Chapter 74: Call Me Viki
I like you.
The Queen of Ethanbel embraced me tightly, speaking in a calm and self-assured tone.
No shyness, no melodrama, no butterflies in my stomach, and no panic. Victoria showed no signs of insecurity, even though she probably understood my feelings all along, remaining completely composed the entire time.
I thought I would become flustered, emotions boiling over, but surprisingly, that wasn’t the case. I don’t know if it was her calm demeanor or the relief of finally getting things out in the open, but it felt as if… all of the tidal waves in my heart had suddenly receded before I could even react, leaving everything peaceful and still.
I thought I could finally communicate with her properly, but when I opened my mouth—well, I didn’t know where to begin.
After waiting for a moment, noticing my silence, Victoria continued, “The Royal City is a place rich in culture and wealth, the most populous city in the Western Continent. It gathers people from all corners of the world—both commoners and nobles, each with their own agendas. Some come seeking knowledge, some hoarding wealth, others wanting to work hard, and some are just looking for a place to belong… They can be obedient or cunning, violent or utterly foolish… The Royal City has all kinds of people. I’ve encountered all sorts.”
Her words were so close, floating in the air like a sweet dream.
“Everyone… be it nobles or commoners, whether they hold power or have nothing, they’re all the same. In what they do and say, they cannot escape their own desires. I can usually see through most people just by sharing a cup of tea with them. There are those who mask their feelings well, and with some observation, I can figure them out, too. Because everyone has their own motives, and in the end, it’s all about themselves. This is, of course, perfectly natural; it’s human nature, and I’m no exception… But Peilo, you’re different.”
Victoria began to knead my soft belly, her fingers tracing circles around my navel, sending tickles through me that made me want to giggle. I couldn’t help but grab her wandering hand, but to my surprise, she clasped my wrist tightly, not letting go.
I struggled a little, noticing she had no intention of releasing me. I thought about how if she let go, she might start wandering again, and it might just be easier to stay like this, so I stopped resisting.
Her misty eyes narrowed slightly as she whispered into my ear, “Only you are different. In your eyes, I don’t see greed, desire, ambitions for fame and fortune, or vanity… You don’t have any of that, so you’re special.”
“Peilo, you’re so pure… Kind, innocent, with a pair of clear eyes. You may seem soft and weak, but you’re actually a very determined girl, resolute when it comes to right and wrong, with a sense of action far beyond your age…”
Wow…
My face started heating up again, and I could feel sparkles swirling in my eyes as I sneakily glanced at Victoria’s face, so close to mine, before quickly averting my gaze.
Is this her way of whispering sweet nothings to me?
Hearing her say such things for the first time, being praised like this, was quite something… especially since she often called me foolish.
I couldn’t help but squirm a bit, adjusting my position in Victoria’s embrace to feel more comfortable, and then I stilled.
So, this is the image I have in her mind… But is that really me? I can’t even believe it myself… I have desires, after all. My appetite is exceptionally strong.
Is this what they mean by “beauty in the eyes of the beholder”?
My action-oriented side comes from having lived two lifetimes, you know! I’m actually older than you, Victoria… Even if you say all this—
“Peilo, do you know what I admire most about you?” Victoria asked softly.
Suddenly, caught off guard by her question, I snapped out of my bewildered daze and slightly opened my eyes, “W-What do you mean…?”
Was I just enchanted by her sweet words? Why am I now thinking about all these random things?
How pathetic…
I needed to think of how to respond to Victoria, how to make her feel comfortable while avoiding awkwardness, telling her that I’m not quite ready to accept… whatever “that” is, but a hug would be fine—just for a little while, that’s okay since we’re both girls. But she must promise to keep things proper, no wandering hands, no funny business, just a hug… I hope that sounds a bit more polite?
…Wait, hold on! I’m a manly man here…
While I was tangled in my thoughts, Victoria was still whispering sweet things in my ear, her tone growing softer, as sweet as honey.
“You’re just sixteen, still a little girl, yet you have more responsibility than many who have lived half their lives. You see things more clearly than they do. You’ve been through terrible experiences, fought ruthlessly against the worst enemies, witnessed the ugly and cruel side of humanity—each encounter beyond ordinary imagination, each one heavy and hard to bear. Yet after all this, you still manage to keep a pure heart…”
“D-Don’t praise me so much…”
My head was spinning.
If this continues, I won’t know where I’ll drift off to…
How about this? I can sleep next to her tonight. I’ll probably be scared going back anyway; it’s not like we haven’t done it before—no big deal.
But what if she wants to do something more…? No way, at most just a hug, nothing else is allowed, and she must wear pajamas… If I tell her that, will it make her feel better?
…By the way, how long is she planning to hug me for? Doesn’t she feel hot? My back is on fire, I’m so hot!
“Did you know? You’re like a precious, one-of-a-kind treasure; I could just gobble you up…”
Suddenly, I heard a sharp intake of breath by my right ear, followed by a soft yet passionate nibble on my earlobe.
“Ah!” I yelped.
Victoria… she bit my ear!
My body froze, my toes curled, and I couldn’t stand any longer; I went limp, only to be tight-hugged by Victoria.
She said softly, “I didn’t mean to say all this today, nor did I plan to do anything with you tonight. But since you asked, I won’t lie to you.”
…She didn’t plan to do anything with me? Didn’t intend to lie?
Who brought my naïve self into her bedroom and took off my dress? And what about all the touching and ear-biting? If I hadn’t desperately held down your hand, where would you have touched… you scoundrel…
Just thinking about it made me both embarrassed and angry, and I couldn’t help but murmur, “You’re such a… liar!”
“A liar?” Victoria raised her tone slightly, “Then what do you think I want to do?”
“……”
I was too embarrassed to say anything.
“Guess what I want to do most right now?”
I could clearly hear her breathing, her words practically brushing against my ear.
“I don’t know…”
I mumbled, my hands and feet stiffening, my heart racing again.
Why did I have to call her a liar earlier…? What a mess…
“Victoria…”
“I won’t do anything.” Victoria nudged my head with hers, leaning back a bit, her grip loosening slightly as she embraced me. “Peilo, you’re still too young, just like I was back then. You don’t understand what liking someone means, what love is, and you can’t accept such a relationship that isn’t respected by the world. I can see only confusion in your eyes; you have no idea in your heart; you can’t accept me…”
She released her hand.
My heart sank.
Does she think she’s sad? Is she unhappy? Have I hurt her—
“Ah!”
My b*tt was gently pinched from behind.
Then I heard Victoria say, “But if I continue, you probably won’t refuse me.”
I immediately became defensive, turning to her, “That’s nonsense!”
Why should I worry about this girl? Serves her right to be upset!
Victoria flicked her damp hair, smiling at me, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
“You will,” she said confidently. “I trust my judgment. If I cling to you a bit longer and take it step by step, before long, you’ll comply willingly. I can tell you haven’t put up any defenses against me in your heart; you just need a little more patience and time.”
I stared at her, splashing water toward her face. “I’m not! You’re talking rubbish—”
Am I really that easygoing?!
I’m mad!!!
Victoria turned her head, getting splashed on her shoulders and neck, but she didn’t mind.
“Don’t worry, I won’t do that. That would put you under too much pressure, pressures you shouldn’t have to bear. The eyes of the world will follow you for life, and your family is not without status, after all. Duke Skarlick has a notable reputation, and soon you’ll become the Princess of the Winter Moon. When that time comes, your mother will start preparing your marriage; if I pick you now, there’ll be no turning back afterward. It’ll be like those couples facing the most difficult challenges in stories.”
Pfft…
M-marriage!?
“I can’t possibly… get married!”
What nonsense, I— the ultimate manly man will absolutely NOT get married!
Victoria was taken aback.
Then I quickly realized how ambiguous that statement was for her and hurriedly waved my hands, “N-No, that’s not what I— I mean… ugh! That’s not—”
“I won’t get married either.”
Victoria’s smile widened.
“Peilo, now I am the Queen of Ethanbel. Shortly after my coronation, I decided I wouldn’t start a family. I will devote my life to ruling the kingdom, managing this land. As for the next heir of Ethanbel, I will choose the best among the royal bloodline’s next generation, but that’s a long way off. For now, I just hope we can both focus on what we need to do and not think too much about the rest. I like you; just knowing is enough. There’s no need to worry about it.”
“Got it?”
She patted my head.
I gazed into her bright eyes and nodded gently, “Mm.”
Suddenly, I felt at ease, and a smile spread across my face.
“Heh.”
Victoria smiled back.
This was the happiest smile I had seen from her. That smile blossomed like vibrant flowers in the hazy bathroom, quietly unfurling in the depths of my heart.
“Wait until you grow a little older. When you understand what you truly like, then follow your heart. If, when that time comes, you like me just as I like you, and you’re willing to share the weight of these opinions with me, prepared to face whatever’s ahead, I will make you my consort, and I’ll persuade your parents. The rest can be left to others to say.”
“But if, by then, you find your feelings for me don’t reach that level, my expectation for you is simple. Occasionally, when we’re not too busy, you can come find me like tonight, talk to me, let me hug you—that’s enough. If even that’s too much… then I only have one request. No matter what, please don’t forget me. When you face challenges you can’t resolve on your own, don’t hesitate to come find me. I’ll be right here, not going anywhere.”
She gazed at me intently, her smile fading to stillness, 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 hug her spontaneously.
“Victoria…”
But just as I opened my mouth, she interrupted me immediately.
“Call me Viki.”
“Uh…” I felt a bit dazed.
“Call me Viki.”
She reiterated with her usual authoritative tone, and I instinctively followed suit, “Viki…”
She smiled again, her red lips curving.
“Mm.”
Her skin like smooth jade, her smile blooming with a hundred charms.
