A Snake’s Life Ch 68

Chapter 68

 

However, Shuiren’s voice dropped in pitch. It was a subtle sign that the knot inside him had begun to loosen. A soft chuckle slipped through Zerpell’s lips. Shuiren’s heart was already beginning to melt.

“You are my only lover. She’s nothing more than a political alliance. Alright?”

“…Who’s to say that’s true?”

“You doubt me? Hm… What can I do to make you feel better…?”

“…Forget it.”

Shuiren no longer thought much of the fact that he was now sitting on Zerpell’s lap. He reached for the remaining bottle of wine nearby and opened it with practiced ease. It was a skillful motion. Zerpell narrowed his eyes as he watched him. Just as Shuiren was about to take a sip, Zerpell’s large hand covered the rim of the glass.

“Huh? What? Move your hand! I’m going to drink!”

“Shuiren. You’re too drunk. And you shouldn’t drink just yet. You’ll have plenty of time to drink once you’re truly of age. Then, we can drink together—something fine, not this cheap stuff.”

As Zerpell continued to interfere, Shuiren shouted in frustration.

“I am of age already! Isn’t that enough?? I can’t even drink… This is exactly when I should be drinking!”

Zerpell’s hand faltered at his words. Seizing the chance, Shuiren downed the wine in one go. He muttered that it tasted good and began drinking recklessly. Just then, soft chuckles echoed from behind him.

The eerie laughter made Shuiren turn around. Zerpell was laughing—brightly. What’s going on? Shuiren tilted his head in confusion at the sight of his smiling face. Zerpell’s eyes gleamed like those of a predator eyeing its prey.

“An adult, huh.”

Hic.

‘What did I just say?’

The moment Shuiren recalled his own words, his face turned pale despite being flushed moments before. The alcohol buzz vanished in an instant. He quickly covered his hiccuping mouth with his hand. His body jolted with each hiccup.

Shuiren thought to himself that since they were lovers now, maybe he should just be honest… But after hiding it for so long, it felt awkward to confess. Besides, given that he had reincarnated, his age from a previous life shouldn’t matter… right?

And truthfully, if he were to tell the truth, things would probably get complicated… Though Zerpell seemed to have picked up on the frequent mistakes Shuiren made, as if he already suspected something… His lips went dry.

‘My mouth is the problem. This damn self-destructive mouth of mine…’

What started as a pleasant drink had quickly become a disaster. Zerpell had fallen silent behind him. Shuiren swallowed nervously.

“Ahaha… Master, so, uh…”

“An adult… huh. Is that true?”

Shuiren fidgeted with his fingers. Sneaking a glance at Zerpell, he nervously wiped his clothes with his palm. Then, he gave a small nod. At that moment, Zerpell pressed his lips to Shuiren’s neck. Shuiren jolted like a freshly caught fish.

“W-What are you—mmph.”

Before he could push him away, Zerpell’s lips trailed down his neckline.

Shuiren wasn’t particularly good at acting. From his occasional slip-ups, Zerpell had a vague sense that something was off, but Shuiren always dodged the topic and never came clean.

Zerpell had been tempted to dig into whatever Shuiren was hiding, but seeing how desperately he tried to keep it secret, he thought Shuiren would probably run if exposed. Everyone has their secrets. Whether Shuiren confessed or not, Zerpell had no intention of letting him go. He was his lover, after all. If Shuiren wouldn’t speak, he’d simply wait—just one year. That resolve had just snapped.

“Shuiren. Do you remember when I said I’d reward you after the meeting with the Emperor?”

“Y-Yeah? What about it all of a sudden…?”

“Shall I give you something nice?”

When Shuiren looked up, Zerpell was staring down at him with a mischievous expression. Shuiren opened and closed his mouth several times before barely managing to get words out.

“Y-You’re insane. Wh-What are you talking about?? Let’s calm down—”

Before he could stop him, Zerpell devoured his lips. The warmth from the wine was nothing compared to the heat that surged through Shuiren’s body from Zerpell’s touch.

This is bad!

His hands were easily restrained, and Shuiren’s widened eyes showed no sign of returning to normal. Zerpell’s gaze burned with desire, and as the kiss deepened, Shuiren’s eyes grew moist.

Zerpell’s hands moved to Shuiren’s waist. Shuiren’s hands, which had been hovering in the air, clutched Zerpell’s shoulders. Suddenly, a cool breeze blew. Shuiren panicked and pushed against Zerpell’s chest.

“W-Wait! Calm down! W-We’re outside!”

Caught up in the moment, he had completely forgotten they were on a terrace. Even if the terraces were far apart, someone could still see them. Shuiren spoke in a hushed tone.

“Someone might see… Get off me… Why are you acting like this all of a sudden…”

Shuiren’s pupils trembled with anxiety. Instead of answering, Zerpell captured his lips again.

“Mm… Master… Just… a second…”

Shuiren stamped his feet and struggled, pushing at Zerpell. But Zerpell kept targeting his back, stomach, and Shuiren’s favorite—his neck.

“Shuiren. Hmm? Give me your permission.”

“P-Permission for what?!”

“Hmm?”

He pressed in closer, as if he wouldn’t back off until he got a yes. His eyes blazed with uncontrollable fire. Shuiren decided it was best to calm him down first.

“O-Okay, fine. Just not here… We’re outside…”

In the end, he surrendered.

“So that’s a yes.”

“Y-Yeah… But… for what exactly…”

Shuiren looked up at him as if resigned to his fate. He thought Zerpell just meant kissing.

Fine. With that, he tugged on Zerpell’s collar. Zerpell’s thin lips curled, and a red tongue flicked out to lick them. But instead of closing the distance, Zerpell stayed put. Shuiren’s heart pounded with unease.

Then Zerpell smiled—and the smile etched itself into Shuiren’s heart. It was the brightest, most content smile he had ever seen.

“You were right.”

“Huh?”

“We must let everyone know.”

Shuiren stared, dazed, at the slowly spreading smile. It was beautiful. Just as he realized what was happening, Zerpell scooped Shuiren into his arms and stood up.

Shuiren’s wide, trembling eyes reflected Zerpell’s satisfied expression. His strides were bold and without hesitation as he headed toward the curtain.

“W-Wait. Where are we going?!”

Zerpell yanked open the curtain. Outside on the terrace were nobles who had been loitering, waiting for Zerpell to appear. Their eyes widened in shock as they saw the scene unfold. Shuiren lowered his head in shame. Zerpell kissed his forehead softly.

Clink.

The sound shattered the silence—someone had dropped their glass. The nobles stared, all wearing blank expressions. Shuiren shrank deeper into Zerpell’s arms and tapped his chest.

“Put me down…”

His voice was so small, it sounded like he wanted to crawl into a mouse hole.

“Didn’t you say you wanted to make it clear?”

“T-That’s not what I meant by that…!”

After yelling, Shuiren looked around and quickly dropped his voice again. He struggled in Zerpell’s arms as if he’d force his way down, but it was no use. Zerpell gently nuzzled his forehead.

“Enough. Let’s go to our room.”

“R-Room? Why the room??”

“Hm? Time to rest, of course.”

Speaking kindly to Shuiren, Zerpell turned to the surrounding nobles.

“We’ll be off now. Enjoy the rest of the evening.”

With that, Zerpell left the banquet hall with Shuiren in his arms. The remaining nobles erupted into chatter. Some stared blankly at the closed doors in disbelief, while others loudly denied what they had just witnessed.

“L-Lady Camilla… weren’t you engaged to His Highness…?”

“Oh? Did I ever say that with my own lips?”

The young ladies questioning Camilla were left speechless. She had never given a clear answer. Narrowing her eyes, Camilla watched Zerpell’s retreating back.

So much for the effort I put into that introduction, Your Highness.

There was a hint of disappointment, but she also loathed interfering in a romantic relationship.

I had no idea how I ended up in the carriage or arrived at the room. It all flowed so naturally, like water. The dim room greeted me. Was it just my imagination, or did it look like a blazing furnace?

He laid me down on the bed. I immediately scrambled to the corner. Zerpell turned on the lights and approached me menacingly. His lips parted, and I braced myself for whatever he was about to say.

“Shall we begin?”

“Wait—begin what?!”

Zerpell smiled nonchalantly and answered as if it were the most natural thing in the world. I instinctively turned away and clutched my collar.

He’s going to eat me alive.

I blurted out whatever came to mind.

“B-Before that, there’s something I need to say!”

“What is it?”

“Well… I lied.”

Zerpell narrowed his eyes and sat at the edge of the bed. I could breathe again. I genuinely felt like I was in danger. The cool breeze had sobered me up a bit. I sat with my knees together and spoke sincerely.

“I’m sorry for hiding it… I actually thought about telling you several times…”

But I didn’t have the courage to meet his eyes, so I kept my head down.

“I see. Then, tell me everything.”

“Everything?”

“Yes. From your childhood up until now.”

“…”

I had already planned to tell him everything. My mind blanked a little, but I started speaking hesitantly.

“Well… you see…”

I wasn’t sure where to start or end, so I just laid it all out.

“I came from somewhere else… another world.”

I tried to explain in the simplest way possible. That I had died and come to this world. That I was here at the request of the Water God. I snuck glances at Zerpell as I spoke.

“I was reincarnated as a snake… and clung to my master… I’m actually twenty-eight years old. Haha… I’m basically an old man, right?”

I gave an awkward laugh. Zerpell listened silently until I finished. A faint frown creased his face.

So he is disappointed…

My heart dropped with a thud. I awkwardly scratched the back of my neck, feeling my eyes go red.