Chapter 22 - Travel.

(From Luke's perspective)

My body was enveloped in a pleasant sensation, and I slowly opened my eyes. A man in a white outfit stood in front of me, indicating that he was a healer. Memories of my battle with the empress flood my mind. Finally, I was able to grasp a glimpse of the empress' true strength. She has a surreal sensitivity to magical power, to the point of detecting me during the fight, in addition to strength.

It surprised me that I couldn't hit her with [hydra god steps]. Most mages lack quick reflexes; they are ranged fighters who fight in this manner. The empress, on the other hand, was able to develop a sense that allows her to detect any magical power around her.

I was perplexed as she evaded my high-speed attack. I had a sneaking suspicion that she was detecting my movements by sensing my magical power. I conducted a small experiment that proved my theory while concealing my magical power, causing the empress to become defensive for the first time. In the end, I was defeated and knocked out by a high-level spell cast by the empress.

"All right, you can go now."

"With your approval."

The empress approached me as she sat on a chair watching the healer heal me. When I got up and sat on the edge of the bed, I realized I was in the infirmary.

"It was an exciting fight."

"However, in the end, I lost."

"Don't be concerned. You should concentrate on getting stronger right now. Remember that you have access to the imperial family's library."

"All right, thank you."

The empress rested her hand on my shoulder and stared me down.

"Get stronger, and when you believe you're ready, challenge me to another fight. I'm available for a rematch at any time." The empress smiled as she finished.

...

Six months have passed.

Since my fight with the Empress, I've spent 90% of my time working on improving my strength. I had little interaction with the other heroines, but Marceline and Angélica got to know each other. I never imagined the cold Marceline and the cheerful Angelica would get along. Likewise, I took some imperial academy tests.

Power magic:

SS+ Rank for Ki Sword

Mana: E rank.

Finally, I went to the system store and purchased a new core. To be honest, it was the most agonizing pain I'd ever experienced. My entire body writhed in pain as I worked on a new core.

The Empress's illness has been causing me concern recently. In recent months, she has deteriorated further, and to make matters worse, someone leaked information about the empress's condition to the nobles. What really concerns me is my father's ambitions, and his interest in me has recently increased.

I sent Marceline to the Blady house a few weeks ago to gather information. My brother, Nicola Blady (or simply Nic), has returned home after a long absence, according to her. Moreover, Marceline discovered that my father is gaining more and more supporters.

Based on the current situation, my father must attempt a coup soon. I don't recall this happening in my previous life, but it's possible that my actions influenced current events.

"What happened? You appear to be contemplative."

Marceline had asked me. I'm in my room right now. Angelica was lying next to me, her pussy full of cum. Marceline was sucking the penis that had just filled Angelica's uterus with sperm in the middle of my laps.

Over the last few weeks, having a threesome has become the norm for us. It took some time for me to have sex with both of them at the same time; I preferred to let them get to know each other and develop some intimacy before sharing a bed.

Marceline's fellatio continued until my cock was upright once more. She then climbed on top of me and began riding. Angelica and Marceline had sex almost all night. After all, I'm going to the realm of demihumans with the empress. This will be my first time playing the role of the empress's bodyguard.

....

I go to the imperial palace at dawn. I obtained a license from the academy thanks to a letter from the empress. When I'm in the indicated location, I see someone I didn't expect to see. The individual was a semi-human woman with wolf ears and long hair that extended down her back.

Her body is extremely attractive, with a large chest, thick thighs, and a round ass. She is very beautiful, despite her fierce face.

"Carina. What exactly are you doing here?"

Carina, one of the heroines, was the person in question.

"She'll accompany us."

When I turn around, I see the empress, who spoke to me, and Elizabeth beside her. Margaret was dressed similarly to the day I fought her, but her body had changed. Elizabeth was dressed in boots, slacks, and a blouse. There was a belt around her waist that allowed her to keep her sword. Elizabeth has the appearance of an adventurer.

I'd never seen Elizabeth dress like that before; she usually dresses like a traditional knight. However, I believe this outfit is very flattering on her. Elizabeth's breasts are highlighted by the blouse, and her legs are highlighted by the pants. Definitely lovely.

"Not many people know this, but Carina is the Demihuman Realm's princess."

"I realized."

I had no idea in my previous life. Carina, I believe, chose to conceal the fact that she is a princess. I believe she wanted to be treated the same as the other students, so she must have asked to keep it a secret from the others. That, at least, is my theory.

"You ride in the carriage with the princess, Elizabeth. That pervert is riding along with me " The empress said.

"Perverted?"

"I noticed you looking Elizabeth up and down. You appeared to want to devour her."

"Haha." I give an awkward smile.

I returned my gaze to Elizabeth, who was blushing. Elizabeth's red face was another unexpected reaction. Except for the empress and occasionally me, she is always cold to everyone. When we were alone, I was able to develop intimacy with Elizabeth. She simply maintains her calm.

"Your Majesty, yes."

So our adventure began. The empress' carriage was in front, Carina's was behind, and there were some knights on top of horses all around. According to the empress, the journey will last two days, with a night's rest in between. I'm alone with the empress right now, and I think it's a good time to talk to her.

"Margaret. Are you all right?"

"What? Naturally, I am."

"Recently, rumors about your illness have circulated in the imperial capital."

"I went to the doctor, and he said my body is fine."

"What if it's not your body but something the doctor is unaware of?"

"What exactly do you mean?"

"I've been watching you since the carroage started moving. You've been coughing more and more, and you've been feeling tireder than usual."

"..."

"The lady's trusted doctor said he couldn't figure out what was wrong with you. I've given it some thought, and I believe your vital energy is dwindling."

"What is vital energy?"

"I read in an old book that we all have an energy that structures our souls. This is referred to as vital energy. According to the book, there is no soul without vital energy, and no life without soul."

"Continues."

"I believe you are suffering from a very rare disease. I'm not sure what you mean, but I believe your vital energy is running low."

"Does there exist a treatment?"

"Yea..."

"Greetings, Your Majesty. We were able to find a place to stay for the night "Outside, a knight said.

"Make camp... Luke, we'll talk later."

"Right."

We disembarked the carriage to make camp. The rider did, in fact, quickly mount. Empress Margaret and Elizabeth pitched their tents while the knights lit a fire to prepare food.

I was sitting at a tree's base. Carina came up behind me and sat down next to me.

"You have an unusual odor."

"What?"

...

(From Carina's perspective)

I noticed a strange odor emanating from Luke when I first approached him. We demi-humans are extremely sensitive to smell, to the point where it influences mating. We follow nature's law: the strongest always win.

It is similar in mating. We all want a strong partner; this is the main requirement that attracts my people. After that there are other considerations such as appearance and smell. Some odors have an effect on us. You're pretty much the ideal person if you're strong and you smell good. We don't even care about appearances.

Luke, this is the ideal combination for me. I don't make it clear, but it meets those criteria. It's potent and has a nice smell that makes me horny. It's like he emits a pheromone that attracts me to mate. I manage to keep my instincts in check and refrain from attacking him. But I'm about to enter the mating period.

My animal instincts take over every year on a single day, and I lose touch with reality. On that day, my desires take over and I am unable to control them. I'm not sure what will happen if I attack Luke. As a result, I decided to warn him.

...

(From Luke's perspective)

"What?"

"I'm not sure. I just know you arouse my animal instincts."

Could she pick up on my [lust aura] even if I'm not wearing it? It's a skill that emits a pheromone that attracts women.

"I want to warn you about something. Two days from now, I'm going to enter a special state that happens to our people."

...

"Depending on my state, I might go after you and attack you."

"What?"

"I was attentive." she said and left, leaving me confused.

Following dinner, I was summoned to the empress' tent. When I walk in, I am greeted by a beautiful woman wearing a loose robe and holding a glass of wine. Margaret was obviously inebriated based on the odor. Her robe was half open, revealing the empress's smooth legs, and one side was half down, revealing a small portion of her chest.

"You finally came," she said, smiling.

.....

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