The footsteps drew closer, showing no sign of stopping.
Shichen's clothes were outside.
Whoever it was could clearly see that—and still walked in. Which meant either they didn't care he was here, or they were coming for him on purpose.
There were only three or four people in this estate to begin with, and at this hour the likeliest was Rem.
So she really came? That bold?
He didn't even need to sense the aura to be sure it was Rem—until he turned his head and froze at the sight of the newcomer.
"Shichen—mwa~ Haven't seen you all afternoon~"
"Fe—Felix?" A muscle jumped in Shichen's brow.
"It's me, nya~" Felix bounced to the pool's edge and popped straight in.
SPLASH—
Water exploded everywhere, drenching Shichen's face.
He wiped it off and stared, expressionless, at Felix paddling toward him.
The fact Felix had jumped like that meant, of course, there wasn't a thread on him—not even a towel.
Shichen had just gotten a full-on frontal view.
Aside from one very specific part, the kid really didn't look any different from a girl—skin smooth and pale, delicate and slim, none of the roughness of a man.
Pity that one part could in no way be ignored.
That was also why Shichen's face was so blank. Anyone who'd just seen a "cute boy" like that would be at a loss.
Come to think of it, this was his first time bathing with a man.
Bare as the day they were born—how was this not awkward?
"What are you thinking, Shichen~?" Felix drifted up beside him, all smiles.
Their shoulders touched; Shichen could feel how soft his skin was.
For the love of—no worse than a girl's.
"...I'm thinking I should leave."
"Eh? But I only just got here." Felix pouted.
"I'm already done."
Without hesitation, Shichen stood and stepped out of the pool.
"You're really going? Keep me company a little longer~ Don't tell me you hate me?"
"It's not that. I'm just not used to bathing with a guy."
"Is that so? Fine then. But, Shichen, yours is pretty big, y'know."
"Shut it." Shichen snapped over his shoulder, quickening his pace.
He toweled off, pulled on his clothes, and left the bath, finally exhaling.
It felt like he'd just survived a nightmare.
"Shichen? What are you doing out here?" A cool, clear voice cut across his thoughts.
"Crusch? And you are…?" He glanced at Crusch—and saw she was carrying a stack of clothes.
"Oh, Felix forgot to bring a change of clothes. I'm taking these to him." Crusch said.
"I see. You two that close?"
"Yes. We grew up together." Crusch smiled, sincere.
"And… you're going to bathe with him?" Shichen lifted a brow, eyeing her bathrobe.
"Why would I bathe with Felix? Men and women have different quarters." Crusch looked puzzled.
"Right… So there's nothing special between you?"
"You mean a man–woman relationship?" Crusch understood.
"Mm. Childhood friends, close relationship—"
"We're partners, nothing more." She shook her head.
"I'm prying. Sorry."
"It's fine. You asked because you care about Felix and me, didn't you?" Crusch met his gaze.
"Care… Yeah, probably." Shichen nodded.
In truth, a shard of his godly power rested in her—if she were entangled with someone else, it would grate on him. Mostly, though, Crusch and Felix were very close. Otherwise he wouldn't doubt the shard's choice.
Confirming things would help him decide how to move next.
"So—does that mean you care about me, Shichen?" Crusch pressed.
"Care about you… Well, you're easy on the eyes. It's normal to care, isn't it? I am a normal man."
"Am I… easy on the eyes?" Crusch looked genuinely surprised.
"You are. Very. You have great presence. It's… stirring." He was blunt as ever.
A modern man, his mind was open—he didn't mind women in men's clothes or on the battlefield. If anything, it added to the appeal.
"I… see…" Flustered by his directness—and because she'd never been complimented like that—Crusch actually blushed.
Beatrice's voice popped back into her head: She'll be your woman one day. Crusch didn't know if it was true, but she couldn't help thinking of it. More and more, Shichen seemed a good match—a man this strong could ignore rules and help her shatter the country's ossified habits.
"You'd better get those clothes to Felix, or he'll be done bathing." Shichen prompted.
"Felix always takes ages. He'll soak forever… Shichen, could you wait for me a bit?"
"Wait for you?"
"Yes—have a drink with me. You don't mind a woman drinking, do you?"
"Not at all. I'll wait."
"Good."
After she delivered the clothes, Shichen followed her upstairs to a balcony. A white table and chairs sat in one corner.
"The night breeze is lovely—perfect for wine under the stars."
Crusch took in the evening, then motioned for him to sit.
They sat across from each other. "By the way, why not wait for Felix to finish and join you?" he asked.
"Felix will be a while. And… I'd like to drink with you."
"With me?"
"Mmm. Sharing a glass with someone from the other camp—might be nice."
"Fair point."
She poured. Amber wine filled their glasses. Shichen took one; the rims chimed softly as they toasted. He sipped—surprisingly smooth.
Crusch tasted, set her glass down, savoring. With her long green hair unbound, the color didn't clash in the least; it suited her perfectly, amplifying her feminine grace.
"What is it?" she noticed his gaze.
"Nothing. It's just—looking at you like this, you really are beautiful."
"Are you always this direct?" Crusch asked helplessly.
"I've always preferred the truth."
"No wonder you could praise Emilia's beauty in front of everyone." She nodded, understanding.
"Oh? You think Emilia is beautiful too."
"There's no denying it. The world just won't accept her beauty." Crusch said calmly.
"Exactly. This world is too hidebound."
"You think so as well?" Crusch's eyes lit up.
"Mm. Whether it's noble 'face' or clinging to the dragon's covenant—it's all too rigid."
As for the public's fear of Emilia's looks—he couldn't be bothered to explain. It was the fear of a past terror—ordinary souls, frightened by power, lashing out. Hard to change. Fear is instinct.
"Right. Far too rigid. That's why I have to be king—and change this country!" Crusch said, openly excited.
"I know. I remember what you said in the hall. I was impressed."
"Impressed… You are different, Shichen. Would you… follow me?" She asked it straight.
"Follow you?" He eyed her, amused.
"Yes. With your help, I'm sure we can reach the goal." Her eyes shone; confidence surged.
"You're not drunk, are you?"
"You jest. I hold my liquor."
"Then how can you say that? I'm Emilia's knight. You think I'd betray her?"
"That would be difficult. You like her."
"And yet you still asked?"
"I only speak my mind. Whether I succeed or fail, hiding isn't my style."
"Fair. Your charm really is considerable."
"Then…?"
"But why are you so sure it's me following you… and not you following me?"
Shichen rose. He leaned in, hand lifting her chin.
Dominance rolled off him—sacrosanct, untouchable, a blade-bright aura that seemed to claim her heart.
Only then did Crusch truly understand why Beatrice had said she would become his woman.
~~~
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