Robin clearly didn't want to continue the conversation about her writing. She abruptly stood up and said hastily,
"I'm heading back to my room!"
With that, she quickly turned and left. Carl noticed something off about her behavior. After thinking for a moment, he looked down at Sugar in his arms and asked,
"Sugar, what kind of book is Robin writing?"
Sugar's big eyes sparkled mischievously as she giggled,
"Secret~! Young Master, you're not allowed to eavesdrop on my thoughts!"
Carl was taken aback, then chuckled and scolded,
"You little rascal! Why would I want to eavesdrop on your thoughts? What are you guilty of, huh?"
Sugar shook her head like a rattle-drum, laughing,
"Of course not! I'm always the best-behaved~"
Since Sugar wouldn't say, Carl didn't press the matter—but he made a mental note. Sooner or later, he'd dig out that book of Robin's and have a good read.
He gave Sugar's little nose a gentle pinch before placing her on a nearby chair. Then, Carl stood up and said,
"Alright, time to check on Lily. She didn't seem to sleep well last night."
...
Inside the bedroom,
Lily lay flat on a large, soft bed big enough for several people. Her eyes were shut tight. Sunlight streamed through the curtains, bathing her flawless face in a golden glow—she looked like a goddess descended to Earth.
Carl didn't bother knocking. He pushed the door open and walked right in.
Lily's long lashes fluttered lightly. She opened her eyes and said coolly,
"Carl, you could at least knock before entering."
Carl walked straight to her bedside and sat down beside her. Looking at Lily lying there, he smiled and said,
"Did you forget I'm the master of this place?"
Lily pouted, sitting up and leaning back against her pillow.
"In that case, maybe I should move back to the Room of Flowers. Come to think of it, treating it purely as a residence isn't a bad idea. At least it's quiet at night."
Carl suddenly sniffed the air and frowned.
"Wait a minute... this scent..."
Lily's expression shifted.
"What's wrong?"
"A heavy wave of resentment… and a little sourness, too. Lily, you mean you didn't notice it?"
"Resentment? I… Carl!!"
Lily's eyes widened as she glared at him, teeth clenched.
"I am not jealous!!"
Carl spread his hands innocently.
"When did I say you were jealous? Don't flatter yourself—I'm not that narcissistic."
"That's exactly what you meant! Hmph! Your stamina sure is impressive. After such a long night, you're not tired? Why don't you go back to bed? Kalifa's still there, right? She'd probably make a great body pillow."
Carl raised a finger and wagged it in front of her face with mock seriousness.
"Lily, that's a terrible thing to say. Kalifa's my woman—how could you compare her to a mere pillow? Besides..."
He paused, then curved his lips into a devilish grin.
"You of all people should know very well just how impressive my stamina is, right?"
"..."
Lily was at a loss for words. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. Then she raised her hand and pointed to the door.
"Get out. I'm changing."
Carl raised an eyebrow, crossed his arms, and tilted his chin up to look at her.
"Oh? Is that how you speak to your king?"
As he spoke, he leaned in, step by step, gradually closing the distance between them. Lily started to panic.
"Alright, alright! I was out of line. Just go wait outside! I'll come out once I'm dressed!"
But by now Carl was already right in front of her, their faces mere inches apart. They could feel each other's breath—and Lily's was a little too fast.
Her voice trembled slightly.
"C-Carl… what are you trying to do?"
Carl had originally just intended to tease her, not do anything serious. But Lily's flustered appearance stirred something deep inside him. His gaze grew hotter.
From her perspective, Carl's eyes looked like he was about to devour her whole—and she knew exactly what that look meant.
Without another word, Lily activated her ability. Arrows of shadow burst from her body, weaving a loose-fitting black dress around her in an instant.
But her figure was simply too perfect. Combined with her reclining posture, even the loose dress couldn't hide her curves. In fact, it only made her all the more alluring.
Whoom!
A small transparent vortex of energy began to form in front of Lily's chest, about to expand—
Carl glanced down. Before the vortex could spread, he instantly dispelled it with a mere thought.
"Lily, what are you using your powers for all of a sudden? Planning to make a run for it?"
Seeing her technique instantly undone, Lily's face darkened.
And when she heard his words, her temper flared.
"'Run' isn't even in my vocabulary! What, you think I'm scared of you?!"
Carl was momentarily stunned—he hadn't expected her sudden outburst.
Lily, now emboldened, felt a strange sense of relief. She narrowed her eyes and took advantage of Carl's momentary daze to lunge forward and tackle him onto the bed.
Carl instinctively prepared to resist—but the scene that followed stunned him once again.
The front of Lily's robe began to shift, revealing smooth white skin and...
That wasn't all. Several black tendrils emerged from Lily's body, wrapping around Carl's limbs and binding him firmly to the bed.
Carl glanced at the black bindings on his wrists and couldn't help but chuckle.
This ability could probably restrain 99.9% of people in the world—but it absolutely wouldn't work on him. Breaking free would be child's play.
But when he saw Lily's slightly deranged, possessive expression, he suddenly didn't feel like breaking free anymore.
Maybe only a woman like Lily could make him feel this way.
Lily loomed over Carl like a queen, laughing with wild arrogance. Then her expression shifted—she raised an eyebrow and glanced toward the door.
The moment cries of surprise rang out beyond the door, they were instantly silenced. Then came the sounds of several splashes in the courtyard pool—plop, plop, plop!
Lily's lips curled into a dangerous smirk.
"No one steals from my bed."
Then she lowered her gaze to the man helpless beneath her.
A nameless fire surged inside her.
Tonight, she was going to pay Carl back—tenfold—for all the frustration he'd made her endure!
-----------
+140 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg