V2 Chapter 204
The moment this question appeared inside her mind, Oriel immediately thought of someone.
Though no shreds of evidence could be found, Oriel was already absolute on her guess. He was only the only one who can and has the power to complete such a sophisticated assassination, that even her, has yet to completely understand how the Marquis had truly died.
If it was two years ago, she would never believe such a nonsensical thing could happen. After all, he is weak- though she would not say that out loud, that is the truth. However, living with him for two years, she had started to notice something.
Perhaps, he had not realized that she already did, but she's not an idiot that she would not realize something so obvious. Her beloved brother was hiding something, and perhaps, all this time, he was acting like a wolf in a sheep's clothing in front of the world.
Loren Vortan died courageously in the war, no one had doubted it. After all, the way he died, and seen by many as he rushed into the war like a raging madman, and was pierced by many swords and spears was witnessed by those even the people she trusted.
There was no other clue or hint out being orchestrated by someone. Hence, even now, despite the sudden death of Loren Vortan, the Vortan Family wanted to seek justice but didn’t dare to. As no matter how they do it, there was nothing out of place or point of suspicion on his death. Truly, it was what you call—a clean death!
Even Oriel herself admits that, if she didn’t know her beloved brother’s mysteriousness, she would never believe that the Marquis had been assassinated by him. Now, to think that Marelys also has this suspicion, and even openly say those words.
Oriel’s face darkened, turning icy cold. However, the moment she saw the Marquise Lady having no ounce of hate or anger in her expression, as she looks at her straight in her eyes, the Ice Princess was taken aback.
Is this the expression one who is known to be madly in love with her husband should make when that said husband has died?
There’s even no trace of exhaustion, or pain, or sorrow from her gaze…what is going on here?
Is she pretending?
Impossible.
Oriel never believes that she would be fooled by mere pretense. But if she wasn’t acting…then, what is this?
The Ice Princess brows furrowed, and she stared at Marelys with confusion clouding her eyes.
“So you’re saying, that the death of your husband is not an accidental matter, but an intentional one?” she said, trying to test her.
“Indeed, it is…”
Marelys Avidhorn replied without hesitation.
Another bout of cold breath being sucked and the atmosphere turned solemn solidified in frozen ground. There were even some people whose hands immediately went into their swords, threatening, that once the Marquise was about to grumble inappropriately, utter things that should not be said, she would be killed in an instant. Killed at the place where she is standing.
Feeling this, one of the nobles, with a frantic and panic expression hurriedly step forward and cried out.
“Marelys, what are you saying!? Take back what you sa—”
“It’s fine, Lord Avidhorn…let her speak what she wants. Her bout of victory and success she had brought with her, earns her the right to speak before me.”
Oriel said, her lips hanging a faint smile, but her gaze is not. She stared at every angle of the expression on Marelys face, trying to see through her.
Marelys heard her father’s panic cry, but she didn’t even give her a glance. She turned towards Princess Oriel, with but a faint, gentle smile devoid of any malice or hostility.
Like usual, the Princess's cold eyes seemed to see right through her and it made her feel like a hopelessly ugly and vulgar person. It made her realize just how lowly a person she was. It was like she was looking at someone holy, someone sacred. She knew no impurity. She seemed to emit a sterilizing aura that would kill any filthy bugs that tried to approach.
...and that's why many people have been dazzled by her. Praised her with mountains of flower and ocean of words. Her bright purity reminded her of a clear lake deep in the mountains.
As expected of the one known as the Ice Princess...
The Winter Demon Princess.
But Marelys was not the least bit scared, and instead, she raised her head with full confidence and pride.
At this very moment, she is finally presenting her absolute loyalty to the Ice Princess.
She was revealing bare all kinds of doubts and suspicions that might occur. Even the clearly strange death of her husband. If she tried to ignore it, and keep quiet about it, she would instead earn doubt and suspicions from the other side.
After all, everyone knows her passionate love (?) to her husband that she is willing to burn bridges with her family just to be with him.
They would surely think that she was just keeping it all, and was waiting for revenge.
But would she?
No!
She now felt freedom, she had never tasted before.
Why would she seek revenge for the death of a fool?
More so, when she knows that the one behind it, was the one she now loved and worshipped with all her heart and soul, body and mind?
Although she has no proof, she was certain that the Second Prince was surely the one who had asked for his death, and the master behind that strange masked person who had manipulated her husband as if he was nothing but a mere puppet.
“Death is the only ending for one that had angered a God…and I am his executioner. Laugh and celebrate, the moment of freedom has come…!”
Those were the words of that masked fellow had said when she confronted her.
God…what kind of presumptuous fellow would claim himself as God?
She had wondered and thought they are some shady people. However, suddenly, she saw the strange symbol on that masked girl’s engraved on her back and chest and instantly thought it being extremely familiar.
She wondered about it for a couple of days, when she was suddenly made to remember by Sayrash, the charming, roguish fellow who had left her alone once again by going to someplace she didn’t know. And that’s where she had recalled it, the image branded on the coin he likes flipping around.
That was how she was able to connect her beloved secret lover to this assassination.
But then here comes the reason…why?
She didn’t think for long when she finally made her conclusion—it was simple and easy, and it made her excited beyond anything in this world.
Why would he try to risk everything and assassinate a fool of a husband?
There's nothing to gain for it, even if he died. In fact, if one thinks about it, wouldn't it be more useful to let a fool live, and make a mess on his own- in that case, they would be able to find a more clear opening to the enemy's side?
But no, he did it.
But he's not the type to make a simple mistake like that.
And so, using all of her intelligence, she wondered for a reason.
But what kind of reason would it be?
Nights and days, she wracked her brain for it.
Then, it finally came to her.
It was so simple.
Stolen story; please report.
So simple she wanted to cry and laugh in madness and joy. That’s because he wants to claim her! He wanted her to be all for him…and that no one would be able to touch her aside from him!
And this realization made her heart throbbed so wildly and the longing and missing Marelys had for him intensified.
She didn’t even try to think of other reasons that would drove Aanuel to want to kill Loren Vortan. She has already ascertained her guess, and that must be the truth. Not like she would accept anything different.
At this moment, her revealing everything, confessing would give her a better position in front of the infamous Ice Princess. Although it might cause severe suspicions and wariness, at the very least, she would reveal herself.
After this, whether the Demon Princess would choose to believe in her or not is a matter of concern for the Princess, not hers. She was not the one Marelys wanted to give her loyalty to. But she could only give it to her because she didn’t want to trouble Aanuel.
It would only birth doubt and misunderstanding if she would offer herself to him.
“It seems like you have some knowledge about your husband’s early demise?”
“…something I cannot say so easily, your highness. However, truth be told, I don’t want to pursue the one who is responsible for my foolish husband’s death. Fate has dictated its judgment, and the Gods bare witness of his sins. Hence, he was punished. I choose wrong before, and I wouldn’t want to choose mistakenly again…my family gives their utmost loyalty to you, your highness. And so shall I, if possible.”
Marelys declared with clear determination and will.
“I want to present my victory to you, with all my heart and soul!”
“I know neither your sources nor what you know of…but take my advice and keep what you know to yourself.”
The Demon Princess cold voice echoed.
“I shall hear and obey,”
“You are indeed a smart one, Lady Avidhorn. And I appreciate your ability—tell me honestly, what you so desire? I came upon and heard of your neutrality, and even after the betrayal of your husband, you didn’t do anything. Why is it now, you represent yourself and came out of your little cage? And just after the death of your supposed to be loved and adored husband,”
Marelys smirked, “I just realized a lesson I had, been ignoring in my entire life—making a ridiculous mistake.”
The demon princess arched a brow.
“Lesson, was it?”
“… …”
“Lesson about love, I presume? I’ve seen this happen too many times now. They choose love over loyalty, over family…forgive me for being blunt, but last time I saw you, you are acting just as sick as the others did,”
The Demon Princess said.
But who would it be, I wonder?
Oriel wondered. If she offered her loyalty to her, then that man must be someone on her side.
But who could it be?
Oriel never thinks that it was Aanuel, as there was no clear relationship between the two. Though they seemed to have some dealings in the past, but from what she knows, Aanuel was avoiding her and never met her alone, or in secret either. And so, she must have thought as other people on her side. She could think of a few outstanding men that she can trust.
Could it be one of them...?
Marelys did not react as she listened to Oriel's taunting words.
Afterwards, she slowly opened her mouth.
“Your Highness, I beg to differ. Love isn’t sick. Love is the most powerful and positive force in the world.”
Love.
She’d always believe in true love, but she’d always been unlucky in it. Loving Loren was an example. Though, failing once doesn't mean that true love doesn't exist. hat's what she believes. She knows that it was just around her, waiting for her to find.
And she did. Because now, she had found her true, real love. And she’s prepared to stake it all once more—this time, all of what she had and could.
Just considering the possibility of losing him was causing her chest to clench painfully. Hence, she now stood up, prepare to take the center stage she always hated to get involved. Just to protect him!
The Princess's face changed and the Marquise responded with a refreshing look of her own.
“Every decision can make a change in the world. And the decision to love was among them. But now, I had opened my eyes.”
Her voice was exactly the same as before. She remained entirely calm and her response was so unexpected that the infamous and well-known Ice Princess was the one who lost her nerve. She stared at the woman whose face was flushed as if drunk with a surprise.
Oriel wanted to ask about who was the fortunate man who had caught Marelys attention. But it would not be wise to ask it in this kind of place. She went silent for a moment, trying to discern something on Marelys face. Sadly, she couldn't find anything. The Lady Marquise had always been a good pretender- wearing a face that no one could ever read. Even her.
That's why she abhorred smart and cunning wenches.
Because they are all Foxes that can fool even the world.
“… …So be it,”
The Demon Princess leaned back against her throne and stared at her, frowning; “Your family had been my loyal attendants for so many years, and their loyalty and devotion is not something I would doubt. Therefore, I would not think of you ill, and shower you with prejudice and doubt, which you deserve by the way. I shall accept you once more and I hope you wouldn’t make me regret it,”
“Thank you, your highness! I will serve with all my power!”
… …
In the Black Lands.
After spending his time outside looking for battles at every village he encountered, Cian went back to the Jekyll Village to rest.
Right now, with the cold, chilling temperature around, Cian was soaking himself in a large bathing tub in the bathroom, with the right amount of heat. The water vapor and steam had made the bathroom hazy. The water was damn soothing and relaxing too. Cian felt all his tiredness slipping away like he was somehow getting recharged just sitting there.
This moment, he however was recalling Sibylla’s beautiful figure.
Having left her behind in the City, he felt somewhat guilty. Even still, although they were still contacting each other through the Communication Bracelet every day, Sibylla had stopped asking him to return for some unknown reason. Unlike before, when she was pushing him to go back.
Did something happen that she was not telling him?
Cian wondered. However, since Sibylla’s expression doesn’t seem to have any change, it should not be anything important for him to worry about. She would surely say something to him if there is something he needed to know.
If Cian was asked if he had trusted someone fully in this world, then he would surely answer without hesitation; his beloved fiancée; Sibylla.
He can leave everything into her hand, without any worries or concerns.
Even still, he still felt somewhat worried. After all, Sibylla is still staying in the human kingdom. It would be bad if her identity would be suddenly revealed. Thinking like this, Cian immediately decided that he would return the day after tomorrow.
That time should be enough to solve all the remaining problems in the village.
Just then, the door of the bathroom was knocked, and the voice of Harley came from the outside: “Young Master, I came to deliver the food and wine you wanted.”
“Mmm, bring them in,”
Cian said with his eyes still closed.
Cian had just returned from conquering another village and was then hungry. However, being a man of cleanliness, Cian of course, went to wash first. Harley gently pushed open the door of the bathroom, and she was greeted by the mist. And seeing that sturdy back of Cian, she involuntarily blushed and her heartbeat accelerated.
She placed the tray with a roasted duck leg and wine beside the bathing pool, then turned around to retreat.
“Harley, come and help me scrub my back,” he said.
The tall, and burly body of Harley quivered, and her entire body instantly became hot and dry. Her pretty face also became so red that it seemed as if blood would drop out at any time. She responded in an inaudible voice and then without hesitation, reached out her hand towards the tied-up belt of her fur clothes.
Harley took off her clothing, revealing her incredible muscle-toned body. Fortunately, the bath of the house was made for the Bearmen, so the bathtub looks like a small pool for Cian. And still, with enough space for her. She then stretched her legs and slowly entered the water. And at that time, Cian had already turned around and lied on his stomach at the edge of the wooden bathtub, facing his back towards her.
Harley used a towel to gently wipe Cian’s sturdy back. Looking at his smooth, but extremely tough and sturdy back, Harley’s body started to feel hot.
To this, Cian actually didn’t care. He poured a cup of wine and sipped it lightly, and grabbing the roasted duck leg, he took a bite. He’s truly hungry. He had been using magic power more than usual, all to make his undead army that had swept east to west, creating terror on the land. More than, he was also secretly suspicious—if this land is under the Serpent Empress rule, why is she not still moving?
It would be impossible for her not to know about him making a mess on her territory.
But why is she still maintaining her silence?
What is she playing at?
Taking another bite of the meat, he vaguely said: “Harley, rub a little harder, this is only tickling me.”
“Yes, Master,”
Harley immediately responded. Because she was somewhat worried her abnormal strength would hurt him, she was restraining her strength. After all said and done, she is still a bear-man, and Cian is still a Fox youth with a thin and slender figure.
Despite knowing that he is extremely strong, but looking at his figure, she still couldn’t help but get worried. However, now that Cian told her to do so, Harley swept away from her hesitation and threw caution in the air—this time using a little bit more strength.
“Mmm, pretty good, come open your mouth.”
Cian took a piece of the roasted meat and turned his hand over to his back.
Harley smiled sweetly, then opening her mouth, she bit the meat handed over by her master. She felt that this was the most delicious thing in the world. It sweetened her from the mouth all the way to her heart.
“Harley, now that the nearby villages are under control, there should be nothing that would cause a problem for you. Even the Grakilis had already submitted to us, don’t you think?” Cian asked with a smile.
Harley noticed something behind Cian’s words, but she couldn’t understand what. Still, she smiled happily, and replied; “Indeed, Master. Now, we can sleep at night without any worries anymore. It’s all due to the Master’s strength!”
“Indeed,”
Harley answered with a smile.
At this moment, she was really happy. Everything was finally on the right track, and her village was already starting to return to how it was before—lively, and full of hope for tomorrow. There was no one who had a fear of death for being killed or starving anymore. Even the other Tribes would bow down to them when they saw them.
With a happy, and blissful expression, Harley continued to scrub his back, and after a long time, she suddenly stopped and said: “Master, should I help you wipe your front side too.”
“Well, okay,”
Cian answered, then holding a cup of red wine, he turned around and his eyes flashed with extraordinary splendor, staring at Harley’s wet body. Her breasts are really big; nothing he has seen before can match their size. Well, perhaps that is because of her innate physique as a Werebear? Well, her height indeed can easily dwarf him.
“Ah, master, you got a little bigger.”
Harley mused the moment she saw Cian’s packing member, standing proudly in front of her. Her face had a shade of pink but still, she didn’t avert her eyes and instead stared at it with a faint smile.
Well, of course, Cian was not a saint, instead, he was a very lecherous man. The moment she entered, little Cian had already started to swell up, which was completely a normal physiological reaction.
“Well, a beautiful woman in front of me, of course, it would get bigger,” he said, making Harley smiled sweetly.
“Oh? Only in the front?” a familiar voice whispered in his ears as he felt the breeze coming from the sudden intruder’s breathe. Even without looking, Cian could immediately recognize who it was.
“Of course, also at the back—”
Cian said with a faint smile, glancing at the back to see Amadea standing behind him with a mischievous smile. As for how she suddenly appeared there like a ghost, only she would know-how.
Amadea chuckled in amusement and her hands slid around his hips and without thinking Cian leaned back into the embrace. It was an instant of abandon and suddenly everything tipped beyond control.