Chapter 16

Of course, when she was no longer the Countess, she would have to leave everything behind. While looking through the clothes, she spotted a dress that seemed comfortable to wear indoors. Felix noticed her gaze and pulled it out, handing it to her.

“Would you like to wear this? May I help you tie the shoulder ribbons?”

“If you’re willing to help… thank you.”

The memory of him dressing her after they had been intimate flashed through her mind. While he turned his back briefly, she changed into the dress and adjusted it. When she called him, Felix approached her. As he carefully tied the ribbons of the dress, his hand grazed the nape of her neck.

“The marks I left on you have faded.”

“…I heal a little faster than most.”

He didn’t reply. While she waited for him to finish tying the ribbons, something soft brushed against the nape of her neck.

“Ah…”

She instantly recognized it as his lips. Yet, she didn’t feel any discomfort. Instead, the sensation, the warmth, felt oddly welcoming. Her neck flushed slightly, and she lowered her head. As she did, he kissed her neck again while holding onto the dress.

“I like it when you carry my scent.”

“Ah, h-huh…”

The hand tying the ribbons gradually slid down her back. That touch didn’t feel unpleasant. In fact, the memory of their night together was so vivid that she felt a growing desire to experience it again. It must have been because her time with Felix had been so good. 

The fact that they were now married still felt unreal. Her mind remained a tangled mess. Yet, despite it all, she found herself yearning to feel that sensation again.

The kisses on her neck grew deeper.

“Ah…”

A hot tongue traced its way up her neck, sending shivers down her spine. His hand slipped under her dress in no time.

“Lyzbel.”

“…Y-yes.”

“Is it alright if I go further?”

“Yes…”

Though he had extended his hand to her out of sympathy, she thought, if it was only for a year, perhaps she could stay by his side. As time passed in this place, she might find a way to repay him for his kindness. As long as they were careful not to have a child, they could part ways amicably. The Empire’s contraceptive tools were known for their effectiveness, ensuring no child was conceived if used properly.

“Ah!”

His hand, which had been moving toward her lower abdomen, slipped into her private area. Her body, remembering the sensations from before, had already grown wet. Normally, she would have felt embarrassed, but not this time. However, she did worry that doing it in the dressing room might leave a lingering scent on the clothes. After a brief hesitation, she spoke.

“Earl…”

“Yes?”

Felix’s voice was low, husky with excitement. As he carefully withdrew his hand from between her legs, she said,

“Let’s at least not do it in the dressing room. I’m worried the clothes might absorb the scent…”

At her words, his hand, which had been exploring between her legs, immediately pulled back. Then, he lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bedroom. Though the brightness of the room made her feel shy, they were already too aroused by the slightest touch.

After laying her on the bed, they locked eyes. Felix walked to the window, closed it, and drew the curtains. While the room was still bright, it felt more intimate. He climbed onto the bed. Slowly, he began unbuttoning it. Lyzbel watched him intently. That night, due to the magical artifact that obscured perception, she hadn’t clearly remembered his body.

Now, seeing him properly, she realized how well-built he was. 

How much training would it take to achieve such a physique? 

After removing his shirt, Felix looked at Lyzbel. She regretted taking off her negligee earlier. The back of her dress was already untied, so all he had to do was pull it down. As he did so carefully, his heated gaze fell on her upper body. The intensity of his stare sent shivers through her.

“Please, call me Felix.”

“…Alright. Felix.”

Though it was a similar request to before, this time, she was clearly calling him by his real name. Just saying his name made her chest flutter. Perhaps it was because, even if only on paper, they were now a married couple. Her feelings remained conflicted. She couldn’t easily understand why he had gone so far as to marry her out of sympathy. Yet, her body was honest.

Just like that night, she wanted to be completely consumed by him. The two leaned in and kissed slowly. Unlike before, this kiss was shared in their sober state, making her heart race uncontrollably. There was no alcohol or aphrodisiacs involved—just pure, unfiltered emotions.

As a tickling sensation spread through her chest, she felt the urge to escape.

“Ah…”

Lyzbel’s closed eyes trembled slightly. Unlike her, Felix kept his eyes open. No, he had no intention of closing them. He wanted to capture every expression she made. That night, he hadn’t been able to see her clearly, nor could he gauge how she felt. But this time was different.

Holding her cheek, he kissed not only her lips but also the corners of her mouth. His lips traveled across her face, lightly kissing her neck as well. Since neither of them were inexperienced, he knew he had to be careful.

“Ahaha.”

When he kissed her neck, she let out a small laugh, seemingly ticklish. Even her laughter was beautiful. He regretted not noticing her expressions earlier. Gently kissing her, he pulled her into his arms. Their bare chests pressed together. To be precise, her soft chest pressed against his. Feeling that sensation, his arousal, which had been lying dormant, surged immediately. However, he knew better than to rush. He needed to savor every part of her body from start to finish.

“Ah…”

When his tongue swept across the inside of her mouth, her back arched slightly. She seemed particularly sensitive. To ensure she wouldn’t shy away like a startled rabbit, he progressed slowly. He nibbled her lips gently and teased the roof of her mouth with his tongue.

“Ah, ah…”

Her pale cheeks turned a rosy pink. She writhed slightly, seemingly enjoying herself. Soon, she rubbed her chest against his, opening her mouth wider. The sensation threatened to overwhelm him.

After lightly biting her tongue, he continued exploring her mouth. Though he wanted to dive in recklessly, he held back, knowing she was still unfamiliar with this. The sound of their kisses, soft and wet, filled the room. Their lips grew slick with each other’s saliva.

“Ah, ah…”

When their lips finally parted, Lyzbel’s face was flushed red. He regretted not noticing such expressions before. Gently cupping her cheek, he kissed her again. Then, as he caressed her chest, he slowly laid her down on the bed.

Pulling up the hem of her dress revealed her undergarments. Burying his nose against them, he felt her body tremble. Though he hadn’t remembered her face or body clearly, her scent was unmistakable. The aroma of her arousal was etched in his memory.

“Wait…”

Felix carefully bit the fabric and pulled it down. Her wet core was exposed, looking utterly indecent. He reached out, removed her undergarments completely, and finished taking off her dress. Spreading her legs, he noticed her face and neck flush red. Just like the first night they were together, she appeared untouched. From her cl*toris to her entrance, he took in every detail before burying his face between her legs.

“Ah!”