“It should.”
There were actually two ways I could have helped him. The first was to invigorate him with my saintly powers and strengthen his magic. The other was to enhance my own magic and pour my magic into Xenu as an external tank of magical energy.
The first option meant arousing him and the second, me. I didn’t even have to think about it. Of course my only choice was the latter of the two.
“Got it. Then…I’ll lend you my magical energy. Prepare yourself.”
“Understood.”
Xenu nodded and tied his hair back then turned to face the window, straightening his posture. I could hear him muttering an unfamiliar incantation as he made a sigil with two raised fingers. He ended the chant with, “Please.” I held my hands over his back. I inhaled and imagined the magical energy deep inside me flowing from my palms.
“Seethe, my holy powers. Stir, my life force. I share with him freely the torrent of my magic.”
Link established. The moment I felt it happen, the magical energy within my body rushed in huge quantities toward Xenu. I clenched my teeth and endured the powerful current. He was sweating too.
“Break!”
He whispered the word fiercely. Whoosh. Projectiles whizzed toward the magical lure light and pierced through it. It exploded, sending up a cloud of white smoke into the sky, distinctly visible even in the darkness.
One side of his mouth curled up in response to the sight.
“It worked, huh? Haha… I didn’t realize magic could be this powerful.”
I suddenly grew dizzy as exhaustion crept in. Xenu held me upright as I swayed.
“Madam Monica, are you okay?”
“Yes… Yes, I’m fine. I just need to rest a bit.”
The magical energy in my body was amplified because I’d cast my saintly power on myself. As I poured my magic into Xenu, my supernatural abilities continued to enhance my magic. Repeat cycle. I hadn’t felt this dizzy in a while and I pushed myself away from him. Thanks to the magic stones imbued with the special camouflage sewed into my dress, the side effects didn’t show on my face. Even so, this was bad.
After informing the knight that the magical lure light had been destroyed, I asked him if I could be alone for a bit. Once he gave me permission, I walked quickly to a corner of the great hall. There were sofas and curtains placed around the space, so I chose a sofa in a deserted spot and curled up into a ball on one end of it.
“Ughhh… This is different from when my body goes haywire when I’m with Richard… I feel like I’m going to lose my mind…”
Suddenly, a shadow fell over me and the tempting scent of cologne drifted in the air. When I looked up, I saw Xenu staring down at me. Backlit by the lamps in the hall, his smile flashing his canines looked strangely striking.
“Madam Monica, I know this is rude to ask, but…are you feeling those effects?”
“…Yes. So go away.”
“I’d be more than happy to help you through it though.”
“Huh?”
For a second, I couldn’t understand the meaning of his words. Xenu continued speaking, his tone considerate and matter-of-fact. My frozen state didn’t bother him.
“I’m not a noble, just a simple merchant. I’ll also keep what happens between us a secret, which means you won’t have any problems in the future.”
“Ummm…”
I was at a loss for words since no one had ever taken such an assertive but respectful approach with me. I had been attacked and I had seen blatant lust directed at me. But I had never been…invited. Until now. And it definitely felt like an invitation.
“What do you think, Madam Monica?”
He took my hand and pressed a kiss to my finger, his lips making a soft sound. I thought his touch would excite me—but unexpectedly, the complete opposite happened.
No. I don’t want him. I want—
I immediately brushed his hand aside, practically slapping it away.
“Ah, I see.” Xenu’s eyes were slightly widened with surprise. I gasped and shook my head.
“I’m sorry. I…I know you made the offer out of kindness, but…I can’t. I don’t want to.”
“My apologies then. Of course, I won’t force you if you don’t need my help.” He didn’t look at all perturbed by my answer or my attitude. He simply narrowed his eyes suggestively behind his round-framed glasses. “But if you do ever need me, feel free to come to me.”
“Thank you… Your kindness is more than enough…”
I managed to finish saying what I had to and then hugged myself even more tightly, enduring the lust raging through my body. It combined with my disgust at myself to make a mess of my mind.
What I want…
Wasn’t a man with slender fingers and a fragrant cologne. When I recalled the sensation of his touch, I wanted more. It wasn’t lust for lust’s sake either. The one I wanted to direct this uncontrollable heat toward was—
No, no, no, no, no. You can’t think about him. Stop thinking about this. No.
Red hair so vivid it looked like fresh blood. A compelling gaze that grew even more forceful when he narrowed his eyes. Long eyelashes and a gentle smile. Strong, dependable arms, right down to the fingertips, that held me tight. The way he said my name so sweetly in my ear. Only one man.
“Madam Monica.”
“Nhhh!!!”
The voice whispering in my ear was so different from the one I was remembering that I stiffened out of reflex. Xenu had drawn near me without making a sound and now he spoke softly.
“I love you, Madam Monica. I want to stay by your side for the rest of my life as your husband.”
When I lifted my face, I found his so close to mine that I saw myself reflected in his eyes. He beamed down at me.
“We come from similar backgrounds and I swear I won’t ever hurt you. All in all, I’d say I’m a very good catch.”
There was so little distance between us that our noses almost touched. Hearing his confession from a hair’s breadth away, I jumped up from the couch and fled.