Volume 6 Chapter 19 Cianie Hartmann ①
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Why is this happening?”
”Why is this happening?”
”We said we would be together forever.”
The voice, mournful and haunting, echoed like a curse.
Resentment clung to the air, invisible fingers tugging at Klock’s sleeve, whispering hatred into his ear—You abandoned me.
Even though they had loved each other so deeply, it was unforgivable that she no longer recognized him.
Even though they had held hands so tightly, it was cruel that she had run away.
Even though they had promised so much, it was unbearably sad that they had never truly understood one another.
He covered his face with both hands.
Peering between his fingers, he watched her through a haze of tears, his mouth hidden, his heart exposed.
She had said, plainly, it was a misunderstanding.
That girl, with a voice as cold as frost, claimed she simply didn’t know.
If that were true, then how pathetic he must be—for fearing rejection, for hesitating all this time, for wasting everything.
But none of it excused what happened.
Because she had abandoned him, hadn’t she?
She had said they would be together forever—and yet she had fled. She had shaped his heart in her image, entwined their souls—and then discarded him.
He wanted her to atone.
He wanted her to apologize.
He wanted her to look at him.
He wanted her to regret turning away.
To come back, begging forgiveness.
Even though he had become part of her, she had severed him like a limb.
He had suffered.
He wanted her to say she had suffered too.
Otherwise… he wouldn’t be satisfied.
So—
* * *
”—Are you okay, Klock?”
Cianie’s voice pierced the fog of his mind.
”…Ah, huh?”
Klock blinked. Reality slid back into place.
He was wrapped in something warm. A futon. Familiar. Soft.
The gray, timeworn futon from their secret hideaway.
Outside, the fading light of sunset poured through the window of the Glassbound Stonehold. The forest surrounding the abandoned villa whispered in the evening breeze, and the harsh caw of crows—KAAAH! KAAAH!—rang clear in the quiet.
T/N: Crows are often omens of death or misfortune in Japanese folklore.
Fingers gently stroked the nape of his neck.
Within the futon, she lay curled beside him, her worried eyes fixed on his face.
”What’s wrong?” Cianie asked, brushing her hand through his hair. “Did you really imagine the dragon would eat you?”
”Uh… no…” he mumbled.
His thoughts were too scattered to form an excuse.
Still caught between the dream and the now, Klock reached out and touched her gently.
Warmth. Soft skin. Familiar curves.
It was her. Cianie.
”Cianie?” he asked, voice unsure.
”…Yeah. It’s me,” she replied softly, her gaze gentle.
What had he been doing just now?
His lover was there. They were both naked.
Cianie. The girl he adored.
They were inside their secret meeting place—a long-unused, forgotten villa under House Livorno’s domain.
But something felt… off.
He had experienced this many times, and yet…
Why did discomfort churn in his gut?
”Mmm, Klock, what’s up? Were you maybe sleeping?” Cianie asked with puffed cheeks, glaring at him with drowsy annoyance.
Not anger. Pouting. Her usual tactic when she wanted something from him.
He knew the cue.
”…I’m sorry, Cianie. I might’ve been a bit tired,” he admitted.
”No way! Klock’s a bad person for falling asleep during s*x! If that happens, I’ll cry!” she said, playfully tapping his chest.
Her words jolted something in him.
Now that she mentioned it… there was a dull pleasure in his body. Familiar.
He looked down.
Cianie straddled him. Still joined.
They were wrapped in the futon—intertwined in every sense of the word.
”…What’s wrong? You’ve got a difficult expression,” she said, tilting her head.
”No, um…”
”…You look a bit down,” she said again, peering closer.
Her hand snuck down between them, closing around him.
He flinched.
He’d gone soft. She noticed instantly.
Would she be angry? Disappointed?
”…Hey, Klock,” she murmured. “Why won’t you make me a habit? I know we can’t get married right away or live together… but can’t you at least look at me for now?”
”Ah… ahaha. I’m sorry. Maybe I’m just tired from studying. I’m doing my best to become the next head of the family, but… it’s not going very well…”
”…Liar,” she said.
She pushed the futon away and sat up.
Her body had grown. More womanly, more defined. Sunlight streamed in through the window, catching the curve of her breasts—shadows and gold across skin.
Mounted on top of him, she looked down, sadness tugging at her expression. Her fingers traced idle patterns over his chest.
”Hey, Klock. Who’s the most important person to you?” she asked.
”Huh? Of course—it’s you, Cianie.”
”Will you really make me your proper wife?”
”Of course. I can’t imagine anyone else but you.”
Her expression darkened further. A cloud of despair passed over her face.
With each answer, Klock saw her pain deepen.
”…You’ve been lying all this time, haven’t you?” she asked.
”Huh?”
”That’s cruel. I believed in you all this time.”
Klock tried to sit up.
But she held him down with one hand.
Her face drew close, her eyes unreadable.
”After this, we’ll have s*x again, whisper sweet nothings, promise to be together… and then you’ll throw me away, won’t you?” she said, voice calm but cold. “You’ll release everything inside me, drown me in fake love, then vanish like it meant nothing.”
”Wha—!? N-no, that’s not—!”
”It is. Klock is going to throw me away,” she said again, unmoving.
As if she already knew the truth.
”Tell me, Klock. Do you hate me now? Am I no longer needed? Or was it just a game from the start?”
”What are you suddenly saying? That’s a misunderstanding! I’ve always wanted to be with you, Cianie!”
Her hand brushed the back of his neck.
Klock’s mind spiraled.
Was he being accused? Had he done something wrong? Something unforgivable?
”…I’m sorry. Did I make you feel that way? If so, I really am sorry. My feelings are… they’re only for you, Cianie.”
He didn’t fully understand. His thoughts were a blur.
But he knew—this moment required apology. Even if he didn’t understand why.
She was the woman he wanted to marry someday.
The one he could surrender to.
”…I see. Yeah. I can feel that it’s true,” Cianie said at last. “I’m sorry for doubting you. I just… felt distant for a moment.”
”…Really? Then it’s my fault. I’m sorry, Cianie. I guess I was just a little tired. I didn’t mean to worry you.”
Her doubts faded the instant he denied them.
Maybe she had just needed to say the words out loud.
This side of her—fragile, volatile—would always be hard to handle.
”No, I’m the one who should apologize. I love you ♡,” she said.
”…Yeah. I love you too,” he replied, a slight smile tugging at his lips.
Cianie beamed.
Her smile was radiant, like sunlight cutting through fog.
He caressed her cheek. She leaned into the touch.
Her lips found his.
”Mmm… Hehe. I’m glad. Klock’s kisses feel full of love,” she murmured.
”Is that so? Then I’ll kiss you as many times as it takes to show you.”
Their mouths met again. A soft, slow rhythm. A kiss like a promise.
Mmmch.
”Hey, Klock,” she whispered, “how much do you love me today?”
”More than anyone in the world.”
”Then prove it. Shower me with affection like always. Pour your feelings into me. Let me embrace you, Klock.”
Her cheeks turned rosy. Her voice trembled—half shy, half seductive.
So adorable.
He leaned forward, kissing her again.
Then lower.
He took her pink n**ple into his mouth, suckling gently.
”Ah… you’re feeling better now ♡,” she giggled.
She pinched his cheek. He jumped, startled.
”Cute,” she whispered.
But all Klock could think was—
Cianie is the one who’s truly adorable.
With a soft laugh, she bounced lightly. Beaming with pride, he chuckled, “Heh, you’re so cute when you’re excited.”
Cianie, tugging playfully at his sleeve, grinned, “Come on, let’s keep going!”
”Probably since we were just goofing around, we’re all warmed up.” He teased, his voice light.
As she giggled, her cheeks flushed, and she squirmed, rubbing her arms as if ticklish. He thought, I need to keep this energy going.
”Ah!… You’re so silly…” she squealed.
As she leaned in, he playfully nudged her, aiming for a laugh.
With a soft bump, their shoulders collided.
The warm, playful energy between them made him smile deeply.
”Mmm… heh.”
”What’s up?” he asked.
”Mmm… When you’re having fun, Klock, you’re just so goofy.”
Her words made him mock-offended, and he grumbled, That’s not fair! Cianie, too, had a silly side she’d never show others. He had to tease her back.
Reaching out, he pulled her onto him, then rolled, reversing their positions.
”Ah! It was a joke! Don’t be mad!” she squeaked.
”No, Cianie. You knew I’d hate it, but you said it anyway. You need a playful punishment.” He smirked.
Pinning her down, he saw not fear, but excitement in her eyes. Pulling her close, he began to tickle her, gentle and teasing, nudging, nudging.
”Ah!… Klock… stop… ahaha!”
Her laughter, bright and infectious, caught his attention.
Probably around twelve when she started loving pranks… He recalled her mischievous grin. Now, her joy was boundless.
Cupping her hands, he held them, pretending to be serious. She giggled, “Mmm, more…”
”Hmm, Cianie’s fun too when she’s laughing, making those happy sounds.” He teased, grinning.
Tickling her sides, he watched her face, Let’s see how long she lasts.
”Because… I’m happy when you’re playful…” she admitted, blushing.
Her honesty caught him off guard. She’s enjoying this so purely…
”Then… I’ll keep going! Even if you beg, I won’t stop!” He declared.
”Yes. Yes! Come…”
Her hand reached out, grasping his.
Entwining their fingers, he covered her entirely, pretending to pounce.
Serious playfulness. The motion of joy.
Her eyes locked on his, bright, almost dazzling. She’s expecting more…
”Cianie. I’m… not stopping.” He warned.
Her grip tightened. She trusts me. She relies on me.
Without a word, she surrendered, so joyful, so adorable. He had to prove she was his partner in fun, tickling her sides, again and again.
”Mmm―haha!”
Holding her breath, she endured.
At the perfect moment, her laughter burst, and with a playful squeal, she collapsed into giggles.
”Ah…!”
”It’s… out! More… tickles―”
Held tightly, surrounded by her warmth, her laughter, her joy.
Perfect for fun. No escape. Burying his face in her neck, he joined her laughter.
Using the little space, he wiggled, rubbing her sides.
Playful energy meeting playful energy, he savored Cianie’s unique joy, sharing in her happiness.
It felt too good. A pure, shared sensation.
If anyone saw, they’d smile… But he couldn’t stop. Again and again, with bright, happy sounds, they laughed, filling the room with joy.
”We’re done, huh. Not a calm day today.” He murmured.
Resting his head on her shoulder, he enjoyed her laughter. Cianie giggled, “Even if we get in trouble, what’ll happen to me? If your dad finds out, will he be mad?”
”Never. I’ll tell him we were just having fun, and if he’s upset, I’ll explain. Cianie, you’ll stick with me, right?”
”Yes. Anywhere. I’ll follow you. You’ll stand up for us, right?”
Her words eased his worry.
What if she’d refused? Cianie’s joyful gaze now held no doubt.
”Today was fun,” she said with a smile.
”Yeah. It’s been a while, so I really got into it,” he replied, rubbing the back of his neck.
We only met last week… He fell silent, lost in thought.
If someone pointed out it had only been a week, what would you even say? You’d probably be left speechless.
Outside the window, night had fallen completely.
It was about time to head home. The fleeting moment of their meeting was ending, and the quiet preparations for departure had begun.
”Hey, Klock. Actually… I have a request,” Cianie said, her voice soft.
”Hm? What’s going on all of a sudden? You don’t need to be so formal. I’ll listen to anything you say,” he said with a relaxed chuckle.
Cianie, dressed in a pure white dress, smiled sweetly.
Her requests were usually harmless—endearing, even. And besides, it’s a boyfriend’s job to fulfill his girlfriend’s wishes, no matter how strange.
”I want to curse you,” she said plainly.
”──Huh?” he asked, blinking.
Cianie’s words sounded off.
For a second, the air felt thick with silence. Had he misheard?
It really sounded like she just said she wanted to curse him.
”Ah, don’t get the wrong idea,” she added quickly. “I mean, I want to make a promise—sealed with magic.”
”…Magic? A promise?” he asked, furrowing his brow.
”Yeah. You told me you love me, and that you truly desire me, right? I had my doubts… but I can tell now. Your feelings are genuine. I was so happy. But… what about the future? Like, five years from now—or ten, maybe even fifteen… Will you still feel the same? Part of me can’t help but wonder.”
Her voice trembled slightly.
”I get anxious, wondering if I can entrust you with my heart forever. So I want to carve that promise into your soul, using ■■.”
She smiled softly as she spoke, like it was the most natural thing in the world.
”What’s that? I don’t really get it, but if it helps you feel better, I don’t mind,” he replied with a shrug. “Wait… you can use magic?”
”Well… I just started learning recently. I was planning to tell you after we understood each other more,” she said, fidgeting.
”Understanding each other more”—what a vague phrase.
It hinted that there were still things left unsaid between them.
And it was true. Klock hadn’t told her much about the darker side of his home life. Could she sense that?
”I’m not very good at this kind of magic. Without consent, it’s tricky… But I’m really happy. You’re someone who understands. This way, we can always be together,” she whispered.
”…?” he looked puzzled.
”No matter how far apart we are—even if we’re reborn—we’ll always be together.
Klock, lend me your chest,” she said sweetly.
Cianie’s slender hand slipped beneath the opening of Klock’s shirt.
The ticklish sensation made him flinch instinctively, but her other hand pinned his to keep him from pulling away.
Her fingers rested lightly on his chest, cool and delicate.
”…Hey, Klock,” she said again, her tone hushed.
”What is it? Did I miss something…?” he asked, blinking rapidly.
”What will happen to you tomorrow?” she asked softly.
What even is magic, really?
If it’s real, would she teach me someday too?
Curious, he looked into her face.
She wore an innocent expression—pure, almost too pure.
”──Huh?” he muttered.
”According to what’s left of the old records… the root of the conflict among the three families comes from a vile act committed by the legitimate son of House Livorno. But I don’t believe you’d ever do something like that.
──Klock, what are you planning to do tomorrow?” she asked, her voice suddenly serious.
”──Huh? What do you mean──” he began, bewildered.
Something wasn’t right.
A strange sense of unease began creeping into his thoughts.
Even this meeting—something about it felt… off.
They were close, yet the air between them had grown unfamiliar.
”──Ah, wait. Forget what I just said──” she interrupted abruptly.
Suddenly, a wave of drowsiness crashed over him.
It came too fast, too heavy.
An irresistible pull dragged him downward, and he tried, weakly, not to let her notice.
* * *
”…Huh?”
His consciousness resurfaced.
It felt like being yanked out of a dream—abrupt, unnatural.
His body was slow to respond, reluctant.
Why was he even awake? Should he open his eyes?
But it was too late to question it.
The moment had passed.
He should just get up, wash his face, and start the day like usual.
”──Whoa?!” he gasped.
He opened his eyes, and a startled yelp escaped his lips.
Can you blame him? Anyone would jump if someone’s face was right in front of them first thing in the morning.
Especially if it’s someone they don’t recognize.
”…Good morning,” said the hooded woman, her voice calm.
”…Oh, uh, good morning. Don’t scare me like that…” he muttered, rubbing his eyes.
It was the swordswoman.
An unfamiliar face, but she seemed to have been watching him sleep.
He almost let out a complaint but stopped himself.
Right—she had helped him.
”Um… why are you here?” he asked cautiously.
”You were tossing and turning. I just wanted to check on you,” she answered simply.
Tossing…?
He found the word strange, but not untrue.
A strange discomfort lingered in his chest.
He had forgotten what he’d dreamed about, but he was sure it hadn’t been pleasant.
Maybe a nightmare. Maybe something worse.
”…I’ll prepare breakfast. You must be tired. Take your time,” she said, rising to her feet.
The swordswoman left the room without another word.
Breakfast. Bed. Care.
She had done more than he could ask for. She was… incredibly kind.
He glanced toward the window.
Morning light poured in, and birds chirped faintly in the background.
The house was well-built—quiet and sturdy.
A house like this… I could live here, he thought.
”Hey, wake up, Mina──Huh?”
As he reached toward her, he felt a strange sensation in his body.
He clenched his fists. Twisted his shoulders. Rotated his neck.
Something was off.
It was like something… foreign was moving through his body.
”What the heck…? Whatever. Hey, Mina,” he said, shaking her gently.
”Meow…” she replied, her voice groggy and childlike.
The bodyguard mumbled with a sleepy pout.
Seeing her like that made him chuckle.
With a smirk, he reached under the covers to poke her awake, mischief lighting up his eyes.
Notes:
• Cianie – A noble girl with a fluffy white and light blue dress, indicating her high status. She has a hesitant and flustered personality but is kind and courteous. Her relationship with Klock begins as an accidental encounter and develops into a romantic interest. She has a fiancé but expresses feelings for Klock, complicating their relationship.
• Mina – She is a golden-haired catgirl employee of the beastman (Larana the cat woman) Inn, appeared performing fellatio, desperate and tear-streaked, with an inexperienced yet earnest approach to her work.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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