indignant about that, he pushed a little deeper.
The tip of the glans seemed to touch his throat, but he endured it and stimulated the shaft.
“Hoo. Stop. No.”
Kirendis stopped Elian. Elian could sense his concern, but also a conflicting desire that seemed to say, ‘Just a little more, just a little more!’
That was enough for Elian, so he continued his movements. However, since he was lying down, it wasn’t going as smoothly as he’d hoped.
It would be nice if he could thrust deeply himself.
“Kirendis.”
Lost in thought, Elian whispered a proposal with a hot breath.
“Do you want to… move yourself?”
Kirendis’s body stiffened. He could see him struggling between desire and reason.
“It’s because I’m having trouble.”
He added words to provoke Kirendis’s hesitation, feeling his resolve begin to waver.
“It’s okay. Please?”
With a languid tone, he blew hot breath onto his penis, and finally, Kirendis reacted.
Kirendis’s body trembled.
He seemed almost convinced, so Elian gently rolled the glans with his fingertips and brought it to his lips, kissing it.
“Ugh.”
Then, a suppressed groan was heard. Elian immediately swallowed Kirendis’s penis deep into his mouth.
“Elian.”
Finally, completely succumbing to the temptation, Kirendis began to move his hips on his own.
‘Haa.’
The satisfaction it gave him was immense. Kirendis’s movements were subtle, but because they were so close, Elian could see them very well.
The gentle thrusting of his hips.
The way he moved his hips was so sexy that his mouth filled with saliva.
Why did he feel so good?
Elian watched Kirendis’s movements and actively caressed him.
When he lowered his hips slightly, Elian opened his throat to receive him; when he lifted his hips to withdraw, he sucked him, stimulating him.
His hand also didn’t stop stroking the shaft, and Kirendis began to speed up, growing more aroused.
“Haa, haa.”
Elian also began to get drawn in. His entire body felt like it was burning, as if infected by the heat passing in and out of his mouth.
Even though he was the one giving the stimulation, he felt like his body was heating up more than Kirendis’s.
“Hoo. Elian.”
Perhaps that was why?
Kirendis groaned lowly and began to thrust his hips in short, sharp movements.
The thick, blunt glans moved rapidly in and out of his throat, making him gasp for breath. But this, in turn, became a thrilling pleasure.
Each time he filled his mouth, the rough breathing that echoed felt ecstatic.
Kirendis had surrendered his entire body to pleasure and was racing towards the climax.
He thrust his penis deep and moved rapidly. Elian received Kirendis, tightening his mouth.
And then, the moment his penis was fully lodged in his throat.
“Ugh.”
Thin liquid was expelled with a gurgling sound. Elian held his breath and swallowed it whole.
As his Adam’s apple moved, he stimulated the penis.
It was the first time he had swallowed another man’s semen, but perhaps because it was Kirendis’s, it tasted a little sweet.
So, without realizing it, he licked and swallowed it to the very end, as if it were delicious.
“Haa……”
With a satisfied sigh, Kirendis withdrew. Only then did Elian feel the throbbing sensation and a slight sting in his throat.
Elian coughed and opened his eyes. His vision swam, and tears welled up.
“Are you okay?!”
Kirendis, startled, pulled Elian up and asked.
“I’m fine……”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for it to go this far… Let me see. Are you hurt?”
Kirendis urgently opened Elian’s mouth and examined it. He pressed down on his tongue with his finger, meticulously checking for any injuries.
It just felt a little sore and stingy, so Elian quietly observed him.
His straight forehead and long eyelashes.
His red eyes, filled with worry.
His moist lips, located beneath a sharp nose.
‘Ah.’
Elian let out a small sigh and opened his mouth.
Just by observing him, the heat he had felt moments ago surged back. Slippery fluid began to leak from his stiffening penis.
‘Crazy.’
He was flustered, even though he hadn’t touched him or even imagined anything lewd. His body’s reaction at such an unexpected point felt foreign.
But his lust overtook his reason. Elian was already acting.
He bit Kirendis’s finger, which was examining his mouth, and sucked it like a caress.
“……”
At that movement, Kirendis froze, his actions stopping.
Elian began to tease him, sucking his penis with soft, wet sounds.
He wasn’t doing it for any particular reason, but he was so excited and pleased by Kirendis’s hot gaze.
That alone made his whole body overflow with arousal.
“Kirendis.”
As he called his name, exhaling hot breath, Kirendis began to react.
Kirendis carefully pressed his tongue firmly, then wrapped his fingers around it. Not stopping there, he licked the roof of his mouth and his teeth.
“Haa.”
A satisfied groan escaped him naturally.
Elian wrapped his tongue around Kirendis’s fingers and lifted his eyelids.
“Ah.”
Their eyes met.
Kirendis’s eyes, filled with heat, were fixed on Elian.
However, they looked somehow dangerous.
“Uh……”
His gaze didn’t seem normal. He couldn’t say for sure, but it felt like he had completely lost it.
Only then did Elian feel a sense of crisis and carefully spat out his fingers.
“It’s… late. I should go now……”
The atmosphere was strange. But after all, they had both withdrawn, hadn’t they?
He thought it would be fine to end it here, and he said so, rolling his eyes. But Kirendis’s thoughts seemed to differ from Elian’s.
“Hngh!”
He swallowed Elian’s lips as if absolutely refusing to let him go. He thrust his tongue deep inside, pressing down, and held Elian’s hands above his head.
Elian struggled, wriggling, but he couldn’t move at all.
In fact, the more he moved, the more his lower body rubbed against Kirendis’s, stimulating him.
The sensation was so vivid that his face flushed. But there was nothing he could do.
Elian continued to struggle to break free. As a result, Kirendis’s penis began to grow harder and more engorged.
Unintentionally, he had stimulated Kirendis’s erection by rubbing his own lower body against him.
“Ah, hngh!”
Kirendis ravenously swallowed Elian’s lips, tasting them. He began to move down, biting his neck, collarbone, and chest.
Each time red marks appeared, his back tingled with heat.
“Hngh. J-just a moment.”
He could feel the movements of someone desperate to release their own desire.
If he had still had some semblance of reason a moment ago, now it felt completely gone. He felt like something terrible was about to happen.
At that moment, Kirendis gripped Elian’s buttocks tightly.
“Hngh!”
Elian’s eyes widened at the touch, which clearly held intent.
With his hands still held, he could do nothing. His lower body was pressed tightly by Kirendis’s firm thighs, leaving him unable to budge.
“Haa… Ngh……”
Their tongues mixed wetly again, and his buttocks began to be molded by the large hand. Each time his body jolted, their erect penises rubbed together.
He knew he shouldn’t be feeling this way, but his body quickly heated up, and he began to feel restless.
He wanted to rub his lower body hard and release this heat.
“Haa. Ngh.”
Kirendis continued to move without stopping. He mixed their saliva and pressed his buttocks gently. His hips also began to move with some force.
Each time his buttocks and penis were pressed and stimulated, he craved stronger stimulation. Kirendis’s movements were making Elian increasingly impatient.
Finally, Elian couldn’t help but thrust his lower body hard.
“Haa ngh.”
His penis slammed against Kirendis’s, bringing an immense surge of stimulation.
Kirendis didn’t miss the opportunity. He continued to move his hands. Each time Elian moved his buttocks, he gripped and stimulated them.
The speed gradually increased, and the two found their rhythm. The beats matched perfectly.
But Kirendis had no intention of stopping there. His fingers tapped at Elian’s secret entrance.
“……!!”
Tap, tap.
It was just a light touch, but Elian’s heart sank.
He knew where men were used in relationships, but it was merely knowledge.
His heart began to pound fearfully, as he was completely unprepared.
“Ki, Kiren… Hngh!”
Elian, flustered, tried to convey his refusal, but his lips were covered again, rendering his attempt futile.
Kirendis continued to press down on his rear.
“Hngh. Ngh.”
Elian tried to resist by turning his face away as much as possible. As he struggled with genuine refusal, Kirendis’s movements stopped.
Kirendis seemed displeased that Elian was rejecting him, and he asked with a frown.
“No?”
His voice was not the usual gentle tone. It was a slightly raspy, low voice. The rebellious tone sent a shiver down his spine again, and his penis stiffened.
The eyes of a fierce beast, baring its teeth, were etched in his gaze. His look held Elian captive.
And not only that.
His gaze held a magic that made it impossible to refuse.
He wanted to surrender his body, to offer it up and let Kirendis savor it to his heart’s content.
“N-no.”
But Elian resisted. With desperate will, he stated his refusal firmly.
“Why?”
But the beast, having lost its reason, asked why. It was a sight he could never have imagined before.
“Why not?”
“It’s just……”
He trailed off without giving an answer. Nothing came to mind to explain.
He felt like anything he said would be cut off.
Time passed meaninglessly, and Kirendis’s patience began to run out.
Unable to delay any longer, Elian finally blurted out something.
“It’s… just no. No penetration!”
It was no, no matter what. Absolutely no.
He pursed his lips, conveying that meaning. He prayed it would work, but Kirendis seemed displeased with Elian’s answer.
He scowled, clearly unhappy.
Was he seriously finding this expression sexy too?
“Then it’s okay as long as I don’t penetrate, right?”
“Huh?”
While Elian was momentarily lost in thought, Kirendis offered a compromise.
It was true that it would be fine as long as he didn’t penetrate, but he felt uneasy. Kirendis was scanning Elian from head to toe.
His gaze was so persistent and intense that his penis began to stiffen again.
Embarrassed, he answered with a blush.
“If… if you’re not going to penetrate……”
His voice was so low it felt like he was digging a tunnel into the ground, but Kirendis didn’t miss it.
“No take-backs.”
“Huh? Aaargh!”
The moment he said that, Elian’s body was flipped over. His face was buried in the bedsheets.
“You, what is this……”
As he tried to sit up to protest, something thick and hot touched between his buttocks.
“……”
Elian froze, unable to move.
Kirendis’s penis was touching between his buttocks, as if ready to burrow in.
He even held them apart with both hands to increase the contact area.
“J-just a moment!”
Elian, flustered, quickly reached out, but his hand was easily caught and restrained.
“Hoo. I won’t penetrate. It’s okay, right?”
It wasn’t okay. It was not okay at all.
He could feel the bulk wedged between his buttocks. The hot sensation touching his embarrassing hole was too vivid.
“Haa……”
But Kirendis seemed to like this act, and he began to move slowly, exhaling hot breath.
Elian, flustered, didn’t fully register that he had started moving.
The sound of his heart was too loud, and his lower body was too hot.
But that was short-lived.
The moment the slick penis slid long and deep between his buttocks, his hole tightened.
“Haa ngh.”
“Hoo. Are you the one who said no?”
A teasing voice was heard. Elian’s face was so flushed it was hard to find a spot that wasn’t red.
“You, you…!”
Elian turned his head with a flustered expression. He was about to say he would stop because it was too embarrassing.
But Kirendis immediately fell upon him, pressing him down and kissing him, so Elian couldn’t say anything.
“Hngh……!”
Even as their saliva mixed, he could feel the object nestled between his hips with overwhelming clarity.
Kirendis roughly explored Elian’s lips, guiding his penis downwards. He slowly moved his hips, sliding his penis between Elian’s thighs with a swish.
Then, a strange moan escaped him.
“Hngh.”
Elian’s hips trembled involuntarily. As if Kirendis had received proper stimulation, he whispered in a low voice.
“Haa. Elian, try to tense your thighs a little.”
Tense his thighs?
As he remained still at the flustered request, Kirendis forcibly brought Elian’s legs together and held them.
“Ah.”
His thick, hot penis was tightly wedged between Elian’s thighs.
As his face flushed again, Kirendis kissed him once more and began to move his body.
“Haaap.”
Their saliva mixed stickily as his hips slowly withdrew. He rested his glans on the tip before slowly pushing in.
“Heeuup.”
The slow movement brushing against his thighs was excessively stimulating. Just as their saliva mixed stickily, he could feel himself growing wet.
“Haa.”
Hot breaths escaped Kirendis’s lips. His body grew hot again from the sound.
He felt he was getting too excited and tried to hold back, but it was impossible.
“Hooo.”
Kirendis pulled back again and then thrust upwards with a thud, as if to suggest a certain action.
“Haak!”
“Haa.”
Slap— The sound of his hips thrusting echoed, and Kirendis’s penis stimulated Elian’s.
A tingling sensation, like a vibration, flowed along his spine.
“Haa.”
“Hngh. Ah, ah.”
Every time Kirendis thrust his hips hard, his penis was stimulated. The pleasure struck his entire body, leaving him unable to muster strength.
He couldn’t resist.
As Kirendis seemed to sense this, he released his grip on Elian’s legs and began to focus on his own movements.
Holding Elian’s hips with both hands, he intensified his movements.
“Haa. Elian.”
“Eung. Hng. Ah.”
Kirendis didn’t stop. He moved his hips, listening to the dizzying moans that echoed.
“Haa-eung.”
Elian’s hips trembled, and he arched his back.
“Haa.”
It felt like he was begging, and Kirendis’s breath hitched.
Kirendis continued to thrust his hips, actively touching Elian.
He stroked Elian’s hips lengthily, then kneaded them with his fingertips, and even cupped his buttocks with both hands to stimulate them.
“Ha-eung. Euk. Ah.”
Elian’s moans grew louder.
Wherever his hands touched, a burning sensation seemed to spread, making him breathless. His now slick thighs felt itchy.
“Haa, haa.”
Nothing was blocking Elian, but he was starting to run out of air.
“Eung. Ah.”
Elian had no choice but to focus on securing oxygen.
Then.
“Ha-eung.”
Kirendis’s hand moved upwards, and he grasped Elian’s nipple.
Elian trembled as if electrocuted.
A dizzying pleasure brushed against his nipple. His hips and thighs tensed, and liquid dripped from his penis.
“Haa-eung.”
“Haa.”
Kirendis seemed to feel this too, and began to roll Elian’s nipple with his fingers.
“Ah, ah…… Ah, no.”
Every time he flicked it with his fingertips, Elian’s hips twitched.
When he rolled it in a circle and then squeezed and twisted it slightly, his thighs tensed. He gripped Kirendis’s penis tightly and pleasurably.
As this continued, Elian found himself squeezing his thighs together, stimulating Kirendis’s penis.
It was all due to the stimulation from Kirendis’s fingertips, but that’s how it felt.
“Ha-eung…… Ah, stop.”
Even amidst this, Kirendis didn’t forget to thrust his hips with a thud. The sound of flesh meeting flesh as their buttocks were pressed together grew faster.
As the speed increased, Elian’s penis was stimulated more frequently. His body began to move, chasing that stimulation.
After a few repetitions, Elian found himself moving his body on his own.
Kirendis, realizing this, became greatly aroused and kissed him. He lifted Elian up and rolled his nipples.
“Haa-eung.”
He swallowed the strange moans and tangled their tongues sweetly.
It was too sweet. So sweet, he couldn’t stop. The sticky sensation on his fingertips was also too sweet, so he continued to stimulate them.
“Hngh. Eup. Ah.”
Elian writhed his hips, shaking his buttocks. Kirendis’s penis was stimulated, rubbing against Elian’s.
“Haa.”
Kirendis exhaled hot breath again and began to move his hips.
Elian’s thighs grew hot again.
The thrusting, accompanied by sticky saliva, was incomparably more stimulating than when he had been pinned down.
He could feel pleasure by moving his hips himself, and he could catch his breath while swallowing the sweet saliva.
However, Kirendis, not wanting to give him any respite, changed his movements. He lowered his large hand and grasped Elian’s penis.
“Hngh!”
Elian’s eyes widened in surprise, but it was too late. His entire body was held firmly, so he couldn’t move at all.
“Haap…… Hng, ah……!”
For a moment, his vision went white.
That was when it began. Kirendis started thrusting his hips with forceful thuds, as if everything before had been merely a warm-up.
“Ah, ah, haak…… Hng!”
Only strange moans filled the room. He tried to hold them back, as if they weren’t his own voice, but he couldn’t stop.
Ecstatic pleasure dominated his entire body, and it simply felt good.
The arms tightly wrapped around his hips, the hot penis thrusting between his thighs, crushing his buttocks.
Even the large hand completely enveloping his penis felt incredibly good.
“Hngh…… Kiren, Kirendis.”
“Elian. Elian.”
Kirendis’s low breaths poured into his ear. A chilling pleasure washed over his entire body, from head to toe.
From then on, Elian began to actively match his pace.
Every time Kirendis thrust his hips, he would lift his buttocks in rhythm, and he let out his moans without restraint.
Seeing this, Kirendis seemed to be stimulated as well, continuing to exhale hot breaths.
“Haa, haa.”
“Hngh. Kiren, dis.”
It felt so good.
The wetter his lower body became as they moved in sync, the more intensely it was stimulated.
Elian gasped for breath and tensed his thighs. Kirendis also increased his speed, thrusting with forceful thuds.
The movements were so violent that with every thrust, a loud friction sound echoed clearly.
He was sure his skin was flushed red.
But he didn’t have the leisure to dwell on the details, so he moved to relieve the heat.
And then, at the moment the heat reached its limit.
“Ah!”
“Euk.”
Both men simultaneously ejaculated a thin liquid.
“Haa, haa…….”
“Haa…….”
Gush, gush.
Kirendis’s semen wet his thighs. Elian’s semen also wet Kirendis’s hand.
A languid pleasure washed over him, and he collapsed. Kirendis then fell upon Elian’s body, pinning him down.
The heavy weight, combined with the languor, brought a pleasant sense of exhilaration.
“Haa…… Eup!”
Without even a moment to savor it, Kirendis kissed him, pressing his penis between Elian’s buttocks.
“Hngh. You…… Eup!”
He was crazy. He was definitely crazy.
Kirendis, as if he hadn’t ejaculated at all, brought his penis back up and attacked again.
It was an absurdly fast reaction, as if he intended to release all his pent-up desire today.
“No, no. Haap!”
He tried to resist, saying he couldn’t take any more, but his penis had already become hard and firmly lodged.
“Hooo. You can’t? Really?”
A low voice whispered in his ear with a long breath.
“……”
Elian couldn’t say anything this time either. His voice was full of playful charm.
“Just once. Just one more time? Please?”
His heart wavered at the affectionate, overflowing charm.
As if sensing this, Kirendis licked his neck.
“Hngh.”
It was ticklish. It was exactly the kind of stimulation Elian liked.
Kirendis stroked his neck teasingly, then moved upwards, brushing past the erect tip.
“Hht.”
It was a movement that made him impatient.
Ticklish kisses rained down on his neck, and tantalizing stimuli that almost touched his chest continued.
“I’ll only do it one more time.”
“Hngh. Ah, no.”
“You can’t? Why not?”
Even the voice asking why he couldn’t was too sweet. As Kirendis whispered sweetly and asked again, Elian felt like saying yes.
Seeing this, he realized this was indeed his preference.
He liked Kirendis’s beastly onslaught, but he preferred this side of him.
“Haa. My lower half feels like it’s going to burst.”
“Euk.”
Kirendis whispered, breathing hot air onto him.
“Elian, please help me.”
He was truly helpless when Kirendis even acted pitiful.
His heart pounded. His heart softened instantly. Even as he thought he shouldn’t, words of permission escaped his lips.
“Really…… just once.”
“Yes. I’ll really only do it just once.”
Kirendis replied meekly, and then began to move again with not-so-meek gestures.