144 - I Became a Gallery Manager in Another World

**Chapter 144: "Realm Gallery Manager" - The Book Rabbit - Web Novel Library** The bedroom was lavishly decorated, befitting a high-ranking noble, leaving no doubt in anyone's mind. “...Haah.” “Do you think it won't work today either?” The naked woman lying on the bed inquired. “Hmm... Sorry... I thought today would be different...” “I find it hard to believe I lack the allure to seduce even my beloved husband. Could it be that your love for me has diminished?” “No, that's not it! It's just that I...!!” Terrace replied earnestly, which caused Valentine Mapleflower to give a gentle smile. “Hehe... I was just joking, Terrace. There's no need to rush. Aren't we a married couple? If not today, there's always tomorrow, and if not tomorrow, then the next day.” “Valentine...” “Proving a couple's love doesn't solely rely on intimacy, does it? I already feel your love for me... And though it might be awkward to say to my husband, you know that I don't enjoy intercourse, don't you?” “I... I know. But still...” “Oh, I see. You were trying hard today because I suggested we sleep together.” “...Yes.” “Ahaha... I'm pleased with your intentions, but the reason I wanted to be with you tonight is...” Valentine stopped, feeling a blush creeping onto her face. “Hmm... This is... Embarrassing to say out loud.” “...Valentine?” “Though I've known it since we were young... You're quite an oblivious man... Still, since you want to hear it directly from my mouth, I'll tell you.” Valentine brushed back Terrace's hair and whispered softly in his ear. “It's not the act of love itself that I enjoy, but this moment of being close with you. Lying beside you and sharing warmth and breath makes me incredibly happy. Hehe... So you don’t need to worry.” With a light kiss on Terrace’s cheek, Valentine assured him. “Even just monopolizing this moment makes me perfectly happy. After all, what woman wouldn’t be thrilled to have such a wonderful man all to herself?” “Valentine...” “Ahaha, even if it’s you, speaking such affection is somewhat embarrassing. I'll wash up quickly, so wait for me.” With a reddened face she tried to hide, Valentine donned a silk robe and moved towards the bathroom. Whoosh— “Sigh...” Exhaling deeply under the stream of water, Valentine pondered. “What could be the problem...” Although she dismissed it to Terrace, his inability to become aroused was a more significant issue than she let on. It wasn’t about the sex. Her words about not enjoying intercourse weren’t lies told just to comfort Terrace. They were true. Valentine had never derived 'a woman's pleasure' from sex or through self-indulgence. Such experiences had never been appealing to her. However... ‘Mother's pressure for an heir is only growing stronger.’ She had been buying time with pleas for patience, but that too was nearing its limit. Valentine understood her mother, Elizabeth Mapleflower's sentiments. Despite being an emperor, her mother had always been someone who cherished freedom above anyone else. If she'd had any siblings, she would never have ascended to the throne. Valentine stroked her barren abdomen. The most crucial duty of a Mapleflower heir is to bear a daughter. In other words, without a daughter, succession to the throne was impossible. ‘If things continue like this, Laplace will ascend the throne...’ Not that she was obsessed with the throne. If Laplace had ever shown a desire for the throne, Valentine would have gladly conceded it to her. But through long years, Laplace had never gazed upon the throne with longing. ‘Yet, it'd be shameless to plead with her.’ While she didn’t cling to the throne, Valentine had enjoyed far more as the heir than Laplace ever did. She never felt guilty about it. She saw it as her rightful claim as the heir. To suddenly reject that responsibility now would be a betrayal to the people and to her sister. ‘...Am I truly so lacking in charm?’ Beautiful breasts that seemed formed from dew, skin white as snow, and eyes as red as rubies. The reflection in the mirror, embarrassing though it might be to admit, was exceedingly alluring, unmarred in any visible way. Yet, it meant nothing if she couldn’t satisfy her beloved husband. ‘Oh my... I said I’d be quick, but I’ve been lost in thought for too long.’ Drip— The thought of Terrace waiting hurried her to dry off and exit the bathroom. “...Sorry I'm late...” Squeak— Squeak— Valentine found herself speechless at the sight before her. ‘...Terrace?’ While she wasn't entirely inexperienced or ignorant of sexual desire, she understood what Terrace was doing. “Haa...! Haa...! Ugh!” Terrace was pleasuring himself. A man who couldn't even get aroused during intercourse with her. Clatter! The shocking revelation caused Valentine to step back, making a noise that finally alerted Terrace to her presence. “...V-Valentine?” “...Terrace...” “N-No!... It's not what it looks like!” “...I-It’s alright... I understand...you have desires too... But... Just let me ask one thing.” Though she hadn't intended it, Valentine's voice trembled with emotion. “Am I... not enough for you? Is it that I fail to satisfy you?” “No!... That's not what I said...!” “Then why!! ......Haah... Terrace. For the sake of the feelings we shared... Be honest with me... Is there no longer a place for me in your heart?” “Valentine! Really, that's not it! I don't want anyone else but you.” “...Then tell me this! If you couldn’t get aroused with me, who were you thinking about while masturbating?” Almost in a cry, Valentine’s question made Terrace bite his lip. “Ha... Haha... I guess I can't answer that... I understand where your heart stands. I’m sorry, but I can’t sleep together with you tonight... I have work tomorrow...” As Valentine began to leave the room, Terrace seized her wrist and shouted. “It’s you, Valentine! I was thinking of you while I pleasured myself!” “Let go of me... You couldn't even react to my body. Please don't lie and disappoint me.” “No! It’s not a lie, it’s the truth! Look! See what I was using!” With confidence, Terrace displayed Valentine’s panty, which she had left behind earlier. “...Isn’t that... my underwear?” “Yes! I was thinking of you while I did it!” “W-Wait... I’m having a hard time understanding this...” If Terrace had mentioned another woman's name, she would have felt betrayed, yet not this utterly stunned. “Why? If you desire, I would gladly offer myself to you anytime. ...So why? Wasn’t your concern all about not being able to get aroused?” “...That’s because.” “Please, tell me. I don’t want to doubt you, but my heart is faltering.” “...No. I don’t want to tell you. Once I do, you’ll surely despise me.” “What a foolish man you are... After all this time together, do you still not know me? I love you. No matter the circumstance, I can accept it all because it’s you.” At Valentine’s sincere declaration, Terrace stood silent for a long time before finally speaking. “I have a fetish...” “A fetish, you say?” Since his issue with impotence began, Valentine tried everything. From feeding him foods said to be beneficial for men to trying on various outfits such as nun habits, cheerleader outfits... She attempted to entice him in numerous ways, but never once did it resolve the issue. “What sort of fetish?” “....” “Tell me. I can only know if you tell me.” “...Valentine.” “Yes, I’m listening.” Gripped tightly by Valentine’s hand, Terrace finally made up his mind and spoke. “Valentine... I want to see you with another man.” “...What did you say?” Though she had vowed to comply with whatever Terrace’s fetish might be, this was something she hadn't anticipated. “I know!... I know how... vile this is... That's why I couldn't tell you!” “...Terrace...” “I hate this about myself too! But the more I’m with you, the more I imagine you being taken by another man! ...That’s why I desperately want you but couldn’t bring myself to hold you.” “....” She had never imagined being with another man besides Terrace, and accepting that reality was exceedingly shocking. But... “You.” “Yes... Valentine... It’s repulsive, isn’t it?... That’s why... I never wanted to reveal it.” “...I’ll ask one last time... Do you truly wish to see me embraced by another man?” “....” Twitch— Twitch— Terrace remained silent, but there was no need for words. His body’s reaction alone, fully erect at the mere imagination, spoke volumes. “...So you’re aroused...” “I’m sorry...” “As I asked, you don’t need to apologize... However... I too... need time...” “...Time? What for?” “...To prepare myself.” Terrace’s eyes widened in surprise at Valentine’s statement. “Prepare? N-No way, right? While it’s true I want to see you with someone else... I also want you to be solely mine! If that wasn’t the case, why would I have kept it hidden all this time?” “But as I am, I cannot excite you, can I? Or could you... even now... embrace me?” “...That... I can’t...” Droop— Even at the thought of relations with Valentine, Terrace’s arousal faded, limp once more. “...Hehe... The body never lies. It’s alright. I’m glad enough to know your heart hasn’t left me.” “Never could my heart ever stray from you.” “As for me, it’s the same. Yet, it’s a truth that I am in shock.” “...Valentine.” Squeeze— “So, for now, as punishment, stroke my hair until I fall asleep.” Nestled within Terrace’s arms, Valentine murmured softly.