Even though we are an official couple, Elysia hasn't changed that much. That was what I feared the most.
She continues to train diligently, whether it's with a sword, a lute, or painting.
At first, my servants were wary of Elysia, but seeing her continue to work so seriously even while being my girlfriend, they started to appreciate her.
Moreover, our interactions have been… magical? I can't really say. None of my previous companions remained themselves; they quickly became arrogant due to my reputation.
But Elysia is different; she continues to be herself. That's what makes all the little interactions magical. I feel a real love, not a half-hearted love, not motivated by a desire to steal my reputation to do what they want.
In front of others, it's just little touches here and there, but when we are alone, her shyness seems to disappear. She gives me kisses that seem to say, "I want you!"
And soon, we made love. It was truly wonderful—gentle, yet passionate.
But I have obviously not forgotten my mission. I continued to buy a lot of food and sell it for little in the kingdom of Regium Aeternum, while sending the rest to my kingdom.
Once the plan is complete and I return to the kingdom of Célarion, I will take Elysia with me. After all, she has no one here.
She told me she was a former slave, but once her master died, she was free. I investigated, and it seems to be true.
I had difficulties carrying out my secret plan while maintaining a relationship with Elysia, but I managed, somewhat. Sometimes I thought I would get caught, but Elysia wasn't very curious, making the task easier.
I continued like this for a few months. Then I received a message from several nobles in my kingdom wanting more creations from Mirelia. They gave me even more money, which facilitated my bulk purchases in this kingdom.
Additionally, I received a visit from an assassin woman sent by the prince just as I had finished making love with Elysia. Fortunately, she was still sleeping…
"What do you want, Hemlock Blossom?"
"In a month, the prince will come to take the contract."
"I see…"
"So finish the preparations."
"It's done. I bought a lot of shares from nobles here under a false name. When everyone sees this, they'll think an investor is supporting the princess."
"Good…"
"Keep it up, Isolde."
"The prince will be pleased."
"…"
Once those words were said, the woman left my room. I followed her to the window and looked out at the city, but no one was there, except for a few townspeople.
I raised my eyes to the moon, savoring its silvery light, my face turned toward the sky, my eyelids closed.
After that, I turned back to close the window. I went over to the bed, on tiptoes, where Elysia was lying.
Once in front of her, I made sure she hadn't heard anything. If that was the case…
Fortunately, she hadn't. I felt reassured!
I climbed onto the bed on all fours, getting closer to her as quietly as possible, little by little.
Once at her side, I wrapped my arms around her waist, and Elysia naturally nestled against my bare body.
I feel like everything is so natural with her.
I kissed her on the forehead.
"I love you…"
Maybe she heard me because she pressed herself even closer to me. That made me smile…
After one last kiss, I fell asleep again, holding her tightly.
The month passed rather quickly with Elysia by my side.
Everything was going well until the prince arrived—at least, that's what I thought. But during the month, I sensed a strange presence near me.
When I turned my head, I saw an insect crawling on the wall. When our eyes met, I instinctively knelt down.
"Zerg Queen!"
I was surprised for a moment, but in the end… it felt normal.
When I was told that I was being parasitized, I was astonished but not disturbed. On the contrary, I was happy to have this new queen!
But my biggest surprise was learning that Elysia was part of the plan to facilitate my parasitism… just like the herbal sales from Mirelia!
I couldn't help but pout, but Elysia came to hold me in her arms and kiss me. I succumbed. How could I be angry with her?
Queen Pallas asked me if I loved Elysia, which seemed extremely important.
I answered yes, and for my greatest joy, with Elysia… we can get married! I am so happy!
After setting up a plan to start parasitizing my kingdom from within, two days passed.
And finally, the prince arrived.
With a crash in the downstairs area, I heard his voice… just as I was about to completely undress Elysia for another embrace.
"Where is Isolde? Tell her to come out immediately!"
This prince really knows how to ruin a moment of pleasure!