Linde turned around and handed over all the trivial matters to Astaire, who had rushed over.
"Arrange accommodations and treat them well," he instructed succinctly, his gaze sweeping over the silent and fierce orc warriors behind Nazra.
Astair's sharp gaze lingered briefly on Nazra before he bowed and accepted the order: "Yes, sir." He immediately began to methodically direct his men, guiding the weary but imposing orcish group out of the city gate passage.
Linde ignored the astonished and probing gazes that were almost frozen on the faces of the soldiers around him.
All his attention was focused on the silver-haired fox girl in his arms. He took Nazra's hand in his, her palm slightly cool and calloused from the long journey, yet unusually firm.
Ignoring everything around them, the two walked straight through the inner courtyard and hurried toward Lind's residence.
The heavy oak door slammed shut behind us with a click, shutting out the noise and sight of the outside world. The soft sound of the bolt falling was like the last spark that ignites a fuse.
The longing, worry, and complex emotions that had been suppressed throughout the journey, along with the feelings of returning from the battlefield, suddenly erupted in the absolute privacy of the space.
Without a word, not even a glance was needed. Nazra whirled around, her silver hair tracing a fiery arc in the dim light.
Linde rushed forward almost simultaneously, his movements carrying an undeniable force.
It was as if two long-accumulated torrents had finally broken through the dam, violently converging, colliding, and merging. The air in the room instantly became scorching and thin.
The agony of not seeing each other for many days, and the life-and-death experiences they had gone through, all transformed into the most primal and intense fuel of their emotions.
Reason was completely ignited and burned away, leaving only a raging wildfire that engulfed the two of them.
The only sounds in the room were rapid breathing, the rustling of clothes, the occasional suppressed low moan, and the faint creaking of the bed as bodies collided.
The light and shadow flickered violently on the wall, like a candle flame swaying in a storm.
The concept of time is infinitely stretched and compressed, while the sense of each other's existence is infinitely amplified, filling every inch of space.
…………
When Linde pushed open the door and walked onto the stone corridor on the second floor of the Iron Rock Fortress, the blinding midday sun made him squint slightly.
The crisp air, carrying the scent of distant cooking smoke, wafted in, slightly dispelling the lingering, faint warmth inside the house.
He took a deep breath, feeling as if his body and mind had undergone a complete baptism, exhausted yet filled with an indescribable sense of satisfaction and strength.
The original plan to depart today could not be carried out.
“Aster.” Lind’s voice was slightly hoarse, but his tone had returned to its usual calm.
Astaire, who had been waiting in the corridor, immediately stepped forward:
"grown ups."
"Pass down the notice: the entire army will rest for one day today, and the departure date will be postponed to tomorrow morning."
Linde's gaze swept over the soldiers resting in the castle courtyard.
“Give each person an extra fifty silver coins. Tell them it’s a reward they deserve, and that the night at Ironrock Fortress…is worth relaxing.”
A knowing smile curved his lips.
Aster understood immediately, a hint of a smile flashing in his eyes:
"Yes, sir! The soldiers will appreciate your generosity."
He immediately turned around to relay the orders and arrange the rewards.
Soon, a low, suppressed cheer erupted throughout the Iron Rock Fort military camp.
Fifty silver coins! That's enough for them to have a good drink at the best tavern in town, or... enjoy an unforgettable night.
The soldiers' faces were filled with excitement and anticipation; the gloom of war seemed to have been somewhat dispelled by this unexpected holiday and reward.
Lind leaned against the cold stone railing, feeling the warmth of the sunlight, and was about to close his eyes to rest for a moment when the shadow beneath his feet suddenly began to writhe violently and unusually. Then, Nix, like a black fur ball that had been forcibly ejected, popped out of the shadow with a "poof" and landed at his feet.
"Meow—!" The cat girl bristled, her little face puffed up in anger, her big green eyes filled with accusation and sleepiness, with a faint shadow around them.
"What's wrong, Nix?"
Linde lowered his head, asking the question knowingly, his tone carrying a lazy smile.
"What's wrong?!"
Nix's voice was shrill and aggrieved. She pointed her little paw at the closed door, then at her own ear.
"Master! You...you and that fox! All night long! Meow! So noisy! So hot! I felt like I was being roasted alive even in the shadows, meow! Tossing and turning! Never-ending!"
Meow—!
She excitedly waved her little fists, her cat ears sticking back like airplane ears in anger:
"I didn't sleep a wink all night! All I could hear was you guys... fighting! The bed is practically falling apart!"
"Meow! I protest! I strongly protest! This is abuse! Abuse!"
Lind couldn't help but chuckle as he watched Nix's furious, indignant expression. He leaned down and reached out to ruffle her hair to soothe her.
"Don't touch me!"
Nix nimbly jumped back to avoid his large hand, her tail held high like an angry flagpole, her little face still puffed up with anger.
"I'm so angry! Extremely angry! I can't appease a cat without twenty jars of honey... no, thirty jars!!"
Lind thought for a moment, then took out a bag of gold coins from the mage's sleeve and handed it to Nix.
"Here you go, go find Astaire and have him find someone to load a whole truckload of honey for you."
In this way, Lin De was able to successfully pat Nix's little head.
Watching Nix angrily clutching her bag of gold coins, her tail held high, as she dashed down the corridor to find Aster, the smile on his lips hadn't faded, but the hidden worry about "harem harmony" in his heart became even clearer.
This little cat girl may seem naive and greedy now, only seeing herself as her "master" and "long-term meal ticket," but her dependence and possessiveness are already beginning to show.
Not to mention Alice and Leonis in the territory.
Alice is aloof and rational, but has a sensitive heart; Leonis is cold on the outside but warm on the inside, loyal yet sensitive.
He took Nazla back with him...
Although Alice and Nazra knew each other, they were unaware of each other's backgrounds.
Linde could even imagine the subtle chill that permeated the air of Blackrock Castle.
“Headache…” He sighed silently, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the cold stone railing. “I need to bring back some ‘souvenirs,’ at least to shut Alice and Leonis up and ease the tension.”
"But... what should I give as a gift?"
For Alice? This learned and talented mage would likely only receive polite indifference from ordinary jewelry, fine clothes, and accessories.
What she needs is knowledge, the "fuel" that can ignite her passion for research.
For Leonis? This Holy Knight wouldn't refuse practical armor and weapons, but it seemed too "businesslike," lacking a bit...heartfelt sentiment?
Just as he was racking his brains, thinking about how to soothe his potentially wounded heart with material things, the door behind him opened silently.
A scent wafted from behind, a mixture of post-shower steam, a unique body fragrance, and a languid warmth.
Immediately afterwards, a pair of slender yet strong arms wrapped around his waist, carrying the warmth of his newly awakened body and an irresistible force.
Nazra pressed her cheek against his broad back, her silver hair, still damp, brushing against his neck like a satiated and clingy big cat.
"What's wrong, my viscount? Is something on your mind?"
Her voice was slightly hoarse from the early morning, languid yet sexy, like a feather tickling the eardrum.
Linde's body stiffened slightly, then relaxed, and he covered her hands that were wrapped around his waist, patting them gently:
"It's nothing, just a small matter concerning territory."
"A small matter?"
Nazla chuckled softly, her warm breath brushing against his earlobe, causing a slight tingling sensation.
Her small, pert nose sniffed at the back of his collar like a little animal, a gesture that was both intimate and tinged with a mischievous curiosity.
"Your thoughts are written in your very breath, Lind."
Her voice carried an all-knowing amusement, yet it was deliberately soft and gentle.
"Let me guess... are you thinking about another woman?"
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