Chapter 65: Master of The Empire

“Hngggg♥”

“Kuhk!”

Bound tightly by Justia’s legs around my waist, I poured my seed inside her for what felt like an eternity.

A relentless release, as if determined to fill her belly to the brim.

A greater amount of thick, white fluid than ever before surged forcefully into Justia’s womb.

Her eyes rolled back halfway as she climaxed.

“Oohh♥ Ooooh♥”

Splurt—! Splish-splash.

Her thighs and abs were splattered with her own juices.

By now, it was hard to tell whether we were on a bed or in a swimming pool.

Justia trembled violently, her climax still wracking her body, until finally, her legs went limp as she lost strength.

“Haaah…”

“Huuu…”

Slowly pulling my lower half back, I looked down at her.

Her twitching entrance overflowed with white seed. Why…

Why had she gone so far to take all of me inside her?

Lost in the afterglow, I was pulled back to reality when Justia regained her senses and looked up at me.

“Hehe… Your warmth has filled me completely, Your Grace.”

“Justia. Why did you do this?”

“I’m sorry… I acted on my own…”

“‘Sorry’ doesn’t cut it. If you were to get pregnant, you wouldn’t be able to attend the academy, let alone compete for succession—”

“Even so…”

“Huh?”

“Even so… I wanted to carve the proof that I am Your Grace’s woman into my very body.”

Justia smiled, tears glistening in her eyes.

A fragile smile, caught between happiness and guilt.

Seeing that, I couldn’t bring myself to say another word.

“…”

What am I doing?

Why am I getting angry at Justia?

She did nothing wrong.

All she wanted was my love.

Instead of overthinking, shouldn’t I be holding her close right now?

I slowly leaned down and gently pulled the trembling Justia into my arms.

Thud.

“Ah…”

“You’re truly impossible. Was a ring not enough for you?”

“No… I was afraid. That’s why I wanted more.”

“You don’t need to be afraid. You’re precious to me, Justia.”

I whispered close to her ear, my lips nearly brushing against it.

In response, Justia clung to me and sobbed.

I fought back the sting in my own eyes as I wiped away her tears with my fingers.

“Don’t cry. I prefer seeing you smile.”

“Then… Can you grant me just one request?”

“A request?”

“Yes.”

This was unexpected.

Justia wasn’t the type to make demands like this. 

What was going on?

Curious, I nodded.

“Alright. Tell me.”

“Say that you love me the most.”

“…”

“Even if it’s not true… even if there are other women in your heart… just tell me you love me the most. That you cherish me.”

Justia gently cupped my cheek as she spoke.

So that’s what this was about.

The words “I love you.”

Come to think of it, I’d never actually said them to her before.

Our bond in this world had grown deep, yet I’d never expressed my feelings properly.

Of course, it was embarrassing—but if it was Justia’s wish, I’d say it as many times as she wanted.

For now, I’d forget about Lucy and the others. 

Right now, I’d focus only on Justia.

After gathering my thoughts, I called her name.

“Justia.”

“…Yes.”

“I love you.”

“Eek!”

“I love you. More than anyone else in this world.”

“Ah… me… hng… huu…”

A sincere confession, spoken while gazing into her eyes.

Justia choked up—not from sadness, but from overwhelming happiness.

The sight of golden tears spilling like sunlight through rain was beautiful.

As I wiped away her endless tears, Justia spoke again.

“I… love you too. More than you love me.”

“Hearing that makes me happy. But this is a problem, you know?”

“Eh? Why?”

“Because the more I look at you, the more beautiful you become.”

“Ehehe…”

Justia blushed and squirmed.

So damn cute.

The embarrassment was worth it just for this reaction.

As I basked in my satisfaction, I noticed Justia happily caressing her lower belly.

“…”

This felt… strange.

The thought that I’d planted my seed inside her was arousing, but…

If she really got pregnant, how would we raise the child?

‘No idea.’

I’d never been married before.

If she turned out to be pregnant, I’d have to discuss it with Vanessa later.

Lost in thought, Justia called my name.

“Grand Duke.”

“Yes, Justia.”

“Earlier… I said I came to see you because I had something important to tell you, remember?”

“That’s right.”

“Well… there’s actually one more thing.”

“Huh?”

I tilted my head at her words.

Justia’s expression was uncharacteristically serious.

Her fingers, interlaced with mine, tightened slightly.

Her gaze held unwavering resolve.

‘What is she about to say?’

An “important” matter at a time like this? 

I couldn’t even begin to guess.

The quiet bedroom was filled only with the sound of our breathing.

Amid the heavy silence, Justia spoke.

“I want to give you the Empire.”

“…What?”

“To be precise… Once I win the succession war and become Empress, I want to present the Empire to you as a gift. I’ve been considering several options, but once your current nation-building process is complete, I plan to formally subordinate the Empire to the Dark—”

“Wait, wait, hold on. Justia.”

I quickly grabbed her shoulders, cutting her off.

Give me the Empire?

What kind of nonsense was this?

Ruling a nation was far more complicated than it seemed.

It meant managing noble houses, overseeing the lives of countless citizens—

It required history, influence, and legitimacy.

And here I was, pouring my heart into establishing my own Dukedom—

‘Is she seriously telling me to swallow the whole Empire too?’

My subordinates joked about it sometimes, but they were fanatically loyal.

It wasn’t as simple as they made it sound.

Justia was an Imperial Princess. 

Was this really something she should be suggesting?

As I stood there stunned, Justia stroked my chest and continued.

“Hehe. Surprised? It’s rare to see you so shocked. I must’ve done well today.”

“…Why would you make such a decision?”

“You mean why did I decide to give you the Empire?”

“Yes. Setting aside the procedural and political difficulties, this would reshape the Empire’s entire history. It’s not something to decide lightly—”

“No. It wasn’t a light decision.”

Her tone was firm.

Whoa. Her eyes were dead serious.

It was rare for her to argue with me like this—she must’ve been completely sincere.

Then, her golden eyes shimmered with mana as she stared into mine.

“This wasn’t impulsive. I’m certain—no one is more suited to rule the Empire than you.”

“I disagree. You’d make a fine Empress, Justia.”

“Not as great as you. And… I’d rather be a good wife than a good Empress.”

“…Are you serious?”

“Yes. Please, become the Empire’s ruler. It’s what’s best for everyone—for the Empire itself.”

Her words carried an eerie certainty, as if she could see the future.

Did she know something about the continent’s fate?

More importantly, she showed no signs of backing down.

‘What should I do…?’

Maybe I should just accept.

Originally, I’d planned to support her as Empress and work together—

But annexing the Empire into my Dukedom wasn’t a bad idea either.

In the end, it was exactly what my subordinates kept joking about.

The irony wasn’t lost on me.

But… it’d be fine.

Because I’d make sure it was.

Finally, I let out a small, resigned chuckle and answered her.

“Fine. It’s not like I can change your mind anyway.”

“Ah. You saw through me?”

“Completely.”

“Ehem. Still, I’m glad. This way, I can repay you somehow.”

“I never asked for anything in return, Justia. I’ve told you that before.”

“I know. But this is what I want. I want you to have everything—my love, the rest of my life, and even the Empire.”

“…”

So this was how she truly felt.

Wordlessly, I stroked her hair.

Then, with the warmest gaze I could muster—gentle and tender—I kissed her softly.

That was enough to answer.

Actions spoke louder than words, and this conveyed my gratitude better than anything else.

And so, I agreed to take the Empire.

As we lay together, sharing warmth like any ordinary couple—

Knock knock.

“Lord Behirit. I’ve returned from training. Are you in your chambers?”

Liliana’s voice came from beyond the door.

Ah. Out of the frying pan, into the fire.