A Snake’s Life Ch 69

Chapter 69

 

I had a rough idea, but knowing and experiencing it firsthand are two very different things.

“Shuiren.”

“Mm…”

“If you’re twenty-eight…”

Here it comes. I squeezed my eyes shut. Even I had to admit the age gap was quite something. But Zerpell’s next words were unexpected.

“You asked me last time why I was so good at kissing. Was it because I had someone to compare to?”

My jaw dropped. Seeing my expression, Zerpell’s presence turned icy. The topic had veered off in a completely unforeseen direction. I couldn’t respond and simply shut my mouth, averting my gaze.

“Shuiren?”

Why did I say that back then… I regretted it, but the words had already been said. Zerpell’s voice was gentle, but his expression was terrifying. I awkwardly tried to change the subject.

“A-Aren’t you bothered by the age difference?”

“Bothered by what?”

“There’s an eight-year gap! That’s like being old enough to wear a silver bracelet! And… you’re the heir… You’ve got a position… I just wondered if I was being selfish…”

I spoke in the tiniest voice. But even that was enough for Zerpell to hear, and a crease formed between his brows. Bloodlines, heirs—those things were major concerns in noble society. Realizing I was feeling down, Zerpell spoke.

“Shuiren.”

“Yeah?”

“I have no intention of being like them. I don’t think blood matters that much, and because of that, I don’t believe an heir needs to be of my blood. I would never abandon the person I love for the sake of an heir. So don’t worry. You’ll be the first and the last for me. I swear it.”

“…”

“Just like that, I don’t care about age. What matters is the essence of the person I love, not their age. From the moment you accepted my feelings, my mind was made up.”

Zerpell spoke plainly but with such sincerity. Honestly… it was moving. The anxious tremble in my heart settled down. Zerpell offered a faint smile and continued.

“Shuiren.”

“Huh?”

“Are you done talking? Then how about my question?”

“What question?”

“I asked if you had someone to compare me to.”

“Oh… um, just one or two… maybe…?”

What? He didn’t drop it?! The moment I said that, Zerpell clicked his tongue softly. He didn’t seem pleased. Well, it’s possible, right? I mean, at twenty-eight, it’s not unusual to have dated once or twice.

“Yeah, I suppose that’s possible.”

“What?”

I was shocked because Zerpell said exactly what I was thinking.

“R-Right! That’s true! Eep…!”

Just as I eagerly agreed, I felt a hand slip through the folds of my clothes—so sudden, I hadn’t noticed it approaching. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver through me. The spot he touched trembled.

“But from now on, there can’t be anyone else. Understood?”

“T-The hand! Take your hand out!”

“You said you didn’t like being outdoors, so we came all the way here.”

Zerpell’s eyes gleamed with desire. As we struggled, physically and verbally, I couldn’t help but feel the position, the situation, and the subtle touch were too much…

“M-Master? Don’t tell me you… want to… with me?”

“I was planning to wait until you were officially an adult, but if that’s not an issue, then it doesn’t matter. Besides… I don’t think this is your first time…?”

His golden eyes glinted coldly. A chill spread over me, despite the heat still lingering in my body from the alcohol. I shouted in protest at his suspicion.

“It’s not!”

“It’s not?”

“I mean… You’re the first man I’ve ever…”

“…”

My voice came out barely audible. I was so embarrassed I cleared my throat to distract from it.

“…Then I’ll have to be extra careful.”

Wait… That’s not what I meant… But he had no intention of backing down.

“I… I don’t even know how… Let’s do it another time… after I study… okay?”

I whined, trying to plead that it was too soon. Zerpell finally pulled his hand away, and I sighed in relief. I thought he had relented. Then I heard something drop onto the bed. When I looked, I saw it was scented oil. All color drained from my face.

“I studied in advance. You think I’d hurt you?”

“Uh…”

“You gave your consent earlier, didn’t you?”

“You didn’t ask clearly!”

“You like my touch, don’t you?”

His eyes drooped pitifully, and I couldn’t help but feel weak. And honestly, I had no words to deny it.

As I stared blankly at him, Zerpell reached out. I flinched and stepped back, but I couldn’t run—and more importantly, I couldn’t move at all. As his hand and lips met my trembling body, I felt the heat rise. Despite the cold air, the alcohol in my body kept it burning. I crumbled helplessly under his touch.

Birdsong chirped by my ear. Just like in novels, I woke to the sound of birds. Is it morning? The curtains were tightly drawn, making it hard to tell if it was day or night. I stared at the ceiling in a daze. Memories came rushing back. It was the perfect moment for a blanket-kick of shame, but I had no strength left.

Last night, Zerpell made sure to ask for my consent each time. “This is okay, right?” “I can do this, right?”

If he’d just gone ahead and done it, I might’ve been less humiliated. But in the end, I caved under his touch and shouted for him to just do whatever he wanted… Every time I tried to say stop, Zerpell would shut me up with a kiss. He pushed me so far I thought I might actually die. I ended up begging and crying before it finally ended.

And now here I was.

“Fuck…”

Well, my personality was completely exposed now. I screamed, cursed, and made a total scene. I even shouted “You crazy bastard!” but Zerpell just laughed. I was so terrified then… Grabbing my sore waist, I leaned against the bed.

“Where the hell did that guy go?”

The pain in my back made me irritable. Just then, the door opened, and Zerpell entered, carrying a tray of food. When he saw I was awake, he smiled. God, he wouldn’t stop smiling.

The moment I saw him, the memories of last night came flooding back and my face turned red. I dove under the blanket, hiding everything, even my hair. My back throbbed from the sudden movement.

“Where did you go? I woke up and you weren’t there… And you didn’t stop even when I asked you to…”

I tried to sound angry, but my shy tone made it come off as sulking. Zerpell’s soft chuckle echoed in my ears.

“Was it too much? You were so beautiful I couldn’t hold myself back.”

“…What is that even supposed to mean.”

“I wanted to stay by your side until you woke up, but I thought you’d be hungry, so I brought you something to eat. I didn’t expect you to wake up while I was gone.”

“What about Ian…?”

“I wanted to take care of you myself.”

His tender tone coaxed me. I peeked my head out of the blanket. Zerpell, looking pitiful, knelt beside the bed. With that expression, how was I supposed to stay mad? I cleared my throat and pushed the blanket away. As I did, Zerpell’s face broke into a bright smile. I looked away, flustered.

He set the tray on the table, then came over and reached out to me. I flinched but had nowhere to run, and honestly, I didn’t have the strength. His lips brushed mine gently and pulled away.

“Does your body hurt?”

“Does it look like I’m okay?”

Even when I glared, Zerpell couldn’t stop himself from laughing. So irritating…

“Aren’t you hungry? Let’s eat.”

He tapped my lips with a spoon. Sorry, but my hands work just fine. Still, I didn’t want to move, so I let him feed me. I ate whatever Zerpell brought to my mouth, and the bowl soon emptied.

As I ate, I felt his hand massaging my lower back. His pressure was just right, easing the soreness. Or so it felt—my body still ached terribly.

Wait, isn’t this what I have powers for? Shouldn’t I use divine energy?

I acted on the idea immediately. I gathered strength into my hands and placed them on my back. It worked! The soreness melted away, and I stretched with relief. That throbbing pain was completely gone. I felt alive again! Power exists for a reason. I rotated my hips in delight, and Zerpell looked at me curiously, asking if I was okay.

“Yeah. I’m fine now. I feel much better…”

The pain faded, and I smiled. But the hand massaging my back changed. It got… gropier. I looked at Zerpell—his eyes were gleaming. Last night I begged him to stop, and now he was already raring to go again? Just how much stamina did he have?! I wanted to cuss him out on the spot.

“Your back’s better?”

“No! It still hurts!”

Not fooled for a second, Zerpell pressed his lips to the back of my neck, biting gently as his hands continued their assault. His eyes were practically glowing red. Then his lips trailed up to my ear, where he bit again and whispered low:

“Shall we go one more round?”

I freaked out. “One more round” my ass. I knew exactly what that meant. I could feel myself getting swept up again. With no escape in sight, I was completely at his mercy.

“The ball… I have to attend…”

“It’s fine. You don’t need to go.”

“Stop, I’m really… exhausted…”

I just wanted to disappear. Suddenly, my vision darkened, and everything around me turned to shadow. What…? I tried to move, but it was no use. Something was pressing me down.

“Shuiren?”

Zerpell’s panicked voice was all I could hear.