Anastasia locked the door behind her with a soft click, the sound echoing in the quiet hotel suite like a final punctuation on the chaotic night. The moment the latch fell into place, the dam broke. She started to cry from the pain—the throbbing ache in her swollen eye radiating through her skull like a relentless drum. Tears streamed down her face, hot and unchecked, as she stumbled toward the mirror.
She went to the mirror and saw how bad her face was. The left side was a mess of purple bruising, the skin tight and shiny, her eye nearly swollen shut. It looked grotesque, a stark contrast to her usual composed beauty. She cried harder now, not just from the pain, but from the anger boiling inside her—a furious storm of betrayal and frustration.
How dare they? How dare Subaru lay a hand on me? And Rem... that bitch, playing the victim while ruining everything.
Her sobs grew louder, her body shaking as she gripped the edges of the vanity, knuckles white. The reflection stared back, mocking her fragility.
Then, a maid showed up behind her—it was the ninja she had hired recently, Yae Tenzen, materializing from the shadows like a ghost. Yae's presence was silent, her dark maid uniform blending into the dim room, but her voice was calm and professional. "Lady Anastasia... are you okay?"
Anastasia whirled around, her good eye blazing with fury. "I'm not!" she snapped angrily, her voice raw from the tears. "Does it look like I'm okay? That bastard punched me!"
Yae didn't flinch, her expression unchanging—a true professional. She bowed slightly. "My apologies. If you still should steal Rem's ring?"
Anastasia's anger flared even hotter. "That's why I pay you!" she hissed, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. "Of course you should! Get it done tonight, during the festival chaos. And make sure it's clean—no traces back to me."
Yae nodded once, her eyes sharp and obedient. "Understood, Lady Anastasia. It will be done."
With that, the ninja melted back into the shadows, leaving Anastasia alone again with her pain and her plans. The tears kept coming, but now they were fueled by a renewed resolve. They'll all pay for this night. Especially Rem.
After some time, Yae returned with the ring, slipping back into the room like a shadow. She acted confident, her posture straight and her eyes meeting Anastasia's without a hint of doubt. Yae could see Anastasia happy with her job, the satisfaction radiating from her employer like heat from a flame.
Anastasia praised her, a rare smile crossing her lips as she grabbed the ring from Yae's outstretched hand. "Excellent work, Yae. Quick and clean, just as I expected."
Without hesitation, Anastasia dropped the ring into a small jar filled with a thick, white liquid—Julius's semen, carefully collected and preserved. It sank slowly, bubbles forming as it settled at the bottom.
Yae's eyebrow arched slightly, her curiosity piqued. "What is it?" she asked, nodding toward the jar.
Anastasia's smile faded into a sharp glare. "Mind your own business," she snapped, capping the jar with a twist.
Yae didn't flinch. Instead, she teased Anastasia with a sly grin. "For a girl that fantasizes about getting her husband with other women, you are very aggressive. A territorial cuckqueen, perhaps?"
Anastasia got all red, her cheeks flushing as she realized Yae had spied on her from the moment she got hired. The ninja's eyes gleamed with amusement, having overheard Anastasia's private mutterings and fantasies.
But to Anastasia's surprise, Yae leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "It's kinda hot, especially how Julius is falling for Rem."
Anastasia's flush deepened, but she shook her head firmly. "He doesn't fall in love. It's just lust."
Yae chuckled softly, reaching into her pouch. "If you say so. Want to join me and spy on them? See for yourself?"
Before Anastasia could respond, Yae pulled out a fox mask for her—a traditional kitsune design, white with red accents—and a silk scarf to drape around her kimono, altering its appearance just enough to make it look different.
Anastasia hesitated, then nodded. "Fine. But first, report—what are Julius and Rem doing?"
Yae's expression turned serious, though a hint of excitement lingered. "They talked about what happened earlier. Julius got pretty assertive."
Anastasia's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
Yae leaned against the wall, crossing her arms. "He told Rem she's his for tonight. Said that if Subaru already accused them of cheating, it's not cheating if he molests her a little."
Anastasia couldn't believe it, her heart racing. "You're lying."
Yae shook her head. "I'm telling the truth. Julius bought them masks—simple ones to blend in—and grabbed Rem by her waist. He's walking with her like that now, arm around her, pulling her close. Then he bought a cotton candy and shared it with her, feeding her bites like lovers."
Anastasia's breath caught, a mix of shock and thrill surging through her.
Yae continued. "After that, he challenged Rem to a shooting game. Told her that if she wins, he wouldn't put his hands on her anymore. But if he wins, she'd have to accept it and have fun at the festival with him."
"Of course," Yae added with a smirk, "Julius teased Rem that since Subaru accused him of putting hands on his Rem, he's just making Subaru's anger justified."
Anastasia stared at Yae, processing the words. Julius—her honorable, restrained Julius—being so bold? It was everything she'd dreamed of, and yet it sent a spike of jealousy through her chest. But the excitement won out. This was progress—real, tangible progress.
"Let's go," Anastasia said, slipping on the fox mask and wrapping the silk scarf around her kimono. "I need to see this for myself."
Anastasia barely had time to savor the twisted thrill of the ring—still slick and warm from Julius's seed—before Yae tugged at her sleeve, her voice a hushed whisper amid the festival's clamor. "There they are, Lady Anastasia. Standing in line for the fortune teller."
Thanks to Yae's sharp eyes, they managed to locate Rem and Julius without drawing attention to themselves. The pair was queued up among the crowd, their disguises casual enough to blend in, but Anastasia could spot Julius's elegant posture anywhere. She watched, her heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and something sharper, as Julius's hand darted out playfully, landing a light slap on Rem's ass. The maid flinched slightly, her cheeks flushing, but there was a spark of amusement in her eyes.
"Stop that," Rem hissed, glancing around to ensure no one had noticed, though her tone lacked real bite.
Julius chuckled, his voice low and teasing. "What's wrong? After all, a husband has every right to slap his wife's ass." He leaned in closer, his fingers lingering just a moment too long.
Rem let out a soft laugh, swatting his hand away half-heartedly. "Not in public, you idiot." Despite her words, she didn't pull away entirely, allowing his touch to hover near her hip. They seemed to be enjoying themselves, lost in their little game, and Anastasia felt a strange warmth bloom in her chest at the sight—Julius teasing Rem so freely, drawing out her discomfort yet making her smile.
Yae, ever observant, leaned toward Anastasia with a knowing smirk. "It looks like Rem lost that shooting game earlier. She's going along with his demands now, playing the obedient wife."
Anastasia nodded, her lips curving into a smile. She loved this side of Julius—the playful tormentor, pushing boundaries with that effortless charm. Finally, the line moved, and Julius and Rem took their seats in front of the fortune teller, an elderly woman with a crystal ball and a deck of worn cards spread before her.
Julius leaned forward, his arm draped casually over Rem's shoulders. "Could you check our future together?" he asked, his tone light but laced with mischief. "As husband and wife."
Anastasia's pulse quickened. Oh, Julius, you're really teasing her now, she thought, biting her lip to suppress a grin.
Rem shot him a glare but extended her hand to the fortune teller without protest. The woman traced the lines of Rem's palm, her eyes narrowing in concentration. "You and your husband will build a strong and happy family," she intoned gravely. "Bonds unbreakable, filled with love and prosperity."
Julius's eyes lit up with feigned delight. "And how many kids will we have?" he pressed, ignoring Rem's elbow jabbing into his side.
"Stop it!" Rem whispered fiercely, her face turning a deep crimson. She pulled her hand back, but the fortune teller continued, mentioning other vague fortunes—wealth, adventures, long life—before they wrapped up.
As they stood to leave, Julius slipped his hand around Rem's waist, pulling her close. "You're going to have a hard time explaining this to Subaru," he murmured, his breath warm against her ear. "The fortune teller said we'd have three kids together. Can you imagine his face?"
Rem rolled her eyes, though a reluctant smile tugged at her lips. "It was just for fun. You're teasing me way too much today."
Julius grinned wider. "Well, you're my wife for the day, aren't you? I have to do my best to make it memorable."
Rem tilted her head, her voice turning playful in return. "You'd better hope Anastasia doesn't find out about this. I doubt she'd be thrilled to learn I stole you away, married you, and had those three kids with you in a cozy little house by the river."
Julius barked out a laugh, his hand squeezing her side. "Subaru would probably bleed from the eyes if that happened. Poor guy."
They continued like that, bantering back and forth, their laughter light and easy, like a pair of carefree teenagers sneaking off for a forbidden date. But as Anastasia watched from the shadows, that initial spark of excitement soured into something darker. Why does this piss me off? she wondered, her fists clenching at her sides. The way Rem disrespected Julius—teasing him back instead of admiring him, desiring him the way she should. It wasn't reverence; it was casual, almost mocking. They were acting like fucking kids, all giggles and jabs, when they were adults—we're all adults—and they should damn well act like it. The sight of their easy camaraderie, so devoid of the intense longing Anastasia craved to see, ignited a jealous fury she hadn't anticipated.
Yae's voice cut through her thoughts, pulling her back to the present. The ninja leaned casually against the wall, her eyes gleaming with mischief under the fox mask she'd donned for their disguise.
"You know," Yae started, her tone conversational but laced with amusement, "like I said, Julius is winning Rem's heart hard. There's real chemistry there—undeniable sparks. The way he touches her, the way she leans into it... it's building fast."
Anastasia adjusted her own fox mask, hiding the flush of excitement that crept up her neck. "Of course there is," she replied, her voice steady despite the thrill. "Julius has probably been thinking of fucking Rem for some time already. These events finally let him act on those feelings—pushing him over the edge."
Yae tilted her head, a sly smile playing on her lips. "And if you let me have a chance with Julius as well? I'd even let you watch from a chair in the room. It would be hot—seeing him taken like that."
Anastasia's face heated, her cheeks puffing out in anger as she whirled on Yae. "Julius is my husband!" she snapped, her voice a sharp whisper. "I decide who can and cannot fuck him. Not you, not anyone else!"
Yae laughed softly, unfazed. "Joke's on you, then—sadly, Anastasia, you don't control who Rem fucks. She's her own woman, after all."
Before Anastasia could retort, Yae's hand darted out, grabbing Anastasia's ass with a bold squeeze. "Though I wouldn't mind a three-way either—with you involved. But it could be even hotter if Rem and I fucked Julius while you watched from the sidelines."
Anastasia's eyes widened, her body tensing at the unexpected touch. "Shut up!" she hissed, swatting Yae's hand away as her gaze flicked toward the festival path. Julius and Rem were already making their way up to the mountain to watch the fireworks, their figures silhouetted against the colorful lights.
Yae shrugged, her grin fading into professional focus. "As you wish. Let's follow—quietly."
Anastasia nodded, her heart pounding as they trailed the pair at a safe distance. The mountain path wound upward, dotted with other couples seeking romantic spots for the grand finale. Many veered off to different benches or headed for the main platform with its railing, offering the best panoramic view. Up there, under the stars, pairs were already lost in each other—kisses turning heated, hands wandering in the semi-darkness, the forest providing pockets of privacy where love (or lust) bloomed unchecked.
But Julius and Rem chose a quieter, more private spot—a secluded bench tucked away from the main crowds, surrounded by low bushes and overhanging branches. It was intimate, hidden enough for whispers and touches without prying eyes. Anastasia and Yae slipped into a nearby bush, crouching low as leaves rustled softly around them. They were close enough to overhear the conversation, the words drifting on the cool night air like secrets meant to be stolen.
Julius looked at Rem with a gentle smile, the colorful glow of the first distant fireworks reflecting in his golden eyes. "I hope you had fun tonight," he said softly, "even if you're angry at me."
Rem crossed her arms, cheeks still flushed. "I have good reason to be angry. You kept grasping me and teasing me the entire festival."
Julius let out a light, warm laugh. "I'd much rather have you a little angry and upset with me than sad and depressed like you were earlier."
A comfortable silence fell between them for a moment, broken only by the distant crackle of fireworks. Then Julius's expression grew serious.
"Rem... I don't want to pry into your private life, but I need to ask something. I hope you'll answer honestly."
Rem tensed. "I'd rather not talk about it. Last time you used it against Subaru."
Julius sighed. "I'm sorry. I said too much in anger."
He paused, choosing his words carefully. "But what I want to ask might offend you. Still, I don't care about that. I'm asking only because I care about you."
Rem's voice turned wary. "I'm married, Julius."
"I know," he replied quietly. "I know."
He looked straight into her eyes. "Does Subaru abuse you?"
Rem's expression twisted with anger. "How can you even think something like that?!"
Julius raised his hands in apology. "I'm sorry for making you angry. I was really worried about you, Rem. That's all."
Rem exhaled slowly, her shoulders relaxing a fraction. "Subaru can act jealous and stupid sometimes, but he's a good person. He has a lot of problems from his past."
Julius nodded. "He may have those problems because of me too. I humiliated him back then. But I really tried to save him. He insulted every top knight during the royal selection and damaged Emilia's reputation as well. I thought Priscilla had set him up to make a spectacle."
Rem's eyes widened. "I never knew you were the one who did it. I hated that knight for years, blaming him for destroying Subaru. But right now... I can't really hate you, Julius."
Julius gave a small, self-deprecating smile. "So I seduced you tonight?"
Rem stuck her tongue out at him playfully. "Maybe a little."
Julius chuckled. "I don't remember the last time I had so much fun."
Rem smiled faintly. "It was fun... but your ass slaps were too bold. I only let you do it tonight as compensation for Subaru's actions."
Julius's face became serious again. "Never mention compensation, debt, or anything like that to me. You're my friend, Rem. I care for you. In truth... I care for you too much."
Rem tilted her head. "What do you mean?"
"It doesn't matter."
"Of course it matters," Rem insisted, her voice turning shy. "In the past, I hid my feelings too. My biggest decision—the one that saved me and Subaru—came becouse I told him how I felt."
Julius laughed it off at first, but then his expression grew solemn. "Rem, we both know we spend a lot of time together. I won't lie to you—I feel something for you."
Rem stood up abruptly, eyes wide with shock. "You can't say that! What about Anastasia? I love Subaru!"
Julius remained seated, looking up at her with calm seriousness. "I know. Please, Rem, don't laugh at me or use this against me later."
He added gently, "You shouldn't be surprised that a man would confess his feelings for you."
Rem's voice trembled. "Julius, I'm sorry... but I love s...."
"I know," he said softly, a small, sad smile on his lips. "And I'm happy for you."
Julius stood up as well. "Go watch the fireworks with Subaru. After all, that's something a person should do with someone they love."
Rem hesitated. "But I'm supposed to pretend to be Anastasia tonight."
"Then we'll meet at the party later," Julius replied. He added, a little more brusquely than usual, "If you go now, you may still be able to watch it with your husband."
Rem stood frozen for a second, clearly torn. Then she turned her back and walked away without another word.
Julius remained alone on the bench, staring up at the sky as the first explosion of fireworks lit up the night in brilliant gold and crimson.
He didn't move. He simply watched the colors bloom and fade above him, the distant cheers of the crowd echoing faintly through the trees.
ulius remained seated on the secluded bench, his eyes lifted to the sky as the first fireworks burst overhead in brilliant cascades of gold and crimson. The distant cheers of the crowd faded into a soft hum. He didn't hear Rem's footsteps at first—until she stopped just a few paces away, her figure outlined against the flickering lights.
She turned back.
Rem walked straight to him, her blue hair swaying with each determined step. She stopped directly in front of him, her chest rising and falling rapidly. Her eyes locked onto his, intense and unreadable. Slowly, she raised a finger and pressed it gently against his lips, silencing any words before they could form.
Julius's breath caught.
Rem took a deep, shaky breath, her finger still on his mouth.
"First," she whispered.
Her fist flew forward in a swift, sharp punch straight into his stomach.
The impact made Julius grunt, doubling over slightly, the air leaving his lungs in a surprised huff. The blow wasn't hard enough to truly hurt a trained knight, but it carried all her pent-up frustration.
Rem didn't give him time to recover.
"Second," she breathed.
Her hands shot up, grabbing the front of his kimono and yanking his head down toward her. Their mouths crashed together in a fierce, hungry kiss.
The moment their lips met, the world around them seemed to vanish. Rem's mouth was soft yet demanding, hot and insistent as she pressed against him. Julius's eyes widened for a split second before they fluttered shut, and he responded instantly, his strong arms wrapping around her waist and pulling her flush against his body. His hands splayed across her lower back, fingers digging into the silk of her kimono as he held her tight.
Their kiss deepened. Rem parted her lips first, her tongue sliding boldly into his mouth, seeking his. Julius groaned low in his throat, meeting her tongue with his own—hot, wet, and eager. They tangled together in a slow, sensual dance, tasting each other fully. Rem's tongue stroked along his, teasing the roof of his mouth, then curling around his in a way that made his grip on her tighten. Julius answered by sucking gently on her tongue, drawing a soft, needy whimper from her throat that vibrated into the kiss.
Neither of them tried to pull away. Rem's hands slid up to cup his face, holding him in place as she kissed him harder, deeper, her body arching into his. Julius's strong arms encircled her completely, one hand sliding up her back to cradle the nape of her neck while the other stayed possessively at the small of her back, pressing her closer. Their mouths moved in perfect sync—wet, open, passionate—tongues sliding and curling, lips sucking and nipping. The kiss was messy, desperate, filled with months of unspoken tension finally breaking free.
Julius stepped back slightly to catch his breath, but his foot caught the edge of the bench. He lost his balance and fell backward onto the wooden seat, dragging Rem down with him. She landed on top of him with a surprised gasp, her body sprawled across his chest, legs straddling his hips. Her full breasts pressed firmly against his chest through the thin silk of their kimonos, the soft warmth of them unmistakable.
Julius's hands moved boldly, sliding down to cup her ass, squeezing the firm, rounded cheeks through the fabric. His fingers kneaded greedily, pulling her hips tighter against his as he groaned into her mouth. Rem didn't resist—she melted into him, her own hands fisting in his hair as the kiss continued, even more heated now that she was on top of him.
They stayed like that for long moments, lost in each other, mouths devouring, tongues entwined, bodies pressed together under the exploding fireworks above. Neither made any move to stop. The only sounds were their shared breaths, the wet slide of lips and tongues, and the distant roar of the festival.
Anastasia, hidden in the bushes with Yae, watched every second—her heart hammering, her body burning with a storm of jealousy, arousal, and dark satisfaction. The plan was finally, truly in motion.
Julius's hands moved with urgent hunger, sliding up Rem's back until his fingers hooked into the collar of her kimono. With one firm tug he yanked the silk down from her neck and shoulders, baring her full, naked breasts to the cool night air. Her healthy, round breasts bounced free, the little pink nipples already tight and flushed from arousal and the sudden exposure. Julius groaned low in his throat, his large, strong hands immediately cupping them, squeezing the soft, warm flesh with open possessiveness. His thumbs brushed over the sensitive peaks, rolling them gently, feeling them harden further under his touch.
Rem gasped sharply into his mouth, but she didn't pull away. If anything, she arched into his palms, pressing her breasts more firmly into his grip. They were still wearing their masks — the simple black one on Julius and the fox disguise on Rem — but even if the masks had fallen away, neither of them would have stopped. Their kiss was fierce, open-mouthed, and wet. Rem's tongue slid boldly against his, hot and eager, curling and stroking as their lips slid together with wet, obscene sounds. Julius answered by sucking on her tongue, then plunging his own deeper into her mouth, tasting her fully while his fingers kneaded and massaged her bare breasts, thumbs flicking her nipples in rhythm with each stroke of their tongues.
They broke apart for a single gasping breath.
"I love you," Julius rasped against her swollen lips.
Rem whimpered, her hands fisting in his hair. "I love Subaru..." she breathed, voice trembling, before she crashed her mouth back onto his, kissing him even harder. Their tongues tangled again, slick and desperate, sliding wetly as saliva glistened on their chins. Julius's strong arms wrapped fully around her, one hand still boldly exploring her exposed breasts while the other gripped her waist, holding her flush against him.
They were in a relatively open area. If not for the masks and the shadows of the trees, anyone passing by could have seen them clearly — the respected knight and the married maid, locked in a passionate, forbidden embrace on a public bench. The risk only seemed to fuel the lust between them.
Julius pulled back again, breathing hard, his hands still cupping her bare breasts. His voice was rough with emotion.
"Marry me, Rem."
Rem stared at him, eyes wide. For a heartbeat she was silent. Then she shook her head fiercely.
"Not in a million years," she hissed, though her body remained pressed against his. "I hate you."
Their kiss was violent in its passion—mouths crashing together, open and wet and desperate. Rem's tongue thrust into his mouth first, hot and demanding, sliding against his with frantic strokes. Julius answered with a deep, guttural growl, sucking her tongue hard before plunging his own deep into her mouth, tasting her completely. Their tongues tangled wildly, slick and messy, curling and stroking in a frantic rhythm. Saliva glistened on their chins as they devoured each other, lips sucking, teeth grazing, breaths coming in harsh, ragged gasps between kisses.
Julius pulled back just enough to gasp against her swollen lips, voice hoarse and broken with emotion.
"I love you, Rem... God, I love you so much."
"I love Sub.." she choked out, voice cracking with guilt and need, but the words barely left her mouth before she crushed her lips back to his, kissing him even harder, deeper, like she was drowning and he was air.
the respected knight and the married maid, shamelessly making out on a public bench like animals in heat. The danger only seemed to make the lust burn hotter.
Julius broke the kiss again, breathing ragged, his hands still greedily kneading her bare breasts.
"Marry me, Rem," he rasped, voice raw with desperation. "Leave him. Be mine. Please."
"I hate you... I hate you so much right now."she spat, voice shaking.
At that exact moment the main fireworks show erupted overhead. Massive explosions of color lit up the sky — brilliant reds, golds, and blues bursting in deafening cracks and dazzling patterns.
Rem shoved Julius away with both hands, scrambling off his lap. She stood quickly, fixing her kimono with shaky fingers, pulling the fabric back up to cover her breasts. Her cheeks were flushed, lips swollen and glistening.
"I'm taking a break from pretending to be Anastasia," she said, voice unsteady. "I'm going to watch the fireworks with Subaru."
She took two steps away, then stopped. Without turning around, she spoke one last time, her voice cracking with raw emotion.
"I hate you."
Then she ran off into the night, disappearing down the path toward the main festival area.
Julius remained on the bench, his hand extended toward her retreating figure as if he could pull her back. But he didn't stand. He didn't chase after her.
He simply sat there, breathing hard, watching the colorful explosions light up the sky above him, his expression a storm of regret, desire, and deep conflict.