Chapter 3: Beauty (3)
“No wonder the Papal Court’s been acting suspicious. Turns out it’s because of trash like this. There were some causing trouble in my territory too. I kicked them all out, but… there seem to be more of these clueless fools than I thought. Cleaning up filth is one thing, but getting dragged into pointless drama? Absolutely not.”
Hakan hesitated, torn between following the Grand Duke or staying to watch over Ardwino. Meanwhile, the atmosphere grew even more hostile. The aggressive knights were itching for a fight, taunting recklessly.
“Just leave them be.”
Ardwino retrieved his sheathed sword from where he’d aimed it and spoke to Eckart, who released the man he’d been restraining. The knights, their faces flushed with rage, drew their swords. There wasn’t an ounce of discipline in their stance.
Their posture was sloppy, their blades poorly maintained, and—worst of all—two of them had drawn on Ardwino at once. Perhaps they saw him as the easier target. Eckart, showing no intention of fighting, had stepped back, making Ardwino all the more appealing to take down first.
If this were some back-alley brawl, then Ardwino would match their level. With that thought, he watched the two men charge at him with wild, uncoordinated swings. Just as their blades were about to strike, Ardwino sidestepped with impossible speed, grabbed one man, and slammed him into the ground. The knight—heavier than him, clad in chainmail—was lifted and thrown down as if he weighed nothing.
Ignoring the groaning, crushed man beneath him, Ardwino turned to the second knight, who hesitated before lunging. Without even drawing his sword, Ardwino deflected the attack with his scabbard alone. The force sent the knight’s blade flying from his grip. Weaponless and defeated, the man raised his hands in surrender—but Ardwino showed no mercy, striking his neck and knocking him unconscious.
It all happened in the blink of an eye. Hakan stared blankly at the two men sprawled on the ground.
He had heard of Ardwino’s reputation before—through Prince Tariq, no less. “God’s Shield,” they called him. Wherever Ardwino stood, nothing could break through. His skill was unmatched, earning him Eckart’s absolute trust. But hearing it and seeing it were two different things. Ardwino didn’t look the part—no imposing frame, no sharp aura like Eckart’s. He was the opposite in appearance.
“How does that body produce that kind of strength…?”
While Hakan stood stunned, Eckart merely observed Ardwino’s fight with the air of someone who had expected nothing less.
“Adapting to their level was wise. Though that last strike was unnecessary brutality.”
“They need to learn their lesson the hard way. The Commander said it himself—what you give is what you get back. For scum like them, this is still too lenient.”
Ardwino resheathed his sword and waved at the girl who had bowed to him from a distance, a proud smile on his face.
“Either way, I’ve done my good deed for the day. The Commander preaches with words; I act. And I helped that girl too.”
“…Hmph.”
Eckart neither agreed nor disagreed, his expression ambiguous. Hakan, who had been listening silently, sidled up beside Ardwino. His ears were oddly red as he stammered out his words—uncharacteristically hesitant.
“Ardwino. That fight just now… was incredible. Truly magnificent. I think I’ve… no, I’ve well and truly fallen for you.”
“Ah, do you think so? I’m glad you liked it.”
“And… I’ve been struggling with something, but I think I’ve finally found my answer.”
Unlike Eckart, who looked at him quizzically, Ardwino’s eyes widened as if he understood the unspoken implication. Hakan continued, his gaze locked onto him.
“I can’t remember much, but the sweetness of it lingers… If you’re willing, would you let me taste it properly this time? So I never forget?”
His deep affection and curiosity had overcome any hesitation about the unknown. Ardwino didn’t hesitate for a second—he nodded eagerly.
“Of course. Since we’re on the subject, shall we go now? I’ve been thirsty for that same sweetness myself.”
“I’d be delighted.”
Their destination was set. Hakan led the way with an expectant grin, while Ardwino followed, beaming—before suddenly turning back as if he’d almost forgotten something.
“Since I’ve completed my good deed for the day, I’ll take my leave. Commander, have a good day.”
Eckart stood there, dumbfounded, watching as Ardwino—who usually trailed after him, meddling in every little detail of his schedule—walked away without a backward glance.
***
Hakan and Ardwino boarded a carriage. Though enclosed, the interior was spacious and luxurious, growing cozy as the door shut.
Hakan spoke cautiously, as if something were bothering him.
“The buildings around here are quite old, so the facilities aren’t the best. If you’d prefer, we can go a bit farther out—there’s a decent inn on the outskirts, but it’ll take some time…”
He trailed off, blinking in surprise. Ardwino, who had been sitting across from him when they boarded, had suddenly moved the moment the carriage started—now pressed right up against Hakan’s side.
The carriage was more than wide enough; this had to be intentional. Ardwino smirked, his eyes crinkling.
“The place doesn’t matter. To be honest… I like it here just fine.”
As he spoke, he placed a hand on Hakan’s thigh—a gesture that was unmistakably seductive, dripping with allure. Hakan lost his words for a moment before his eyes lit up.
“You are my type. Like you were molded from nothing but my preferences.”
He grabbed the back of Ardwino’s neck and pulled him into a kiss. Their lips crashed together hungrily, tongues plunging inside without hesitation, twisting and tangling in wet, desperate strokes.
Finding the position awkward, Ardwino straddled Hakan’s thighs, facing him. Their hands roamed each other’s bodies—Ardwino’s slipping beneath Hakan’s clothes to knead his chest, while Hakan gripped Ardwino’s ass in response.
Squeezing his flesh, Hakan ground his palm over Ardwino’s cock through his pants and smirked.
“Already this hard from just a kiss? You’re sensitive.”
Ardwino grinned back, his hand diving into Hakan’s pants to wrap around his throbbing erection. He teased the slick, swollen tip with his thumb.
“Ah! That’s too—nngh…”
“And you’re already this wet, Hakan? Such a lewd body.”
Hakan’s cock twitched under Ardwino’s touch, leaking precome at the slightest stimulation. Ardwino wasn’t far behind—his own erection strained painfully against his pants, desperate for release.
The moment they entered the inn, they were all over each other, clothes still on. Kissing, licking necks, nibbling ears, groping under fabric—until finally, they yanked each other’s pants down just enough to free their aching cocks.
Their techniques were similarly frantic; both were flushed, panting, their exposed shafts glistening with precome as they mashed their lips together.
Hakan pinned Ardwino between his arm and the wall, grinding their cocks together. Their mixed groans spilled into each other’s mouths, tangled with saliva.
Wrapping his hand around both their shafts, Hakan pulled back slightly, whispering against Ardwino’s lips.
“How about we take the edge off first, then enjoy ourselves slowly?”
Ardwino layered his own hand over Hakan’s, stroking them together. A pained moan tore from Hakan’s throat.
“That eager, are we?”
“Ahh—! W-who… nngh, who said… ah!”
Ardwino’s fingers worked faster, and Hakan’s body jerked with each stroke, his eyes squeezing shut. Enjoying the sight of Hakan’s flushed, pleasure-drunk face, Ardwino pressed kisses to his lips, his cheeks, his jaw—before admitting the truth.
“Honestly… I’m desperate.”
Ardwino laughed, his sweat-dampened golden hair clinging to his pale skin, shimmering as brightly as his personality. His multicolored irises—now half-lidded in arousal—glinted with mischief behind his seductive, upturned gaze.
“If we keep going like this, we’ll ruin our clothes…”