Chapter 172: The Victor’s Return 5

The ‘aftermath’ had concluded far more smoothly than anticipated, prompting a slight sense of relief as I inwardly allowed myself a quiet smile.

‘Truthfully, I harbored some apprehensions… But I am glad it has resolved without incident.’

The cliché of a purportedly lowborn individual’s true noble heritage being unveiled, causing those who had arrogantly looked down upon them to instantly cower in submission, was a frequent trope in dramas from my original world.

In that regard, I felt reassured that my family had not stooped to such an unsavory spectacle.

‘From the outset, my parents were never of that ilk… Though helpless regarding the marital issue, they never overtly mistreated Caseross, which is fortunate.’

To be pragmatic, my parents had scarcely paid Caseross any heed to begin with.

Her presence here had coincided with our preparations for the Holy Imperium War and its subsequent aftermath – a period leaving them utterly preoccupied before her departure for the Dragonian Empire.

Under such circumstances, they could hardly have spared attention for their son’s romantic entanglements.

Regardless, I inwardly appreciated that this had precluded any unsavory “drama” unfolding – for though well-acquainted with Caseross’s character, had she endured mistreatment here and sought recompense, none in Bohemia could have thwarted her.

‘Though if I intervened, I could likely resolve matters… Truthfully, I would feel disinclined to obstruct any ‘retribution’ for grievances against my wife.’

Relieved that no such unpleasantries had arisen, Caseross and I retired to our chamber.

“Our exchange became rather lengthy. Are you fatigued, Caseross?”

“I am well, but are you not weary yourself, my lord? You have traveled such a distance and provided extensive explanations…”

“Haha, such efforts are but trifles for me. Truthfully, I have longed to address your noble standing openly, considering the undoubted burdens you have borne in concealing it.”

“My love…”

A faint blush tinged Caseross’s cheeks as she beamed with subtle joy at my words.

Feeling the weariness settling in, I reclined upon the bed, and she naturally joined me, nestling against my side.

In this familiar bedchamber, face-to-face with my beloved wife, her tender gaze stirred a fluttering warmth within me as our proximity allowed me to discern her very breaths.

For a lingering moment, I lost myself in the azure depths of her eyes, shimmering like polished gemstones.

Caseross’s limpid pools evoked the vast, pristine ocean’s expanse, and merely gazing into them seemed to wash away the accumulated fatigue of our journey.

Then, reaching out with utmost care, her porcelain hand – pale yet radiating a vernal warmth – delicately caressed my hair. Reciprocating, I tenderly stroked her raven tresses, sleek and soft as silk.

Drawn in by their soothing sensation, I instinctively leaned closer towards her supine form.

And then…

Chuu

Our lips met in a natural, unhurried kiss as we gently drawn each other near, savoring the tender warmth blossoming between us as I indulged in her velvet caress with restrained ardor.

“Haah…”

“Haaah…”

Flushed, we drank in each other’s warmth – her breaths, the texture of her tongue, the taste of her saliva.

As I tightened my embrace, an urge towards further intimacy stirred… yet I arrested that impulse before it could progress.

‘A pity… Were I not so fatigued, I might have advanced further…’

Caseross’s warmth, her scent, the pliant contours of her form – these sensations kindled primal desires within me. Yet they remained unfulfilled yearnings, my weariness rendering me unable to act upon them.

A sentiment echoed as Caseross’s own exploratory caress trailed downward before stilling, recognizing our shared need for repose.

Regardless of the throbbing wants pulsing through us, the tolls of our lengthy journey and protracted explanations had drained us utterly.

The apex of our amorous exertions could extend no further in our present states.

Resignedly accepting this limitation, Caseross and I entwined ourselves, drifting into peaceful slumber while cherishing the thought of beholding each other’s visages even in our dreams.

Then, an abrupt rapping shattered the tranquil moment.

“Hmm?”

“Eh?”

Startled from our drowsiness by the knock, we hastily rose and adjusted our positions, our flushed complexions betraying a tinge of embarassment at being discovered in such an intimate tableau – albeit as husband and wife.

“U-Umm… C-Come in.”

At my permission, the door opened to reveal Polena, her expression uncharacteristically grave as she respectfully addressed me:

“My apologies for the intrusion, my lord. Lady Desth is here, requesting an audience with Her Highness the Princess. What are your instructions?”

“Hmm? Desth?”

Turning to me, Caseross inquired whether to grant my sister entry – likely conscious of our fatigue, prompting her query in the first place.

I cautiously posed the decision to her:

“What would you prefer? Shall we postpone if you are too weary?”

“No… It would be discourteous to brush aside ‘one of such noble bearing’ after she has already arrived. There are matters to address, so I shall receive her for now.”

An uncharacteristic solemnity tinged Caseross’s tone, filling me with a mild curiosity over her demeanor’s underlying cause as I acquiesced.

“You may admit her.”

With a slight bow after my approval, Polena ushered Desth inside before discreetly withdrawing, leaving me facing my tense, almost cowed younger sister.

Her demeanor eerily evocative of one burdened by grievous sins, prompting me to cant my head quizzically.

‘Did she embezzle funds behind my back or something? Desth seems unusually apprehensive…’

Perplexed by this inexplicable unease, my queries were abruptly answered as Desth addressed Caseross in a tremulous voice:

“L…Lady Caseross…”

“…”

Caseross’s cool gaze contrasted starkly with her typical warmth, leaving me even more baffled by this peculiar tension between them.

Then, the next instant, Desth dropped to her knees before Caseross, prostrating herself as she cried out fervently:

“I…I apologize! I beg your forgiveness, Lady Caseross!”