8 – The Grand Duke in the Darkness

Due to the passionate time he had with Kirendis, Elian had to lie sick for a whole day.

Although it felt like a waste of time passing meaninglessly, there was no helping it.

‘I didn’t realize the aftereffects would be this severe.’

It was incredibly good, but the price was too high. Given the circumstances, he thought he should refrain for a while.

But the resolution didn’t last long. That’s because Kirendis kept coming at him.

Despite clearly preparing for the investiture ceremony, he visited so often.

Elian realized that Kirendis hadn’t been visiting intentionally until now.

‘Of course, the biggest fault lies with me for never refusing.’

A relationship was something that happened with mutual consent. Therefore, Elian, who always fell for it completely, bore a large part of the blame.

Once they had been intimate, he couldn’t resist the temptation of pleasure.

‘If it’s just moderate, it’s fine again.’

The only problem was that Kirendis had no limits.

If he was careful, moderate pleasure wasn’t bad. Though that was ending now.

‘I really need to manage my condition now.’

Kirendis’s investiture ceremony was just around the corner.

Since the eve of the ceremony would begin tomorrow, Elian firmly pushed Kirendis away for several days.

The result…….

“……Why the long face?”

“What’s wrong with my face?”

He replied with a sullen expression.

Tomorrow marked the start of a three-day eve, and the day after that was the investiture ceremony. Only four days remained until the day the fate of the nation would be decided.

Therefore, he really needed to meticulously check everything for the remaining period…….

“Don’t mind me.”

……To have that look, even knowing that.

He seemed to have changed tactics since begging and acting cute weren’t working.

“Even with that face, some things are still a no. I really need to be sharp from tomorrow onwards.”

“……I know that too?”

The delayed answer made his credibility seem quite low.

He let out a sigh, wondering what to do about it, when people began entering the underground conference room.

“Uncle! Kirendis!”

“Hmm. A perfect location.”

“Elian!”

“Kuhuhu. Finally, we meet.”

“I saw you yesterday.”

“Hey, Grand Duke!”

In order, they were Lion, Lucian, Cecilia, Gren, Haron, and Lac.

Jade and Duke Lipen entered afterward, and all the important figures were gathered.

Only then did Kirendis put away his displeased expression and adopt a serious demeanor.

It was quite fascinating to see. Even when his mind seemed elsewhere, he could always switch like this.

‘It’s because of this side of him that I sometimes accepted him.’

If not for this, he would have firmly pushed him away from the start.

“Is everyone here?”

When Elian spoke, everyone replied with smiles.

“Perfect.”

“It’s finally starting.”

“I’m so nervous.”

Their confidence in building up the atmosphere was palpable.

It meant they had prepared thoroughly and were certain of success.

“Then, shall we begin the final meeting?”

Lion opened his mouth and smiled.

As it was the last one, the meeting was led by Lion. The content was simple, but no one listened carelessly. They maintained serious expressions, exchanged opinions, and stayed put.

Once the confirmation process was complete, Lion looked up and said,

“Thank you all for your hard work.”

He seemed to have something he wanted to convey to those present.

“When we first started, we didn’t anticipate things would turn out this way, and there were many shortcomings. However, with the help of many people, we have come this far, and we intend to live up to those expectations going forward. We will draw a better future and build a better nation.”

The young Emperor’s aspirations poured out. But he didn’t end his speech there. He bowed and addressed everyone.

“So… I ask for your continued support.”

Everyone’s eyes widened.

It was unthinkable for royalty, let alone someone about to become Emperor, to bow.

But Lion acted on it. The meaning of that action was immense. He conveyed his feelings through an action that could only be done at this moment.

It moved everyone and returned as loyalty to Lion and pride in the nation.

It didn’t seem like a calculated move, which made it even more meaningful. With just a word and an action, he had made people genuinely follow him.

“We’ve received something incredible.”

Elian spoke and stood up. Seeing everyone looking lost for words, he took the lead.

“In that case, I can’t help but say a word too.”

He intended to open the floor for everyone to respond to Lion. Elian spoke to everyone with a calm expression.

“A strong nation is built by a strong king, and a strong king needs trustworthy subordinates.”

The words he chose were meant to be a guide.

“You have already been chosen.”

Making them realize how important they were to Lion,

“Then, what shall we offer in return? How shall we walk the path that will shine brilliantly?”

Making them realize what they needed to do going forward.

“We will build it together. We will repay the faith and trust shown by His Majesty!”

And, opening the way for Lion to engrave their hearts upon him.

“Shout! The great name we will believe in and follow!”

The stage was set. Elian looked at everyone and raised his hand high. Then, one by one, they raised their hands just like him and began to shout.

“For Lord Lion!”

The first shout was an answer to the trust Lion had shown. An answer that they would remember this name forever.

“For His Majesty the Emperor!”

The second shout was an expression of will. An answer that they would protect Lion’s position with their lives.

“For the Kingdom of Arpen!”

The final shout held faith in the future. An answer that they did not doubt the future he would build.

“Waaaaah!!”

With those words, a thunderous cheer filled the conference room. Everyone was shouting with one heart and one mind.

For now, it was just a small shout echoing within these walls, but in four days, it would undoubtedly resound to shake the entire world.

Elian, embracing all of this, shouted with all his might.

“For Emperor Lion Arpen, Your Majesty!!”

Thus, the curtain rose on a rebellion that would go down in history.

The first day of the eve.

Elian was already dressed in a special ceremonial robe he had ordered from Melais early in the morning.

“Oh my. It suits you so well, Your Highness.”

It was a special service from her, as she absolutely never visited.

“Thank you, Melais.”

“What are you saying that’s so disheartening? If you weren’t here, Melais wouldn’t be here either, so please don’t say that.”

It was unavoidable if the Emperor commanded it, but otherwise, Melais never visited.

Yet, she had readily come at Elian’s summons. To not compromise her principles, she didn’t call him often, but today, it was truly unavoidable.

‘Because it’s an important day.’

Final preparations.

During the three-day eve that would begin today, Elian had to take the final step.

It was the task of persuading or threatening nobles who had not yet been won over.

Most of them were nobles on Marius’s side, whom he didn’t need to meet and who wouldn’t meet him anyway.

‘Even if I can’t persuade them, I should at least give them a warning.’

That way, he could prepare for any unforeseen variables.

“I’ll be counting on you for the next week. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Um, then……”

Melais seemed to have something she wanted, her eyes sparkling as she spoke.

“May I finish the young duke’s ceremonial robe?”

“Kirendis’s?”

Melais had also designed Kirendis’s ceremonial robe herself. However, since she had to attend to Elian, Kirendis was supposed to be attended by the Duchy’s servants.

“It’s my new challenge and a masterpiece that will be remembered. I don’t doubt the Duchy’s craftsmanship, but I want to do the finishing touches myself.”

From a designer’s perspective, every detail could change the garment. Elian, understanding that sentiment, nodded readily.

“If you’re okay with it, by all means.”

“Really?”

“I’m all done now.”

As Elian said this, a slight smile playing on his lips, Melais’s face lit up with anticipation.

As it was about time for Kirendis to arrive, she kept peeking towards the entrance.

He chuckled, seeing her as someone truly in love with clothes, and sat on the sofa.

—Knock, knock.

Just then, a knock was heard, and the person they were waiting for entered.

“Eli……”

“Young Duke!”

Kirendis’s eyes widened in surprise, perhaps not expecting Melais to rush out.

Elian suppressed a laugh, finding his reaction quite cute.

“May I finish the ceremonial robe?”

“……Pardon?”

“May I finish the ceremonial robe?”

Melais repeated the same words, her eyes sparkling. Perhaps finding her gaze a bit overwhelming, he seemed about to refuse.

But…….

“It’s fine……”

“You need it? Come over here quickly!”

Melais unceremoniously pulled him towards the dressing room.

“Uh…?”

Kirendis was dragged along weakly, unable to push away the woman forcefully.

Elian, who had watched the whole scene, couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

“I can’t handle you two, really.”

To act like that towards someone who was about to become a Duke.

Perhaps Melais was born with a heart of steel.

‘Half of it is because she trusts me, though.’

More precisely, she knew he wouldn’t harm her, as she was Elian’s person.

She was quite perceptive.

‘How much will it change?’

Kirendis’s appearance flashed through his mind. As Melais boasted that she had poured her soul into it, Kirendis looked magnificent.

What kind of impression would it make with her unique styling added?

He was sure he wouldn’t be disappointed, even if he expected a lot.

‘He should be coming out by now.’

As time passed, Melais emerged with an ecstatic expression and said,

“Haa. It’s perfect. Your Highness. I’ll be taking my leave now to refine the work tomorrow.”

She seemed eager for tomorrow, bowing her head in greeting. Her motivation was clearly soaring.

“Yes. I’ll be counting on you tomorrow as well.”

“Yes. Your Highness.”

As Melais left the room, Elian also stood up. His preparations were complete, and it was time to move.

Although Kirendis was the protagonist, Elian held the highest status in this place, so he had to receive greetings from the nobles.

“Kirendis? What are you doing? Come out quickly.”

Even though everything was ready, Kirendis hadn’t come out.

Wondering why he was taking so long, Elian went inside, only to be pushed against the wall and have their lips collide.

“Mmph!”

Kirendis briefly mixed their saliva, kissed him with a slurp, and pulled away.

As his eyelids fluttered open, he saw a smiling face.

“You… you didn’t come out because of this, did you?”

“Yes.”

At the immediate answer, Elian let out a chuckle.

“Melais has already left.”

“Ah. Then, I should have done it outside.”

His nonchalant words were absurd. But he decided to let it slide. If he prevented even a kiss, Kirendis seemed like he would truly sulk.

“You look so beautiful today, Elian.”

“I know.”

As he replied playfully, Kirendis hugged him with a smile. Nestled in his strong embrace, his heart calmed.

‘It really is nice.’

It felt like his energy was being recharged.

Kirendis might have hugged him for the same reason, but he seemed to have other intentions.

His hand slowly moved towards Elian’s rear.

—Slap.

Elian smacked his mischievous hand loudly.

“Ouch.”

It wouldn’t hurt, but perhaps displeased, he heard a grumbling voice.

“Haa. I’m going to die like this.”

“You won’t die.”

He replied firmly and pushed him away, seeing a sulky face.

“It seems Elian isn’t disappointed.”

“Do I look like it?”

“Yes.”

It was a cute complaint. Elian barely suppressed a smile that threatened to escape and said, “Hurry up and come. We’re late.”

“So cold-hearted……”

Seeing him slump, his heart softened. Elian, without realizing it, smiled and leaned in to give him a peck.

“There, satisfied? Endure this.”

It was a simple kiss. A simple expression of affection without mixing saliva.

Kirendis seemed to like this level of intimacy. As he walked ahead, he kept sticking close and saying, “Just one more time.”

“What do you mean, one more time?”

“You know, don’t pretend you don’t know.”

“Just hurry up and come.”

Elian walked, listening to his cute pestering.

He couldn’t help but suppress a smile at how endearing he was, constantly asking for “just one more time.”

So, he eventually dragged him to a secluded spot and kissed him passionately.

“Are you satisfied now? Happy?”

“No. Just one more time……”

Of course, an awakened beast never knew satisfaction.

“Can’t be helped, then.”

Elian chuckled and kissed him once more.

Elian and Kirendis spent time greeting nobles in their respective places.

Since the nobles who agreed to cooperate with the Rebel Army arrived first, most of the time was spent socializing.

The main activities would begin at the eve party, so this was just a warm-up.

“It’s finally starting.”

As the party began, nobles from Marius’s faction appeared in the banquet hall.

They weren’t nobles with significant influence, but that made it easier to issue warnings to them compared to others.

“Baron Ferius has arrived.”

Jade approached and whispered softly. Elian, who was talking with a Baron, slightly turned his head, confirmed his target, and concluded the conversation.

Baron Ferius was from the most influential family among the nobles of Marius’s side scheduled to attend today.

He was the main target, so to speak.

“What’s the situation?”

“No change.”

At Jade’s reply, Elian quietly nodded and moved his steps.

The situation Elian asked about was whether the leverage he had was still valid.

Jade, who had gathered all the latest information through his interactions with Phantom, gave an immediate answer.

“It’s been a while, Baron Ferius.”

As Elian approached with a cynical smile, the Baron bowed and greeted him.

“Greetings, Grand Duke.”

Even if he was a noble on Marius’s side, it was difficult to express hostility towards Elian, as he was the Grand Duke. This was especially true for those of lower rank.

Since they had to maintain superficial pleasantries, he continued with light conversation.

“By the way.”

While continuing the conversation, Elian subtly broached the subject.

“Is your business going well?”

“Of course. Thanks to His Majesty’s grace, it’s gaining momentum. I’m planning to expand the scale of my trading company soon.”

He had established and was operating a trading company with Marius’s help. Information had also been received that it was growing rapidly and was providing funds to Duke Cheston’s Duchy.

However, an investigation into his background revealed that most of the profits were coming from illegal channels.

“Yes. Human trafficking does bring in quite a lot of money.”

“……Pardon?”

Baron Ferius’s eyes widened in surprise. His main source of income was the slave trade.

“Why are you so surprised? A trading company may seem like it’s selling goods, but in the end, it’s about dealing with people.”

“Ah… Yes, that’s right. It is.”

The Baron let out a sigh of relief and averted his gaze. The slave trade was strictly illegal in this country, but he was openly active under Marius’s protection.

What was there to fear when the Emperor covered for him?

Therefore, he was bound to be a good target.

“I’m glad to hear it’s going well. Still, be careful. The business you’re involved in always requires caution from behind.”

Elian said this with a meaningful smile and patted him on the shoulder. The Baron stiffened.

Be careful from behind.

He didn’t know if it referred to Duke Cheston, who was backing him, or the Emperor, or even Elian himself.

Moreover, Elian was known for having leverage on every weakness of the nobles. Therefore, even if he couldn’t discern the intention, he couldn’t dismiss it.

“You never know.”

Elian whispered, pressing down on the Baron’s shoulder.

“You might disappear without a trace when you let your guard down.”

A clear warning.

His cold voice was filled with a warning to prostrate himself if he wanted to live.

‘Damn it.’

Seeing as he said this much, it was certain. Elian knew.

Not only that, he even gave a blatant warning. Those words were the same as saying that something tremendous was about to happen, so if you didn’t want to die, you should shut up and stay quiet.

‘I don’t know what’s about to happen, but I should stay quiet for a while. If I mess up, my head will be cut off.’

It would be fortunate if only my head were cut off. Elian didn’t take lives easily. He was a man who would chase you to the ends of hell and suck out every last drop of your marrow.

‘Just staying quiet won’t be enough.’

Elian didn’t know when he would organize an investigation team. Before that, he had to sort out the slave market.

Right now, he was under Marius’s protection, but he couldn’t be sure what would happen in the future.

‘I’ll have to think of an excuse as we go.’

Baron Ferius turned his heel. He seemed to be in a hurry, as his foot got tangled and he stumbled.

‘One down.’

Elian smiled with satisfaction as he watched him go. Since he was a timid person, he would surely spread the word widely among his noble acquaintances.

He would tell them to lie low for a while, as Archduke Esiton seemed to be plotting something.

‘Even this will be a great help.’

The most crucial point to watch out for when a rebellion breaks out is if the opposing faction initiates a civil war.

It would be fine if it were suppressed immediately, but if not, the nation’s strength would decline in real-time. This could then escalate into a war with another country.

A nation embroiled in civil war is the easiest prey to devour.

‘Is this all for today?’

Perhaps because it was the first day, the mental exertion wasn’t too great.

However, Elian couldn’t rest. Besides dealing with the nobles, he had to protect the various devices installed within.

‘I can’t have them get damaged.’

A massive magic circle, designed to reveal Marius’s true form to everyone, was laid out across the entire banquet hall.

It was created with Valterias’s help, a magic circle that amplified Elian’s abilities so everyone could see.

Since it was too large to install the day before the conferment ceremony, it had been set up in advance.

It was quite complex, so it would be problematic if even the slightest part shifted or was damaged.

Even the nobles who had agreed to be on his side didn’t know about this, so he couldn’t rest.

He remained in the banquet hall until the very end, watching with hawk-like eyes.

As time flowed by, after everything was sorted out, dawn had broken.

‘Are they crazy? How do they have so much stamina?’

It was customary for this kind of party to party all night, sleep soundly during the day, and then enjoy themselves again from nightfall.

Even though he knew it was unavoidable, curses escaped his lips. He couldn’t rest.

“Haa…”

He stepped out onto the balcony, intending to shake off his sleepiness. The refreshing dawn air cleared his mind.

Only then did he feel his breath ease and take a moment to rest.

Just then.

“Kirendis?”

He, who had also stayed up all night like Elian, came out and drew the curtains.

In a party setting, drawing the curtains meant only one thing. Do not disturb.

“Uh…”

Recalling that, Elian’s face flushed red.

“Why are you drawing the curtains?”

Elian asked in a flustered voice. He suspected he knew why, but he wanted to be sure.

Perhaps Kirendis had something important to say.

However, the reason Kirendis drew the curtains was not much different from what Elian had imagined.

“For this.”

With a bright smile, he pushed Elian against the wall and pressed his lips against his.

“Hngh.”

Sweet saliva flowed as their tongues mingled wetly. Kirendis, pressing his body close, breathed hot breaths into him.

The heat quickly spread, and his body grew warm.

“Haa, hng.”

He pulled away to exhale hot breaths, but was caught again, his lips being devoured.

The kiss, which felt like being consumed, was so pleasant that it instantly dispelled the stress he had accumulated throughout the party.

Elian, lost in the sweet kiss, wrapped his arms around Kirendis’s neck and responded. He actively clung to him, swallowing his sweet saliva. Then, Kirendis began to move his hands as well.

His hand started from his waist and moved down, reaching his buttocks.

As his large hand kneaded and squeezed the soft flesh, a wave of sensation washed over him.

It felt dangerous, but he let it be because it felt good. That was Elian’s mistake.

“J-just a moment!”

Elian exclaimed in surprise and grabbed Kirendis’s hand.

The hand that had been playing over his pants had somehow slipped inside.

“Are you crazy?!”

His heart began to pound from the unexpected attack. Even though they were in a corner, this was outside.

Even if it was a secluded spot, they shouldn’t be doing this outside.

But…

“I’m perfectly sane.”

Kirendis didn’t withdraw his hand. Instead, he whispered in a low, deep voice and squeezed his buttocks tightly.

“Haa… I finally feel a bit alive.”

“…”

His voice was clearly exhausted. Only then did Elian realize that this was Kirendis’s first time experiencing such an intense party.

Although he seemed unfazed, he had apparently been quite tense.

“…You’re sly.”

“Please, just this once.”

Knowing that, he couldn’t refuse his plea. Though his touch was impure for a plea, he couldn’t help it.

He wasn’t trying to do anything more, just touching his buttocks.

Elian meekly surrendered, his face flushing red.

‘Haa. This is driving me crazy.’

It was only natural for Kirendis’s heart to swell at that sight. Elian, meekly surrendering in a place like this.

Not just his heart, but his lower body also began to feel a throbbing sensation.

‘I want to devour him.’

Giving him such an opening, he wanted to swallow him whole. Kirendis buried his face in Elian’s neck and fell into thought.

Perhaps his feelings leaked out, as his fingers moved towards Elian’s private parts.

“Not here!”

Elian exclaimed in surprise and grabbed Kirendis’s hand. But Kirendis couldn’t help but ask.

“Here… not?”

He wasn’t just saying no, but specifically “not here.”

“Then, is it okay somewhere else?”

“…”

At Kirendis’s question, Elian flinched and then firmly closed his mouth.

This was consent.

‘Oh my god.’

He had told me not to touch him on such an important day, and now he was letting it slide like this?

Kirendis couldn’t believe it. It seemed like it had been a difficult night for Elian as well.

‘This is driving me crazy.’

He wanted to rip off his pants and thrust himself inside immediately. But he couldn’t.

Elian would never allow it. This was his limit.

It was a shame, but it was fine. Becoming one with him was what mattered, not the location.

Kirendis scooped him up in his arms.

“Aargh!”

Elian screamed and clung to him. The way they held each other tightly was madly endearing.

“Then, let’s go to my room today.”

His room was the closest place. Kirendis immediately ran to the railing and leaped off.

Even though it was the second floor, his training allowed him to land stably while holding Elian.

However, Elian’s face turned pale, as if he hadn’t expected such a move.

“What… is this.”

Even this expression was cute. Kirendis lightly kissed his ear and whispered.

“I’m a bit in a hurry.”

Whoosh.

His face turned red once more.

Although Kirendis’s advances were flustering, Elian didn’t regret not refusing.

‘As expected, a moderate amount of pleasure seems to be good.’

It was ironic, given he had held back on such an important day, but after they had been intimate, he felt full of energy.

This was evident from how he was still energetic despite sleeping only a few hours.

‘Still, I have to hold back today.’

Elian quietly resolved and focused on the second and third day’s eve parties.

He pressured Marius’s faction nobles, solidifying the final stepping stones.

Kirendis also made a perfect impression on the nobles, showcasing the Ducal Family’s strength with his skillful oratory.

This was also part of the preparatory work in case Lion became Emperor.

If Kirendis, who was Lion’s man, could lead the nobles, it would make governing the country easier.

‘Other preparations are also complete.’

The Royal Guard, the Imperial Guard, and mercenaries were all deployed around. The private soldiers of the nobles who had promised their help were also stationed in various places.

All that remained was to reveal that Marius had stepped onto a path of no return and to depose him from the throne.

For that, the magic circle installed here was the most crucial.

“Confirm once more if there are any problems. No, I’ll check one more time.”

Elian meticulously inspected everything, completing all preparations.

The conferment ceremony was scheduled to begin at 3 PM. Nobles would begin entering the hall from 1 PM.

As the entry time arrived, Elian scanned the crowd with hawk-like eyes.

‘The threats must have worked.’

The nobles on Marius’s side were only watching cautiously. He was very satisfied.

Of course, they might be plotting something else behind the scenes, but Lac would surely handle that.

‘This side is settled…’

Elian turned his head to look for someone. He saw those tasked with ensuring the magic circle wasn’t damaged in various locations.

These were Lucian and the other leaders of the Rebel Army.

As the activation of the magic circle was important, they had blended into the crowd and were guarding key points.

‘Where is Lion?’

Since the Rebel Army had arrived, Lion must be here too.

Elian looked around, searching for Lion.

“Uncle.”

A familiar voice called from behind him. He turned his head to see Lion, dressed in priestly robes.

“You’re truly disguised.”

Elian said in surprise.

“I put in some effort.”

He replied, lightly shaking an artifact that obscured his presence. The brooch on his robe was hiding his presence.

Priests were always among the attendees at important events, so there was no sense of incongruity, and with an artifact that obscured his presence, it was difficult to even properly recognize him.

“Are you ready in your heart?”

“Of course.”

Now, all they had to do was wait for the conferment ceremony to begin.

The Duke who would bestow the title would enter, Kirendis, who would receive it, would enter, and Marius, who would acknowledge it, would enter, and the ceremony would begin.

“Duke Alexis Riphen enters.”

The announcement of Duke Riphen’s entrance echoed through the hall.

The nobles, who had been chatting in small groups, fell silent and turned their gazes towards the entrance.

—Creak.

As the doors opened, the elaborately adorned Duke made his grand appearance.

Despite his advanced age, he looked as robust as if he were still active.

Nevertheless, he had chosen to pass on his title. This meant that Kirendis possessed sufficient qualifications and skill to inherit it.

Otherwise, the rigid Duke would never have chosen to pass on his title.

“Young Duke Kirendis Riphen enters.”

The announcement of Kirendis’s entrance followed.

The doors opened again, and the protagonist of this event appeared.

“So that’s the next Duke.”

“At the Academy, he was so…”

“His swordsmanship is also top-notch…”

“His appearance is truly…”

Praise for Kirendis poured out in various forms. Elian watched with a sense of pride.

The black formal wear, meticulously crafted by Melais, suited Kirendis perfectly.

It was an outfit that amplified his solid physique and beautiful face.

The red ornaments embroidered with gold thread fluttered with every step, and the red jewels embedded in his collar shone beautifully.

Perhaps because of the jewels, his red eyes also sparkled under the light, making him seem like someone from another world.

“He’s as handsome as ever.”

“He’s a face that makes you happy just looking at him.”

“Uncle must like him.”

“Of course. How could anyone not like a face like that…”

Unconsciously, Elian finished his thought, then stiffened and looked around in surprise.

Fortunately, no one had heard their conversation.

“Wait, Lion, how did you…”

Where did the clue come from?

Flustered, Elian whispered his question. Lion replied with a playful expression.

“Don’t worry. It was Kirendis who gave it away.”

“Ah.”

Elian, having gained understanding, turned back to look at Kirendis.

He looked like an authoritative, future Duke. His face was beautiful, but there was an aura of inaccessibility.

…He couldn’t understand where the clue had come from on that face.

“Kirendis has always been devoted to Uncle. It’s obvious at a glance.”

“…Is that so?”

Elian mumbled, embarrassed. Then, Lion continued excitedly.

“If you look closely, the corners of his mouth are slightly upturned. Even while maintaining his composure, the fact that they’re upturned like that means he’s so happy he could die.”

“…”

“What could make Kirendis so happy he could die? He thinks of Uncle day and night.”

“Ahem.”

Elian coughed softly, embarrassed.

Having spent a long time together, Lion knew Kirendis well.

The fact that it was so obvious that it made him jealous made his heart flutter.

“Right now, he looks like he’s made a firm resolution. Perhaps he’s thinking, ‘I will protect Elian.'”

It was a thought Kirendis would likely have, but to Elian, there seemed to be no change in his expression.

“…Is that what that expression looks like?”

He asked skeptically, to which Lion confidently declared.

“Trust me. It’s certain.”

“Hmm.”

A little more light conversation followed to ease the tension. The Duke and Kirendis were exchanging pleasantries with the nobles, receiving congratulations on the succession of the Dukedom.

As time passed, the announcement signaling the appearance of the final boss finally rang out.

“His Majesty the Emperor enters.”

Tension filled the hall. It was the signal for the rebellion to begin, and Emperor Marius’s personality was by no means easygoing.

It was because of such aspects that he thought Marius might be fit to hold the imperial title, but the thought left a bitter taste.

“His aura has become even sharper since becoming Emperor.”

“He seems more mature and dignified.”

“I find him a bit frightening.”

“That may be so, but he is still His Majesty the Emperor.”

“Indeed. He is His Majesty the Emperor.”

Elian could hear the nobles whispering about Marius’s changed demeanor. Most thought it was simply because he had become Emperor, but Elian knew otherwise.

‘He’s gotten even stronger.’

A dark magic, perceptible only to Elian, enveloped him. It was subtly revealed as the summoning time approached.

‘He hid it so well all this time.’

If he hadn’t known how to use this power, Elian would have been oblivious too. He would have undoubtedly realized it after the Black Dragon was summoned, just like everyone else.

In that sense, it was fortunate. Now, he had a chance to stop it.

‘Are the preparations…’

Elian surveyed the Rebel Army. They all nodded, signaling that there were no problems.

Now, all that remained was to use his power at the opportune moment.

‘Not yet.’

Elian’s goal was to show the people Marius’s dark magic and the appearance of the Black Dragon.

His reaction would determine the response, but he had already made his move. It was sufficient grounds for rebellion.

‘I just need to do my part.’

Although he had tested it thoroughly with Valterias, he couldn’t help but feel nervous in a real situation.

“Hoo.”

Elian took a deep breath and opened his eyes.

Marius was giving a speech to commence the conferment ceremony. He began with a rather imperial demeanor, speaking in a well-crafted voice.

“Young Duke Kirendis Riphen, please step forward.”

The conferment ceremony was simple. It would end once the Emperor acknowledged the title.

Of course, the succession of Kirendis’s title was not scheduled to be finalized today, as the Emperor’s seal needed to be affixed to the documents.

‘Marius will be deposed today.’

Elian observed the two men. Marius seemed normal, but Elian could see it.

He was displeased with this situation.

While the Rippen Ducal Family maintained neutrality, they had to monitor for changes recently due to Elian’s stay there.

In such circumstances, having to pass on the title to a new person would be unwelcome. Kirendis was an unpredictable figure to Marius.

“From now on, Kirendis Riphen is recognized as the Duke of the Arpen Kingdom.”

However, the ceremony proceeded without a hitch. Even if they didn’t like it, they couldn’t help but acknowledge him, so it must have been unavoidable.

‘They’ll probably drag their feet on the paperwork.’

If the paperwork wasn’t processed, things would become complicated in many ways, so that was likely their target.

‘I don’t care either way.’

After Marius’s proclamation, music began to play.

The party began after Marius, who held the highest status, danced the first dance.

Since he, the Emperor, had come to the banquet hall without a partner, he would choose a partner from those present to dance the first dance with.

‘That’s the only window of opportunity.’

The moment everyone cleared the center of the hall, waiting for the Emperor’s choice.

The moment Marius stood in the center to choose his partner.

Elian intended to use his ability at that very moment.

For that moment, he had aligned all the magic circles, and if he used his ability, Marius’s magic power would surge, and the Black Dragon’s form would be revealed.

‘I can do this.’

Elian clenched his fists tightly. As Marius approached the target point, his heart pounded.

The moment he stepped onto the target spot.

‘Now!’

Elian channeled his ability. The Delstones placed throughout the hall began to glow one by one.

After confirming it had activated properly, he observed Marius.

“Ugh.”

He clutched his head and staggered. Confusion flickered across people’s faces, but it soon turned to fear.

The dark magic power that only Elian could see began to be visible to the nobles as well.

“Aaaargh!!”

Marius screamed in agony and roared. Only then did the nobles cry out in alarm.

“Your Majesty!”

“What are you doing! Immediately seize His Majesty…!”

They didn’t yet know if that magic power was his, so their reactions were entirely normal.

Who would have thought that the Emperor of this nation would possess dark magic power?

Naturally, their first thought was that he had been attacked by an unknown assailant. But…

“Kyaa!!”

The dark magic power swirling around him exploded outwards like a surge.

A fierce gale began to wreak havoc in the hall.

“What are you doing! Is there no one outside… Ugh!”

He called out for those who would protect him, but no response came from outside.

At this point, knights should have rushed in, but this was a Duchy.

It had already been suppressed.

This was also true for the knights who had come to protect Marius, which was why the magic power continued to surge.

‘Just a little more…’

Elian stared at Marius, his eyes narrowed. There were far more people than during practice, and his eyes began to ache.

But the people couldn’t see the form of the Black Dragon that had begun to appear behind him.

‘What should I do?’

Elian blinked, trying to regain his composure. He wondered if he was short on Delstones.

“Uncle.”

At that moment, Lion handed him something fist-sized from behind. It was an enormous Delstone.

“This is…”

“I brought it just in case.”

To think he had a Delstone of this size.

Elian also had spare Delstones, but they were so small they were embarrassing to compare.

“For… for emergencies…”

Seeing Elian’s surprised gaze, Lion added softly, perhaps feeling a little embarrassed.

It was amazing that he had obtained such a large Delstone, and even more amazing that he had brought it inside.

Elian could use it to amplify his abilities, but to Lion, it was just an ordinary stone.

“Well done.”

Regardless, Lion’s thorough preparation seemed to have averted the crisis.

Elian gripped the Delstone and concentrated once more. A reaction began to occur around him.

“Wh-what is that…”

“A… Dragon…”

“Black Dragon…”

“Chayrsus.”

Disbelieving the sight before them, the people stared blankly at the ominous form hovering above Marius’s head.

No one was paying attention to Marius. It was understandable, given that the object of fear, passed down only in founding myths, had appeared before them.

But Elian kept his eyes fixed on Marius.

The one who had been screaming in pain had now slumped like a puppet whose strings had been cut. His appearance was somewhat grotesque, but not knowing when or how he might explode, Elian sent a signal to the rebels.

So that they could dispatch knights to suppress him at any moment if he reacted.

“Haha. Haha. Hahaha.”

At that moment, Marius began to laugh self-deprecatingly. His voice was filled with emptiness and rage.

“So this was what you were preparing.”

He muttered lowly and slowly raised his head. His pupils were stained black, like those of a Black Dragon.

“How did you know? No, how did you do it?”

He glared at the mastermind of this event with eyes full of killing intent.

“Elian.”

Even though the truth had been revealed to the world, he was surprised that it had been brought to light so openly.

He had thought they would stall for time somehow, as the summoning was not far off.

He had made preparations accordingly, but this made things easier.

‘But why?’

However, Elian did not ignore the mounting questions. Coming out so boldly meant he had something to rely on.

As expected.

Marius smirked and reached out his hand.

“Well… it doesn’t matter. It’s already too late.”

The Black Dragon began to move as one with Marius. Dark magic power shot out at high speed, engulfing Elian.

But before it could reach Elian, it was blocked by someone and repelled.

It was Jade.

“Ha! You hid the bastards well!”

Marius sneered at Elian and shouted.

As he said, Elian had not hidden only Jade in this banquet hall.

Imperial Guards in armor appeared from thin air and surrounded Marius.

“You, the Imperial Guard who protects the Royal Family, dare to draw your swords against me?”

“……”

Jade did not answer. There was no need to.

Marius’s red hair had begun to turn black, and his glistening black eyes and the overflowing magic power around him no longer made him resemble the Emperor they knew.

“Then there’s no choice. I will punish you myself.”

Marius’s magic power began to spread in all directions.

The Imperial Guard responded well to the attack, but not as well as Jade.

He didn’t just block; he charged towards Marius, breaking through.

—Crack!

The sound of clashing swords and magic power echoed. The two clashed fiercely in the center of the hall.

“R-run!”

“Kyaa!”

As the battle began, the nobles scrambled towards the entrance. If it continued like this, they risked getting hurt, whether caught in the crossfire or the ensuing chaos.

This too had been prepared for, so Elian looked at Kirendis.

Then, Kirendis drew the sword, a family heirloom of the Rippen Ducal Family, from his waist and raised it high, shouting.

“Protect the honored guests!!”

As the new Duke’s voice echoed through the hall, the banquet hall doors opened, and the Duchy’s knights entered.

If there were casualties in the Duchy, especially during a succession ceremony, it would diminish the family’s prestige.

Therefore, this task was entrusted to him to showcase the new Duke’s leadership and swordsmanship.

Kirendis knew exactly what he had to do, and as if to show off, he channeled his aura, unleashed it, and began to parry Marius’s magic power.

“A… Sword Master.”

“The young Duke was a Sword Master?”

“This is unbelievable.”

The nobles began to take in Kirendis’s shimmering red aura.

They soon became mesmerized by his appearance, staring blankly at the young Duke who was protecting them.

Jade was already famous as a Sword Master, but Kirendis was not known at all.

Moreover, he was the new Duke who had just inherited the ducal title.

With the power of a Sword Master added to his political power, everyone was speechless.

‘If this is the case…’

‘What happens now?’

They began to calculate rapidly in their minds.

For reasons unknown, the Emperor began attacking everyone, using an ominous power.

The new Duke, who inherited the ducal family, the second highest authority after the Emperor.

‘Power and might.’

‘The Rippen Ducal Family now possesses both power and might.’

This symbolized something immense. The Rippen Ducal Family, whose power was already great enough to maintain neutrality.

If the strength and reputation of the new Duke, a Sword Master, were added to this, they would undoubtedly use it as a stepping stone for great advancement.

‘Something incredible is happening.’

Archduke Esiton had warned them one by one, but to think he had been hiding something like this.

‘So, are they aiming for the throne after all?’

One of the nobles who supported Marius turned his gaze to Elian. But he couldn’t hold his gaze for long and had to look away.

“Look, this is the power I possess now!”

Marius was not at all outmatched by Jade; instead, he was showing off his strength.

His magic power grew sharper and sharper, attacking Jade. This was clearly visible even to ordinary eyes.

Jade was gradually being pushed back, and Kirendis, recognizing this, joined him in blocking Marius.

However, they couldn’t fully suppress Marius, who wielded his magic power with such freedom.

As time passed, they began to appear to be losing ground.

The nobles watched anxiously. Their minds flickered towards the exits, wondering if they should flee.

‘Now.’

Elian had been waiting for this very moment. This moment when the two seemed to be losing.

No matter how strong Marius was, it was nonsensical that two Sword Masters couldn’t stop him. It would be different if the Black Dragon had been summoned, but right now, the two were at an advantage.

Nevertheless, he was feigning being pushed back and controlling his strength for Lion’s sake.

It was to make Lion’s appearance dramatic and highlight his presence.

While blocking Marius was important, for the confusion to be completely averted, Lion needed to shine so brightly that he would overshadow the darkness.

“Lion.”

Lion, receiving Elian’s signal, reached out his hand. Then, golden magic power shimmered around him, beginning to aid the two.

“Huh?”

“Is that…”

The nobles who spotted the sight widened their eyes.

The golden magic power, shining brightly and intermingling with the dark magic power, was something they were all familiar with.

Even if they had never seen it before, anyone who knew the founding myths couldn’t possibly not know it.

Until a few generations ago, one had to possess that golden magic power to ascend the throne.

That’s how much significance golden magic power held in the Arpen Kingdom.

“Just who is…”

They looked around, searching for the source of the golden magic power. Then, they discovered it was emanating from a priest wearing a deep hood.

He slowly walked forward, drawing everyone’s attention.

“This is…”

Marius also faltered and retreated. The battle entered a brief lull, but the dark and golden magic powers still clashed, intertwined.

At that moment, an unexpected figure appeared in the banquet hall.

“Oh. So that’s the golden magic power. Impressive?”

It was Lac.

Behind him, elite Royal Guards entered and lined up neatly.

Everyone was stunned by the appearance of the Royal Guard, a symbol of the Imperial Palace. They had no idea how the situation was unfolding.

At that moment, the priest who had arrived in front of the Royal Guard turned around and revealed his face.

“Th-that person is!”

A boy with brilliant golden hair.

The Second Prince, Lion Arpen.

He was here.

With the Royal Guard behind him, he stood confidently, enveloped in golden magic power.

His eyes sparkled, turning the same golden hue as the magic power.

“This is impossible. His Highness, the Second Prince…”

Everyone was astonished, their mouths agape. The fact that Lion possessed golden magic power was surprising, but his very appearance was even more so.

The Second Prince, Lion Arpen.

He had been imprinted in everyone’s minds as someone who had long been eliminated from the succession struggle due to his timid nature.

But the figure they saw now was nothing like that. His eyes held intelligence and dignified grace, filled with a strong will.

‘Was he always this resolute?’

Lion, radiating golden light, seemed exceptionally large. He, whom they had only thought of as young, was no longer young.

“Please stop, Brother.”

A calm voice echoed through the hall. The magic power was still clashing, but Lion remained composed.

The nobles began to find a sense of stability in his composed demeanor, as if this were not even a crisis.

The appearance of a royal with golden magic power.

It drove away their fear. Marius, recognizing this fact, expressed his rage.

“It wasn’t Elian, it was you who was behind this. I should have killed you long ago.”

He reached out his hand again. Then, dark magic power surged towards Lion.

“Your Highness, Second Prince!”

A voice, whose owner was unknown, rang out. But Lion simply raised his hand and blocked the magic power with ease.

Even before his awakening, Lion had summoned a Gold Dragon, whereas Marius had not.

They were incomparable from the start.

“You have crossed the line. To attempt to summon a Black Dragon.”

“This is impossible.”

“His Majesty…?”

At Lion’s words, they covered their mouths in shock. What they had suspected was finally put into words, and reality seemed to sink in.

The fact that Lion had created this situation to prevent it.

‘Then His Highness, the Second Prince…’

‘We did well to cooperate with him in advance. To think His Highness, the Second Prince, possessed golden magic power.’

‘Damn it.’

The fortunes of the nobles who supported Marius and those who had agreed to cooperate with him from the beginning diverged.

Even the nobles who had agreed to cooperate did not know that Lion possessed golden magic power.

They had simply made their decision based on Elian and the Rippen Ducal Family, who would serve as Lion’s backing.

But now that it was revealed he possessed golden magic power, the very proof of imperial authority, it signified a clear transfer of imperial power.

Moreover, Marius’s current appearance was none other than Chayrsus, the Black Dragon of legend, which made it even more undeniable.

“Stop now, and then…”

“Shut up! Do you think I’ll stop here!”

Marius roared in fury. He nodded, hearing a voice whispering in his heart.

“No one can stop me. I am the master of this land!”

The moment his black eyes flashed, the Black Dragon’s magic power consumed Marius.

“Aaaargh!!”

With a monstrous cry, Marius’s body turned black and writhed. It swelled enormously, and his skin began to transform into hard scales.

A perfectly materialized dragon appeared before them, not a form made of residual magic power.

Everyone watched the sight in stunned silence. Marius, now a complete dragon, kicked off the floor and soared into the sky.

—CRASH!

“Take cover!”

“Kyaa!”

As the massive body pierced the ceiling, the banquet hall instantly descended into chaos.

Falling debris struck the people.

“Block it!”

At Lac’s urgent shout, everyone, without exception, began to deflect or shatter the debris to protect themselves.

Fortunately, there were three Sword Masters present, and brilliant sword trails were embroidered in the air, shielding the people.

“Ah…”

Debris, broken into small pieces, obscured their vision. Within it, someone let out a small gasp.

At that voice, everyone looked up at the sky.

Above the gaping hole in the ceiling, the Black Dragon flapped its wings, expelling smoke.

As their vision cleared, they could see how large and threatening the being hovering high in the sky was.

It looked as if it could trample them and destroy the kingdom at any moment.

This was the presence of the Black Dragon, which had nearly driven the world to ruin.

[True awakening is not far off. I will return.]

A menacing voice boomed, threatening to tear their eardrums.

Everyone covered their ears in agony, but his voice echoed throughout the entire capital.

It instilled fear in many.

‘Damn it.’

Elian bit his lip at the escalating situation. Marius once again generated a strong gust of wind and soared upwards.

It seemed he intended to escape.

“Lion! Summon Valterias.”

“Yes? But…”

“Quickly!”

At Elian’s urgent insistence, Lion gathered his magic power and summoned Valterias.

With a cute “pong” sound that didn’t fit the situation, the Gold Dragon was summoned.

Fortunately, everyone’s attention was stolen by the Black Dragon, so no one saw it.

“Hmm. It seems like quite a troublesome situation,” Bartarias murmured, watching the Black Dragon.

Elian amplified his abilities and activated the magic circle. Then, Bartarias’s true form, not its cute appearance, began to be reflected in everyone’s eyes.

“Th-that’s.”

“This is impossible.”

How many times today had they been surprised? The nobles’ eyes widened.

Bartarias seemed pleased with its appearance and transformed into light, soaring high into the sky.

The form of the Gold Dragon, bathed in golden light, painted the sky as if pursuing the Black Dragon.

Brilliant golden light engulfed the darkness, shattering into pieces.

It was a magnificent performance that perfectly drove away the fear left by Marius.

‘Lion hasn’t awakened yet.’

That was it.

The reason Elian summoned Bartarias and showed it to everyone was to dispel their fear and prevent chaos.

The sudden appearance of a menacing Black Dragon.

But by immediately revealing the Gold Dragon, the anxiety was quelled.

It made them believe that, just like in the founding myth, the Gold Dragon would protect them.

“Lion.”

After circling the sky once, Bartarias returned. Above Lion’s head, Bartarias unfurled its wings in a majestic manner.

With a single flap of its wings, countless golden particles fell, illuminating the banquet hall.

The sight was like a scene from a myth. Lion, understanding Elian’s intent, stepped forward.

“Emperor Marius Arpen has committed the grave sin of summoning a Black Dragon. This is an unforgivable treason and a great disaster threatening the nation. Therefore, I declare here that Marius Arpen is deposed from the throne, and I, Lion Arpen, will protect this nation with the Gold Dragon Bartarias, bringing prosperity and glory!”

As if prepared, Lion declared boldly. His eyes already seemed resolute, as if bearing a great burden.

It resonated with everyone’s hearts. Bartarias, as if to aid Lion, emitted a dazzling light.

A blindingly bright light burst forth, making Lion even more divine.

“I, Lucian Berik, will follow His Majesty the Emperor.”

The first to respond to Lion’s declaration was his follower, Lucian.

With a serious expression, he politely knelt and paid his respects to Lion as Emperor. Then, one by one, others began to pay their respects to Lion in the same manner.

“Captain of the Imperial Palace Royal Guard, Lac Chen. I will follow His Majesty the Emperor.”

“I will follow.”

The Royal Guard, who protected the Imperial Palace.

“Captain of the Imperial Guard, Jade Rustas. I will follow His Majesty the Emperor.”

“I will follow.”

The Imperial Guard, who protected the Imperial Family.

“Kirendis Riphen.”

“Alexis Riphen.”

“We, the Rippen Ducal Family, will also follow His Majesty the Emperor.”

Even the Rippen Ducal Family, destined to be the head of the nobles.

As these three powers pledged loyalty to Lion, the nobles who had decided to aid Lion followed suit, kneeling and pledging their allegiance.

With the situation unfolding this way, the nobles who had followed Marius also realized they were mistaken and quickly changed their stance.

Though their ulterior motives remained unknown, for now, they chose to follow the seemingly certain Emperor.

Thus, everyone knelt and bowed low. Now, only Elian remained.

—Gulp.

The sound of someone unknown swallowing dryly could be heard.

In people’s minds, Elian was always someone who fought back and never yielded.

The sight of him bowing his back and lowering his head was unimaginable. Thus, their gazes were drawn to him.

‘Sigh.’

Elian inwardly felt exasperated.

Even though the others, unlike Marius’s nobles, knew that Elian had orchestrated this, they reacted this way.

However, it was a fitting result of his diligent efforts. Thinking so, he felt a sense of amusement and, with a slight upturn of his lips, knelt.

If his presence was this significant, Lion’s status would be greatly determined by his future actions.

“I, Elian Eshton, pledge to eternally follow His Majesty Emperor Lion Arpen.”

A declaration slightly different from the others.

Elian’s pledge of loyalty, imbued with the will to never change, burst forth.

His declaration surprised everyone, their eyes widening slightly.

‘He’s going that far?’

‘If this is the case…’

A perfect pledge of loyalty.

The Emperor had gained complete control over Elian Eshton, the de facto power in this nation.

With the Gold Dragon Bartarias shining behind him, exuding an imposing aura, immense exhilaration filled everyone’s hearts.

Although the crisis of the Black Dragon still remained, they were confident that with this combination, they would not only overcome it safely but also achieve great things.

“If that is your will…”

Lion spoke heavily. He had not yet declared himself Emperor.

Therefore, it was necessary to make a final, grand announcement.

Lion took a step forward and shouted in a firm, loud voice.

“I, Lion Arpen, hereby declare that I have become the Emperor of this nation as of this moment!”

“Waaaaah!!”

“Waaaaah!!”

Upon Lion’s declaration, thunderous cheers erupted from the knights. The roar that filled the banquet hall would now echo throughout the entire nation.

The cheers would ripple outwards, reaching even the farthest corners of the land.

Lion’s fame would spread and take deep root everywhere.

Elian decided to name it this: the birth of a true king.

‘It’s done. The great crisis is over, right?’

For him, the great crisis was his own death, as described in the novel. If Lion became king, the nation would prosper, and he would no longer die for political reasons.

That was Elian’s greatest goal, so a sense of accomplishment washed over him.

The danger of Marius, who had transformed into a Black Dragon, still remained, but for him, it was merely a minor, passing crisis.

So, for now, he would savor this sense of accomplishment…

‘Huh…?’

Elian blinked, trying to focus his vision. Having exerted considerable power, his sight was blurring.

‘Whoa…’

But that wasn’t all. The side effects of overusing his abilities were not limited to blurred vision.

“Ah…”

With a short sigh, his vision completely turned black, and he collapsed powerlessly.

“Elian!”

“Lord Elian!”

“Uncle!”

Familiar voices could be heard. But he couldn’t say anything. His body felt as if it were being crushed by something, rendering him immobile.

‘I’m ruined.’

Lion had just become Emperor, and he had a mountain of tasks ahead. It was problematic to lose consciousness like this.

But his consciousness was fading. He faintly heard voices urgently calling for a physician or a priest.

‘A priest… there should be one in the hall… Ah, he wasn’t attending because Lion took his place.’

It was an event where, by chance, no priest was present, making the situation seem even more frantic.

But since it had come to this, he decided to just think of it easily.

‘If I take a nap… I’ll be fine.’

Elian was thus drawn into the deep darkness.

The expectation that he would be fine after a nap was completely wrong.

‘I can’t see…’

Elian blinked, greatly disheartened. He had heard that overusing abilities could lead to blindness, and wondered if this was such a case.

“It’s temporary. It will return with time, so don’t worry too much.”

Bartarias’s indifferent voice could be heard. At those words, those beside him let out sighs of relief.

“That’s a great relief. I was worried, thinking I had caused a big problem.”

It was an ability used additionally to show Bartarias to everyone. Perhaps because of that, Lion seemed very worried.

“I used it because I wanted to. Even if I became completely blind, I wouldn’t blame you.”

It would be inconvenient if he couldn’t see, but it couldn’t be helped. It was his own fault for not being careful, so he couldn’t blame Lion.

“Please don’t say that. It happened because of me, so it’s all my responsibility. So please don’t overexert yourself from now on.”

Her cute yet firm tone made him chuckle.

“Don’t laugh like that. I’m serious.”

“That’s right. It would be best not to overexert your abilities from now on.”

“I can’t disagree this time.”

Lion’s voice was followed by Jade’s and Kirendis’s.

Among them, Kirendis’s voice sounded particularly weak, indicating he seemed quite surprised.

“Elian has a tendency not to cherish his own body. For my sake, please don’t do that anymore. Promise me.”

As Kirendis gently took his hand and spoke, Elian flinched.

It was partly because his voice sounded so pleading, but also because, considering the content and the physical contact, he felt it was too blatant, especially when they weren’t alone.

He could somehow sense Lion’s sparkling eyes and Jade’s stiffened face.

“Elian.”

As he hesitated, unsure if this was acceptable, Kirendis squeezed his hand and urged him on.

‘Sigh. Alright, well… neither of them doesn’t know…’

Elian let out a quiet sigh and replied.

“Okay. I’ll be careful.”

“Thank you.”

His incredibly gentle voice made his heart tingle.

Embarrassed, Elian cleared his throat softly and changed the subject.

“Ahem. Well, everyone must be busy, so you should go now.”

“…”

“…”

“…”

It was a clear dismissal.

The three, who hadn’t expected such a remark, were taken aback. But Elian had his reasons.

‘I don’t want to show this weak side.’

Until now, he had lived his life pretending not to be sick when he was, pretending to be fine when injured, and acting strong in every way possible.

He had no immunity to such gazes and saw no reason to show them.

However, the three did not seem to think so, and starting with Lion, they all spoke up.

“What are you saying? Uncle, you can’t see right now.”

“You will need help.”

“What will you do when you send everyone away?”

Elian tilted his head at the barrage of words.

“Isn’t this the Duchy? If I need help, I can just call the servants.”

“…”

“…”

“…”

The three were unable to respond to such an obvious statement. Elian could read a hint of dissatisfaction in their silence. Knowing what they were thinking, he chuckled and said, “I appreciate your desire to help me directly, but you’re all busy.”

“We’re not busy! Please let me help. This happened because of me.”

“I’m fine too. I’ve always served by your side, so I will stay by your side.”

“Wouldn’t it be more comfortable for you if I were by your side than others?”

He burst into laughter at the flood of words that followed.

He found their stubbornness, even when they knew it was impossible, to be endearing.

Knowing they were worried, he calmly soothed them.

“Lion, you have to go to the Imperial Palace now. Since you’ve decided to become Emperor, you must successfully complete the coronation ceremony first.”

“…”

“Jade, it’s the same for you. With Marius gone, the most dangerous person is Lion. As Captain of the Imperial Guard, you must protect Lion.”

“…”

“Kirendis, although the investiture ceremony was abruptly interrupted, you’ve already taken over most of the duties. Furthermore, the ceiling of the banquet hall is completely broken, so it needs to be repaired quickly.”

His calm explanation was flawless.

However, the ensuing silence exuded a reluctance to accept it.

In that state, Jade was the first to nod.

“My thinking was shortsighted. I will fulfill my duty as Captain of the Imperial Guard.”

He replied calmly, his voice feigning composure. However, he had not fully accepted Elian’s words.

“However, Lord Elian is also of the Imperial Family. I don’t distrust the Duchy, but as a precaution, I will leave a few Guardian knights.”

The meaning of his words was that by leaving Guardian knights, he would periodically check on Elian’s well-being.

Since there was no way to prevent that, Elian nodded.

“Alright. If the Duchy agrees, then let’s do that.”

“I don’t mind. In fact, it would be reassuring if the Imperial Guard protected Elian while I was away.”

Kirendis surprisingly nodded easily. It was unclear whether it was because he was more lenient within his own domain or because other Imperial Guard knights, not Jade, were coming.

Perhaps both.

“Then, I’ll leave Bartarias behind too. It will be much more reassuring to have Bartarias by your side.”

“Bartarias? Then you?”

Lion asked in shock. Then, Bartarias answered instead.

“If Lion is in danger, I will know immediately. We are connected anyway, so don’t worry.”

As expected of a legendary Divine Beast.

His voice sounded a little more reassuring today.

“It would be nice not to be bored if Bartarias stays by my side.”

However, Elian, without showing it, smiled playfully and reached out. Despite not being able to see, he easily grasped the soft body.

“Gah! Let go, you wicked human! Who said I would play with you?! I’m only staying by Lion’s side because he’s worried. Don’t misunderstand!”

“Yes, yes. You’re a good Divine Beast, aren’t you? Oh my, how cute.”

“Gah!”

He heard Bartarias’s pained cry as he stretched its body in his hand. Elian, for the first time in a long while, doted on it to his heart’s content and smiled with satisfaction.

Since he couldn’t see, he wondered how he would spend his time, but this turned out well.

“Thank you, Lion. I’ll play well with Bartarias.”

“I want to play with you too, Uncle… but I can’t help it. Please come to the Imperial Palace when you’re better.”

“Yes. I will.”

Once Lion went to the Imperial Palace, he would no longer be able to move freely. He would have to bear the weight of the crown.

Elian knew this too, so he added that he would visit often to reassure him.

However…

“Of course, once the coronation is over, I’ll make sure you come to the Imperial Palace even if you don’t want to. The Ministry of Finance needs you.”

“…”

“We’ve already spoken. I asked the current minister what he thought about your return, and he said he was fine and that you should do your best to return as soon as possible.”

“…”

“He was a truly good person.”

…He had already progressed that far.

Elian didn’t know whether to praise Lion for quickly consolidating power in the Imperial Palace or advise him not to proceed too quickly.

‘He might return right away at this rate!’

Some activity was necessary to empower Lion, but a full return was still under consideration.

While his presence was beneficial to Lion now, he thought it wouldn’t be good in the long run.

But he knew that no matter what he said now, the current Lion wouldn’t listen, so he could only sigh.

“Please don’t be too fast.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll handle it as quickly as possible.”

…When did this child grow up to be so stubborn?

The cute and gentle child had grown into someone who could push his own agenda.

It was both proud and bittersweet.

“Then, I’ll be going now. Actually, I was waiting because I wanted to see you wake up.”

Lion said with a slightly embarrassed tone. Knowing it was his last stubbornness, Elian reached out towards the sound of his voice and stroked his head, saying, “Go on. You’ll do well wherever you go, so don’t worry too much.”

“Uncle…”

Hearing Lion’s voice, which sounded touched, Elian smiled gently.

With a face that seemed much more at ease, Lion turned to leave.

“Then, I will return to the Imperial Guard as well.”

“Please work hard for the time being.”

“Yes. I will visit again soon.”

After hearing Jade’s farewell, Kirendis, with a look of regret, also spoke.

“I may not be able to visit often, but I will try.”

He clearly showed he wanted to come and go as he pleased. Still, unlike others, the fact that he could see him anytime he wished seemed to reassure him.

“Alright. Don’t push yourself too hard.”

Finding that endearing, I let out a laugh, and a surprise kiss, a ‘smack—’ sound, landed on my lips.

“I’m leaving now, Elian.”

“Huh? Uh… Go then.”

Perhaps it was because it happened while I couldn’t see, but I answered somewhat dazedly. Elian, alone in the room, traced his lips, still feeling the warmth, with his fingertips.

“You’re being awfully obvious now.”

At the words that followed with a tut of his tongue, Elian’s face flushed red.

He… was not alone.

Elian’s first day spent in darkness was not bad.

Valterias was an amusing companion, and his reactions were cute, making him fun to tease.

Especially when I held him in my hand and fiddled with him, his squirming was truly adorable.

“Think of it as a massage. How is it? Doesn’t it feel good?”

“Ahem. Well… thinking of it that way, it’s not bad.”

As I massaged him gently with soft hands, he seemed to be enjoying it. Valterias completely entrusted his body to Elian’s hands.

‘He’s just so bad at being honest.’

It was cute how he wouldn’t say he liked it, and how he wouldn’t push me away if he truly disliked it.

If he could see, it would be different, but now that he couldn’t, if he ran away, there would be no way to catch him again.

“If it’s a massage, press a little harder. It’s just ticklish.”

Seeing that he was now even giving instructions on the intensity, he seemed to have adapted perfectly.

Elian, finding Valterias so cute, suppressed a laugh and said,

“How is this, sir?”

“Just right. Continue.”

“Yes, yes.”

As I played with Valterias like that, time flew by.

Since he couldn’t do anything on his own, he needed help with meals and washing.

As a member of the Royal Family, he was accustomed to the touch of others, but it was still inconvenient without his sight.

Still, it was amusing to have Valterias constantly interfering with the servants and nagging them.

“Hey! Guide him carefully. If he gets even slightly hurt, Lion will be sad.”

“When you serve food, shouldn’t you give some kind of signal? You have not an ounce of common sense.”

“That one next to it looks delicious too. And the one next to that.”

Even though Elian didn’t feel particularly uncomfortable, Valterias found fault with everything.

It seemed he was doing it deliberately because the reactions were amusing. Since his identity as a Gold Dragon had been revealed, he stammered whenever anything was said.

Moreover, he seemed pleased that Elian addressed him respectfully as “Yes, Lord Valterias” at the end of every sentence.

‘Honestly, he’s so cute.’

Elian spent the entire day like that with Valterias.

“By the way, is it okay for me to be summoned like this continuously?”

Just before going to bed, Elian suddenly voiced a thought that occurred to him. He was worried about the magic power of his contractor, Lion.

“You’re asking rather late.”

At the words that followed with a tut of his tongue, Elian gave an awkward laugh.

“If I had to maintain it, I could, but it’s better to conserve it when possible.”

“Then at least come visit while I sleep. There’s nothing particularly dangerous happening anyway.”

In fact, keeping Valterias by his side for security was overprotective.

With how many knights were guarding this place, what danger could there possibly be?

“I was planning to do just that. Someone is coming to relieve me right now.”

“Relieve you?”

As Elian tilted his head again, the sound of the door opening was heard.

“Elian.”

It was Kirendis.

“Huh?”

Elian turned his head towards the voice. However, since he couldn’t see, there was no way to confirm if it was Kirendis.

But as the familiar scent grew stronger, he became certain it was him.

“Are you seriously going to sleep here?”

He asked, just in case, but there was no reply.

“Thank you for your hard work protecting Elian. You may go rest now. I will guard him from now on.”

“Right. I worked hard today. Well then, I’ll be back tomorrow. Good work, human.”

What had he even done to deserve thanks for hard work…

Elian was dumbfounded, but before he could retort, Valterias disappeared with a ‘poof—’ sound.

“I’m here, Elian.”

Just then, a gentle voice was heard right in front of him. Startled, Elian instinctively flinched back slightly.

“Ah, sorry. Did I startle you?”

“I-I wasn’t startled. I was just taken aback. You said you couldn’t come often?”

Not wanting to be someone who gets startled by such trivial things, he quickly changed the subject.

Fortunately, whether he was fooled or chose to be, he heard a voice answering his question.

“That’s right. I wanted to come every hour, but I was too busy to find the time.”

“……”

Elian was speechless.

Only then did he realize that his definition of ‘often’ and his definition of ‘often’ were vastly different.

“My goal for tomorrow is to spend time with you during meals. Wouldn’t it be much more comfortable for Elian if I helped you at mealtime?”

…It was true, but he could sense something impure in his intentions.

He remembered the time when they first met, and Kirendis had fed him while Elian’s hands were bound.

As if sensing his suspicion, Kirendis quickly changed the subject and fled.

“Then, I’ll go wash up quickly. Don’t sleep, wait for me. Okay?”

“What? You, really here….”

—BANG!

“……”

He was so quick that the bathroom door slammed shut in no time, and the sound of water began.

“Sigh…”

It wasn’t that Elian disliked spending time with Kirendis, but in his current state, it was a bit much.

‘I want to show him only my best side.’

This state of being unable to do anything wasn’t very impressive.

He was also unnecessarily worried because he had no way of knowing if his face looked okay.

It felt unfamiliar, as he had never cared about it before.

‘Should I just fall asleep quickly?’

Kirendis had told him to wait, but Elian quickly lay down and pulled the covers over himself.

Since he couldn’t see anyway, it made no difference whether he covered himself or not, but just covering his face made him feel more at ease.

‘Good. Let’s sleep now.’

Elian tried to fall asleep quickly. But one couldn’t fall asleep just because they wanted to.

He had slept plenty while unconscious, and since he had spent the whole day playing without expending energy, he was full of vigor.

Furthermore, the sound of water from Kirendis’s bath was echoing softly, making it difficult to sleep.

‘Ah, really.’

Elian buried his face in the sheets and writhed. Not being able to see was more bothersome than he had thought.

‘This is frustrating.’

As he tossed and turned, the door opened with a click.

“Elian?”

A low voice, followed by a wave of warm air, approached him.

“Are you sleeping?”

Listening to the approaching footsteps, he swallowed hard.

He was unintentionally pretending to be asleep, and tension filled the air.

“Are you really sleeping?”

His voice sounded suspicious, and he debated whether to open his eyes right then. However, he surprisingly agreed easily and nodded his head.

“Can’t be helped.”

He felt relieved. But at that moment, the blanket he was wearing was lifted, and the bed dipped.

‘Huh?’

Kirendis had unceremoniously invaded the blanket.

It was a natural action since he said he would sleep over, but the problem came afterward.

“This is Elian’s fault for falling asleep first when I told you not to. You know that, right?”

A gentle voice whispered in his ear, and a large hand slipped under his pajamas.

He endured the trembling of his body and remained still, but then the hand slid up his waist and cupped his chest.

‘Gasp!’

He wondered what Kirendis intended to do to someone who was supposedly asleep.

Of course, he wasn’t actually asleep, but Kirendis thought he was.

“Sigh…”

With a sigh of satisfaction, a small protrusion was grasped. Kirendis gently rolled his fingertip over the nipple and pulled his lower body close.

He could feel his lower body hardening against Kirendis’s chest, the heartbeat from behind him palpable.

‘W-what is this.’

Kirendis had gotten hard just by holding Elian and lightly touching his nipple.

It was a surprisingly fast reaction, but he had no time to dwell on it.

‘Sigh… a moan…’

It felt like it was about to escape. Since he couldn’t see, his senses felt more acute.

Even though the movement was light, just gently rolling and lightly bouncing, the part being touched was so ticklish that his face flushed.

“Elian…”

The voice pouring into his ear was also so sweet and ticklish.

Elian, though there was no need, squeezed his eyes shut and swallowed his moans.

However, without any reward for his efforts, his pants were pulled down, and his erect penis touched his buttocks.

“Gasp.”

Elian quickly shut his mouth, trying to stifle the involuntary sound.

What touched between his buttocks was his own smooth, bare flesh.

‘Oh, this is insane. Is he completely naked?’

He hadn’t expected him to be wearing nothing at all, and his heart began to pound wildly.

He imagined Kirendis, fresh from his bath, walking out naked, and his body grew hot.

It was a blessing that he couldn’t see; if he could, he would have stared blankly.

‘Ah, this is driving me crazy.’

Elian regretted pretending to be asleep. He hadn’t expected him to pull down his pants and rub his penis against him while he was asleep.

Just as he wondered if this had happened before, Kirendis slowly began to move his hips.

“Sigh…”

“Hng.”

A moan escaped him at the hot breath pouring onto his shoulders and the large, firm presence. However, Kirendis seemed not to notice, his attention elsewhere.

The gentle grinding of his hips made his head spin.

“I’ll just… touch a little.”

With a deep, husky voice, his nipple began to be rolled again.

The movements were careful, as if not wanting to wake him, but that only made him more anxious.

The movement of the penis wedged between his buttocks was also subtle, and the hand rolling his nipple was incredibly light.

Having experienced many rough encounters, this felt unfamiliar. His heightened senses seemed to easily arouse his desire. The more he was gently rubbed and rolled, the more heat gathered in his lower body.

‘Ah, no.’

Why was he getting aroused when he hadn’t done anything?

Elian tried to suppress his desire, but it was futile. Kirendis was masturbating, breathing out hot breaths.

“Sigh. Elian.”

At that suggestive voice, his penis became fully erect.

Kirendis, whether he knew it or not, began to increase his movements.

He moved his thick, club-like penis back and forth between Elian’s legs, while his fingertips pressed firmly on the nipple and spun it around.

“Hng.”

He tried to suppress his moans, but it was impossible. Elian carefully covered his mouth.

“Sigh, sigh.”

His breathing grew faster, and his movements became more intense.

Seeing that he wasn’t reacting much after all this, perhaps emboldened, or perhaps having lost his reason, the sound of slapping flesh could be heard.

He also grabbed his chest fully and thrust his hips, making him increasingly breathless.

‘Hng… What, what should I do….’

His head was growing hotter, and he felt like he was about to be discovered. He wondered if he should reveal that he was awake, but even that was difficult.

‘Hng. I like it.’

He liked it so much that Kirendis was enveloping his body and releasing his arousal.

The firm embrace was comforting, hot, and passionate. Kirendis’s feelings flooded him like a torrent, and he could only embrace it, unable to speak.

“Ah. Elian, Elian.”

He heard his name being called in an excited voice. Elian’s heat rose, and his breath grew short.

“Ngh… Ah.”

Now, with a ‘to hell with it’ attitude, he let out a moan. Yet, Kirendis, unaware, increased his speed.

“Sigh, sigh.”

Just as he felt the heat reaching its limit, Kirendis lightly inserted his penis into the secret opening.

As he wondered what was happening, Kirendis let out a low groan and ejaculated hot fluid.

“Ugh.”

“Hng.”

Evidence of his arousal began to slosh and push into the small opening.

“Ha-ng.”

The sensation was so strange that Elian couldn’t hold back and ejaculated semen.

“Sigh…”

Kirendis let out a low breath and withdrew his penis. Then, semen began to leak out and flow.

He moved his penis between his buttocks, spreading the semen.

His rear was already soaked, but it became even slicker as he began to thrust.

“Hng… Kirendis. Stop.”

Elian, whose senses were already heightened, stopped pretending to be asleep and pleaded with Kirendis.

But he said nothing. He just kissed him while spreading the semen evenly.

“Hng.”

He felt the saliva mixing wetly and the movement of a soft tongue. Elian realized that Kirendis hadn’t been fooled from the start.

There was no sign of panic, and he was mixing breaths as if delighted.

Elian squirmed and resisted.

“Sigh. Why?”

His low, husky voice felt audacious.

“Since when did you know?”

“Hmm. When did I know?”

Kirendis asked slyly, pressing his body close. He felt something hard between his buttocks, as if he had gotten hard again.

“Crazy.”

Elian’s face turned pale, realizing that it was just the beginning.

It was already difficult to strongly resist Kirendis on a normal day, but now, being unable to see, it was even harder to resist.

Moreover, Elian had nothing to do for the time being.

This meant that it was the perfect time for Kirendis to run wild.

“Why? Don’t you like it? Elian liked it too, didn’t you?”

Kirendis said, gripping Elian’s slick penis tightly.

“Hng.”

He trembled at the upward stroke and his penis became erect.

As if satisfied, he immediately moved his hand back. His long fingers circled the entrance to the opening, and before he could do anything, they dug inside.

“Hng.”

“As expected, you like it. It feels even better since you can’t see.”

That was correct. Since he couldn’t see, even small actions made him heat up.

“But do you know something?”

Kirendis whispered, pushing in a second finger.

“You came just from stimulating your chest.”

“That!”

He was speechless, realizing that Kirendis must have seen it that way, even though he wanted to deny it.

It was true that he had been aroused by the caress of his chest, but the decisive reason was that Kirendis had ejaculated inside him.

But he couldn’t say that, and his face flushed red.

“Right?”

“N-no!”

“Then what made you so excited?”

“Just…”

What excuse could he possibly give!

As he was in a state of confusion, a voice that hit the mark whispered.

“Or… did you like it when I came inside you?”

—Jerk.

Elian flinched, realizing he had been found out. He couldn’t hide his honest bodily reaction.

“I see. Elian likes it when you come inside him.”

“Th-that’s not… Hng.”

The moment he tried to protest even a little, Kirendis scratched his sensitive spot.

“You like it when I scratch here, don’t you?”

“Ah. Stop…”

With each gentle scratch of his fingertips, his buttocks trembled, and his rear tightened. Seemingly pleased with this, Kirendis continued to target the same spot, increasing the heat.

“Wait a moment. I’ll scratch you with something better than fingers.”

“Hng. Don’t say… things like that… Hng.”

As if he didn’t like his small resistance, his lips were devoured.

Kirendis mingled his tongue wetly and pushed in another finger.

Simultaneously, as if his insides were filling up, the fingers began to move back and forth.

“Hng. Hng. Sigh.”

It felt good, as always.

Even with just fingers, the fullness inside was so pleasant. When he pressed the spot that felt the most sensitive, his buttocks involuntarily lifted.

He wanted to feel it deeper, to be crushed more intensely.

“Ngh.”

“Hoo. You like it this much.”

Kirendis aligned his penis with the entrance. As the glans slightly dug in, Elian tightened his rear as if urging him to enter quickly.

His face flushed red at the demanding posture. But Kirendis didn’t move.

“Hng. Why…”

“Would you like to try inserting it yourself?”

“Huh?”

Elian was flustered. Try inserting it myself?

“Hmm. Is this position difficult?”

He muttered to himself, then withdrew his penis and proceeded to pull down Elian’s pants further.

“Whoa!”

In an instant, his upper body clothing was also removed, leaving him completely naked. Perhaps because he couldn’t see, it felt more embarrassing than usual.

But Kirendis didn’t stop there.

He lifted Elian as he was and adjusted their position to his liking.

“Ah. That’s better.”

“……”

It was a position where he sat and Elian mounted him. Between his spread legs, a formidable object made contact.

Kirendis gripped Elian’s hips, spread them, and pressed down with force. Then, just like before, the opening widened and swallowed his glans.

“This way, it’ll be easier for Elian to move himself, right?”

His proud voice sounded irritating. But Elian’s rear was already filled with anticipation, tightly gripping the glans.

“Haa. Elian, hurry.”

As if quite stimulated, Kirendis urged him on in a low voice.

He massaged Elian’s hips as if to say insert it faster.

“Hnn. You, really.”

“Shall I hold your hands?”

As if remembering Elian couldn’t see, he took Elian’s hands and offered support.

Though called support, it looked more like a firm grip to prevent escape.

With him held perfectly, all he could do was lower his hips.

“Elian. I think I’m going to cum like this.”

“What?”

Elian’s eyes widened as he looked down towards the voice. He could vividly imagine Kirendis’s mischievous face, which he couldn’t possibly see.

“I could cum a hundred more times in this state, Elian, would you be alright with that?”

“……”

There was no way he’d be alright. While Kirendis was getting at least a little stimulation, Elian was getting none.

But the moment Kirendis’s semen spread inside his body, Elian felt like he would cum too.

He thought it was an absurd guess, but given their history, it felt entirely possible.

“You really……”

Elian began to lower his hips little by little, resenting him.

“Hnn……”

His rear opened wide, and the penis pushed in. He vividly felt the inner wall clinging to it as if welcoming him.

“Haa. Elian. You really do seem more sensitive than usual.”

Kirendis seemed to feel it too. Satisfied sighs escaped his lips one after another.

“Hoo. Aren’t you liking it too much?”

“Sh, shut up.”

Embarrassed, he warned Kirendis and lowered his hips.

Even though he had already been loosened with fingers, Kirendis’s penis was so large that he struggled.

His rear opened to its limit, and his hips trembled. Trying to insert it without being able to see felt a little frightening, so his pace was slow.

Because of that, he could clearly feel the movement of his penis being sucked and swallowed.

“Haa. If this continues, it’ll break. Shall I help a little?”

“No, it’s fi—”

The moment he tried to refuse, Kirendis thrust his hips up with a thwack—

“Haaak!”

“Haa.”

The pleasure that struck his entire body shook his mind. Elian trembled, waiting for the intense pleasure to pass.

“You, really.”

The pleasure was so intense that tears welled up in his eyes without him realizing it. Then, the penis filling him inside trembled and swelled once more.

“Haa. Elian. Hurry and move. I think I’m going to cum.”

“Ugh, what are you… Haaang.”

Kirendis seemed quite impatient, thrusting his hips repeatedly. With his hands still held tight, he had no choice but to have his prostate attacked.

“Eung… Ah. Haat.”

However, the shallow movements felt insufficient. To feel stronger stimulation, he had to move himself.

“Hnn……”

Elian braced himself with his legs and lifted his hips.

As he tightened his rear and stimulated the penis, Kirendis let out a satisfied sigh.

“Haa.”

Gladly, he sank down slightly, and the blunt glans pressed firmly against his prostate.

“Hnn……”

Moving himself felt good because it provided just the right amount of stimulation.

“Haa. Eung. Ah.”

Thus, Elian began to move himself, bobbing his hips.

The sight of him closing his eyes, feeling intensely, and swallowing the penis himself was incredibly stimulating to Kirendis.

Ah, I feel like I’m going to cum any second now.

He wondered if it was okay to do this to a patient who couldn’t see, but he’d heard that besides his eyes, he was very healthy, so his guilt disappeared.

Besides, wasn’t he holding him well so he wouldn’t fall?

“Eung. Ah. Good, Kirendis.”

Before he knew it, Elian was completely caught up in the act, moving rapidly.

The sight of him calling his name and chasing pleasure was always beautiful.

“Hnn. Ah, what do I do… Ah.”

His senses seemed to have sharpened due to his loss of sight, and he trembled, feeling pleasure more easily than usual.

The trembling was transmitted directly, and his heart overflowed.

Seeing the tears well up from excessive arousal made him want to make him cry properly. He wanted to push him until he cried his eyes out and lick away the tears.

Though it was hard to imagine, he felt it was possible now that he was more sensitive than usual.

“Haa. I can’t hold it anymore.”

“Eung… What…?”

At that moment, he had pulled the penis out to the very tip of the glans. Kirendis released his hands, focusing on his own rapidly blurring vision.

“Huh?”

As the support disappeared, Elian, flustered, tightened his rear. He almost came, but Kirendis patiently endured and held his hips with both hands.

“Uh, uh……”

Only then did Elian realize his intention, his face turning pale. But there was also anticipation.

Kirendis, relieved, pulled Elian’s hips down and thrust with a thwack—

“Haak!”

“Ugh!”

His rear tightened, and immense pleasure washed over him. This was it. The sensation of having Elian completely.

“Haa.”

He exhaled a satisfied breath and looked at Elian.

Elian was also trembling uncontrollably, clearly overwhelmed by the pleasure. Instead of pity, Kirendis felt only satisfaction.

“Now I’m going to move.”

“Ah, no, not yet.”

Elian shook his head, but he couldn’t do anything.

Kirendis pulled his penis out and thrust again with a thwack—

“Haak!”

It was from then on. He began to make Elian cry out like a wild horse.

“Haang. Eung. Ah, no. Too. Deep… Ah!”

Given the position, it went in too deep. The strong thrusts made his body jolt, giving him the illusion that he was moving himself.

He felt like he was finding his own climax, pressing and grinding intensely, letting out loud moans, his face flushing red.

“Huk. Ah, Haat.”

The pleasure was so extreme that tears welled up. The inner wall, greedily swallowing the thick, hot penis, was incredibly sensual. His own penis, hitting Kirendis’s lower abdomen in a steady rhythm, was also very stimulating.

Thinking about how he must look, his lower abdomen grew hot with excitement.

If he felt this good, how must Kirendis feel, seeing him?

Was he feeling as much pleasure as he was?

Since he couldn’t see, he had to rely on his senses for Kirendis’s excited breaths, his veined penis.

As a result, the pleasure intensified, leaving him unable to control himself.

“Ah, ah, ah!”

As the relentless thrusting continued, he reached his limit, and a strong urge to cum washed over him.

Elian trembled and was about to cum. But.

“Huk. Th-this is……”

Elian wanted to check his own body. But he couldn’t see, so he couldn’t. However, from the sensations alone, he knew what was happening.

“Haa. We’re going together. Why are you trying to go alone?”

Kirendis had blocked his penis.

“Ah, no. I can’t hold it.”

“Just hold on a little longer, okay?”

Elian’s resolve weakened at the pleading voice.

He wanted to cum right away, but there was no other way. He couldn’t escape, nor did he want to.

“Th-then, hurry… cum.”

“Only if Elian cooperates well.”

Something felt ominous. As if to prove the premonition, Kirendis took a nipple into his mouth.

“Hnn. Ah, there.”

After covering it thoroughly with saliva, he bit it, making it plump.

He did the same to the other side, then pulled Elian’s hands up to his chest and said, “Try touching them yourself.”

“What?”

Flustered, Elian was once again at a loss. He didn’t know why he was being asked to do so much himself today.

To be told to caress his own chest while his penis was blocked and he was in agony.

“I want to see Elian cum while touching himself.”

“Hnn… You……”

He found Kirendis particularly mischievous today, and it was irritating. But he was also himself for not firmly refusing and quietly complying.

Despite his words of complaint, Elian gently rolled his nipples with his fingertips and began to moan.

“Hnn……”

“You have to do this one too.”

He had cleverly only been doing one side, but Kirendis quickly placed his hand on the other as well.

“Hut. Now, hurry……”

With a flushed face, he urged Kirendis to hurry and cum, tightening his rear. Kirendis began to move again.

“Haang. Eung. Ah, Ah!”

As his prostate was stimulated with repeated thuds, he cried out moans and pressed his own nipples.

His sensitive body heated up easily, even without Kirendis’s touch, and a tingling sensation shot through him from top to bottom.

He didn’t know if breasts could feel this easily, but he liked it immensely.

Every time his prostate was strongly crushed, he recalled what Kirendis had done and twisted, feeling like his penis would burst.

“Huk. Ah. Kiren, dis. Hurry. Hurry……”

Elian meant cum quickly, but Kirendis only heard it as a request to move faster.

The sight of him caressing his chest with teary eyes and writhing his hips was so stimulating it made his heart ache.

“Haa, Elian.”

“Hnn. Ah. Kiren, dis.”

Seeing Elian’s face, flushed with pleasure and sweet moans, sent heat flooding into Kirendis’s lower abdomen.

Kirendis thrust rapidly, blocking Elian’s penis.

“Haak, Uk. Ah, Ah!”

Listening to the rising moans, Kirendis gave one final, powerful thrust with all his might, spilling hot liquid— “Hnn…… Eung……”

As the semen gushed out, his body trembled, and his inner walls vibrated.

The intensity with which they squeezed and gripped his penis was the same as when he ejaculated.

Haa… No way.

Kirendis, still ejaculating, looked down at Elian’s penis, which he was blocking.

Because he had blocked it completely, no semen leaked out. His penis remained erect.

But Elian’s inner walls and expression were those of someone who had just poured out all their pleasure.

“Hoo. Elian… You didn’t cum just now, did you?”

“Hnn… What are you talking about……”

Elian was not fully conscious.

Kirendis laid Elian down on the bed and began to thrust again.

“Hnn. Ah… Ah, no. I just…”

“Haa… Feel it well. It’s still hard here.”

As he gently rolled the glans, Elian realized his own penis was still erect and his opening tightened.

The stimulation made Kirendis’s penis harden and grow again.

Whether it was terrifying or difficult to accept, he shook his head in denial.

“Ah, no.”

“Isn’t this unnecessary now?”

At the teasing words, Elian jumped. He intended to protest, to say it was ridiculous.

But his thick penis stimulated his prostate again, and Kirendis let go. A ticklish pleasure, like his whole body was being scratched, spread through him.

“Haat!”

Elian’s eyes began to glisten.

Kirendis moved his hips slowly back and forth. Though the pleasure reached its peak, Elian felt a lack and writhed his hips.

Semen was leaking from his un-cummed penis. The amount increased and decreased with each press against his prostate.

“Hnn… I don’t like this.”

Elian shook his head, tears welling up. It felt like he was cumming, but not cumming. That strange gap dominated Elian.

It felt so good it was hard to breathe, but at the same time, he felt a lack. He wanted to cum refreshingly and feel pleasure, but the pleasure he was receiving now was also intense.

“Haa… What are you talking about? You like it so much.”

Kirendis slowly thrust his hips, stroking upwards. Then, a pleasure like his whole body was being squeezed washed over him, and semen gushed out.

“Haak.”

“Haa.”

As his inner walls tightened, Kirendis closed his eyes and felt the stimulation. Then he moved his hips again, stroking upwards.

“Haa… Ah, no. Stop. Ah… I don’t like it.”

Elian, now extremely sensitive, twisted his body. Tears dripped, and his eyes turned red.

It looked so tempting that Kirendis lowered his head and licked. After thoroughly licking the tears that had seeped into his ear, he whispered in his ear, “Think carefully. Do you really not like it?”

The inner walls, swallowing him to the root, seemed to crave more.

The anticipation felt from his still-blocked penis.

The aching pleasure felt from his nipples.

“I think you like it…”

Elian truly wanted to cry. No, he was already crying.

He couldn’t deny it. He wanted to feel it again. This time, he wanted to feel stronger pleasure and moan to his heart’s content.

“How should I do it for you?”

The words whispered in his ear sounded like a devil’s temptation. But he was already thoroughly enchanted.

Elian, with a tearful voice, revealed his desire.

“Move for me.”

“You like it when I move for you?”

“Yes. I like it.”

He squeezed his eyes shut, and a tear fell. Kirendis smiled in satisfaction at the sight and licked the fallen tear with his tongue.

Elian’s tears were so sweet. It made him greedy to taste more. He knew it was a wicked thought, but he felt hopeful that he could taste it to his heart’s content tonight.

“Wrap your legs around my waist.”

His heart ached at the sight of Elian, trembling but obediently wrapping his legs around him and pressing close.

Kirendis felt heat rapidly rising and began to move his hips.

“Hnn.”

As the large, hot penis slowly stimulated his inner walls, Elian moaned and shed tears.

The pleasure was still so intense that his inner walls writhed and bit at the penis with each thrust.

“Haa. Good. You’re doing well. Now you should move your hands too.”

He guided Elian’s lost hands to his chest, and only then did Elian begin to stimulate his nipples little by little, exhaling hot breaths.

“Haat.”

“I’ll block the front for you.”

Just like before, he blocked the glans thoroughly, and Elian’s body flinched with anticipation.

Glad for the honest reaction, he slowly withdrew his penis and thrust in with a single motion.

“Haak!”

“Haa.”

His head lifted, and his lower body trembled. The tightening of his writhing inner walls was more intense than before.

He began to speed up, pushing relentlessly, feeling addicted.

“Hnn. Ah, good. Good.”

“Haa. Elian.”

With every forceful thrust, he shook his head and writhed. Yet, he continued to roll and twist his nipples with his hands, seeking pleasure.

His legs were wrapped well around his waist, and now he began to match Kirendis’s rhythm.

“Hut. Ah, Haat. Uk… Ah!”

“Haa. Haa……”

A thick, lingering pleasure filled the room. With every breath he took, the body grew heavier with the accumulating pleasure.

“Haak. Uk. Ah.”

Elian began to feel overwhelmed by the pleasure building within his body.

He felt something pressing down, making it hard to breathe. His movements slowed, and he lost the strength to move at all.

All he could do was feel the penis moving in and out of his inner walls, tightening around it.

“Are you already tired?”

“Huk. Eung. Ah, Ah……”

Kirendis changed positions, looking at Elian, who had reached his limit. He lifted one of Elian’s legs and inserted his penis deep inside.

“Haak!”

As the penis pushed to its limit between his spread legs, pleasure struck his entire body.

His whole body trembled, and he began to fall into a swamp of pleasure. His mind grew hazy, and a thick pleasure settled into every single cell.

“Haak. Ah! Ah, Ah!”

As he thrust again, Elian writhed. With a single thrust of his hips, an overwhelming urge to cum washed over him.

“Ah, no. No… Ah!”

Elian shook his head, resisting. A maddening pleasure was felt with every forceful stimulation of his prostate.

His front was still blocked, so not a single drop of semen escaped, but he felt the sensation as if he were ejaculating.

“Hngh. Stop. No more… Ha!”

Tears fell drop by drop, soaking the sheets. But Kirendis did not stop.

Without releasing his front, he gradually increased his pace.

“Haa, haa.”

“Hng. Ah, ha-eut. Ah!”

Gasps that felt like they would break followed one after another, reaching climax dozens of times.

At the moment he thought he might die from the sensation, Kirendis pulled out, leaving his glans barely grazing the entrance, and thrust hard— “Ha-euk!!”

“Ugh.”

—Gush.

As the hot liquid spread, his freed penis was strongly stimulated.

“Hng… Ah, ah…”

Elian trembled, letting out a moan. An immense sense of release washed over his entire body, enveloping him in supreme pleasure.

The heavy, pressing pleasure burst forth, making his whole body glow with ecstasy.

Evidence of his arousal, which he had been holding back, seeped out from his penis. The inner wall writhed in response, biting at his penis.

With every squeeze and bite, he felt Kirendis’s semen filling his belly. Even as he ejaculated, arousal surged again.

“Ha-eut…”

“Haa…”

With satisfied breaths, his penis was withdrawn. The semen that had filled him gushed out through the parted opening.

He felt a strange sensation from the liquid trickling down his hips. Elian shivered once more, feeling pleasure.

‘Ah… this is good.’

He felt satisfaction as he wandered through his dazed mind. It was a pleasure so intense that he couldn’t think of anything else.

The satisfaction it brought was immense. He felt so full, he thought he wouldn’t need it again for a while.

But Elian was the only one who thought that.

“Huh…?”

His body was flipped over. Before he could even process what was happening, a thick penis split his buttocks.

“Ha-euk!”

“Haa.”

His penis, which had somehow become hard again, filled him completely. He was flustered, wondering how soon after ejaculating it had become erect.

“Ah, no. Not anymore… Ha-ng.”

But he was relentless. Deeply inserted, he crushed Elian’s prostate while gripping Elian’s penis in his hand.

With familiar movements, he stroked it up and down, then twirled it around his glans, and it quickly gained strength and became hard.

“St-stop. Ha-euk.”

He tried to refuse, shaking his head, but Kirendis pressed down on his glans, blocking the opening again, and anticipation filled his entire body.

After just two encounters, his body had learned and begun to get excited.

“Ah, I shouldn’t… but…”

His resolve weakened, and he relaxed his body. Then, Kirendis began to move his hips again.

He thrust vigorously, lifting Elian’s hips.

“Ha-euk, ah! Ah!”

“Haa. Haa.”

With only his buttocks lifted, his penis was thrust mercilessly. Kirendis’s hand was no longer blocking his front, but Elian felt as if it were blocked.

His body was mistaken due to the repeated, identical actions.

Elian gasped for breath again and reached climax as his penis was thrust into him.

His extreme sensitivity made the process very fast.

“Hngh. Stop, ah. Ah…”

Elian was now sobbing and moaning. The pleasure was so intense that tears wouldn’t stop. He came and came again, but nothing came out of his penis.

Yet, the pleasure continued, and it was frightening.

“Haa. It’s okay. It’s okay, Elian.”

Kirendis whispered tenderly this time and kissed him.

As the kiss continued, pressing down on his trembling body, Elian quickly regained a sense of stability.

And then, his hips began to move again. With their lips locked, the gentle, rhythmic thrusting brought a pleasant satisfaction that spread throughout his body.

“Haa…”

“I can move now, right?”

“Huh…?”

Even though he had never stopped, he didn’t count the slow movements as actual movement.

He began to attack Elian again, and pleasure surged to the top of his head, bringing tears.

“Ngh. Ah, ah! Stop… No more… Ha-euk!”

“Haa, haa.”

The hot breath he felt from behind felt like it would burn him. Elian trembled, still unable to ejaculate.

And whenever it felt too difficult, Kirendis would soothe him with kisses.

As their saliva mixed wetly, gently stimulating his prostate, his resolve melted away.

Then, his penis would be thrust in roughly again. As this repeated, he realized Kirendis was doing it intentionally.

“Hngh. Ah, no. I want to… cum… cum now.”

“Haa… If you want to cum, you can.”

He said he could cum if he wanted to, but he couldn’t. His body felt like it was out of his control.

Kirendis held the control, and only his movements and touch could bring him what he desired.

Realizing this, he couldn’t help but plead. He wanted to release the sustained pleasure.

“Touch me. Touch me like you did before, Kirendis.”

At Elian’s plea, Kirendis gripped his penis. As he thrust and stroked, the pleasure, which had reached its limit, began to burst forth.

“Hngh. Ugh… Ah…”

With every thrust, semen gushed out. With every gentle stroke, his hips trembled and his inner walls writhed.

Elian realized that his body had become incapable of cumming on its own.

He couldn’t reach such pleasure alone; only Kirendis could bring it to him.

“Hngh. Ugh. Ugh…”

His body, perfectly attuned to Kirendis, felt strange yet satisfying. He felt overwhelmed, as if he had become completely his.

He didn’t know why he liked it, but he liked it so much that he clung to him.

“Hold me, Kirendis.”

At Elian’s request, Kirendis changed positions and embraced him. As he was held tightly in his large arms, he instinctively wrapped his legs around him and kissed him.

“Ugh…”

Their saliva mixed wetly, and he was thrust into again. He didn’t know how long this would last, but now his body belonged to Kirendis.

So, it was only right to give him as much as he wanted.

“I love you. I love you, Elian.”

“Huh?”

At the sudden confession of love, Elian stiffened.

The confession, as if reading his mind, only made him flustered.

He should have said he felt the same, but his lips wouldn’t move.

In the meantime, Kirendis kissed him again and firmly secured his hips. He knew too well what was about to begin, and his heart pounded madly.

The moment the sweet lips parted, he withdrew his penis and began to thrust rapidly.

“Ah, ah!”

Elian shed tears again. He climaxed and sobbed multiple times. Each time, a gentle kiss followed, and when he felt a little better, he was thrust into again.

In this manner, changing positions several times, their encounter continued.

“Ha-ng. Ah, no more. I can’t… anymore.”

Nothing more came from his penis. But Elian was still suffering from pleasure and feeling intensely.

Due to the continuous act, he could now easily reach climax without ejaculating.

“Haa. Just a little longer. I’ll do it a little longer.”

“Ha-ng. Ngh. No, no more is coming out.”

“You can cum even without ejaculating now.”

Kirendis had realized this too, which was why he kept tormenting Elian.

Moreover, since he could feel pleasure and reach climax even without anything coming out, he ended up participating even when it was difficult.

“Hngh. No. It’s… too much… Ngh… Ah.”

“Elian, just stay still. I’ll take care of everything.”

“That’s not the problem… Ha-ng. Ngh. Ah.”

Elian was caught by Kirendis again and moved. His body was limp, unable to muster strength, but Kirendis expertly lifted him and thrust.

His fingers stroked his lower back, tapping and rolling his nipples.

“Hng-ng.”

A languid moan poured out, and his rear tightened.

“Haa. See, you can still do it.”

He had nothing to say, but his body, which had already lost control, tightened its rear as Kirendis touched him, satisfying him.

His body, completely surrendered, betrayed his will and moved diligently.

As a result, Kirendis was able to hold and taste Elian to his heart’s content for the first time. He filled his starved desires.

“Hngh. Ngh. Ah…”

Elian cried until his eyes were swollen, and Kirendis held him, tasting his tears until dawn.