Chapter 45: Neia Baraja, a squire from the Sacred Kingdom’s Paladin Order
Grayfia settles onto your lap with practiced grace, her weight light and deliberate as she arranges herself sideways across your thighs. Her crimson eyes meet yours directly, no hesitation visible despite the flush beginning to color her pale cheeks.
"I expect," she begins, voice steady despite the intimacy of her position, "extended pleasure. Hours of it, as you provided before. I expect to be claimed thoroughly, my virginity taken on this throne as you promised at dawn after mission completion. I expect you to use me until I cannot think beyond your touch, until four years of anticipation are finally satisfied."
Her hands rest formally in her lap, but her breathing has already begun to deepen.
You cup her face gently, thumbs brushing her cheekbones, and lean in to kiss her. Soft at first, unhurried, letting her feel the absence of urgency. She responds immediately, lips parting against yours with practiced skill refined over four years of escalating rewards. Your other hand settles at her waist, fingers tracing the structured lines of her maid uniform, feeling the warmth of her body beneath the black fabric.
"You seem to have misunderstood your reward, your virginity remains. This reward will be brief, yet satisfying, same with tomorrows and the day after. You don't have to wait a full year between rewards," you say quietly against her mouth, pulling back just enough to speak. "I'll be careful not to cause that again."
Grayfia's eyes widen fractionally, surprise flickering across her expression before it transforms into something deeper, more vulnerable. "You mean that," she breathes, not quite a question. "No more years of waiting. Just service and reward, as often as you choose."
"As often as I choose." you confirm, resuming the kiss with slightly more pressure.
She makes a small sound in her throat, and her hands finally uncurl from her lap to grip your shoulders. The kiss deepens by increments as she leans into you, four years of mission isolation and controlled anticipation bleeding into increasing fervor. Your hand slides higher along her side, cupping her breast through the uniform's structured bodice, thumb finding her nipple and circling slowly. She gasps into your mouth, hips shifting instinctively.
The escalation builds naturally. Her kisses grow hungrier, more demanding, her breathing ragged as your hands explore freely over fabric. When she finally moves to straddle you properly, knees pressing into the throne's cushioned seat on either side of your hips, you catch her waist and spin her gently but firmly.
Grayfia finds herself suddenly seated in the throne itself, silver hair spilling over black stone, crimson eyes wide and pupils dilated with arousal. Before she can process the reversal, you step between her knees and lift her legs smoothly by the ankles, draping them over your shoulders so her calves rest warm against your neck.
The position opens her completely, even through the modest layers of her uniform. Her skirt rides up to bunch at her hips, exposing white stockings held by garters and the edge of simple cotton undergarments darkened with moisture.
"Lord Blank," she whispers, voice cracking slightly, hands gripping the throne's armrests. "Please. Four years. I've waited four years."
You hold her gaze steadily, her ankles warm in your hands, her body displayed and waiting.
You lean in slowly, cradling Grayfia's face once more, and kiss her deeply, unhurried at first, letting the contact build like a slow tide. Her lips part beneath yours with a soft, needy sound, tongue meeting yours in tentative strokes that quickly grow bolder. Four years of anticipation pour into the kiss; she arches subtly against the throne, fingers tightening on the armrests as though anchoring herself against the rising heat.
You let the arousal build naturally, deepening the kiss until her breathing turns ragged, small whimpers escaping between presses of lips. Her hips shift restlessly beneath you, thighs pressing together in instinctive need, silver hair spilling across black stone in shimmering disarray. When she finally begins to squirm, small, helpless movements of her hips seeking friction you have yet to grant, you draw back just enough to break the kiss.
Her crimson eyes are glassy, pupils blown wide, lips swollen and wet.
You hold her gaze for a heartbeat longer, her ankles warm against your shoulders, her body displayed and trembling in anticipation. Then you lean down slowly, pressing a soft kiss to the inside of her knee, first one leg, then the other, letting your lips linger against the sensitive skin there. Grayfia’s breath hitches, thighs quivering under the gentle contact.
You begin the descent with deliberate care, kissing your way down the sleek line of her calf, pausing to trace the delicate arch of her foot with your mouth, then back up along the inner curve of her leg. Each kiss is slow, reverent, mapping every inch of skin as her breathing deepens into soft, needy whimpers. When you reach the sensitive hollow behind her knee, you linger, sucking gently until she arches off the throne with a broken cry, silver hair spilling across black stone.
You continue upward, kissing along the inside of her thigh, closer and closer to her center, feeling the heat radiating from her. Her hips lift instinctively toward you, panties still tugged aside, glistening with arousal. You do not rush.
Finally, you settle between her thighs and lick her in one long, slow stroke from entrance to clit. Grayfia gasps sharply, hands flying to your hair as her body locks in sudden pleasure. You do not tease or edge, only give her the steady, generous rhythm she has earned.
Your tongue circles her clit with patient pressure, lips closing around the sensitive bud in gentle suction while one hand slides beneath her to cup her ass, lifting her slightly for better access. Two fingers slip inside her, slow, careful, curling upward to stroke the spot that makes her sob with overwhelmed sensation. You build her pleasure quickly and gently, letting it crest in soft, rolling waves.
The first climax hits her like a tide, back bowing sharply, a raw, trembling cry tearing from her throat as her inner walls flutter and pulse around your fingers. You soften your touch just enough to draw out the aftershocks, coaxing smaller contractions until she is gasping, thighs trembling against your cheeks.
You continue without pause, licking her through the descent and guiding her toward the second peak with the same consistent devotion. This time you add subtle pressure, tongue flicking faster against her clit while your fingers curl deeper, until she comes again, harder, hips bucking helplessly as she rides the waves, voice cracking on broken repetitions of your title.
The third is gentler, rolling through her like a slow, warm current. Her body shudders with aftershocks, limbs heavy and lax against the throne, crimson eyes half-lidded and distant. You ease your touch to soothing strokes, kissing the slick skin of her inner thighs until her breathing begins to even out.
You rise slowly, wiping your mouth with the back of your hand, and settle beside her on the throne. Grayfia immediately curls into your side, head resting on your shoulder, silver hair spilling across your chest. Her breathing is deep and slow, body limp with pleasant exhaustion, light enough that she will recover fully within half an hour, yet satisfying enough to leave her soft and sated.
She lifts her head just enough to meet your gaze, crimson eyes shining with quiet awe.
"Thank you," she whispers, voice hoarse. "For not making me wait any longer."
You brush a damp strand of hair from her face and press a gentle kiss to her forehead.
"We have a delegation to prepare for," you murmur. "I'll go get Neia, and meet you at Carne Manor to begin preparing the girls' dresses for the delegation."
Grayfia nods, curling closer against you for a final moment before straightening with visible effort. "I will be ready, my lord. Thank you."
You rise from the throne, leaving her seated there in the afterglow, legs still parted, skirt rucked up, cheeks flushed, silver hair in disarray across black stone. She watches you with soft, sated eyes as the silver portal opens at your gesture.
You step through, leaving Grayfia to gather herself in the throne room's quiet grandeur, sated, cherished, and already anticipating the next moment of service.
The silver portal opens directly into Neia's modest apartment with its familiar scent of leather oil and weapon maintenance. She stands near her small mirror, adjusting the white cocktail dress you gifted her earlier. The fabric hugs her athletic frame elegantly, backless cut exposing pale skin that rarely sees sunlight, hem falling mid-thigh to show long legs. Her dark hair is pulled into a simple low ponytail, and she's clearly attempted makeup but applied it with the same precision she uses for bowstring maintenance, resulting in slightly uneven eyeliner that somehow makes her perpetual dark circles less intimidating.
She turns at your arrival, and you see her shoulders drop fractionally with relief.
"I was right," you say simply. "You look stunning."
Neia's cheeks flush immediately, and she glances down at herself with visible uncertainty. "I feel ridiculous. I've never worn anything like this. The fabric is so thin, and the back is completely exposed, and I keep worrying I'll trip on these stupid heels, and..."
"You look stunning," you repeat, voice firm but gentle. "Trust me."
She swallows hard, then nods once, gripping her small purse with white knuckles. "Yes, Lord Blank. Thank you."
"Our next stop is a manor with a few others who will be attending like yourself," you continue, gesturing toward a new portal. "If there is anything you want while we're out, please do not hesitate to ask."
Neia shakes her head quickly. "No, I'm... I'm ready. I think." She takes a deep breath, visibly steeling herself as though preparing for combat rather than social introduction.
You guide her politely through the portal, one hand lightly at the small of her bare back. She tenses at the contact but doesn't pull away, stepping through with military precision despite her earlier worry about heels.
The sitting room of Carne Manor greets you both with warm afternoon sunlight streaming through tall windows. Albedo rises immediately from her seat near the fireplace, golden eyes assessing Neia with calculating interest. Arche looks up from the low table where she's been arranging teacups, honey-blonde hair loose around her shoulders, wearing a simple green day dress. Enri sits beside her, red hair in braids, looking significantly more comfortable in casual village clothing than she did this morning.
Yor and Fiona occupy the far couch, both upright and attentive. Yor wears a flowing burgundy dress that complements her dark hair, while Fiona's chosen pale blue with structured shoulders. Both watch Neia's entrance with identical trained calm.
Oriax stands near the doorway to the hall, silver hair now pinned in her traditional elegant bun, maid uniform perfectly pressed again. Her crimson eyes are clearer than they were this morning, and she offers a small, professional bow.
"Everyone," you say simply, "this is Neia Baraja, a squire from the Sacred Kingdom's Paladin Order. She'll be attending the diplomatic screening this afternoon."
Neia stands rigid beside you, sharp eyes darting between faces, clearly cataloging threats and exits out of pure habit. Her perpetual dark circles and narrow gaze make her expression unintentionally severe despite her obvious nervousness.
Albedo steps forward first, extending one elegant hand. "Welcome, Miss Baraja. I am Albedo, steward of Lord Blank's household."
Neia takes the offered hand with visible relief at having a clear protocol to follow. "Honored to meet you, Lady Albedo." Her voice is steady, military-trained formality covering anxiety.
Arche rises next, offering a much warmer smile. "I'm Arche. You look beautiful in that dress, truly."
Neia blinks, clearly unprepared for genuine compliment. "I... thank you. I'm not used to..."
"None of us were," Enri interjects with characteristic practicality, gesturing to the empty chair beside her. "Come sit. We're just having tea before we need to get ready."
You settle into the cushioned chair beside Neia, accepting the delicate porcelain teacup Enri offers with a grateful nod. The sitting room's warm afternoon light softens everyone's features, and conversation flows with surprising ease around the low table.
"So you're from the Sacred Kingdom," Arche says, leaning forward with genuine interest. "I've heard the Paladins there are incredibly disciplined. Is it true they train for ten years before earning full rank?"
Neia blinks, clearly surprised to be addressed so directly. "Eight years minimum, actually. Though most take closer to twelve. The trial evaluations are... rigorous."
"I imagine so," Yor adds quietly from her seat on the far couch. "Discipline is everything in service roles."
Neia's sharp eyes flick to Yor, and something in the other woman's posture registers visibly. "You have combat training."
It's not a question. Yor's lips curve into a faint, polite smile. "I had duties that required certain skills, yes."
Fiona speaks up from beside Yor, voice carefully neutral. "Miss Baraja, how long have you served in the Paladin Order?"
"Five years as squire," Neia answers, relaxing fractionally as the conversation stays on familiar ground. "I'm still working toward full rank. My archery scores are excellent, but my... social evaluations tend to suffer."
Enri laughs warmly. "Social evaluations sound terrible. I'd fail those too."
"You're doing fine right now," Arche points out gently, and Neia's perpetually severe expression softens just slightly.
Oriax circulates quietly, refilling teacups with practiced grace. Her crimson eyes are clearer than they were this morning, posture steady despite the vulnerability she showed hours ago. She catches your glance and offers the faintest nod of acknowledgment before moving on.
The tea settles everyone into comfortable rhythm. Neia's shoulders drop degree by degree as she realizes no one here is judging her appearance or waiting for her to fail socially. She even manages a small smile when Kuuderika shyly compliments her dress.
After twenty minutes, Arche rises smoothly. "I should change into my evening dress. The screening starts in less than ninety minutes."
"Good idea," you say, setting down your empty cup. "Enri, Lisara, stay seated for a moment."
Both women glance at you curiously but remain in place. You gesture casually, weaving magic with effortless precision.
Enri's simple village clothing shimmers and transforms in seconds, fabric rippling like water before settling into a modest white sundress with delicate lace trim at the collar and hem. The cut is clean, innocent, falling just below her knees in soft cotton folds. Her rich blond hair contrasts beautifully against the pure white.
Lisara's transformation is more dramatic. Her comfortable day dress dissolves into deep crimson silk that clings to her curves before flaring slightly at mid-thigh. The back plunges low, exposing smooth skin down to the small of her back, while white-gold accents trace the neckline and hem in elegant scrollwork. She looks stunning and slightly stunned.
"Oh," Enri breathes, looking down at herself with wide eyes. "This is beautiful."
Lisara touches the crimson fabric carefully, as though afraid it might vanish. "Lord Blank, I... thank you."
Neia stares openly, then catches herself and looks away, cheeks flushing. "That was... instantaneous."
"Convenient for situations like this," you say simply.
Albedo watches the display with faint amusement. "Efficiency and elegance combined. Well done, my lord."
The household settles back into quiet conversation as Arche disappears upstairs to change, but you notice Neia glancing at you with newfound wariness mixed with awe. She's just witnessed casual high-tier magic performed as easily as breathing.
