Chapter 20: Capital of Litmus (18+)
Leaving her village behind, Marissa rode a carriage toward the capital of Litmus, Ventianne, accompanied by Maroon and her maid. For a duke's daughter, this level of protection would seem inadequate, but for a village chief from a poor village, it was more than enough. Marissa found herself caught between those two worlds. Yet, now that she could walk again, such trivial matters no longer concerned her. She silently promised herself that she would give everything to Hiro, who had freed her from her suffering. The world seemed more vibrant now—she could properly serve as village chief, survey the lands herself, and travel without being carried in a sedan chair. Everything felt beautiful.
What Marissa didn't know was that her thigh had already been healed by Hiro. Eager to play a prank, Hiro wrapped her legs in his tentacles like usual. Marissa thought he just wanted to "play" with her legs, so she let him. She felt immense joy as she watched her legs move, though she wondered if Hiro understood her emotions. He seemed pleased whenever they moved together.
After his routine checks, Hiro began lightly caressing her thigh—a much gentler touch than before. When supporting her movements, Hiro had always gripped her legs firmly, but now his touch was soft and ticklish. For Marissa, who hadn't felt anything in her legs in years, the sensation was completely new.
"Hyaa!?" Marissa gasped in shock at the unfamiliar feeling. Maroon, riding beside the carriage on horseback, and Bertha, who had taken the reins as coach driver, immediately tried to open the door. But Marissa quickly met them at the carriage window, trying to maintain her composure.
"What happened, milady?" Maroon asked, concerned.
"Nothing, it was just—Kya!" Marissa yelped again, her face flushed. Hiro smirked to himself, amused by the scene unfolding exactly as he imagined it would, drawing on his "extensive research" from his previous life. He continued to tease her, gently caressing her thigh and slithering his tentacles toward her back.
"Nh...❤" Marissa moaned softly, her body responding to the new sensations Hiro was introducing to her.
"Should we check?" Maroon and Bertha asked, concerned.
"No! Hiro and I are just bonding. This is a privilege of symbiote users. So, don't p*EEK*!!" Marissa's voice shot up as Hiro teased her sensitive breast. Before closing the window, she added, "I might make some weird noises, so please, just ignore it, okay? Hehehe...❤"
Marissa then knelt inside the carriage, prepared to serve Hiro. But Hiro, having lost interest, simply retreated. He had already indulged her the night before and had only meant to play a small prank. He set her back into her seat.
Frustration brewed inside Marissa. She felt ashamed, having promised herself to serve Hiro, not to expect pleasure in return. She tried to suppress the heat building within her and reminded herself of her devotion to him.