Until now, Askan had shown no interest in women.

As his power grew, he had plenty of opportunities to win over beauties, but he never felt a connection to romantic relationships; he found them to be nothing but troublesome. Despite his stone-like demeanor, Helsion repeatedly tried to introduce women to him.

However, Askan declined with various excuses. Not only did he lack interest in general, but he found women associated with Helsion to be untrustworthy, which further fueled his reluctance.

That was not all. Despite being a figure honored with the Emperor’s favor and receiving the title of a count from the chief commander, numerous powerful figures had proposed strategic marriages to Askan.

From those offering their daughters to those suggesting a one-night affair, he had received countless proposals, all of which he summarily rejected.

He considered marriage unnecessary and had no desire for a partner to warm his bed. The thought of sharing warmth and exchanging saliva with another person was discomforting, and exploring each other’s bodies felt impure.

For some reason, unconsciously, he felt a sense of aversion.

Regardless of the woman he saw, he never felt the desire to embrace her.

It wasn’t that Askan lacked sexual desire, but he had lived ascetically to an excessive degree.

He was aware that there were rumors circulating about him, which he regarded with indifference.

─ Have you heard that the chief commander is impotent?

─ What nonsense. I heard that his sexual preferences are very peculiar.

─ Tsk tsk, neither of you knows anything. The chief commander is just revealing his true colors.

He heard all these absurd remarks with one ear and let them pass.

It didn’t matter what others said. He thought he might have a case of obsessive-compulsive disorder, but he had no reason to hide it.

During this time, Helsion, without Askan’s permission, had once introduced a woman to him at a party.

He blatantly showed his dislike, but Helsion persistently persuaded him.

─ Just sit next to her as a partner for today. You know people will gossip. Doing this much should at least calm things down a bit.

Although Askan didn’t care about what others said, he stopped mid-sentence when he looked at the woman sitting next to him.

She had raven-black hair. The glossy strands flowed down to her waist, capturing his attention for some reason.

For an unknown reason, he wanted to look at her a little more.

Staring at the woman sitting still like a doll somehow filled the empty void in his chest.

─ Commander, may I pour you a drink…?

─ That’s enough; just sit next to me.

For some reason, it seemed like the woman’s face turned red.

Helsion, quick-witted as ever, noticed the change in Askan’s usual attitude. Thinking he must have liked her, he sent her that night.

However, Askan sent the woman away without laying a finger on her. The only thing he had liked about her was her black hair.

‘Is it that I like women with black hair?’
Such suspicions did arise, but they were quickly forgotten.

Although he had been somewhat more lenient towards the woman with black hair, there was no woman who captivated his gaze like when he first met Tanasia.

Undoubtedly, there was no life form he found as beautiful as her.

‘I thought I was a ascetic person until now…’

Askan stood by the office window, looking at the artificial pond in the mansion.

He recalled the kiss with Tanasia that took place there not long ago. No, he hadn’t forgotten a single moment since that day.

He had thought his self-control was exceptional, but he was wrong.

Once a spark ignited, it blazed like an unquenchable flame.

Tanasia’s sweet lips, the slender waist that felt like it could be held in one hand, and the soft skin filled his mind to the point where he couldn’t focus on his work.

The thirst in his throat was nothing. It didn’t get satisfied by mere skin contact.

He wanted to become one more deeply, more intensely.

“…Lord. Commander?”

At the sudden sound, he turned his head to find Carlton standing in the office with a perplexed expression, wondering when he had entered.

It was uncharacteristic of Askan. His mind was so preoccupied that he hadn’t noticed someone entering.

Askan asked calmly, “What is it?”

“As ordered, I have moved Excalibur into the mansion. When would be an appropriate time to hand it over to Lady Brellope?”

“When her hand’s wounds are completely healed. I will instruct separately on that.”

“Understood. I am also investigating the fragrance of Margot, the viscount of Manoko. I will report back as soon as results are available.”

“Very well.”

“I have selected a few candidate workshops for Lady Brellope to use. I have organized and presented them. Please let me know your thoughts.”

Askan nodded as he looked at the documents Carlton had placed on the desk.

It seemed like Carlton had finished reporting his tasks, but instead of leaving the office, he stood there silently, looking at Askan with an inquisitive expression.

Askan, with a puzzled expression, asked, “What’s the matter?”