The Aftermath of That Night

Chapter 19 – The Aftermath of That Night

I woke up feeling like I had been hit by a war hammer. My body ached, my mind was hazy, and the moment I shifted in bed, memories of that night flooded back.

My face turned red instantly.

I had slept for four days straight. Four entire days.

The worst part? The pill Father gave me—it wasn't just some casual enhancement drug. It was the same damn pill he had taken to conceive me and Magnus.

That realization made my embarrassment even worse.

How was I supposed to look anyone in the eyes after that? Even the succubus, who literally thrived on seed, was avoiding me. Safina, my ever-loyal maid, couldn't meet my gaze.

Only Talia, my nine-tailed fox, had no shame about it.

She teased me at every opportunity.

"Oh my, Master~ You were truly something that night. If I had known you had that much stamina, I would've jumped in too," she would say, giggling at my misery.

I wanted to crawl into a hole and never come out.

A week passed like this. Every day, I avoided my parents. Every day, I ate alone. Every day, I had to endure Talia's endless teasing.

But today was different.

Today, Safina finally entered my room.

She stood at the door, eyes glued to the floor, her cheeks red as an apple. "M-Master," she stammered, "your parents have summoned you for breakfast… They are waiting in the hall."

The moment she said that, she turned on her heel, clearly ready to run.

"Stop."

My tone was sharper than I intended.

She froze. Her back tensed, her fingers curling against her dress. Sweat glistened on her skin.

"…Come here."

Slowly, hesitantly, she obeyed. She walked over to the bed and sat beside me.

Silence filled the air between us.

I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. "…Safina, I'm sorry."

She flinched.

"That night, I lost myself in lust," I admitted. "If you're angry, if you want to punish me in any way, I'll accept it."

She shook her head quickly.

"N-No, Master," she said. "I'm not angry. That night…" She hesitated, her fingers tightening against her dress. "I saw you lost in lust… and I think I became a little wild too."

I froze.

If that was her just being a little wild… then what happens if she goes completely wild?

A shiver ran down my spine.

"…You don't have to say anything more," I told her. "I just wanted to apologize. And to thank you. Because of you, I satisfied my desire."

She remained silent.

I could tell this wasn't going to progress if I didn't do something.

So, I gently lifted her chin, forcing her to look at me.

Her beautiful, embarrassed eyes widened.

Then, I kissed her.

She let out a soft gasp, but I pulled her into a warm embrace.

"I love you, Safina," I murmured. "I don't want you to treat me differently because of that night. I just want things to stay the same."

She stared at me for a long moment. Then, slowly, she placed her hands on my cheeks.

"…Are you serious, Master?" she whispered.

I nodded.

A small, tender smile formed on her lips.

Then, she kissed my forehead.

The unexpected action made me freeze.

She pulled away, her cheeks flushed. "Thank you, Master," she whispered. "I'm happy today."

She turned and left the room.

I touched my forehead.

What the hell was that?

It felt warm. Feminine. Weird.

I shook my head. Whatever. I had bigger things to deal with.

Like breakfast with my family

Breakfast with the Circus

I stepped into the dining hall.

The moment I entered, I could feel the stares drilling into me.

Magnus glared at me like I was his mortal enemy. Alicia looked at me like I was a disgusting thing.

Father and Mother?

They were smirking. Like scheming nobles who had just pulled off the perfect political maneuver.

And then there was Safina.

She looked at me with an adoring wife expression.

I gulped.

I was in danger.

I sat down in my usual seat beside Mother, trying my best to ignore the tension.

But, of course, Father wasn't going to let things be normal.

He cleared his throat.

"Well, Edric," he said, grinning. "How is your body feeling now?"

I nearly choked on my drink.

I coughed, clearing my throat. "I-It's fine now…"

"And where is Talia?"

I sighed. "I have no idea. She never stays in one place."

"Hmm. Alright."

I thought the topic was over.

I was wrong.

Mother placed down her teacup and looked at me with a knowing smirk.

"Oh, my dear Edric," she purred, "it seems like you thoroughly enjoyed yourself that night."

I froze.

"So," she continued, "your father and I thought we'd prepare another gift for you."

"NO."

Father chuckled. "If you ever want more, just let me know. I have plenty of those pills."

I clenched my fists under the table. "I'd rather die."

Mother sighed dramatically. "Well, your father needs those pills anyway. He can't do anything without them."

Father's smirk shattered instantly.

Magnus snorted, barely holding back laughter.

I just sat there, trying to process the sheer insanity of my family.

But then—Father dropped another bombshell.

"Oh, by the way, Edric," he said casually. "The hero will be arriving at the mansion next week."

Silence.

Alicia's fork clattered against her plate.

Safina stiffened.

Magnus's expression darkened.

I blinked.

"…What?"

Father smirked. "The hero will be visiting soon. So, be prepared."

I felt a headache forming.

First, I had to deal with my embarrassment. Now, I have to deal with the hero?

This week just keeps getting worse.