Like a puppy, Chouchou burrowed into Ervil’s arms, squirming with delight.
“I love this. So much I could die.”
“……”
Ervil simply patted Chouchou’s back, holding back any further show of emotion.
A corner of her heart felt lonely, thinking that if this young girl ever tasted the pleasures of a man, she might forget all about her.
“Chouchou, it’s because it’s you. My body and heart only react this way to you.”
“It’s the same for me, Ervil. No—Elle, I love you.”
Hearing her confession, Ervil felt a chill run down her spine and tears prick her eyes.
This was unthinkable.
Not confessing love was an unspoken vow, like a silent pact between lovers.
In the kingdom, there was a superstition that if you confessed your love—whether you were a woman with a secret lover despite having a husband, or a couple just starting out—misfortune would follow.
Without a word, Ervil picked up her cloak and wrapped it around Chouchou’s naked body, then held her close as they fell asleep together.
***
Cezare, having been rejected by the queen and cast out from Duke Ervil’s House, losing all support, happened to witness something truly precious.
It was a scene of Ervil and Princess Chevalier making love.
‘Heh, look at these two. If I play my cards right, I might be able to cash in big…’
He wondered who he should go to with this information.
Wearing a sly grin, the person who came to mind wasn’t Ervil, but Queen Izel.
