In the days that followed, Regulus's schedule became very regular.
First, he would accompany his wives at the mansion for their "dates," satisfying their needs. Then, he would head to the Astrea estate to help Theresia sow flower seeds.
Sowing seeds was tedious work, but eventually, there was an end to it.
Theresia stood up, wiping sweat from her brow, and looked at the expanse of open land before them.
Although it was still barren soil now, and the growth would take a considerable amount of time, Theresia could already imagine this place filled with a vibrant sea of flowers in the near future.
Filled with anticipation, the girl turned to look at the white-haired man beside her.
"You've worked hard, Regulus."
"We don't need to be so formal, do we?"
"This... this isn't a matter of formality; it's just what I wanted to say."
Facing Regulus, who had suddenly taken her hand in his, Theresia couldn't help but blush.
She had realized something during this time: Regulus was very bold.
He would often make these small, intimate gestures—brushing her hair, holding her hand, standing just a little too close.
Of course, he usually did this when Carol wasn't looking.
If Carol noticed, she would inevitably find a way to insert herself between them, physically disrupting the mood.
But strangely... Theresia found she didn't mind. In fact, stealing these moments of intimacy right under her strict guard's nose gave her a thrilling sense of a secret affair. For a girl who had always been obedient and proper, this rebellious excitement was addictive.
So, she cooperated with Regulus more than once, squeezing his hand back when Carol turned away.
Just then—
"Young Lady, I'm ready for the next row..."
Carol's voice trailed off.
She had turned around to refill the seeds, only to see the two holding hands. Theresia's face was flushed red, and Regulus wore a triumphant smile.
Carol sighed, a heavy sense of helplessness washing over her.
She really couldn't relax for a single moment. She had focused on the dirt for just a minute, and Regulus had already made a move.
She stared at them for a few seconds.
Usually, she would rush over and separate them. But today...
"Since we're done planting, let's go rest by the river," Carol said simply, turning away and walking ahead.
Theresia was stunned.
"Eh?"
This was completely different from how things usually were. Carol hadn't scolded him? She hadn't jumped in between them?
"Alright, let's go." Regulus chuckled, pulling the stunned Theresia along to follow the knight.
To be honest, even Regulus was slightly surprised.
Has she finally accepted her reality? he wondered.
Over the past few days, although the conquest of the Sword Saint was slow, the "conquest" of her guard had progressed rapidly.
The three of them arrived by the river, washed the soil from their hands and faces, and sat together in their usual resting spot on the grassy bank.
Carol watched them from the corner of her eye.
She knew why she hadn't stopped them.
Yesterday, on the way back, Theresia had confessed that after the planting was done, she would have no valid excuse to keep meeting Regulus. Her tone had been sad.
It was clear: The Young Lady wanted to be with him. She regarded Regulus as a special friend, perhaps even more.
If Theresia had given her approval, Carol—as a servant—had no right to block normal contact like holding hands.
And there was another reason.
Carol found that Regulus... wasn't entirely evil.
Yes, he was a pervert. Yes, he treated her like a toy. But he also respected the boundaries she set for Theresia. He had even agreed to her request to delay pregnancy, despite their initial "deal."
He just makes me pay a price for it, Carol thought bitterly.
That price usually involved bananas. Or milk.
He truly puts more thought into bullying girls and inventing perverted games than anything else.
"Miss," Carol spoke up, breaking the silence. "Would you like to take a nap?"
"A nap?" Theresia blinked.
"Yes. You probably didn't sleep well last night; you have dark circles under your eyes."
"Dark circles?!"
Theresia shrieked softly, immediately covering her eyes with her hands. She turned away from Regulus in panic.
"It's just a little bit," Regulus laughed. "It has no effect on your beauty at all."
"Guh-woo~" Theresia whimpered.
How could it have no effect! She had been letting him look at her face all morning with dark circles? Why didn't she notice when she looked in the mirror?!
She realized she had been so dizzy this morning—likely from thinking about Regulus late into the night—that she hadn't checked her appearance properly.
"Then... I'll take a nap," she mumbled, keeping her face hidden. "Please be sure to wake me up in an hour."
"I understand," Carol nodded.
Theresia peeked through her fingers at Regulus.
"After I wake up... let's do the test we talked about earlier. Last time you looked for me. This time, I want to try and see if I can find you."
"You want to seek me?" Regulus raised an eyebrow.
"Since it's fate... I believe I can definitely do it."
"Alright. Once you wake up, it'll be your turn to hunt."
"Mm."
Satisfied, Theresia lay down on the soft grass, using her folded coat as a pillow. She closed her eyes.
In truth, she knew she couldn't sense him. She had tried many times.
But it didn't matter. The "search" was just an excuse. An excuse to see him tomorrow. To play with him. To be near him.
Regulus didn't care that she was the "Sword Saint." He treated her like a normal girl. That freedom was intoxicating.
Lulled by the sound of the river and her happy thoughts, she gradually drifted toward sleep.
Not long after...
Slurp.
A strange, wet sound beside her slowly dragged her consciousness back from the edge of dreams.
What is that? Theresia wondered groggily. Is a fish jumping?
Schlick. Gulp.
The sound was rhythmic. Wet. Heavy.
Curiosity getting the better of her, Theresia slowly, carefully opened her eyes just a crack.
Through her eyelashes, she saw the scene beside her.
Her breath hitched in her throat.
Carol was kneeling on the grass between Regulus's legs. Her head was moving up and down.
Regulus was running his hand through Carol's blonde hair, a look of relaxed pleasure on his face as the knight worked on him.
Theresia stared blankly, her mind unable to process what she was seeing.
That shape... the way her cheek is bulging...
It looked exactly like when Carol was eating the bananas yesterday.
Flashback:
"The Young Lady cannot eat these! I will eat them all!"
Carol's teary eyes. Her gagging. Her sore throat.
Click.
The puzzle pieces slammed together in Theresia's innocent mind.
So that's what it meant.
The bananas weren't for eating. They were for practice.
And yesterday... Regulus had fed her a banana while she knelt on a stone.
I... I practiced too?
Theresia felt a rush of extreme heat explode in her body. Her face, her ears, and even her neck turned completely scarlet.
She, the Sword Saint, had unknowingly participated in something so obscene! She had mimicked this act right in front of him!
I'm ruined! I'll never be able to get married now!
Just as Theresia lay there, paralyzed by shame and wondering if she should scream or feign death, she noticed the movement stop.
Regulus's hand stilled on Carol's head. Carol pulled back, wiping her mouth, her eyes sharp.
They weren't looking at Theresia. They were looking toward the forest path.
"Is someone coming?" Theresia realized. She quickly squeezed her eyes shut, pretending to be fast asleep.
A moment later.
"Shh~" Carol made a soft shushing sound to Regulus.
Footsteps approached hurriedly.
"Miss Carol!" a female voice called out, sounding out of breath. "I finally found you!"
It was a messenger from the knight order.
"You have a new urgent assignment," the messenger panted. "You are to take this letter to the estate of Marquis Mathers. You must escort the Marquis to the front lines for magical support immediately."
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