CHAPTER 186: ’TASTING SWEET?’

The Knights shoveled up piling snow on the paved paths, as Mel’s finger lingered on Maria’s as the latter led ahead.

She clutched onto her drumming heart, recalling the last time Maria dragged and forced herself onto her with a shuddering lip.

"Excited?"

Maria called out with a smirk as Mel gave a quiet nod.

"Relax..." Maria frowned a little, her palm smoothing over Mel’s finger. "I shall be gentle today."

A breath hitched in Mel’s throat.

Just do it already, dummy Maria.

Words, however, suspended inside her parted lips, before they arrived at a small, yet glamorous shop.

Her golden eyes glimmered at the silver-coated entrance, contrasted by the casual name ’Sweet Silver’ afront.

Entering, they revealed circular tables with an arc-shaped, silk sofa, each occupied by chattering nobles and ladies with sparkling, clean cutlery and colorful desserts.

Handing over the ticket and ordering their meals beforehand, Mel ceased all tension and plopped onto the chair at the corner.

"Ha..." Sighing, she then flashed a slight grin at Maria. "Sorry for dragging you into my mess earlier..."

"It’s fine," Marai smiled as she paused, before waving her hand mid-air.

Then, she sat with her legs properly straight and clutched firmly on Mel’s hand.

"The Duke shall make for great entertainment and break Rosana’s defense to her heart in the future."

"I thought I had to get to her Father first?" Mel tilted her head, her fingers dancing impatiently on Maria’s palm.

Yet as the Elf flipped their hands, Mel fidgeted as Maria’s nail traced a tickly circle in the middle.

"It’s a shame though..." Mel hung her head. "Getting through her dtoing, goofy Father was easy, but the Duchess... ugh...."

Mel pouted a little, her thighs shifting closer to Maria’s, craving for more contact.

"It’s rare for you to be so worried."

Maria chuckled as the desserts arrived.

Two light green ice creams and a luxurious, deep-colored chocolate filled Mel’s vision, yet she only lazily scooped a bite up.

"To my credit, I did do a good job." Mel flashed a smile. "But even I would have an anxiety or two. Even I’m not perfect, Partner."

As Mel swayed the filled spoon to Maria with a smirk, Maria only raised her brows.

"Indeed." Maria leaned in before nibbling on half the bite.

Then, she hooked Mel’s arm away with her mint-covered lips before kissing the cream into her mouth.

"Mmm!"

Mel’s finger sank deep into the spoon’s handle, as her tongue struggled to distinguish Maria’s sweetness from the refreshing mint.

"Aria..." Mel whispered, tapping Aria’s back repeatedly. "There’s...mm... people here..."

"Relax..." Maria pulled back with a smirk. Now both their lips were smeared with mints.

"I’ve sneakily cast a Perception Block and Silence barriers earlier. You’re more than safe."

"O-okay..." Mel flushed as she glanced at the unsuspecting people; the edge of their gazes lingered here in her fear.

Yet her hazy head was caught by Maria’s palm again; her distracted eyes now locked onto the curving stare.

"This is cute, Mel. She couldn’t be perfect by herself." Maria licked the mint off her lips; Mel’s saliva was sweeter than perfect.

"But under my administration, I’ll ensure your body becomes the perfect vessel for a mother."

Mel’s lips parted with pants; her head light as she nuzzled onto Maria’s shoulder.

"So lewd, partner..." Her arm swept up to Maria’s shoulder. "I like it too much..."

"I’m glad so. Anything to comfort you, my Mel."

Mel’s heart fluttered with a soft glance from Maria; her spoon moving to scoop up another bite.

Nibbling it herself, she then fed Maria again with her lips.

Wet, volatile sounds filled the air as they tasted each other and the dessert; the ice cream’s size grew smaller with every feed.

Pulling away, she spotted another ice cream; her submissive whimpers louder at how it melted as they lost track of time.

"Hm..." Mel hummed as Maria wiped her lips before licking the residual off.

"Maria. I should ask you a little."

Mel squirmed as Maria’s palm clasped tight on her waist; her possessive stare drummed up with a flush from earlier ’feedings’.

"But..." Mel stammered as her hand slid slowly down Maria’s back. "Why did you seem to know the Duke so well?"

"Ah... now that’s a first after a long time."

Maria’s face fell a little; Mel should’ve asked; let her escape her past for a while longer.

Yet Mel frowned as she cupped Maria’s cheek, the touch tender with her thumb brushing against the smooth cheek.

"Of course, you don’t have to answer if you deem so..."

Despite her cheerful voice, Mel cast a downward gaze; the plush sofa now sinking in too deeply as if to swallow her troubles away.

With an understanding smile, Maria slowly slid away from Mel’s touch before plopping her shoulders onto the sofa.

"I understand." Maria nodded, her shadow now consuming all of Mel’s voluminous body.

"You feel you’re..." Maria bit her lips before sighing. "Distant from me. I know that you’ve been respecting my choice to keep secrets until now, but-"

"Yes. I’m too curious, Maria."

Despite her tone’s gravity, Mel straddled Maria’s back with her skirt perking up.

"Asking this question means I want to search for your answers, little by little. But that’s not because I feel distant."

Frowning, Mel declared with a straight tone.

"That’s because out of everyone, I feel you’re the closest in understanding me, Maria."

Maria froze at Mel’s resolute, softened gaze; the acknowledgement opened something she hid behind her steady heartbeat.

Human natures were often masked and re-masked for their purposes, but Mel never put on a front to hide her true self.

Her words went the same way.

A genuine smile bloomed on Maria’s lips; her ’elf disguise’ discarded in light petals again.

Revealing white hairs that sprang from her back, Maria only whispered; the clench in her throat a little tight with her gratitude.

"I’ll tell you a little, Mel."

Maria drew closer, as Mel’s hand coiled inward with tearing eyes.

"After I calm myself with your body, that is."

With that, Maria lunged in for a taste again.