Lewd Courtship - Chapter 54

Royalty did indeed belong to the highest ranks, so his surprise was understandable. Still, while Rachel understood the man’s reaction, she felt disappointed that he would suppress his desire over something so trivial. So what if she was of royal blood? They were only here to enjoy each other.

But ignorant of her thoughts, the man continued to waver. The presence of the confident man who had just moments ago dominated the atmosphere was nowhere to be found.

Seeing even his breathing falter, a crushing sense of futility washed over her. Her body cooled rapidly, and every ounce of willpower drained away.

“…Voluptas.”

With a voice sapped of energy, Rachel spoke the termination sign. The man cautiously withdrew, as if gauging her mood. Even that sight was displeasing, and she let out a deep sigh.

“Haa… I’m going back. I’ll settle the balance, so call for the manager.”

“Ah, understood.”

Like the man before him, he tugged on the cord hanging from the ceiling. Moments later, the manager appeared through the slightly opened door with an unhurried stride. Rachel adjusted her attire and spoke curtly, almost dismissively.

“Tell the woman who came with me about the extra charge on the balance. I want to leave, so show me the way out.”

At the curt, commanding tone, the manager raised his eyebrows. Then, the man inside curled and straightened his thumb toward him—a signal only used when the other person was a high-ranking noble or higher.

The manager’s expression changed in an instant as he grasped the situation. A guest like that could cost him his neck if offended, but was also worth the risk because of the money involved.

Smoothing the shape of his eyebrows, he placed a polite smile on his lips. To hold on to Rachel, he feigned kindness.

“Ah, no need to pay the extra charge. Instead, we have another friend who’s not only very handsome but also an excellent player. Wouldn’t you like to see him before you go?”

“I’m fine.”

“Still, if you’d just take one look before deciding—”

“I said I’m fine. Just show me the way out already.”

Rachel, whose mind had already completely turned away, cut off the manager’s words. Though unable to hide his regret, the manager still fulfilled his role to the end.

“Such a shame, but understood. If you come next time, I’ll make sure to assign you with utmost care.”

“…Sure, maybe I’ll come by if I feel like it.”

Rachel had meant to ignore him, but just in case, she gave a half-hearted response. The manager beamed and guided her outside.

***

Inside the swaying carriage, Rachel sat in a posture that was almost slumped against the seat. Her slightly tilted head was on the verge of knocking against the window frame, and her distant, clouded eyes were fixed outside.

“Haa……”

She let out a sigh with a sullen expression. The warmth of her breath told her that the lingering heat of Voluptas was still clinging to her.

Her lower belly still itched faintly. But more than that, the clammy dampness of her underwear brought her discomfort. The conflicting sensations dragged Rachel’s mood straight into the gutter.

‘Ah, how annoying.’

To end up in this state without even properly confirming her disposition—she bit her lip in irritation.

In the chaos of her mind appeared the man with black hair who had left her like this. She wondered, what if he hadn’t stopped, what if he had continued? Surely, she would have felt far better than she did now.

“Ehh……”

But indulging in such fantasies did nothing to ease her lukewarm body. Rachel let out sigh after sigh, her gaze vacant as it lingered outside the window. In the distance, the spires of the royal palace were drawing closer.

“Shall I call someone when I arrive?”

The men she had lain with so far came to mind. Soon, the palace gates would close, so there weren’t many she could summon right away.

When she filtered them down to only those she actually liked, the number dwindled even further. Rachel hesitated over which man to choose, then soon gave up the thought. That wasn’t what she wanted right now—she didn’t crave ordinary s*x.

Still, to ask one of them, ‘Handle me a little rough.’… her reputation as a princess would be at risk. No matter how open-minded Porhen was as a country, particular tastes always spread as unsavory rumors. And in the royal palace, scandals traveled even faster.

I’ll save the nobles and the court men for last. It’s not like I desperately want it right now anyway…

Rachel closed her eyes, trying to soothe her overheated body. In the darkness of her vision, the figure of another black-haired man appeared. Perhaps the one she truly needed most at this moment was him.

“I want to see you.”

The instant the thought of going to see him crossed her mind, Rachel opened her eyes. At this hour, to seek out a foreign dignitary—let alone the Emperor—was something even a street ruffian wouldn’t dare do.

But Rachel could discard a bit of courtesy if it meant getting what she wanted. She rolled her eyes toward Maria, who was sitting across from her.

“Maria, you know…”
“It is not permitted.”
“I haven’t even said anything yet.”

“..What is the matter?”