34 Chapter 34 - Hand-Holding

AN: 2/4 chapter!

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Natalia finally finished closing the inn and approached Merlin, who was waiting for her. "I'm done. Sorry to keep you waiting," she said while looking at Merlin guiltily.

"Don't worry. I don't mind waiting for you." Merlin waved off her apology and stood up from his chair, after which he headed for the stairs.

Natalia followed Merlin and walked beside him. She then hugged one of his arms and pressed it against her large, soft breasts.

Merlin turned to Natalia, who smiled coquettishly at him. He gave her a charming smile in return.

The two of them climbed the stairs and headed for Merlin's room. They stopped at the door after arriving at their destination.

"What is wrong?" Natalia asked, confused. She was unsure why they didn't enter immediately.

"Nothing. All right, let's go in," Merlin replied before opening the door.

After that, the two of them were immediately greeted by shocked gazes from the girls in the room.

"Hero! Finally, you came!" Llusse exclaimed while leaning against the wall. She was crossing her arms over her chest.

Llusse looked displeased at Merlin's tardiness.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Merlin said, smiling guiltily.

"Hmmm, even though you have admitted it, this still surprises me, Hero," said Filia, looking at Natalia. She was sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Landlady, will you join us tonight?" Tianne asked from her perch on the edge of the bed. Like Filia, she was sitting there.

Aina just stared at Merlin and Natalia silently while sitting between Filia and Tianne. She looked restless with a red face.

"Excuse me. You don't mind if I join in on the fun tonight, do you?" Natalia is smiling pleasantly when Merlin guided her into the room.

"The more, the merrier," replied Filia calmly, smiling refreshingly all the while.

"That's right. The presence of the Landlady can help us and the Hero," added Tianne, smiling sweetly.

"I have no problem if you participate," said Llusse, frowning slightly at Natalia's presence.

Llusse was the only one who felt rather displeased by the new addition. With Aina, she thought it was crowded already, but Natalia's presence made it more crowded.

Despite her true feelings, Llusse kept her opinion to herself and let Natalia join in on the fun. She was aware that she could do nothing against Natalia's presence because the rest didn't seem to mind it.

Aina was silent; she didn't know what to say.

"Then, thank you for accepting my presence," said Natalia, nodding at the girls. She then let go of Merlin's arm.

Regarding Merlin, his gaze was still on Aina who was nervous and agitated. He never averted his attention away from Aina since he began looking at her.

Suddenly, Merlin approached Aina and leaned forward. There was a distance that was neither too close nor far between Aina's and Merlin's faces.

Despite the distance between them, Aina is stiffened. Even though she knew what they would do, it finally hit her. It felt more real.

"Are you nervous, Aina?" Merlin asked.

Merlin knew that the answer to his question was clear, but he wanted to reduce Aina's nervousness and anxiety with a small chat before they truly began.

Aina replied with a tense smile and a stiff nod.

"Feeling anxious and nervous is understandable if this is your first time. I hope you can trust me. I promise I will treat you gently and will not hurt you." (Merlin)

"Thank you for your kindness, O Hero." (Aina)

Aina felt a little relieved after hearing Merlin's comforting words and reassuring smile.

"By the way, you can call me by my name. I realize it is too late, but I want you to stop calling me by my title," Merlin changed the subject suddenly, looking at his companions, one by one.

The girls were startled and looked unsure.

"I insist." (Merlin)

After hearing Merlin's words, they hesitated momentarily before nodding in agreement.

"If that's your wish, then we will stop calling you by your title. Thank you for your kindness, Lord Merlin," said Filia as the spokesperson for the girls, who nodded in agreement.

Merlin didn't force them to drop the pretentious noun in front of his name. He realized that it was futile as he'd tried and failed to get Natalia to stop adding masters to his name in the past.

After that, Merlin looked back at Aina. "Are you ready, Aina?"

Aina stiffened suddenly. She would lie if she said she was ready.

Her heart was racing, and she felt very nervous. She was not ready.

Despite her true feelings, she braced herself up. 'Nothing bad will happen. Others told me that it would hurt a little just at the beginning, and after that, it would feel good! You can do it, Aina!'

After encouraging herself, Aina nodded at Merlin.

Merlin looked deeply at Aina's eyes and saw her conviction. He was glad that Aina was willing to do this with him despite her previous doubt, suspicion, and wariness against him.

He turned to the others and said, "You don't mind if I focus on Aina first, do you?"

Filia, Tianne, and Llusse looked at each other silently. After that, Filia nodded at Merlin and said, "We don't mind. Please focus on Aina first, so she can have a wonderful first experience."

Meanwhile, Natalia smiled calmly like an infallible holy mother and nodded at him.

"Thank you." Merlin was glad that they agreed. He then added, "While I'm focusing on Aina, you four can prepare yourself for your turn."

"Prepare ourselves…" Filia began.

"…for our turn, isn't it?" Natalia finished.

The two young women and the two elves exchanged a look before nodding at each other. They then began stripping themselves.

Merlin nodded in satisfaction when he saw their actions; they truly understood what he hinted at.

He turned back to Aina and slowly yet confidently reached her hands on her lap. They were clutching the emerald-colored fabric of her robe tightly until her knuckles turned white.

Aina was truly nervous, and Merlin noticed it clearly. That's why he went on slowly.

When Merlin held her hands, Aina trembled, bit her lower lip, and shifted her gaze shyly, her face flushing deeply.

'I am just holding her hands, but she's showing such a tantalizing reaction. This is so stimulating! So lewd!' Merlin exclaimed in his mind excitedly.