Chapter 74 Call Me Victoria
I like you.
Queen Ethelbald held me tightly in her arms and said in a calm and composed tone.
There was no shyness, no sentimentality, no palpitations, no panic. Victoria did not show any lack of confidence, even though she probably already understood my feelings. She remained composed from beginning to end.
I thought I would become very flustered, that my emotions would reach their peak, but that didn’t happen. Whether it was due to her composure or the peace of mind that came with speaking the truth, suddenly… before I could react, the tsunami in my heart had already receded far away, leaving only calmness.
I felt I could communicate well with her, but when I opened my mouth—I didn’t know how to start.
Victoria waited for a moment, then continued when I didn’t say anything. “The capital is a place where the people are prosperous and wealthy, and it is also the most densely populated city in West Continent. People from all over the world gather here, be they commoners or nobles. They come with various purposes—some seek knowledge, others want to make profits, some work hard, while others have nowhere else to go and just want to find a place to settle… They are either law-abiding, cunning, violent, or foolish… The capital has all kinds of people. I have met them all.”
Her words were close and soft, almost like a dream.
“All these people… whether they are nobles or commoners, whether they are influential or destitute, they are all the same. Whatever they do or say, they can never escape their own selfish desires. Most of them, I can see through them after sitting down for a cup of tea. Some are good at hiding their emotions, and I can uncover them after observing for a while. Because everyone does things for a purpose, ultimately for themselves. If someone has an ulterior motive, there will always be clues. This is, of course, nothing out of the ordinary. Human nature is like this, and even I am no exception… But Peyilo, you are different.”
Victoria started to rub my soft belly, then moved to my navel, drawing circles around it with her fingers, tickling me so much that I wanted to laugh. Unable to hold back, I reached to grab her hand, but to my surprise, Victoria grabbed my hand firmly and wouldn’t let go.
I struggled a bit, realizing she wasn’t going to let go. Thinking that if she let go she might start touching me again, I decided it was better to stop resisting.
My eyes, misty with water, squinted slightly as I listened quietly to her whisper in my ear: “Only you are different. I don’t see those things in your eyes. Greed, desire, competition for fame and profit, vanity… You don’t have these, so you are special.”
“Peyilo, you are too pure… kind, innocent, with clear eyes. You look so gentle and weak, but you are actually a very resolute girl. In major matters, you are firm and decisive, and your actions exceed your age…”
Wow…
My face began to heat up, and my eyes sparkled. I stole a glance at Victoria’s face, which was close to mine, then quickly looked away.
Is she saying sweet nothings to me…
This is the first time I’ve heard her say such things, the first time someone has praised me like this. How incredible… She usually scolds me for being stupid.
Unable to hold back, I twisted my body slightly, finding a more comfortable position in Victoria’s embrace, then remained still.
So, this is how she sees me… But is that really me? I don’t even believe it myself… I still have desires. My appetite is particularly strong.
Is this what they call seeing beauty in the eye of the beholder?
My high action capability is because I have lived two lives, adding up to be older than you, Victoria… Even if you say these things—
“Peyilo, do you know what I appreciate most about you?” Victoria asked softly.
Suddenly asked by her, I immediately woke up from the strange intoxication, slightly opening my eyes: “What… what?”
Was I just enchanted by sweet words? Why think about such nonsense now.
Such a lack of character…
I need to quickly think about how to respond to Victoria, how to make her feel comfortable while avoiding awkwardness, telling her that I’m not ready yet… Not ready for whatever, but a hug is okay, just for a little while, it’s fine since we’re both girls… But she must be proper, no touching, no other actions, just hugging… Would saying it like this be more tactful?
… Wait, isn’t that me being a tough guy…
While I was lost in thought, Victoria continued whispering in my ear, her tone becoming softer and sweeter.
“You are only sixteen years old, just a young girl who hasn’t grown up yet, but you have more responsibility than many who have lived half their lives. You see things more clearly than they do. You’ve experienced terrible things, fought against the most terrifying enemies, seen the ugly and cruel side of human nature. Each of these is something ordinary people cannot imagine, each is heavy and unbearable. Yet, after all these experiences, you still manage to keep a pure heart…”
“Don’t, don’t praise me anymore…”
My head felt dizzy.
If she keeps talking, I don’t know where I’ll drift off to…
How about this: tonight, I’ll sleep with her. Anyway, I’m scared to go back home, and we’ve slept together before, so it’s not a big deal.
But what if she still wants to do something… No, the most she can do is hug me, no touching, and she must wear pajamas… If I tell her this, would it make her feel better…
… Speaking of which, how long does she plan to hug? Won’t she get hot… My back feels so hot, I’m burning up.
“Did you know? You are like a precious treasure, unique in the world, making me want to put you in my mouth…”
A sharp inhalation sound came from my right ear, the earring wrapped tightly in soft warmth, followed by a sudden pain.
“A!” I exclaimed.
Victoria… she bit my ear!
My body stiffened instantly, my toes curled up, trembling slightly before I could no longer stand.
Unable to hold back, I fell limp but was held tightly by Victoria who had her arms around my waist.
She said softly, “I didn’t think I would be telling you this today, nor did I think about what I wanted to do to you tonight. But since you asked, I won’t lie to you.”
…What did she want to do to me? Not lie?
Who was it that took the innocent me to the bedroom and took off my clothes? Who was it that touched me all over and nibbled my ears? If I hadn’t struggled to hold your hands earlier, where else were you planning to touch me… you filthy rogue…
Thinking of this, I felt both ashamed and angry, unable to hold back a low murmur, “You’re a liar…”
“Liar?” Victoria raised her voice slightly, “So, what do you think I want to do to you?”
“…”
I was too embarrassed to speak.
“Guess what I want to do most right now?”
I clearly heard her breathing; her breath almost brushed against my ear.
“I don’t know…”
I stammered, my limbs starting to stiffen again, my heart beginning to race.
Why did I just call her a liar… I shouldn’t have brought it up…
“Victoria…”
“I won’t do anything,” Victoria nudged my head with her forehead, slightly stepping back, loosening her grip on me, “Paillot, you’re still too young, just like I was before. You don’t understand what love and affection are, let alone accept such unconventional feelings. I see only confusion in your eyes; you can’t make up your mind, and you can’t accept me…”
She let go of me.
My heart sank.
Was she feeling sad? Was she unhappy? Did I hurt her—
“Ouch!”
My buttocks were gently pinched from behind.
Then I heard Victoria say, “But if I continue, you probably wouldn’t refuse me.”
I immediately became anxious and looked back at her, “Nonsense!”
Why should I worry about this woman? She deserves to be sad!
Victoria played with her wet golden hair, looking at me with a smile in her eyes.
“You will,” she said, “I trust my judgment. Just spend more time with me, take it step by step, and soon enough, you’ll comply. I can tell that you haven’t set any boundaries for me in your heart, which means all you need is a bit more patience and time.”
I stared at her, splashing water onto her face, “No! That’s nonsense—”
Am I really that easy to sway?!
I was furious!
Victoria turned her head, but the water splashed onto her shoulders and neck, though she didn’t seem to mind.
“Don’t worry, I won’t do that. It would put too much pressure on you, pressure that is immense. People’s opinions will follow you for life, and your family is no ordinary one. The Grand Duke Scalliger is well-known, and soon you’ll become the Princess of Winter Moon. By then, your mother will start arranging your marriage. If I take you now, there won’t be any room for maneuver, it would be like the hardest part of the story.”
Pfft…
Marry…?
“I won’t, I can’t marry!”
Arrange my marriage? No way! This little… strong man absolutely won’t get married!
Victoria was taken aback.
I immediately realized that this statement might be the biggest misunderstanding for her, so I hurriedly waved my hands, “No, no, that’s not what I meant, I mean… oh, forget it—”
“I won’t marry either.”
The smile in Victoria’s eyes grew even brighter.
“Paillot, I am the Queen of Ethenbel now. Shortly after my coronation, I decided not to marry. I intend to devote my entire life to governing the kingdom and this land. As for the future successor of Ethenbel, I will choose someone outstanding from the next generation of the royal bloodline, but that’s a long way off. Now, I just hope we can do our own things, and I hope you will also focus your energy on what you should be doing. Don’t worry about anything else. I like you, just know that, and don’t trouble yourself over it.”
“Got it?”
She patted my head.
I looked into her bright eyes and nodded gently, “Yes.”
Suddenly, I felt a sense of relief and smiled.
“Haha.”
Victoria also laughed.
This was the happiest smile I had ever seen on her. That smile spread in the misty bathroom, like a splendid golden flower quietly blooming in my heart.
“Wait until you grow up a bit more. Wait until you understand what you truly like, and then follow your heart. If you like me as much as I like you, and if you are willing to bear these criticisms and prepare yourself mentally, I will make you my consort, and I will find a way to convince your parents. Others can say whatever they want.”
“But if you find out that your feelings for me aren’t that deep, then my expectations for you would be simple. Sometimes, when we’re not so busy, you can come find me like tonight, talk to me, let me hug you. That’s enough. If you can’t even do that… then I only ask one thing. No matter what happens, please don’t forget me. When you face problems you can’t solve, remember to come find me. I’ll always be here, nowhere else.”
She looked at me steadily, her smile already fading, her beautiful face calm and expressionless as always.
I trembled my lips.
“…Okay.”
My voice was hoarse and choked.
I suddenly wanted to say something to her, to embrace her.
“Victoria…”
But as soon as I started speaking, she interrupted me immediately.
“Call me Vicki.”
“Uh…” I was somewhat dazed.
“Call me Vicki.”
When she emphasized this again, Victoria used her usual commanding tone, so I instinctively followed, “Vicki…”
She smiled again.
“Mmm.”
Her skin was smooth and flawless, a hundred charms blossoming in her smile.
