Chapter 45
45
Gunther suddenly wondered. How did intelligent and well-educated men, especially those of noble birth like Aiden, treat women? He also wanted to know what Aiden thought of his own struggles.
"Maria isn't fully opening her heart."
Gunther stated bluntly. He was never one to beat around the bush or play coy. Aiden immediately understood what Gunther meant: Maria was hesitant to take the plunge with him.
"Not all noblewomen are like this, but it's probably because they've lived their lives constantly restraining themselves and being conscious of how others see them since they were young."
"Is that so?"
Aiden's answer was more straightforward than he'd expected.
"Especially since she was destined to be Empress, she tried not to deviate from her moral convictions and valued face and honor above all else."
"Moral convictions, huh? So that's why she liked to nitpick."
Gunther recalled Maria's harsh criticisms of him.
[A sacred ritual? It just seems like a convenient excuse to me. A rationalization for having the opportunity to enjoy other women officially. How can I trust a man who says he only wants me but thinks it's okay to sleep with other women because it's 'work'?]
A headache flared up for a moment. He really seemed to have no chance of winning against Maria with words. He was glad she was finally speaking her mind, but he couldn't deny feeling a little weary.
"Great King, don't bother trying to show Maria your sincerity."
"What? What do you mean?"
Gunther was taken aback by Aiden's words. Maria had told him to take things slow and get to know each other gradually. To bridge the gap between them, they needed to build trust.
"Isn't everything you do for Maria sincere?"
"It is."
He could say that with confidence. He wanted only 'Maria Stuart,' her and her alone.
"Streetwalkers crave pure affection."
"!?!"
Gunther tilted his head in confusion. Aiden was beating around the bush, and he was starting to get annoyed. He wondered why streetwalkers were being brought up in a discussion about Maria.
"Streetwalkers have plenty of physical pleasure, or rather, they're probably sick of it. But few men would offer pure affection to such a woman."
"Ugh! Speak plainly."
Gunther's expression changed, and Aiden flinched. He thought he was making it easier for Gunther to understand by using a metaphor, but it seemed to have only angered him. In that case, he would have to be very direct.
"Make Maria a prisoner of desire."
"A prisoner of what?"
Gunther's face flushed with embarrassment.
"You can't ignore physical attraction. And since you have a physique that even men admire, it shouldn't be too difficult to captivate Maria with your body."
"Physical attraction."
"Get Maria, who has lived such an upright life, to boldly break taboos."
Gunther grinned, revealing his white teeth at Aiden's clear explanation. Now he was finally speaking in a way he could understand. It seemed he had chosen the right man. Even if he lacked education, he was confident in his looks and physique.
"But there's one thing to be careful of."
"What is it?"
At Gunther's question, Aiden hesitated, then leaned in and whispered quietly in his ear. Gunther's grin widened, fully exposing his white teeth.
"How do you know so much about this?"
"Well, on page 486, line 3 of <Human Psychology>, Dr. Freuten provides appropriate examples regarding the emotional differences between men and women due to their physical characteristics. Humans are fundamentally… No, never mind."
Aiden stopped abruptly, his face flushed. Because of Gunther's distorted expression. He had crossed the line again. Tactlessly.
"Go and see to your work."
"Yes, I'll start immediately."
* * *
Gunther, the State Minister, Maria, and Nora gathered in the National Assembly Hall. A large mirror was installed in the room, and Jamie was bustling about. Of course, Maria sat right next to Gunther, and Nora attended to them from behind. Aiden prepared a pen and paper to record the proceedings.
When the State Ministers had all arrived, Gunther spoke in a stern voice.
"Jamie, is everything ready?"
"Yes."
"Honestly, what can that little brat possibly show us?"
"It's not enough that there's a woman, now a ten-year-old is participating in state affairs."
"I'm just speechless. Even if Helland lacks a system, this is too much."
"I agree. Everyone's running wild, regardless of whether they're dogs, cows, children, adults, or women."
As the State Ministers grumbled, Gunther's thunderous voice silenced the noise.
"Quiet!"
The room was soon silent.
"Bring it in."
At Gunther's command, attendants brought in an ornate box from outside and placed it at his feet. Nora whispered in Maria's ear.
"That damn head is in that box."
"That damn head?"
She was referring to Allan Seradu. Maria suddenly remembered. The sight of the axe flying and striking Allan's neck, causing her to fall off the cliff, was still vivid in her mind. Gunther rested his long legs on the box.
"This mirror will show what price those who invade Helland and try to kill my woman will pay."
Gunther's words caused a stir in the room. The mercenaries had run rampant in the Helland Royal Palace, so retaliation was only natural. The reason people were surprised was that the mirror would show the scene.
"Lieutenant Solskjaer took the Magical Creature's eyeballs, so we can see the scene vividly here as well."
Jamie said to everyone with a nervous expression. But the ministers clicked their tongues or shook their heads at Jamie. However, Maria encouraged Jamie by giving him a bright smile. Nora said quietly to Maria,
"That little brat is quite remarkable."
"Yes, she is."
Maria was so moved by Jamie's changed appearance that she almost cried.
"Begin."
"Yes."
At Gunther's command, Jamie shone the Magical Creature's eyes towards the mirror. The mirror immediately plunged everyone into shock. The scene of the Helland Red Army attacking the Seradu County was shown very clearly. As they began a bloody battle with the soldiers of the County, the people gathered in the room seemed to have forgotten their amazement at the mirror and began to cheer. However, the soldiers of the Seradu County were not easy opponents.
Gunther clenched and unclenched his fists as he stared intently at the mirror. Solskjaer was at the forefront, giving orders to the soldiers, but the sound was not audible. Then Jamie said,
"Do not kill the servants. Capture them and bring them to Helland."
Exclamations of admiration erupted from here and there. The bloody battle between the Red Army and the Seradu soldiers resumed. Everyone held their breath and prayed for the Red Army to win, and finally, Solskjaer obtained the head of Count Seradu.
"Wow!"
"Long live Lieutenant Solskjaer!"
People applauded and cheered. The tide of the battle immediately turned in favor of the Red Army, and a one-sided attack ensued. Soon after, the Seradu County was engulfed in flames, and the Red Army retreated.
"Stop."
At Gunther's command, Jamie closed the Magical Creature's eyes. The excitement of the people gathered in the room was at its peak. Maria felt that the knot in her chest was loosening a little. The Seradu people had slaughtered her family in the same way. However, the difference was that the Seradu soldiers had killed everyone in the Stuart Dukedom. Not only that, but she had also heard that they had plundered all the Dukedom's valuable property before setting it on fire.
Maria's hand trembled, and Gunther quickly grabbed it. The two looked at each other for a while without saying anything.
'I'm not just going to take it.'
Laurent should also cry and wail like I did. He should know how devastating the pain of losing family is.
"Thank you, Gunther."
Maria kissed the back of his hand, expressing her gratitude.
* * *
Maria headed to the bedroom with wine and fruit. But as soon as she opened the door, an unexpected sight unfolded before her eyes. Gunther was shirtless, holding a rope and exercising. Broad shoulders, well-developed muscles, and a sleek waist. Especially as he moved, the dragon on his back writhed vividly. Maria involuntarily followed his movements with her eyes. The bulging veins and muscles in his arms, gripping the rope, were a sight to behold.
The perfect male body was probably a description of Gunther's physique. Even though he was wearing leather pants, Gunther's thighs were firm. Maria's gaze lingered there for a moment. The memory of being crushed by that heavy body flashed through her mind, sending a tingling sensation down her spine. Then Gunther, as if sensing her presence, jumped down and turned around.
"You've come?"
"Yes, I brought some wine and fruit."
His firm chest muscles moved every time he spoke, panting for breath. When she handed him the wine, Gunther gulped it down in one go. The red liquid flowed down his throat, causing his Adam's apple to bob. Maria stared blankly at the sight of the wine flowing out of the corner of his mouth, down his chin and neck, and over his curved chest. Truly, Gunther's body was beautiful. It was as perfect as a statue standing in front of the palace.
"I should go wash up."
Gunther said, handing her the wine glass.
"Shall I join you?"
"No, the attendants are there, so it's fine."
It was strange, he always took her with him when he went to the hot springs. Even if he didn't bathe, he would at least keep her by his side, but she didn't know why he wasn't inviting her to go with him today.
Gunther strode out of the bedroom. Maria stared at the door he had left through for a long time before slowly turning around.
'Why am I feeling disappointed?'