SWY Side Story 7

The first thought Sharhan had when he opened his eyes to the familiar ache was, “It really is my fault.”

When Lestel had asked for a second round, Sharhan had planned to reject him flatly. But the moment their eyes met, with Lestel gazing down at him full of anticipation, the words slipped out before he could stop them. “Just once more. Really, just one more time.” His mouth had always been the problem. Or rather, his heart that was unusually weak to Lestel, that was the true issue.

“We ended up doing it four times.”

His constant surrender to Lestel’s advances had led to his current state: a throbbing back, a burning soreness below, and an aching pelvis. Every muscle was crying out. Even the pain from his swollen nipples made him feel like his whole body had been wrecked.

With a heavy, languid feeling in his lower body, he was lazing around, not wanting to get up, when the door clicked open.

Even though he was in a vulnerable state, he didn’t react with surprise. The approaching footsteps were unmistakably Lestel’s.

Lestel, who had tried to be quiet, smiled when he saw Sharhan awake and came over.

“When did you wake up? I thought you were still asleep.”

“Just now.”

Sharhan tilted his head and gave Lestel a displeased look. Amused by the childish expression, Lestel leaned in and kissed his forehead.

“Why is your face so puffy?”

“My body feels heavy. Every time the blanket brushes against me, my nipples hurt. We’ve still got a long way to go.”

“Maybe I should’ve held back on the last round.”

Lestel spoke with a look of mock sympathy as he patted Sharhan’s head.

“Lestel.”

“Yeah?”

“Your eyes are smiling. If you’re going to lie, at least fix your expression first. You don’t look the slightest bit sorry.”

Despite the scolding, Lestel smiled without a hint of shame. After last night, his needs weren’t completely satisfied, but his mood was light and generous.

“Wouldn’t you prefer some sweet talk over shameless behavior?”

“Sweet talk said with that smug, satisfied look is just as annoying.”

“I look satisfied?”

“Yeah. Like a predator that just gorged itself.”

“I doubt it. I didn’t get to eat my fill yesterday.”

Lestel touched his face here and there as if to check, but it was clear to anyone that he looked thoroughly content.

“Where did you leave your conscience?”

Sharhan scolded him, but his heart was already melting. It had irritated him for a moment, seeing Lestel so refreshed while he himself was sore all over, but it wasn’t like he could truly hate a happy lover. Besides, if he was honest, it was his own fault for giving in.

Sharhan dropped the petty act and slowly sat up. As he did, the blanket slid down, revealing his upper body marked with hickeys. Lestel’s lips curled upward.

“What are you smiling at?”

“Your chest is covered in the marks I left. It feels like proof that you’re really mine, and it makes my heart ache.”

“I’m still your lover even without the marks.”

“Say that again.”

“I said I’m your lover. I, Sharhan Kaios, swear to be Lestel Ailun’s lifelong partner. Happy now?”

Sharhan grumbled, and the tips of his ears turned red. Lestel nodded with satisfaction, pretending not to notice the embarrassment he was trying so hard to hide.

“I’ve been so happy lately, it wouldn’t surprise me if my heart stopped.”

“That’d be a problem. If your heart stops, I’ll have to die with you. But I’d rather live with you than die together. We wasted over twenty years fighting, so we should at least spend thirty as lovers.”

“Shan.”

“What?”

“Have you been sneaking spoonfuls of sugar lately? Was there sugar in the Ice Cave ruins?”

The ancient empire hadn’t stored sugar among its preserved supplies.

“What are you talking about?”

“Why is everything you say so sweet?”

With a face like he was savoring chocolate, Lestel played with Sharhan’s earlobe. It was soft and pleasant to the touch, almost as sensitive as his nipples. Sharhan, flustered, pushed Lestel away and climbed out of bed. He hadn’t meant to say something so cheesy. He had promised himself just yesterday not to let his guard down. And yet, here he was, saying things even Lestel called sweet. If he wasn’t careful, he might slip up in front of others.

“I really have to be careful. Keep it together.”

Sharhan looked around the floor.

“What are you looking for?”

“My clothes. Ah… they must be in the bathroom.”

“I moved them to the living room. I’ll grab them for you.”

Lestel quickly returned with the clothes and kissed Sharhan’s cheek.

“Get dressed and come out. I made breakfast.”

Sharhan nodded and started by putting on his underwear. Since they’d cleaned up in the bath afterward, his body felt fresh. Once fully dressed and booted, he stepped outside and saw Lestel pouring hot water into cups. The fire in the hearth was blazing, warming the living room nicely.

“You lit a fire?”

“Yeah. To heat the water and cook some potatoes. Eat up. I peeled them for you.”

Lestel gestured toward the seat across from him. On the table sat well-roasted potatoes, already peeled.

“Thanks.”

They had cooled to just the right temperature, making them easy to eat.

“Drink some water while you eat. The kettle and cups were already in this house, but I cleaned them well, so don’t worry.”

“….”

“Why are you staring at me like that? Did you fall for me all over again because I’m so kind and thoughtful?”

“Eat this.”

Sharhan shoved half a potato into Lestel’s mouth. His fingers, darkened from peeling the burned skin, made Sharhan feel unexpectedly touched, but he didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of knowing that.

They filled their stomachs with hot water and roasted potatoes, then cleaned the house to remove any trace of their stay. They doused the fire, rolled up the soiled bedding and set it outside, and carefully collected the mana stones. Even if they had lost their power and were now nothing more than rocks, leaving them behind could cause problems later.

If someone recognized them and started tracking their trail, it could lead to trouble. If they were lucky, the person might be an ally, but if not, things could get dangerous.

After clearing the food waste and double-checking the house, they finally stepped outside under a hazy sky.

“Hope it doesn’t rain.”

Rain with a chill would only slow them down. Their goal was to return quickly, and gloomy skies weren’t encouraging. As Sharhan looked up anxiously, Lestel hugged his waist and said,

“It’ll be fine. Let’s hurry.”

Thankfully, the sky, which had looked like it would pour at any moment, remained calm. Even the heavy humidity was starting to lift, so the worry of rain faded. Lestel, proud that he’d been right, puffed himself up, and Sharhan smiled, humoring him. Then, as Ailun Castle came into view in the distance, both of them stopped walking at the exact same moment.

Even from afar, the castle was clearly in ruins. The once-tall, solid walls had crumbled, leaving devastation behind. Corpses lingered all around. The people who had once waited desperately in front of the gates were nowhere to be seen. Sharhan silently prayed that as many as possible had escaped safely, then glanced at Lestel.

Lestel’s profile, gazing at the ruin of the home he’d lived in all his life, looked complicated. Sharhan reached for his hand and asked,

“Are you okay? You seem troubled.”

“I’m thinking about the people who used to gather outside the gates.”

“If the world hadn’t ended, they would’ve become your vassals one day.”

“But it did end.”

“Yeah.”

“And even if the empire had survived, I wouldn’t have inherited the marquis title. I never wanted it. It was just a burden. Besides, if I became a marquis, I would’ve had to give you up. And there’s no way I would’ve done something that foolish.”

What Lestel had always truly wanted wasn’t wealth or power. It was a life with Sharhan.

“You’re probably the only person who thinks refusing a noble title is foolish.”

“That just means no one’s as crazy about you as I am.”

“Crazy bastard.”

Sharhan rolled his eyes, but the curve of his lips betrayed his amusement.

“I told you. I’m crazy about you. Honey, no matter what happens in the world, you’ll always be my choice. You’re the only one I’ll take responsibility for.”

“I’ve got more than just you, though. There’s Iris, my nanny, Sir Rael, Kuph, and Adam and Derry too…”

“Yes, yes, of course. Take care of your many people. Just don’t forget about me.”

Lestel scoffed, a little wounded that Sharhan didn’t even humor him with a simple me too.

Sharhan held back a laugh and leaned in close to Lestel’s ear.

“I would’ve chosen you too. Even if the world hadn’t ended, I’d have ended up with you.”

Lestel twitched at the warmth of his breath, and his lips curled upward. He cleared his throat and pulled Sharhan back in, lacing their fingers together. He gripped tightly, afraid Sharhan might let go, but Sharhan didn’t.

“Let’s go.”

They continued walking, hands still intertwined. It felt a little awkward, holding hands like this as grown men, especially with Lestel, but the shared warmth in their palms wasn’t unpleasant.

“There’s no one watching anyway.”

With that excuse, they walked on, hand in hand, and the once-cloudy sky gradually began to clear as if offering its blessing.