Level 0 Master

"Forget about this and just train more. I will come up with a winning strategy."

"Yes, Sungjin."

Ereka smiled brightly with tears in her eyes.

"Great."

A knife tail hiding behind the pillar was flapping.

"If you guys heard it all, come out. That was my answer," answered Sungjin.

Jenna came out with a laugh, and Rittier came out awkwardly.

"Sungjin Oppa. Thank you for protecting the princess."

Jenna rubbed her face into his leg.

"Sorry for being imm.a.t.u.r.e."

Sorry, I knew that it was wrong, but I had to ask you.

Sungjin pat Jenna as if he heard her thoughts.

"It's okay. You are a child, so be a child."

He was someone who really deserved the princess and Jenna.

"How did you...? I told you that was it..." Ereka started.

"We didn't mean to disturb you, but we were way too worried..." Ritter replied.

"Hehehe. Sungjin Oppa is the best! You gave us hope."

Her tail flapped.

Rittier nodded.

"That… that is… leave us alone! You are preventing Sungjin from working on his strategy. Leave us now," Ereka shouted in embarrassment.

Did you guys catch that I'm falling in love with Sungjin…? I didn't say it out loud, so you guys don't know… right?

"Then Sungjin, make yourself comfortable."

"Thank you, Sir Sungjin. I'm amazed that you are giving us hope while we thought all was lost."

She heard Rittier's voice thanking Sungjin.

"Sungjin Oppa. I'm counting on you!"

Jenna's words made Ereka blush.

Count… count on what….! Oh my god.

* * *

Chapter13

The next day, while cooking with Jenna and the head maids, Ereka came up with an idea.

"So… everyone."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Since Sungjin is working hard to find a strategy in this difficult time, I want to find a way to provide some kind of entertainment, any ideas?"

Entertaining a royal guest was nothing special. Jenna twisted her tail while looking at Ereka blushing and talking about such things every day.

"Your Highness. Why don't we take a break to find an idea?"

"Oh, yes, it is quite late. Let's take a break."

"I will go and wash my hands."

Stepping out, Jenna gave a sign to the maids. The maids understood and followed Jenna.

After a break, Jenna stood in the corner, holding the handle of her hammer as if it were a microphone. A tiny Wind Spirit Stone was on it. And on the other end, the maids were listening.

The maids reported to Ereka.

"We were brainstorming, there are two things heroes have enjoyed historically."

"Two things..."

"The first is the glory of defeating strong enemies. But that is on the battlefield."

"Then the second..."

"Wine and dining while enjoying beauties. That is the entertainment in between battles."

"Beau… Beauties..."

Ereka blushed even more.

"But… Sungjin… said he didn't want to take me as a reward..."

"'Not as a reward' also means that he enjoys it. That's why it can't be a reward."

"But… he said he was too busy training and didn't have a girlfriend."

"That is a good thing. But that also means that if he were not busy, he would have dated someone. There's no hero who doesn't want a beautiful companion.."

"That makes sense."

Ereka agreed and nodded.

"The late king who was said to be too busy taking care of state affairs to do anything else still had five women."

"Right… Unlike a true king, he had only a few women."

Five official queens and concubines. They had no idea how many he took just for entertainment.

"He is a rightful person to say that he didn't want you as a reward. But if you appease him out of love, he would enjoy that."

"Lo… love!"

Ereka suddenly shook.

"No. Not like that… I just wanted to entertain him… because he is working too hard..."

"Then we will pick the young girls..."

"No!" said Ereka, but her face dropped when the maids looked at her as if they already knew.

Now her forehead and ears became red, and she looked like an apple.

"What I mean… is...that..."

"It's okay, Your Highness. He's strong and ambitious, but he also protects others and is truly charming. And also, he helped you a few times, so it is natural that you fell for him."

"Is that okay? We are at a risk… I need to protect the kingdom from the Blood Ruler… is it okay… for a ruler to fall in love..."

"We want you to be happy since you are the one who always puts our happiness over yours. I always feel bad that you are always sacrificing yourself."

"Hmm..."

Ereka liked what she was hearing.

"It sounds calculated, but if a strong man like Sungjin and the princess become lovers, that means it will be safer for us. It is great as a girl but also a great thing to do as a ruler. Don't worry about anything else, but get his love."

"Okay. that… makes sense."

Ereka nodded.

Jenna swung her tail in agreement.

Great, everyone is following the script. Huh, my princess, don't worry. I will do everything to get you two together, make coincidences, deal with the other concubines… everything for you.

"I will tell you the secret to claiming Sungjin's heart."

"What should I do?"

"Come closer."

The maids whispered into Ereka's ear, and Ereka became a burning red. It almost seemed like her face was on fire.

"How can I… do… such a thing!"

"That is common knowledge as a royal princess. Since ancient history, taking a man's heart to protect the kingdom was the best practice of the princesses."

"That… that..."

"Your Highness was too busy training as a knight, we had no chance to tell you the truth. But now you are already 17. Half of the princesses from the other kingdom are already married."

"But I gave up being a girl to protect the kingdom..."

"To protect the kingdom, a wedding is more important. You need to understand this. Look."

The maids dropped some books from their robes. Some had titles only, but some had a n.a.k.e.d couple m.a.k.i.n.g. .l.o.v.e on the book cover.

"This is from the east; this is a secret technique of Samatra from the South. And this is from your ancestors. And this is..."

"People study discreetly, but there's a reason why people called this the bible or the secret bible and handed it down from generation to generation. In the east, they said the union of a man and a woman was the union of heaven and earth, and the genius writer Atres said that heaven was the union of a man and a woman. Queen Artina said that how women treat men can change the destiny of the world. It is important."

"But this is too much. Take it away."

Ereka stopped them.

"Yes, Your Highness."

The maids stepped back.

* * *

After 15 minutes, while cutting an onion in silence, Ereka asked a question.

"So..."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"But… really… something like that… guys… like… girls… do… so… Sungjin will like it… if I do… that too?"

Listening to a stuttering Ereka, Jenna had tears in her eyes.

Oh… my princess. I was always worried. But you are showing courage in front of love.

"Of course."

"Really…? He… would… like… that?"

"Regardless of social class, nationality, race, or age, enjoying women has been the biggest entertainment of men from ancient history."

"It… is?"

"There's no shame between lovers, and there's nothing you can't do for your lover."

"Well… yes..."

"Without the love between a man and a woman, you would not have been born, and there would be no world. This is a discrete but very natural thing to do."

"Yes… you… are… right… but… I've been swinging weapons around in armor… I'm not sure if I can do such a thing..."

"Your Highness. You are old enough."

"You… you are right."

"Moreover, you love Sungjin, and you want him to love you back, right? The one who wants something needs to try hard."

Listening to the question, Ereka stayed in silent for a while. But finally, she nodded slowly. There was no way to lie to her true self.

"Okay. I will try."

"You are making the right decision. But since it is your first time, you don't need to know all the techniques."

"Huh...? That… that is… It is difficult to make up my mind."

"Being shy and unskilled is the virtue of a v.i.r.g.i.n. If you are too good, the man would be rather disappointed."

The maids answered with smiles. Ereka realized that they tricked her, and she started to blush.

We wanted to see how determined you were. Once it is done, come back to us. There are so many secret techniques we need to share with you.

"Oh… you guys..." Ereka said, almost crying.

"But I will tell you something else."

"Something else?"

"How to make a man want you and show your mind to the man discreetly. You shouldn't be too easy but not too difficult. You need to show him your mind discreetly, and we will tell you how to do it."

"Can I trust you this time?"

"Yes, you can."

"Are you sure...?"

"I promise you. But you should start your practice now."

And the practice was difficult and embarrassing for Ereka.

Oh my god… this is… already… this difficult… the secret technique must be...

Ereka blushed.

But if we get married and… if… Sungjin likes it… then...

It would be the duty of a wife to learn such a thing...

If that makes him happy… I want to do it…. But… that… I will think of it… then...

She couldn't think of this anymore, so she washed her face with cold water.

* * *

The next evening, Ereka talked to Sungjin.

"Sungjin, I know you are busy making a strategy, but I think It would be helpful to take a break. Would you like to go out to enjoy the landscape tomorrow?"

"Huh? Hmm… you are right. Maybe it is a good idea to take a break. Let's do that."

"Okay, I will prepare everything."

"Okay, I will count on you. Thank you for taking care of me."

"Don't mention it. I'm glad I can do something for you."

Ereka smiled brightly.

Her bright smile like sunlight made Sungjin lose his words. When a girl said such a thing and was innocently happy like this, a guy started to imagine things.

Hmm, I should be careful.

The princess who was naturally seductive was dangerous. And today, she was even more seductive, just like a flower calling for butterflies.

* * *

The next day, Ereka packed a lunch and left with Sungjin.

"Enjoy your time."

Rittier and royal guards saluted together.

When they were out of sight, Rittier gave orders to the guards.

"Today, the princess is going to walk around the mountain with Sungjin to spend some time together. You all know what to do!" Rittier said with fierce eyes like a lion.

The guards answered Rittier altogether.

"Yes, sir! It is our duty to protect the princess so that she enjoys her time!"

Following Rittier's order, the guards scattered around the path to the mountain. There were guards who had already been there for their morning shift.

"Today, the mountain is a restricted area. The princess has an event for a royal guest."

They blocked the path and stopped everyone so that only Sungjin and Ereka would be there. It was a mountain belonging to the king, but usually, it was open to the public. People wondered what was going on, but as soon as the guards explained, they understood.

Rittier was satisfied by the perfect movements of the guards.

Your Highness. I will protect you. So enjoy your time as much as you want to.

The old knight made an oath that he wouldn't let anyone ruin the mood by passing by.

Next to him, Jenna softly flapped her tail.

Haha. The old man is trying to help the princess in his own way.

This was a great support.

Hehehe. But that is not enough.

An empty bottle was shining in her hand.

Today, I'm glad Sungjin Oppa is level 0.

Usually, potions wouldn't work on high-level heroes.

Sorry, Sungjin Oppa, but there are no side effects. And Sungjin Oppa is into the princess anyway.

Today was the day the princess' dream would come true.

The princess deserves happiness. For sure.

Jenna softly flapped her tail while imagining Ereka happy with Sungjin Oppa.

Ah... how lucky she is… I wish I could do that… with Sungjin Oppa… no... the princess needs to enjoy this.

Jenna also had a crush on Sungjin, but Sungjin had to be the husband of the princess. Her crush on Sungjin couldn't shake her loyalty to the princess.

Sungjin quickly glanced at Ereka while they were walking in the forest. She wore a big ivory hat and a chiffon dress that reached her knees, and she was holding a rattan basket.

Her blond hair was reflecting the sunlight, and a beautiful smile was on her face. Her steps looked like she was dancing, and her flowery scent smelled like a fresh forest.

Everything was in harmony, making her look lovely and cute.

Hmm… really.

She was pretty when she was armed and also when she was wearing her royal gown as a princess.

But this kind of casual outfit was cute too.

He was glad that he refused the offer to sacrifice her. He was enjoying this moment with her.

"Sungjin, why don't we stop here?"

Ereka pointed to a spot with a blooming flower next to it. They could listen to the stream and birds; winter was slowly seeping away.

"Okay. This is good."

"Then let's eat…."

Ereka set up and opened the basket. She opened her five-layered lunch box, and the delicious smell made Sungjin hungry.

"Looks delicious!"

"I'll be happy if you enjoy it."

Sungjin picked up a meatball without hesitation. While chewing, he realized there was something more inside.

"Huh? Is this… did you chop up vegetables and mix it in with the meat?"

"Yes."

"That must have been a lot of work."

"I tried to make it tasty for you while providing all the necessary nutritional value in it," Ereka said while touching her cheek shyly.

At first, she thought it was important to have him eat good food even if he didn't like it. But now thinking of how she wanted to be loved, she tried a different idea.

"Thank you. I will enjoy it."

Ereka smiled, but she wanted to jump with happiness.

Wow, she's really happy. Sticking with her was really worth it.

Sungjin tasted everything. Ereka's dishes were always great, but this time, she made them with love, and they tasted even better.

Before, her dishes were exquisite cuisines, whereas this time, it was customized to fit Sungjin's taste.

If I think of it… like my mom used to mix veggies in to make me eat them...

He never thought that he would have someone who cared this much to prepare his meals like this. He was experiencing something that he thought he had lost forever.

Sungjin finished the lunch and thanked Ereka.

"Ah. I really enjoyed this. It feels different to enjoy a meal outside."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it."

"Haha."

"Is there anything else you want to have?"

He finished the lunch, including the dessert and drinks. There was nothing left, but Ereka still asked if he wanted anything else.

"Tell me… anything. I will give you… anything," she said shyly while putting her hands on her c.h.e.s.t.

It was as if she was offering up herself.

She subtly showed her cleavage and her curvy body under her chiffon dress. Her scent was spreading like a flower inviting butterflies.

She said it shyly, but it was an invitation and consent with grace.

Moreover, Jenna added a potion to his food.

How… how will he react…?

Ereka's heart pounded.

Sungjin stood up.

"Then… I want to have you," said boldly, Sungjin's strong arms held Ereka.

"That… that."

"I didn't tell you until now, but let me tell you. Now, we are fighting against the Blood Ruler together, but after the end of the war, I want to stay with you. Will you be my girl?"

He was too excited to be rational, but he was polite.

"Yes. I… was… also… into you… Sungjin."

She was too shy to look at him, but she answered.

The answer to her shy words was Sungjin's passionate kiss, as if the politeness was just a cover.

"Ah..."

Without knowing, Ereka made a sound like a m.o.a.n. He was taking her whole body as if he was able to eat her up—lips, ears, cheeks, and then her neck, and then even lower.

He pulled up the dress and kissed her b.r.e.a.s.ts and waist. The burning mark of passion heated her up.

Everywhere he touched, she felt like her skin was burning, but mysteriously, she felt joy instead of pain.

It was unfamiliar and scary, but it made her excited.

Ah… ah...

It was good if it was Sungjin.

It was good because it was Sungjin.

It was scary, but she wanted more.

I want to be his woman.

I want to be in his strong arms.

I want to become one with him.

"It's okay. I'm really full. Should we take a walk?"

Sungjin answered, stopping Ereka's imagination.

"Huh…? Yeah..."

Ereka jumped up and turned around.

Oh my god. What was I thinking…?

But I did everything they told me to. What went wrong...

Did I make a mistake? Was I unnatural? I was scared but was kind of waiting for it.

It's okay. I still have a chance.

But the maids told her more methods.

Ereka told herself to try harder.

After a while walking around the mountain, she worked on her second method.

"Sungjin. I will check if there are some wild fruits. Would you like to have a look on this side?"

"Huh? Sure."

He answered as if it was a treasure hunt from his elementary school field trip. The only difference was that this was not with school friends but with a beautiful princess.

The time with her made this special.

She held his breath after Sungjin disappeared through the forest. And… then she jumped into the water.

Splash.

"Ahhh!"

An awkward scream rang out.

"What's wrong?" Sungjin asked.

When she saw Sungjin running out to check, Ereka slowly stood up in the water.

"Sorry. I slipped and fell into the water."

Drip.

When she shook her blond hair, the splashing water made a rainbow. But the beauty of the rainbow was tainted in front of her beautiful glowing skin.

Her wet dress showed her skin almost fully. Her spotless skin and her perfect curves were an exciting invitation.

She was gracefully dressed, but her seductiveness showed. Even her u.n.d.e.r.w.e.a.r was wet and showed every shape that was hidden by it.

Her blushing face was saying that this was not her intention, but her body was too charming.

This double charm would excite a man even more.

There was a natural question though.

How could a level 6 knight slip into the water? Sungjin was beyond others in intelligence, but he failed to ask that question.

"Well… if you're looking at me like that… then I'm embarrassed."

Ereka blushed and covered herself with her hands.

Sungjin stopped her and pulled her in.

"It's okay. You are beautiful."

"Oh..."

"I want to see more. Your everything."

Sungjin moved impulsively.

He couldn't think. He was following a man's instinct and pulled down her clothes that had already lost their function.

"Sung… Sungjin."

"I want you."

"That's..."

"I was keeping it to myself, but I can't hide it anymore."

"If… that… is what… you want… Sungjin… I would… love to..."

When Ereka consented, Sungjin started to move more boldly.

When he undressed her, her n.a.k.e.d body showed a beauty beyond description, a pure fort that had never let a guy in.

But now, she was opening herself to love and inviting him to come in to rule her.

There was fear, but it was also a good sensation

"Ah..."

His strong hands stopped her from covering herself.

"Don't hide."

Sungjin bit her b.r.e.a.s.t. It was softer than freshly baked brioche and sweeter than strawberry jam.

"Yes… as you wish..."

She didn't resist and followed Sungjin's lead.

She wanted it if he wanted it.

But...

"Hm. You need to change. Do you have a change of clothes?"

Ereka's daydream ended with Sungjin's realistic question.

"Ah, I didn't bring one. But the armor of Heroic Power has no limit in shape... Give me a moment, I can take care of it."

"That is convenient. Okay. I will turn around."

"Okay."

Ereka took off her wet dress and sighed before she activated her Heroic Power to cover herself.

Even the second method didn't work.

I tried everything as practiced.

Ha… what is wrong?

Was it such a difficult task that she couldn't perfect it with a few practices? Not having any reaction from Sungjin made her sad.

There was no hero who didn't like a beautiful woman.

The problem was that some liked women too much and r.a.p.ed extra class women when they refused. But it was clear they enjoyed it.

Am I not good enough for you, Sungjin?

Now there was only one method left, the boldest and most embarrassing one.

I came this far… I should try it...

She had a feeling that even this wouldn't work though.

"I'm done," said Ereka, and Sungjin turned around.

And then he realized that she didn't have to wear a gown to be beautiful. She was beautiful in casual clothes too.

A miniskirt that showed her t.h.i.g.h and a tight blouse that showed her cleavage.

The clothing didn't matter; her body was the key. Whatever she wore, it was clear that she was beautiful.

"I'm not used to wearing anything but armor."

"Huh? No, this looks lovely on you."

"Thank you for telling me that."

Ereka smiled, and as she approached Sungjin, she leaned on him.

"I'm cold and tired. Can I stay like this for a while?"

Her beautiful hair tickled his body, and her body scent embraced him. The touch of her skin gave him a shock.

"Huh? Oh, well, sure."

He answered without thinking.

"Thank you."

Ereka approached him even closer.

"Hm… okay..."

Sungjin made a vague sound that was unlike his cool and intelligent self. He didn't know where to put his hand.

Sungjin felt Ereka's breath on his c.h.e.s.t.

Is this working? Or not? Ereka thought. Maybe this time?

But Sungjin didn't move his hand

Ha… okay… this is it. It's not going to work.

When Ereka gave up, she suddenly relaxed.

All the fatigue hit her. After declaring war against the Blood Ruler, she didn't have a chance to relax at all. And until today, she was getting ready for this picnic; she didn't take any breaks.

Once all the thoughts came to her, she fell asleep without realizing it.

After a while, when she opened her eyes, she was laying on his legs. Sungjin was looking at her with a smile on his face as if he would protect her from any danger.

"Ha! I'm… I'm sorry!"

She quickly got up and looked down.

"It's okay. Rest more."

"But I invited you for a picnic just to make a mistake and made you feel uncomfortable."