Chapter 85: The White Knight’s Embrace

Wade’s arms opened almost instinctively. He had sensed Lamia’s movements, her furtive gaze, and the slight sway of her body.

What followed was pure instinct.

He caught Lamia as she leaned into him, offering no hesitation or resistance. He simply allowed her to burrow directly into his embrace.

Theoretically, they were at a bar, seated on two separate chairs. Yet, by the time Wade fully processed the situation, Lamia was already settled beside him on his own seat.

‘When did that happen?’

As the White Knight, a man whose senses were so keen he could hear an enemy’s faintest breath in a dark corner, he was astonished that he hadn’t registered the exact moment Lamia had slipped into his embrace.

She seemed to adore the sensation of being enveloped. As she nestled into Wade’s arms, one hand wrapped around his waist, while the other clutched his open jacket. She buried her face into his chest, using his coat to shield herself, as if seeking to recede into that small pocket of darkness.

Yet, this darkness was not cold; it was warm, even fervent.

This time, Lamia could distinctly hear the rapid thrum of Wade’s heart, and even the faint gulp as he swallowed.

“…”

“Lamia?”

After a few silent seconds, Wade mustered his courage and called Lamia’s name. His voice was a touch hoarse, whether from a dry throat or his own excessive caution, he couldn’t tell. He lowered his gaze, seeing only the small, purple-haired head, and the hand tightly gripping his clothes. Then, he noticed Lamia’s ears, flushed crimson.

“…”

“I’m calming down.”

“What?”

Lamia murmured a few words, the warmth of her breath ghosting against Wade’s chest.

“Calming… down.”

An embrace, heavy breathing, such intimate contact—how could any of this possibly be linked to the concept of ‘calming down’?

Wade stared at Lamia, who was still hidden in his embrace, a bewildered expression on his face. Then, he cast a quick glance towards Kaze and Lilith.

Kaze remained impassive, his expression betraying little emotion. To him, the Demon King’s will was paramount. Since Lamia had willingly sought refuge in Wade’s arms, he naturally had no objections. In fact, there was almost a hint of relief on his face, as if he had witnessed a lost child finally find someone to guide her.

As for Lilith—well, she was the culprit.

This entire situation was undoubtedly her doing. Her expression, clearly enjoying the spectacle, was utterly undisguised.

But what could Wade possibly say at this moment?

Should he blurt out, “What terrible idea have you, you wretched succubus, planted in your Demon King’s head this time?!”

No, no. Both emotionally and logically, such words were entirely out of the question.

Besides, even if it *was* a terrible idea, there was still…

But…

‘Hmm… I can detect a faint, delicate fragrance on Lamia…’

Before, Lamia’s scent had been subtle, a faint masculine freshness from using Wade’s shower gel. However, the maids in the mansion had since provided her with her own suitable shampoo and shower gel. Now, Lamia carried a fragrance uniquely her own.

‘…Would I feel a pang of loss because Lamia no longer carried *my* scent?’

Haaah… ‘Feeling dejected over something like this is utterly childish. I’m not some stray cat marking its territory.’

‘Lamia lacks a sense of self, she deserves to have her own distinctiveness. It’s just that—well, in harmless situations… she can hold my hand tightly, and I’ll help her…’

‘This is also my duty as the White Knight…’

‘…’

Initially, he had found the underlying objective comprehensible. Yet now, with Lamia blushing as she threw herself into his arms, he realized just how profoundly different this intimate embrace felt.

It was unlike the hugs he shared with his grandfather as a child. It was distinct from the consoling embraces he offered fellow knights, and entirely different from the celebratory hugs exchanged with friends.

This was… a ‘special’ embrace, one that belonged solely to him and Lamia.

[Hmph, Lilith said that when humans react strangely, they seek hugs. Hugs can calm the human body down…]

Lamia was practically draped over Wade, her fingers nervously sliding around his waist. Her fingertips left a trail of warmth on his skin, only to withdraw it moments later. Though an unconscious gesture, it stirred a peculiar flutter in Wade’s chest.

[Have I calmed down…? It does seem to be working. It’s like I’m pretending not to exist, just quietly staying here, letting Wade shield me from everything else outside…]

Lilith’s advice had been simple: when feeling uncomfortable, seek a hug from Wade.

Humans indeed sought embraces in both joy and sorrow, so Lilith’s theory wasn’t wrong. She had genuinely only suggested Lamia embrace someone, or simply retreat into another’s arms as a form of escape.

‘Because Lamia had experienced it.’

She had first felt it when Orlan visited them previously.

It was the sensation of being shielded, embraced, and secluded from the world when she wished to avoid confronting something.

Warm, comfortable, and utterly secure.

Having been the Demon King for so long, and so accustomed to solitude, Lamia had always been the one to provide security to others through her authority. She had almost forgotten what it felt like to be protected herself.

The feeling Wade brought was entirely distinct from the sense of support she received from Lilith and Kaze.

[But… is it truly alright for me to be like this?]

At this thought, Lamia’s heart felt a peculiar twist.

Hiding in someone’s embrace, allowing another to shoulder responsibilities that were inherently hers—was this truly acceptable?

A sanctuary?

No… no, theoretically, she didn’t need one.

[Escape is the privilege of the incompetent. As the Demon King, I must always confront things head-on!]

“I’m here.”

Just as Lamia subconsciously relaxed her grip on Wade’s clothes, just as she took a deep breath in his arms, preparing to rise, Wade’s voice gently permeated her thoughts.

She had been about to rise, but this time, Wade exerted a gentle pressure.

His broad palm rested lightly against the back of Lamia’s head. The pressure was gentle, yet it felt utterly irresistible. He held her close, granting her a reason to indulge in a fleeting moment of escape.

‘Escape? No—just pretend… you’re cooperating with my actions, Lamia.’

‘Pretend you’re playing along with me, pretend you’re corrupting your abominable rival, just as planned.’

‘Ah, yes…’

‘Even I find myself utterly detestable, so much so that I must utter the word “abominable” myself.’

‘Because… I truly feel it. Your particular brand of corruption is utterly… irresistible.’

‘So—let’s consider this a transaction.’

‘How about I corrupt you a little, too?’

“I’m here, Lamia. It’s alright. I’m right here.”

He gently patted Lamia’s head, his fingers softly tracing down the strands of her hair.

Lilith and Kaze had slipped away at some point. The bustling cafe, moments ago filled with patrons, had been cleared out by them.

Sunlight streamed down, a warm, quiet glow, gently scattering over the two figures, mutually entwined in their corruption.