I've always been extremely sensitive to smells. I bathe constantly because I can't stand even the faintest lingering scent on my skin.
So handling Sera's scent at first wasn't easy—but it was intoxicating. A heady mix of her sweat, perfume, and hair oils. Strangely beautiful.
As a man, I'm instinctively drawn to the way women smell. That entire blend pulled me in.
Leaving that room earlier took real self-control. I was already worked up.
I've worried about this sensitivity since I was a kid. I used to keep my mind busy—talking, thinking, anything—so that I wouldn't focus on smells.
It's my biggest concern about marriage.
If a woman is beautiful and grounded by my standards, I'm drawn to her. But if her scent is too strong, I pull away. Even a normal bad smell is easier to handle than heavy perfume. Strong fragrances bother me just as much.
I wandered through the manor. What bothered me most was that I hadn't seen a single servant. Strange.
I headed to the kitchen. The moment I stepped inside, I couldn't help but laugh.
I actually put my hand on my head and shook it.
I silently thanked my father. The kitchen was packed with ready-made food. He definitely did it on purpose. He must've noticed how hungry I was.
Eventually, I wheeled a food cart to my wife's room and knocked. After she opened the door, I pushed it inside.
...
I sat down on the rug, catching the confused look on Sera's face.
I smiled.
"Do you want the food… or do you want me, Sera?"
Disgust immediately took over her expression.
"Are you serious? You're actually saying something that embarrassing?"
That hit harder than I expected. I turned my face away and grabbed a chicken leg.
"Sera, did you really have to ruin the mood?" I muttered after a bite. "We're alone. You could at least help instead of making it worse."
After finishing it, I drank a glass of water and looked back at her.
"Ready, Sera?"
She said nothing.
I went to the bathroom, rinsed my mouth thoroughly, and spat. No way I was going into this with the smell of food on my breath.
Once I was sure my mouth was clean, I went back.
I didn't want our first time to be ruined by something so stupid.
I pulled her closer by the waist and kissed her.
I used to think kissing was nothing special. I never understood why people were so obsessed with it.
Now I do.
The feel of her teeth and gums against my tongue. The way her tongue moved—soft, coiling. The warmth of her breath.
There's no going back from this. I just hope I don't get addicted.
At first, Sera was stiff. I took the lead. Honestly, I wasn't good at it. I acted confident, but I had no experience at all.
Then suddenly, she grabbed my hands and guided them lower.
Guess she realised I was just as nervous as she was.
After that, things eased up. We both started getting into it.
My hands moved slowly across her body. I could hear her breathing change, hear her complain that I was tickling her.
Without hesitation, she started undressing me, pressing kisses against my chest.
I didn't expect that much enthusiasm.
I didn't hold back either. My hands started exploring more boldly.
We moved forward, naturally.
...
I kept my pace slow, careful not to hurt her. I preferred taking it steady.
It made everything last longer.
And somehow, that made it better.
It felt like we were trying to melt into each other. Her soft sounds filled the room.
Time slipped by.
...
Our breathing grew heavier, filling the space around us.
I lay there, naked, catching my breath.
And yet, I couldn't stop smiling.
It really was the best experience I've ever had.
Or maybe it just felt that way because I expected so little. I didn't think it would be this good. This comfortable.
I turned to my side. Her body lay there beside me—bare, warm.
I reached out, running my hand over her, feeling the softness.
I pulled her closer and held her tight.
"You're amazing, Sera," I whispered. "This marriage… might be the best thing that's ever happened to me."
I kissed her shoulder again and again. Lost count.
I was overflowing with emotion.
"Sera," I murmured, "let's go wash up. Then we can eat."
That was a lie.
I didn't want to wash for anything romantic.
My stomach was already turning from the smell.
It was my first time. I wasn't used to it yet.
The thought of sleeping on this bed like this… it already felt like a nightmare.
Desire and sensitivity had clashed hard inside me.
In the end, the smell won.
So I just tried to make the bath sound romantic.