Chapter 4: A Conflict?

After enjoying the sunset with Iris, the two of us headed to her tent to rest. Who would have thought that Iris was also a great cook? That handsome woman invited me to have dinner with her in her tent.

My phone rang—it was a message from Kuti, asking me to come back. Iris saw it, snatched my phone, and placed it on the table. "No phones during dinner. Focus on the taste of my cooking instead."

I fell silent, thinking about my friends. Iris noticed and smiled, "You seem to miss your friends. How about we invite them to have dinner here tomorrow?"

"I'm sure Kuti would kill you on the spot," I replied.

"Speaking of Kuti," Iris suddenly said, "if I fail to give birth to a son, you can take her as a concubine."

"Uh… I don't think I want to talk about something that far into the future," I responded.

"Feels inappropriate, doesn't it?" Iris asked. "Well then, enjoy your meal."

Iris reached out to feed me. I shut my mouth, wanting to leave as soon as possible. But Iris insisted and forcibly opened my mouth. "Come on!"

Seeing her determined expression, I gave in and let her feed me. But just then, another disaster struck—Kuti entered the tent.

"Oh, so this is where you are. Thomas, let's go. We need to set off on our journey," Kuti said.

"Excuse me, but can't you read the room?" Iris asked.

"Princess Iris, I also apologize for my actions earlier today," Kuti said. "Now, could you kindly return my beloved to me?"

"No," Iris replied firmly. "You're not allowed to go on any journey until after the Sacred Majagada Coronation Ceremony—and until after my wedding with Thomas."

"Kuti, please, just go. I'll explain everything when I have the chance," I said.

"Thomas…" Kuti looked at me. "I trust you."

"Then I challenge you to a sword duel tomorrow, Princess Iris," Kuti declared, throwing a dagger that landed on the table.

"I accept," Iris responded, picking up the dagger.

"Ah, anyway, let's continue our dinner. After that, let's go to the bathhouse together," Iris said, shifting the topic and continuing to feed me.

"I… I d-don't know what to do," I stammered.

"Just choose me. The power of the gods must remain with the kingdom," Iris replied. "With you by my side, I will expand Majagada and conquer this entire continent. The God of 999 will bless our steps in taking over this world for Him."

I remained silent, finishing my meal. The servants entered to clear our dishes. Iris turned off the light in her tent and invited me to sit on the edge of her bed.

"Shall we bathe together, darling?" she asked.

"Mmm… yeah," I replied.

We left the tent and mounted our horses. From the Majagada soldiers' encampment, we rode toward the city. Entering through the eastern gate, we arrived at the city bathhouse—an untouched refuge amidst the war.

Many Majagada soldiers were also resting there. The bathhouse owner allowed us in for free, but Iris refused.

"No need for that. I will pay for everything. The Majagada Kingdom will cover the costs," she said.

"Th-thank you," the bathhouse owner stammered.

"Do you have any private rooms available for rent?" Iris asked.

"We have a mixed-bathing room. I can reserve it just for you," the elderly owner replied.

"That's fine. We'll wait," Iris said.

While waiting, Iris pulled me to sit with her in the lounge. The bathhouse doors opened, and we unexpectedly ran into Romanova and Kuti.

"Ah, damn it," Kuti cursed. "We should've gone to a restaurant first."

"It's okay, Kuti," Romanova said. "Good evening, Princess Iris. I didn't expect us to meet here again."

"Romanova! What a coincidence! Have you gathered enough forces to reclaim your homeland?" Iris asked, gesturing for Romanova to come closer.

Romanova sat to Iris's left, while Kuti sat beside me.

"You're not going home? Just run away from Princess Iris," Kuti whispered.

"If I do that, something will happen to you and our families. I'm sorry, Kuti," I whispered back.

The elderly bathhouse owner returned. "Everything is ready. Please allow me to escort you. It is truly an honor to serve a member of the royal family and a holy person."

"Join us," Iris invited Kuti and Romanova.

"Alright," Kuti agreed.

"Oh? No resistance at all? Are you truly feeling remorseful?" Iris teased.

"No. I'm just too tired and want to bathe and relax," Kuti replied.

The elderly owner guided the four of us to our reserved area. Now, we stood in the washing area, rinsing our bodies. Iris and Kuti stood before me.

"Uh… what is it?" I asked.

"Wash me," they both said simultaneously.

I hesitated and didn't answer. Iris grabbed my hand and undressed me. "Come on, darling, your turn."

"Y-yeah, you first. Then Kuti," I replied.

"I'll help," Kuti said, sounding slightly disappointed.

The two of us washed Iris's body, then helped clean ourselves. Romanova chose to wash herself. Kuti and I entered the hot spring first.

"Ah, finally," Kuti sighed. "It feels good to bathe properly after all these days."

"Y-yeah," I replied.

Suddenly, Iris entered and sat between us, wrapping her arms around both of us. She kissed my neck. "Mmm… delicious."

"Do you want some too?" Iris whispered, stroking Kuti's shoulder.

Kuti shifted away slightly, moving closer to Romanova. Iris smirked and turned back to me. Her strong, muscular frame made me feel small, like a kitten before its mother.

"Not here… they're watching," I protested.

"Oh?" Iris glanced at Kuti and Romanova.

"Come here, Romanova," Iris beckoned.

"Yes," Romanova approached. "Do you still remember the sensation of my fingers?"

Iris grinned and straddled me. "A four-way sounds fun. I wouldn't mind if you all joined Thomas's harem."

Kuti got up to leave, seemingly unable to bear watching Iris play with me and Romanova.

"K-Kuti, you're leaving me?" I whimpered.

Seeing me, she hesitated, then returned and joined us. Iris looked pleased, ordering me to use my fingers on Kuti. After Iris rode me, it was Romanova's turn while Iris rested beside me.

"Come here, darling," Iris kissed me. "Endurance in bed is important for royalty, you know."

"My father could handle ten women in one night and still keep going," Iris added. She washed herself again. When Romanova finished, Kuti took her turn.

"I won't lose," Kuti said.

"G-gentle, please!" I begged.

Iris encouraged Kuti while I was drained by the three of them. Once they were satisfied, we finished bathing and prepared to leave.

Iris refused to let me go home with Kuti.