Chapter 27: Greetings to Father

“Ah… ah… nooo… not there, not that spot…”

Elfina Rogueia was in an upscale bathhouse in the royal capital reserved for the upper class. She was alone with her partner-to-be. They had come to the capital today for business, and after rinsing off in the bath they had somewhere else to go.

“Elfina’s hole here is beautiful too. Look, I’m putting in another finger.”

“Nooo… don’t! It’s stretching… ahh…”

She gripped the stone edge of the tub and shook her white ass with a plump. The man pulled out the middle finger he had inside and pushed back in with the ring finger too. It was an unusual hole, one that normally had nothing to do with sex—an unclean hole. The flesh spread with a kuku and accepted the fingers. Each thrust in and out sent a tingling pleasure like she was defecating.

(I’m feeling it in such a dirty place…)

The reason the man kept working as a male prostitute wasn’t just for money. Sex between man and woman wasn’t only for making babies or calling down the goddess’s blessing. It was two people mixing together, cherishing each other, sharing deep pleasure. He said he was learning the techniques needed for that. Her own body proved it wasn’t just an excuse. While her ass was being dug into, honey gushed freely from her flower garden.

A slick, shining back was licked. Her body burned with sensual heat. While his left hand worked her ass, his right hand kneaded her breasts. He grabbed the heavy, swaying tits and savored their springy softness. He dug out the sunken nipples and rolled them between his fingers.

“You really are beautiful, Elfina. And you smell good too. Your body after sweating a little gives off the most delicious scent.”

Her glossy golden hair was pinned up, exposing her nape and ears. He ran his tongue there and whispered right into her ear. Elfina flushed but shook her head.

“No… I’m not food…”

“You are food. My exclusive food that only I get to eat. Come on, say it. Eat me…”

“Nooo… you can’t… I’ll be dyed by you, completely dyed…”

Attacked by his words, Elfina felt another shudder of pleasure. The overflowing honey slicked all the way down her thighs, and her swollen nipples ached they were so hard. His fingers pumped rhythmically, drawing out more sensation. Elfina waited for the meltingly sweet pleasure he always gave her. But right at the edge he pulled his fingers out.

“Eh? Ah…”

While stroking her plump, peach-like ass, the man pressed his throbbing cock against the hole. Elfina held her breath. The tip pushed in with a kupu then pulled back. Elfina shook her head.

“Nooo… don’t tease…”

“No good. You have to beg properly. Come on, say it.”

(Ahh… no. If I say that, I’ll really…)

“It’s just the two of us. No need to be shy. How do you want it?”

Her well-shaped thin lips opened. Still hesitating, but unable to resist the sensuality racing through her body, the marquis’s daughter gave in and spoke her wish.

“Please… eat me… devour my ass completely with your thing…”

“Good girl, Elfina. If you ask like that, I have no choice. Then, I’ll enjoy the marquis’s daughter’s ass—here I go.”

The tip pushed past the ridge and slammed all the way to the root in one thrust.

“Hiiiuuuuuuuhhh!”

Elfina arched her back hard. The ass that had been carefully trained took his thick cock without trouble and clamped down tight. The man narrowed his eyes at the supreme taste of her ass meat.

“Mmm… delicious. Elfina’s ass is the best. It feels like I’m being wrapped in the finest silk.”

“Kuh… nnh! D-don’t move… my stomach feels… so full…”

He stayed buried to the hilt and waited. Elfina panted through her shoulders, occasionally letting out small moans. Her ass flesh hugged his cock perfectly, giving sweet pressure. Finally her breathing settled. He reached around from behind with both hands and enjoyed the firm bounce of her full breasts.

“How is it? Still uncomfortable?”

“Nnh… a little… but I’m okay now.”

“Good. Then I’ll start moving.”

“Hya… ahhaa…”

His hips drew back with a zuzu. Elfina felt a depraved pleasure she had never known. It felt exactly like slow defecation. Then he thrust back in with a zuchu.

“Higu!”

And pulled out again. The tingling sensuality and the violent feeling of her flesh being devoured drove Elfina insane. His hips gradually sped up. Her insides had completely adjusted. Looking down at Elfina’s back as she began voicing her female pleasure, the man thought:

(She really does taste like Miss Lilia. Tight and squeezing, yet endlessly soft and devouring. Someday I’ll line Miss Lilia and Elfina up and take both at the same time…)

“You’re insanely wet. My ass seems to like it, huh, Elfina?”

“Nooo! That’s not it… I’m not…”

She shook her head in denial. But her body gave the opposite reaction. Her skin flushed pink, her flower garden kept gushing honey nonstop. Inside the stone bathhouse, pan pan sounds echoed. Her soft ass meat jiggled and bounced against his hips.

(Ahh… feeling it in my ass like this… but… but it feels so good…)

Fingers invaded her flower garden. Her craving breasts were attacked too. Elfina came again and again. The cries leaking from her beautiful mouth only fueled the man’s beastly lust higher.

“How is it? Does it feel good? Elfina!”

“It does! My ass feels so good! It feels… ahhh!”

The man was nearing his limit too. His cock throbbed painfully. He reached around with his left hand and stroked her soft golden mound down to her lower belly.

“I’m going to pump it all inside you like this. I’m going to fill Elfina’s belly with my seed!”

“It’s coming out! Into my ass like this! Ahh, it’s coming! It’s here! A huge load is coming!”

With one final deep thrust he poured in the white turbidity. Elfina drooled while her whole body convulsed. Burning heat flooded her rectum; the scorching sensation made her dizzy. When the eruption ended the man pulled his hips back.

“Ah… w-wait! Don’t…”

She tried to clench in a panic but it was too late. She couldn’t close suddenly after being stretched open, and thick white lava oozed out of her asshole.

“Nooo… don’t look…”

Elfina’s face burned with shame. When he grabbed her white ass with both hands the flow became unstoppable. She shook her head in protest, yet having her embarrassing state seen by the man sent Elfina into twisted pleasure. Finally they both calmed and sank into the tub.

“Something like this… sex without even calling down the blessing…”

“That’s what makes it good. Right now we aren’t Holy Knight Paladin and Hero Chevalier. We’re just one man and one woman—Elfina and Kaito. Among all the people who can’t even touch each other, don’t you think this is incredibly luxurious?”

Elfina rested her head on the shoulder of the man sitting beside her and closed her eyes. What he said was true. How many couples enjoyed this level of sensuality? From now on they would spend long years together and share countless pleasures. For a brief moment Elfina felt pure happiness.

“It is an honor to meet you, Lord Rogueia. I am Kaito, first-year at the Royal Knight Academy. Thank you for sparing time despite your busy schedule.”

Kaito stood in formal academy uniform before a refined middle-aged man. The man rose and looked at Kaito. This was the Rogueia marquis family’s secondary residence in the capital. Elfina’s father, William Rogueia, furrowed his brow and spoke one line.

“So. You’re the man who laid hands on my beloved daughter…”

“………”

Kaito wondered how to answer. He could hardly say “I enjoyed her thoroughly.” Then the man before him broke into a wide grin and clapped Kaito’s shoulder.

“Hahaha… no, no, sorry. I’ve always wanted to say that line to the man my daughter brings home one day. Elfina has told me a lot about you. I can tell just by looking at her face. You really do treasure my daughter. I’m counting on you from now on, all right?”

“Yes. As a Hero Chevalier and as a man, I promise to make Elfina happy.”

Hearing the clear, serious declaration, Elfina felt embarrassed. How could this man say such shameless things so calmly? But her father seemed to sense something and nodded with a serious expression. They were urged to sit. Servants brought the meal. Grilled river fish with herbs, white bread—typical noble dishes lined the table.

“Originally I wanted to introduce my wife Elizabeth and my son Michael as well, but we’ll save that for another time. Go on, eat. You two must be hungry?”

The words sounded as if he knew exactly what they had been doing moments ago, and even Kaito blushed. He changed the subject to cover it.

“Elfina… I mean, I heard from the young lady that Lord Rogueia puts great effort into managing your territory, so you rarely come to the capital. Will you be returning home right after your business here?”

William gave a wry smile and set down the fork in his hand.

“Kaito. It may still be early to call me ‘Father,’ but calling Elfina ‘the young lady’ is a bit too formal, don’t you think? I don’t mind at all. Speak to me the way you usually do.”

Kaito nodded and corrected himself.

“My apologies. Then… the business in the capital—is it related to the recent battle?”

“Oh? Why do you think so?”

“From what Elfina told me, the Rogueia marquis territory faces the beautiful forests and lakes of the Risruna Mountains to the northeast… On the other hand, it isn’t far from the Kabachi Plains, so the course of the war must be of great interest to you. For you to come to the capital at this time, I can only think of that battle.”

“Hmm. Well, that is part of it. But nobles have all sorts of troublesome matters. Win or lose, there are always people scheming to take advantage. Personally I’d rather relax on my lands and hold my first grandchild?”

“Father… we’re not at that stage yet…”

Scolded by her father, Elfina turned bright red. Kaito was curious about William’s words “people scheming.” But he couldn’t ask here. This was “politics,” not something a mere hero candidate should poke into.

(Probably disputes over troop replenishment rights and such. I’d rather stay out of it.)

“By the way, the academy summer break starts soon—what are your plans?”

Kaito tilted his head and looked at Elfina. He hadn’t even known summer break existed. Elfina noticed and explained.

“The academy has a five-week summer break from early July to mid-August. Holy Knight Paladin candidates each return to their family homes. Hero Chevalier candidates are in principle forbidden from going home, but otherwise you can spend it fairly freely. We don’t get it, but as a hero you should receive a lump-sum payment for completing a full year of study.”

“A whole month off… I had no plans at all. I literally just learned it exists.”

“Hahaha, I see, I see. Then how about this? Why not spend it relaxing at my territory? You’re going to be my daughter’s partner. I’d like to introduce you to my wife and son too.”

It was a generous offer, but he couldn’t stay with just Elfina. He needed to greet the other three girls’ parents as well during this chance. When he gently explained, William nodded and offered an alternative.

“You don’t have to stay the whole month. If you think it’s necessary, just visit the other Holy Knight Paladin candidates’ homes too. In fact, why not bring all three of them along? They’re my daughter’s friends. I’d welcome them.”

“That is very kind. Then, during the first two weeks of summer break I’d like to visit the other three families and greet them. After that we’ll meet up and come to the marquis’s residence…”

“In that case, we should save Elsa for last. Elsa’s home is where General Phalanx is, meaning Valihart Grand Fortress. From there they can reach us in just a few days. Sofia and Sasha’s homes are in the capital, so visit them first.”

“Right. Let’s do that.”

Kaito had been planning to greet each family anyway. Summer break was the perfect opportunity.

(Before that, I should visit Roksane’s grave…)

While eating, Kaito quietly decided.

When Kaito suggested using summer break for the greeting rounds, Sofia and Sasha agreed immediately, but Elsa made a sour face. When Kaito asked why…

“Papa… Great General Phalanx holds the military authority of the entire north. Valihart Grand Fortress is a vital stronghold of the Kingdom, so even I, his daughter, can’t just drop by whenever I want.”

“Well, that makes sense. But I think it’ll be fine this time. There probably won’t be any fighting this year. General Phalanx should have already anticipated that much. Right now it should be easy to visit, don’t you think?”

“Kaito, how can you say that for sure?”

Sofia asked. Elsa nodded vigorously too. Kaito explained simply.

“The Empire has far fewer people than the Kingdom. And that Empire just lost a great many Holy Knights in the last battle. Recovery will take years. At the very least, large-scale battles in the tens of thousands are unthinkable until next year or later when the Holy Knights are replenished. Skirmishes of a thousand at most will be the limit. The great general himself has no need to move. The field commanders should handle it easily.”

“I see… so right now the northern army is relaxed? Inducing the enemy’s carelessness and striking is basic swordsmanship, but…”

“There is no sword. In that battle the Empire suffered over ten thousand casualties. No matter how much they control information, news like this leaks. Normally they would focus on unifying the country. If they send out another army of ten thousand…”

“If they send out another army of ten thousand?”

At Sofia’s question Kaito shrugged.

“The Empire’s emperor would have to be a total idiot. That’s an opponent they couldn’t beat even with forty thousand soldiers and twenty-five Holy Knight Paladins. Starting a war with no chance of victory is nothing but idiocy.”

(Well… there is one other possibility. “They have a chance of winning”…)

That possibility flashed through his mind. But Kaito thought no further. It was assumption piled on assumption. He decided there was no point thinking about it here.

In the imperial arsenal, production of the new weapon was advancing. Entry required three separate checks by guards. Sentries stood watch around the clock in three shifts.

“There are probably Kingdom spies in the capital too. No amount of caution is too much. You should also watch your surroundings carefully.”

“Ah—yeah yeah. I’m fine. I’m staying inside here the whole time…”

At Austro Tolmakia’s words, Lizalith Prada nodded while stroking the assembled “cannon.” The people around had apparently grown used to her rudeness and no longer scolded her. Austro gave a wry smile and looked at the new weapon.

“This thing is extremely powerful, but it isn’t without weaknesses. It can’t rapid-fire. It’s heavy so it lacks mobility. It can’t be used in rain. Above all, it can only attack at long range. In other words, once the enemy closes in, it’s over.”

“Yep. Well, I did think about a ‘small cannon’ small enough to carry on the shoulder, but I’ve been completely occupied with this one so I haven’t even drawn the blueprints yet. Once this is finished I’ll start on it.”

“So, how long until the fifty are ready?”

“They’ll be ready by early July, but we’ll also have to teach everyone how to use them at the same time, so they’ll be combat-ready in August after all.”

“Very well. We’ll prepare for an August departure on our side too. Also, you should rest a little. You’ve got dark circles under your eyes.”

Lizalith just waved her hand lazily. Austro shrugged and turned his back on the cannon. He spoke quietly to Lizalith’s guards.

“Protect Lizalith Prada at all costs. If you judge you cannot protect her, you understand what to do?”

The guards nodded. It meant kill her before she fell into enemy hands.

On a holiday just before summer break began, Kaito headed to the cemetery on the outskirts of the capital. The personal effects had been sent to her family, but the body was buried here.

“Roksane, it’s been a while.”

He placed a bouquet and knelt before the gravestone. While stroking the stone he closed his eyes. Once summer break ended he would be a second-year. The year had flown by. In that year he had grown a little taller and his body had changed.

“Next year I’ll take Holy Knight Paladins. Starting with four, but probably more. But I won’t make any of them my legal wife. My wife is only you.”

Wind blew and scattered petals. It would be a lie to say he felt no loneliness. Even now Roksane sometimes appeared in his dreams. But time is cruel. Little by little the pain fades, and Roksane’s face grows hazy. A grave is not for the dead. It is for the living to remember the dead.

“Next time I’ll bring four Holy Knight Paladins. Watch me. I will definitely become a Hero Chevalier. The greatest hero of all…”

He stood, gazed at the gravestone a little longer, then quietly left.