Side Story 2.2

The party’s atmosphere grew even more lively.

Naturally, the conversation shifted to talk about the two people who were the main figures of today’s banquet.

“I’ve heard that you and Duke Ephelmar are getting along very well.”

One of the Countesses remarked enviously.

“I heard Her Majesty the Empress also said that the two of you look wonderful together.”

“Perhaps the most perfect couple in the history of the Empire!”

Even though it was a political marriage, the two of them appeared to have the kind of relationship one would expect from a love marriage.

While most couples from political marriages maintained only formal courtesy, the Duke and Duchess were different.

Whenever the Duke looked at his wife, it seemed as though honey would fall from his eyes, and the other women also squealed, clearly excited.

As the praises for the Ephelmar couple were exchanged in front of her, Erta thought,

‘Hmm, it’s a political marriage, but it’s also kind of like a love marriage, isn’t it?’

After all, they had secretly shared intimate moments countless times, so if that couldn’t be considered love, what is?

The most important thing in a romantic relationship, after all, is intimacy!

Of course, Erta was likely the only one who thought this way. So, she just smiled lightly.

Her smile was interpreted as a positive response, and the ladies excitedly continued speaking.

“The Duke is always so kind, isn’t he? How enviable.”

“Exactly! If only my husband were even half as kind as the Duke!”

“If you say kind…”

Erta had no choice but to agree.

“Yes, Reitan is kind.”

Of course, she meant it in her own way.

He would torment her every night and punish her, only to later gently apply ointment to her wounds—it was a kind gesture, indeed.

Though, sometimes, it was a bit troublesome when his hand, which had been applying ointment, would move between her legs, and things would start again…

“Oh my, oh my.”

“The Duke must be very considerate, too!”

“Considerate? Hmm…”

Erta briefly recalled past memories.

There had been a time when, feeling incomplete without any bindings in the bedroom, Reitan had shown consideration by placing a chain around her neck. She had been so moved by his thoughtful gesture.

Wasn’t it such a warm thought, thinking of her in that way?

Of course, things had gotten more intense after she had shed tears of gratitude, but…

Once again, Erta had no choice but to agree.

“I can’t deny it. Reitan always thinks of me.”

“The Duke is truly an amazing person!”

“I wish my husband could hear this conversation.”

Although their conversation continued on different points, the mood remained harmonious.

Then, a tall man’s shadow fell behind Erta.

“Erta, just a moment…”

It was none other than Erta’s husband, Reitan.

“Hmm? What is it, Reitan?”

Erta’s eyes widened. 

He must have been greeting guests as well, so what could be the urgent matter?

However, Reitan gave her a slight smile and apologized to the women she had been speaking with.

“Sorry to interrupt your conversation. May I take my wife for a moment? There’s something I need to discuss with her immediately.”

“Of course, go ahead!”

“Yes, yes, please hurry and go!”

Reitan gave a slight bow and disappeared somewhere with Erta.

Watching them leave, the ladies could not hide the ecstatic expressions on their faces.

How could reality be more thrilling than watching a popular romantic play or reading a novel?

This was especially true for the young, unmarried ladies.

“I’m so jealous.”

“I also want to have a marriage like that.”

“Let’s all support each other!”

The ladies giggled together, dreaming of their own romantic love stories.

“Oh my, now that I think about it, all of us are wearing gloves…”

One of the young ladies suddenly noticed the arms of the others around her.

It was the same for her as well—every single one of them was wearing lace gloves that reached just past the wrist.

“It’s the trend these days. Lace gloves.”

“Yes, married women might not, but it seems that almost all unmarried ladies prefer them over regular gloves.”

The story of how the Duke and Duchess first met at a banquet—how Reitan accidentally spilled something on Erta’s gloves—was well-known.

“I suppose I’m wearing them with the hope of meeting someone like the Duke of Ephelmar.”

Because of this, Erta’s lace gloves had become a fashionable item in high society.

For Erta, however, they were meant to cover the marks from shackles and ropes…

But among the young ladies, they had come to symbolize a fateful, romantic encounter.

“If a handsome knight appears before me, I might just spill my champagne without even realizing it!”

That’s right.

Among the noble ladies of the Empire, a peculiar trend had started to spread—deliberately getting their gloves wet in front of a man they fancied and then asking him to remove them.

***

The Duke and Duchess of Ephelmar, whom so many envied for their supposedly romantic relationship, were, in truth, far more passionate than anyone imagined.

“Hnn, mmh…!”

In a secluded corner of the Duke’s estate, where no one else roamed, the heated breaths of a man and a woman intertwined.

“Re… Reitan…!”

Erta whimpered as she was enveloped by Reitan’s touch.

He had said there was something urgent they needed to discuss. And yet, they had barely made it here before things turned into this.

“My body was quite insistent on having a conversation with yours first.”

Noticing the hint of reproach in Erta’s voice, Reitan gave her the answer she had been seeking.

Schlick—schlick—

Erta thought it was nonsense. But in the face of overwhelming pleasure, she found herself unable to resist.

The waves of heat building up in her lower abdomen were intoxicating.

With an almost leisurely expression, Reitan explored her, then whispered into her ear.

“So, my dear, is your body having a good conversation with mine?”

“Hah, mmh.”

Her trembling form responded more eloquently than words ever could.

Each time he thrust deeper, a desperate whimper escaped her throat.

“Ah, uhn…!”

“My dear, you must keep quiet. The Empire’s nobility is all gathered here—what would happen if they discovered us like this?”

His whisper was maddeningly intoxicating.

Why did words like these make her even more flushed, make her pull him in even more desperately?

Her shameless body had long since crossed a line it could never return from.

At that moment—

“The Duke’s estate is enormous.”

“At this rate, we might actually get lost.”

Suddenly, voices rang out nearby. A look of panic crossed Erta’s face.

This area was not easily accessible. Had someone really gotten lost?

Regardless, they had to stop before they were discovered.

“Rei—… Ah…!”

Erta tried to call his name, but her voice faltered.

Was I the only one who had heard them?

Because at that moment, Reitan suddenly pressed even deeper, causing her to let out a gasp before she could stop herself.

‘T-this is bad.’

She quickly raised a hand to cover her mouth, locking eyes with Reitan.

‘We have to stop now.’

She sent him a desperate look.

But instead—

“Erta, what do you think?” 

Reitan’s voice suddenly dropped into a husky murmur. 

“Shall we make a bet?”

‘A bet?’

Erta was bewildered. 

What kind of bet could he possibly be thinking about in this situation?

But having made similar bets with Reitan before, she had no choice but to listen.

“If you manage to stay completely silent until they leave—”

Would it not work?

A quiet sense of anticipation began to rise within Erta.

Yes, whenever Reitan made a proposal like this and succeeded, he always…

“Let’s install a partition in the bedroom with a small opening, just enough to reveal the lower half.”

He always spoke of rewards that she couldn’t help but like.

How could she possibly refuse such an offer?

As soon as their eyes met, Reitan resumed his movements.

Erta’s reaction just now had signaled her agreement to the challenge.

The warmth of his presence against her was unmistakable. Every deliberate motion sent shivers down her spine, but she bit her lip firmly, determined to endure.

Reitan, clearly amused by her restraint, increased his pace.

“You have remarkable patience, Madame.”

Time passed as the two remained in sync, the air thick with anticipation.

Feeling the tension building, Reitan pulled her close, holding her tightly as he reached his limit. The pressure was overwhelming, and Erta nearly let out a sound but quickly bit down on her lower lip.

‘No, I must hold on.’

She had come this far. If she faltered now, it would be over.

Just a little more… just a little longer…!

Finally, as the moment reached its peak, her body trembled. Yet, even in the midst of overwhelming sensation, she refused to let a single sound escape her lips.

Her entire body shuddered, her mind briefly going blank. But still, she kept her mouth shut, determined to succeed in this challenge.

The seconds stretched on, and soon, Reitan exhaled deeply in satisfaction above her.

“Well done, Erta.”

He pressed a brief kiss to the top of her head, acknowledging her victory.

Which meant…

‘The partition… I did it.’

The promise had been secured.

Soon, their bedroom would feature a partition just as she had imagined, an element of intrigue and anticipation added to their private world.

Erta felt a deep sense of satisfaction.

Perhaps, just like before, he would play along, taking on a different persona, indulging her whims. The thought sent warmth through her, her love for Reitan growing even stronger.

Such a thoughtful and considerate husband.

No matter how she looked at it, Reitan was truly the best husband she could have asked for.

***

Erta carefully composed herself before returning to the garden where the banquet was being held.

‘Really, Reitan can be too much sometimes.’

It had taken some effort to convince him to let her go, using the presence of the guests as an excuse.

As she scanned the gathering, checking if there was anyone she had yet to greet, she overheard an intriguing conversation.

“Have you all heard the news? The Bondridge Cathedral has reopened.”

“After two years, isn’t it? That’s wonderful. I felt uneasy when it was closed.”

“Well, everyone carries burdens they dare not speak of.”

The Revival of Bondridge Cathedral.

Positive reactions were spreading about it. Erta felt a sense of pride.

It was something she had personally asked Reitan to do.

‘I’m glad they’re happy.’

She had always found it unfortunate that Bondridge, a place filled with memories between the two of them, had been abandoned after its closure.

When she made her request, Reitan readily nodded in agreement.

After all, aside from her desperate pleas to stop during their moments in the bedroom, there was never a time when he refused her requests.

With the support of the Duke of Ephelmar, Bondridge had reopened not long ago.

With permission from the Holy Kingdom, priests were brought in to restore the confessional tradition of Bondridge.

Now, many would once again visit, pouring out their innermost thoughts.

It was a small wish, but Erta hoped that others, too, could lighten their burdens through confession and find happiness.

Just as she had now.

END