Limited Extra Time - Chapter 145

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

—— Page 1 ——

* * *

Warm lips descended across her pale skin, tracing a path of exquisite sensation.

No matter how many times Carina Leopold experienced it, the unfamiliar intensity never ceased to unsettle her—her body trembled, her spine arching beneath the touch.

“Carina Leopold….”

His eyes, gleaming with multifaceted brilliance—gold and sea intertwined—became her compass through the darkness.

Millaiyen’s throat undulated with desire. For this beloved creature, he pressed his lips repeatedly against her nape, each kiss a whispered devotion.

Sweet rapture flooded through them as two pale bodies intertwined. Beads of perspiration traced paths down the defined contours of Millaiyen’s musculature.

“Mil… aiyen….”

Enveloped in heat, the two moved as one, their lips meeting with synchronized urgency.

—— Page 2 ——

Her lower lip caught between her teeth, her tongue coiling with greedy fervor, Millaiyen gently captured her tongue’s eager dance. It was a morning of unparalleled sweetness.

“Would you like some water?”

“Yes….”

Carina Leopold answered, her brow furrowing slightly at the roughness of her own voice.

Still cradling her in his embrace, Millaiyen rose and began stroking her back with tender care. He donned a silk robe, poured water from the pitcher on the bedside table, and returned to her. Supporting her back with one arm, he raised her to a semi-upright position and tilted the glass gently to her lips. Watching her drink eagerly, Millaiyen let out a soft laugh.

“You’re laughing? This early in the morning….”

Once she had finished drinking, Carina Leopold’s voice returned to its normal timbre as she chided him gently.

He had tormented her relentlessly last night, and now here he was doing it again this morning. Of course, she could hardly reproach him when she herself had been unable to refuse—she had eagerly reciprocated his advances.

“I’m sorry.”

Millaiyen laughed with an air of helplessness, his lips curving into a smile.

Carina Leopold couldn’t help but smile at the expression she’d grown so accustomed to seeing lately. He gently caressed her cheek.

“It feels like a dream.”

“What does?”

“That when I open my eyes, Millaiyen is there. That I’m still alive. That I’ve been living this leisurely life for already four months now.”

“Since it’s a quiet season, if there’s anywhere you’d like to go, let’s make the trip.”

—— Page 3 ——

Millaiyen reclined beside me at an angle, his arm propped beneath his head as he spoke.

His voice was soft and seemed utterly at ease. It was certainly different from the anxiety that had consumed him before. That alone was enough to satisfy me.

“Then I’d like to visit the Northern Sea that we couldn’t reach last time. Where Marin is.”

At my words, Millaiyen let out a low groan of displeasure.

Judging by the slight raise of his eyebrows,

it was clear he didn’t approve. The old me would have simply agreed, but lately I’d learned to be a little selfish.

“…Must it be there?”

“Yes, I’ve never been there before.”

“Very well, I’ll consider it.”

He doesn’t say it’s absolutely impossible. Knowing that, I sometimes indulge in a bit of stubborn insistence.

“Thank you.”

I pressed a light kiss to Millaiyen’s cheek.

His face flushed crimson at the unexpected affection, and soon he buried his forehead against my shoulder. A soft murmur escaped him.

“I want to kiss you. You’d be angry if I kissed you here, wouldn’t you, Carina Leopold?”

“Yes, I’m hungry. And I need to finish the painting today.”

“…All right, I’ll have them prepare a meal. Go wash up. Or should we bathe together?”

“No, if I bathe with Millaiyen, I’ll keep getting swept up in things. That won’t do.”

At her resolute answer, Millaiyen’s head drooped. Carina burst into crystalline laughter and promptly disappeared into the bathroom.

As I sank into the warm water, countless thoughts surfaced.

All the worries of the past year seemed to have been for nothing—this recent peace was utterly joyful and sweet.

After a long wait, I was carefully harvesting the fruits that had finally ripened, one by one,

—— Page 4 ——

savoring them. Though someday those fruits would all disappear.

‘I should visit the Capital at least once.’

I’d rarely had the chance to properly see the Capital before…and I wanted to see Periel Kalos.

It had been about a month since I’d last seen Winston’s face—he was employed by Periel Kalos and traveled between the Capital and the Northern Estate.

Both of them visited often enough, but sometimes one wants to be the one to seek them out

instead.

‘…It is lonely, not being able to use my abilities anymore.’

I lifted my hand from the water.

The water pooled in my small palm slipped away through my fingers in an instant. I clenched my fist, then opened it.

To have everything would be greed. For everything gained, something must be lost.

A future that should never have existed, Millaiyen, the people of the Northern Territory, and Periel

In exchange for gaining friends like Periel, Winston, and Marin, I had surrendered my abilities and my family.

Considering what I had gained, what I had lost was not excessive.

I could still paint, but I could no longer witness that moment when life bloomed within the canvas.

I finished my bath lightly and emerged.

Millaiyen had already washed elsewhere and descended to the Dining Hall, so he was not in the Room.

Since this was familiar routine, I dressed quickly and descended the Staircase.

“You’ve awakened, madam.”

“…That title really never becomes natural to me, Peng.”

“You must grow accustomed to it.”

Peng, dressed as always in impeccable attire, bowed at the waist and guided me to the Dining Hall.

I laughed softly and nodded. In truth, it had taken considerable time before I could even stop using formal speech with him.

—— Page 5 ——

was.

“You are the one and only mistress of the Pestellio Ducal House. How are you feeling today?”

“Hmm, the same as always. A bit languid and hungry…?”

“I noticed you’ve been wanting to eat meat lately, so I prepared a meal focused on meat today.”

“Thank you. Is it because my body has loosened up lately? Or is it because of Haron…? It’s strange—I never particularly liked meat before. I never thought I’d be drawn to undercooked meat like this.”

I found meat dripping with blood appetizing, which felt oddly strange even to myself.

It truly was delicious. My palate had changed considerably from my previous preference for bland food, and I myself found it peculiar.

Of course, since my body itself had changed in many ways, it was possible this was natural.

As I was about to enter the Dining Hall, Peng’s expression shifted subtly.

He wiped his face with a somewhat stiffened expression. Noticing the flustered look in his eyes, I turned away from the Dining Hall entrance.

“Peng?”

“Ah… yes. You’ve been taking quite a few afternoon naps recently, haven’t you?”

“Mm, perhaps it’s the pleasant weather. Truth be told, with nothing to do around the house, it’s hardly strange that sleep keeps calling to me.”

While summer was in full bloom elsewhere, the Northern Territory enjoyed only a mild breeze.

The sunlight was somewhat warm, but not oppressively hot, nor humid. The weather was perfect for living.

“Is something wrong with my health?”

“…No, ma’am. Winston should be arriving soon, so it wouldn’t be amiss to have a checkup.”

Peng answered with a picturesque smile, shaking his head.

There was something oddly buoyant in his demeanor,

—— Page 6 ——

but I had no desire to press the matter.

I entered the Dining Hall without further question.

“Carina Leopold.”

“Were you waiting for me?”

“I am always waiting for you. If you are hungry, eat at once.”

“Yes.”

I nodded lightly and took the seat Peng pulled out for me.

The meal was primarily meat, as promised—

There was truly nothing but meat. Even the salad contained chicken breast.

She cut into the rare steak and placed it in her mouth. A flood of juices—or perhaps blood—spilled forth.

A faint smile bloomed across Carina Leopold’s face. Her fork moved ceaselessly as she carefully selected different cuts of meat to savor.

Peng observed Carina Leopold’s behavior with keen attention.

“Carina Leopold.”

“Yes?”

“I’m concerned you’re eating far too much. Are you certain you’re alright?”

“Ah… was I?”

Millaiyen gazed quietly at Carina Leopold’s empty plate and nodded slowly.

He had noticed her appetite had grown considerably of late, but today it was approaching something severe.

‘…How am I supposed to summon that Dragon

hatchling?’

No matter how he considered it, Haron was undoubtedly the cause.

The various changes Carina Leopold displayed were all Haron’s influence.

It would be fortunate if this posed no serious problem for her, but if it were somehow harming her body, that would be troublesome indeed.

“Master.”

“What is it?”

—— Page 7 ——

“In my assessment, she has not eaten excessively at all. It is merely that my lady’s usual portions were far too meager. I would say she is eating quite appropriately.”

Peng stepped forward to defend Carina Leopold. His gaze carried unmistakable reproach.

Millaiyen’s eyes narrowed as he regarded Carina Leopold with careful consideration.

Carina Leopold wore a somewhat melancholic expression.

“You’re right. I was mistaken.”

Millaiyen, having quickly picked up on Peng’s cue, nodded. Carina Leopold lifted her head slightly.

“Now that I think about it, your portions were even smaller than a goat’s. I was wrong. Eat as much as you’d like. I overlooked how much you normally consume.”

Carina Leopold exhaled deeply upon witnessing Millaiyen’s abrupt change of subject.

She set down her fork at last. Millaiyen’s breath caught at the sight of her clearly sullen expression.

“Carina Leopold?”

“That’s enough. I’d just like dessert.”

“…I understand. What would you like?”

“Fruit.”

Millaiyen made a light gesture toward Peng. Peng bowed and departed the Dining Hall with brisk steps.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————