Why You Should Be Responsible For Him - Chapter 6 Part2
[Part 1]
6. The Reason He Sulked (2)
6. The Reason He Sulked (3)
6. The Reason He Sulked (4)
7. The Reason We Couldn’t Dance (1)
7. The Reason We Couldn’t Dance (2)
7. The Reason We Couldn’t Dance (3)
8. The Reason He Must Do Well on the Exam (1)
8. The Reason He Must Do Well on the Exam (2)
6. The Reason He Sulked (2)
—
Thud.
“I didn’t even do anything wrong.”
Lying sprawled on the bed, I stared blankly at the ceiling. Ash’s face kept flashing before my eyes. It was quite amusing how we used to be inseparable before the semester started, and now I couldn’t even approach him without feeling awkward.
Knock knock.
“It’s me. Can I come in?”
“Yeah.”
Rose partially opened the door and peeked her head through the gap.
“Were you sleeping?”
“It’s too early for that. What’s up?”
Rose fully entered the room and closed the door. In one hand, she held a tuft of fur in swirling shades of white and gray.
“Marie wants to see Yveline.”
“That cute little thing, how have you been?”
As I reached out, the tiny hamster jumped onto my palm and rubbed its plump cheeks against me.
“It seems like you’ve put on some weight.”
“Marie had an amazing summer vacation. The wheel has become just a decoration.”
Marie lay down on my palm, proudly showing off its round belly. It was so cute that I gently touched it with my fingertip, and Marie closed its eyes, seemingly enjoying the sensation.
As I was absorbed in Marie’s cuteness, Rose spoke up.
“Yveline, do you have any worries lately?”
“Does it show?”
“You often look off into the distance.”
To be precise, it was more about looking at Ash from afar. Since Rose was around me all the time, she must have noticed my state.
But I didn’t even know how to bring up the topic of Ash, and I couldn’t clearly define what our relationship was. The most pressing issue was why things had become so awkward, and it was because of me.
So, um… There’s this guy who confessed he liked me, and I never said I disliked him. In fact, I accepted all his expressions of affection and we got along well. But I avoided him a bit because I didn’t want people around us to start rumors about us dating.
…What a jerk. Yeah, I’m a jerk.
Thinking from Ash’s perspective, it must have felt like he was suddenly discarded.
But that wasn’t it at all; it wasn’t about discarding him or anything like that.
My feelings were a tangled mess.
“Yveline, if you have any worries or problems, tell me. Inside this academy, you’re the only one I have, and it’s the same for you.”
“……”
Rose placed one of my hands into both of hers. Her genuine concern was conveyed from her fingertips all the way to the depths of my heart.
“Whatever your worry might be. For example…”
“For example?”
“…about Duke Rovensdi.”
The warm feeling was instantly replaced by a chill.
I couldn’t understand why the topic of Duke Rovensdi came up from Yveline, or how he ended up in this context. Despite my best efforts to figure it out, I couldn’t find a reason.
Rose knew well that I didn’t just dislike talking about Rovensdi; I seemed to harbor a certain aversion to him. So why was this coming up now…?
“What are you talking about, Rose? Why would I think about my half-brother?”
“It’s not that I meant anything by it. It’s just… he’s the only family you have, and it’s been so long since you’ve seen Duke Rovensdi. Everyone has some family issues they worry about, right?”
“That’s not something I worry about at all. I’m sorry to say this, but if you’re thinking that my worries are related to Rovensdi, then that’s really unnecessary and intrusive.”
Rose let out a deep sigh.
If anyone should be sighing, it’s me.
“Okay. I’ll head back for now. But Yveline, don’t hide anything from me. Let’s go, Marie.”
At Rose’s words, Marie climbed off my hand and settled comfortably on Rose’s shoulder.
After Rose left, I bolted out of the dormitory. I couldn’t pinpoint exactly why, but I had a feeling of creeping, unsettling misfortune crawling up my feet, making it impossible for me to stay in the room any longer.
I ran for a long time, heading towards the forgotten hill behind the old building.
Haah. Haah.
I climbed the hill, where a cluster of trees shimmering with white light like leaves greeted me. To my surprise, Ash was standing beneath them.
“Senior.”
I almost pulled him into a hug immediately. But a sudden burst of rationality pulled me back firmly. I habitually glanced around to make sure no one was watching.
“…Senior.”
Only after confirming that there were no signs of anyone else did I let out a sigh of relief.
“I’m here.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“Please hug me.”
Without hesitation, I wrapped my arms tightly around Ash’s waist. His face rested on my shoulder.
“I missed this embrace so much.”
I almost felt like I would die if I couldn’t hold you.
But I couldn’t bring myself to say it out loud. It felt like our feelings might connect in that moment.
I wish I could be just a fleeting breeze to him—something that stirs his heart briefly and then disappears, a nameless wind so faint it might not even be noticed. I hope that I am not part of his future.
The reason I feel so desperate is that you have dug so deeply into my heart. Even if it means enduring pain as if I’m spitting out blood to cut this away, I hope you won’t have to.
“Should I grow my hair back? Am I making you uncomfortable?”
“Of course not.”
“Then why do you keep avoiding me? You’re always so open to others! When I saw those guys trying to get close to you and flirt, I wanted to rip out their eyes and tongues and tear out their brains. They have no idea what they’re doing, and you’re just naively accepting it.”
“You… can say things like that?”
“I managed to hold back. You looked at me sometimes, so I thought maybe you hadn’t completely given up on me. I hoped that if I looked a little better, you might treat me well again. But today, when I finally gathered the courage to meet your eyes and you avoided me, it felt so… cruel.”
Ash burst into tears and clung to me tightly.
“Hey, wait. I can’t… cough. No, that’s not it.”
“What more can I do? How can I look better? Please, tell me. I’ll do whatever you say, just please. I don’t understand why you’re suddenly avoiding me…”
Ash clung to me like someone experiencing intense thirst. His desperate pleas were so overwhelming that my own thoughts were quickly consumed.
I needed to calm Ash down. That alone was driving me to act.
“Hold on a second. I’ll explain everything. Ugh, it’s hard to talk when you’re holding on like this.”
“I’m scared you’ll just avoid my eyes again if I let go.”
“I won’t avoid you.”
“…What if I said I don’t believe you?”
“You have to believe me, Ash.”
“……”
Only then did Ash gradually loosen his grip.
Seeing his tear-streaked face, I felt a surge of emotion well up inside me. I lifted my heel and gently wiped away his tears.
“I’ve never even lent you a book, but… if it’s a hundred books or a thousand books, I’ll buy them for you. Just don’t disappear on the pretext of returning a book.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Today, you’re avoiding my gaze.”
“Oh, not that again.”
He must have been quite hurt.
I sat down with the tree as my backrest and patted the spot next to me. Ash obediently took a seat beside me, like a well-trained puppy.
Though he was sniffling, he couldn’t take his eyes off my profile.
Fine. This is actually better. Continuing to drag this out would only deepen the emotional rift. Let’s end it here. I’ll confess to Ash as honestly as I can and try to sort out this relationship. It’s not like me to just worry and agonize endlessly.
I took a deep breath. After gently caressing his cheek, I opened my heavy lips.
“You might not understand now, but just listen to me without asking questions. Ash, I don’t want you to be entangled with Rovensdi in any way. Even if it’s just a scandal article consumed by gossip, I want you to have no connection with Rovensdi or me, Yveline. Do you rem*mber when I said I wanted to leave the Rose’s villa for an island? That wasn’t just a fanciful idea. I plan to leave to live freely as Yveline, away from Rovensdi. So if by any chance… don’t carve me into your future.”
Ash’s previously neutral eyes darkened with a serious hue.
“Please, take me with you.”
A soft laugh escaped.
“Are you asking me to kidnap the prince?”
“I’m not being dragged away against my will.”
“Others might not see it that way. My escape will become even more difficult.”
“Escape, you say?”
“I told you not to ask questions.”
Ash brushed his hair back as a habit. The face that had been crying just moments ago was nowhere to be seen. Now, Ash looked as though he was forcing down a surge of emotions.
“Senior, how can I live without you?”
“You’ve been doing fine so far. And, well, life goes on, doesn’t it?”
“And you? Can you live without me?”
“I’ll have to find out.”
Thunk.
Ash slammed his fist into the dry ground. His sigh and frustration were unlike his usual self.
“I’m not okay. I can leave everything behind, too. So, please, take me with you.”
“You’ve only known me for two months.”
“That two months…! Haa. Fine, fine. Just don’t avoid me. I’ll make sure not to get tangled with Rovensdi or anything. Just don’t avoid me.”
Ash continued to sob while trying to stay resolute. I gently stroked his head and nodded.
“It’s hard for me to avoid you, too.”
“Senior, please let me know when you leave.”
“I’m really worried you might actually come along.”
“Please, seriously consider it. Think about leaving with me. Don’t worry about the situation or anything else, just think about your feelings and that alone.”
It was like a fairy tale blooming amidst a hellish reality. Enchanted by that wondrous story, I ended up nodding in agreement.
I shouldn’t have done that. If I had known how deep and profound his despair would be compared to my own misery, I would have never agreed.
* * *
At the Royal Academy, three main topics occupied the students’ conversations.
One was… well, it’s tiresome to even talk about. The golden statue, Ash’s severed head, and Princess Rosetta’s transfer were all discussed, but the most talked-about was the transfer of Princess Rosetta, which spread widely, even beyond the Academy to all of Pentarion.
Though the rumor of Princess Rosetta’s transfer had already spread widely within the Academy, people had gradually forgotten about it since the princess had not yet appeared.
However, the reason her popularity surged dramatically today was…
“…Was this what you meant by not worrying?”
The headline in today’s newspaper announced the engagement between Princess Rosetta and Ash.
As I read the newspaper, I rubbed my forehead.
Indeed, it seems I don’t need to worry about scandals with the Rovensdi heiress.
As soon as I stepped out of the dorm, Ash ran up to me with a bright face.
“Senior! We have the first cla$s in pharmacology today, right? I’m in that building too. Let’s go together.”
“How did you know my schedule?”
Ash just grinned and smiled.
Given that the prince probably wanted to know, figuring out my schedule was probably no big deal. Tsk, I clicked my tongue.
As we walked to school side by side, many eyes were on us. It wasn’t because we looked particularly close; everyone was clearly still buzzing from the morning newspaper article.
I had a few questions about it myself but decided to keep quiet, as there were too many ears around. The attention was so intense that the walk to the classroom felt longer than usual.
However, it seemed Ash wasn’t bothered by the attention. At the entrance of the classroom, he grabbed my sleeve and pouted.
“It feels like the ground is folded today.”
“You’re surprisingly, no, blatantly shameless.”
Given the overwhelming interest and blessings he was receiving, it’s not surprising that he found such attention almost normal.
I lightly shook off Ash’s hand and opened the classroom door. As I glanced back, I saw Ash still standing there, watching me, so I waved my hand in a farewell gesture.
His face lit up with a smile so bright, it seemed like he had just received the world’s greatest gift. He looked like he had never expected such a present.
His reaction made the back of my neck flush. The emotions Ash conveyed were so overwhelming that I quickly closed the classroom door. Standing there, I had to calm my racing heart for a while.
I chose an empty seat near the front and set my bag down. As soon as I did, Denian greeted me.
“Hey, 30 Luden! Sitting in the front like a top student?”
“Please stop calling me 30 Luden.”
“Why, it’s an honorable nickname. After all, a golden statue of you is going to be erected at the Royal Academy’s main gate!”
I was completely fed up. I firmly resolved to get rid of that nickname today.
Annoyed by Denian’s words, I silently took out my textbooks and stationery. Denian, undeterred, kept trying to chat.
“Wow, you’re really diligent with your notes. As expected of the top student.”
“Stop with the top student talk.”
“Just being humble, huh?”
“Don’t you think that’s rude?”
“Why? I’m just pointing out your strengths.”
“It must be nice to be able to think that way.”
“Well, it is.”
I had an impulse to give him a punch.
“Ugh! Violence is too much!”
“Being honest is one of my strengths too. Make sure you remember that. Forget, and you might get it again.”
Instead of punching him, I jabbed my elbow into Denian’s side without hesitation. Denian winced in pain but couldn’t stop his silly, amused laughter. He didn’t seem normal. I wondered if we’d be able to work well together on group projects with someone like that.
“Oh, right, where’s the so-called ‘god of concoction’ you mentioned?”
“He’ll be here soon. He’s a heavy sleeper, so he’ll probably arrive right as the class starts. He might even come in with the professor. I don’t see Rose or the other group member either.”
“Same here.”
As Denian said, Rose and the other group members arrived just seconds before the class started. Rose’s hair seemed to have a life of its own, floating above her head.
Rose rubbed her sleepy eyes and slumped into the seat next to me, then promptly collapsed onto the desk. Following her was the other group member.
“Rendit?”
“Who’s Rendit?”
“That’s the guy sitting right next to you.”
The persistent guy who clung to the golden statue was here. Rose, looking unmistakably drowsy, had her brown hair neatly swept back from her forehead.
“Ha! Didn’t even know his name properly? Why don’t you introduce yourself properly, Rendit?”
Even though the mocking tone was clear, Rendit didn’t change his expression and extended his right hand towards me. He seemed to have expected that I wouldn’t remember his name.
“I’m Redric Hoenshuf. The name Rendit isn’t bad either. It has a nice ring to it.”
“Yveline Rovensdi.”
“Of course, you wouldn’t not know the hero of 30 Ludens.”
That guy…
I couldn’t shake off the uneasy feeling of having been assigned two bothersome people.
When the professor entered, the once noisy classroom fell silent as if cold water had been poured over it.
“Have you formed your groups?”
The tall professor looked gaunt, as if he might starve to death today and not make it to next week’s lecture. He adjusted his pince-nez glasses and scanned the classroom.
My gaze followed his, too.
Incredibly, within a week, everyone had formed groups and completed their assignments. Not a single person was left out.
Honestly, I hadn’t put much thought into forming groups, so I had naively assumed that a few students would inevitably end up without a group by the time class started. I had seen it happen in other classes before. The remaining students would then be forced to form a group and work on the assignment together, but it almost made me end up as a lone outsider.
Rumor had it that this professor’s pharmacology class focused entirely on group projects from the start, and it seemed that wasn’t just a fanciful notion.
“The assignment I’m giving you is not particularly difficult. There’s no need to be nervous.”
It’s rare for a professor who says that to actually give an easy assignment.
As expected, no one seemed to believe it. Even Rose, who was known for being thick-skinned, would have snorted.
The professor placed something in his palm, but it was so small that it was barely visible even from my front-row seat.
Standing in front of an artifact that enlarged objects, the professor put what he held into a square, jewel-like artifact. On the wide, white wall behind the podium, the professor’s hand was clearly projected. It was an oval shape in yellow, with wrinkles like a peach pit.
“This is a seed of ‘Armoné,’ known as the ‘Witch’s Apple.’ As many historical records reveal, it is a poisonous plant that has claimed many lives. The Armoné leaves, which are odorless and tasteless, dissolve easily in water. When ground and added to a cup of tea, it can poison someone effortlessly without detection compared to other poisons. Once the poison from Armoné enters the body through the esophagus, the internal organs are rapidly poisoned, causing the victim to vomit blood and die within an hour as their body decomposes. The fatality rate is 99%. But do you know why Armoné leaves are called the Witch’s Apple?”
The sudden question left everyone exchanging nervous glances.
As someone who had already read the textbook cover to cover, I knew the professor’s answer, but I refrained from speaking up. Professors tend to favor students who may stumble initially but ultimately achieve better results compared to their first impressions. Even if the final outcome is the same.
However, Denian suddenly grabbed my wrist and lifted it high.
“What are you doing?”
I asked him quietly, just enough for him to hear. But Denian continued to appeal to the professor, ignoring my annoyance.
“Yveline Rovensdi knows the answer!”
“Miss Rovensdi?”
“I’m really not going to let this go.”
I muttered curses at Denian and cleared my throat. It would only make things worse to admit ignorance now. Why raise your hand if you don’t know the answer? That was the message I intended to convey.
“Not all Armoné leaves are poisonous. Although they look and smell like the apples in a witch’s basket, not all of them contain poison. I’ve heard that depending on how they’re cultivated, they can sometimes become medicinal herbs.”
“Excellent, Miss Rovensdi. The Armoné herb can neutralize other poisons with its monstrous antidotal properties. Now, the assignment you need to complete is as follows: You must cultivate Armoné to turn it into a medicinal herb. There might be questions about how to distinguish whether Armoné is poisonous or medicinal, but you can determine this by burning the fully grown Armoné root. If the leaves turn to ash and fall off, it’s poisonous. If they dry up like squid legs, it’s medicinal. Burning the root will be done on the day of the presentation, and I will light the fire myself. Please put your heads together and come up with a method to cultivate the herb.”
The day was drawing to a close, and I realized that all the pharmacology books would soon be checked out from the library.
After the professor assigned the task and distributed one Armoné seed to each group, the remaining class time was used for group discussions.
“Does anyone know anything about cultivating Armoné as an herb? By the way, the textbook only mentioned its poisonous properties.”
“I should mention, I’m hearing this name for the first time today.”
“It doesn’t sound like there’s anything to refer to.”
“…How about just burying it in the soil?”
I, Redric, and Denian spoke in turn. Meanwhile, Rose continued to snore softly, apparently not contributing anything but blankly staring at the Armoné seed resting in my palm.
The pharmacology group was scheduled to meet again in three days. We promised to each research the cultivation methods for Armoné and wrapped up the class.
Rose was so busy sleeping that she’d probably come to the next meeting without knowing what the assignment was. Complaining that I would have to cover Rose’s part as well, I placed the seed, wrapped in a clean handkerchief (for some reason, it fell to me to keep it), into the desk drawer.
Rarely, I stayed awake late into the night. After the class, I raced to the library and read through the borrowed pharmacology books as if memorizing them entirely.
The night was deepening, and dawn was slowly approaching. My sleepless night was not driven by an intense academic zeal for the group project. There was another reason for staying up, and I didn’t want to waste time until then, so I clung to the pharmacology library instead.
And that reason was…
“I’m going to take down the statue today.”
Determined, I gripped the palm-sized sandpaper I had bought from the convenience store.
The reason my previous attempts to deface the golden statue had failed was due to the relentless guards surrounding it. After observing them for a long time, I had discovered that they did not maintain their watch 24/7. Instead, they left the area unguarded for about 30 minutes around 4 a.m., just before they changed shifts.
Although I had no idea what they were guarding against (surely they weren’t all stationed there because of me?!), it seemed that this period of lax vigilance was also their break time. They might be sneaking off somewhere to smoke and chat, as smoking was strictly prohibited within the academy. It was the perfect time for them to indulge without being caught.
Regardless, this was undoubtedly my golden opportunity!
In the dead of night, cutting through the moonlight, a small figure darted swiftly through the academy grounds. I moved with the stealth and agility of an assassin. Despite approaching the golden statue, no guards were in sight.
Perfect.
A satisfied grin spread across my face.
Feeling the cool night air, I lightened my step. However, just as I was a few steps away from the statue, my shoulders tensed up.
There was… someone?
The figure wasn’t a guard. The small, slender figure with long hair was quite different from the guards I had seen before. The person was staring intently at the golden statue. As the clouds moved and the moon’s pale light settled on their face, I saw that it was none other than a night fairy.
I thought I was seeing a noble and beautiful fairy gazing at my statue. With a round forehead, pink-tinged cheeks, and flawless skin, she looked like she had just emerged from between the moonbeams. Her silver-blue hair, cascading like a mystical spring, caught the light and swayed gently with the breeze.
Princess Rosetta?
There was no mistaking that face. She was the extraordinary beauty plastered across the newspapers every year.
But why was she staring at my statue? I wondered.
“It’s you.”
I was startled.
Despite being close enough to sense each other’s presence, I jumped a little when Rosetta noticed me.
“It’s amazing. How did you get Prince Ash’s attention? I couldn’t seem to get it no matter what I did.”
Her abrupt question was a bit surprising. Surely Princess Rosetta would know that the engagement news was already public. Usually, people would avoid bringing up such matters out of embarrassment, even if they were curious. Or at least they’d wait for a more appropriate moment to ask…
But Princess Rosetta waited with an innocent face, expecting my answer.
Recalling the conversation between the prince brothers I had heard earlier, I found a response. The conversation had mentioned that despite Rosetta’s advances, Ash had been cold towards her. Remembering that made my throat feel uncomfortably dry.
“Well, I guess I was lucky. When Ash was broke and had nothing, I covered his meal expenses.”
“Prince Ash was without money?”
Rosetta asked again, as if she couldn’t believe it.
“Yeah, I said I was lucky. Thanks to that, a damn golden statue like this was erected. I’ve been quite fortunate, indeed.”
“Lies.”
“Never said you should believe me.”
Rosetta walked past the golden statue and approached me.
Isn’t this a bit too close?
We were standing so close that our shoes could almost touch. Rosetta scrutinized my face with the same intensity as she had the statue. Her eyes were cold and emotionless, as if a doll’s.
She seemed so different from the smiling princess in the newspapers. Is this really her?
“It’s pretty, but not more so than me.”
“Are you trying to pick a fight right now?”
“Competing with someone who’s not your equal is merely a barbaric act of finding pl*asure in suppressing them.”
I knew she didn’t mean to be malicious, but her words were rude and lacked any consideration for others, which couldn’t help but irritate me.
“Why do you have that expression? Are you angry at the facts I stated?”
Rosetta seemed oblivious to any issues with her manner of speaking. She only interpreted my reaction as if I were feeling inferior about the facts she presented.
“Princess, you don’t have any friends, do you?”
Wow, that was childish. Even I thought it was a ridiculously immature thing to say. But it was the quickest way to select a response that would keep all the various curses swirling in my head in check.
Surprisingly, it seemed my words hit home with Rosetta. Her previously composed face showed signs of cracking.
“What do you mean by that?”
“I know well because I’ve been alone. Words spoken without thinking or without a filter tend to drive people away, even friends. Princess, if you want to build good relationships, you need to think before you speak. Otherwise, you might end up alone like me. Oh, and don’t take that as a ‘mind your own business’ comment; I’m fine with it.”
Rosetta looked as though she had been struck on the back of the head. She covered her mouth with her neatly clasped fingers.
I added, “You can fix it with a little effort,” and nodded twice.
“Well then, I have things to do.”
I lifted the sandpaper I had been holding.
Finally, the time had come.
But before the sandpaper could even touch the golden statue, Rosetta’s white hand grabbed my wrist. The coldness of her touch surprised me.
“What is that?”
“Are you asking because you don’t know? I’m going to scratch it.”
As I pointed to the statue, Rosetta smoothly took the sandpaper from my hand.
“What are you doing? Give it back!”
I was stunned, unable to believe Rosetta would actually do something like this.
“This is a gift from Prince Ash. I cannot allow it to be damaged.”
“I never asked for it!”
“Regardless, it was given by the prince. It is his gift.”
“Prince Ash isn’t exactly a big deal… well, he is. Anyway! I have no desire to accept it!”
“I cannot allow it.”
Rosetta maintained a firm stance, as if speaking to a wall. The frustration bubbling inside me was my own.
Before long, the sounds of the guards could be heard, and eventually, I had to return to the dorm, kicking the ground in frustration.
Damn it! What a stroke of bad luck!
* * *
It seemed as though every place Rosetta passed left behind a floral scent. Although time flowed the same for everyone, it felt like Rosetta’s time moved just a second slower. Even her blinks seemed to occur in slow motion. Her captivating beauty drew attention wherever she went.
“About Princess Rosetta…”
Ash, who had been resting his chin on his hand, suddenly looked surprised. His reaction was excessive, even though I hadn’t finished speaking.
“Senior, I’m so excited right now. Are you… maybe feeling jealous?”
“Don’t expect me to do anything like that. Be careful what you say in front of people.”
Even though Rosetta and Ash weren’t officially married, the engagement publicly known made Ash’s unabashed display of affection seem awkward.
Is this what it feels like to be involved in an affair?
Of course, I didn’t have to worry about scandal or rumors about meeting Ash alone, so that part was a relief.
Ash tilted his head and said, “Isn’t it?”
“What were you going to say?”
I wasn’t one to enjoy gossiping about others, but I had to ask about Rosetta, who had personally ruined my plans.
“I feel like, despite being the princess of Kelstania, her loyalty to the royal family is a bit excessive.”
To put it directly, it felt like the princess of a vassal state was deifying the royalty of the suzerain state.
“Is it only with me?”
“Only with you?”
Ash nodded in response.
“Why?”
“Hmm… Even though you’re a senior, I can’t reveal everything.”
I was quite surprised by Ash’s refusal. I blinked a few times, momentarily at a loss for words, and Ash smiled while gently tracing my eyelid with his thumb.
“When you make that face, it makes me want to tell you everything.”
“Is it some kind of royal secret?”
“If you put it that way, yes.”
What started as a simple curiosity had turned into something more significant due to Ash’s vague response.
I really want to know now!
Noticing my curiosity, Ash leaned closer to me, his lips brushing my ear.
“As a prince, I can’t easily disclose confidential information.”
“You’re so earnest.”
“But… since you want to know, it’s a bit of a dilemma.”
“What should I do to get an answer?”
Ash chuckled softly.
“I need to make up my mind, but I assume you’re not thinking of learning it by just asking?”
“So?”
“If you come to my room tonight, I’ll tell you.”
* * *
I had loudly exclaimed that it was impossible for me to enter the boys’ dormitory since it wasn’t even vacation time!
…Yet, despite my protest, I now found myself inside Ash’s room.
It was a night cloaked in deep darkness. Although some rooms had not yet turned off their lights, suggesting not everyone was asleep, the dormitory corridor was eerily silent, with not a single ant passing through.
Well, even if I got caught, I could just make up an excuse about having something to take and move on. In the middle of the night? I prepared myself to avoid stumbling over my words in case anyone questioned why I was there.
I need a book for an assignment that’s due tomorrow.
“Would you like something to drink?”
“Just a glass of cold water.”
I gulped it down as soon as the cup was placed on the table. Ash, standing next to me, asked, “Would you like another glass?” I waved him off, saying it was enough.
After placing the cup down, Ash sat across from me.
I carefully pulled out a chair and sat down, trying to be mindful. It had been a place where I stayed comfortably and noisily during vacation, but knowing other students were sleeping in the same building made me more cautious.
“What’s such a big secret that you had to come to a dorm room in the middle of the night to talk about it?”
“The Pentherion Imperial Family and the Keltania Royalty’s top-secret information.”
“Is it okay for you to tell me about that?”
Ash tapped the table with his index finger.
“I won’t just spill it out.”
Ah, right.
Considering he went through the trouble of bringing me to the dorm room in the middle of the night, it was clear what his intention was. Understanding his scheming motives made it hard not to feel a bit annoyed. Then again, he was in the prime of his youth, after all.
Ash smiled and tilted his head.
Trying to act innocent.
“Ahem.”
I cleared my throat. As someone older and more experienced, I needed to guide the conversation without crossing any lines.
“Senior.”
I know, buddy. You don’t need to plead so desperately; this senior knows everything.
Ash fidgeted, unable to find the words.
Oh, how frustrating.
I decided to break the ice first.
“Just a kiss would be allowed…”
“Why are you planning to leave for the island?”
“……”
“Huh?”
“Eh?”
My face was burning red. It felt like my cheeks were on fire, and I was afraid I might explode from embarrassment. How humiliating!
Ash stared at me with wide eyes, clearly confused. I desperately hoped he hadn’t heard me.
“Why did you suddenly say a kiss was allowed?”
He’s sharp-eared; he heard every word.
I was frozen in shock, unable to blink like a broken wind-up toy. Even though Ash called out to me, I couldn’t respond. I felt so mortified and ashamed that I wished I could just disappear.
Was I the only pervert? Was I the only one with impure thoughts? I must be really trash!
I felt like burying my face in the trash can in Ash’s room right then and there.
Ash lightly tapped my arm.
“Eek!”
“Did you perhaps expect something?”
“…….”
“So, because you said you wouldn’t just tell me outright?”
“No! No, it was just a slip of the tongue. Forget it, just forget it quickly!”
Ash knelt down in front of me with a smile on his face, his large hand enveloping the trembling, embarrassed one on his thigh.
“If I’d known this would happen, I should have asked for a kiss first.”
“Shut up.”
“Do you know how red your face is right now?”
As if I wouldn’t know! My face is burning up, like I could grill any kind of steak well-done or medium rare!
“Don’t be embarrassed. Actually, I was thinking of making some demands too. But I hid them because I thought you’d hate it too much. If you knew what I was imagining, a kiss would seem like child’s play.”
“…You don’t have to go out of your way to say that.”
“I’m serious.”
I couldn’t bring myself to look into Ash’s eyes below his chest.
“You can be honest, Ash.”
I’d have nothing to say if you pointed at me and said, “I didn’t expect you to be like this!” What am I doing with a child?
Ash took my chin in his hand, making me meet his gaze. His ears were as flushed as my face.
“Then, would it be okay if I became a little bit shameless?”
Ash rose and wrapped his arms around my neck, pressing his lips against mine. The kiss was hot and soft, then became rough and crushing. His hands dug into my hair, tilting my head back. When his tongue slipped between my w*t lips, I let out an involuntary moan.
As Ash pressed in intensely, the chair wobbled dangerously as if it might tip over. Instinctively, I wrapped my arms around his neck and clung to him with all my strength.
“Mmm, ha…”
Our breaths mingled, and Ash adjusted his angle, deepening the kiss and intertwining our tongues even further.
Thud.
Eventually, the chair fell backward. Since I was practically clinging to Ash, I didn’t end up sprawling on the floor.
The intense, passionate kiss sent a throbbing heat through my veins, spreading throughout my body. Even though there was no rush, our kiss felt like a desperate exchange of saliva, as if we were both parched.
Breathlessly thinking that I might reach the peak just from the kiss, my body was suddenly lifted.
“I’m finding it uncomfortable to stay bent over.”
Ash spoke with his lips still pressed against mine.
“Are your arms okay?”
“Not really hurting, but…”
Mwah.
Ash planted a deep kiss.
“The bed might be more comfortable. For both of us.”
Ash carefully lowered me onto the soft mattress, first letting my hips touch, followed by my legs and back. He supported my head with one hand until he placed a pillow beneath it.
Once he was sure I was comfortably lying down, he climbed onto my pelvis and sat on his knees. It wasn’t heavy at all since he wasn’t putting any weight on me.
His eyes, looking down at my face, seemed to shimmer with a spark. When he leaned in to kiss me again, I stopped him with my palm. His eyebrows twitched in response.
“You’ve already had a kiss. You should tell me.”
“This isn’t nearly enough.”
Ash rubbed his lips against my palm and growled softly.
“Ha, I know what you want to do right now. Smooch. Talk after a little more.”
The sound of his lips smearing on my palm was lewd. Ash’s eyes gleamed with an intensity that made it seem like he might devour me at any moment.
But I shook my head firmly.
“Talk first.”
“Ha, Yveline.”
The tone of dissatisfaction and desire blended together as my name was called. Ash bit the flesh that bulged under his palm and swept his hand down my body from under my armpit to my hip.
“Then I’ll talk while we do it.”
He pushed my palm away with his head, like animals do, and then found my lips again. It felt as though he was seeking revenge for stopping the kiss, as he bit my lower lip hard enough to make it sting.
“
“I want to do more than kiss you, is that okay?”
“Mmm. If it’s not okay?”
“Hmm, please watch me. I want to do it while looking at your face and calling your name.”
I could feel his hard center between my legs. Ash started rubbing his c*ck against my inner thigh.
“Hmm. Ah… Evelyn.”
Both Ash and I were ar*used. My underwear was damp and ready, signaling that I was prepared for him at any moment.
“If you’re confident you’ve told me everything, you can do more.”
With that nod of approval, Ash quickly stripped off his clothes. While he’s busy sucking my br*asts over the top of my clothes, I move quickly to unb*tton my blouse.
His tongue delves in, not missing any of the exposed skin. It slides hot and slick between my br*asts, causing my back to arch with pleasure.
“
“It’s delicious, Senior.”
He asked while gently stroking my beautiful blonde hair.
“What’s the secret?”
Ash pulled down his trousers, his face buried in his chest. His hand strokes his hard cock, looking urgent. He jerks it roughly between my legs, like he’s trying to get it through my clothes.
“Ah!”
“Ha, a princess dreams of prophecies from the gods.”
“Prophetic dreams?”
“Well, something similar.”
I was expecting some secret family history to spill out, but it was a completely different direction.
“Ugh, ah, there.”
“Ha, is it good?”
“Yes. And? Wait, ah… s-slowly.”
“And then, I appeared in the dream’s prophecy.”
The fingers went from one to two, and without a moment to process, they became three, probing relentlessly below. My hips quivered, wishing for them to go even deeper.
“
The gl*ns of his towering cock was aligning with her entrance, and she gasped as she spread her legs wider to give him better access.
“My image, governing the entire continent, ah, is too tight, Senior.”
“Ah, ah! W-wait, s-slowly… ugh!”
I’m sure many words were running through my mind, but I couldn’t really register them because of the unbelievably tight p*nis pressing down. The pain is accompanied by a rush of excruciating pleasure.
“Ha, ah, ruling the continent?”
Ash paused his movements for a moment, allowing me to adjust. His blue eyes, just inches from mine, burned with an intensity as if they were about to explode with frustration.
“He said that all the people of the Western Continent would bow their heads beneath my feet as I sat on the throne. Since having that dream, the princess began to treat me with even greater reverence than she did to the Emperor, calling me the Emperor of the Western Continent.”
“That’s right. It doesn’t make any sense. I have no desire to become an emperor.”
Just as I thought the intrusion inside me might be easing off, it pushed in strongly again.
“Ugh!”
“Moreover, as an emperor, I—”
“Ah, ah! Ash, Ash!”
My inner walls clung to his penis, bouncing as he moved. He began to pick up the pace until I could barely keep my wits about me. His stubborn body pressed lightly against mine as I struggled, and he moved his hips with brutal speed.
“He said that I would become an unparalleled tyrant, a madman.”
The idea of someone who couldn’t catch a single rabbit becoming a tyrant seemed absurd. I wanted to tell him that Rosetta’s dream was definitely nonsense, but every time I opened my mouth, only moans escaped.
“And that a dark age would come to the Western Continent.”
In the midst of my frantic screams, I reached a point of pleading. Ash showed no mercy below his waist, and I had to endure relentless, intense org*sms in between.
“Shh. If you keep screaming like that, everyone at the academy will hear.”
“Ah, mmm, mmm…!”
“Your pretty moans are for me to hear.”
My lips were devoured by Ash. I struggled to focus on the kiss and pleaded for him to slow down, but Ash continued to tenderly caress my face with his hand and said with a dreadful tone, “Just one more time, Senior.”
“Ah, h-h, ugh! Are you even human? Ah, aah!”
As tears welled up in my eyes, Ash tenderly kissed me and whispered.
“I love you, Senior.”
I was caught in a whirlwind of thrilling, suspenseful moments, while it seemed like Ash was living in his own melodramatic love story.
“Am I dying?!” I shouted, overwhelmed by the intensity. How could he make such a sudden confession?
But even as my rational mind screamed for him to stop, Ash’s sweet whispers drove me to yet another extreme cl*max.
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