Llewelyn’s eyes widened. A blessing… So it was precious?
“Right now.”
“Ernel, are you okay?”
According to Llewelyn studies, if this blessing was given, no matter how strong the Patron was, he would not be able to exert his power for a while. He was going to give her a blessing right now?
“Haha, my body is fine, princess. Even if it’s a blessing, it is not officially given by the Holy Kingdom, so I cannot receive the protection of the Holy Kingdom.”
“Really?”
“Yes. It’s a secret, but I have the strongest power among the Patrons.”
Llewelyn immediately believed him. After all, if anyone could use that kind of power, the Holy Kingdom would have already become a Holy Empire.
Hearing the sound of a chair sliding, Ernel approached. Llewelyn stood still and was startled to see him standing in front of her. He was sitting in his chair only seconds ago.
“I have nothing to give you in return.”
“I know. I am giving you this because I have feelings for the princess.”
Llewelyn noticed that his shoulders were surprisingly wide, which made him seem bigger compared to the men around him. She felt like she was being held by him as he put his hands on the arms of her chair and bent forward. A soft breath caressed the nape of her neck, sending shivers down her spine.
Didn’t he say he liked her? What kind of like was it? If it were under normal circumstances, she would set up a date to find out the nature of these ‘feelings’. But maybe it was because of Asmodeus’s stigma that her heart was pounding at such a light remark.
“Do you have to be this close?”
“Yes. I have to put my hand on your forehead, since I can’t bring the princess to her knees.”
Ernel carefully reached out. A white finger touched her forehead. She could see a white light forming on his hand. The light was dazzling, and Llewelyn had to close her eyes tightly. The warm light seemed to cover her forehead and face. Could she really just receive this blessing? A warm feeling ran down her throat.
“Ahh!”
She felt pain shoot up her neck. It was the place with the mark. Llewelyn grabbed her neck and stood up. It was as if the stigma was angry. It was as hot as fire and Llewelyn opened her eyes wide and looked at Ernel.
“Are you okay?” Ernel’s tone was calm.
Llewelyn felt anything but, she felt like she was going to die. As the stigma was displayed, her body heated up just like that night.
“Uh-uh huh.”
A sweet gasp came out of Llewelyn’s mouth. She looked at Ernel with a tearful expression.
“Someone has played a terrible prank on you.”
His voice was incomparably cold in contrast to his voice which was always kind and soft. Was it really Ernel who just said that? Llewelyn’s expression changed.
She could see a cold rage rising in him.
It felt like her throat was burning. Llewelyn’s neck burned. How… What should she do? Unknowingly, she pressed her legs together. Her body craved a man’s touch, and she began to burn up more and more.
“Uh, Ernel… ” She struggled to say.
Ernel took her hand slowly.
“Did you know? This is the stigma of the devil. It is a brand that holds the power of Asmodeus, a high-ranking devil with black magic. Judging from your reaction, the curse that has been cast on you is the curse of ‘lust’.”
“…Yeah?”
“It’s a stigma that only disappears when you hold a man.”
It didn’t matter. She just wished someone would hug her and take off her clothes, touch her bare skin, and put himself inside her.
Llewelyn managed to come to her senses in front of the Patron. But inside she felt like everything was falling apart.
“May I help you?”
A soft voice whispered in her ear as if seducing her. When Llewelyn raised her head, purple eyes with enchanting beauty met hers.
***
***
Llewelyn saw Ernel looking down at her, helpless in her chair. A deep darkness was swirling within him. She looked up at him and shook her head desperately. This was unimaginable. How does he…
“Not… No…”
“But if you go on like this, you will lose your mind. You will be left with only your lustful instincts.”
“I know what the princess is experiencing now. With the blessing of the Holy Ghost, I am in conflict with the power of the devil within you.”
Llewelyn bit her lip. How did this happen?
“I have no intention of informing the King of the princess’ condition. Do not worry about it.” Ernel said calmly. But that made her even more mad. She shook her head desperately and got up from her seat. She had to leave but she didn’t know where to go. Ernel caught Llewelyn’s arm.
“Princess. It is dangerous to leave now.”
Llewellyn bit her lip and said. “That… It’s a nuisance to you.”
He tilted his head questioningly, suggesting she elaborate.
“Because you would have to force yourself.”
In an instant, Ernel’s eyes widened. Llewelyn gasped for breath. What would happen if he, a priest, slept with a woman condemned by him, and was the princess of this country? He would be stripped of his status as a Patron and would be judged by everyone.
She would rather go find someone else. Except for Alman. Anyone else was better.
When Llewelyn was about to turn her head, Ernell grabbed her chin and forced her to face him. She gulped, trying to wrench herself away.
“Princess, what if I’m okay with it?”
“…”
Ernell raised the corners of his lips. His big fingers caressed her cheek. His face was too pure to be drunk with lust.
“I… I…”
“Do you really want to go out like this? Wouldn’t you be better off sleeping with me than an unsafe man?”
“…”
“Let me help you. The choice is yours, princess.” He smiled softly. Was it because of the shadows on his face due to the dim lighting? She felt supremely lewd. Ernel didn’t even have a lust-soaked expression. He just gave her a choice.
What if she went out and lost her senses? Was Ernel a reliable person? Several thoughts ran through her mind. Her throat burned as she moistened her lips with her tongue. Ernel whispered as if he had read her mind. “If the princess is so wary of me, I will tell you my secret.”
“…”
“My father is the leader of the Church.”
Llewelyn’s eyes widened. When she turned to look at Ernel, he smiled like an angel. Nonsense! Why did he tell her this secret? Was it true?
“Because my father is the Pope, there is not a scandal too big that he cannot silence.”
“…”
“So I do not see a problem sleeping with a woman.”
“Sleeping with a woman…”
“In bed, rolling around.” He grinned.
How could he say such a thing with such a pure appearance? Llewelyn’s face flushed red.
He didn’t lay a hand on Llewelyn, who was anxious. He was simply calming her down, and if she really didn’t like it, he was going to leave cleanly.
“So just tell me.”
Was it consideration, or was it a twisted sadistic desire to listen to someone’s ‘choice’ with their own mouth? Llewelyn looked up at Ernel with a hazy expression. Llewelyn’s resolve broke at his warm smile. As Ernell had said, she had reached her limit.
“Help… please.”
Tears rolled down Llewelyn’s cheeks. Seeing this, Ernel clicked his tongue. He pulled her close and kissed her forehead.
“I knew, but… pitiful person. You’re like a pitiful bird of God.”
“…”
It was a reverent kiss. He was so kind and warm that she never expected that she would ever sleep with this man. When Llewelyn was possessed by his touch, Ernel dipped her, pressing their lips together even more deeply.
In that moment, a kiss like a storm took over her. As a soft, soft tongue swept the corners of her tightly closed mouth, her teeth naturally inched open.
A sweet, hot tongue invaded her mouth. The beautiful priest had a heavy scent. Just that kiss alone made Llewelyn’s body heat up even more.
As their breathing became heavy, Ernel grabbed her by the waist and lifted her up, wrapping her legs around his midsection. His supporting hand was quite sturdy. She was quickly moved to the bedroom, the hand on her back steady and reassuring.