Ch.89Exhibition (1)

The long-awaited and simultaneously dreaded morning of the exhibition had finally dawned.

Though the exhibition had been hastily arranged like a snake slipping over a wall, the Empire had invested enough resources and manpower to make it presentable.

Moreover, the exhibition wasn’t structured as a quiet viewing of artworks in a building, but rather resembled a festival.

They had designated specific spaces for displaying works in the empty territory, and beyond that, residents could simply enjoy themselves together. That was all there was to it.

Additionally, the highlights—music and theater—were scheduled for the evening, so during the day, people could wander around the territory appreciating the exhibited works.

“How is it? Does it suit me?”

Inside the mansion, after all preparations were complete but before officially enjoying the festival.

I couldn’t help but admire Marie in her festival dress. She looked absolutely beautiful in her white dress.

Her shoulders were completely exposed while her chest was slightly revealed, and the white dress emphasized her milky skin.

Overall, it had a modest appearance with almost no elaborate patterns, and the hem barely reached her knees. Thanks to this, her elegant, long bare legs were fully visible, stealing my gaze.

If the dress she wore at the previous event made Marie look mature, the one she was wearing now doubled her girlish charm.

They say a woman’s transformation is innocent. With a transformation like this, any man would have to declare innocence.

‘Wow. Is this woman really my girlfriend?’

I was so stunned that I questioned whether such a beautiful woman could actually be my girlfriend. That’s how abnormally pretty Marie was.

Moreover, beyond her beauty, she had outstanding uniqueness. Her white hair with subtle blue tints, her milky skin, and her jewel-like blue eyes.

She was irreplaceably beautiful and lovable.

After staring at Marie for a while as she waited for my response, I finally voiced my honest impression.

“…You’re beautiful.”

“Is that all?”

“When describing a woman who resembles pure white snow falling from the sky, I think I should use you as a reference.”

“What’s that? That’s truly a novelist’s critique.”

Marie blushed and laughed at my compliment, seemingly embarrassed but not displeased.

I briefly looked her up and down, like a fairy descended from heaven, then crossed my arms and began to appreciate her in earnest.

Since I couldn’t preserve this moment in a picture or photograph, I wanted to engrave it clearly in my memory.

“…It’s embarrassing when you stare like that.”

“I can’t help it because you’re so beautiful. Sorry.”

“It’s fine. Let’s just go outside now.”

At my straightforward confession, Marie blushed and urged me to move along. I reluctantly ended my appreciation mode.

Anyway, Marie would be wearing this dress all day, so it would be easy to remember.

Though it might be annoying to see other men eyeing Marie like hyenas. Of course, Marie’s noble aura was so apparent that no one would dare treat her carelessly.

And since the imperial palace had dispatched security officers to maintain order, the probability of crime occurring was extremely low.

“Ah. Are you two heading out now?”

“Huh?”

Just as Marie and I were about to leave the mansion, Cecilly’s enchanting voice reached my ears.

I turned my head to look at Cecilly who had called us, but I couldn’t help but take a sharp breath.

“May I join you?”

Cecilly smiled brightly as she asked us, but I couldn’t hear her voice at the moment. The beauty of Cecilly in her black dress was strikingly gorgeous.

It was a halter-neck dress that exposed her arms and back, with the straps fastened behind her neck, accentuating her impressive chest, which was her pride.

On another woman, it might only be considered sexy, but Cecilly’s chest was so large that it bordered on provocative.

Moreover, the material clung slightly to her body, drawing attention to her fully revealed figure.

‘But that necklace…’

If there was something curious, it was the necklace Cecilly was wearing.

While the dress appeared expensive, the necklace had a worn-out appearance.

It was an ordinary silver necklace without a single embedded jewel, making it stand out even more in contrast to Cecilly’s appearance.

“Wow… that’s cheating…”

While I was focusing on the necklace, Marie muttered quietly beside me. I nodded in agreement.

Even Marie, a woman who had been viewing Cecilly with jealousy, couldn’t help but express admiration. That gives you an idea of how beautiful Cecilly was at the moment.

If Cecilly’s dress at the previous event was bold, now she was fully showcasing her strengths.

With just her outfit, she exuded sensuality, and her bewitching appearance was stealing my gaze.

Grip-

Perhaps instinctively sensing that I shouldn’t be tempted, I unconsciously grabbed Marie’s hand.

Marie flinched momentarily when I took her hand, but then I felt her grip tighten.

Seeing us holding hands, Cecilly briefly showed a subtle expression before smiling gently and speaking softly.

“I’m sorry if I’m interrupting your date. Actually, this is my first time in this territory, so I need a guide too.”

“Ah… yes.”

“If you refuse, I’ll just back off.”

After hearing Cecilly’s request, I shifted my gaze to Marie. Coincidentally, Marie was looking at me too.

Eventually, she smiled slightly and turned back to Cecilly to give her answer.

“Alright. Just for today, okay?”

“Really? You’re really allowing it?”

Cecilly showed an intense reaction, seemingly not expecting Marie to agree. Her red eyes widened slightly with joy as she strode toward us.

Even Marie had a sour expression, not just me. Moreover, my gaze was drawn to Cecilly’s chest, which swayed slightly as she walked toward us, making me miss the timing to speak.

Fortunately, realizing Marie was beside me, I quickly checked her reaction. Unlike me who had regained my senses, her gaze was still fixed on Cecilly’s chest.

Judging by her slightly trembling blue eyes, she seemed overwhelmed by the formidable presence. The slight swaying as Cecilly walked toward us would inevitably draw anyone’s attention, regardless of gender.

Marie then swallowed hard, averted her gaze, and spoke in a dazed voice.

“Um… okay. But you have to stay by my side, alright? Don’t ever come near Issac.”

“That’s fine. My purpose is the exhibition anyway. Are you really okay with this?”

“Yes, so stop asking. I actually have some things I want to talk to you about too.”

Marie’s eyes trembled slightly, as if trying to prevent her gaze from drifting downward.

If Marie, another woman, was like this, how much worse would it be for me, a man? Unable to endure, I tightly closed my eyes to resist.

As they say, slightly covering skin can be more provocative than fully exposing it. Cecilly was practically advertising that she was a descendant of a succubus for all to see.

‘No wonder I was tempted back then…’

I recalled what she did to me when I discovered her secret. Just thinking about it made my face flush red.

I took deep breaths to calm myself as much as possible. Having such thoughts with my girlfriend right beside me was unacceptable as a boyfriend…

‘…or not. Men are just sad creatures.’

I doubt Marie would understand, but it might be better to get scolded later. I slowly opened my eyes and looked ahead.

Cecilly’s smiling face came into view. Not having the courage to meet her gaze directly, I deliberately avoided eye contact and cleared my throat.

“What about you, Issac? Marie has given permission.”

“…I don’t mind. But where are your guards?”

“Don’t worry about that. They’re watching over us even if you can’t see them.”

“If that’s the case…”

From what I heard, she had an excellent knight from Helium. If they were outstanding even by demon standards, we could feel secure.

‘But wasn’t Cecilly designated as the next Demon King?’

I wondered if she really needed guards, considering her status at the academy too. Of course, it might just be for appearance’s sake, so it wasn’t my place to question.

Anyway, with Cecilly joining us, I finished all preparations and headed outside the mansion.

Marie stood beside me, and Cecilly stood beside Marie as we moved. As soon as we stepped outside, the bright weather welcomed us, improving our mood.

‘Thank goodness it’s not raining.’

Our territory has distinct four seasons, like South Korea from my previous life. It should be raining frequently around this time, but there were no signs of it yet.

Moreover, the sky was clear without a single cloud, making me feel content. After looking up at the sky, I turned my gaze forward.

The guards at the mansion’s main gate noticed us and were opening the gate. Unlike Marie’s mansion, it had a simple and ordinary appearance, but I had no complaints.

On the contrary, I was grateful to the security officers who were diligently working despite the festival.

“You’re working hard. When does your shift end?”

“The knights dispatched from the imperial palace will arrive soon.”

“Then you’ll be able to enjoy the festival soon too.”

“Haha. That’s right. I hope you enjoy the festival too, young master.”

After exchanging pleasantries with the guard, I stepped outside the gate.

The distance between the mansion and the village where the festival was being held was slightly apart, so we would arrive soon after a short walk.

Until then, we engaged in small talk. Marie initiated the conversation with Cecilly.

“By the way, Cecilly. This might be an awkward question, but can I ask?”

“Hmm? What is it?”

“How can your chest get that big?”

The straightforward question hit Cecilly directly. Not only Cecilly but even I, who was just listening, couldn’t help but be taken aback.

It was fortunate that only we could hear it; otherwise, I would have pretended not to hear. I might have even pretended not to know them.

Regardless, Marie’s blue eyes were filled with intense curiosity and a slight yearning(?). Cecilly seemed to notice this, glanced at her own chest once, and then shifted her gaze to Marie.

She blushed slightly and smiled awkwardly before speaking.

“Why are you asking that?”

“Because Issac keeps looking at them.”

“Hey.”

“Why are you trying to deny it? Do you think I don’t know?”

When I expressed disbelief, Marie retorted clearly. It was all true, so I had nothing to say.

I felt like I should say something, but couldn’t. I had a staring contest with Marie, who had a “go ahead and speak if you can” expression, before shaking my head.

As I always say, men are sad creatures. Marie became triumphant and spoke to Cecilly again.

“I think if I were as big as you, Issac wouldn’t look elsewhere. Every time you wear a dress like this, Issac only looks at you.”

“Marie, you’re not small by any means. Quite the opposite, actually.”

Cecilly spoke to Marie in a gentle tone, as if soothing a pouting child. As she said, while Cecilly was overwhelming, Marie was also above average.

Being a noble, she naturally ate and slept better than commoners, and would have received body management training as well.

“And being this big has many inconveniences. You probably know that too, right?”

“I do know. But I still think Issac would like it.”

“Can we talk about this when I’m not around?”

It’s embarrassingly unbearable for the listener. When I pleaded almost desperately, Marie teased me with a playful smile.

“Why? Are you embarrassed?”

“Of course I’m embarrassed. It’s not something you talk about in public…”

“Lend me your ear for a moment.”

Before I could finish speaking, Marie gestured for me to lend her my ear. I flinched, wondering what mischievous act she was planning, but silently complied.

Marie glanced at Cecilly once, then cupped her hands around my ear to prevent sound from leaking.

“No need to be embarrassed. Want to know why?”

-You’ll see everything eventually anyway.

With that single statement, my legs, which had been moving smoothly, came to an abrupt halt. I stared at Marie with my mouth agape.

Marie seemed embarrassed by her own words, a blush rising on her pale cheeks. But judging by her beaming smile, she seemed to have been building up to this moment.

Honestly, I could only admire her. Women seemed to become more cunning the more they fell in love, as if they were turning into mischievous creatures.

“Alright~ I’ll stop teasing now. Let’s go enjoy the festival.”

As I stood frozen for a while, Marie took my hand and led me toward the village. I followed her lead, still unable to regain my composure.

While we moved ahead, Cecilly remained still in her place. As if the world had been divided in two, Marie was busy pulling my hand, regardless of whether Cecilly was in place or not.

“…Interesting.”

With Cecilly’s ominous murmur, the exhibition began.

And then…

“…What the hell is this?”

“It’s a sculpture.”

“I know it’s a sculpture. But what… why is it so big?”

As soon as we entered the village, I was reminded once again that there are many perverts in the world.