Little Pink Starfish

Despite Veloan showing this much love, Ishar doubted he would sit still just because of a contract.

“I… I see. Then let’s return to the Imperial Palace together.”

It had already been four days since the day he went alone into the abyss to find Veloan.

To Shuzel and the nobles who knew nothing and were waiting for Ishar, it would seem like the Emperor of the Lucheist Empire had gone off alone and vanished.

So he needed to return to the palace as soon as possible to let everyone know he was safe.

“Veloan? Why aren’t you answering… Don’t tell me you’re not planning to return to the palace?”

“I will return. It’s our home, after all. But not yet.”

“Do you still have things to do here? I have to go back to the palace now, so it might take me a little time, but once I’ve handled things, I’ll come back right away and help you. So stay here until then. Don’t go anywhere. Promise me.”

Even as he spoke, Ishar unconsciously gripped Veloan’s arm tightly, afraid he might disappear the moment he left.

Veloan, watching Ishar with affectionate eyes, smiled and kissed him lightly.

“I’m not going anywhere. I’m your Empress. How could I leave you behind?”

“Th-the Empress… Never mind. That’s good, then. I’ll be back soon.”

There wasn’t time to argue or explain to this disciple, who was already dead set on becoming Empress. Ishar was still mentally and physically exhausted, so clearing the misunderstanding would have to wait.

He cast the teleportation spell and blinked.

Why wasn’t it working?

He tried again.

“…?”

There was no mistake. He had the formula, the correct amount of magic.

But he was still standing there.

Veloan was smiling at him, not looking away even for a second.

A chill crept down Ishar’s spine.

He conjured a small flame. It sparked to life in midair without resistance.

He tried several more spells. They worked. And yet…

“…Veloan.”

There was no doubt.

“What did you do to me?”

“You already know, Ishar.”

“What on earth…”

He couldn’t finish.

Veloan had placed a magical restriction on him.

And Ishar hadn’t noticed it until he tried to teleport.

That meant only one thing.

Veloan has surpassed my level.

Since reaching the level of Wizard, no one had matched Ishar—let alone exceeded him.

But Veloan had done just that. He had placed a magical restriction on Ishar without him even sensing it.

The plan to bind Veloan with a contract, crown him Emperor, make him Empress too, and flee—it was all ruined.

But strangely, Ishar didn’t feel frustrated. He couldn’t feel frustrated.

His mind was filled with something else entirely.

Thump, thump.

His heart raced, shivering with a thrill. A heat he’d never felt before coursed through his body, speeding his breath.

Finally.

The thought flashed through his mind like lightning. And Ishar didn’t question it.

He understood.

Maybe the one he’d been wishing for was right in front of him.

The one I was wishing for?

Did he ever wish for someone like that? All he’d wanted was someone to inherit the imperial crown—a weight no different from invisible shackles.

But before the thought could go deeper, his mind grew hazy.

He’d never been drunk, but this felt like intoxication. A pleasant heat, different from physical pleasure, surged within him.

Still, it wasn’t enough.

He needed confirmation—to feel this sensation more clearly.

“Veloan…”

“Yes, Ishar.”

Veloan looked down at him with eyes full of affection. His delight was written all over his face.

Of course. Veloan could clearly see Ishar’s change.

Ishar was desperately trying to hide his desire, but it was no use. His cheeks were flushed red, his violet eyes were wet and glistening. The look in them was different from when he’d been lost in pleasure.

Like he’d just found something he’d been missing all his life, his gaze was hazy and filled with primal longing.

Ishar didn’t resist the hand cupping his cheek. He looked up at his disciple, who was admiring him, and spoke.

“Won’t you fight me?”

“No.”

The flat refusal, as if it wasn’t even worth considering, made even Ishar falter.

He grabbed Veloan’s collar and pulled him close. Veloan didn’t reject him and instead wrapped an arm around his waist, pressing their bodies together.

“Why not? Didn’t we spar often when I taught you?”

“That wasn’t sparring. That was you teaching me. I wasn’t even close to keeping up with you back then.”

“That’s not true. You were already better than most mages and knights. You’ve gotten stronger—let’s do it, just once. Yes?”

“You already know how it would end.”

“We won’t know until we try. True, I couldn’t detect your spell—but I can still fight.”

He wanted to fight at full strength.

Yes, he had lost to Jishka once. But that had been Ishar’s fault.

His body had been in ruins. Even Shuzel could have beaten him then.

But now it was different. Veloan had healed him completely, restored his flow, and he’d had enough rest.

His magical power was far less than it used to be, but still enough for a match.

“Veloan… hmm?”

“I never thought I’d see the day you begged so sweetly. It makes me happy.”

Encouraged by the slight positivity, Ishar quickly wrapped his arms around Veloan’s neck and clung to him.

He’d learned from experience—Veloan sometimes acted like he’d go along, then ran off. This time he wouldn’t let go.

“Are you trying to seduce me?”

“I want to fight you.”

“My ‘master’ taught me not to do things when the outcome is obvious. That meaningless displays of strength are pathetic.”

Ishar wasn’t offended by Veloan’s confidence in beating him.

In fact, it made him happy. His disciple had grown strong enough to say that!

How exhilarating it would be to fight him at full strength—even if he lost, the thrill would be unforgettable.

“If it’s you, then anything’s fine.”

“Are you going back on your own teachings?”

“You know what I mean. Haah… Veloan. Just once. Just once, please…”

“I didn’t know you got so excited over a fight.”

“…One day, you’ll understand me.”

The despair of knowing there’s no one stronger. That there’s nothing left to pursue.

One day, Veloan would know it too.

“If you’d clung to me like this in bed, I would’ve gone along with it. But I still refuse to duel you.”

“…”

“Even if you look at me with that adorable face—it’s not happening.”

Calling his expression “adorable” made Ishar flustered. Veloan stroked his cheek and added:

“But after I’ve returned all the magic you gave me… I’ll spar with you. Just once.”

“…Really?”

“Yes. So Ishar—”

Suddenly, Veloan’s arms tightened around his waist, making him gasp. Startled, Ishar pressed his hands to Veloan’s shoulders.

“Stop thinking about anything else and make me your Empress.”

Veloan’s low voice sent chills down his spine.

As if he’d seen right through Ishar’s intentions—to make Veloan Emperor and escape the palace.

He figured it out the moment I mentioned the imperial crown.

Ishar should’ve shut his own mouth instead of calling it a misunderstanding. Now it was too late. Frustration and anxiety crept in, but he feigned calm.

“Alright.”

For now.

He didn’t like the idea of getting his magic back, but if it meant he could fight Veloan at full strength, it was worth it.

“Then send me back to the palace for now. It’s probably chaos with me suddenly gone.”

“Don’t worry. That won’t happen.”

“Veloan, you know how serious a missing Emperor is. Not just for the Lucheist Empire—other nations under the Empire might take this chance to rebel.”

“I already sent word. To the Council and to your knights.”

“When?”

“The day I brought you here. There’s no problem. Just rest.”

“Even so—”

“Ishar, what you need is rest.”