Chapter 90

■ Chapter 89. Exhibition (1) □ ᓚᘏᗢ

The morning of the long-awaited and simultaneously feared exhibition finally dawned.

Although the exhibition was hastily decided upon, almost as if it had leaped over a fence, the empire's substantial investment of resources and manpower ensured that it at least met the basic requirements.

Moreover, the format of the exhibition was not the quiet viewing of artworks in a building but rather something closer to a festival.

A specific area was designated for displaying the artworks in the otherwise empty estate, and the rest of the time, the residents could simply enjoy themselves.

Additionally, the highlights, such as music and theater, were scheduled for the evening, so during the day, one could wander around the estate and appreciate the displayed works.

"How about it? Does it suit me?"

Inside the mansion, after all the preparations were complete and before we officially began enjoying the festival, I couldn't help but be amazed at the sight of Mari in her dress for the occasion. She looked so beautiful in her white dress.

Her shoulders were completely exposed, and her chest was slightly revealed, with the white dress emphasizing her milky skin.

Overall, the dress was simple, with hardly any elaborate patterns, and the hem barely reached her knees. This made her long, slender legs, which were completely exposed, all the more captivating.

While the dress she wore at the previous event made her look mature, the one she wore now accentuated her girlish charm even more.

They say a woman's transformation is innocent, but with a transformation like this, any man would be forced to declare her innocent.

'Wow. Is this really my girlfriend?'

I couldn't help but doubt the reality of having such a beautiful woman as my girlfriend. It was a testament to how abnormally beautiful Mari was.

Not only was she beautiful, but her personality was also outstanding. Her white hair with a faint blue tinge, her milky skin, and her jewel-like blue eyes were all unique and irreplaceable.

She was not only beautiful but also incredibly lovely.

I gazed at her, who looked like a celestial maiden descended from heaven, for a moment before finally speaking my honest thoughts.

"...You look beautiful."

"Is that all you can say?"

"I feel like you're like the snow that falls from the sky, pure and white."

"What's that? It sounds like a novelist's review."

Mari blushed and laughed, seemingly embarrassed by my compliment, but she didn't seem to mind.

I took a moment to admire her from head to toe, then linked my arm with hers, starting my appreciation (or rather, ogling) in earnest.

I wanted to etch this moment in my memory since I couldn't capture it in a painting or photograph.

"...It's a bit embarrassing to be looked at like that."

"I can't help it; you're too beautiful. Sorry."

"Alright, let's go outside now."

With my honest and straightforward confession, Mari blushed and urged me to go outside. I reluctantly ended my admiration mode.

After all, Mari would be wearing this dress all day, so it would be easy to remember.

Although it might be a bit annoying to see other men looking at Mari, she was so obviously a noble that no one would dare to act rashly.

Moreover, the palace had dispatched a security force to ensure safety, so the likelihood of any crimes occurring was extremely low.

"Ah, are you two going out now?"

"Huh?"

Just as I was about to leave the mansion with Mari, Cecilie's enchanting voice caught my ear.

I turned to look at her, but I immediately caught my breath.

"Can I come with you?"

Cecilie smiled and invited us, but at that moment, her voice seemed to fade into the background. She was wearing a black dress that was so beautiful it seemed to reach the heavens.

It was a halter-neck dress that exposed her arms and back, which only emphasized her most prominent feature: her chest.

While another woman might have been described as sexy, Cecilie's chest was so large that it even gave off a vulgar impression.

Moreover, the material clung to her body, making her figure even more captivating.

'But the necklace...'

There was one odd thing: the necklace Cecilie was wearing.

While the dress looked expensive, the necklace appeared old and worn, a simple silver chain with no jewels. It stood out even more in contrast to Cecilie's beauty.

"Wow... that's cheating..."

As I focused on the necklace, Mari muttered beside me. I nodded in agreement.

Even Mari, who usually found Cecilie intimidating, was amazed, giving us a sense of how beautiful Cecilie was.

While the dress she wore at the previous event was daring, this one showcased her strengths.

Her attire exuded a seductive charm, and her alluring appearance captivated my attention.

Gulp—

Perhaps sensing that I shouldn't be tempted, I instinctively grabbed Mari's hand.

Mari flinched at first but then tightened her grip.

Cecilie's expression changed subtly when she saw us holding hands, but she soon smiled and spoke softly.

"I'm sorry if I'm interrupting your date. I'm new to this estate, so I need a guide."

"Ah... yes."

"If you refuse, I'll just back off."

I looked at Mari, who was also looking at me.

After a moment, she smiled and turned back to Cecilie.

"Alright, but just for today?"

"Really? You really mean it?"

Cecilie's reaction was intense, her red eyes widening with joy as she approached us.

Even I and Mari were taken aback by her enthusiasm. As she walked toward us, her chest swayed slightly, making it hard to look away.

Fortunately, I quickly checked Mari's reaction, noticing that her gaze was still fixed on Cecilie's chest.

Her blue eyes trembled slightly, overwhelmed by Cecilie's presence. It was impossible not to look, especially as her chest swayed with each step.

Mari swallowed hard and finally spoke, her voice uncertain.

"Um... alright. But you have to stay by my side. Don't come near Isaac."

"That's fine. I'm here for the exhibition anyway. You really mean it, right?"

"Yes, no more questions. I also want to talk to you about something."

Mari's eyes flickered, trying to resist the urge to look down.

If Mari, a woman, felt this way, how much more would I, a man, feel? I closed my eyes tightly, trying to resist.

Just as exposing the skin can be more seductive than covering it, Cecilie was advertising her heritage as a succubus to the world.

'That's why it wasn't strange that I was tempted before...'

I recalled her actions when I uncovered her secret. Just thinking about it made my face turn red.

I took deep breaths to calm myself, feeling guilty for having such thoughts with my girlfriend right next to me.

'...Or something. Men are just sad creatures.'

I wondered if Mari would understand, but it might be better to get a big scolding later. I slowly opened my eyes and looked ahead.

Cecilie's smiling face came into view. I averted my gaze, coughing to clear my throat.

"How about Isaac? Mari has given her permission."

"…I don't mind. But where are the bodyguards?"

"Don't worry. They're watching us, even if you can't see them."

"In that case..."

I had heard that the knight from Helium was highly skilled, even by demon standards, so I felt reassured.

'But wasn't Cecilie supposed to be the next Great Demon King?'

I wondered if she really needed bodyguards, but it might just be for show, so it wasn't my place to question it.

In any case, with Cecilie joining us, we finished all preparations and headed outside the mansion.

Mari, standing next to me, and Cecilie, standing next to her, followed. The sunny weather greeted us as we stepped outside, lifting our spirits.

'It's a good thing it's not raining.'

Our estate, like Korea in my previous life, has distinct seasons. It should be raining this time of year, but there were no signs of it yet.

The sky was clear, making me feel proud. I looked up at the sky, then turned my head forward.

The guards at the mansion's main gate were opening it upon seeing us. Unlike Mari's mansion, the gate was simple and ordinary, but I had no complaints.

I was grateful to the guards who were working hard despite the festival.

"You're working hard. When does your shift end?"

"The palace's knight squad will be here soon."

"Then you can enjoy the festival soon."

"Ha-ha. Yes, I hope you enjoy the festival too, young master."

After exchanging pleasantries with the guard, we stepped outside the gate.

The distance between the village where the festival was taking place and the mansion was not far, so we would arrive soon.

Until then, we would chat. Mari started the conversation by asking Cecilie a question.

"By the way, Cecilie. This might be a bit awkward, but can I ask?"

"Hmm? What is it?"

"How did you get such a big chest?"

The blunt question hit Cecilie directly. Both she and I were taken aback.

If anyone else had been around, I would have pretended not to hear. Maybe even pretended not to know them.

Regardless, Mari's blue eyes were filled with deep curiosity and a faint desire. Cecilie noticed this, looked at her chest, then back at Mari.

She blushed slightly and smiled awkwardly before speaking.

"Why are you asking?"

"Isaac keeps looking at it."

"Hey."

"Why are you denying it? Do you think I don't know?"

I was speechless, and Mari's clear response left me with nothing to say.

I wanted to say something, but I couldn't. I had a staring contest with Mari, who had a "go ahead and say it" look, and finally shook my head.

As I always say, men are sad creatures. Mari looked triumphant and turned back to Cecilie.

"I want to be like you so that Isaac won't look at other places. Every time you wear a dress like this, Isaac only looks at you."

"Mari, you're not small. In fact, you're the opposite."

Cecilie spoke to Mari in a gentle tone, as if soothing a child. Indeed, while Cecilie was overwhelming, Mari was also larger than average.

As a noble, she ate and slept better than commoners and received body management, so it was natural.

"Besides, being this big has its own inconveniences. You know that, right?"

"I know, but I think Isaac will like it."

"Can't you talk about this when I'm not around?"

The listener was embarrassed to the point of wanting to die. I begged her, and Mari laughed playfully.

"Why? Are you embarrassed?"

"Of course, I'm embarrassed. We shouldn't talk about such things in public..."

"Can I borrow your ear for a moment?"

Before I could finish, Mari gestured for me to lend her my ear. I hesitated, wondering what she would do, but finally complied.

She glanced at Cecilie, then cupped her hands around my ear to muffle the sound.

"You don't need to be embarrassed. Why?"

-We'll see everything eventually.

Those words made my legs, which had been moving, come to a sudden stop. I stared at Mari, unable to close my mouth.

Mari's cheeks turned red, but she was smiling, as if she had been building up to this moment.

I could only admire her. Women become more cunning the more they fall in love.

"Alright, I'll stop joking around. Let's go enjoy the festival."

After I stood there for a while, Mari took my hand and led me toward the village. I followed, still in a daze.

Cecilie remained in her spot, as if the world had split into two. Mari, oblivious to Cecilie's presence, continued to lead me by the hand.

"...Interesting."

With Cecilie's ominous mutter, the exhibition began.

And...

"...What the hell is this?"

"It's a statue."

"I know it's a statue. But what is this... Why is it so big?"

As soon as we entered the village, I was reminded once again that there are many perverts in the world.