Upon walking inside of one of the main caves, the group came upon a smaller group of dragonkin, already dressed and waiting patiently for their arrival.
"Laevia-sama," one of the dragonkin got to their knees immediately and bowed to the Empress.
"Everyone, meet the Caretakers," Laevia grinned, gesturing to the rest. "They are the ones who are responsible for taking care of the mother dragonkin as soon as they passed the 6th month of their pregnancy."
With this quick introduction, the group quickly settled down and began getting a tour of the place. Although there wasn't much to see since most of the things involved a lot of explaining and practical experience rather than it being a sightseeing trip, there was still a lot to learn and be fascinated by when it came to childbirth and pregnancy of the dragonkin race.
The reason why they chose to nestle in caves and holes instead of the surface was due to mother dragonkins needing to transform into a true dragon. As such, a large cover was needed to protect them, being the function of the caves. Once they settled down, their bodies immediately subside into a weakened state where most of their energy got sapped by the egg inside of them. Because of that, daily activities like hunting and moving about become a struggle.
To help retain the mother's activity over the next 6 month, the Caretakers were essentially the mother's limbs and heart. From preparing food to making sure the mother was active enough, a lot had to be done to take care of a dragon without much help from the outside world. As such, each 6 months and pregnancy were precious as there would be constant visits from their lovers and relatives, who were concerned for the progression of the pregnancy of their loved ones.
"Occasionally, there would be cases where more than 1 mother gets pregnant, so that is quite a struggle for us," one of the Caretakers concluded. "From what you have seen, being a Caretaker can be quite stressful at times since we need to find ways to entertain the mother and care for them."
"Now that we are done with the long talk, why don't we get you guys to experience some of the things that we have to do?" Another caretaker proceeded with the next activity. "Please split yourselves into small groups. We will be heading to another cave where we have equipment set up."
Kaze and Lunaria naturally got together as they were couples. Excited to work together, Lunaria linked arms with him and watched her friends began grouping up.
"Can I join?"
"Lucentia?"
Unexpectedly, Lucentia approached the duo and requested to form groups with them. With a slightly confused smile, Kaze agreed to her request and glanced at his girlfriend for confirmation. Lunaria simply gave him a reassuring grin, as if she had predicted that Lucentia would be doing this.
Continuing into the activities planned, Kaze quickly forgot about the weird smile that Lunaria had. He quickly became intrigued with what they were taught to do by the Caretakers as a way to experience the life of a Caretaker.
While getting a first-hand trial at all sorts of daily occurrence like washing the scales of a dragon mother to caring for the habitat of the mother, Kaze's mind unconsciously focused on Lucentia for the most part.
It was no secret between him and Lunaria that Lucentia had already made a move on him, despite knowing that Kaze and Lunaria were in love with each other. After what happened back in Tristania, nothing really happened that allowed Kaze to have the chance to approach Lucentia or work together with her. After all, it was both a coincidence and by chance that he managed to fight alongside Lucentia in an attempt to rescue Lunaria, when in the end none of them contributed much to the cause.
Now that nothing major was happening, it made Kaze question what exactly Lucentia had in mind. Extending further to Lunatea herself being rather vague about how she acted around him, Kaze was trying his best to not let his thoughts stray too far away. With Lunaria by his side as his lover now, that should be all that mattered to him instead of worrying about what her sisters were thinking of him.
Yet, Lucentia's very casual and unexpected approach from a few nights ago lingered on Kaze's mind as much as sex with Lunaria did. In a way, it wasn't wrong to say that Lucentia had managed to capture Kaze's attention, more so that he would admit or even realize. Perhaps Lucentia's sudden approach by grouping up with him was her way of telling him that she gave Kaze and Lunaria ample time by themselves. Now that they were settled comfortably with each other, she could make her move confidently.
The group activity soon ended. With lunchtime arriving, they were greeted with meals prepared for them in a natural setting, giving off camping vibes for those of them who were used to cooking in the wild. Of course, everything was already prepared for them, like having a table made of vines and wood in the middle of a secluded spot where trees acted as a perfect shade for their meal. What that was different from the usual treatment they had was the fact it was a barbecue, meaning they could take as much as they want, whenever they want.
"Kaze, eat more."
"Oh, thank you."
Lunaria and Kaze, sitting together under a tree to get their private space, shared a meal together. Several guards were standing nearby, guarding both them and the group having lunch nearby. Being aware of the relationship the two shared under direct orders from the Emperor, they did not seem to mind the flirting they were doing. It was, after all, their duty to guard the life of their nation's royalty and esteemed guests.
With Lunaria feeding Kaze as they took their first step towards what couples normally did, Kaze felt like she was being an esteemed wife instead. The care and concern she showed him during the group activity earlier made him feel that way, his feelings amplified as Lunaria placed a piece of grilled meat onto his tongue with a fork.
"Lunaria, I can feed myself," Kaze sweatdropped. "Do you really need to do this?"
"Sorry, I was curious about how it would be to feed you, so I tried it," Lunaria giggled as she apologised. "Don't worry, you can eat on your own now."
Taking a fork himself, Kaze poked into a meat pile that was stacked on a plate in front of the two of them. Lunaria, being a dragonkin, was a big eater compared to the humans so it was only normal that Kaze would be able to share with her. If anything, there was more meat waiting for them, grilled and cooked to perfection with its added smoky flavour. Even Caretakers knew how to make meat in such a delicious way.
"Lunaria, yesterday Goddess Tiel told me that something would happen if Lucentia is under a tree later," Kaze spoke in the middle of the silence. "She said it would help with the progression of our relationship."
"Did she?" Lunaria widened her eyes at this before pondering about it. "I would suggest you take her advice. It is rare that Tiel-sama would give such a direct piece of advice to anyone."
"It is, isn't it? I wonder why Goddess Tiel would choose to help me too," Kaze agreed with Lunaria's comment. "What do you think? Goddess Tiel didn't mention what sort of tree or where that I would be able to meet with Lucentia."
"She most likely hints it to be when you two are left alone. That means I have to let you wander around yourself," Lunaria guessed. "According to you, she did hint that it would be on the floating island where you meet with Lucentia. As such, won't such a time be right now? After all, we are out in the open without anyone bothering us or having any other activity as a distraction."
"You're right. Would you be alright if I left now?" Kaze asked Lunaria. "Because we're eating lunch."
"I don't mind. Whether you follow Tiel-sama's words or choose to stay with me is your choice, which I know doing either one wouldn't harm me," Lunaria truthfully replied, placing a hand on his shoulder and squeezing it gently. "Even if… it means you accepting whatever it is that Lucentia is trying to hint at you."
At Lunaria's words, Kaze tried his best to maintain a neutral expression. How he interpreted her words wasn't important right now, because he knew that getting the answer directly from Lucentia was much more crucial compared to second-guessing himself at every turn. With a light nod, he gave Lunaria a light peck on the cheek before getting up and going around in search for the third princess.
Eventually, after stumbling about the forest area, he found Lucentia sitting by herself under a huge tree. She was holding a plate with similar large quantities of meat stacked up it using magic while she ate with both her hands. When Kaze found her, she was sucking on a piece of chicken bone that she had just finished eating.
"… Is there something you need?" Lucentia noticed him coming out into the open. "Aren't you enjoying your time together with Lunaria-nee?"
"N-No, I was actually looking for you," Kaze admitted, taking slow strides over to her. "Are you busy or need to be left alone to eat?"
"I'm fine with some company… I guess," Lucentia lightly nodded before getting back to eating.
"Don't you want to join the others?"
"You mean… eating?"
"Yes. Do you prefer to eat alone?"
"Mm… I don't know. I have always like being by myself most of the time, even when it's with Lunaria-nee… I suppose. What about you, Kaze?"
"Well, I don't suppose I have a preference. Whether it be with Yuuji and the others during classes or training alone, I am fine with either being by myself or together with a few friends."
"I see."
"… How is lunch?"
"It is good. Have you eaten?"
"Yeah. Lunaria allowed me to wander around."
"… Wander around, or intentionally look for me?"
"Ah… there really is no hiding things from you princesses, is there?"
"I just tracked your movement when I noticed someone coming close to me."
"O-Oh…"
"… So, what is it?"
Looking at Lucentia's expressionless face, Kaze felt a little pressured when engaged in a one-on-one conversation with the cold beauty before him. Lucentia wasn't cold because of the way she treated other people, but rather for her lack of expression and being a person of few words. Lucentia was simply introverted by nature, with her talkative side showing rarely.
Kaze's attention was quickly diverted back to reality from Lucentia's question. With a light tilt, Lucentia was staring at him with a gaze that was difficult to explain. It wasn't the sort of piercing gaze Lunatea gave him as she tried to understand what he was thinking, nor was it the passionate gaze Lunaria had when cuddling together. The fact that Lucentia had red irises similar to Lunaria only made it tougher for Kaze to form his opinion, knowing that he was talking with someone like Lucentia.
"… If you can't talk, I shall simply sit and wait."
Lucentia muttered after a good few seconds passed. Sitting back down, Lucentia proceeded to continue eating. Kaze was left standing like a fool before he realized it. Even when no one was looking, Kaze felt agitated by how flustered he was getting around Lucentia and sat down immediately. Lucentia did not mind his company, instead leaning a little closer to him when he straightened his back.
This moment of silence together with Lucentia, aside from the occasional light munching that could be heard from her, gave Kaze some time to observe the ice princess.
While this wasn't the first time he had seen her, Kaze felt as though he was able to discover something different every time he was with either one of the princesses. Even now, he was constantly discovering or rediscovering what he didn't know or he had known but didn't notice with Lunaria. As with Lucentia, it was the feeling of peace that he had when being around her.
A soft gust of wind picked up, gently fluttering strands of Lucentia's pink hair into the air. With a light stroke, Lucentia brushed her fringe to a position which she was comfortable with before continuing to eat. Kaze watched as she placed a slice of meat into her mouth before biting down on it and tearing the pieces of muscle in half, allowing herself to chew on a smaller piece of said meat. The way she did it was as graceful as a princess could be, emphasized by the fact that she was a quiet person who made no extra movement. It was a refined way of eating, to say the least.
By her side laid a sword, also known as Evo. It was the sister sword that Lunaria had created to Felta, the sword currently in Kaze's possession. Unlike Lucentia, Kaze didn't bring his sword to the tour since he didn't think there was a need to bring a weapon. For Lucentia, it was probably second nature since she was seen with a sword most of the time except for places like the dining hall.
When observing Lucentia, Kaze couldn't help but compare her to her eldest sister. Being princesses, they exude such beauty and confidence that couldn't be compared to the average person. Each had their own personality and charm that attracted people. Lucentia's charm was her ability to silence someone with her stare alone. Just looking at her was enough to take one's breath away; the moment she looked at them with her red iris that seemed to drag one into them, it was a killer move that was bound to stop the actions of any male.
Moving on to her physical appearance, Lucentia looked a little similar to Lunaria in terms of her build and size. Being slightly taller than Lunaria, she was nearly reaching Kaze's ear. With just as skinny a build as Lunaria, the two were slender and showed off their appeal easily. Compared to Lunaria, whose chest was on the bigger side, Lucentia's were scaled down a little more, making her average size that stuck out enough to get one to notice her. In other words, being 'medium-sized'.
"… You're staring a lot."
"E-Ehh??? Sorry."
Kaze quickly apologised as soon as Lucentia spoke, causing him to realize that Lucentia caught him staring when his gaze lingered down to her chest area. Blushing furiously at this, Kaze glanced away from Lucentia, who curiously stared at him.
"… If you're concerned about invading my privacy, I don't think that is the case. As a model, I often get stares too, so I'm used to it."
"E-Even if that meant… me staring at your c-chest?"
"You must be new to modelling, Kaze… When becoming an idol, expect people to stare at every part of your body, even if you don't mean to emphasize certain areas. People can't help it, it's normal."
"But… are you not bothered by it? That your body is being stared at?"
"… It comes with the job. I chose the path to becoming a part-time model, I have to bear the cost of being seen that way. Thankfully, this only applies to Aravel. It is hard to say what you humans would do upon seeing me."
"I-I'm sorry."
"On behalf of the entire human race?"
"..."
With a small smile, Lucentia understood that Kaze meant no harm. She simply provoked him in an attempt to see what he would say.
"Of course I don't like it if people look at me for ulterior motives. If they idolize me as an object of beauty, it is fine since that was the whole point of why a model exists. Furthermore, I perform and dance for the people, making my point clearer. If people treated me like how Lunaria-nee was in the past when she suffered her trauma, I would never accept that."
"Do you mean that dragonkins wouldn't look at you with dirty eyes?"
"They do, but at least they understand restraint. I may look sexy or alluring at times, but this does not give them a reason to allow their carnal desires to run wild. I dress as I wish, I dance according to my free will; why should others, who understand that anything beyond staring is considered a crime, continue to assault me rather than appreciate what they can see?"
"Wow… are you speaking from experience?"
"Yes, and also my logic. Lunaria-nee, for example, would never be comfortable with performing in front of people like I do. She is reserved and well-mannered unless it is in front of people she is comfortable with. That, too, is part of her nature rather than a consequence of the trauma. I think you understand that Kaze."
Immediately flashing back to the times where Lunaria acted honestly and exposing her body to him without being concerned, Kaze nodded vigorously at Lucentia's words. Lunaria only showed her charm and allured Kaze because she loved him, not because she was a loose woman who was fine with seducing anyone she saw.
"Lucentia, about the thing I wanted to ask… it kind of is related to Lunaria."
"Are you finally comfortable with talking?"
"Yes, hearing you speak calmed my nerves. Lucentia, that night when you visited my room to ask about Lunaria… were you flirting with me?"
"… What do you think?"
"W-Well, with the kiss you gave me and some subtle hints I received, that is the best guess I came up with. Lucentia, I don't know if what you did was a test, but my loyalty and love to Lunaria is real. I won't lie about my relationship with her."
To his words, Lucentia simply sighed. It was almost as if she had predicted his answer, so much so that she couldn't help but sigh at how accurately she had guessed his response to be. Kaze himself cringed at the response he gave Lucentia, knowing it sounded like empty words when his relationship with Lunaria had barely begun. Even so, he wanted to make his stance clear in hopes that it would satisfy Lucentia for now.
"Kaze… I think you're misunderstanding something."
"Am I?"
"The reason I kissed you wasn't a test of loyalty towards Lunaria-nee or some ulterior motive. You are overcomplicating things."
"Was it not?"
"I think mother might have frightened you a little from her interrogation. For you to even rouse suspicion towards a simple act… are you that afraid of us?"
"No. I just… thought that the whole royalty thing was very formal and official since everyone treats you with utmost respect."
"To everyone else, yes; but to you, we are your friends, aren't we? And I would like for that to change soon."
"What do you-"
Before Kaze got the chance to ask her, Lucentia provided her answer in the form of a kiss.
With her body leaning forward, she gently pressed Kaze's back against the tree trunk as she applied her weight onto him, her petite body taking up the cuddle space that Lunaria usually used while kissing him. Her lips were fully pressed onto his, with the only difference this time being that she was much more forceful and not wanting to let go.
Lucentia kept her eyes closed while their lips stayed connected, letting the feeling of her emotions sink in. Her fingers clung tightly to the front of his shirt, not wanting to separate from him anytime soon. She had done her part and processed her thoughts, now she was clear of what she wanted. She was in love with Kaze.
Kaze, on the other hand, felt shocked and confusion the moment Lucentia pressed herself against him. With her body in his arms, Kaze felt the urge to reciprocate the kiss with feelings of his own. There was no denying that he was attracted to Lucentia as well, with the problem being that he was not willing to take the first step to admitting it. Now that Lucentia had demonstrated how she felt about him, it was his turn to show her that he was not a coward.
'Fuck it, I will accept whatever punishment Lunaria has for me.'
These were the last few thoughts lingering in Kaze's head before he wrapped his arms around Lucentia's body and clung on to her.
Lucentia realized that her body was being embraced, causing her to blush. Kaze's response was clear; she was not going to miss this chance. Even if it meant going against her most respected eldest sister.
"Kaze… I love you."
Not waiting for a response from him, Lucentia sucked harder on his lower lip to reattach her mouth onto his. Similarly, Kaze used his experience of smooching with Lunaria to invade Lucentia's mouth with his tongue. Upon feeling the sudden entry his tongue had when it slid in between her teeth, Lucentia made a soft gasp as she allowed her tongue to twirl around his. It was a surreal feeling, knowing that Kaze had experience when she had none. Kaze easily dominated the kiss.
When they separated, both had an equally shy look on their faces. Lucentia's cold façade was broken with a hazy look spread across her eyes, drool slightly pouring out from the corner of her mouth due to how their kiss was. Her fingers trembled as though they were clinging to Kaze's clothes for dear life when it was just the excitement of kissing Kaze causing her body to not listen to her. Her mind was clouded while maintaining a rather passionate gaze with Kaze, blocking out any thoughts from forming properly.
"L-Lucentia… you…"
At his words, Lucentia could only look away shyly. Right now, she wasn't feeling like herself, not when the person she fell in love with was looking at her with such bewildered eyes that it made her question her previous actions.
"Oya? Two-timing here, are we?"
"Lunaria?!"
"L-Lunaria-nee…"
Before any of them could make a move, Lunaria suddenly emerged from one of the trees next to them. A smug smile was spread across her face, clearly a sign that she saw or heard everything that they had done. This time, Kaze and Lucentia had an equally guilty look, for their selfish act had been discovered by Lunaria. There was no point trying to deny or hide it anymore. It was like a cheating couple getting caught red-handed.
"Kaze."
"Y-Yes!!"
"How do you feel about Lucentia?"
"… Are you… not mad at me, Lunaria?"
"Kaze, are you aware that the rest of my sisters have zero experience with men because they never showed interest in them or actively seek romance? For Lucentia to fall in love with the same man as I did, it only shows that you are someone special, Kaze. You have managed to attract two females, nonetheless dragonkin princesses at that."
"Ah… if you put it that way… but are you not mad that Lucentia tried to steal you from me?"
"Except Lucentia never did have any intention to steal you, did she?"
Lucentia simply nodded at Lunaria's question, the blush still remaining on her face while remaining in Kaze's embrace.
"There you have it. Kaze, this is a chance for you. As you know, polygamy is fine in Aravel and Czech as long as you can prove that there is mutual love in that relationship. Whether you accept Lucentia or deny her of her feelings would determine whether you are open to two-timing in a relationship, or better yet, a harem."
"… Lunaria, are you actually fine with sharing your lover?"
"I am willing to, because Lucentia is my sister. It can't be helped that she fell for the same person that I did, for I understand how Lucentia feels since she fell for you. You might not feel the significance of this yet, Kaze, but having Lucentia as your lover is something you won't regret. As the elder sister, I can vouch for that. I don't want her to go through the same pain as I did, when I know you are perfectly capable of providing for the two of us."
Up till now, Lunaria was the only one explaining her stance while Lucentia remained silent. Whatever it was that was happening right now, it felt absurd by Kaze's standards. Dating two dragonkin princesses at once never crossed his mind in a logical setting since he felt it going against a nation's standards. It felt like treason if one man stole two royalties at once.
"… Kaze, do you like me?" Lucentia suddenly asked him softly.
"L-Lucentia… I can't say I don't, but I don't know if it is the same way I feel towards Lunaria…" Kaze admitted slowly, a difficult smile forming on his face. "I am honoured that you expressed your feelings for me so easily, but I am disappointed in myself for being unable to provide a proper response…"
"Don't be. I never expected you to suddenly accept me when you already have Lunaria-nee. Until then, I will work hard to make you fall for me the same way you did with Lunaria-nee."
"Ehh???"
Kaze had just heard what was equivalent to a declaration of war from Lucentia. Glancing nervously at Lunaria, he was surprised to see that Lunaria accepted this with a happy smile.
"Lucentia… are you not worried?"
"Worried about…?"
"About the fact that… your feelings for me might be met with a lot of controversy and backlash…"
"Why worry when you haven't tried yet? Mother and father didn't expressly say you can't date me aside from Lunaria-nee."
"..."
"… It is true that anything can happen because of who you are, Kaze. Even then, I want to try and make you accept my feelings for you and become a lover next to Lunaria-nee. Until the world finally rips us apart, you can at least say that you accepted the possibility of us dating. You might be able to do it if you try. But… if you don't try, you definitely can't. Until then, Kaze…"
With a gentle kiss of departure from Lucentia, she stood up with her sword and plate of food. Walking past Lunaria's side, the sisters shared a quick glance at each other before Lunaria allowed Lucentia to leave her and Kaze alone.
A challenge had been properly set. All that was left was up to Kaze to decide his next course of action, especially when a certain redhead had been listening from the start and planning her next approach.