Side Story 1.1 – Love is Ecstatic

Two months after the proposal, Hildeltrud and Kiserian held their wedding.

Her family said it was too sudden, like roasting beans on lightning, but Kiserian had earnestly persuaded them because he wanted to be with Hildeltrud.

That didn’t mean the wedding was sloppy.

It was held at the best venue, filled with only the finest things. The abilities of the Silver Moon members also shined—a secret only Kiserian and Hildeltrud knew.

It was true they helped a lot with the preparations. So the wedding went off without a hitch.

Even if it was a whirlwind.

They received the blessings of the Emperor and the priest, and in front of their families and many nobles, they exchanged vows and a kiss of promise.

With the priest’s blessing and procession declaring them husband and wife, Hildeltrud faced her first night.

The bridal chamber was prepared in the Crown Prince’s palace.

Hildeltrud was speechless as she looked around the room. It was entirely bathed in rosy hues.

Rose petals were scattered from the doorway to the bed, and even the bedding was embroidered with roses.

“Shall we go in, Madame?”

Kiserian smiled playfully, extending his hand.

“You weren’t lying when you said you’d treat me like a queen, right?”

“Of course, my Queen.”

He greeted her respectfully and lifted Hildeltrud into his arms. Startled, she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.

“You scared me.”

“Oh, this is nothing.”

He strode into the bridal suite and gently laid Hildeltrud on the bed.

“Would you like a glass of wine, Madame?”

“Yes, please.”

Kiserian poured wine and handed it to Hildeltrud.

As she raised the shimmering red wine to her lips, Kiserian stopped her.

“It’s no fun just drinking it like that.”

“Then?”

“There’s a special way.”

Kiserian hooked his arm around Hildeltrud’s.

“It’s called a ‘love shot’ when you drink with arms crossed like this.”

“Where did you learn this?”

“Did you forget? I’m the master of Silver Moon. Is there anything I don’t know?”

At that, Hildeltrud chuckled.

“I’ll give you that. Now let’s drink, I’m thirsty.”

“Then, cheers.”

They clinked glasses and crossed arms for a love shot.

Her fingertips trembled slightly, perhaps from nerves.

“Madame, say ‘ah’.”

Kiserian picked up a piece of cheese and brought it to her lips. Hildeltrud opened her mouth and accepted the cheese.

His fingers brushed her lips for a moment.

“Lady Hildeltrud.”

“I’m not a just a noble lady anymore, just call me by my name.”

Kiserian took the wine glass from her hand and set it on the table.

“Hildeltrud……”

“Your Highness……”

“Kiserian.”

“……!”

“Did you forget my name already?”

“It just feels awkward.”

Kiserian smiled gently and brushed aside her hair.

“Do you know how long I’ve waited to call your name?”

“If I’d known, I would’ve let you sooner. You should’ve asked.”

“I should’ve, shouldn’t I? I’m really slow sometimes, aren’t I?”

At that, Hildeltrud giggled.

“Hildeltrud, let’s stop joking and really feel each other now.”

“You’re suddenly so cheesy.”

“I can’t help it, I’m really nervous right now.”

Kiserian took Hildeltrud’s hand and brought it close to his heart. His heart was pounding hard, as if he’d just run laps around the training ground.

“I feel the same.”

Hildeltrud took his hand and brought it to her own chest.

“Can you feel it?”

“We’re both really nervous, aren’t we?”

“Seems so.”

Even this moment of feeling each other’s heartbeat was precious.

“Stop hesitating and kiss me.”

Hildeltrud boldly wrapped her arms around his neck. She’d anticipated this moment, but now that it was here, she was trembling.

“Tonight, I’ll be very passionate.”

“Me too.”

As if they’d waited a long time for this, Kiserian kissed Hildeltrud’s lips.

The moment their lips met, warmth spread through their bodies.

It was a fierce and fiery kiss.

His touch was gentle enough to bring tears, and yet so hot.

With every kiss, Hildeltrud’s cheeks turned redder. At a tantalizingly close distance, they felt each other’s breath.

Kiserian broke away and unbuttoned his stifling shirt.

Hildeltrud swallowed dryly at his diamond-carved body.

His hand slid down her back, finding the zipper of her dress. The sound of the zipper coming down was strangely thrilling.

With nervous eyes, Kiserian slipped off the top of her dress. Blushing, Hildeltrud looked up at him.

Her trembling eyes reflected his face.

“Hildeltrud, I’m sorry.”

“What?”

“I don’t think I can hold back tonight.”

Hildeltrud nodded shyly.

Kiserian lowered his head carefully.

He never rushed.

He started at her forehead, then her eyes, nose, and lips, kissing each in turn.

Finally, he lifted her dress and, holding her white leg by the sole, kissed her foot reverently.

His atmosphere was so solemn that Hildeltrud didn’t know what to do.

“There’s not a single part of you that isn’t beautiful.”

“Ki…serian.”

When Hildeltrud reached out, he removed her dress completely and tossed his shirt to the floor.

Kiserian’s firm body pressed gently against Hildeltrud’s pale skin.

His fingers slid down her body like a dance.

The intense sensation made Hildeltrud gasp.

It felt like every cell in her body was awakening.

Their chests touched.

In that moment, Hildeltrud felt fireworks exploding inside. She was swept away by waves crashing over her.

Her toes curled as she gripped the sheets.

Kiserian intertwined his fingers with hers. Overwhelmed by his intense presence, Hildeltrud gazed up at him with hazy eyes.

She hugged Kiserian’s back tightly.

She could feel his back growing damp with sweat.

“Ha, Hildeltrud……”

Hildeltrud reached up and kissed Kiserian’s lips. That seemed to ignite him, and his movements grew faster.

Her lips parted as she panted, and even in this moment, Kiserian checked carefully to make sure she wasn’t hurting.

It was a first night that felt like she might cry.

Hildeltrud finally realized how happy and intense love could be with someone she truly loved.

Fireworks kept bursting in her mind.

Caught up in the thrill, she instinctively wrapped her legs tightly around Kiserian’s waist.

Feeling the sweat on his forehead, Hildeltrud relaxed.

“Hildeltrud… What should I do?”

Kiserian gazed at the sleeping Hildeltrud and pressed a gentle kiss to her sweaty forehead.

“You’re so lovely I might go crazy.”

Even in this moment, Kiserian couldn’t suppress his desire to hold Hildeltrud.

Smiling softly, he went alone into the bathroom.

The tub was filled with water.

“The water’s cold.”

He dipped his hand in and warmed it with fire magic.

Then he gently carried the sleeping Hildeltrud from the bed and entered the tub. Her dazzling white body submerged in the water was a different sight altogether.

He carefully washed her sweat-soaked body.

Hildeltrud smiled in comfort, but then woke with a start at the renewed sensation.

“Your Highness……”

“I told you to call me Kiserian, Hildeltrud.”

“Kiserian, what are you doing……”

He cupped her chin and kissed her, whispering softly.

“Just receive it.”

Kiserian began to massage her legs, starting from her calves up to her thighs.

The problem was, the massage was far too stimulating.

“You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you?”

“Hm, what?”

“You’re trying to make me lose control.”

“Me?”

Turning, Hildeltrud gave him a challenging look and bit his neck.

“Ugh. Hildeltrud……”

“It’s not fair if only I’m on the receiving end. It should be equal.”

She boldly slid her hands up Kiserian’s waist. He felt heat gathering below.

“Hildeltrud. What are you trying to do?”

“You started it.”

“Did I?”

Kiserian chuckled and grabbed her nape, kissing her deeply. When Hildeltrud’s lips parted in surprise, he plunged in without hesitation.

Unlike in bed, the heat in the bathroom was even more intense.

“Hildeltrud, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize.”

Kiserian gripped her waist and pressed closer again.

Their movements made the bathwater ripple.

Spent from their passionate encounter, Hildeltrud slumped in exhaustion.

Kiserian hugged her with a genuinely apologetic look.

“You need to build up your stamina.”

Hildeltrud was so dumbfounded she was speechless.

After that, Kiserian washed, dried, and dressed Hildeltrud with utmost care.

She had no strength left, so she quietly let him take care of her.

He lay on the bed, hugging her, and whispered in her ear.

“I love you, Hildeltrud. More than my own life.”

“I love you too.”

Just being in Kiserian’s arms made Hildeltrud feel warm.

They gazed at each other and chatted quietly, spending their first night as newlyweds.

* * *

After their first night, the two set off on their honeymoon right away.

“Are you sure you can move?”

“Who do you think made me this way?”

As she watched him load the luggage into the carriage, Hildeltrud teased Kiserian, who looked embarrassed.

“All loaded.”

Kiserian nodded at the coachman’s words and personally opened the carriage door for her.

With Kiserian’s escort, Hildeltrud boarded and admired the cozy interior.

It was so spacious and soft inside, she could lie down comfortably.

“It’s tiring, so lie down, Hildeltrud.”

Kiserian even took off her shoes and helped her lie down. It was as comfortable as a bed.

Kiserian looked lovingly at Hildeltrud, whose head rested on his thigh.

“It’s so cozy.”

“I’ll wake you when we arrive, so get some rest.”

Hildeltrud nodded gently and closed her eyes, and Kiserian set the carriage in motion.

Their honeymoon destination was an imperial villa by the sea.

The villa was right on the beach, so stepping out the door led straight to the sand and a seaside promenade.

When Hildeltrud said she wanted to see the ocean on her honeymoon, Kiserian bought land on the coast and built a villa.

It was a wedding gift he’d prepared just for Hildeltrud.

It took three days by carriage to reach the villa, stopping in villages along the way for rest.

When Hildeltrud stepped out of the carriage, she was mesmerized by the picturesque scenery.

In front of the mansion stretched a wide beach and the sea.

“Wow, it feels so refreshing.”

Hildeltrud ran excitedly.

Kiserian followed cautiously, worried she might fall.

She even kicked off her shoes and stepped onto the sand. She could feel the rough texture beneath her feet.

“Hildeltrud, slow down.”

Kiserian grabbed her arm.

“But it’s so exciting.”

Lifting her skirt with both hands, Hildeltrud waded barefoot into the sea. It was cold but exhilarating.

Kiserian watched her with a fond smile, as she beamed like sunshine.

She smiled wide, showing her white teeth, as if all the shadows of the past had been erased and she was truly happy.

How hard he’d worked just to see this sight.

At last, his wish had come true, and Kiserian was truly delighted. He thought he might go crazy from loving her so much.

“Kiserian, come here.”

Hildeltrud pulled his wrist.

His feet, like hers, were soon in the water.

“Isn’t it refreshing?”

“Yes, really refreshing.”

For a while, Hildeltrud dragged him around, splashing in the waves. Then, caught by a big wave, they both fell over at once.

Embarrassed for a moment, Kiserian laughed and lifted Hildeltrud, carrying her into the mansion.

When Hildeltrud looked disappointed, he took her to a room with a great view of the sea. She warmed herself by the fireplace, soon forgetting her disappointment as she admired the scenery.

“You’ll catch a cold.”

Kiserian wrapped a blanket around her shoulders and handed her hot cocoa.

Hildeltrud took the cup with both hands, sipping cocoa as she leaned her head on Kiserian’s shoulder.

“It’s so peaceful.”

“I think so too.”

The sound of waves and sand being washed away was so romantic.

“Thanks to you, I’ll get to see the ocean as much as I want.”

“That was your wish, wasn’t it?”

“Thank you for granting it so quickly.”

“I’m a mage, you know. I can grant anything you wish.”

“You know you shouldn’t say things like that?”

“Why?”

“What if I ask you to bring me a star from the sky?”

At that, Kiserian kissed her temple.

“For you, my Queen, what couldn’t I do? Shall I fetch one right now?”

“Enough. Can’t I even joke?”

“Was that a joke? I thought you meant it.”

Hildeltrud laughed softly.

“I’m hungry. Let’s have dinner.”

They had come to the villa to spend time alone, so not a single maid had accompanied them.

“I can cook. My Queen, just sit here and relax.”

Kiserian seated Hildeltrud at the table and began cooking right in front of her.

With a snap of his fingers, a kitchen appeared in the empty space. His magic was always a wonder to behold.

Hildeltrud, who didn’t know the principles behind it, could only marvel.

Who could have imagined the Crown Prince himself would cook in the kitchen?

Just watching him was enough to make Hildeltrud happy.

He cooked skillfully, proving his claim, and set the dishes down.

“Here, try it.”

There was gambas—shrimp and whole garlic simmered in olive oil—with crispy baguette, and caprese, thinly sliced tomatoes paired with mozzarella cheese.

For the main dish, he served beef tenderloin steak grilled in melted butter, garnished with roasted asparagus, eggplant, and mushrooms.

He personally cut the steak and fed it to Hildeltrud with a fork.

It tasted absolutely incredible.

The harmony of the juicy meat and sauce filled her mouth and was simply exquisite.

“It’s so delicious. I might ask you to cook for me often.”

“If you want to eat, of course I’ll cook for you.”

“No matter how I think about it, I can’t imagine the Crown Prince in an apron.”

“But you see it right in front of you.”

“I can hardly believe it even as I see it. So I’ll keep this image just for myself.”

“Why?”

“Because I want to be the only one who knows. I don’t want anyone else to see.”

Kiserian reached out and pulled one of Hildeltrud’s cheeks.

“You’re greedy.”

“You already knew I was greedy.”

“I love you for that too.”

“And I love you for loving even that part of me.”

“We really are a match made in heaven.”

“A match made in heaven?”

Hildeltrud tilted her head at the unfamiliar phrase, so Kiserian explained with a smile.

“It’s a saying from a continent across the sea. It means a bond made in the heavens.”

“That’s such a wonderful meaning. It’s beautiful.”

“We really are a beautiful bond, Hildeltrud.”

“Perhaps we are.”

Their love for each other was beyond words. That’s why Hildeltrud liked the phrase “match made in heaven” so much.