Guards bowed as they made their way toward the carriage, flowers swaying side to side in the soft breeze. Jones, his butler, stood beside the carriage, his hand on the door handle, ready to open it as his lord approached.
"W-Wait!"
A voice—soft and hurried—halted Dian's steps. He turned around and froze for a moment...
In front of him stood Maria and her mother, both catching their breath from the hasty effort to reach him. He still didn't know her mother's name.
And both of them looked beautiful. Maria wore a simple golden gown with a white collar, matching her blonde hair. Her face was clear—no bruises, no marks—all healed under the maids' care. She looked... cute.
Beside her stood her mother. Her hands rested on the hem of her dress. She, too, wore a golden gown, matching her smooth, long hair. Her face was otherworldly—harmonious features, clear radiant skin, bright eyes, and full lips.
And her body… Damn. Full breasts, a slim waist, and a plump backside. She had everything a woman with a child should have—but her beauty had only matured rather than faded.
Maria's mother bowed. "I-I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself, young lord. My name is Silf, Maria's mother." Her voice was soft, shuddering slightly.
"Drop the formalities. Stand straight," Dian said. He didn't like formalities—especially from women. It just didn't suit him.
Hearing him, Silf stood upright.
"I-I wanted to thank you, young lord," Silf said. "I'll do my best to manage these lands." Her voice was determined.
She didn't ask why he gave her the role—questioning the young lord of the family was beyond her thoughts. She couldn't let this opportunity slip when she needed it most.
Dian studied her for a moment. "Hm. But don't forget to take care of yourself too. I'd feel bad if you got sick from overwork," he said, his voice soft and warm, with a smile.
Silf blushed. Her heart skipped a beat as she felt the warmth in his voice. Something long asleep deep inside her suddenly bloomed. "I-I… O-okay, young lord." Her voice trembled as she spoke.
Dian's eyes shifted to Maria. A small smile tugged at his lips.
"Do you need something?" he asked, lowering himself to her eye level.
He knelt on one knee, looking directly into her golden eyes.
Maria blushed. Her heart started beating faster. His demeanor… his soft voice… "I-I just wanted to ask…" She paused, coming out of her reverie. "Will you come back, Mr…?"
Dian blinked, caught off-guard by her sudden question—and the way she addressed him. Ermm… from big brother to Mr...? A moment of silence passed before his smile widened.
"Of course, I will," he replied.
He lifted a hand and gently patted her head. "Until then, take care of yourself and your mother," he said, glancing at Silf as their eyes met.
A deep blush crept across Silf's cheeks and she looked away, though her smile betrayed her.
"I will!" Maria chimed, her eyes sparkling and her smile growing wider.
"Okay, now it's time for me to leave," Dian said as he patted her head one last time and stood up.
Maria's smile flickered for a brief moment before it returned—wider than before.
"Hmm." She nodded.
With final goodbyes, Dian turned and walked to his carriage. Jones opened the door as Dian approached, and without looking back, he stepped inside.
Following close behind, Gianna ascended the carriage as well, the door shutting behind her with a quiet thunk.
Once aboard, the horses neighed, and the carriage departed with the soft creak of wooden wheels. Jones, too, left on horseback. Dian now had beautiful company.
The young lord… is quite different from the late lord. I don't think even he could imagine his son would have two wives... at only sixteen… Jones shook his head. With one last glance over his shoulder, he rode off.
In front of the castelet, the mother and daughter watched as the carriage disappeared into the horizon, their eyes fixed until it vanished into the distant green fields. It's like before… just like how he left… A faint memory surfaced in Silf's mind as she looked toward where the carriage had disappeared.
Shaking her head, she held Maria's hand. "Let's go inside now, shall we?" she asked.
Maria, still a little reluctant, nodded. "Hmm."
...
Now far from them, inside the carriage, two figures sat beside each other. Dian rested calmly on his soft, dark blue seat, eyes closed. Beside him, Gianna also had her eyes closed, her body close to Dian's, head resting on his left shoulder with a soft smile on her lips.
Inside, there was no noise compared to the world outside. Only the sound of their hearts beating. The carriage was enchanted with spells to ensure a smooth and peaceful ride. The atmosphere was light, loving, and still—as if time itself had come to a halt.
"Darling," Gianna said, breaking the stillness. "Do you think they'll be safe?" she asked, her voice revealing the worry she tried to hide.
"Hm?" Dian slowly opened his eyes, turning to her.
Gianna lifted her head as she continued.
"Even though it's a remote area, it can still be dangerous. And not to mention—you chose those two over all the workers. Someone might try to harm her out of jealousy."
Dian looked at her for a moment, his heart warmed by her concern for others. "Hmmm, come here first," he said, patting his lap.
"Hng!" Gianna squeaked, her cheeks turning bright red. "W-What are you saying…!" Her voice trembled, but her eyes betrayed her, stealing glances at his lap.
"Just come, dear," Dian said. He held her by the waist with one hand and under her legs with the other. In one swift motion, he placed her on his lap.
"Aah!"
Gianna gasped, startled. Her hands instinctively wrapped around his neck. Her eyes opened once she settled… and her cheeks flushed completely, lips trembling.
If this were an anime, you could say steam puffed out of her head.
"D-Dian..!" she stammered, hitting his chest with her small fists.
God… she's so damn cute… Dian's thoughts ran wild at her little protest. "Are you uncomfortable, dear?" he asked, a glint of sadness on his face.
Gianna stiffened at the sound of his sad voice. Her hands instinctively cupped his cheeks. "N-No… I-I was just surprised… Quite the opposite, if I have to say…" Her voice trembled, a small hint of guilt in her words.
Guess my acting isn't that bad… Dian thought. "So, do you like it?" he asked again, his voice soft—like a devil's sweet whisper. (Acting mode still on).
Gianna's hands slid from his neck to his waist. She clutched his robe gently as she replied, "Hmm… It's warm… and it feels good in your embrace."
Dian's heart skipped a beat at her honest words. His already-decent (if you can call it that) acting faltered, and a sweet smile tugged at his lips. He chuckled softly, sending gentle vibrations through his chest.
Sensing the tremors, Gianna lifted her head from Dian's chest, her eyes on his face.
"Y-You…!" she exclaimed.
"You always tea—!" Her words stopped as two soft lips captured hers—Dian's.
Her eyes widened in surprise, but within seconds, she melted. Her lips followed his. Her hands slid into his hair. "Mmmph…"
After a moment, they parted, both gasping for breath. Gianna's face flushed, fire in her eyes, her lips slightly swollen.
"Calmed down now?" Dian asked.
Gianna nodded. "Hmm." Her hands returned to his waist, and she rested her head on his chest, reclining against him.
"So, back to the question…" Dian began.
.
.