Chapter 653 – Diverse Moments, Verdant (1)

A week immersed in the rigors of childcare had passed when we convened once more to examine Shiba’s condition.

“Peep?”

Alba, who had been meticulously observing Shiba’s physique for the past hour, finally shook her head. There were no distinct alterations in Shiba’s form.

“It seems we might need a bit more time. Whether she’s awaiting some specific moment… or simply recuperating.”
“Papa, embrace me!”

Shiba, consistently joyful, was a stark contrast to the gravely concerned women around her. I enveloped the approaching Shiba in a warm embrace.

“So, what’s to be done?”
“There’s no significant issue … right, sister?”

Azalea, the ever-concerned maternal figure for Shiba, clung to my arm apprehensively.

Even Alba, with her extensive grasp of the era’s knowledge, dared not postulate a diagnosis. If Shiba were unwell, we would have sought healing aid, but Shiba’s health was robust.

“There’s no problem. It would be rather unusual if Shiba, who thrives on physical activity, had any health issues.”
“That’s correct.”

My agreement seemed to astonish Se-Young, who crinkled her nose in disbelief.

“Be aware of your surroundings, fool. Azalea is anxious.”
“But… isn’t our daughter a prodigy?”

No one could contest this assertion.

“That’s true…”
“Yes, Se-Young. That’s an accurate observation.”

Both the anxious Azalea and Star, who had been tearfully concerned about Shiba, solemnly affirmed this. All the women, who had once indulged in play with Shiba, nodded in agreement.

“Peep?”

Shiba’s vigorous health was undeniable, as evidenced by everyone’s acceptance of the slightly embarrassing title of ‘superior child.’

“Big sister always trains when Papa isn’t around. She said last time… it’s crucial to stimulate the roots. And she keeps trying to make me exercise too!”

Wiki’s perspiration-soaked testimony added to the case. Only Shiba, the subject of discussion, didn’t comprehend, tilting her head and peeping inquisitively.

‘My daughter… she was a gym rat.’

Superior to her father. I had merely indulged in games and cartoons from the comfort of my room.

Rather than denying it, this is commendable behavior for a good child! I stroked Shiba’s bobbed hair, lavishing her with praise.

“Pa?”
“Daddy likes women who exercise.”
“Peep!? Shiba will exercise diligently!”

Shiba’s mouth widened in surprise, her branches quivering. A sweet scent, akin to pine needles, wafted from her head. Our daughter would occasionally emit such a refreshing aroma when in high spirits.

“I can’t refuse anything to my darling!”

Se-Young’s reprimand came in, but I had no regrets.

Just by considering the photos of women in gyms posted on social media, it’s clear. Women in athletic leggings are well-received in society.

Many people find certain visuals cold and distasteful, but it is undeniable that such images often receive a considerable amount of praise.

Replenishing the strength to protect oneself is akin to killing two birds with one stone. My hope is that our daughters, Se-Young and Alba, never appear unappealing, regardless of the circumstances. Most importantly, health is paramount. I wish for our Shiba to remain free from any affliction.

Let’s get to the point of the story.

Though Shiba’s well-being is crucial, circumstances demand an imminent return to the frontline. Our respite is nearing its conclusion. While Alba and Se-Young pleaded for additional rest, this time I declined.

“Would it not be preferable to rest a bit longer?”

In response to the plea, I simply shook my head.

I understood the sentiment, but truthfully, even this amount of rest was causing me unease. Although my plans still had ample flexibility, the potential anxieties stemming from my absence were irksome.

Upon explanation, most seemed to understand. This time, it was their turn to concede, and next, it would be me.

Alba, resting her chin in her hand, nodded and murmured,

“Then, it’s our turn to use the time.”
“That’s right… No–“

This was an unexpected comment.

“What?”

* * * * * * * * * *

It was a night when I had forgotten the numerous concessions they had made.

“Follow me quickly.”
“… Yes.”

Her body, showcasing captivating curves, was tightly encased in a one-piece dress. Despite being concealed beneath a coat, her undulating hips were clearly visible.

Thighs, pelvis, and bare legs. She effortlessly wore kill heels, a material unrefined and feared by everyday folk for its potential to scrape the heel. Every piece of her attire was a luxury item worth a fortune.

“Heh, isn’t our mutt a bit too slow?”
“… Even for that mutt…”

Even if the world crumbles, the upper echelons can continue to relish their daily lives.

Adorned in a suit, wearing an artifact that impairs perception, I had to accompany Lee Se-Young on her shopping excursion for an extended period.

“……”

Of course, this was all while enduring the envious glances and underhanded comments of countless subordinates and nobility.

“Why would someone like her, be with such an unsuitable man?”
“He’s not sharp, but dull. He seems to hold little value for a servant.”
“He looks good for a brawl. Well, he is human. There’s no need to worry unnecessarily.”

I could hear the aristocrats subtly disparaging Lee Se-Young, the leader of the crows.

Her loyal bodyguards were, as always, on high alert today.

Indeed, if it’s natural, it’s natural. I was never the man Se-Young typically pulled along, and to others, I would undoubtedly appear as a brutish oaf with nothing but brawn.

Even with my slight grumbling in front of her, I offered them no favors.

‘The Crow’ steered by Se-Young.
In the underworld, she wielded more influence and presence than the esteemed nobility.
It was only natural that an unmarried woman like her would attract countless displays of affection.

“Hey.”

Perhaps Se-Young sought to make the situation as provocative as possible for me, and thus, she guided us to the bustling underworld market, a haven for the aristocracy.

The lowly status of a man among the nobility. No matter how close we might appear, they would never entertain the notion that we were lovers.

– Tsk, tsk.

With my expression unaltered, I faithfully trailed Lee Se-Young.

“Hey. Can’t you hear my words?”
“…Yeah.”
“Why do you seem so deflated? Hehe. Do you detest listening to me that much?”

That wasn’t the case.
The opportunity to scrutinize the inner workings of ‘The Crow’, with whom we would foster an active relationship in the future, was quite valuable.

Perhaps Se-Young had factored that into her decision to bring me here.

Though outings were typically forbidden during rest periods, we had decided to lift this restriction for a few weeks.

However, it was vital that those in high places remained ignorant of my true identity. Wiki and Alba had lent a helping hand in this regard.

‘I hope the artifact that our daughter gifted will prove useful.’

They had crafted a bracelet, assuring me that I could stretch out for a few days.
From now on, I had to endure being dragged around for a few hours each day with this adornment, to satiate my women’s dissatisfaction and their craving for affection.

The first in line was Lee Se-Young.
Dallae, Suyu, Alba, Marronnier, Hongyeon, Heaven, and many others… A long line of individuals awaited their turn.

“I understand well enough, so do as you wish.”
“What exactly do you understand?”

Maintaining my silence, I cast a brief glance around.
There was no shortage of gazes directed towards us.

Bodyguards, employed solely for Se-Young’s protection, were discreetly positioned and hidden, not just behind her, but at strategic points throughout the area.

“…I see you’re quite the exalted individual.”

Se-Young, with a faint smile, gave my chest a slight poke.

“Should it be only you?”

Se-Young playfully extended her tongue, removing her dark gloves and tossing them onto the box I was holding.

“To be here, we must go to such lengths.”

Lee Se-Young, once a mere key figure in a simple corporation, had now ascended to the status of a magnate in the shadowy world, a status recognized globally.

She was too valuable a figure to be merely a pawn. It was a position where any unexpected incident wouldn’t be considered unusual.

“I’ve made the arduous climb because I yearned to see you again. You can’t fault a man for the lengths he goes to for a woman. It may seem like overprotection for a woman like me… but it was necessary.”

Se-Young nonchalantly shrugged her shoulders, uttering things that were too disturbing to even contemplate. There must have been obstacles on her path to this point, but she had become far bolder than I had anticipated.

“Why, are you worried?” she asked.
“I’m not worried.”
“It’s fine. This body still only knows you.”
“…That’s not what I was worried about.”

The soft undertone of ‘still’ resonated more with me than the slightly unsettling ‘yet’.

“Whether you worry or not, I’ll tell you. From the day you, Lee Si-heon, took what you wanted by force, things have remained the same. Do you understand? Be grateful~ Cheers.”

Se-Young’s giggles echoed in my ears alone, as she smacked my back forcefully before once again taking the lead.

“Just tell me if you need anything,” she said.

Her casual tone blew away the lingering awkwardness. When was the last time we had such an ordinary conversation?

Perhaps because I had rested a bit, I felt more at ease.

“You… don’t even show that you’re struggling.”

But her stoicism was so extreme, I didn’t know how to offer comfort or support. That was how much Se-Young kept her inner wounds hidden.

“Same goes for you and me.”

Is that so?

Watching Se-Young’s bashful smile brought back memories of the past.

“Cheers!”
“No, damn it, slow down with the drinking.”
“I don’t care~ You’ll take me home. Hurry up and cheers. Got it? Cheers!!”

The drinks we used to have every time after academy class. Even though our meetings were strange, we both took great pleasure in them. It was not just about the carnal desires, but also the simple human connection.

“Hey, you dickless bastard.”

…I did get cursed at quite a bit. Now, having been separated for so long, our conversations were hushed and heavy. It was proof that we hadn’t fully let our guards down.

It was mostly me who held back. Even now, I felt somewhat subdued. Se-Young, however, seemed to desire a return to our old routines.

“…Idiot. Just a big-dicked fool.”

Her vitriolic criticism stung deep.

“There’s more to me than just that.”
“Oh~ So you’re saying your balls have gotten bigger too? Now you even dare to defy me.”

After spending so much time shopping, it was suddenly time to return. But even returning meant only going back to the crow’s nest.

What I had discovered so far was… well.

There were many more people eyeing Se-Young than I had expected. Yet, her unique charisma ensured that no one dared to make a move on her.

With all our shopping bags loaded, we got into the limousine.

The back seat was a luxurious enclave, lined with all sorts of alcohol and extravagant goods.

The space was only for Se-Young and me, specially designed to mute even the sound of the engine. There was no shaking when the vehicle turned corners, making it as comfortable as being in my own room.

“Ugh!”

Having shed her coat and stretched, Se-young, slipping out of her high heels, placed her feet on my knees.

“Oh, it’s tough as hell trying to do something you’re not used to. Hey, cur.”

The term ‘cur’ became familiar, echoing over and over in my ears. Se-young chuckled at my response, teasing with her toes.

The enchanting soles of her feet, encased in ebony stockings, writhed around the edge of my belly button.

“Rub my feet.”

“…”

Well, if she commands, what choice do I have?

I pressed down firmly on the indented surface of her slightly moist soles, a result of being on her feet all day.

– Squeeze, press.

A massage administered with carefully modulated force.

However, Se-young seemed somewhat dissatisfied, murmuring with a grimace on her face.

“Do it like old times… show some resistance. You idiot.”

“No, that’s…”

“Damn you! You impotent bastard!”

Se-young’s foot, abruptly lifted, smacked against my nose.

The slightly damp and subtly odorous… such a covertly humid region covered my lips.

It didn’t hurt, but having encountered all sorts of sexual desires in my life, I was unfazed.

– Swish! Thud!!

A neat roundhouse kick.

It was somewhat excessive, but not unusual among superhumans. Yet, I understood what Lee Se-young desired.

– My chin.

Holding Se-young’s ankle, I gazed at her with a somewhat hardened expression.

“What, why?”

Applying force, I pushed slowly. Gripping the thighs of the reclining Lee Se-young, I took her by surprise! Quite naturally, her pantyhose-clad vagina and buttocks were lifted into the air. Of course, her dress had slid down in the process.

“Ah, ah! Look at this bastard…”

Thinking I would lose? That was Se-young’s sentiment as she made a great effort to push me away.

Applying more force resulted in her being helplessly shoved back. Pressing her down onto the seat, dominating her from above, when I met her gaze, her slightly tense face reddened.

“Ah, ah!!”

After releasing her thighs, I embraced Se-young.

Our faces drew closer. Se-young, exerting her strength, was ultimately subdued by the power struggle. The voluptuous body of the charming crow in all its glory. Embracing it with all my might, a jewel that no one else possessed, a slightly humid chuckle escaped from Se-young’s lips.

“… you’re such a dog.”

She uttered the words with a smile.

They all called me a big dog. I didn’t understand, but so it goes.

“I still like it.”

Her legs tightened around my waist. Lower body pressed against each other, followed by the upper body. Then, our lips met. In that manner, we remained enfolded in each other’s arms within the car for a considerable time.