Seraphine's measured steps turned almost frantic the moment the Chapel came into view.
Click-clack-click-clack—
Her heels struck the cobblestone in an uneven rhythm, pace accelerating with each stride until she was practically running.
Nancy and the other nuns followed behind, confusion painted across their faces.
What is the Saintess suddenly in a hurry for? They wondered. Is she hurrying off to pray? They guessed. What diligence! Truly deserving of being called the Saintess! And then, they marveled.
They admired her devotion, constructing narratives of piety and dedication.
But no matter how much they wondered, they'd never guess that their "Saintess" was heading to her room to do the farthest thing from prayer.
At least, there was nothing "saintly" about what she had in mind.
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Bang—!
Seraphine slammed her door shut, turned the lock with fumbling fingers, and dove onto her bed.
Uniform still on. Heels still strapped. Coat discarded somewhere in her haste.
She buried her face in the pillow and released the mental blockade she'd been maintaining all day.
The Ecstatic Bond flooded open.
The sensation crashed into her like a tidal wave, making her body jerk upwards.
Her mind blanked. White noise and pleasure… all of it pouring through the connection with such intensity that coherent thought became impossible.
Her body reacted before conscious control could catch up.
Knees on the mattress, but she couldn't support herself. Her torso dropped forward onto her forearms. Then even that wasn't enough—her forehead pressed into the pillow as her spine arched involuntarily.
"Oh. My. God~~!!!"
Her hands hadn't even moved down there before another wave hit… this time stronger, deeper, and more overwhelming.
Through the bond, she could feel everything.
Every sensation. Every movement. Every pleasure spike cascading through Ashen's nervous system as he—
"Ahng~… Ah—♡… Ohhh~ I'm… I'm…"
The world dissolved into pure bliss.
And just like that, the Saintess was made to—
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"—CUMMING~~~~!!!"
Alice screamed at the top of her lungs, clinging to Ashen like a lifeline, fingernails digging into his shoulders hard enough to leave crescent marks.
Her entire body convulsed, back arching impossibly as the climax tore through her with merciless intensity.
Wave after wave after wave—
It felt endless.
Finally, finally, it began to ebb.
She collapsed against him, boneless, breathing in ragged gasps.
"Haah… Haaah… Haah…"
Her voice emerged as barely a whisper, broken and pleading.
"N-no… no mowe… plewese…"
Ashen smiled faintly, one hand coming up to gently stroke her sweat-dampened hair. "Okay. As long as you're satisfied."
He really hadn't expected using Somatic Autonomy that way would be this effective.
He glanced down at Alice's completely melted form: slack-jawed, eyes unfocused, chest heaving… and nodded in quiet satisfaction.
But something felt... off.
Right after the skill had upgraded, it had started acting strangely. As if there was a problem it couldn't quite identify. An itch it couldn't scratch.
A dissonance he couldn't—
Grrr—ka.
The sudden grinding of steel rising wiped away any contemplation.
Ashen's head snapped toward the entrance, body tensing instantly.
Alice was already wrapped in the bed sheet like a sushi roll, securely tucked behind him before the wall had fully retracted.
The figure that stepped into his cell moved with prim, proper elegance.
To Ashen's genuine surprise, it was Sabrina Chase. The Supreme Commander's right-hand woman herself.
Grrr—ka.
The steel wall sealed behind her with its now-familiar sound.
Ashen didn't relax.
He still didn't know how Alice had bypassed the prison's security to get into his cell. She clearly had control of the steel walls, anyhow.
He didn't speak first, just watched.
Sabrina was dressed in her maid uniform today.
Ashen, for the life of him, didn't understand how she dared to dress that way in a military prison. It wasn't that the outfit was inappropriate—quite the opposite. The feminine allure was almost overwhelming.
Wide hips swayed subtly beneath a short black skirt that flirted with indecency. A garter belt connected to sheer stockings that clung to long, shapely legs. Platform heels clicked softly against stone, elevating her stature and accentuating the curve of her calves.
The maid uniform itself hugged her figure impeccably, tailored perfectly to her proportions, all while somehow managing to be both modest and provocative simultaneously.
The bold blue eyeliner framing her eyes, and the blue lipstick adorning her full lips only added an otherworldly quality to her already striking features. Black hair cascaded down her back in a mega-ponytail that reached past her waist… it looked like an attempt at modesty that only served to draw more attention to her exposed collarbone and elegant neck.
She took two more steps into the cell and paused.
Her nose twitched fractionally as she registered the musky smell of sweat and sex lingering in the enclosed space.
But her poise never wavered.
She approached the bedside with grace, halting directly before Ashen.
Then she executed a formal bow—posture straight, head dipped, hands clasped—not unlike a devoted servant attending to her master.
"Greetings, Mr. Hart."
Ashen had the distinct impression she was doing this on purpose.
Where was the iron-blooded sergeant who'd threatened to kill him with training alone? Where was the cold woman who tortured anyone who looked at her wrong with mechanical efficiency?
He was sure he was looking at her wrong right now. His eyes had their fill wandering, appreciating curves and skin and the contrast between the martial competence in his mind and feminine presentation before him.
But there was no reaction whatsoever.
It was as if General Sabrina and Maid Sabrina were completely different people.
Ashen would have believed this was some elaborate prank if he didn't know this version of her already. In fact, to him, this was the original Sabrina—he'd met her in maid attire first, back during the tutorial.
Still surreal, though.
Unconcerned by his internal turmoil, Sabrina rose smoothly from her bow.
Her gaze dipped briefly to his exposed lower body. His manhood, still half-hard and glistening, lay against his thigh.
Her expression remained unchanged, even after that sight.
In a calm, even tone, she remarked: "...A magnificent tool. The lady is certainly blessed."
She nodded once, as if confirming a professional assessment, then straightened fully.
Ashen's face froze.
He genuinely didn't know what to say to that.
But a hand reached from behind him, gently caressing his thigh. It was Alice, peeking out from her sheet cocoon.
"...It's fine," she murmured, voice still hoarse from screaming. "She's the one who brought me here."
"It is as the lady says." Sabrina nodded in confirmation.
"Oh." Ashen blinked. "Is that so? Well... thank you, Miss Sabrina."
Even as he said it, he wasn't entirely sure what he was thanking her for. The escort service? The compliment on his anatomy? The complete lack of judgment about walking in on post-coital aftermath?
All of the above?
He cleared his throat, attempting to regain some semblance of dignity.
"Also, I apologize for appearing so tense earlier. I didn't know we were having visitors, so... I hope you'll excuse my exaggerated reaction."
He managed a sheepish smile.
Sabrina shook her head, expression softening fractionally. "No offense taken, Mr. Hart. In fact, I'm more glad that you take our lady's protection this seriously."
Her tone shifted slightly. It stayed professional, but there was an undercurrent of approval.
"While we're on the subject of the lady's protection..." She clasped her hands in front of her. "We shall impose on you by having her stay here temporarily. We intended to arrange proper accommodations, but Lady Alice insisted on remaining with you… even if that means residing in a cell."
"Oh, it's no problem at all!" Ashen's response came out perhaps too quickly, too enthusiastically. "I'd say I'm thankful, instead. Haha."
Imposing? What a joke.
He'd love nothing more than to have Alice "impose" on him forever.
Sabrina nodded in satisfaction before continuing, her voice dropping to something more serious.
"With our Sin Lord deployed to the frontlines, this facility has become our most secure location. The natural fortifications, combined with its reputation…" She gestured at the cell itself. "...make this the safest place for Lady Alice currently."
Her blue eyes hardened.
"The other domains have grown restless in Commander Arde's absence. Intelligence suggests they may resort to more aggressive tactics, including potential kidnapping attempts, under the justification that Wrath Domain is unable to adequately protect its assets after recent... incidents."
Ashen's expression turned sheepish. "Yeah... Sorry about that."
Underneath, though, his mood couldn't be grimmer.
They were even targeting Alice now.
'Should I create an organization of my own once I'm out?' The thought formed unbidden. 'That would make it harder for them to throw their weight around so brazenly. At least I'd have some leverage beyond just personal power.'
Sabrina, however, had merely been informing him of current events, not assigning blame. She tilted her head slightly at his sudden apology, confusion flickering across her features.
"Mr. Hart, you are a brave soldier of our Bloodwall Army," she said firmly. "And Lady Alice is clearly in love with you. As for Innate skills..." Her tone softened. "In my opinion, they are a deeply personal matter. You aren't obliged to divulge them to anyone."
She paused, letting that sink in.
"The other domains are clearly using this as a convenient excuse to have legitimate grounds for bringing our genius lady to their side. Whether through political pressure or more... direct means."
Her lips curved into the faintest smile.
"So there's no need to apologize, Mr. Hart."
'Ah, what an angel,' Ashen thought, feeling his tension ease fractionally. 'Completely unlike that witch Cornelia.'
The contrast was stark. Where Cornelia wielded pressure and manipulation, Sabrina offered reassurance and support.
He almost melted under that rare smile—
Pinch—
"Ack!"
A sudden sharp sensation on his thigh brought him back from his daze.
Alice's fingers had found a sensitive spot and were now applying strategic pressure.
The warning was clear—
Stop staring at other women while I'm right here.
Sabrina noticed the little interaction and decided to finish her business, giving them their privacy.
"I came to deliver Lady Alice's belongings, since she departed in quite a hurry." Her expression remained neutral, but amusement glinted in her eyes. "She already possesses the controls for the steel wall, so you may resume your more... intimate activities with peace of mind."
"Cough—thank you, Miss Sabrina."
Sabrina's shadow suddenly writhed, darkening, expanding—
Then spat out a large travel bag with surprising force.
The bag landed on the cell floor with a heavy thump.
"Don't mention it." Sabrina executed another small bow, then turned toward the exit. "I'll be serving as this section's new warden starting today, for additional protection. You needn't stress unnecessarily about the other domains while I'm on duty."
She paused at the threshold, glancing back.
"So if you need anything else—Lady Alice, Mr. Hart—speak now."
"Some paper and a pen, please, Miss Sabrina," Ashen said immediately. "If it's not too much trouble."
"Gladly."
"Oh, and Miss Sabrina..." His voice took on a more serious note.
"Yes?" She turned fully.
"The Commander mentioned that you spoke up for me. That means a lot." His expression was genuine, grateful. "I'll surely repay you for everything one of these days."
Sabrina hadn't expected Cornelia to gossip about internal discussions.
But she didn't seem bothered by the revelation.
Instead, her smile widened fractionally… still restrained, but a touch warmer than before.
"Men of your character are rare, Mr. Hart. I believe you deserve support, no matter how slight my contribution." She paused. "So you needn't take it to heart."
Grrr—ka.
The steel wall began rising behind her.
She took one step through the threshold, then glanced back over her shoulder.
For just a moment, Ashen could have sworn he saw something teasing behind her cool facade. A glint of mischief in those blue eyes.
"And... I don't dislike such men." Her voice dropped a shade lower. "Quite the opposite, perhaps."
Grrr—ka.
The wall sealed completely.
"..."
"..."
Silence hung in the cell for exactly three seconds.
Then—
Dig—
"Ack-ack-ack-ack—!! Not the nails, Alice! Hey! C'mon, that hurts—"
The gentle hand caressing his thigh had suddenly turned decidedly un-gentle.
Fingernails found purchase in sensitive skin, applying increasing pressure.
"Ah—don't go there… Fuck, don't squeeze so hard—"
Alice emerged from her sheet cocoon, eyes half-lidded but very much alert now.
A dangerous smile played across her lips.
"I didn't know you had such preferences, darling." Her voice was sweet. "Should I also try a maid uniform? Would that please you, Master Hart? Hmm~?"
"Uhh... Maybe?" The word escaped before his brain could stop it, voice suddenly hopeful despite himself.
Squeeze—
"AH! I'm joking! Joking, I swear…!"
Alice's smile turned predatory.
"Oh, I don't think you were joking at all." Her grip tightened further… not quite painful, but definitely getting there. "In fact, I think I need to remind you whose bed you're in right now."
"Alice, babe, I was just being polite—"
"Polite." She repeated the word flatly. "You were being polite while staring at another woman's legs. While sitting naked. In our bed. After I just—"
She cut herself off, taking a slow breath.
Then her expression shifted from dangerous to calculating.
"You know what? Fine. I'll get a maid uniform."
Ashen blinked. "Really?"
"Oh yes." Her smile widened. "And I'll make Sabrina's look like a nun's habit by comparison. I'll have it custom-tailored with special modifications. You won't be able to think about anyone else when you see me in it."
She leaned in close, lips brushing his ear.
"And then I'll make you beg."
Ashen's throat went dry.
"I... uh..."
"But until then..." Alice's hand finally released its death grip, instead beginning to trace lazy circles on his thigh. "I think you need to be properly educated about where your attention should be focused."
Her golden eyes locked onto his, pupils dilated with renewed interest despite her earlier exhaustion.
"Don't you agree?"
Ashen looked at her flushed face, the possessive gleam in her eyes, the way her breathing had already started picking up pace again.
He glanced at the travel bag Sabrina had delivered, probably containing clothes, toiletries, and personal items.
Things they should probably unpack.
Then he looked back at Alice.
"...I agree completely."
Her smile turned brilliant.
"Good answer."
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