( ꈍᴗꈍ)

Naofumi was roused from sleep by a chill on his back, leeching warmth, the opposite of Bitch's gentle caresses that had lulled him to sleep. Groaning, he blinked his eyes open, breathing in deeply. The sweet smell of her arousal and sweat flooded him, wonderfully strong. Memories of last night came back to him. He smiled, then kissed the soft breasts his face was pressed into.

What a perfect way to wake up. Perhaps it was time he stopped forcing her onto the floor, and instead, ordered her to be his pillow. Her body was so wonderfully soft and warm beneath him. Perfect.

Bitch sighed in her sleep, faintly moving the arms that were hugging him. Naofumi smiled. She was a cuddler, even in her sleep. And he, he realized, was too. How often had he hugged her? Touched her? She was like a drug he couldn't get enough of. And was there any reason not to indulge? No, there wasn't.

Naofumi stared up at his Bitch's perfect face. She looked peaceful, breathing faintly, hair in disarray, and the morning sun was lighting her face, reflecting on the dried tears on her cheeks. He gasped, an intense feeling suddenly pulsing through his chest. His cock, hard since the moment he'd woken up, was throbbing against the mattress, begging him to fuck her.

He raised a hand and brushed his fingers gently across her skin, feeling her eyelashes, her delicate nose, her full, faintly-parted lips, her wonderful jawline, her dried tears. She moved faintly, making cute sounds, causing him to smile.

She'd looked so beautiful yesterday in the candlelight, with those puffy emerald eyes, tears streaming down her cheeks, and pouting, quivering lips. Breathtaking. The desire to kiss her had been so irresistible he was surprised at his strength for refraining from giving in.

He didn't know why, but her tears had been such a turn-on...and he wanted to make her cry again. Not by himself and not by intentionally hurting her, but nonetheless, he hoped he'd see her cry again. He'd be there to comfort her, to hug her or press her into the wall, to kiss her delicious tears off her cheeks, to fuck her, to make it better again.

After brushing some hair out of her face and indulging in a last caress across her cheek, he lowered his hand and turned his face, starting to kiss the smooth skin of her breasts again. Yesterday, she'd rudely awoken him, and even though he'd loved it, he'd thrown her out of the bed. Perhaps it was time for revenge. Or was it an apology? There would be no throwing-out-of-bed today.

Naofumi carefully maneuvered himself a little higher, so that his cock was pressed against her pussy, one hand on her spread legs, the other burrowed in her soft hair. She sighed when he started to slowly grind against her, still hugging him with her arms. He pressed gentle kisses onto her throat, panting against her skin. God, how he loved her throat. It was so smooth. So elegant. So perfect that he couldn't not kiss it.

He thought back to yesterday, how he'd teased her below the table, and had to chuckle at how embarrassed she'd gotten because of all the stories Lesty had told. Always so prideful, his Bitch. She'd seemed so confused as to why he'd caressed her like that—as if the stories of her childhood would suddenly make her breasts and her ass any less perfect, as if it would make him want to fuck her any less.

He groaned, sliding his hand up her thigh and onto her ass, his movements becoming faster. Needier.

The things he'd learned had only confirmed what he already knew: Bitch wasn't evil. She was just a spoiled and entitled Princess. A stupid, small girl whose father had always fulfilled her every wish. A lazy girl who'd never worked for a single thing in her life, who'd used her intelligence, beauty, and cunning to get out of unpleasant duties and chores, to avoid consequences. A small, entitled child who'd never been forced to grow up, always manipulating others or hiding behind her father instead of facing the consequences of her actions, instead of fixing her own mistakes.

Until now. He'd not tolerate that behavior.

And, of course, like every spoiled brat, she was desperate for attention, jealous of those who'd get it in her stead—Lesty. A lack of a sense of consequence and a desperate need to be the center of attention, not to mention a skewed moral compass. It was a bad combination, a recipe for disaster. It'd bitten her in the ass...and rightfully so.

Not that he was upset about it or anything. No, he rather liked the feeling of her cunt against the underside of his cock as he slid up and down, wetness slowly accumulating around her labia. It was a new experience, better than expected. There was a strong desire to penetrate her, to feel her wonderfully encompassing warmness around his cock, but he didn't like the thought of doing that while she was unconscious. It was silly, a gut feeling. But Naofumi acted after those gut feelings more often than not these days.

"Master," she moaned, breathing agitated.

He pressed a kiss onto her throat, sucking. "Sleep well, Bitch?"

She suddenly stilled. Just for a moment, though. Then she increased the tightness of her hug, moving her body along with his, sighing. "Good morning, Master. Ahh..."

He chuckled.

Bitch put a hand onto his head, combing through his hair, fisting and pulling lightly, pushing.

He hummed, loving it when she did that. The thought of her delicate fingers...anywhere on his body...was simply incredibly arousing, her touches soothing, making his scalp tingle pleasantly.

"Don't stop. Oh! So good." Her other hand was on his back, caressing. Then she lowered it onto his ass, grasping it with fingers splayed, then lightly running her fingernails across.

"Bitch," he panted against her neck. Naofumi had always assumed that men's fixation on women's behinds was just...well, a man thing. But apparently, it went both ways. It was wonderful, her insistent touches.

She started to move more frantically below him, chest pressing against his as she was arching her back repeatedly. "I'm gonna come. I'm gonna come!"

"Do it! Come for me, Bitch."

"Yes, Master!" Her hips rocked against his in jerking movements as she kept moaning, gasping for breath, clutching him tightly. "Master..." Her movements started to slow.

Naofumi stopped grinding against her and got to his knees, her arms not offering any resistance, falling onto the sheets. He moved so that his knees were on either side of her hips. Then he began to stroke, spreading her juices on his cock. It didn't take long for him to reach his climax with how breathtaking she looked as she lay there before him—relaxed, eyes closed, a pleased, slightly sleepy smile on her face, beautiful crimson hair sprawled around her, breathing heavily and deeply.

His hips jerked as his orgasm hit, and a shot of cum landed onto her rapidly rising and falling chest. "Fuck yes." He kept stroking, covering her perfect breasts with his load until there was nothing left. He had a wide grin on his face, intense satisfaction coursing through him.

"Master?" she asked sleepily, eyes barely open. "Did you just...cum on my...tits?"

"Yes, Bitch."

Releasing a long tired yet pleased sigh, she slowly moved a hand onto her breasts, tentatively tracing her skin with a finger, her smile widening when she brushed against wetness. "You really did," she mumbled. "How naughty..."

"Lick it, Bitch. Taste my cum."

Humming, she did as told, raising her finger toward her face. He chuckled when she missed her mouth, smearing some of his cum onto her upper lip. Giggling, she licked it off before putting her finger properly into her mouth sucking. "Salty... Yummy."

Naofumi snorted, though he was quite pleased with her assessment. He let himself fall forward, halting his fall with his hands against the mattress so that he was hovering above her, staring down at her serene face.

"Though now that you've made such...a mess, you'll have to clean it up. Right, Master?" Eyes closed, she was grinning cheekily. "Wash me...please?"

It was during those sleepy and post-orgasm moments that her childish and spoiled nature came to the forefront the most. He found it rather cute, actually...and saw no reason to disrupt it.

"Pretty please?"

Grinning down at her, Naofumi raised a hand to her pouting lips, tracing them. "Okay, Bitch. But only because you've been a good Bitch and because you look so irresistibly cute."

Her smile brightened. Feeling silly, he tapped her nose with a finger. She giggled sleepily, then released a long sigh, relaxing into the bedding.

Malty's mind was in a blissful state of half-consciousness. Not the nauseous half-consciousness of being sick, but the half-consciousness of being taken care of by her Master, of wonderful Slave Feeling in her chest as he cleaned her with gentle movements, touched her. If this never ended, it would be too soon.

The intense contentedness and sleepiness eventually claimed her, and her mind drifted off. When she awoke next, there was a tingling sensation on her face. He was chuckling, and she realized that he was brushing his fingers against her eyelashes.

"Bitch," he murmured. "Wake up, Bitch. Bitch..."

Her lips involuntarily twitched into a smile when his fingers brushed against them. There was the urge to bite him, but she immediately shoved that back where it belonged, not wanting to disrupt the lovely morning.

"Bitch."

"Hmmm?"

"Wake up." He put a thumb against one of her eyes and gently pulled her eyelid upward.

Malty giggled. "S-stop. I'm awake, Master." She blinked her eyes open.

"Good." He was still holding his hand in front of her face. "No sudden movements, alright? If you make a mess, you'll clean it up. And I'll be pissed, naturally."

Confused, Malty let her vision adjust while she remained in her lying position. Naofumi was sitting upright next to her head, leaning against pillows stacked behind him against the bed's headboard. There was something hovering above her in the air, at chest-height. A large tray, she realized. It was standing on a small table. Or rather, the tray was the table, its legs positioned left and right next to their bodies. She pushed herself upward, careful not to disrupt it. Fully in a seating position, she realized that, yes indeed, he'd set up breakfast in bed for her.

A little unintentional squeal escaped her. How lovely. Having breakfast in bed was one of her guilty pleasures. She shot him a smile. Naofumi had a lazy grin on his face, eyes filled with this look of smugness and superiority that made her heart race. He was looking quite relaxed as he leaned there against the small mountain of pillows, arms lazily outstretched on both sides. Malty leaned backward and against him. He put his arm around her, Slave Feeling immediately building up in her chest at the possessive gesture.

"Good morning, Bitch."

"Good morning, Master."

"It's good you're finally awake. You see, I'm in a bit of a predicament. I've set up the breakfast table, but now I'm so comfortable here, and the food is, regrettably, not within my reach. Do you happen to know the solution to said predicament?"

Malty giggled. He seemed in a good mood. In a silly mood, even. And really, why shouldn't he be? It was nice not fighting first thing in the morning. She was feeling quite good as well, wasn't she? An unpleasant thought of pink hair flickered through her mind, but she immediately banished it. Thinking didn't help anyone. She just needed to feel. To enjoy. To indulge. To relish every moment of this lovely, peaceful morning.

"Oh, I see," she said, letting her gaze swipe across the little breakfast table. "What do you want, Master? Bread? Something hearty? Or some of that yogurt with fruit?"

"I think I'd like something sweet."

Malty reached for the bowl and offered it to Naofumi.

He tilted his head to the side, lips twitching in amusement. "Not quite, Bitch. I really don't want to move, you see," he said, playing with some strands of hair near her shoulder. "I want you to feed me."

She sucked in a breath. Smirking, his gaze didn't flicker away from hers, despite her breasts being in full display. Intense Slave Feeling was pulsing in her chest, choking her. He had this look in his eyes as if he could see right into her soul, as if he knew her every secret, as if she was completely bare—and she wasn't talking about her nakedness. "Of-of course, Master."

He chuckled, then theatrically opened his mouth. Malty took a spoonful of the fruit-filled yogurt and fed it to him. "Is it good?" she asked.

He hummed in appreciation, smirking as he chewed and swallowed leisurely, staring at her.

Her breathing was starting to pick up speed. Why was she getting so turned on by this simple activity? She pressed her legs together below the blanket and kept feeding him. After some time, he sat up straight and grasped her hand in his, prying the spoon from her fingers.

"Are you hungry, Bitch?"

Skin tingling from his touch, she nodded dumbly.

"Then open your mouth for me."

She did, and the next moment, he'd fed her a spoonful—with his spoon, she noted, very aware of that fact. He gave her back the spoon, and she resumed to feed him, managing to refrain from moaning when his mouth closed around the spoon that had just been in her mouth. Was this some veiled attempt to signal to her that he wanted her to kiss him?

No, she thought, if he wants to kiss me, he'll kiss me. I'm his, after all. Then, why hadn't he?

As another spoonful of fruit and yogurt vanished in his mouth, Malty let her fantasy take over. She wanted to smear some yogurt onto his face, then lick it off and, in the process, devolve into a heady makeout session, kissing. To have their tongues brush together, to taste him. And then fuck with abandon, probably making a mess of the breakfast.

She licked her lips, her gaze flickering down. The blanket was drawn up to their hips, but she could make out the bulge of his erection, twitching from time to time. He was completely naked like her, his intent clear.

"Thank you, Bitch. I think I'm done for now." He raised a hand to her cheek, briefly caressing her before he took the bowl from her hands. "But let's try to behave ourselves until we're finished, alright? Are you still hungry?"

"Yes, Master."

"Say aah."

She did. They were both grinning and laughing as he fed her. She put an arm around his neck and the other on his chest, feeling his warmth, caressing. And she stared into his eyes the entire time, breathing heavily from her arousal.

"I'm done, Master," she announced after some time, voice shaky. He set the bowl on the table, then put his hands onto her. He combed through her hair, caressed her face wherever he liked, a lazy grin on his face all the while. She felt like a pampered child. It was wonderful. Or was she his pet, and he was petting her? Well, she was touching him in return, so it wasn't a one-sided deal. More like two lovers. Lovers... Could they really be that...after everything?

She was panting, and no matter how good it made her feel, she needed more. "Please, Master..."

He chuckled. "Be a good Bitch and clear away the table.

"Yes, Master." She got out of the sheets to carry the table away, setting it against the footboard of the bed so that it was mostly out of the way and wouldn't fall over, almost feeling his intense stare on her ass while she did so. When she turned around with a smirk on her face, he was in much the same position as when she'd woken up: Leaning back against the pillows, arms resting on his sides, a lazy grin on his face, staring at her with obvious desire in his eyes.

Malty crawled over toward him. He looked like a King lounging in his throne. Perhaps he could be her King? She'd like that. When he didn't give her any orders, she—with careful movements so that he could stop her whenever he wanted—positioned herself onto his lap, straddling him. She put her hands onto his broad shoulders, massaging them lightly.

"Master?" she breathed, flicking her hair over her shoulder.

"I believe we've been interrupted yesterday. Let's continue where we left off then, shall we?" He grinned. "Do as you wish, my Bitch."

Smiling as wonderful Slave Feeling spread through her, Malty did as told. She was briefly tempted to just kiss him but discarded the thought. Instead, she leaned down and started kissing his chest, playing with his nipples just like she'd done yesterday, loving how it made him gasp and sigh and call her his Bitch and Slut.

He still wasn't moving, completely relaxed. She was so turned on by his behavior. Shifting higher and kissing his throat, she positioned herself more firmly in his lap and started to grind her throbbing cunt against his cock beneath the blanket.

"Bitch... Please..."

She moaned, loving it when he begged her. "Yes, Master." She briefly lifted herself upward to remove the blanket, then grasped his cock and aligned it with her opening. She didn't waste any time like yesterday...and let herself slide onto it, closing her eyes at the wonderful feeling of her insides being stretched, of being completed.

Naofumi let out a long, pleased sigh. "Good Bitch..."

Malty started to fuck him, moaning and panting against his neck as she picked up speed. Eventually, he touched her, planting his hands firmly onto her ass cheeks, pushing her up and down faster. She loved it, how possessive his grip was, how his fingers dug into her flesh, how he started to thrust along with her, becoming harsher.

"Master! Yes! More!"

"Lean back, Bitch."

She didn't think before obeying. He hugged her waist with his arms, and she hung back in his embrace, then his mouth was on her breasts, sucking, kissing, nibbling. Malty embraced him, and he started to fuck her with vigor.

"Harder! Yes!" She moaned when his teeth dug delightfully in her flesh. It was lovely. She put her hands on his head, burrowing them in his wild hair, pressing his head more firmly against her rapidly rising and falling chest.

"Hmm!"

"Faster! Harder!"

He was practically holding her in his arms now, pounding in her with abandon, his hands being rough and demanding. Malty closed her eyes, letting her head fall backward, eyes closed, loving the way hard thrusts shook her, the way he kept pleasuring her with his lips, tongue, and teeth. She imagined them in the castle, sitting on their throne, crowns on their heads, her shrieks of pleasure echoing around the tall walls of the throne room as he fucked her with everything he got. "Master! Master! Ahhh!"

Pleasure erupted inside her body. Not quite as phenomenal as when he'd fucked her on the table, but it was enough to make her mind go numb, losing track of any sensation except the lovely way her body was spasming in his embrace. She vaguely heard him shout her name. When her mind returned back to normal—very content and satisfied normal—she was lying on top of his sweaty body, still feeling his cock inside of her, his back against the pillows, half-lying, half-sitting, both still breathing heavily.

He was drawing idle figures on her back. Malty released a pleased hum, eyes closed. One of her hands was on his bicep, so she caressed that. "This is nice," she said.

"Yes... Yes, it is."

"Very nice." She could get used to this. This was good. Fulfilling. Why would she need anything but this? "Let's just stay in bed and fuck the whole day, Master."

He laughed, lovely vibrations shaking against her. "For a Princess, you can be quite crass sometimes."

"Princess? What are you talking about? I'm your feisty Bitch, and that's all that matters. And I want you to fuck me. Over and over and over and over again. Until I can't walk straight no more."

He put a hand on her head, combing through her hair. Malty sighed in bliss. "You're so dirty, my feisty Bitch. I love it. But I got a better idea."

Smiling, she hummed in intrigue.

"You said the monster egg won't hatch for some time, right?"

"Tomorrow sometime... That's what the text on the egg says."

"Tomorrow... Well, I don't want to go back to Riyute yet. I think it's best if we stay here until the monster hatches. We'll probably have to buy some equipment and food, depending on what type of monster it turns out to be. It'd be good to have instructions about how to properly raise it."

Malty hummed along. She loved listening to him, especially when he was explaining things. And especially when he was caressing her while doing so, when she felt his body move against her as he breathed and talked.

"So, seeing as we're stuck here, we could, as you put it, stay in bed and fuck the whole day. And while it's tempting, I think I'd rather not. It's a wonderful day outside. It would be a shame to waste it. What do you say, Bitch? Fancy a little excursion?"

Malty frowned. "Like... leveling?"

He snorted. "Well, I guess that's part of it. But no, I'm thinking more along the lines of fucking...outdoors. Like yesterday, only without the teasing. Wouldn't you like that, my Bitch? Just us two? Wouldn't you like me to rip your armor off and fuck you, right in the open, in the warm sun and cooling wind? Perhaps in the forest against a tree or on some meadow in the grass? Or in the dirt? Really...filthy."

She shuddered in excitement, imagining it. "Yes, Master," she gasped. The thought would have appalled her not so long ago. But now, it sounded like the best idea ever. And afterward, they could wash in a river and have some more fun...

"Perhaps we could even have a little picnic. Just you and me."

A picnic? That sounded quite romantic. If Malty didn't know any better, she would say that he was trying to seduce her. Or perhaps he was doing what she was doing: Simply enjoying the day to its fullest. Would he allow her to feed him again? "That sounds wonderful. I'd love to, Master."

"Then it's settled. We should get goi—"

Malty made a distressed sound, pressing him into the mattress. "A little longer. Please, Master?"

He chuckled. "Alright. You're lucky I'm in such a good mood, Bitch."

"Thank you, Master." She snuggled against him, relaxing.

Some time later, they were strolling arm in arm through the city. Naofumi had a rucksack filled with a blanket and food on his back. He seemed serious about the picnic. And why wouldn't he?

Heart beating with anticipation and chest filled with Slave Feeling, she had a big smile on her face. Today, she ignored the people gawking at them. They didn't matter. The only thing that mattered was feeling good. Her pleasure, Their shared passion. No conflict.

They exited and left the city behind, strolling on the paved road in comfortable silence, peaceful scenery at their sides. They'd taken another exit than before; she wasn't sure Naofumi even knew where they were going, but didn't care either way. It really was a beautiful day, the sun feeling pleasant on her bare skin. The decision to stop wearing her cloak was one of the best she'd made recently. She wondered how it would feel like in just her underwear? Or completely naked? The thought made her giggle.

Naofumi looked at her with a grin. Today, he didn't seem disturbed by her good mood.

"So, where are we going, Master?" Malty asked after a long while of peaceful strolling.

"I don't know. Wherever we want."

"Hmmm... It's perfect weather for a swim. There's a small lake in that direction. What do you think, Master?"

"Not a bad idea, Bitch. But not now. Perhaps later, when we're in need of a bath."

That was reasonable. "What about... that little mountain over there in the distance? I bet we'd have a spectacular view from up there."

Naofumi looked at her skeptically. "You want to walk and then climb all the way up there?"

Why, did he think she was too lazy for that? Malty didn't let any irritation show and smiled. "Yes, it'll be fun. Strenuous perhaps, but fun. We could have our picnic up there. The air must be cool so high up, and the wind will be wonderful on our sweaty bodies. Hmm... I wonder if anyone will hear me screaming from up there." She imagined them on the small mountain's peak, lying naked in each other's arms, staring out over the scenery, high up like Gods.

"Alright, I'm convinced." He chuckled. "You know, in my world, there are people who'd climb mountains as a hobby. And a good portion of them probably does scream after reaching the top. But that's not the kind of screaming you're talking about, is it?"

Grinning, Malty shook her head, her ponytail brushing against her bare shoulders.

"That's what I thought. I'll make you scream like never before, my feisty Bitch."

She shuddered in anticipation. "I can't wait... Master."

They followed the paved road as long as it allowed, then continued on a dirt trail through the forest that lay before the mountain. The trail split along the way, probably leading to a small settlement in the woods—a hunter or forester or perhaps a herbalist. They reached the base of the mountain and began their climb. Mostly on small paths that looked rarely used, perhaps just naturally formed. The higher they got, the more difficult their climb became, to the point where it was so steep and rocky that they were literally climbing.

The mountain was mostly barren, only here and there were small bushes, plants, and grasses living among the rocks.

Multiple times, Malty thought to have seen the movement of another person high up the rocks, but when she squinted her eyes against the sun, there was nothing, no sound giving anything away; it was silent aside from the steady faint howling of the wind.

Bless the Shield, she thought as Naofumi shot another rope upward, using that to help them climb. The Shield was really handy, providing temporary platforms with the Air Strike Shield. She doubted they could have managed without. The ascent was quite strenuous, and she had to admit that she'd underestimated the time and effort it would take. But she didn't even think of giving up, and with the way he was helping her, often clasping her hand, it was well worth it. Perhaps she even pretended to struggle, just so he would help her. If he noticed, he didn't say anything.

Panting and sweaty, they eventually reached the top, Naofumi pulling her upward onto a mostly even platform. It wasn't the top, but the peak didn't look very accessible. It certainly didn't look comfortable to fuck on. But this rock platform was quite even. On one side, there was a cliff that went down almost perpendicular, making her dizzy just looking in its direction. She kept her distance from there and stayed near the rock formations leading to the peak that partially threw the little platform in shadows.

Naofumi had already removed the rucksack from his shoulders and handed her her canteen. Malty greedily devoured the water, then let out a long, pleased sigh, a wonderful feeling of accomplishment coursing through her, her muscles burning delightfully.

She licked her lips and handed the canteen back. "We did it."

"We did, Bitch."

They were smiling at each other. He looked incredibly sexy with his flushed face and hair being tousled by the wind. Saints, she wanted him. Malty undid her hair tie and pocketed it. The wind immediately seized her crimson tresses, wonderfully tugging at them. The sun was pleasantly warm, the wind blessedly cooling. She felt ecstatic. Free. Sexy.

Naofumi grasped her and drew her against him, one hand burrowed in her wild hair, his forehead almost resting against hers. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes as he hummed in delight. "You smell divine, Bitch."

Never one to back down from a challenge, Malty put one of her hands against his head, feeling his hair with her fingertips, her thumb on his cheek, her other hand put against his chest. She stared up into his eyes and breathed in deeply just like he'd done, a smirk on her lips. This seemed like a good moment to kiss. "You as well, Master..."

His grin widened. Was he going to do it? They were so close now. Her heart was hammering in her chest. It wouldn't just be a good moment; it would be a perfect moment up here.

He put his free hand on hers, removing it from his face. Then he grasped her shoulders, spun them around, and hugged her from behind. She pouted but was in a too good mood to let this perturb her. Wasn't the fact that he wanted to kiss her but didn't more telling than if he'd actually do it? What reason was there to deny himself the pleasure of kissing her—of thrusting his tongue into her mouth and exploring it to his heart's content like she knew he would—if not for the fact that he was lying to himself? That he was telling himself that a kiss would mean something? That a kiss would be too personal? A step too far? Well, if that were the case, then she'd already won. Whether he gave in to kiss her or not didn't matter...because he wanted to. Because he wanted her.

"You were right, Bitch. The view is pretty spectacular." He had his nose burrowed in her hair, breathing her in, smelling the lovely fragrance of the shampoo she'd used earlier. His arms were tightly slung around her waist.

She was glad for the tight hold. The edge of the cliff was a safe distance away, but still, she felt safer in his arms. Smiling, Malty put her hands onto his, leaning back in the embrace. "It's quite breathtaking, isn't it?"

He hummed in agreement, moving his head against her, tickling her pleasantly, and Malty giggled faintly. They stood like that, staring out over the landscape, wind howling and tugging at their hair and making his cloak flap. The sun was partly hiding behind fluffy clouds, casting warm rays onto her skin.

It was awesome, being able to see so far and wide, how small everything seemed from up here. She saw Castle Town in the distance, a small dot on the horizon. Would they one day rule over all of this? As King and Queen. As husband and wife. As Master and Slave? She wouldn't terribly mind being his Slave if it meant the throne.

I think I could be happy with him as my King. It was a startling realization. She'd never really thought about marriage as anything other than a means to secure her own position and the line of succession. But Naofumi wasn't like any other potential suitor. He didn't see her for the Princess... he didn't want anything from her except her mind and body, which he owned. He'd seen her at her worst, and yet, he'd comforted her, respected her.

Could it be that he actually cared? On some level, at least? He certainly didn't appear to hate her anymore. If he did, it seemed more like a conscious effort than any actual hatred. She didn't hate him either, probably never had. Not really, anyway. He'd just been the easiest target to blame, and he had been a right bastard for a long time. Granted, she'd been a Bitch, but even so, she'd never truly hated him. And she doubted he was hating her now, not after forcing all that suffering on her, not after getting his revenge. He'd hated her back in the throne room—the hatred had practically radiated off him, burning in his eyes—but he hadn't looked at her like that for a long time now. Not after her little hunger strike.

Perhaps the realization that her betrayal truly hadn't been personal—just his bad luck to be summoned as the Shield Hero—had slowly been gnawing at him, robbing him of even the last of his reasons to despise her. It hadn't been personal. But this... how he was holding her, hugging her, that was personal. Like they were a couple. Slave Feeling was warming her chest.

Saints, had it really only been days ago when she'd tried to get that dog to bite his head off? And here she was, planning to marry him. Wasn't this a little fast? Something must be wrong...

...scheming to free you. No revolution. they're all just fucking glad you're gone. And so am— Malty blinked, focusing on Naofumi's arms around her. No, nothing was wrong. This was exactly how things ought to be. Just she and her Master on a lovely excursion. Having fun. Enjoying the moment. No one else there to ruin it.

Malty released a long blissful sigh, letting her gaze swipe across the beautiful scenery. "I've never been so high up. It's quite an awing experience. Thank you, Master."

"You're welcome, Bitch. It was a good idea coming up here."

Was she imagining it or were they gently swaying back and forth? Could be the wind. "Thank you, Master. Though we could have never made if not for the Shield."

"I guess."

"The Shield is truly a marvel, isn't it? I very much doubt the other Legendary Weapons would have been capable of this."

He didn't answer. Why didn't he answer? Was it still because he felt the Shield was inferior—even useless—in comparison to the other Legendary Weapons as the other Heroes had told him after the Summoning? Because of the disparaging comments to other Heroes had made during the trial?

"I think from all Legendary Weapons, the Shield is the best one."

"Really?" he asked, and Malty could hear the skepticism in his tone. But there was also something else. Was it loathing? Longing?

"Yes. Every idiot can wave around a sword or a spear and kill and destroy. But the Shield, to be practically invincible and to have the power to defend those dear to you, that's a lot better in my book." She paused, waiting for him to contradict her. He didn't. "Let's put it this way: Imagine if there weren't three offensive and one defensive Hero but four offensive Heroes. Let's say that instead of a Shield, you would have...an axe. Would one more offensive Hero really be all that useful? I think I'm speaking for most people who aren't idiots"—members of the Three Heroes Church—"that I'd feel more comfortable with a Shield Hero around who could actually protect me rather than one more weapon-swinging idiot. A lot safer."

She paused. "I feel safe with you." Malty swallowed, waiting anxiously for him to answer. Had she laid it on too thick?

"Defending is all well and good," he said eventually, "but if I can't kill anything, what is the use of it?"

"That's not true. You shouldn't just accept the limitations of your Shield. You could throw me off the cliff and I'd die, wouldn't I?" She smiled when his arms tightened around her, Slave Feeling intensifying. "Of-of course, you wouldn't do that, I know that, but the point stands." She made to caress his hands in a reassuring gesture...but realized that she was already doing so without having noticed, probably for some time. Well, he didn't seem to mind, so she continued, liking the thought that he was comfortable with her touch.

"And you don't have to kill anything by yourself," she continued. "You got me to do that for you, after all. I know that you don't fully trust me—and you have every right not to—but you can count on me to fight for you. I told you that I'm sorry for what happened in that mine, and I meant it. I don't want you dead, and I don't want to betray you ever again."

Naofumi was silent for a while. "You know, Bitch, when you tell me so many surprising things all at once, it becomes a little hard to believe. I know that the Slave Curse doesn't let you lie, but I'm having the suspicion that you've found a way around that. I wouldn't put it past you, my witty, feisty Bitch. Perhaps you should lie sometimes to remind me that it still works."

Malty didn't think he truly believed that. In fact, she'd claim that he actually wanted to believe every word she's said, and that that was why he was challenging her to lie. "I've stopped lying because I don't like the pain." Malty gritted her teeth as the Slave Curse punished her. "That was a lie." She giggled. "I like the pain...when I'm turned on."

Naofumi chuckled, almost growling.

"The sky is green." Pain. "My eye color is brown." Pain. "I'm the Princess." Pain.

"Alright, Bitch, I got it. You can stop—"

"I hate you." Heart racing, Malty had her eyes closed, grunting and grinning through the pain.

"Bitch..." He tightened his arms around her and suddenly lifted her up. For a brief moment, she was panicked that he would throw her off the cliff as she'd suggested just moments ago, but then he turned away from the cliff's direction, carrying her over toward the safety of the rock formations.

She giggled, anticipation and Slave Feeling building up inside of her.

He set her down and pressed her into the wall. She felt his erection against her ass. Then his hand was in her hair, brushing it to one side, and a moment later, he was kissing her throat, hungrily, sucking, humming in pleasure.

"Ahhh! Master!" She reached behind herself to put one hand onto his head, combing her fingers through his hair while he feasted on her throat. "Yes! I love it, Master. Rougher!"

Chuckling darkly, he acquiesced, pulling harshly at her hair, making her shriek in pleasure. He reached with his other hand in-between her legs, stroking her through the skirt-like part of her armor, grinding his hips against her. "Hmmm. Bitch..."

Malty reached toward his ass with her free hand, grasping it.

He chuckled and bit into her throat, his tongue brushing wonderfully across her flesh.

"Master! Oh yes! Hmmmm..." She arched her back, eyes closed, losing herself in the wonderful pain and pleasure.

After some time, he stopped and moved them backward, away from the wall. "Kneel down, Bitch!"

"Yes, Master." A spark of arousal flashing through her at his commanding tone, she immediately dropped to her knees.

"On all fours," he commanded, pushing her forward by the hair. Malty steadied herself with her hands against the hard rock. "Just like that. Very good, Bitch." One hand pulling her hair, the other was on her ass, caressing. "So gorgeous."

Malty was panting, intense Slave Feeling and arousal burning inside of her, a wide smile on her face. She wiggled her ass, trying to get more of his touch.

"So impatient." He gave her hair a sharp tug, making her release a shriek of pleasure. "And so dirty. You like it rough, don't you, Bitch? You like the pain. You like to be punished."

"Yes! I love it! More! Punish me! Bend me! Fuck me!"

"I will," he promised and positioned himself behind her, his hips against her ass. "Keep your hands on the ground, Bitch." He started grinding against her, keeping a tight grip on her hair.

"Y-yes." She loved this position. She loved how filthy it made her feel with her hands in the dirt, even if the stones were relatively clean. It was the same position she ate her meals in, the same position she'd always fantasized him to fuck her. The same position he had fucked her, and it'd been incredible, both their first time and when he'd fucked her on the table. It always made him hit the most wonderful spot inside of her and allowed him to properly pull at her hair, to bite her neck and shoulders, to bend her body in just the right way. She could practically feel the wetness running down her thighs.

"More!" she begged. "Please fuck me properly, Master! Rough and Hard!"

Naofumi chuckled and released her hair. Malty let her head fall forward, not moving until ordered. He undid her belt, discarding it, and pushed her hip armor up a bit. Then he reached below, his hands landing on her soaked panties. He took his time, caressing her ass and thighs before finally moving aside the fabric and tracing her ready cunt with his fingers.

"Ahh..." She shuddered.

"So wet. So dirty."

Shuddering, she wiggled impatiently. She wanted his hard cock inside of her. Now! "Master," she begged. "Please!"

He laughed, then removed his hands—hopefully to undo his pants; otherwise, she'd get feisty.

There was a sudden hissing sound, and for the flicker of a moment, she was cast in shadows.

"Wha—" Naofumi grunted. A dull thump sounded, gravel crunching repeatedly against rock.

Malty turned her head and looked on in alarm at Naofumi, who was lying on the rocky ground a few meters away, scrambling to his feet, dangerously close to the edge of the cliff. The reason for his position appeared to be some four-legged monster, currently in the process of making a turn.

Mountain Prowler — LVL 16

The Mountain Prowler was black, about the size of a human on all fours, and had big curved horns protruding from its feline head. And it was fast, charging straight at Naofumi, who'd just managed to get back on his feet, obviously confused.

"Master!"

"Air Strike—"

The Mountain Prowler crashed against him, head-first, knocking the air out of his lungs. The beast retreated, and Naofumi stumbled back, grunting. Malty's heart skipped a beat when he slipped with one leg at the edge of the cliff. He cast a panicked look over his shoulder into the abyss, teetering on the edge.

Malty watched in horror, eyes wide, holding her breath.

"Air Strike Shield!" The Mountain Prowler, in the process of a second charge, rammed straight against the skill and bounced off, seemingly disoriented on its legs.

"Wind Blow!" Malty snapped, whirling around. A purple glow encompassed her outstretched hand, then a powerful gust of wind shot toward the lurching beast. Her skill hit, and the Mountain Prowler got blasted off the cliff, hissing and yowling, thrashing about uselessly with its paws.

Heart racing, Malty sagged in relief; Naofumi had caught his balance. She grunted, suddenly aware of the pain pulsing on her sternum. Letting out a shriek as it intensified, she dropped to the ground. The pain stopped the moment her hands came in contact with the stone. His Command! she realized.

Naofumi chuckled. "Woah, that was cl—"

"Master!" she screamed. There was a second Mountain Prowler, and Naofumi could only turn his head—his relieved expression shifting into one of surprise—before the horned beast crashed into him. Yelping, he got thrown off the cliff, vanishing behind the edge.

"Master! MASTER!" Her hands found her sword, and Malty drew it, getting off the ground, charging forward, Slave Crest flashing angrily.

**Laughs in Cliffhanger**