Ch.135Side Story) Race (7)

Kirsy returned to her room, staggering, and closed the door.

-Thud.

As the hollow sound of the door closing echoed through the room, she collapsed weakly to the floor like a soldier who had just finished a war.

“Ugh…”

Her chest began to ache endlessly. It was hard to believe that what had just happened was reality.

Although Kirsy was in the dreamlike situation of marrying Caden, there were still times when she felt this wounded.

Just because it wasn’t the worst situation didn’t mean these things didn’t hurt.

The momentary pain she felt in her heart right now was more serious than ever before.

Her mind was too clouded to make an objective judgment.

Kirsy began to seriously wonder if Caden disliked her.

It felt like her illusion that Caden adored her the most and found her the cutest had been shattered.

Originally, Kirsy had a firm belief deep in her heart.

Though loving someone as a sister and loving someone as a woman were different in nature.

When not distinguishing between types of love, she had believed that among the four women, she received the most love from Caden.

She had no choice but to believe that.

She had firmly believed that time spent together was one measure of affection.

As someone who had been attached to Caden every day, it was natural for her to think that way.

From the moment she opened her eyes in the morning until she fell asleep, she had always been with him for nearly 10 years.

Especially since Asena became the head of the Praester family, they had spent more time alone together, so there was no one who had spent more time with Caden than she had.

He never found her annoying, and she adored him.

“…Sob…”

But now, it seemed like it might all be meaningless.

The fact that Caden might actually like Asena more made Kirsy feel like a fool.

Despite all that time spent with him, she was still losing to her sister.

The kiss, the experience.

Including the order of birth, everything fell behind her.

Kirsy had unconsciously harbored an inferiority complex toward Asena.

Anyone could see that Asena was a true Praester.

She was serious and charismatic. She didn’t back down in front of intimidating people or those with strong personalities.

Everyone respected her as the head of the family and served her.

In contrast, Kirsy was secretly timid despite pretending otherwise. Others might not know, but she was aware that she wasn’t as smart as Asena, and she felt lacking in many other ways.

But it had all been fine.

She had thought it was fine.

Because Caden loved her more than Asena.

He treated her more cutely and preciously.

And because of that belief, she had been able to live without any concerns until now.

…Now even that belief had been shattered.

What was the point of him verbally calling her cute and spending a lot of time with her?

In the end, it was Asena he loved.

It was her he saw as a woman and shared warmth with.

It felt like all her efforts had been in vain.

No matter how hard she tried to advance their relationship, Asena was still one step ahead.

“……”

Kirsy hugged her knees.

They must be spending a happy time together even now.

The scene from earlier kept replaying in her mind.

‘Mmm… ah… aah…’

When she had gone to Caden’s room to talk to him, she heard strange moaning sounds from outside his door.

The moment she heard it, Kirsy’s face turned pale.

Without needing an explanation, she knew how those sweet sounds were being made.

“O-oppa? W-what are you doing?”

She knocked on the door with a weakening fist to call him, but instead of an answer, she heard the sound of flesh slapping against flesh.

-Slap! Slap! Slap! Slap! Slap!

She had to hold onto the doorknob to support herself. She had clearly heard her voice, but couldn’t understand why they wouldn’t stop.

‘Ah…! Ah…! Ki-Kirsy! Go away! Ah!’

And the moment she heard that voice, she immediately understood the reason.

It was Asena. Her sister, who was always one step ahead of her, was inside.

-Thrust! Thrust! Thrust! Thrust!

The reason he didn’t stop his hips was because it was Asena.

That sound, occurring twice per second, was firmly imprinted in Kirsy’s mind.

She couldn’t believe that the source of those vulgar sounds was her sister and beloved oppa colliding their hips together.

Kirsy had thought Caden didn’t have much interest in that area, and Asena had never shown any signs either, so she hadn’t expected this at all.

Especially until recently, Asena had changed a lot.

She wasn’t very jealous of other women and didn’t try to restrain Caden.

Because of that, she had been too careless with her guard.

She had thought that, like herself, Asena was also trying to progress slowly with Caden… but all of that was an act, as proven by these vulgar sounds.

-Thrust! Thrust! Thrust! Smack!

Asena’s obsession was enough to make her secretly visit Caden for sex.

There was no way to know if this was the first time or if they had already done it hundreds of times.

Even when she discovered that Asena was secretly kissing Caden, it was after Asena had already committed the act hundreds of times.

‘Ah! There! Oppa, there!’

Asena moaned in a sweet voice filled with pleasure that Kirsy had never heard before, not even trying to hide her sounds.

Her sister, the most Praester-like of all the Praesters, had become a female in heat, crying out.

Kirsy’s fists trembled, but… at the same time, she wondered how good it must feel to make her act like that.

How good must it feel for her not to be embarrassed, not to care about her, not to think about stopping her hips, and to cry out like that?

What would it feel like? How soft and strong would his skin be? What would it feel like to have him inside? How would it feel to be endlessly explored by him?

“……”

Kirsy released her knees and hit her head.

“…Sigh…”

Thinking about that situation only made her heart ache.

In the end, Kirsy knew that Caden would eventually embrace other women.

It was natural since they had all agreed to become his wives.

…Still, what bothered her was that she had lost to Asena again.

…And the thought that, if this was going to happen, why had she pushed him away a few days ago?

Why had she pushed him away so easily, while Asena hadn’t?

Why was he moving so quickly with Asena when he had said it was too soon and they should take it slow?

The answer came surprisingly easily.

She couldn’t help but think it was because Caden loved Asena more.

“…What’s so good about someone who doesn’t even act cute.”

Kirsy muttered without realizing it. Her jealousy was so intense that she couldn’t bear it without putting Asena down somehow.

Even Caden seemed hateful now.

It felt like he was giving his love unequally, making her want to sulk.

Sometimes he would look at her like he found her adorably cute, but why wouldn’t he truly love her?

Why couldn’t he treat her more carelessly when he couldn’t control his body, pinching her cheeks and messing up her hair?

But despite feeling this upset, there was nothing Kirsy could do.

Because she loved him so desperately.

If she stayed upset like this and grew distant from Caden because of it, she would be the only one to lose.

So there was nothing she could do.

Except spend the day engulfed in a sense of defeat.

****

The next day, Kirsy secretly went out to the streets of Mels territory, accompanied by a guard.

She wore a cloak that covered her head, concealing her identity, just like her guard.

She had escaped from the castle without Caden knowing since morning. She hadn’t even told him where she was going.

She thought about wanting to see Caden’s face… but at the same time, she didn’t want to.

This time, her resentment wouldn’t be easily resolved.

It was frustrating that he had pushed her away but embraced Asena.

So she wanted to make him worry.

If she disappeared like this without a word, he would surely worry and realize his mistake.

She hadn’t come to the streets of Mels without any thought.

She had a clear purpose for coming here.

The guard who had been guiding her steadily to her destination whispered quietly.

“…Lady Kirsy, I still think this isn’t a good plan…”

“…Be quiet. I’m not interested in your opinion. Just guide me.”

Though she acted innocently cute in front of Caden, Kirsy could be sharp when he wasn’t around.

Right now, she had no patience, and if anyone opposed her will, she couldn’t speak kindly.

The guard hesitated with a groan, but seeing Kirsy’s determined gaze, he didn’t say anything more.

.

.

.

-Knock knock knock.

After guiding her to the destination, the guard knocked firmly on the wooden door in front.

The building they arrived at was gaudy. It had unnecessary decorations everywhere, giving it an almost messy feel.

Long red cloths. Strangely decorated candlesticks. Elegant wooden ornaments and oddly colored windows.

Though it all looked shabby to Kirsy’s eyes right now… she knew that was partly due to the morning hour.

These decorations would shine with seductive charm once night fell.

Kirsy’s eyes fixed on the sign.

‘Red Lips’

Her body began to tense against her will.

“…They must be resting.”

The guard said cautiously, looking at the unresponsive door.

Kirsy could see through his shallow trick. He still wanted to dissuade her, so he was hesitating.

When Kirsy gave him another unwavering look, the guard flinched again and acted.

-Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

“C-come out!”

When the guard knocked on the door again with a firm voice, it finally creaked open.

A woman came out from inside, ruffling her disheveled hair.

She wore unfashionable clothes and strange makeup.

“…What is it, so early in the morning…”

She looked up at the guard and clicked her tongue, lifting her heavy eyelids.

“…Tsk… Don’t you know we don’t do business in the morning…? Just go home and have a drink by yourself…”

Her eyes then moved to Kirsy, who was standing at a distance.

“……”

Unlike how freely she had spoken to the guard, the woman suddenly stopped.

Her eyes gradually widened to their full size.

She looked Kirsy up and down and even corrected her posture.

As soon as she saw Kirsy’s face, she realized that she was no ordinary person.

It felt out of place for such a beauty to be walking in these streets.

The woman immediately realized she was a noble.

Now she also noticed the nervous guard beside her.

“…I’ve come for advice.”

Kirsy opened the conversation in a calm tone.

“…I’d like to talk inside, if that’s alright.”

When the woman was too flustered to answer, an awkward silence fell.

Morning dew dripped here and there, and birds were chirping.

“Ah… so… well…”

“Before that, if there are any guests, I’d like them all sent out. I’ll compensate for it.”

The woman immediately bowed, taking the most polite posture she knew.

Though she had never learned court etiquette, she took a somewhat ridiculous posture, but Kirsy didn’t mind.

“I-I shall do so.”

“Please speak in your normal way.”

“Oh, yes!”

The woman hurriedly ran into the establishment, and the guard followed.

Loud shouting sounds woke up the sleeping building.

Soon the place became noisy, and the guard and the woman from earlier ran back out.

“There’s nothing problematic inside! No guests!”

The guard shouted, and

“T-this way…”

The woman guided Kirsy.

The establishment was facing an unexpected morning.

Inside, besides the woman guiding Kirsy, other women who seemed to have just woken up were running around opening windows.

The morning sunlight brightened the previously dim atmosphere of the place.

The women’s actions weren’t wrong. Even Kirsy, who had been tense on her first visit to such a place, gradually felt more comfortable.

This was an upscale tavern.

There were various tables, and one wall was lined with different types of alcohol.

Kirsy sat down at one of the tables.

The woman who had first guided Kirsy also carefully sat across from her.

Once the two were seated, the young women who had been running around the establishment froze and stood in a line against the wall.

The guard looked around and then went outside the building.

Only women remained in the establishment.

“…Um…”

“……”

“I’m sorry, but… why have you come…?”

The woman asked Kirsy with a submissive attitude.

“…What is your name?”

Kirsy asked in return.

The woman was startled and introduced herself.

“Ah…! I’m Susan, the owner of Red Lips.”

“…I’m Kirsy Mels.”

When Kirsy revealed her name, many of the women gasped.

But no one made any further sound.

No one here was unfamiliar with the Mels surname. And everyone knew what noble families the women who had entered the Mels family came from.

It was the first time that the powerful Praester and Ice families had come together in Mels.

Everyone froze under the pressure Kirsy exerted.

They couldn’t help it since they didn’t know why she had come.

Though it was a tavern… it was also an entertainment establishment, so various problems occurred here.

Especially the occasional issue of illegitimate children, which was not easy to handle.

Susan kept praying inwardly that it wasn’t a major problem.

“…As I said earlier, I came for advice.”

Kirsy said. She felt no shame in seeking advice from a tavern woman.

As she had always been taught at the Academy, there were three things to learn from anyone, regardless of who they were.

“Anything…! Ask anything…!”

Kirsy looked at Susan with a stern face, then bent her waist and let out a long sigh.

“…Haah……..”

Susan stiffened again at the sound of that sigh.

“…It’s an embarrassing concern.”

But with Kirsy’s honest demeanor that followed, the women in the establishment gradually lowered their guard.

Kirsy said,

“…My man… won’t touch me…”

“…Oh my.”

One of the women standing in line couldn’t help but open her mouth in surprise.

It was a reaction suggesting she hadn’t expected such a cute concern.

Other women nearby pinched the one who had spoken and scolded her.

Kirsy spoke gently, seeing this.

“…No, it’s okay. You can be surprised.”

Since Kirsy had come for advice, she was treating everyone here comfortably.

“…But I don’t know anything, so it’s hard to know how to seduce him.”

“…S-so cute…”

When another woman spoke up, there was a sound of someone slapping her back. That woman was then dragged away.

Susan bowed her head almost to the table in apology.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry! That girl hasn’t been taught properly…!”

“It’s fine. I don’t mind as long as I can get what I want.”

Susan then cautiously asked Kirsy,

“…So… do you want to learn the art of seduction?”

Susan carefully examined Kirsy before her.

Unlike how fearful she had felt earlier, seeing her with such a human concern made her feel more at ease.

But… if asked whether Kirsy could effectively use seduction techniques if taught… the answer was no.

The woman before her was excessively cute. No matter how seductively someone this cute tried to act, it would only have a negative effect.

Fortunately, Kirsy shook her head.

“No. That’s not it.”

Seeing Kirsy’s openness in sharing her thoughts, the women standing behind also gradually let down their guard and approached her.

They had realized her sincerity and wanted to help.

Some knelt beside her politely to listen to her concerns, while others held her knees and bowed.

Everyone couldn’t help but be drawn to this pure love story.

“…I just want you to tell me what I don’t know.”

“Yes, please tell us. We’ll help as much as we can.”

“………”

Kirsy then blushed.

“…This conversation must not leave this room…?”

“Yes, yes! Of course!”

All the women nodded in agreement. By now, they were all looking at Kirsy with the same eyes one would look at a younger sister.

Kirsy said,

“…I want to have the most… loving… intercourse. Can you tell me what options there are…”

And immediately after, the sound of women melting from cuteness filled the establishment.

Kirsy didn’t feel embarrassed.

In the past, she had been deeply hurt by Caden.

She had tried to seduce him by taking off all her clothes.

Given her lack of knowledge, it was the best approach she could think of.

But the response she received was Caden saying, ‘What are you doing, acting like a prostitute?’

Of course, she knew that he had forced himself to say those words.

He had said the meanest things he could to push her away somehow.

…But Kirsy didn’t care anymore.

She didn’t mind if he thought she was vulgar. After all, she only became that way for him.

If it could make him love her, she could endure any embarrassment.

Isn’t that what being a couple was about?

If there was anything she had learned from her past mistake, it was the danger of ignorance.

Even then, she could have seduced him better. Not just by taking off her clothes and embracing him, but by saying more loving words.

That was what she regretted the most.

As such, Kirsy now wanted to learn. From those who would know best.

She was sharpening her blade to steal Caden’s heart.

If he only found her cute but didn’t truly love her.

Then she would earn it through effort.

Kirsy wanted to receive the most love from Caden by any means necessary. This desire refused to die.

That feeling was the cause of this extreme behavior.

After the women’s voices, which had been cooing about how cute she was, finally calmed down, Susan spoke.

“…Lady Mels?”

Despite hearing this title for the first time, Kirsy felt satisfied.

“Yes, please speak.”

“…I’ll be honest.”

“…I’m listening.”

“…I know you’re trying hard, but some things can’t be learned just by being told.”

“……..”

“And it seems inappropriate to teach you positions.”

“……..”

“…So, I’ll tell you a method, not a position, that can make you receive a lot of affection without much effort.”

Kirsy began to feel excited. This was what she had come for.

“…Yes. Please explain in detail.”

Susan looked around at the women nearby. Even without her speaking, the other women seemed to share the same thought.

“…It’s popular these days, have you heard of sex that lasts for days? It’s not difficult.”

“…What?”

“…It’s something that can make a man desperate for you.”