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Chapter one hundred twenty-six: Three Women (one)

It was when Isaac briefly went to the dorm to get some medicine. As soon as Isaac left, Rina called Marie, who was sitting across from her.

"Marie."

"Yeah?"

Upon hearing Rina's call, Marie looked up, pausing her slow steak-cutting. Her fair skin, reminiscent of snow, had faintly reddened due to Isaac's words just moments ago. Her hair, white as snow, made the blush even more noticeable, but it was not important to Rina. What mattered to her was the identity of the "medicine" Isaac mentioned.

"Do you know what kind of medicine Isaac is taking?"

"Why do you ask?"

"I thought you might know. I've never seen Isaac taking any medicine until now."

Rina had spent less time with Isaac compared to Marie and Cecily. She was busy with exhibition preparations and devoted herself to studying to achieve good grades at the academy. Now that the exams were over, she had some free time, but she had just learned that Isaac was taking medicine. So she planned to support him and help rectify her past mistakes.

"It's not a chronic illness or anything, is it?"

"No, it's not. Just ... yeah, it's really a preventive medicine."

"A preventive medicine?"

What could it be preventing? And why was Marie's face getting even redder than before?

Rina had received sexual education with Marie in the palace, but it was purely theoretical. She knew nothing about the secretive atmosphere between men and women or the innuendos. That's why Rina was bewildered, and it was also the reason why Marie couldn't readily explain it. Who could openly say that someone went to get contraceptive pills to have sex?

"Is it expensive? If it's expensive, then I ... "

"No, it's not that expensive. It's something you can also find in stores, so there's no need for you to help."

"Is it something like a dietary supplement?"

"Well ... "

While Marie was contemplating how to make Rina understand, Cecily, who had been quietly observing, smiled and spoke up.

"So, from now on, Marie will be scolded by Isaac with a bat?"

"A stick?"

What's this strange talk again? Rina looked at Cecily with a puzzled expression, as if asking for an explanation.

However, Cecily only maintained her mischievous expression and kept her gaze fixed on Marie. It was the moment her playfulness kicked in.

"Being scolded with a bat, what kind of talk is that? Could it be that Isaac hits you?"

"No, he absolutely doesn't hit me. It's just ... a game. It's a game between me and Isaac."

"A game that requires medicine, and you're scolded by Isaac's bat? I just can't understand any of this ... "

Rina stopped mid-sentence. It was because Marie's face, reddened like a crimson sunset, reminded her of something.

As mentioned before, while Marie had an ability to instinctively assess whether the other person was sincere or lying, Rina had exceptional powers of observation. Having keen powers of observation also meant having the ability to deduce accordingly.

Cecily's mischievous remark, Marie's embarrassment and 'Isaac punishing her with a bat'. The game that required 'preventive medicine'. In the end, it all led to one conclusion.

With everything combined, a single thought floated in Rina's mind, as she was in a daze.

As the conclusion came to mind, Rina's face instantly turned red. Interestingly, her face stiffened while gradually becoming flushed.

In a normal situation, she would quickly regain her composure. However, due to the nature of the conversation, even Rina couldn't help but stammer.

Even as an imperial princess, she was still inexperienced when it came to the experiences of men. In the past, she had met a few men for political marriages, but that was the extent of it for her.

As the situation settled, Rina swallowed her saliva and asked Marie with a trembling voice. Marie, with a heavily blushing face, was clutching her chin.

" ... Marie?"

" ... Yes?"

"Did ... did you ... with Isaac?"

"I did. The thing you're thinking about."

"Since when?"

Countless times, Rina had witnessed them going on dates that were as sweet as dripping honey. However, she couldn't have guessed that they had gone so far.

At that moment, Marie took a sip of tea, her throat seemingly dry, and briefly glanced at Cecily instead of Rina. She had uttered unnecessary words, creating an awkward atmosphere.

Whether she said it or not, Cecily was observing the current situation with interest. Her characteristic mischievous expression added to the amusement.

Marie quietly opened her mouth, suppressing the desire to scratch that entertained face.

" ... after the exhibition ended."

"Then from then until now ... "

"We've been doing it almost every day. We couldn't do it during exam periods because we were busy. Now we're going to do it."

"Oh my ... "

Rina, now at a loss, covered her mouth and didn't know what to do. Rina's reaction, with the 'mask' suddenly being removed, was completely new and surprising.

Marie also gave a surprised look, but for now, it was important to break the tension in the air. Besides, it seemed that even after Isaac arrived, this atmosphere would continue. So, she started reprimanding Cecily instead.

"Cecily, did you really have to say that? And what's with the 'bat'?"

"It's a 'bat', isn't it? It's about the size of a bat, so what else could it be?"

Cecily replied with her hands spread apart at a certain distance. It was a very straightforward expression, typical of her.

And Rina, looking at the length of the 'bat' Cecily expressed, could only be astonished beyond surprise. It was much longer than what she had learned in the palace.

But Marie took it a step further.

"Now it's even bigger than that."

"What? Is that true?"

"Yeah. It seems to have grown along with his height."

As he grew, the evidence of its lengthening became more apparent, and this time it was Cecily's turn to be amazed. Since becoming Isaac's woman, she had been receiving occasional "advice" from Marie.

As a result, she had learned what Isaac liked and what actions he enjoyed, but she was still unable to enter the main stage. The reasons were twofold: Marie still monopolized Isaac, and, above all, the "evil cycle" was gradually approaching.

To alleviate the cycle of evil, as mentioned before, one must restrain or completely eliminate desires through meditation. Thanks to recent inventions of medicine, the suffering of demons during the cycle of evil has decreased, but Cecily was still waiting for the cycle to come.

Once the cycle of evil arrived, pleasure would precede pain. Marie had been enjoying herself since the first night, thanks to Isaac, but it was true that compatibility varied from person to person.

"Um ... Cecily?"

"Yeah?"

"Are you also ... by any chance, Cecily?"

Rina asked Cecily cautiously, her face now completely flushed, as if trying to cool it down even slightly, with both hands wrapped around it.

The combination of her puppy-like adorable appearance and embarrassment from erotic stories exuded the charm of a blushing maiden, and her dignity and charisma as a princess seemed to have completely vanished.

Was Rina's reaction, unlike her usual self, surprising? Cecily stared at her intently, then smiled mischievously and replied in a teasing tone.

"Well~ did I do it? Or did I not? What does our Rina think?"

"You, are you going to do it too? Ah, with Isaac?"

"Yeah, I think I'll do it soon."

"But, there's Marie here. Can we just say those things?"

Rina pointed her finger at Marie and asked. She seemed quite flustered, stuttering her words in an uncharacteristic manner.

On the other hand, Cecily remained composed. As if she had just remembered something, she exclaimed, surprising Rina with a piece of news.

"Oh, I forgot to mention. I'm also dating Isaac."

"W-What? Th-Then ... "

"You're thinking right. Polyamory. As you can see, I'm a demon, and since Isaac is Xenon. I think that explains it all."

It was hard to argue with those words. Moreover, Cecily being the princess of Helium would be a significant political advantage for Isaac.

However, Rina's mind was in turmoil due to the explicit words. She hesitated, opening her mouth like a fish, and slowly turned her head toward Marie.

Finally, meeting Marie's stern gaze, Rina cautiously spoke.

" ... Is that true?"

"Yeah. By the way, I'm the main wife, and Cecily has acknowledged that. Right?"

"Actually, since you're not yet married, I think the position of the main wife is still vacant."

"Come on ... It won't work. You can always leave. Break up with Isaac."

"But I don't want to..."

Marie and Cecily played innocent pranks on each other, but Rina still couldn't calm her heart. No matter how hard she tried to calm down, all sorts of thoughts and imaginings swirled in her head.

"Marie and Cecily doing things with Isaac and all ... No, Cecily probably hasn't done anything yet ... Ugh..."

She felt her head overheating in real time. And she remembered the width of the gap that Cecily had shown just moments ago, spreading it with both hands.

While Marie and Cecily were whispering to each other, Rina discreetly glanced down. She would never date Isaac, but she was also at an age when she was interested in romance.

She discreetly compared the two after watching their expressions. What she was comparing, you can probably guess. And ...

"It goes beyond the navel? Is that really possible?"

Once again, she couldn't help but be astonished. Marie, who had accepted everything, was truly remarkable, and Rina once again felt the mystery of the human body.

Rina swallowed her saliva and looked up at Marie. She had a confident expression, as if she had won in the battle of the wits with Cecily.

"Um ... Marie?"

"Yeah?"

"Does it really ... go in all the way? Doesn't it hurt?"

Marie blinked her eyes and faced Rina, who asked a question. Her face turned red as if it was burning, and her blue eyes were filled with curiosity.

The image of the Rina she knew had completely disappeared, and there was only a girl who showed interest in the romance. Not a princess, but a cute and lovely girl who suited Marie's age.

How adorable she looked. Marie discreetly glanced at her and curled up the corners of her mouth.

It made her feel good as if she had found Rina's weakness, and she felt like she could use it to her advantage in the future.

"Rina."

"Uh, yes?"

"Should I explain everything that happened on the first night, or should I only answer the questions you asked? It's your choice."

"Uh..."

When Marie asked in a teasing voice, Rina's face turned so hot that steam seemed to rise. But she still seemed to want an answer, as her gaze remained focused on Marie.

It seemed like both options were possible, so Marie remembered the first night she spent with Isaac after the exhibition. Her heart fluttered and she felt tense just thinking about it, but it was a memory that had passed.

Currently, she was just a woman who had opened her eyes to sex, not much different from a maiden. They would take turns taking the lead and indulging in each other until they reached their limits.

"Well, then let me explain how Isaac and I ended up having a night affair. It started with Isaac's slip of the tongue."

"A slip of the tongue?"

"Yes. Isaac invited me to his bedroom, saying he had something to talk about briefly. He even prepared coffee."

"T-That ..."

"Exactly. It was probably because he really wanted to talk to me, but I wasn't interested. And on top of that, Cecily said some unnecessary things to me, so I was in a hurry."

"Unnecessary things?"

When Cecily was mentioned, Rina's gaze shifted to the side. Cecily shrugged her shoulders and casually replied as the attention turned towards her.

"I simply said that if you don't do it first, I'll take the lead. Who would have known she would end up working on it the same day?"

"Uh..."

Perhaps Rina was weak when it came to such discussions. She made a distressed sound.

Reason was urging her to stop, but temptation was enticing her to delve deeper.

Despite the differences from the sexual education she received in the palace, her friend's real-life experiences provided Rina with a new stimulation.

"Isaac caressed my entire body, as if handling delicate artwork. You know how big and beautiful Isaac's hands are, right? Just imagine those hands running over my bare skin."

"And, and then?"

"And then ..."

As the story of Marie's first night continued, Rina became even more excited. By occasionally hearing her heavy breathing, it was clear that she was completely absorbed in the story.

When they reached a moment that could be considered a highlight ...

" ... gulp."

Even while swallowing her saliva, she didn't lose her concentration. Marie, in a way that didn't match her noble upbringing, continued with explicit expressions.

Unlike Cecily, who had already heard it several times, Rina listened quietly because it was a story deeply connected to Isaac.

"Until dawn? Wasn't it tough?"

"When I woke up the next day, the sun was already high up in the sky. I don't even know how I managed it back then. Now, even thirty minutes makes me tired."

"Oh, Isaac surprisingly has strong stamina ..."

"I heard that he even received knight training when he was young. He couldn't help but be strong."

"Gulp. And then? Was there nothing eventful in the morning?"

"There was something. It was a certain situation ..."

It was a series of surprises. In Rina's mind, the image of a weak and delicate Isaac suddenly transformed into that of a 'man'.

Recently, Marie's face had brightened, and there was a strange sense of beauty. Could it all be because of her intimate moments with Isaac? Until the end, Rina felt a peculiar emotion from their splendid first night together.

"Our first night ends here. After that, we've been doing it whenever we have time, so there's nothing more to say."

"Then, would you like to give your impression?"

Impression or whatever, Rina was in a situation where she went over her capacity. The more she imagined in her head, the more uncomfortable she felt.

Even just listening to it is this intense, so I couldn't even fathom what it would be like to actually do it. Although she wasn't dating Isaac, he had already become a 'common standard' in her heart.

The man she recently met was only Isaac, and in the past, Jackson had clung to her, but they naturally drifted apart after a group project. Leort was there, but he's her brother, so she dismissed him immediately.

Knock-knock-knock-

"I'm here. Can I come in?"

While Lina hesitated, Isaac, who went to get the medicine, came back. Upon hearing him, Rina perked up, raising her head.

Eventually, as Isaac opened the door, her gaze turned to a stern place. The part that Marie had emphasized just a moment ago.

However, Isaac opened his mouth with a calm face, completely unaware of that fact.

"Finished eating? Should I pay?"

"Yeah. Let's do that. Shall we go right away?"

"Do you want to do that?"

"It's been building up for a few days. I can't relieve it on my own."

If she hadn't heard Marie's story, Rina wouldn't have been able to understand their conversation. But now, she can.

Rina could anticipate what they would do as soon as she heard their conversation. While the academy had an inn for guests, it wasn't exclusively for them. There were also soundproof rooms for the nobles. So what Isaac and Marie would do there ...

"Gulp."

Rina swallowed the saliva that had been stuck in her mouth once again. Even though it was just an imagination, her heart raced, and she felt tense. She knew it wasn't right, but after hearing the story, she had an urge to secretly witness it.

Perhaps it would be helpful for her own wedding night in the distant future. After all, she was a princess of the Minerva Empire, and marrying a man was a natural course of events.

Of course, that was her rationality speaking, but her instinct was merely driven by sexual curiosity. She was only seventeen, just at the age when she was beginning to awaken to her desires.

Should she uphold her dignity as a princess, or should she act according to her personal desires? It was a moment when Rina found herself immersed in the most significant dilemma of her life, unrelated to public affairs.

"Hmm?"

And Cecily, who had been watching her from the side, let out a strange chuckle.

Chapter one hundred twenty-seven: Hidden Sincerity one

I have decided to seek advice from Cecily, but my investigation did not stop. Over the weekend, I consistently observed Nicole and Adelia's sparring at the public training ground. After the sparring sessions, we planned to have a meal together.

The combat scenes were accurately portrayed according to my imagination, and my father even praised the authenticity. However, it is still better to make them more explicit. It's good to know how they fight.

Especially for humans, unlike other races, the combat abilities vary greatly from individual to individual. Some people, like my father, have records of subduing dragons, while others, like me, are mere civilians.

Furthermore, most humans are civilians, and even the knights affiliated with the military have a wide range of disparities in their abilities. Therefore, in the Xenon Chronicles, balancing is not just a choice but a necessity, and it must have a certain degree of plausibility.

Above all, the most noticeable aspect among humans is what can be referred to as "talent." Having talent is not necessarily required to reach a certain level of skill, but it is essential to achieve a higher realm.

Elves, demons, and beastmen have many innate advantages, but humans do not. Perhaps that's why humans differentiate themselves based on their skills, unlike other races.

There was some discussion about Xenon's talent, but it was just a passing remark. Currently, the most significant concerns are how powerful Xenon is and how formidable the Seven Sins are.

'I wonder if the sky would split apart when they clash their weapons like in that pirate manga.'

While reading books related to the racial war, I immersed myself in my thoughts. The racial war was a massive conflict that erupted between the Elven Union and the Human Alliance, so there are numerous records documenting it.

For example, if a human mage unleashed mass destruction magic towards the elven stronghold, there are descriptions of the earth shaking, and flames raining down from the sky, while the elves were struck by thunder and lightning like pouring rain.

Anyway, the existence of a mage can be seen as an asymmetric power similar to a missile when considering my past life. Honestly, magic is something that I can describe in any way and move on without any problem.

The biggest issue is melee combat. In other words a fight with cold weapons between skilled individuals. In most historical records, it is recorded who fought against whom, but there is almost no information about the battle itself. As my father said, when powerful individuals clash, it takes days as a minimum, and the surrounding environment becomes chaotic.

Because of this, most of the time is spent waiting until one side overpowers the other, and there are no detailed records. Only the winner knows how the battle unfolded.

As the story progresses, I agonized over the balance issues that became more apparent. Xenon eventually defeats Jin, who absorbs the soul of a great devil, in a one-on-one battle, but the journey until then is far from easy.

How can I establish a balance that will be convincing to the readers? Since it's a growth story, it was extremely difficult.

'First of all, among the Seven Deadly Sins ... Pride and Gluttony should naturally be the strongest.'

By the way, the first of the Seven Deadly Sins to die is none other than Wrath. I have already devised all the situations which lead to Wrath's exit, but as I mentioned before, I need advice from a specialist.

There is no better specialist to consult other than Leona at the moment, but it is doubtful whether she will help. There may be unnecessary suspicions involved instead.

How can I receive help from her? If I ask for advice, would she give it? While reading a book, I pondered deeply.

"Cutie. What are you reading?"

As I sat quietly, reading a book, someone called me in a friendly voice. It was a woman's voice, husky yet lively, just as I had anticipated.

As expected, it was Adelia, who had just finished her sparring practice. She looked at me with her sky-blue eyes sparkling, carrying a training wooden sword on her shoulder.

Slightly taken aback by the strong scent emanating from her sweat, I closed the book and replied quietly.

"I was just reading. Are you finished with the sparring?"

"I'm done. It's only Nicole left now. Phew."

Adelia exhaled heavily and plopped her bottom next to me. We sat so close that our arms were pressed together, but neither of us minded.

Besides her confident personality, Adelia gave off a feeling of being like a caring older sister, just like Nicole. If Nicole possessed calmness and strictness, Adelia could be described as a mischievous and innocent older sister.

Anyway, considering the way she visited our mansion during the exhibition without any hesitation, and judging by her relationship with Nicole, she was almost like family. A pitiful person seeking affection due to being abandoned by her real family.

Thinking that her energetic personality might be a mask to cover her own wounds made me feel even more sympathetic.

"Why are you looking at me like that? Is it because I'm pretty?"

I take back what I just said. I shook my head playfully, my clothes fluttering as I acted like a mischievous child, making Adelia chuckle and nod in amusement.

"You're beautiful, but saying things like that ruins it for me."

"Really? Am I pretty?"

"If you have a conscience, look in the mirror and say those words."

"Why do you always choose such pretty words?"

Adelia pinched my cheek lightly and spoke with delight. If she hadn't been sweating, she would have probably hugged me tightly or rubbed her face against mine.

Her unique and intense affectionate gestures had lost their charm for me. It wasn't just me, she treated Nicole the same way, so I didn't consider it anything special.

"Okay. Today, I'll give you the privilege of going on a date with me. How about that? Isn't it amazing?"

"You know I have a girlfriend, too."

"Oh, come on, just once. I'll treat you well."

"Don't mess around with me."

Sometimes she would jokingly ask me out on a date, which would leave me in an awkward situation. She knew that I was dating Marie, so she usually suggested it playfully.

Adelia had a mischievous nature and acted younger than her age, so sometimes it was difficult to tell if she was being sincere or not. However, judging by her tone and expression, it seemed like a joke, so I could respond with a wry smile.

"Is it because of your girlfriend? Don't worry. If she finds out, I'll confidently say that I'm going to be a mistress."

"Why are you suddenly talking about that? I haven't even gotten married yet."

"If you don't like me being a mistress, can I become your bodyguard instead?"

"Let's talk about it after you graduate."

Actually, graduation is already a given for Adelia. Her skills are exceptional enough to be scouted by the Knights, to the extent that she could become an assistant instructor at the Martial Arts Department.

However, considering her status, it can be somewhat ambiguous for her to join the Knights. Whether she will return to the Ters Kingdom or continue as she is, remains uncertain.

It was such a sensitive question that I couldn't ask it recklessly.

"Graduation ... I wish it could be delayed if possible."

Instead, Adelia also seemed to have thought of that point, as she murmured with a bitter smile. However, her hand was still pinching my cheek.

Recalling her unhappy family history, I cautiously spoke up.

" ... Is it because of your family?"

"That's one of the reasons, but ... "

Adelia lifted her gaze from the ground and stared at me, subtly. I, too, looked at her face with its striking high nose bridge.

Then suddenly, she smirked and pulled me into a tight embrace. Startled by the unexpected gesture, all I could do was be taken aback.

"Of course, the biggest thing is that I can't see our little cutie! It's been only a few months, and I can see how much more you have grown!"

"Ah, well ... "

Sweat is sweat, but the embarrassment of burying my face in someone else's chest surpasses it. Although born as an illegitimate child, thanks to the good lifestyle in the palace, Adelia also boasted a remarkable presence.

Furthermore, her scent emanated like a fragrant flower. Even when Marie sweats, a pleasant fragrance wafts, making me wonder if all women are like this.

"Back off! Please! I can't breathe!"

"Just stay like this for a little longer. It's your Noona's wish."

"What wish ...! "

Anyway, Adelia tightly embraced me for a while and fulfilled her own wish. As an ordinary person, I had no choice but to do as she wished, as I couldn't resist her overwhelming strength.

Oh, of course.

"Do you have any thoughts or not ?! I told you last time! Marie is no longer just a girlfriend, practically speaking, she's my fiancée! And we even spent the night together!"

"I-I'm sorry ... Isaac is just so cute ..."

"I agree that he's cute, but some things are not allowed. If you keep doing this, I'll have to prohibit you from approaching Isaac, so understand that. Got it?"

"N-No, I can't be prohibited from approaching him! He's the only healing in my life!"

She got caught red-handed by Nicole. I knelt down, alternately looking at Adelia, who was lamenting, and Nicole, who was glaring fiercely.

Perhaps because Adelia held me so tightly, her scent was all over the place. After the meal, I had to go on a date with Marie, but I was worried that I might get yelled at.

"Then why don't you stop playing such pranks on Isaac? What if it leads to a rumor? What would you do then?"

"Well ... shouldn't I take responsibility? Should I be Isaac's wife and leave Marie as the mistress?"

"That's nonsense ... and the responsibility should fall on Isaac, not you. Why should you take it? Don't place the blame in the wrong direction."

Nicole meticulously picked apart Adelia's excuses. Adelia herself seemed to think they didn't make sense, awkwardly smiling as she spoke.

"R-right? It doesn't make sense ... right? Haha ... "

I couldn't help but feel a hint of discomfort as I watched Adelia's laughter. It was close to a forced, artificial smile.

Even the corners of her mouth were trembling, as if trying to hide her emotions.

" ... Come to think of it, you were really happy when he said you didn't have to return the handkerchief, weren't you?"

Was it a sincere remark, or just a probing question? Given her usually lively personality, it was extremely rare to see her wearing such an expression.

"Yeah. And you came here to become a knight, right? You should start looking into the knight corps you'll be working with after graduation. Got it?"

" ... Nicole."

"Yes?"

"By any chance ..."

Adelia knelt down and smirked at me, tightly biting her lips. Then, she forced a smile again and spoke to Nicole.

"Ah, it's nothing. Keep talking."

Did Nicole sense something too? She shifted her gaze to me, hardened her expression, and said to Adelia.

"Follow me for a moment."

After that, they left me behind in the training ground and moved to another place. I watched their receding figures in silence, scratching my head.

'This feels strange ... '

I had a premonition that the situation was about to become complicated.