Lust for the King’s Wife

Chapter 24: “My man, you say?”

The provocative choice of words immediately sparked defiance. The princess’ cheeks, already flushed, turned a deeper shade of red, and her voice carried a hint of anger.

In contrast, Mirian remained utterly composed, as though she had never known the concept of being flustered.

“Has the barbarity of the outside world blinded your eyes and dulled your ears? You have a habit of questioning what you’ve already been told.”

“I only react that way to things I cannot understand or accept. Like now.”

“Is that so.”

“And this is my room. So, please leave.”

The princess pointed to the door without hesitation. Naturally, this did nothing to make Mirian move.

“This may be your room, but it is still my palace. Don’t you agree?”

“That doesn’t give you the right to invade my privacy. If you keep this up, I won’t stand by idly.”

“Calm down. I came here without any improper intentions.”

“Then why are you here?”

“I just thought we could spend some time together. Perhaps share a glass of wine, the three of us.”

Mirian turned slightly, gesturing toward a glass bottle by the window. The wine inside was as deep and rich a red as her perfectly painted lips.

“You and the hero must have so many questions for me. I thought I’d make time to answer them.”

“I didn’t realize you were such a considerate person.”

“There’s so much we don’t know about each other. For instance, I was quite surprised to see how small your room is.”

“I’ve been using the same room since I was little.”

“Exactly. If I had known, I would have brought more chairs. But it’s too much trouble to fetch one now, so I’ll just sit on the bed. That’s fine, right?”

“What—”

“Thank you for your permission.”

Mirian interpreted the princess’ surprised reaction as assent and moved toward the bed. She then casually pulled over a small table and two chairs, arranging a makeshift setting.

“Sit down, both of you.”

“…”

“If you’d rather not, Princess, I could just spend time alone with the hero. What do you think?”

Her tone was maddeningly indifferent, yet deliberately provocative. The princess, unable to challenge her momentum, sat down in frustration.

As soon as I sat next to her, Mirian poured wine into the prepared glasses. Seeing this, the princess, perhaps still under the influence of her earlier drinking, hiccuped involuntarily.

Mirian didn’t miss the moment and spoke up immediately.

“It seems the princess is already a little tipsy. I wouldn’t want to pressure a young lady to drink more, so I’ll only pour for the hero and myself.”

“No, it’s fine. I can drink too.”

“It’s quite strong. Are you sure?”

“I’m not a child.”

Determined not to lose, the princess poured her own wine. Mirian watched her quietly before raising her glass.

“Let’s begin with a toast, then. To the princess’ brilliant future.”

“To your health and happiness.”

“And to my beloved Alf’s bright days ahead.”

“Cheers.”

The sound of glasses clinking together resonated in the room. As I brought the glass to my lips, the rich aroma of high-quality wine enveloped me. 

The taste was exquisite, but just as Mirian had said, it was quite potent. A few careless sips could easily lead to intoxication.

“Mm…”

“What’s wrong? Is it too strong? You can stop if you want.”

“No, I’m fine.”

“Good. Then let’s have a conversation.”

Finally, Mirian leaned forward slightly, as if ready to broach the main topic. Then, as if struck by a sudden idea, she smiled faintly.

“Actually, since we’re all here, wouldn’t it be boring to just talk? How about we play a simple game?”

“A game?”

“A little amusement. We’ll take turns asking each other questions, and the rule is to answer truthfully. If you don’t want to answer, you have to take a drink instead.”

“That sounds…”

“What do you think, Princess?”

“…It sounds fun.”

Perhaps emboldened by the alcohol, the princess quickly agreed to the queen’s suggestion. Mirian, as if my opinion was irrelevant, nodded immediately.

“Good. Since it was my idea, I’ll demonstrate how it works with the first question.”

“You’ll ask the first question?”

“Exactly. And I need to choose the first person to answer…”

“…”

“You, Princess.”

When Mirian’s gaze settled on her, the princess straightened her back nervously. A subtle tension hung between them, laced with unspoken intent.

After a brief moment of thought, Mirian unexpectedly asked a light-hearted question.

“What color is the underwear you’re wearing today?”

“What—excuse me?”

“I’m asking about what you’re wearing now. What color is it?”

“Th-that’s your question? I didn’t expect… Well, it’s, um…”

Caught off guard, the princess stammered before glancing at her glass of wine. Finally, with a bashful expression, she answered quietly.

“White.”

“Well done. That’s how you play. Got it?”

“W-what kind of question is that? This feels more like teasing than a game…”

“Of course. These little antics are the heart of a drinking game. That’s how adults sometimes play.”

“Is that so?”

“Exactly. Even adults indulge in childish fun now and then.”

Mirian smiled gently, taking the princess’ hand. The unexpected warmth in her gesture left the princess looking slightly bewildered.

Still, the moment seemed to lighten the mood, as a faint smile appeared on the princess’ face. Buoyed by the atmosphere, she spoke with renewed enthusiasm.

“Alright. If that’s how it works, I’ll ask the next question. Alf.”

“Yes, Princess?”

“Be honest. How many experiences have you had with women?”

“I’m not sure what kind of experience you’re referring to.”

“Uh… well, I mean…”

“Oh my, isn’t it the one asking the question who shouldn’t feel embarrassed?”

Mirian’s lips curled into a gentle smile, finding amusement in the princess’ slip. Only then did I relax slightly and offer an appropriate answer.

“When I was young, there was an older girl who doted on me. She was three years my senior and loved hugging people. I remember thinking how soft a woman’s body could be.”

“Oh my, how adorable,” Mirian replied, clearly entertained.

“So, are you still in touch with her?” the princess asked, her tone tinged with curiosity.

“The last time I saw her was five years ago.”

Hearing my straightforward response, the princess exhaled softly, visibly relieved. It was clear her question carried the intent to probe gently without stirring too much.

Now, it was my turn. With no hesitation, I shifted my attention to Mirian.

“Your Majesty the Queen.”

“Yes? Are you planning to ask me something?”

“May I call you Mirian?”

“…Hmm.”

Her gaze flickered with amusement, studying me briefly. The princess, meanwhile, looked uncomfortable, tilting her head as though trying to discern whether this was still part of the game.

After a moment’s pause, Mirian’s lips curved slightly upward.

“Strictly speaking, that’s more of a request than a question. But, it’s amusing enough. I’ll allow it.”

“Then I’ll take that as permission.”

“In return, I’ll call you Alf.”

“That’s your choice, Mirian.”

The simple exchange of names stirred an odd, subtle tension in the room. Mirian, however, didn’t linger on it, shifting the mood before the princess could dwell on the implications.

“This is turning out to be rather fun. Now, Princess, may I ask you another question?”

“Of course. Go ahead.”

“If Alf confessed that he loved another woman, would you seek revenge?”

“W-what?”

It was an unexpectedly sharp question, especially for a game. The princess frowned instinctively.

“What do you mean by that?”

“Don’t take it so seriously. Like I said, it’s just a game. I was curious about your views on love, that’s all.”

“For a light-hearted game, it’s a bit…”

“Oh, by the way, I’ve heard people saying you used witchcraft today. Is that true?”

“…”

Mirian’s carefully chosen words struck deep, as if deliberately probing a wound. The princess gritted her teeth, clearly shaken by the shift in tone.

After a pause, she finally responded.

“I won’t answer that.”

“That’s fine. I already know. Just try to suppress it better moving forward.”

“…”

“Still, since you refused to answer, you’ll need to drink.”

“Very well.”

This, too, was a battle of wills. The princess drained her glass in defiance, though the strength of the wine hadn’t diminished.

“Ugh…”

“Too much for you? You can bow out now if it’s too difficult.”

“No, I’ll continue. I’m starting to enjoy myself.”

Her resolve was evident, but it was clear Mirian’s experience far outweighed her boldness. The imbalance became even more apparent as the exchanges continued.

“So, Your Majesty, why do you keep approaching Alf? Even resorting to such strange tactics?”

“Because I’m interested in him.”

“That’s not what I meant. Is there another reason—”

“One question at a time, Princess. I understand your impatience, but rules make the game enjoyable.”

“…Fine.”

“If you want to exchange words with me, I’ll oblige. Now, Princess, if the woman Alf mentioned earlier were to visit the palace, how would you treat her?”

“…”

Another sharp strike. The princess hesitated before taking another drink. The faint scent of wine lingered in the air as her resolve faltered.

And so the pattern continued, with each exchange pushing the princess further into inebriation.

“Your Majesty, you’re skilled with magic and curses. Have you ever used them on Alf?”

“Recently, I demonstrated some vine magic—just as you did.”

“That’s not what I meant…”

“Then I’ll ask. Have you ever wanted to harm Siha, the elf, seriously?”

“…I’ll drink.”

…

“Then, another question, Your Majesty. Are you using Alf to achieve something?”

“I am.”

“What is it?”

“As I said, one question at a time.”

“Ugh…”

“Then my turn. If Alf chose not to stay with you, what would you do?”

“I’ll drink.”

…

“Haa… The next question is… um…”

“…”

“You’re taking too long. That means you need to drink.”

“W-wait! That wasn’t a rule—”

“I mentioned it earlier. Did you forget? Perhaps you’re too drunk.”

“I’m not drunk!”

“Are you?”

“Fine… I’ll drink…”

…

“Your Majesty…”

“Yes?”

“…When I was taken by the dragon, why didn’t you do anything?”

“Well, I suppose I’ll take a drink for that one.”

“How unfair… you’re just…”

“…”

“Just…”

Barely an hour into the game, the princess could no longer resist the effects of the wine. For someone drinking for the first time, she had held out remarkably well.

In contrast, Mirian remained unruffled, her composure intact. Watching the princess slump forward, Mirian picked up her glass delicately, holding it between slender fingers.

“This wasn’t quite what I intended, but it seems she’s unable to keep up.”

“That’s rather unfair, Mirian.”

“I was merely teaching her an adult lesson. Shall we continue, just the two of us?”

The crimson liquid filled the empty glass as Mirian poured generously. She paused as she began filling her own glass, her hand hovering briefly before speaking.

“Actually, the game isn’t over yet. Let’s finish it properly, shall we?”

“One question, then.”

“Very well. I’ll start.”

“What—”

“What color is my underwear, Alf?”

“…”

The question was both absurdly familiar and entirely unexpected. For a moment, I was too stunned to react. Gathering myself quickly, I replied.

“That’s not a question—it’s a riddle.”

“I overlooked your earlier rule-breaking, so now it’s your turn to answer.”

“Perhaps… it’s a deep black, like your dress.”

“Wrong.”

So, rules meant nothing to her after all. Her goal seemed solely to unsettle me, a fact she made no effort to hide.

Mirian leaned back, casually crossing one leg over the other as if daring me.

“Don’t you want to guess again?”

“Perhaps.”

“Then, do you want to find out?”

Her words resonated deeply in my mind, reverberating in a way that felt unnatural. Was it the wine taking effect? Though I hadn’t shown it, I must have been slightly drunk as well.

Without giving me time to think, Mirian rose from the bed. In a fluid motion, she closed the distance between us, her fingers tilting my chin upward.

“Surely, all those words of yours weren’t empty bravado.”

“…”

“You don’t seem like the type.”

Her sultry whisper sent a shiver through me. Truthfully, I had already made my decision before her final words.

But just then, a sharp voice cut through the tension.

“…So, this is how it is.”

“Hm…”

“You planned this all along.”

The voice belonged to the princess, who I thought had succumbed to the wine. She lifted her head suddenly, her expression defiant. 

With a somewhat unsteady movement, she pushed herself off the chair and stormed toward Mirian.

“This is what you do, isn’t it? From the start, you intended to seduce Alf with your body.”

“I never did such a thing. I merely followed his desires.”

“Ha. As if Alf would fall for that. No, you’re mistaken about him.”

“Are you certain of that?”

“…”

Slurring slightly from her drunken state, the princess paused, her bravado faltering for a moment. Then, grabbing my shirt roughly, she spoke with a fierce tone.

“Of course! Alf loves me.”

“…”

“Shall we test that claim?”

With those words, she pushed me backward onto the bed. Unable to resist, I found myself lying between the two women, caught in their charged standoff.