The man, thinking the knight’s refusal was a slight against him, became even more agitated. “You’ll regret this! Once you understand its value, there’s no way His Majesty would reject it. Go tell him, now!” Just to attend this banquet, the man had offered the imperial family enough money to match a major province’s monthly…

“Of course I’m afraid.” “Why?” “What do you mean, why?” “Is it because I’m your disciple? Because I was the one you intended to pass the throne to—is that why you’re so frightened?” Once, Ishar would have answered without hesitation: Yes. But now, he knew Veloan’s heart. He’d been reflecting on his own feelings, too.…

When embraced by Veloan—feeling his warmth and breath intertwining with his own—Ishar was undeniably at ease. He felt comfort and stability. The fear that had once filled him seemed to find form and settle, becoming firm and solid within a defined frame. Veloan had never said it aloud, but Ishar knew. Even during their intimacy,…

Startled by the threatening sound, Ishar took a deep breath, his chest expanding. At that moment, Veloan firmly grabbed Ishar’s chest. “Ah, hngh…!” Though it was a firm chest unlike a woman’s, Veloan liked the sensation. As Veloan mercilessly stimulated Ishar’s erect nipple, pinching it between his fingers, Ishar trembled and placed his own shaking…

“Whether it was stroking my hair, brushing it, dressing me, or holding me in your arms… every one of those things you did for me was so clumsy that even someone like me, who had never experienced them before, could tell.” “…I didn’t realize.” It was only natural. Before Ishar brought Veloan to the palace,…

To ground himself in reality, Ishar curled into himself and repeatedly recalled what was real. The conversations he had with Veloan after they reunited, the grown strength of his body, the powerful arms that embraced him, the heat of his skin, and the more mature tone of his voice — as he recalled each one,…

The seashell Ishar had carelessly picked up while using a detection spell to test his recovered mana turned out to be incredibly rare: the shell of a thousand-year-old magic mollusk, which had deposited the ocean’s mana into its casing over the centuries. He gave such a valuable item to Shuzel out of guilt. If Veloan…

“…It’s fine. I’m going to bathe.” “I’ll help you.” “That won’t be necessary.” Shrugging off the arm around his shoulders, Ishar practically fled to the bathroom. He was definitely about to pounce. Veloan’s hand, which had slipped under the robe and groped his chest, made his intentions obvious. I’ll never let him touch my body…

Groups of young nobles wandered in clusters along the roadside. Their guards followed behind, faces visibly weary. Other people bustled about, attending to their own business. Though the streets were noisy and full of life, Veloan remained silent. Just as Ishar began to wonder if he might be genuinely angry— “All right. I’ll grant your…

Ishar stood up and looked Veloan over from head to toe. When he gestured for him to get up, Veloan obediently rose like a well-trained puppy. It was so endearing that Ishar couldn’t help but ruffle his hair. “You’ll stand out no matter what. Never mind that you’re handsome—your height alone makes you noticeable. Look.…