148 - I Became a Gallery Manager in Another World

Title: I Became the Manager of Another World Gallery - Chapter 148 *Scritch, scratch—* "Haa... Terrace. I genuinely love you, but... it's still difficult for me to understand your tastes." Valentine signed the contract, revised exactly as I requested. "...I'm sorry, Valentine." "Don't apologize. I didn't say it expecting an apology. Also, don't worry. I've come this far, and I have no intention of backing down." Having said that, Valentine handed the contract to me. "I revised 'spouse' to 'Terrace' as per your conditions. Is this satisfactory?" "Yes, thank you." "Tch, then follow me." "Pardon? You mean we're doing it right away?" "Indeed. I'd like to finish as soon as possible so you can leave. You didn't come unprepared, did you?" "Of course not..." Given that I was coming to see Her Imperial Highness, I couldn't just show up unprepared. I made sure to dress adequately... Still, I didn't expect we'd establish a relationship while the sun was still high in the sky. "Hmph, you're lucky. Otherwise, I could have evicted you for insulting the princess." "Haha, no need to be so harsh, Valentine. I'm sorry. The circumstances are what they are; I hope you understand my sensitivity." "Yes, I understand. It's part of the job, after all." "Terrace, don't be too kind to the author. This is merely amusement I've prepared for you. The author is nothing more than a tool." With a cold expression, Valentine seemed to repeatedly remind herself that this wasn't 'sex' but merely 'masturbation' using a tool. *Clack— Clack—* "You're quite fortunate. This place is a secret space even within the royal family." Following Valentine down the corridor, we eventually came across two doors. Though they appeared identical, the handles were differentiated by their colors: one red and one blue. "This way. Come in." Entering the room with the red handle, I saw a mirror taking up an entire wall and a bed placed in front of it. "You will establish a relationship with me here." "...Here?" "Yes. Do you have any complaints?" "Not really, but... isn't the bed the only thing in this room?" The room appeared to be made solely for sex, with nothing but a bed. I was puzzled about where Terrace would observe the proceedings from. "Oh, let me explain. Ian, follow me." "Yes, Sir Terrace." Upon entering the room with the blue handle as guided by Terrace, an astonishing sight unfolded. "Sir Terrace, what is this?" "Naturally, you're surprised. I had a similar reaction when I first came in here." On the other side of a glass panel, Valentine sat on the bed with a displeased expression, arms crossed. "As you may have noticed, this wall has the peculiar ability for sound and sight to pass through from this side, while appearing as a regular mirror from the other." "...." At Terrace's explanation, I was momentarily speechless. 'Did he really make a specific magical tool and room just to watch his wife being taken?' Terrace was far more serious about NTS than I had imagined. "Judging by your expression, I can guess your thoughts, but it's a misunderstanding. I didn't create this; this room has been in the royal family for a long time." "Oh, I see." Listening to Terrace, it made sense—the room was pristine, yet bore the faint marks of age. 'That's a relief. He's not that insane. ...Wait, then, isn't this a bigger issue?' If this room was indeed built for the purpose I suspected... It suggested that NTS wasn't just an escapade for Terrace and Valentine but a tradition deep-rooted in the royal culture. 'What kind of place is this empire...' Just like the age marking the walls, the deep darkness of the royal family was palpable. "It's not that I doubt your skills, but it might be easier for you if you can’t see me." "...Thank you. Earlier, you mentioned the sound doesn't travel across, so how will I know when to stop?" "No need to worry. Do you see the handle in the corner of the mirror? It's a door connected to that room. When I wish for you to stop, I will open it, and that's your cue." "Understood, Sir Terrace." "Ah, one last thing before we begin. I may seem like I have unconventional desires, but..." "...." "That doesn't mean I don't love Valentine. It's precisely because I trust her feelings won't change, regardless of the pleasures involved, that I can partake in something like this." Entrusting your wife to another man was something I couldn't comprehend, but it wasn't something I could voice to his face. "...I will keep that in mind." "Good. Then, aside from kissing and going all the way, you may use 'any method' you'd like. Please do your utmost to satisfy Valentine." "I'll do my best." *** At the same time, in the room with the red handle. While waiting anxiously, Valentine heard the sound of the door opening. "You're late." "I'm sorry. I had to verify something." "What were you doing instead of preparing ahead of time? Hah... Never mind that. Before we start, I have something to say. Please sit by my side for a moment." Glance— With a fleeting look towards the mirror where Terrace would be, Valentine whispered softly in Ian's ear. "Let me tell you in advance. I cannot feel sexual pleasure. Thus, whatever you do is futile." "....?" "What is that expression for?" "It's nothing." "However, if I remain like a stone, Terrace won't be pleased. So... I will do my best to act." "I understand. But why tell me?" "Hmph, naturally, isn't it? I just don't want you to become arrogant, thinking you've made me feel something. The only one I wish to please is my husband." Valentine snorted lightly. Though Valentine generally treated everyone with a kindness unbecoming of someone in her royal position, her words towards Ian were inexplicably sharp and biting. "Well then, let's see what you've got." "...." Squeezing tightly— As soon as she granted permission, Ian reached out without hesitation and grasped Valentine's chest. "...Eek?!♥" Surprised by Ian's sudden touch, Valentine instinctively flinched and tried to pull away but endured it, reminding herself it was for Terrace's sake. Press, press— "Ugh...!..Could you...handle...me a bit more gently? It's...quite painful...." "Don't worry. It'll start to feel good soon. But more than that, I'm shocked by how soft it is. Perhaps it's because Princess grew up consuming only the finest? I'm envious of Sir Terrace, who gets to touch such a chest daily." "You insolent...tool... How dare you speak to me in such a manner...!" Valentine tried to give a mild warning at the mention of Terrace, but... "Hnnngh?!♥" The moment Ian's fingers brushed across Valentine's areola, a moan escaped from her lips. "...Huh?" Astonishment flashed across Valentine's face. This genuine moan wasn't part of her 'acting,' and it was the first time this had happened to her. "It's alright. Didn't I tell you? It will feel good soon. And when it feels good, it's only natural to moan." "Don't be mistaken! I didn't feel good. I was simply a bit startled!" As Valentine defended herself, Ian whispered softly in her ear. "Your Highness, can you afford to say such things? Didn't you mention you were only pretending to feel for Sir Terrace's sake?" "...Tsk..!...Do as you wish!" "Very well, I shall continue to do as I please." Squeeze—! "...Ggh..!♥..Hnnngh...You... You truly know...nothing about restraint...♥ Ah!" Valentine glanced down at Ian's hands as they kneaded her chest roughly, as if molding clay. The hands were larger and rougher than Terrace's, exerting strength to the point thick veins bulged prominently. Squeeze—! "...Grrhh..!♥..Ah!...Ha..!..Ghh!♥...Hnn!♥" Ian's touch wasn't gentle or respectful; it was crude and rough, hardly deserving of being called caresses. Yet, that touch provided a spirited stimulation Valentine had never experienced from her encounters with Terrace. 'W-why?' Valentine's breathing quickened, her pupils trembling violently. She hadn't anticipated genuinely moaning, not acting. And it didn't end there. As Ian's hands grew bolder, it felt as if a long dormant instinct within Valentine was awakening, swirling inside her chest. "Ha...!...Hnn..♥ Oh!...You...you...♥" "Now, let's get undressed." "W-what?... Un-undressed?" "How can we have a proper encounter without getting undressed?" Her mind was screaming not to let him undress her, yet Ian's words had truth; without undressing, an encounter was impossible. *Sliiide— Sliide—* In her moment of hesitation, Ian, with much expertise, had already taken Valentine's clothes off. "Oh, as expected, your nipples are perked up. You must've been disappointed not to have them touched." "D-don't be so smug! T-this is merely a biological reaction! Anyone could have..." *Flick!* "...Gghhaaak?!♥♥" At that moment, Ian stimulated her nipple for the first time. Not by pinching or pulling as Valentine expected, but with an unexpected flick. "To utter such adorable sounds, it seems you enjoy your nipples being teased immensely." "Ha...♥Ggh...Hnnngh♥...You... You dare...do such vulgar things to...to me...!♥" Caught in the complex emotions of pleasure and humiliation, Valentine's breathing became ragged. Struggling to maintain a dignified façade with her chin raised, her disheveled silver hair and flushed lips betrayed her true feelings. "Oh? Finding pleasure in something so vulgar suggests Her Highness Valentine might have talents as a prostitute. Or perhaps as a dairy cow?" "You... You...! I've tolerated...so much, and yet you continue...to cross the line...!! How dare you speak...such things to me… Whuaahhh!?!♥" Valentine initially feigned anger to end the situation, truly taking offense at Ian's words, but... "Haa..Hnnngh..♥ W-wait!...♥ Wait!... I told you!♥...S-stop!...♥...This is...an order, stop... Im... Immediately!♥" Yet Ian's waves of pleasure intensified, leaving Valentine adrift like a small boat before a massive wave, helpless and quivering. "Have you forgotten already? The contract conditions were changed, remember? I only stop if Sir Terrace says so." "Guh...!♥...I-I understand...!♥...T-Terrace!♥...Ugh...!♥...You're listening, aren't you?... Please... stop this♥... Just for a moment!♥" Valentine pleaded desperately, her eyes locked onto the mirror, yet there was no response. "...T-Terrace? Why... aren't you answering, Terrace?... Answer me!!" "Well, it seems Sir Terrace has given his approval then..." "Haa... Ugh..!♥...No, that can't be!!♥ Guh...!.Hnnngh!♥..T-Terrace... why!♥...N-no..!♥" As Valentine's panting grew to a fever pitch, reaching her limit, Ian simultaneously tugged on both her nipples. Squeeze—! "────Kyaaaah?!!♥♥♥" Clatter—! Experiencing the sensation of 'release' for the first time in her life, Valentine's eyes rolled back as her body arched high. At the same time, warm, sticky milk burst from Valentine's nipples, soaking Ian's hand.