Starting as the Baron of the Lonely Island

Natalia sat in a chair, flipping through a book. Her heart hammered in her chest, and though her eyes scanned the pages, the words refused to register.

The reason was simple: tonight would be the first time she and Duane shared a bed.

She’d had a little wine earlier, so her cheeks were already flushed. The thought of what might happen tonight sent a wave of bashfulness across her usually cool and aloof face, a contrast that only made her more captivating.

After finishing his conversation with Lune, Duane was delayed further when Ralph and a few others requested an audience.

By the time he had bathed and returned to the bedroom, it was likely past ten o’clock.

The Magic Energy Lamp cast a bright glow across the bedroom. Pushing the door open, Duane found Natalia staring blankly into space.

"What’s on your mind?"

The sudden voice made Natalia jump. She quickly snapped out of her daze. "N-nothing."

Duane found her flustered reaction a little strange. As he drew closer, he caught a faint, sweet scent wafting from her.

"What is it?" she asked.

Duane smiled. "Your perfume is a little stronger than usual."

Natalia said bashfully, "I used some scented oils in my bath. I always do, but since I just finished, the fragrance hasn’t faded yet."

A smirk played on Duane’s lips. "Why do you sound so nervous?"

"Huh? D-Do I?" Natalia grew even more flustered.

Duane took another step, closing the distance between them. The combination of her faint perfume, her anxious yet bashful beauty, and the pointed advice Ralph had given him before leaving... it was enough to make his imagination run wild.

He reached out, pulled her into his arms, and buried his face in her long hair, taking a deep breath of her scent. "The night is late, and we’re all alone," he murmured. "Shouldn’t we be doing something about that?"

Natalia’s entire body felt feverish, her cheeks even more so. Though she had mentally prepared herself, she was still a bundle of nerves.

"Um, about that... Wait, didn’t you say you were going to grow your left hand back after you returned?"

She added, "Why not... do it now?"

Duane couldn’t help but smile. The night was young; there was no need to rush.

"I’d almost forgotten about that."

He released her from his embrace. Missing a hand was, after all, rather inconvenient.

The people in the territory were aware of his condition. Even if outside merchants left Black Forest Island, no rumors would spread that Duane’s arm was fine.

"This will be my first time using ’Molting Rebirth,’ as well. It’s a good chance to see the effects."

With a mere thought, Duane activated the ability granted by his Celestial Python Bloodline.

Instantly, a violet-blue light emanated from his body.

The light moved over the surface of his skin as if it were alive, gathering into ribbons of pure energy.

To Natalia, Duane had become a man of pure light. Through the radiant glow, she could see his bones, flesh, and even his meridians.

HUMMM~

Amidst a low hum, the energy rippled outward, tearing away his old skin and shredding the clothes on his body.

As the light slowly faded, Duane was completely renewed, from head to toe.

Duane could feel that his body’s vitality was undiminished; in fact, his Bloodline Power felt a fraction stronger.

However, the process had consumed a tremendous amount of his Spirit, Fighting Qi, and Magic Power.

’Before I used it, I was at full capacity. Now, I have less than twenty percent of my Strength left!’

’No wonder the description for this ability said using it in a weakened state would lead to a long period of exhaustion.’

’However, even though my Spirit and Strength have been greatly depleted, the potent restorative abilities of the Celestial Python Bloodline should let me recover sixty to seventy percent after a single night’s sleep.’

Duane waved his new left hand at Natalia. "What do you think of the new arm?"

The voice snapped Natalia out of her stupor. She quickly averted her eyes, turning her head away as her heart began to race and her cheeks flushed crimson.

Duane froze for a second, then glanced down at himself and had the grace to look a little embarrassed.

It seemed the overflow of energy from the Molting Rebirth had disintegrated his clothes, leaving them in a pile of scraps on the floor.

He scratched his head. ’Oh well, what’s done is done. Saves me the trouble of taking them off anyway.’

Duane let out a mischievous chuckle. In a flash, he was at Natalia’s side. She felt herself become weightless and suddenly found herself being swept up into his arms.

She instinctively wrapped her arms around Duane’s neck, burying her face in the crook of his arm.

"Is this okay, Duane?"

"What do you think?"

"I... I don’t know!"

Duane stopped walking and looked down into her eyes, which were shining with affection and impossibly bright. "Then, are you willing?"

Natalia whispered in a voice that was barely audible, "I... I am."

"That’s all that matters, then."

Duane continued walking, gently laying her down on the bed. He slowly untied the silk ribbon of her nightgown.

Instantly, a flawless, perfect body was revealed before him, making his mouth go dry.

Natalia gathered her courage. "Then please, be good to me."

Duane cupped her cheek with his palm, stroking it gently. "Always."

Love bloomed, filling the room until it overflowed.

It was a beautiful night, one they would savor for a long time to come. It was a night that elevated their relationship to a new level.

As for Lady Delilah’s advice to not have children before the wedding ceremony, that was easy enough to manage.

Duane was a Scorching Sun Level Warrior and a Level 7 Mage, while Natalia was a Level 4 Mage. With their level of power, both had superb control over their own bodies.

If they didn’t want it to happen, it absolutely wouldn’t.

The next morning, the sun was already high in the sky when Natalia awoke.

She rubbed her drowsy forehead, feeling a pleasant exhaustion throughout her body. As she lifted the covers and glanced at the stained sheets, a sweet smile graced her lips.

She recalled the events of the previous night; it had been so dreamlike, so wild.

"Karen, Jasmine," she called out.

The two maids entered. When they saw the state of the room, they exchanged a knowing glance.

"Where is Duane?" Natalia asked.

"Madam, the Lord has gone to walk his dog."

Jasmine replied, "He saw you were sleeping soundly and didn’t want to disturb you. He told Karen and me to wait outside the door."

Natalia nodded. She had met Fur Ball yesterday and had even ridden on his back for quite a distance.

It was hard to believe the little wolf pup from back then had grown so enormous.

"I should get up as well."

Natalia stretched, her slender, pale arms emerging from the covers. "Jasmine, please prepare a hot bath for me. Karen, you can help me get ready."

"Yes, Miss... oh, I mean, Madam!"

Karen had been with Natalia since childhood. They were very close, so she could be a bit playful.

Natalia didn’t mind. She was still getting used to her new title herself.

’Duane only gave me a brief tour yesterday. There are still so many things I need to learn.’

As she was helped out of bed, she felt a bit weak. A Mage’s constitution was still somewhat fragile, after all.

"Miss, Lord Duane said you should rest well today!"

Karen added, "He said work can wait. Your health comes first."

Natalia pouted. "Hmph, that Duane. He’s underestimating me. I’m not that fragile!"

Karen giggled to herself, deciding it was best not to tease her any further.

’It’s wonderful to see my lady find the love she wanted, instead of being married off to someone she doesn’t love like so many other noblewomen.’