Throwing back the covers, Link's gaze was instantly drawn to a dazzling crimson stain on the bedsheet.
That vibrant splash of color, like a blooming red plum, delicate and striking, silently proved that Agnes's precious first time had been successfully claimed by him.
A faint smile unconsciously curved Link's lips.
He got up from the bed smoothly, quickly dressed, and then walked out of the room with light steps.
Arriving in the hall, he saw Agnes sitting at the dining table, quietly eating breakfast.
Everything seemed as usual, but if one observed carefully, a hint of abnormality could still be caught in her somewhat awkward posture when she walked.
Her steps were slightly slow, her legs held tightly together, and with each step, there was a subtle, almost imperceptible discomfort.
Link looked at her like this, feeling both amused and full of tenderness.
He muttered softly, "What a stubborn girl. Couldn't she just stay in bed and be a little pampered? It's not like I can't bring breakfast to the room..."
No sooner had he spoken than Agnes, who had already reached the staircase, suddenly stopped and slowly turned around, her beautiful eyes glaring at Link with a hint of exasperation.
That glare, seemingly carrying a touch of playful anger, yet the charm flowing in her eyes was like flowers blooming in spring, delicate and enchanting, making Link's heart skip a beat once more.
"I can't do anything with you."
Link shook his head helplessly, then strode forward, firmly wrapping his arms around Agnes's waist, and with a strong yet gentle embrace, lifted her up, striding quickly towards the room.
Agnes tilted her head slightly, her hands gently wrapped around Link's neck, her cheeks flushed with a faint blush, and she chided softly: "What are you doing? Aren't you going to Hanna's workshop today to check on things? I have to go with you, what if there's any danger..."
"Today, you just stay in the room and rest well. I'll instruct the maids to bring meals to your room on time." Link continued walking, his eyes full of concern.
"But I want to protect you at all times..." Agnes's voice was soft, yet conveyed a sense of determination.
"Be obedient."
Link suddenly stopped, gazing deeply at Agnes, then slowly leaned in and gently kissed her luscious lips, blocking whatever she was about to say next.
This kiss was lingering and affectionate, as if time itself had stood still at this moment.
After a long while, he reluctantly pulled away.
Agnes's nature was not one for many words; normally, she was always cold, like an unmelting iceberg.
But only Link knew that beneath her seemingly aloof exterior, her heart was like a blazing fire.
Once she recognized someone, she would be unreservedly and unconditionally good to him.
How could Link not feel this deep affection?
While gazing deeply into Agnes's eyes, a look that seemed to penetrate their very souls, he gently caressed her smooth cheek with his long fingers.
"I know you're very strong, but just rest well these two days, don't push yourself. Recover your energy soon, tonight... I'll come find you again." As he spoke, a mischievous smile played on his lips.
"You scoundrel~"
Agnes playfully glared at him, but there was no hint of anger in her eyes, only sweetness and shyness.
"Be good, sleep a little longer, recover well."
Link kissed her lips gently again, and the warm touch instantly accelerated Agnes's heartbeat.
After the kiss, Link reluctantly got up and left, leaving Agnes in the room, savoring the sweetness and warmth of the moment... Link led Fiora and several other burly Heavy Armor Shield Soldiers directly to Hanna's experimental workshop.
The location of this workshop was quite clever, hidden behind the City Lord's Mansion, less than fifty meters apart.
Originally, this was merely where Old City Lord stored his fine wines, but now it had been thoroughly renovated by Link, looking brand new.
The building had a front and back entrance; the front door was wide and bright, originally designed for transporting wine and goods, making it convenient for servants to move in and out. The back door, however, was much narrower, allowing only one person to pass at a time, and it faced the back door of the City Lord's Mansion.
In the game's lore, the previous Old City Lord's hobby was drinking, and he often snuck out through this back door to steal wine.
Now, this back door had become Hanna's convenient daily access.
Normally, the area around this workshop was already sparsely populated and very quiet.
Link had also specifically dispatched additional Soldiers to guard it, further isolating any factors that might interfere with Hanna's research.
As soon as Link stepped inside the workshop, he saw Hanna methodically directing over a dozen Soldiers in their busy tasks.
Two Soldiers were working together to push a stone mill, grinding various materials into fine powder with repeated motions; another two Soldiers held sieves, meticulously sifting the fine materials; the remaining Soldiers were nearby, carefully building brick kilns with stone bricks, all showing seriousness and concentration.
Author's Note:
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