Astraea leaned against the cold wooden door, her heart in turmoil.
Rationality told her to leave at once—knightly honor did not permit such a peeping act.
But every soft splash of water behind the door sounded like the devil's whisper, like feathers teasing at her already faltering resolve.
Her legs felt as heavy as lead, unable to take a single step.
Uncontrollable images surged through her mind.
In the steamy mist, Wendy's face—already too handsome to be human—how captivating must it be?
That flawless skin like mutton-fat jade, with sparkling droplets trailing down slowly—what a tempting sight that must be.
She wanted to look.
Just one glance. Just one!
As the princess's cheeks burned and her thoughts scattered wildly, a sudden dull thud came from inside the bath.
Followed by a stifled cry of pain.
"Ouch—"
"Wendy!"
The shock shattered all lingering fantasies. The knight's instinct to protect the weak surged up and overtook everything else.
Astraea didn't even think—her body moved before her mind could catch up, slamming the door into splinters!
But the sight before her made her breath catch.
Wendy was sprawled beside the bath, one leg awkwardly bent, his smooth knee slammed into the rough stone steps, a streak of vivid red oozing out.
He had clearly slipped and lost his balance.
His deep blue hair clung wetly to his pale cheeks and neck, with droplets still dripping from the ends.
His peach blossom eyes, brimming with shimmering light, were now misted over with pain, looking helpless, weak, and pitiful.
But what Astraea couldn't tear her eyes away from… was that barely-clinging white towel!
Though the towel did its best to fulfill its duty, the broad expanse of exposed skin above it still gleamed like polished jade under the dim light.
Droplets slid slowly down his sharply defined muscles, disappearing into the towel's edge, outlining an alluring curve.
"Hhhss—"
Astraea felt a sudden heat in her nose, nearly bursting into a nosebleed on the spot.
So this was the most beautiful man in the Kingdom of Greatknight—his reputation was no exaggeration!
That impact hit harder than a siege crossbow!
"I… I'm fine… ah! It hurts!"
Seeing Astraea barge in, a flicker of panic crossed Wendy's face. He instinctively tried to sit up.
But the movement must have pulled his sprained ankle, because he groaned again and slumped back down, sweat beading at his temples.
That cry of pain snapped the princess out of her daze.
At that moment, she no longer cared about gender propriety or knightly codes—rushing forward in three quick steps, she scooped Wendy up effortlessly in her arms.
The lightness of him made her heart tremble.
This prince was even more fragile than she'd imagined.
Even through the damp towel, she could clearly feel the warmth of his body and the rapid rhythm of his heartbeat.
Then, the next second—
A mix of cheap soap and a unique fresh scent filled her nose.
Astraea's mind went completely blank.
Was… was this what a boy's scent was like?
Meanwhile, Wendy was nestled securely against a soft embrace.
He instinctively nuzzled closer, letting out a blissful murmur.
"Astraea…"
So warm, so comforting. He almost wanted to take a bite.
That low, nasal whisper struck Astraea's heart like a spell.
A wave of fierce protectiveness, mixed with a strange thrill, surged up from the depths of her chest!
At the same time, a faint wisp of dark purple aura—imperceptible to the naked eye—slipped from Wendy's body.
Like a living creature, it slithered along their connected skin and merged silently into Astraea.
Without her knowing, her protectiveness twisted subtly into obsession.
A possessive impulse rooted quietly in her heart—one that told her this prince must belong only to her, and no one else.
Yet, her noble upbringing still prevailed for a moment. She turned her face away, no longer daring to look at the pitiful beauty in her arms, stammering:
"Wendy… y-you should pull your towel up a bit…"
"I know it's nighttime, but if… if anyone else were to see you like this… it wouldn't look good…"
Seeing Astraea's flushed face all the way to her ears, and those panicked green eyes avoiding his gaze, Wendy suddenly understood.
After all, this was a matriarchal world. A man's chastity and reputation were paramount.
If a man was seen in a state of undress, especially in a private setting like bathing, it would be considered shameless.
He'd be looked down upon and scorned by society.
And the way he was wearing his towel now—in this world—was outrageously inappropriate.
"Astraea, I understand… but I don't care anymore!"
Wendy could no longer hold back.
He stretched out his arms, tightly wrapping them around Astraea's neck, burying his face deep into that wide, warm chest—and inhaled.
*Snnnnf—ah\~*
Heavenly.
Like daisies dried under the sun, mixed with sweat and a hint of iron.
"W-Wendy! You—you—"
Astraea felt as if she'd been dunked in boiling water. Her face, neck, and even her ears were red hot.
Her body stiffened, hands and feet flustered, her words tumbling.
"I feel… safe."
Wendy showed no sign of letting go.
His forehead rested against her elegant chin, gently nuzzling.
"When I'm with Astraea… I can totally relax. It feels like… like I'm home."
His voice was low, husky, and lazy, like a cat's purr.
But Astraea couldn't take such intimacy and dependence.
She felt like her heart was about to leap out of her chest!
"I-I… I'm taking you to the infirmary!"
Panicked, she carried Wendy in her arms and strode toward the bathhouse exit in a flurry.
The fragile, adorable "treasure" in her arms tugged at her heart.
Astraea couldn't stop a dangerous thought from rising: *Only I can protect him in this world.*
And then, a shameful idea quietly surfaced—
She found herself wishing the walk from here to the infirmary would be longer. Much longer.
So that she could, justifiably, stay close to this peerless beauty a little longer.
No! No!
What on earth am I thinking?!
"Y-Your Highness! What are you… what are you two doing?!"
Just as the atmosphere turned so sweet it could drip honey, an ill-timed voice full of repressed fury rang out from the end of the hallway.
Edwin Vade, the royal secretary, had appeared without warning, staring at Astraea holding the nearly naked Wendy.
His usually handsome, insincere face was now twisted with undisguised jealousy and stunned rage.
"You… You are the First Princess of Valoran, and yet… yet here you are with this stray dog, doing something so disgraceful in the women soldiers' bathhouse?!"