Though only her hand had been caught, all her nerves were focused on where Illeone touched her.

Illeone’s lips brushed the inside of her wrist, the pale and tender skin, then moved down to her elbow, arm, and armpit.

“Ah, there.”

As Illeone’s lips pressed down on her neck, then her collarbone, Elysia’s face turned red.

“Ststop it.”

“I haven’t done anything yet.”

“What, what.”

Not doing anything!

Then what had he been doing all this time!

Seemingly annoyed by her resistance, Illeone brought his lips to hers again.

Their intertwined lips stole her breath for a long time.

Because of her rapid breathing, Elysia flopped like a fish dragged out of the water.

Illeone devoured it again.

Earlier, he had pinned her down like a starving beast, but now he seemed relaxed like a predator that slowly bites and rolls a small animal, not intending to let it go. Elysia was the only one falling apart in confusion.

Elysia closed her eyes.

Then, it felt like the world was filled entirely with Illeone.

He was everywhere she could feel through her nose, ears, and fingertips.

His hands went all over her bare skin, touching it evenly. Then, as if something was missing, they sadly caressed the curves of Elysia’s body.

As if it were a signal, the deeply tangled breath became hot and sweet. It was so pressing that she couldn’t tell whether it was a part of him or a barelyopened candy cane in her mouth.

“Ha.”

Illeone’s gaze deepened as he looked at her panting.

Trying to hide from him, Elysia hunched her body to the side and covered herself with her arm, a mistake on her part. The predator that had been eyeing its prey all along quickly moved his hand.

Pop.

The ribbon holding her corset at her lower back came loose.

It was the price of violating the most basic rule of defense, never to show one’s back to the enemy.

As the ribbon that had wrapped around her diagonally lost its strength and loosened, her tightly constrained body collapsed under gravity.

“Ah.”

While the flustered Elysia was fussing, Illeone took off the corset and tossed it away.

Her body, heaving in and out with her rapid breaths, was laid bare beneath the thin chemise.

The empty space where the corset had been felt desolate.

Feeling like she was lying on her stomach, exposing her belly to a snarling beast now that the armor that had been hiding her body had disappeared, Elysia’s emotions were exposed.

Illeone pawed at Elysia like a large beast.

Like a wild animal pawing through piles of autumn leaves in the woods.

Like an animal finding hidden prey beneath piles of white snow in the winter wilderness.

Illeone, caressing the glossy hair beneath Elysia’s chin with his nose and lips, teasing the soft, tender skin hidden beneath the chemise, was sensual.

Elysia stared at him blankly.

It felt like a flame was rising somewhere inside her body.
Illeon’s body heated up slowly as if scalded every time she leaned against her own body and exhaled.

Having found a spot she liked on her body, Illeon remained in the same spot for a long time.

It seemed as if a strange sound would burst from her mouth.

Elicia covered her mouth in surprise.

Apparently displeased, Illeon lightly bit Elicia’s lips.

Elicia’s eyes narrowed at the sensation of Illeon pulling away from her.

“Look properly.”

The man said, taking off his shirt.

The thick chest leading to the firm and slim waistline was filled without a gap with muscles.

She closed her eyes, trembling with complex emotions. Her tightly closed eyes were burning hot.

Elicia cried.

Once the emotion started to rise, it flowed out of her body as a moisture that could not be turned back.

“Why? Why are you crying?”

Illeon’s voice lowered.

“Do you hate me that much?”

Elicia shook her head.

“No, it’s not that.”

It was when Illeon was going to wipe her tears.

A white arm wrapped around his neck. Suddenly, Elicia’s body, with its weight on it, was pulled towards her.

Illeon, suddenly embraced by Elicia, stiffened.

“Ththank goodness.”

“What?”

“That my eyes… are not wrong.”

Hot tears flowed from Elicia’s eyes.

“Because of me. I thought it was my fault.”

I wanted to protect him.

I wanted to see Illeon happy.

Because he’s the protagonist of the original work, he will surely be happy.

So I wanted to watch him become happy, a fellow like me, and gain hope that I could be happy too.

I couldn’t bear to see Illeon become unhappy because of me.

One person’s life is diverted from the predetermined happiness of the original work because of Elicia herself.

I could not accept that myself.

Yet I was endlessly tempted.

I thought I could be happy if I held his hand.

What is this happiness?

Is it really somewhere?

Is it just a value that exists somewhere, nicely packaged so that humans don’t give up on life, that makes me live with such concern?

While hurting Illeon this much?

If I left him alone to take me as he wanted, my mind would be more at ease.

If this is what he wants, if Illeon really wants me, it seemed like I could give it to him as much as he wanted.

Is that my happiness, Elicia?

If I think I can give myself to Illeon like this…

…is this love?

Elicia let go of him.

Her red eyes were full of emotions and shook, appearing bewildered. Elicia tried to smile bravely despite her embarrassment.

“I’m glad.”

I sincerely thought so.

“….It’s true that I’m here.”

Her lips trembled thinly.

“So. So…”

As Illeon wants.

As he imagined.

It’s okay.

But why are tears coming?

My body started trembling like a quaking aspen.

…It’s my first time, so it could be like this.

“Heh….”

It was cold.

The floor I leaned against was cold, even on a summer night.

Elicia’s eyes filled with hot tears, and as she blinked, they trickled down the corner of her eyes to her ears.

A splash.

Illeon picked up his shirt, which had fallen on the floor with the buttons torn, and covered Elicia’s body.

The man who got up, holding her gently, sighed.

“I’m sorry.”

“Heh.”

“I did wrong. Right?”

When he comforted her by holding and stroking her back, Elicia cried harder.

“I was, I was surprised.”

“Yeah. I did wrong.”

Illeon whispered in her ear like a sigh.

“Don’t cry, Elicia.”