A Tangled Web of Affection

Picking up a strand of golden hair, Ziyao felt her heart quicken its pace.

Thump-thump, thump-thump…

As she pressed a hand to her unyielding chest, her heart pulsed a warning, signaling that something was amiss. Leaning down, the white-haired girl rested her head against Aiya’s gently rising and falling chest, a look of profound contentment gracing her features.

The first time Ziyao had laid eyes on the little girl, a powerful desire to possess her had surged within.

Yes, possession.

This soft, endearing girl ignited a primal urge of conquest within Ziyao. She yearned to see the girl laugh in her arms, to weep in her embrace. She wanted to claim every facet of this girl’s being.

Yet, Ziyao understood that this was far from a normal emotion.

As previously mentioned, Ziyao possessed extraordinary self-control. Even though she had been intimately honest with Aiya countless times in recent days, she had still refrained from reciprocating Aiya’s affections.

She knew, of course, that Aiya harbored feelings for her.

However, Aiya was still too young. If the little girl were just a few years older, Ziyao would undoubtedly have returned her love. Alas…

This little girl understood nothing of such matters. Just as Ziyao had said before, Aiya was a delicate white flower grown in a greenhouse—too pure, yet too fragile. Her feelings for Ziyao were likely nothing more than the impulsive rush of their first encounter. Perhaps, in a few years, after she had truly seen the world, she would discover the person she was truly meant to love.

Of course, if Aiya still refused to look back then, determined to remain devoted to Ziyao, Ziyao would be powerless to stop her.

After all, she was rather fond of the little girl herself.

Rubbing her face against Aiya’s, Ziyao found herself overcome by a desire to simply stay there. This warm, tender girl truly resonated with her.

But then again, it seemed Elena’s gaze had also been rather peculiar lately. That particular look gave Ziyao an unsettling premonition.

Could this foolish girl also have fallen for me?

Though she had unintentionally charmed Elena a few times previously, this Princess, who had already stepped into society, shouldn’t be reacting this way.

Elena’s life experience was vastly different from Aiya’s. It was said that she had been handling minor affairs in the Imperial Capital since the age of ten, and as she grew older, she frequently appeared before its residents.

That the Emperor dared to send her to find an alchemist also spoke volumes about his trust in his daughter.

And now, there was the new complication of the ongoing events.

Nevertheless, the problem was the same; there were also two girls after her.

“I suddenly realize I truly am quite the sinner,” Ziyao murmured, rubbing against Aiya with more force.

In less than a month, three girls around her had developed feelings for her. As for men, she couldn’t even be bothered to look at them.

If this went on, wouldn’t she be torn apart by these girls?

Monogamy—she wished for it. But she was genuinely terrible at refusing others, especially pretty girls.

If a beautiful girl approached you, wanting to cuddle, would you really refuse?

Certainly not.

‘Forget it. I’ll procrastinate as long as I can. I hear the deep sea is a nice place, and the mermaids there are quite beautiful. I should just head there.’

Lost in her fanciful thoughts, Ziyao’s eyes suddenly drifted to Aiya’s lips. Pink and tender, just as adorable as the little girl herself.

A sudden flame ignited within Ziyao. She yearned to taste those rosy lips.

Would they taste like cherries?

Her eyes gradually grew hazy, and Ziyao leaned closer, inch by inch, to Aiya’s lips.

The little girl’s warm breath brushed against Ziyao’s cheek, intensifying the desire within her.

No, I can’t…

Her eyes regained a flicker of clarity, and Ziyao forcefully halted her actions. This was wrong. Even a kiss required the girl’s consent. What kind of act was this, sneaking around?

Taking advantage of her?

However, Ziyao, engrossed in her internal struggle, failed to notice that the golden-haired girl lying in bed had already opened her eyes to a tiny slit.

‘So close…’

The girl thought, still somewhat groggy. The white-haired girl’s red pupils were slightly unfocused, and her moisture-laden breath was now tickling her own skin.

Staring at the pale red lips so close to her own, Aiya gritted her teeth and leaned in for a kiss.

Their lips met, and Ziyao’s eyes instantly widened. She tried to pull back, but Aiya’s arms were already wrapped around her.

When did Aiya…

A soft tongue pried open Ziyao’s lips, interrupting her racing thoughts. Aiya was clearly not content with a simple touch; she wanted more.

It was somewhat embarrassing to admit, but Ziyao, the older one, had been completely taken over by Aiya.

Their tongues intertwined, giving Ziyao a sense of unreality.

Aiya’s lips truly did taste like cherries.

Bang! The door burst open.

“Ziyao, I heard you…” Elena’s mind instantly froze as she witnessed the two girls in such intimate contact.

This… what in the world is going on?!