At the General's mansion, on a night, in the backyard
After many nights of vigilant watch, finally, on a night with no moon, Steward James brought maid Isabella Rose to the backyard to carry out their secret deeds.
Dressed in stealth attire that concealed our faces, Xiao Hui and I lay in wait, hidden on the roof. As a martial artist, my eyesight allowed me to see clearly in the dark, as if it were broad daylight.
I observed every movement of these two people. Watching them engage in their acts, I felt mixed emotions—some curiosity, some revulsion, and a strange heat rising within me.
These two were not only engaged in an affair but also conspiring to embezzle supplies from the mansion, and quite a large amount.
After they finished, I led Xiao Hui down to restrain them. I demanded they confess the secret of what they had just done with each other. Steward James's face was blank, and he had no intention of answering, so I beat him up.
It seems he still doesn't want to tell the truth, he said he just followed his instincts… Once or twice, and you'll get used to it. Was that even a real excuse?
I was surprised by his resilience. Normally, I would resort to my twelve interrogation techniques, but I refrained, not wanting Xiao Hui to witness such methods.
I turned to Xiao Hui for advice.
Xiao Hui whispered to me, "It was too dark earlier; I didn't see anything clearly. Why don't you make them repeat what they just did? If there are any secrets, surely we will see them. And you are a martial artist—there's no way they can deceive you."
Yes. I am a peak martial artist, these two are not martial artists, how could they hide it from me. Did I miss something? I can't accept it, and I can't tell her.
So, I demanded that they repeat their previous actions.
These two looked at each other, then turned to me and shook their heads. Only when I pulled out my knife did they take off their clothes. After observing for a while, it seemed they still wouldn't cooperate. I could only knock them out, then call someone to arrest these two and imprison them in the dungeon under the mansion to slowly reveal all the secrets.
Back in my room
Xiao Hui had already taken off her stealth attire and eagerly asked if I had discovered anything, as I had knocked them unconscious.
Seeing her curious eyes, I couldn't bring myself to lie. I told her I hadn't noticed anything specific.
Seeing her disappointment saddened me.
Blushing, she then suggested we could investigate by… exploring other sources.
She proposed visiting the brothel for insight. I declined, as the Queen had strictly forbidden me from setting foot there. As a trusted retainer, I had to avoid tarnishing my reputation.
Ask people you know who are married. I am a relative and cannot lose face. But she is not close to anyone...
With few options, I suggested that we could revisit the location where James and Isabella had been and try to re-enact what they did.
Xiao Hui reacted with excitement at the idea. We returned to the spot, but just as we began to disrobe, we both paused…
This was something reserved for husband and wife. If we proceeded, wouldn't we be no different from James and Isabella?
Feeling awkward, I quickly dressed, and Xiao Hui did the same, her face flushed. I then escorted her back to her quarters.
The next day, each time I encountered Xiao Hui, she would lower her head and avoid my gaze. Recognizing my fault, I decided to formally apologize.
That afternoon, I bought a variety of sweets, sugar-coated hawthorns, and a few cosmetics. When I met her, she didn't shy away. Xiao Hui smiled as usual, indicating she had forgiven me.
Suddenly, she asked if I had feelings for the Queen.
Her question left my mind blank. I had never considered it before. What were we? A ruler and her loyal retainer, perhaps more, but was it love… or something else?
I answered honestly that I didn't know. It wasn't affection, nor friendship, but a deep trust. She and I shared a bond, but it is definitely not love.
Seeing my uncertainty, Xiao Hui came up behind me, gently massaging my shoulders, and suggested that perhaps I should ask the Queen directly if she would accept me as a consort.
I asked why, and she explained that it was important for me to clarify my feelings.
Patting her hand lightly, I assured her, "Don't worry; if you ever decide to marry, your brother here will wholeheartedly support you."
After some light-hearted conversation, I left and made my way to meet the Queen.
I asked her if it was possible for us to be together as husband and wife.
She remained silent.
I then asked if I held any place in her heart.
Again, she said nothing.
I told her I wasn't sure if my feelings for her were truly love.
At that moment, she stepped forward, pressing a dagger into my hand, placing it near her heart. In a voice full of authority, she told me that I was her irreplaceable confidant, akin to a bodyguard and master. She trusted me so much that she would entrust her life to me.
I understood what she was trying to say. Strangely, I didn't feel hurt. Perhaps it wasn't love, but a deep-seated trust.
I returned the dagger, apologized for my impertinence, and promised her that I would not let her down.
Back at the mansion
In my study, Xiao Hui was waiting, having stayed up to see me return.
I told her the relationship between the Empress and me was one of mutual trust.
At first, she appeared stunned, then breathed a sigh of relief and asked if there was anyone else I fancied. After thinking for a moment, I shook my head.
Hearing this, she hesitated, then knelt before me, asking if she could become my personal maidservant.
When I asked why, her face reddened further. She wouldn't rise until I gave her an answer.
I agreed. Once she collected herself, I again inquired about her reasons. Xiao Hui blushed and asked if I found her beautiful.
Without hesitation, I said yes. Seeing my answer, she gathered her confidence and replied, "I know my station is humble, and my purity is gone. The world outside is harsh, but if you don't mind, please let me care for you."
Confused, I asked, "But you already take care of me?"
With my cluelessness, she laughed, then explained, "A personal maidservant doesn't just serve her master. She… serves him in every way."
I grasped what she meant and asked, "So… you mean I can… be with you as a man would with a woman?"
Xiao Hui nodded shyly.
A surge of emotions overcame me—a sense of strength, alertness, and clarity like I had never felt.
Without delay, I led her to the place where Steward James and Maid Isabella had been… and we began to repeat every action they had done.
At the moment I entered her, it felt like an airplane crashing into a tunnel, exploded.
But what was an airplane? It didn't matter because a whole world of knowledge opened up inside me. A series of knowledge related to men and women, but the flood broke the dike and rushed in, drowning me in an uncontrollable ecstasy. I understood everything, Steward James was not lying.
After that, we did it from the backyard to the bathroom and finally to the study.
The warm feeling, soft legs, tightly hugging me. I felt like that place of hers was created by nature just for me, fitting perfectly without a single gap. Even though it was the first time, I don't know why I feel like I've done it a lot. Tomorrow I must ask that Steward James again.
But despite that familiar feeling lingering in my mind, I only cared about Xiao Hui at the moment.
After that, we spent the whole night in endless pleasure.
I woke up early in the morning, beside me Xiao Hui was still sleeping soundly. But occasionally she smiled, not knowing what she was dreaming about.
I didn't bother her, I left first and didn't forget to cover her with the blanket, and left a note saying, "I'll go before you, remember to eat and drink properly. I won't be coming back tonight." I don't understand why I did that either.
I went to see Steward James to interrogate him to see if I missed anything. As soon as he saw me, he shouted, "My lord, Isabella and I are in love with each other, completely in tune with each other, my lord... How unfair..."
After dealing with these two for stealing, I went to settle the matter at the barracks.
At night, I prepared to enter the palace because tonight was a full moon night. Every full moon of the month, I will be called by the Queen to protect her. Saying that I protect her is actually just sitting there doing nothing. She said that every full moon day, she will always have nightmares. But when I am by her side, she will sleep very well. So almost every full moon day, I have to come.
In the dark night, the moonlight spreads, illuminating every corner of the Zen monastery. The windows are half-closed, the space is quiet and peaceful, in the room, candles are dimly lit. On the bed, the Queen Elara Vespera wears thin clothes, wearing them as if she is not wearing them. Her body was graceful and supple, with exquisite curves, and her face was as radiant as a blooming flower. Though it is late at night, she remains awake, as if lying in wait for something.
In the middle of the night, the main door suddenly opens, a man calmly walks in. Queen Elara Vespera sees who is coming. She is immediately shy, her face is red, she pulls her skirt, kneels down and lifts her butt.
She begs.
- Master, you have arrived, this servant is ready to serve.