One hot night

"So that's how it is?" After listening to Alice's whispered explanation from the side, Catherine finally learned of Julian's background. For a moment, her heart ached with both sorrow and guilt, and she wondered how she should comfort him. 

Julian's slightly dazed eyes took a few seconds to return to normal. He gently took Losiya's hand and offered a soft smile, indicating that he was fine. 

"What's passed is past." He said. 

Losiya glanced at the awkward atmosphere, then at her aunt Catherine, and suddenly came up with an "idea." 

"Julian, did you know? Aunt Catherine still doesn't have a child." Losiya said. 

Julian was briefly surprised before nodding, though he didn't understand why she mentioned it. 

So this lady has no children? 

It was hard to comprehend—theoretically, Catherine's child should be around Losiya's age. There must be some hidden circumstances he wasn't aware of. 

He glanced at Catherine, who remained silent, afraid of accidentally hurting her. 

When Catherine heard this, she felt puzzled. Why would Losiya bring this up now? Was she suggesting giving her a child? 

Over the years, she had considered artificial means, but she always dismissed the thought immediately. 

In her eyes, reproduction was a natural human instinct born from love between two people. Without love, such an act would only bring irreparable pain to the child. 

Moreover, she had always been somewhat obsessive about cleanliness—not just physically, but emotionally as well. In recent years, she and her husband had barely held hands, let alone been intimate with anyone else. 

The mere thought of being with a stranger for reproduction made her shudder. 

Suddenly, Catherine froze. 

She had just met Julian, and under such circumstances, she had done something so shameless... 

While she was lost in thought, Julian was already being dragged into a long conversation by Losiya. 

"Adoptive mother?" 

"Yes." 

Julian shook his head. Having gradually understood Losiya's personality, he didn't outright refuse but tactfully expressed his reluctance. 

"Why?" Losiya pressed. 

"..." 

"Is it because you feel guilty toward your birth mother?" Losiya continued. 

Julian shook his head again. 

His thoughts were difficult for Losiya to grasp. To him, such familial terms carried a dark connotation. 

Losiya wanted to bring those close to her even closer, but she didn't fully understand Julian yet. 

Catherine, hearing their conversation, felt Losiya was being reckless and quickly called her back, not wanting to embarrass Julian further. 

Losiya sat down, slightly sulky, before her hunger reminded her of reality. She decisively began eating properly. 

Silently watching Julian sitting beside Losiya, Catherine couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. Though Losiya's suggestion was impulsive, if Julian had agreed, she would have gladly accepted. 

The late-night meal ended, and Alice stayed behind to clean up. Losiya bid Catherine goodnight before taking Julian's hand and leaving. 

"Alice, are Losiya and Julian...?" Catherine didn't leave immediately but instead asked Alice. 

"Probably not yet." Alice shook her head. 

Though their young mistress seemed unrestrained, her moral standards were actually stricter than most. Otherwise, she wouldn't have taken in so many unfortunate children in the territory. 

Julian hadn't been completely won over yet. Taking him by force might seem like a shortcut, but it would only cheapen the relationship. 

In Alice's view, the best delicacies should be savored at the best time—rushing would only spoil the experience. 

Back in Losiya's room, Julian stood by the bed, about to undress, when his body suddenly gave out, and he collapsed onto the mattress. 

"You..." 

"Today was the first time you openly resisted me." Losiya suddenly said. 

Julian stayed silent. 

So that's it. He had gotten a little too bold. 

Quietly reflecting, he couldn't help but feel a trace of grievance. He turned his head away, silently resisting again. 

"Hehe..." Losiya's laughter suddenly reached his ears. 

Opening his eyes, Julian looked at her, completely confused. 

"Still, you're at least not so obedient now. In a way, that makes you the most adorable doll in the world." 

"But thinking about those auction house people who 'taught' you... The more I dwell on it, the angrier I get." 

A warm body pressed against him. Losiya's familiar scent left no room for mistake. 

Given the Sword Dancer's naturally strong yet supple physique, Julian gave up his futile resistance, blushing as he shut his eyes. 

"I want to reshape you, bit by bit, into something that belongs to me. You're already changing so well—I could barely hold back earlier. Now, be good and open your hands." 

His arms were immediately pinned to the sides. Losiya leaned into Julian's neck, biting open the collar of his nightgown. 

Her smooth, fragrant tongue glided over his skin, finding his collarbone before her lips sealed over it—licking, sucking, nibbling. 

Before long, Losiya lifted her head, a silvery thread still clinging to her lips, evidence of her indulgence. 

Stretching out her plump tongue, she licked the strand away. Under the moonlight, she could clearly see the rosy mark on Julian's neck. 

"You really weren't lying, Julian. Is your body made of cotton? How else could you be so soft, so fragrant, so sensitive?" 

A faint, stifled moan escaped Julian's lips. Like a shy little beast, he covered his eyes with the back of his hand, not daring to face Losiya. 

Giggling, Losiya's hand trailed down Julian's chest, stomach, waist, all the way to his knees—where the hem of his nightgown rested. 

Pushing the fabric up to his hips, she said in a coaxing tone, "Raise your arms!" 

Though he didn't respond verbally, his body obeyed without resistance. His pale, lotus-root-like arms slowly lifted. 

Moonlight spilled across the floor, casting the shadows of their entwined figures. Suddenly, a nightgown fell, obscuring their silhouettes. 

"N-Not there...!" 

"Your body really does bruise so easily..." 

With Losiya's teasing words, another piece of clothing joined the first on the floor, landing atop Julian's nightgown.