STM 145

I stood up and forced myself to smile.

“My heart drops just seeing your brave figure, Grand Duke.”

“Is that so? I could cut your chest open and check for myself.”

He’s a man without a single grain of romance. I looked at his sharp blade and took a half-step back. He immediately stepped closer and grabbed my elbow.

“So, what did you find?”

I’d briefly forgotten that this man never gives up until he gets an answer. I had no choice but to speak honestly.

“It’s just a type of grass.”

“What kind of grass?”

“I don’t know the name.”

I shrugged and turned my eyes toward the field.

“It’s the kind of grass that makes your body heat up and gives you energy when you eat it. It makes you happy enough to dance, and brings tears to your eyes.”

I expected him to dismiss it as a joke again, but he didn’t respond. I looked back, feeling strange, and met his serious eyes.

“Is that the grass your younger sister is looking for?”

“Um, how did you know?”

“It’s an open secret that Adeye Lantuya collects all sorts of rare herbs to get healthy.”

I suppose she needs an excuse like that so people understand why she’s turning all of Tubain upside down to find chili peppers.

“But I’ve never heard of a grass with the effects you described. Does it even exist?”

“I don’t know. But it must exist.”

I muttered and took another step back. He was too close. However, this man grabbed my arm and pulled me back to my original spot.

I almost fell toward him because of that pull, but I managed to keep my balance. When I gave him a dissatisfied look, he gave that fake smile again. What’s bothering him now?

“Is Adeye Lantuya that precious to you?”

“Of course. She’s the only family I have left.”

“Ah, the only family.”

He nodded as if he understood and tilted his head to the side.

“If that ‘only family’ changes to me, then I’d be the most precious.”

“……What does that mean?”

As I glared at him, his smile turned real. It had been a long time since I saw that. That damn golden light in his eyes that appeared whenever I challenged him. His voice also changed to that cold tone mixed with laughter from back then.

“It means I’m your family too.”

“Then why include the assumption that there’s only one?”

“Because I’m the person who’ll stay by your side until the end.”

His shameless smile was refreshing, but his grip on my arm grew painfully tight. I couldn’t tell if this was a joke or if he was serious. Either way, the unpleasant feeling was real, so I roughly brushed his hand off.

“Oh, really? My sister will live to be a hundred, so if you want to win, drink plenty of water and eat your healthy meals.”

It was sarcasm, but did it sound too much like a blessing? He chuckled and finally took a step back.

“Did the meeting go well?”

I knew he was referring to the conversation I had with the other two, but my answer was delayed because I hadn’t moved on from our previous talk yet.

The only family. I felt a strange discomfort. Why did I get goosebumps?

But the man in front of me was waiting for an answer with a face like sunshine, so I forced those feelings away.

“Yes, it went well. You just need to apologize to the two of them, Grand Duke.”

The smile immediately vanished from Tairok’s face. Suddenly, I felt refreshed.

“Do they insist on receiving my apology?”

“No. I do.”

“……Lu.”

“You need the divine beast’s power anyway.”

“That’s uncertain.”

“The divine beast said so, so it must be true.”

“What if I don’t want to?”

I knew he’d act like that.

“If you apologize and receive the power without any trouble to teach Mrs. Ekaf, I’ll…”

I took a deep breath. I can’t believe he’s making me say this.

“I’ll give you a blowjob.”

“…….”

His eyes wavered. It seemed like the first time I’d seen him this flustered since we met. So, I got a bit flustered too.

In Tubain, isn’t a proposal like this basically a morning greeting? I thought I’d be ridiculed first.

But the reason I tried it was because his reaction when we slept together was quite good. It was certain that he enjoyed doing it with me, at least. Though I don’t know how good I am compared to others.

…I’m probably a bit better, right?

“Haah.”

He sighed as he turned his head. I couldn’t see his expression because he kept sweeping his bangs back with his hand.

However, I saw his chest heave once and then settle. Was my proposal that ridiculous?

Just as I was wondering if I should have suggested “swing sex” considering Tubain’s standards, he looked back at me. He looked like his usual self. In that state, he asked.

“Now?”

……?!

“No! No! I said no!”

Not only did I take a big step back, but I also waved both my arms. Now?! Here?! Is he crazy?! His face turned cold at my intense reaction. But it doesn’t make sense.

“Why would I do such a thing outside?”

His expressionless face stared at me silently.

[Many of Adeye Lu’s memories involve outdoor play.]

Damn it. I’ve been so distracted lately that I forgot Lu’s promiscuity is an express train to hell.

“Of course, I was like that once, but not anymore. I really don’t do that.”

“Why?”

“Because I nearly died and came back to life…….”

His expression didn’t change. For some reason, I felt like this tired excuse wasn’t working this time. I hurriedly added more.

“The outdoors is so dangerous.”

“Why?”

“Because there are many risks…… S-snakes might appear! You wouldn’t want your cock bitten by a poisonous snake.”

Damn, it didn’t work this time either.

“So, what I mean is that there’s no need to take the risk of being exposed in an open place when a comfortable bedroom is nearby. Someone might see.”

“Who?”

Who else? I stretched out my arms and pointed to the sky and the ground.

“The sky sees and the earth knows!”

I thought he’d smile out of habit by now, but strangely, he just kept staring at me. At first, I thought he was angry or pouting, but the feeling was different now. It felt as if he was stripping off my mask and watching my true self.

I found myself taking a step back. When I showed my guard with my whole body unconsciously, his eyes slowly scanned me. Then, a smile finally appeared on his lips.

“Fine.”

“What is?”

“Suck my cock wherever you want.”

The bullshit spoken in such a sweet voice had never felt this terrifying.

“And you want my apology? I’ll do it.”

“…….”

“Is there anything else you want?”

His smile deepened along with the kind question. But why did an ill omen crawl over my body like a bug? My response was delayed because of it.

“There’s a lot.”

“What is it?”

“Are you going to grant it all?”

“Yes.”

Tairok readily nodded but added a condition.

“If you ask properly.”

Properly? Does he mean I should prepare a price? I made it clear.

“I can’t do things like sucking cock outdoors.”

“In this place, people usually make requests with words.”

……’In this place’? It gave me goosebumps because it sounded like he assumed I wasn’t from here.

“I’m also a person of Tubain, so why wouldn’t I know that?”

“It’s your first time in Kun’s land.”

Was that what he meant? Was I being too sensitive? But the anxiety didn’t disappear. Even so, if I acted awkwardly here, I’d really arouse suspicion.

“But I didn’t think you’d grant a request made with just words.”

“I’ll grant it. Ask sincerely.”

“Please apologize to the divine beast and help Mrs. Ekaf use the divine beast’s power.”

“For you?”

“…….”

“There’s only one reason I’m granting your request. Because you want it. So say it properly, tell me to do it for you.”

“…….”

“Lu, isn’t this what you want?”

“Do it for yourself.”

I spoke coldly and took a breath.

“Another person can’t be my goal. Especially when doing something I dislike. You need the divine beast’s power, Grand Duke.”

“Is it okay for revenge to be the goal?”

“…….”

“A person is better than revenge. You’re my person now. Isn’t that a much more romantic reason?”

He smirked. No matter how much he tempted me with a smile, I didn’t want to join in that romance.

“Don’t think about it so seriously. Do you think I’d actually…”

He tilted his head and asked slowly.

“Abandon my family and abandon my revenge for you?”

“Of course not.”

He just kept laughing at my response. He looked at me mockingly, as if asking why I couldn’t say it properly when I wanted something. Seeing him like that made me stubborn. Fine, it’s not like it’s a big deal.

“Please do it for me.”