Chapter 16: The Knight’s Predicament

“That Wade fellow is truly something else. I always thought he had no interest in love or marriage, but who would’ve thought he’d suddenly bring back such an exceptional wife.”

Back in the trio’s office, Jeffrey stretched languidly. Leaning against the window, he watched as Wade, holding Lamia’s hand, gradually disappeared from his sight below.

Jeffrey was considered the ‘big brother’ of the Knight Order. Though he could be incredibly strict during training, his conduct and character were undeniably upright. Adhering to regulations at work was the Knight Order’s creed, but maintaining harmony in private was his personal philosophy; he truly understood the separation of public and private matters.

“Indeed, looking at it now, I wonder who between Wade and me will have a child first. Still, it’s good; children of similar ages can be childhood playmates.”

Valen chuckled good-naturedly, his hands busy organizing the previous investigative reports.

Wade, after all, was a high-ranking member of the Knight Order. Naturally, his wife would require a background check.

Immediately after Wade and Lamia’s whirlwind marriage, Jeffrey had Valen investigate Lamia Talia. Although Wade, knowing Lamia’s true identity, paid no mind to her ‘role’ in human society, the Knight Order still conducted its own inquiry.

Our esteemed Dark Lord, however, was hardly one to be negligent in such matters. She had meticulously prepared all her information: her household registration, identification documents, network of family and friends, family assets, and current residence. Every detail was flawlessly arranged.

Even if the White Knight, her primary target, hadn’t investigated, her preparations would not have been in vain had anyone else taken notice.

This background check left Jeffrey thoroughly satisfied. From every angle, Lamia appeared to be the daughter of an ordinary family who had moved from out of town for business.

Her family background was spotless. She was beautiful and charming, with a gentle disposition, and even possessed the skill of making pastries. To marry such a woman was indeed an enviable feat.

However, in the eyes of the two married men—the commander and his deputy—their own wives were undoubtedly the best.

Meanwhile, Wade continued to lead Lamia forward.

The act of holding hands was simple, yet Wade’s heart pounded with extreme nervousness.

He had held countless hands before. Some belonged to elderly people needing guidance, others to lost children separated from their parents. Some were for formal greetings when receiving guests, while others were gripped firmly in moments of urgent necessity.

But holding his wife’s hand like this? This was a first.

Yes, after all, he had only just gotten married yesterday… And this wife, he had only met her yesterday.

Wade found it truly difficult to comprehend that his twenty-plus years of staunch bachelorhood had ultimately been shattered by the very nemesis he had battled for so long.

He held Lamia’s hand tightly, unwilling to let go. His nervousness was akin to a child clutching the hand of a stranger.

Typically, if they were a couple, they would walk side-by-side, enjoying each other’s unique company beneath the shade of trees and amidst blooming flowers.

Yet, Wade was different now. He gripped Lamia’s hand with considerable force. A normal young woman would likely cry out in pain from his grip.

Fortunately, Lamia was quite resilient. Even after being struck by Wade’s sword, she had only inwardly grumbled, not uttering a single sound outwardly. Thus, she could adapt to his strength, and having never held hands with anyone before, she raised no objections whatsoever.

Wade walked ahead, not side-by-side with Lamia.

It was as if he were pulling Lamia forward, with her trailing behind him, guided by his pull.

They exchanged no words, nor did they admire the scenery. They walked quickly, as if Wade wished to hide somewhere, but had forgotten to release Lamia’s hand, the very source of his embarrassment.

[‘Where are we going, walking so fast?’]

It wasn’t until Lamia’s questioning thought pierced his ears that he abruptly snapped back to reality. He slowly began to reduce his pace.

Ha…

Huh…?

As his steps slowed, his chest involuntarily heaved with his hurried breathing.

His heart, still thrumming from the brisk walk, beat faster. Though the sound of his own breathing echoed in his ears, his attention remained entirely fixed on Lamia’s thoughts.

[‘So eager… could it be… Ah! I know!’]

‘…Know?… What does she know now?’

‘Does she have a specific objective regarding something within the Knight Order? Or perhaps she had previously arranged for some demon to monitor the Knight Order, and something familiar reappearing here made her feel smug?’

‘Come to think of it… I just called her “wife”… didn’t I?’

Though those two words sent shivers down Wade’s spine, he was willing to go all out for the future of humanity. Wade believed that if peace could be achieved through his sole sacrifice, then his actions were entirely worthwhile.

‘…Grandpa said I need to make her lower her guard, and what she needs to do is make *me* lower my guard, so then when I pretend to lower my guard, she’ll lower her guard because *I’m* lowering my guard…!’

‘Though it sounds a bit convoluted, it has proven to be an effective method so far.’

‘So—bring it on… Demon Lord!’

‘I’ve never been in a relationship, and neither has my grandpa—’

‘But I’ve seen my colleagues flaunt their affection for no reason. Through their examples, I’m sure I can make you experience that kind of life…!’

The few thoughts swirling in Wade’s mind filled him with an uncontrollable fervor. He seemed entirely oblivious to why these particular thoughts ignited such passion within him. Nevertheless, he was thoroughly pumped up, ready to counter the Demon Lord’s every move.

‘So, tell me… what you know—’

[‘—I know this situation. The Great Succubus Lilith once told me that when a man suddenly pulls you along outside, in a great hurry, it’s definitely because he wants to do something urgent. Like pulling you into an secluded, shaded spot for a passionate kiss, just like lovers…’]

‘—What on earth do you know?!’

‘Who *is* that Great Succubus… Her ideas are even worse than Grandpa’s…!’

[‘We’re on a shaded path right now, with barely anyone around. And look, there are so many trees in the small grove nearby.’]

[‘So… it must be my brilliance that’s making you lose control, isn’t it?’]

[‘See how even your breathing is all messed up… Hmph, come on, White Knight! This sovereign is ready for your challenge anytime!’]

“…”

Wade swallowed hard, listening to these words that seemed to come from nowhere. He turned back, casting an awkward glance at Lamia, who had now stopped beside him. His hand, still holding hers, was beginning to sweat.

As for Lamia, she seemed to be deliberately seducing him. Her fingers lightly scratched his palm, her fingertips pressing against the calluses on his hand, rubbing them repeatedly.

She had set her sights on a large tree in the small grove behind them. This time, it was Lamia who pulled him. Stepping back little by little, Wade froze for a moment, yielding to her gentle tug.

By the time he registered what was happening, Lamia was already leaning against the tree. Wade, instinctively adjusting to the angle, found his hand resting against the tree trunk beside Lamia’s head.

A gust of wind swept through, making the leaves rustle.

Above, fragmented sunlight dappled their bodies through the gaps in the leaves. A single speck of light, by sheer coincidence, landed on Lamia’s lips, as if guiding Wade precisely where to kiss her.

[‘Come on, White Knight…!’]

Lamia thought to herself, and silently tugged at the cuff of Wade’s hanging sleeve.

[‘Lilith said that a passionate kiss is the start of a romance… So let’s begin here, and finally, immerse yourself in the happiness I bestow upon you!’]