The Blue Velvet Trap - Chapter 41

‘You’ve got guts to mention such a famous work.’

As soon as Cedine and Ivlik got off at their destination station, they headed straight for the restroom. After disguising themselves once more, the couple took a taxi to the passenger terminal. The setting sun outside the window was as red as Cedine’s anxious heart. Would they be able to reach the terminal in time? The ship the couple was going to board was the last passenger ship departing from that terminal today.

“If you know any shortcuts, you can take them. If we arrive on time, I’ll pay you triple the fare.”

“It’s just the time when the roads get completely jammed. But you should be able to make it, even if it’s close. I’ve been a taxi driver for five years, ma’am. None of my passengers have ever missed their trains or ships. No matter how tight the schedule, I’ve always gotten them there.”

They couldn’t relax until they arrived at the terminal, but in the end, it turned out just as the driver had assured. Cedine expressed her gratitude to the driver, paying triple the fare plus a generous tip. Meanwhile, Ivlik quickly grabbed the luggage bags and rushed to the crew member.

That’s how the two were able to board just before the ship departed, presenting their third set of IDs and the ship tickets pre-booked from their home country.

Usually, agents are given second-class tickets, but Ivlik had requested an upgrade to first class, offering to pay the difference.

So their disguises were also lavish, befitting first-class passengers. A wealthy man’s wife who changes her feather and jewel-decorated hairbands several times a day. That was the role Cedine would play until they reached their home country.

The ship set sail.

Never had the sound of a powerful ship’s horn been so welcome. Come on, let’s depart quickly. Further and further away. Cedine prayed for the ship to pick up speed and move away from the port. By the time the Republic’s security police arrived late, carrying photos of the viscount couple and comparing them one by one with people’s faces, the passenger ship would be beyond territorial waters.

Including the preparation period, they had been tied up with the Kohlrov Research Institute case for half a year. But now, the daily commute to the institute was over. No more eating half-cold soup with bread so hard it could be used as a weapon.

When we get back this time, I’m going to lock myself in the mansion and sleep peacefully for a week. No. Cedine immediately corrected her thought. Not a week, but two weeks.

And she would eat pies, tarts, and cakes topped with so much cream it could clog arteries, along with fresh fruits. If it started to feel too rich, she could down the chef’s special spicy tomato stew. Just thinking about the stew that would make her forehead slightly sweat and drive away any hint of a cold made her mouth water.

“Ah…”

As soon as Ivlik closed the first-class cabin door, Cedine let out a groan. As the tension left her body, her limbs went limp. Cedine carelessly kicked off her shoes and collapsed onto the sofa.

“I feel like I’m dying…”

Ivlik immediately went into the bathroom and took off his wig and glasses. The sound of running water could be heard. Whatever he was doing was of no concern to Cedine. He could put on a magic show in the bathroom if he wanted. Cedine was going to sleep like this. Just a couple of hours of shut-eye. Ivlik would take care of undressing her later.

“You’re in such a mess, it’s as if you were beaten until dust was flying everywhere.”

Ivlik’s voice came from the bathroom.

“Earlier, I just hastily covered the wounds with powder.”

“Mmm…”

“Now that I’m looking properly, there’s not a spot that’s unharmed.”

“Mmm, I knooow…”

Cedine responded, half-asleep. It’s enough that she’s returning alive without any part of her body cut off or broken, but Lieutenant Colonel Ivlik Wintermore might have a different opinion. Cedine decided to respect her spouse’s opinion.

“…Huh?”

However, Cedine’s spouse showed no respect for his wife at all. Cedine complained to Ivlik as he removed her hairband, wig, and clothes before carrying her into the bathroom.

“Ivlik, leave me alone. I’m going to sleep. I’m just going to sleep until we arrive.”

“I’ll wash you, so Cedine, just keep your eyes closed.”

“I don’t want to wash…”

“Beware of the plague whether asleep or awake. Only thorough hygiene and disinfection…”

“Ah, alright. Alright… Haa.”

It’s unfair to bring up the plague that ended two years ago only at times like this. She originally washes quite diligently, almost to the point of excess. It’s just that right now, she’s too tired to even lift a finger.

20 minutes later.

Cedine let out a languid sigh. It was just as her husband had said. She just had to keep her eyes closed while Ivlik washed her from head to toe and then placed her in the warm bathtub. The water lapping at her chest was the perfect temperature to relax her tense muscles.

The moist air and the fragrant smell of soap. Everything was happiness itself.

“I wish we could go all the way home like this.”

Cedine reached out of the bathtub and picked up a champagne glass. After emptying half the refreshing champagne in one go, she handed the glass to Ivlik. Ivlik, who doesn’t drink alcohol at all, has a glass filled with carbonated water mixed with grape juice.

“You look much better now, Cedine.”

“Yes, really.”

Cedine’s cheeks had turned rosy from the bath and the slight effect of alcohol. Her dewy cheeks looked so tempting, one might want to take a bite. Sitting across from her in the bathtub, Ivlik said he felt like a crow covered in graphite powder compared to his radiant wife.

Cedine laughed, shaking her shoulders at the sudden comparison. He had only dyed his hair black, so what was this about graphite powder, and why would an already black crow cover itself in powder? She was the one who had been drinking, but Ivlik was the one saying funny things.

“It’ll take a while to get back to my original hair color.”

“No need to be discouraged. You’re handsome, Ivlik. Whether your hair is black, blue, or blonde, it doesn’t matter.”

“Do you really think so?”

“Yes, of course. No… you don’t need to ask me, just look in the mirror, can’t you tell? Look at all the women in high society waiting for you to appear, even though Viscount Wintermore became a married man years ago. Why do you think that is?”

Cedine finished the rest of her champagne before answering her own question.

“Because you’re so handsome that eyes are naturally drawn to you.”

“I didn’t know our dear Viscountess held my face in such high regard.”

Ivlik’s tone changed subtly. Cedine, immersed in languid satisfaction, didn’t notice him slowly approaching her. As always, by the time she realized it, it was already too late.

“Ivlik, again…”

Cedine, who was suddenly lifted and placed between his legs, frowned. The foreign sensation on her buttocks was intense. The last time they did it was two weeks ago. Her period started the next day, and after it ended, she was too busy with the hectic schedule to think about it.

“If it’s been two weeks, you won’t be able to control yourself…”

“When have I ever lost control?”

“Ha.”

Cedine let out an incredulous laugh.

“Shall I count them one by one?”

“That wouldn’t be bad, but.”

Ivlik’s hand gently stroked the inside of Cedine’s thigh.

“It would be better to do something else now.”

“Look at this, that naughty hand.”

“Cedine.”

Ivlik lightly bit her earlobe. His breath tickled her ear with every word he spoke.

“You’re already wet down here. And this texture…”

“Uh.”

“It’s not water. Water wouldn’t be this slippery. Shall we check again? Like this… here…”

Ivlik’s finger rubbed her cl*toris side to side, then slid down along the deep crevice. Cedine’s legs went weak. Ivlik kindly raised her knees again and told her to hold them.

“Honey.”

He whispered sweetly.

“I can’t help but get excited right after an escape.”