Freya's eyes widened in surprise as she saw Yuto sitting up on the bed.
A playful smile tugged at her lips, but it turned into a full-on grin when she noticed Mizuki lying beside him.
"Well… I can't say I expected that," she let out a chuckle as she raised an eyebrow at the sight.
She turned to her equally surprised father, "It looks like he's feeling better," she gestured towards the both of them with a smirk.
Senki sighed as he rubbed his forehead, "I can see that, young man, can you at least cover up now?"
Freya covered her mouth trying to suppress her laughter, Senki's stern tone combined with Yuto's carefree grin was a funny contrast.
"As you wish, Father-in-law," he said, feigning innocence as he put on a pair of shorts.
"Blah, brat, who's your father-in-law?"
"Father, don't be too hard on him, he's just trying to lighten the mood"
"Yeah, old man, lighten up, won't you?" Yuto chimed in with a stupid grin.
Freya gave her father a gentle squeeze, silently asking him to go easy on Yuto, "Alright, alright"
"I'll go easy on you, kid. But don't overstep your boundaries too much"
…
"Wow"
Freya let out a chuckle. She could understand why Yuto was confused, seeing as her father showed no sign of hostility.
"Don't get used to it, he's still a king after all"
…
"I'm a bit surprised, at your reaction King Senki"
He grunts, crossing his arms over his chest. "Don't get the wrong idea, kid," he says, his tone still gruff.
"I may tolerate your presence, but that doesn't mean I've completely softened towards you"
"A moment if you will," Yuto quickly dressed himself and Mizuki.
Freya raises an eyebrow at his quickness, impressed by his ability to dress himself and Mizuki so swiftly.
"Not even a week out of bed, and you're already moving around like you're fully healed," she teases, shaking her head in mock disapproval.
"Can't be naked before his majesty, now can I?"
Freya snorted in amusement, covering her mouth to stifle the laugh. Yuto's playful comment only seems to irritate Senki as his frown deepens.
"So, what brings you here?"
Senki clears his throat, his stern expression returning. "I wanted to talk to you"
"About what?" Yuto asks, a hint of suspicion in his voice.
Senki glances at Freya, a silent exchange of understanding passing between them. She nods subtly, giving him the go-ahead to continue.
He takes a step closer to the bed, his gaze fixed on Yuto. "I wanted to ask you something," he says, his tone serious.
Yuto raises an eyebrow, sensing the weight behind his words.
This wasn't the time to joke around, "Go on," he prompts, his expression becoming serious as well.
He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before speaking.
"I want to know your intentions towards my daughter," he says bluntly, his gaze never leaving Yuto's face.
"Before I answer, may I say something?"
Senki nodded, gesturing for Yuto to continue.
Yuto got up and bowed his head, "I'm sorry"
…
"Sorry?" He repeats, confusion crossing his face.
"What do you have to apologize for?"
"For threatening you the first time we met, for treating you with disrespect when we spoke, you are a king, and the father of a loved one"
"I acted out of emotion and for that, I am deeply sorry"
…
There is a moment of silence as Senki processes Yuto's words, his stoic expression betraying nothing of his thoughts.
Finally, he lets out a deep sigh, a hint of resignation in his voice.
"I accept your apology," he says gruffly.
"You've proven yourself more than I would have expected," he continues, his tone softening slightly.
"But I still need to know your intentions towards my daughter"
…
"You want the truth of my intentions?"
"As a father, I have the right to know"
"You saw my partner just now right?"
"Mizuki right? Yes, I see her, what about her?"
"I love her and I also love Freya"
…
Senki remained silent. He wanted to say more but decided not to speak as Yuto continued.
"To prove this love, I fought the demon that was attracting the demon king's army for you"
"Yes, my request for the hero to help us, you did complete that task"
"Continue," he prompts, his tone gruff.
"King Senki, I care for your daughter, very deeply"
He studied Yuto for a moment, his eyes narrowing.
There is a moment of tension as he silently considers Yuto's words.
"And what does that mean exactly? Do you plan on courting her?"
"Making her your wife?"
"Well, she agreed to be my second wife back when we were running to your kingdom"
Senki's eyes widened in surprise at this revelation, his shocked gaze shifting to Freya.
"Is this true?" He asks, his voice stern.
She met his gaze, nodding slowly. "Yes, it's true"
"I see," he says, his tone cold.
"And why didn't you tell me about this before?"
She bit her lip, feeling a pang of guilt, "I didn't want to worry you"
"I knew you would worry about me, and I didn't want to add to your concerns"
…
"I know, I should have told you sooner, I'm sorry"
Senki's expression softens further at her apology. "I understand why you felt hesitant," he says, his gruff voice holding a hint of understanding.
"But I wish you had trusted me enough to confide in me"
"I trust you, Father"
"I just didn't want to worry you unnecessarily"
"You're my child, Freya," he says, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness.
"You don't have to shield me from your problems. I'm here to support you, no matter what"
"Father, I appreciate your support more than words can express"
Senki smiled before turning his attention back to Yuto, "And you"
"What about me?" Yuto asks, meeting Senki's gaze.
"You said you love both my daughter and your partner, correct?"
"Yes"
"And you plan on marrying them both?" he asks, his tone neutral.
"When my journey is completed"
"And what does your partner think of this plan of yours?"
Mizuki laughs as she floats and pats Senki's head, "I support whatever Yuto wants, and I'm not against it"
"But what if my daughter wishes to marry before your journey ends?" he asks, his tone blunt.
"Ask her for yourself, let's hear her thoughts on the matter"
Senki turns his gaze to her. "Well, Freya?" he asks, his voice gruff.
"What are your thoughts on this?"
"I..." I say, pausing as she tries to find the right words.
"I respect Yuto's decision to complete his journey before considering marriage"
"I would want him to take all the time he needs, without feeling pressured"
Yuto smiled as he got up and pulled her into a hug, "Well said my love"
…
"Thank you," she mumbled against his shirt.
"Freya, are you willing to wait till the end of the journey?"
She nods, pulling back from the hug, "Yes," she said with a firm voice.
"I am willing to wait for Yuto to finish his journey. I love him, and I want to be with him, no matter how long it takes"
…
"Very well, I shall respect my end of the deal"
Freya ran to hug her father, "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
Senki chuckled as he looked at Yuto, "Keep my daughter happy young man"
Yuto chuckled as he raised his hands in defense, "I plan to"
"Very well," he grunts, his expression softening slightly.
"You have my permission to marry my daughter...but not until your journey is done, understood?"
"Of course, ah, and while we're talking, may I see Her Highness Julieta?"
…
"You wish to see my wife?"
"She owes me my last request since I saved her life after all"
"She did mention that you two had a contract of sorts, may I ask what it is you want?"
"My apologies, but it was between me and her"
"... fine I'll see if I can send her to this room, come along now Freya"
Freya nodded, giving Yuto a quick goodbye kiss before heading out the door with her father.
As they walk down the hallway, the door closing behind them, Senki is the first to speak.
"You and that young man... you care for him a lot, don't you?" he asks, his voice gruff.
…
"Yes, I do care for him a lot," her voice was unwavering.
"He's... he's important to me"
"Heh, I can see why. Not only is he strong, but he's also very brave and reliable"
She nods, unable to hide the small smile that forms on her lips, "Yes, he is all those things"
"But it's more than just that. He's been through a lot, and he's still able to keep going, no matter what life throws at him"
"Yes, I see that too, he's a fighter like you"
"You see it too father?"
"Both of you are like your mother, when we were younger she was always the one protecting the rest"
"It's another reason I love her so much"
She smiled, her heart swelling with pride at the comparison to her mother.
"I'm honored that you think so"
"But I think Yuto is stronger than both of us"
"That freak of nature is stronger than our kingdom"
Senki couldn't help but let out a series of laughter, Freya on the other hand wasn't amused.
"Yuto is not a freak!"
"He's a good person, and he cares about doing what's right. You should give him more credit than just calling him a 'freak of nature!"
…
"It seems the day my daughter chooses her boyfriend over me has come"
"I'm sorry Father, it's just … Yuto means a lot to me, so I don't-"
Senki chuckled as he patted her head, "I'm joking, look we're here"
She let out a small pout, "You have an odd sense of humor Father"
Freya looked up to see a set of ornate double doors, Senki gently pushed them open revealing a grand room filled with plush furnishings and tapestries.
Julieta was sitting in the middle, sipping down some green tea while reading a book. She looked up as they entered and welcomed them with a warm smile.
"Hello, dear," she set down her tea and rose to her feet.
"Is something wrong?"
Senki shook his head, "No, nothing wrong, we just need to talk about something"
She raised an eyebrow, sensing the tension in his voice, "What is it?"
"Well by we, I mean the human boy wishes to speak to you"
"You mean Yuto?"
Senki looked away, "Could never remember his name"
Julieta rolled her eyes at his comment, "You're getting old, dear"
"Hah, don't remind me"
"So, what does Yuto want to speak to me about?"
He hesitated for a moment, "It's a private matter, he wanted to speak to you alone"
…
"I see, well I suppose I should see him, where is he now?"
Freya blushed brightly and mumbled, "M-my room"
Julieta felt a grin growing as she let out a chuckle, "Is he now? And how exactly did he end up in your room?"
"Mother! It's not what you think, he was just…resting"
"Resting after what?" She said in a teasing manner.
"Mother!"
Freya was as red as a tomato as she shot her father's glare when she heard a chuckle coming from his direction, he was enjoying the argument these two were having.
"I'm just pulling your leg sweetie, I know Yuto is a good guy so there's no need to get so flustered"
She got up and patted Freya's head, "Now let's go!"
They exited the room and walked down the long halls, their footsteps echoing off the walls.
Julieta pushed the door open as they reached Freya's room, revealing that Yuto was still chatting with Mizuki.
He looked up as they entered, his eyes locking with Freya's before shifting to her mother's, he stood up and bowed politely.
"Your Highness, Julieta"
"Greetings Yuto, I heard you wish to speak with me?"
"Yes, only the two of us"
Julieta nodded, "Of course, Freya, Dear, could you both wait outside for a moment?"
Senki didn't argue, it seemed his trust for Yuto had grown as he stepped outside, Freya nodded as she walked out with her father, closing the door behind her.
Julieta took a seat, "So what did you wish to speak about?"
Yuto got up to sit across from her, Mizuki not wanting to interrupt their conversation turned back into a ring on his finger.
"Ease up a bit Your Highness, you seem a bit tense"
…
"Observant as always," she said in a dry tone.
"But can you blame me? You're the one who asked to speak to me alone, after all"
"Hah, look at me. I'm covered in bandages from saving your kingdom, don't I deserve a bit of friendliness?"
Her expression softened, and she let out a weary sigh, "You're right, I am being a bit…frosty"
"I apologize, I've been under a lot of stress, finding ways to recover from the attack, and your presence here added to it"
"... How so?"
Julieta leaned back in her chair, "Let me reword it, the attack on our kingdom, the loss of lives, the threats that still lurk… it's all weighing heavily on my mind"
…
"Let me ask you something"
She tilted her head, her eyes locking on his face, "What is it?"
"Do you view me as a threat, be very careful about how you answer"
Julieta was taken aback by the question, his tone, and his eyes, there was something about his eyes that just solidified her answer.
"No," she said firmly, "I don't view you as a threat, you saved us from certain doom and have proven to be helpful and trustworthy"
…
"Not the answer I was expecting"
Julieta chuckled as she raised an eyebrow, "What were you expecting, hm?" she asked in a slightly teasing manner.
"Don't know, maybe at least some kind of accusation of me secretly being an enemy spy?"
"Are you?"
"No"
"So why would you say that?"
"Probably something your husband would do"
"Haha, yes he would but I wouldn't dare treat my kingdom's savior like that, it would be disrespectful"
"You truly are different from your husband, you seem to rely on logic more than emotion"
She smiled wryly, "Yes, I've always been more logical than my husband"
"He tends to let his emotions rule him a little too much at times, please do not blame him"
"And for that, I think you are smart, you know how your husband was with me when we first met, I'm sure he told you the gist of the situation"
"Yes, he did mention that he almost had you arrested, he can be a bit…protective, shall we say"
"Hah, a bit is an understatement"
Julieta let out a chuckle, "I suppose that's true, he can be a bit extreme at times"
"He means well, he just has trouble trusting outsiders"
"Well he should learn some manners, it's not smart to threaten an individual with power"
She let out a tired sigh, "Oh, believe me, I've tried to rein his temper, but he's as stubborn as a mule. It's like talking to a wall sometimes"
"Haha, well said!"
Julieta shook her head, her expression fond, "He's a good man, deep down"
…
"Well, we didn't come here to talk about your husband, you came because I asked for your presence"
She nodded, "Yes, I am curious as to why you wanted to speak with me in private"
"My second request, I want to cash it in"
"... Well what is it that you want?"
"I heard from my uncle that elves raise spirit beasts, is this true?"
She nodded, her expression guarded, "Yes, it is true. We elves have a long history of bonding with spiritual creatures"
"Why do you ask?" Her tone was cautious but not rude.
"I wish to have one, in its egg form, for me to raise and bound with"
Julieta's eyes widened in surprise, clearly shocked, "You wish for a spirit beast egg?"
"Are you aware of how rare and valuable these creatures are? And how much training and skill it requires to raise and bond with them?"
"..."
She tried to study his face, trying to gauge his seriousness, "Why do you want a spirit beast egg?"
"You have no idea how difficult it is to raise them, are you prepared for that kind of responsibility?"
"That is for me to know, and for you to fulfill"
Her expression tightened, her mouth set firm, "You're being secretive about your movies," her voice was stern.
"It's not wise to keep such important information to oneself, especially when making a request this serious"
"Queen Julieta, please do not make me go back on my word"
She shuddered as she read his eyes, it was clear what he was saying, 'Don't cross the line,' she nodded slowly, accepting his request.
"V-very well, I will comply with your wish to find you a spirit beast egg"
"I must warn you that raring and bounding with them will take a lot of focus and dedication, are you ready for that?"
"Well you saw how strong I am, don't worry"
She sighed, tilting her head, "Strength is not enough to deal with them, they are powerful creatures"
"With a mind of their own, it will take a lot more than brute force to keep them loyal"
"Have I been a normal person to receive this warning?"
"No…you possess extraordinary power and abilities, and have shown remarkable strength and skill"
"But that doesn't guarantee your success in taming them"
"Regardless, just fulfill my request, no more arguing"
"Very well, but do not say I didn't warn you, this will be a difficult challenge for you"
"Yeah yeah, I get it"
Julieta rolled her eyes, "You're as stubborn and pigheaded as my husband," she muttered under her breath.
"I hope you know what you're getting yourself into"
"The difference is I have the strength to back up my statements"
"Don't get too cocky boy"
"The spirit beast will put you in your place real fast if you get ahead of yourself"
…
"Thank you, I know I am being a bit unreasonable with this request"
She sighed, her expression soft, "Just don't say I didn't warn you"
"Thank you, please invite Freya back in. You should also take this moment to enjoy the day with your husband"
"Very well," she stood up from her chair, opened the door, and gestured for Freya to come inside.
"Everything alright," Freya asked her mother.
Julieta smirked, and patted her daughter's head, "You sure know how to pick them"
Freya scrunched her nose, blushing slightly, "W-what's that supposed to mean?"
She only chuckled as she walked out, her laughter tailing behind her as Senki followed right behind her.
Freya turned back to Yuto, "What was that all about?"
Yuto, who had sat back on the bed, patted the space next to him.
A small smile tugged at her lips, she walked over and took a seat next to him, her eyes fixated on his face.
"So, what did you and my mother talk about?"
"Oh how I wanted a spirit beast for my second request"
Freya blinked in surprise, "A spirit beast?"
"Why do you want one?"
"I need a stronger party for my journey, having a fluffy companion will help in the long run"
"Yuto"
"Yeah?"
"A spirit beast is not just a weapon, they have feelings and emotions, they're living creatures"
"They're not something you can use and discard, have you considered what it would take to raise one?"
"Yes, I have, don't worry about it too much"
Freya couldn't help but feel a pang of worry at his casual statement, "Have you thought about it, though?"
"It's not just about having strength and power, it takes time and huge commitment"
Yuto sighed as he leaned in and flicked her forehead, she let out a small noise in protest, rubbing her forehead.
"What was that for?"
"Phew, haven't done that in a month, it feels nice"
"And you couldn't resist doing it now?" She replied in a teasing manner, rolling her eyes in annoyance.
"Freya"
"What?"
"I love you, dummy"
Freya's face started to heat up, her heart skipping a beat, "I-I love you too, idiot"
Mizuki came out of the ring, "And me?"
Yuto chuckled as he ruffled her hair, "I love you too"
Freya rolled her eyes, her expression amused, "You two are ridiculous"
Mizuki who had fun went back inside the ring, Freya leaned closer to Yuto, resting her head on his shoulder.
"You're such a sap," her tone was soft.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah," she said in a teasing manner.
"You're all tough and strong on the outside, but deep down you're just a big softie"
"Do you not like it?"
She let out a soft laugh, tilting her head to look at him, "I never said I didn't like it," her tone was full of affection.
"I love that about you"
"Freya…"
She looked at him, her eyes soft and warm, "Yes?"
He leaned in and kissed her neck, Freya let out a small gasp, her heart quickening.
"Y-Yuto…"
"It's been a while since we last did it"
She nodded, her body pressing closer to his, "Y-yesh too long," she murmured, her voice slightly breathless.
She tilted her head back, exposing more of her neck to his mouth, "I missed this," she whispered, her hands gripping his shoulders.
Yuto kept exploring her neck, sending shivers down her spine, "I missed you!"
…
"I worried you a lot, didn't I?"
She let out a small noise of protest, her hands moving up to tangle his hair, "Of course, I was worried about you dummy"
Her voice sounded so vulnerable, Yuto helped unbutton her shirt, helping it slide off of her, "I'm sorry about that"
She shivered as his hands slid her shirt off, baring her skin to his touch, "Don't apologize, just don't ever do it again"
He removed his shirt and shorts with her help, "I'll be careful next time"
She ran her hands down his chest, feeling the warmth of his skin under her fingertips, "You better be," her tone was half-teasing, half-serious.
Her fingers dance across his body, tracing the outline of his abs, "I didn't notice before but you're very well-defined"
"Mmh, is that so?"
She smiled at his reactions, "Sensitive?" She teased, her eyes glimmering with mischief.
"Just a bit…"
"You're shivering"
"You do the same when I nibble on your ears"
Freya's face grew red, "That's different"
He chuckled as he leaned down and began nibbling her ears, causing her to gasp, her body instantly reacting to it.
"Y-Yuto…not fair"
He stopped and helped remove any remaining clothing they had, her breath coming in shallow gasps as she felt the last of her clothes being removed.
"You're such a tease," she whispered, her hands grabbing at his shoulders.
She pulled him closer, arching her body against his, "Stop messing around," she leaned in and said in a whisper.
"Just touch me already"
"Impatient aren't you?" He brushed his lips along her collarbone.
She let out a soft moan, her body arching again, "It's not my fault you make me so impatient," her fingers digging into his back.
"You drive me crazy!"
His hands started to move down her hips, "I find that a good thing, it's nice seeing you so worked up"
She let out another soft moan, "Y-Yuto…don't make me beg"
He nodded and slowly began to insert it, her body responded as a wave of pleasure came crashing down.
"Oh yes!"
Her fingers dug into his shoulder, "Y-Yuto…"
She was completely lost in the moment, her mind and body being consumed by the pleasure.
"Ouch, I think you might have left new marks on my back"
Freya couldn't help but laugh, her voice tinged with pleasure, "You like it," she trailed her fingers along his back.
"Because you love it when I mark you"
Yuto's body became tense in anticipation, his breathing becoming ragged, "I sure do," he said with a smirk as he began to pick up the pace.
A gasp escaped her lips as he picked up the pace, "Y-Yuto…don't you dare stop now," she gasped, her voice becoming a plea.
"P-please, I need you to do more!"
Her mind was becoming a hazy blur of pleasure as Yuto sucked on her neck, his hands gripping her hips to add more force, "M-more"
Her voice was breathless and needy, "Please, I need more… mess me up some more!"
He groped her breast pulling them close, and sucking on them, he used his tongue to trail along her nipple.
Freya threw her head back, a sharp gasp escaping, "Yes! Just like that," he hands clutching at his hair.
Her body felt like it was on fire, "Don't stop, oh please don't stop!"
He picked up more speed, which built up the pleasure they were both feeling, her body trembling with each movement he made.
"Y-Yuto," she gasped, her hands holding his shoulder tightly.
"I-im so close!"
"Y-yeah?"
She nodded, her breath coming in short, ragged gasps, "So close," she arched her body closer.
"Please…I need to…I need…"
With a final thrust, he finished, causing her body a wave of pleasure, her body arched as she cried out his name.
"Y-Yuto…oh, Yuto…" She gasped as the waves of pleasure rippled through her.
"Y-yesh!!"
They lay down exhausted, Freya's breathing was ragged and uneven, "That was…"
Her voice trailed off as she struggled to find the words, "Incredible"
"Incredible?"
"Yes, you always managed to blow my mind"
"That's not the only thing I blow," Yuto said with a dumbfounded grin.
She groaned as she rolled her eyes, smacking his chest lightly, "You're ridiculous," she said, trying to hide her grin.
"Yeah, but you love me for it," he pulled her closer to him.
"Unfortunately, I do," the smile on her face betrayed her words.
"Despite your lewd jokes, I love you"
He smiled as he kissed his forehead, "Get some rest, Freya, you've earned it"
She nodded, snuggling closer to him, her body was still buzzing from the aftermath of pleasure, "Night, dumb dumb," she murmured, her eyes already feeling heavy with exhaustion.
She found herself relaxed, letting Yuto's heartbeat lull her to sleep. Despite the worries and troubles that will come with reconstruction she felt safe and loved in his arms.
"Freya? Are you still awake?"
"Zzz"
"Well that was fast, system"
<- System ->
I am here, what do you need?
"I want my rewards from two weeks ago"
<- System Rewards ->
As you wish, the host is now obtaining rewards from the previous request.