A Brighter Future (Kuroinu)

“Is that the right thing to do?”

This situation, even Celestine feels a bit inappropriate. After all, Claudia has already shown on the surface that she doesn’t resist the idea of marrying Rhodes. If she were to go and explain this matter to Claudia now, it would surely cause her displeasure.

“Anyway, let’s just talk about it first. If we don’t go and explain it to her, there’s no way to know.”

Rhodes could only think of this solution. As for the outcome, it depends on Claudia’s attitude towards him.

“That’s the only way.”

Celestine nodded. The current situation requires them to try what Rhodes suggested. However, she is quite worried about the consequences if it fails. If they can’t succeed, Rhodes will surely end up with Claudia, and then…

“Sigh…”

Celestine couldn’t help but sigh. Is this the result of digging a hole for herself?

“Don’t be too sad. It hasn’t reached a point where there’s no way out, right?”

“I know. I’ll pray for you. I hope everything goes smoothly.”

After the discussion of these matters, Rhodes’s mind became active in other aspects. Now that he understands Celestine’s thoughts, facing her, he can’t help but think about some special things, especially considering her always provocative dressing style.

“Rhodes, you must be thinking of something inappropriate now.”

Celestine felt Rhodes’s gaze and understood the meaning behind his scrutiny. The problem is not solved yet, but he’s already thinking about such things.

Thinking about that, Celestine blushed, even her ears, looking exceptionally beautiful.

“I think it’s normal, right? Besides, a large part of it is because of your dressing style, which makes me think about those things. Or maybe if you change your clothes, the situation might be better.”

Rhodes shifted the blame to her and even asked her to change her appearance.

Celestine couldn’t help but reach out and pull his face, expressing her dissatisfaction.

“You always say that. Clearly, it’s your own dirty thoughts, and you blame it on me. It really makes me feel sorry for you. Anyway, don’t think about those things. We need to wait until General Grave’s issue is resolved. After that, under the witness of the goddess Leliantia, we can complete the sacred ceremony and be together.”

“Must it be like that?”

Rhodes’s expression instantly fell. After finally getting this opportunity, it turns out he can’t do what he wants. This situation is undoubtedly frustrating.

“It must be.”

Seeing Celestine insisting like this, Rhodes looked helpless but also unwilling to accept it.

“Well, if it’s just a touch, can I?”

“Do you want to touch it? This…”

Celestine hesitated in her expression. However, looking at Rhodes’s pitiful eyes and unable to find words to refuse, she could only nod helplessly.

“I really can’t help you. Fine, I know. Anyway, only touching is allowed, nothing else.”

As soon as Celestine agreed, Rhodes immediately pounced on her bed, burying his face in her chest, feeling the warmth of her embrace. Celestine blushed and endured all of it, feeling strange sensations. Suddenly, she felt a kiss on her skin.

“Ah! No— didn’t we say nothing else is allowed!”

The sensation, like an electric shock, made Celestine’s body jolt. She looked at Rhodes with a somewhat reproachful gaze for not keeping to their agreement.

“Because the temptation is too strong.”

“If that’s the case, then don’t continue doing such things, and you won’t be tempted.”

“No, I haven’t enjoyed this warmth yet! I promise this won’t happen again, so let me enjoy it for a while longer.”

For Rhodes, leaving this warm embrace now is like facing death. He just wants to stay immersed in this warmth until he’s satisfied.

“This time, you must keep your word, or I won’t agree to this again.”

After Celestine’s final admonition for Rhodes to stick to the agreement, she didn’t say anything more about his behavior. However, in the end, Rhodes couldn’t resist kissing her before letting go, and Celestine lectured him about the outcome in a somewhat playful manner.

Regardless, this time, Rhodes felt extremely satisfied, sensing that his life was finally stepping onto the path of happiness.

Even on the next day, when meeting with Grave and Claudia, he had a happy smile on his face. This made Grave wonder if Rhodes had thought things through, finally agreeing to be his adopted son and Claudia’s husband.

“Lord Rhodes, are you so happy because you’ve thought it through?”

“Huh? I can say so. But General Grave, I would like to talk to Claudia alone if that’s okay.”

“Of course, no problem!”

Grave immediately nodded.

“I understand.”

Claudia nodded as well. When leaving with Rhodes, she felt a mix of nervousness and anticipation. In a somewhat secluded corner, after making sure there was no one around, Rhodes looked at the shy Claudia.

Seeing her like this, Rhodes felt somewhat sorry for what he was about to say to her. Therefore, he was conflicted about how to phrase it to not hurt Claudia too much.

“Claudia, I called you here to tell you something important. I have feelings for Celestine, and she wants to take care of me. So, regarding our… umm!?”

Before he could finish his sentence, Rhodes suddenly felt a strong sense of danger, especially from Claudia, who had just looked shy. There was even a terrifying feeling, as if she were a dangerous beast.