Level 0 Master

"Forget about this and just train more. I will come up with a winning strategy."

"Yes, Sungjin."

Ereka smiled brightly with tears in her eyes.

"Oh, it's such a relief."

A knife tail hiding behind the pillar began to flap.

"Why don't you all step out now. You've already heard my answer."

At Sungjin's words, Jenna came out with a laugh while Rittier walked out with a cough.

"Oppa. Thank you for protecting the princess."

Jenna rubbed her face into his leg.

"And I'm sorry for being immature."

I'm sorry for forcing you even when I knew what was right.

Despite hearing what she really meant, Sungjin patted her head.

"It's okay. You are a child, so be a child."

Ah… Sungjin Oppa… you are… the best.

He was someone who really deserved the princess and Jenna.

"How did you...? I told you to leave..." Ereka started.

"We didn't mean to disturb you, but we were way too worried..." Ritter replied.

"Hehehe. Sungjin Oppa is the best! You gave us hope."

Her tail flapped.

Rittier nodded.

"That… That is…Let's all leave! You are preventing Sungjin from working on his strategy. Let's all leave." Ereka shouted in embarrassment.

I… They don't know I love Sungjin… Do they? I didn't say anything did I?

"Then Sungjin, make yourself comfortable."

Ereka ran out as if she had to avoid him.

"Thank you, Sir Sungjin. I'm impressed with how you managed to give us hope when we thought all was lost."

She heard Rittier's voice thanking Sungjin.

"Sungjin Oppa. I'm counting on you!"

Jenna's words made Ereka blush.

Count… count on what….! Oh my god.

The princess' offer was denied. Instead, a girl gained hope.

The next day, while cooking with Jenna and the head maids, Ereka hesitantly began to ask for ideas.

"So… everyone."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Since Sungjin is working hard to find a strategy in this difficult time, I want to find a way to provide some kind of entertainment. Do you have any ideas?"

Entertaining a royal guest was nothing special. But since Ereka was asking a normal event with red cheeks, Jenna twisted her tail in contemplation.

"Your Highness. Instead of coming up with an answer right now, why don't we think it over during our break?"

"Oh, yes, it is quite late. Let's take a break."

"Then excuse me, I need to go to the bathroom.

Stepping out, Jenna's eyes flickered over to the maids. The maids understood and followed Jenna.

After the break, Jenna hid in a corner and held the hammer's handle like a microphone. A tiny Wind Spirit Stone was attached to it. The other half was hidden within the maids' ears.

The maids reported to Ereka.

"We were brainstorming, and realised there are two things heroes have enjoyed historically."

"By two things you mean..."

"The first is the glory of defeating strong enemies. But that is on the battlefield."

"Then the second..."

"The joy of drinking and dining while enjoying beauties. That is the entertainment in between battles."

"Beau… Beauties..."

Ereka blushed even more.

"But… Sungjin… said he didn't want to take me as a reward..."

"'Not as a reward' also means that he likes you differently. That is why he expressed you as a 'reward'."

"But… he said he was too busy training and didn't have a girlfriend."

"That is a good thing. But that also means that if he were not busy, he would have dated someone. There's no hero who doesn't want a beautiful companion. Only a difference of whether the companion is needed out of lust or mutual agreement."

Their words were scripted, but they didn't feel awkward saying so. It was information all the maids agreed on anyways. And they were royal maids. They had skills which were on a different level from normal maids.

"That makes sense."

Ereka agreed and nodded.

"Please recall that the late king who was said to have been too focused on state affairs and therefore uninterested in anything else still had five woman."

"Right… Even my father was similar despite having less women than other kings."

He had five official concubines. There was no way to know how many had been a one-night stand.

"It is his moral to deny such a reward. But if you appease him out of love, he would enjoy that."

"Lo… love!"

Ereka flailed her arms.

"No. Not like that… I just wanted to entertain him… Because he is working too hard… As an owner of this castle… At the very least..."

"Then we will pick some young girls..."

"No!" Ereka shouted.

But she immediately lowered her head with a blush when the maids sent her a knowing gaze. The redness passed beyond her cheeks and spread towards her forehead and ears to the point she looked like an apple.

"What I mean… is...that..."

"It's okay, Your Highness. He's strong and ambitious, but he also protects others and is truly charming. And also, he helped you a few times, so it is natural that you fell for him."

"Is that okay? The country is at risk… I need to protect the kingdom from the Blood Ruler… For me... To fall in love..."

"That is a wrong idea. We want you to be happy since you are the one who always puts our happiness over yours. We always feel bad that you are always sacrificing yourself."

"Mmm..."

Ereka's ears fluttered slightly.

"And this may sound calculated, but if a strong man like Sungjin and the princess become lovers, that means it will be safer for us. A joyous occasion as a person but also a great thing to do as a ruler. Please don't hesitate in gaining his love."

"Okay. that… makes sense."

Ereka nodded.

Jenna swung her tail in agreement.

Good, everyone's following the script. Hoo. Princess. Don't worry. I'll push you both, set bridges, create scenarios, and go against other concubines for your happiness. I'll do everything!"

"We will tell you the secret to claiming Sungjin's heart."

"What do I need to do?"

"Please lend me your ear."

The maids whispered into Ereka's ear, and Ereka turned redder and redder. It almost seemed like her face was on fire.

"How can I… do… such a thing!"

"It is common knowledge to have as a royal princess. Since ancient history, taking a man's heart to protect the kingdom was the best practice of the princesses."

"That… that..."

"Your Highness was too busy training as a knight, we had no chance to tell you the truth. But now you are already 17. Half of the princesses from the other kingdom are already married."

"But I gave up being a girl to protect the kingdom..."

"To protect the kingdom, a wedding is more important. You need to understand this. Look."

The maids pulled out several books from their robes. Some didn't have titles, but some had a naked couple making love on the book cover.

"This is from the east; this is a secret technique of Samatra from the South. And this is from your ancestors. And this is..."

"What if someone sees?"

"People study discreetly, but there's a reason why people called this the bible or the secret bible handed down from generation to generation. In the east, they said the union of a man and a woman was the union of heaven and earth, and the genius writer Atres said that heaven was the union of a man and a woman. Queen Artina said that how women treat men can change the destiny of the world. It is important."

"But this is too much. Take it away."

Ereka stopped them.

"Yes, Your Highness."

The maids stepped back.

After 15 minutes, while cutting an onion in silence, Ereka asked a question.

"So..."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"But… really… something like that… guys… like… girls… do… so… Sungjin will like it… if I do… that too?"

Listening to a stuttering Ereka, Jenna teared up.

Oh… My princess. I was always worried. But you are showing courage in the face of love.

"Of course."

"Really…? He… would… like… that?"

"Regardless of social class, nationality, race, or age, enjoying women has been the biggest entertainment of men from ancient history."

"It… is?"

"There's no shame between lovers, and there's nothing you can't do for your lover."

"Well… yes..."

"Without the love between a man and a woman, you would not have been born, and there would be no world. This is a discrete but very natural thing to do."

"Yes… you… are… right… but… I've been swinging weapons around in armor… I'm not sure if I can do such a thing..."

"Your Highness. You are of marrying age."

"You… you are right."

"Moreover, you love Sungjin, and you want him to love you back, right? The one who wants something needs to try harder."

Listening to the question, Ereka stayed silent for a while. But finally, she nodded slowly. There was no way to lie to herself.

"Okay. I will try."

"You are making the right decision. But since it is your first time, you don't need to know all the techniques."

"Huh...? That… that is… I was so determined."

"Being shy and unskilled is the virtue of a virgin. If you are too good, the man would be rather disappointed."

The maids answered with smiles. Ereka realized that they tricked her, and she started to blush.

"We only wished to see how determined you were, Your Highness. Once the knot has been tied, please ask us anytime. There are many secrets within the royal family that we must pass on behalf of your mother, Her Royal Majesty."

"Uu… This is unfair.." Ereka said, almost crying.

"But we will tell you something else."

"Something else?"

"How to make a man want you and show your mind to the man discreetly. You shouldn't be too easy but not too difficult. We will show you how to lift the lid to reveal the most delicious scent, the lines which should or shouldn't be crossed."

"Can I trust you this time?"

"Yes, you can."

"...Really?"

"We promise you. But you should start your practice now."

And the practice was difficult and embarrassing for Ereka.

Oh my god… this is… already… this difficult… the secret technique must be...

Ereka blushed.

But if we get married and… if… Sungjin likes it… then...

It would be the duty of a wife to learn such a thing...

If that makes him happy… I want to do it…. But… that… I will think of it… then...

She couldn't think of this anymore, so she washed her face with cold water.

The next evening, Ereka talked to Sungjin.

"Sungjin, I know you are busy making a strategy, but I think it would be helpful to take a break. Would you like to go out to enjoy the landscape tomorrow?"

"Huh? Hmm… You are right. Maybe it is a good idea to take a break. Let's do that."

"Okay, I'll prepare everything."

"I'll count on you. Thank you for your concern."

"Don't mention it. I'm glad I can do something for you."

Ereka smiled brightly.

Her bright smile like sunlight placed Sungjin at a loss for words. When a girl said such a thing and turned innocently happy like this, a guy was bound to imagine things.

Hmm, I should be careful.

The princess who was naturally seductive was dangerous. And today, she was even more seductive, just like a flower calling for butterflies.

The next day, Ereka packed a basket and left with Sungjin.

"Please enjoy your time."

Rittier and royal guards saluted together.

When they were out of sight, Rittier gave orders to the guards.

"Today, the princess is going to walk around the mountain with Sungjin to spend some time together. You all know what to do!" Rittier said with fierce eyes like a lion.

The guards answered Rittier as one.

"Yes, sir! It is our duty to protect the princess so that her peace is not disturbed!"

"Good! I demand a perfect execution!"

Following Rittier's order, the guards scattered around the path to the mountain. There were guards who had already been stationed there for their morning shift.

"Today, the mountain is a restricted area. The princess has an event for a royal guest."

They blocked the path and stopped everyone from entering so that only Sungjin and Ereka would be there. It was a mountain belonging to the king, but usually, it was open to the public. People wondered what was going on, but as soon as the guards explained, they understood.

Sungjin's outing had already turned into a national event.

Rittier was satisfied by the perfect movements of the guards.

Your Highness. I will protect you. So please take your time to make progress.

The old knight made an oath that he wouldn't let anyone ruin the mood by passing by.

Next to him, Jenna softly flapped her tail.

Haha. The old man is trying to help the princess in his own way.

It was a great support, but.

Hehehe. But that is not enough.

An empty bottle was shining in her hand.

Today, I'm glad Sungjin Oppa is level 0.

Usually, potions wouldn't work on high-level heroes due to their resistance.

Sorry, Oppa, but should be no side effects. And oppa likes the princess anyways.

Today was the day the princess' dream would come true.

The princess deserves happiness. For sure.

Jenna softly flapped her tail while imagining Ereka being happy with Sungji.

Ah... How lucky she is… I wish I could do that… With Sungjin Oppa… No... The princess needs to enjoy this.

Jenna also had a crush on Sungjin, but Sungjin had to be the husband of the princess. Her crush on Sungjin wasn't capable of shaking her loyalty.

Sungjin sneaked a glance at Ereka while they were walking in the forest. She wore a big ivory hat and a chiffon dress that reached her knees, and she was holding a rattan basket.

Her blond hair was reflecting the sunlight, and a beautiful smile was on her face. Her steps looked like she was dancing, and her flowery scent smelled like a fresh forest.

Everything was in harmony, making her look lovely and cute.

Hmm… really.

She was pretty when she was armed and also when she was wearing her royal gown as a princess.

But this kind of casual outfit was cute too.

He was glad that he refused the offer to sacrifice her. He was enjoying this moment with her.

"Sungjin, why don't we stop here?"

Ereka pointed to a spot with a blooming flower. They could listen to the stream and birds; winter was slowly seeping away.

"Okay. This is good."

"Then we should get the food…."

After setting up their places, Ereka opened the basket. She opened her five-layered lunch box, and the delicious smell made Sungjin hungry.

"Oh. Looks delicious."

"I'll be happy if you enjoy it."

Sungjin picked up a meatball without hesitation. While chewing, he realized there was something more inside.

"Huh? Is this… did you chop up vegetables and mix it in with the meat?"

"Yes."

"That must have been a lot of work."

"I tried to make it tasty for you while providing all the necessary nutritional value." Ereka said while touching her cheek shyly.

At first, she thought it was important to have him eat good food even if he didn't like it. But now thinking of how she wanted to be loved, she tried a different idea.

"Thank you. I will enjoy it."

"It's okay. I'm happy to see you like it."

Ereka smiled, but she wanted to jump with happiness.

Ah. He looks satisfied. It was worth the spent with everyone coming up with this new recipe.

Sungjin tried everything. Ereka's dishes were always great, but this time, she made them with love, and they tasted even better.

Before, her dishes were exquisite cuisines, whereas this time, it was customized to fit Sungjin's taste.

If I think of it… My mom used to mix veggies in like this to make me eat them...

He never thought that he would have someone who cared this much to prepare his meals in a similar manner. He was experiencing something that he thought he had lost forever.

Sungjin finished lunch and thanked Ereka.

"Oh, I really enjoyed this. It feels different to enjoy a meal outside."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it."

"Haha."

"Is there anything more you wish to have?"

He cleared out the lunch. He had finished both the appetizers and dessert. As a course meal, there wasn't anything 'more', yet princess Ereka asked the question.

He finished lunch, including dessert and drinks. There was nothing left, but Ereka still asked if he wanted anything else.

"Tell me… anything you want. I will give you whatever," she said shyly while putting her hands on her chest.

It was as if she was offering up herself.

Her clothes which covered her as if it wasn't revealed the lines of her cleavage, and her goddess-like body. Her scent spread like the flower inviting a butterfly.

She had placed implications in her words, as she was shy, but it was an invitation and consent with grace.

He wouldn't be a man if his blood didn't boil at this sight.

Moreover, Jenna added a potion to his food.

How… how will he react I wonder…?

Ereka's heart pounded.

Sungjin stood up.

"Then… I want to have you."

With that bold statement, Sungjin's strong arms claimed Ereka.

"That… that."

"I've held back until now, but I'll tell you now. Currently, we are fighting against the Blood Ruler together, but after the end of the war, I want to stay with you. Will you be my girl?"

He maintained his manners, despite his wavering rationality.

"Yes. I… was… also… into you… Sungjin."

She was too shy to look at him, but she answered.

The answer to her shy words was Sungjin's passionate kiss, as if the politeness was just a cover.

"Ah..."

Without knowing, Ereka whimpered out a moan. He was taking her whole body as if he was able to eat her up, biting her lips, ears, cheeks, and then her neck, and then even lower.

He pulled down the dress and kissed her breasts and waist. The burning mark of passion heated her entire body.

Everywhere he touched, she felt like her skin was burning, but mysteriously, she felt joy instead of pain.

It was unfamiliar and scary, but it made her excited.

Ah… ah...

It was good if it was Sungjin.

It was good because it was Sungjin.

It was scary, but she wanted more.

She wanted to be his woman.

She wished to be hugged by his strong arms.

She wished to be one with him.

"It's okay. I'm really full. Should we take a walk?"

Sungjin answered, stopping Ereka's imagination.

"Huh…? Yeah..."

Ereka jumped up and turned around.

Oh my god. What was I thinking…?

She had done everything they had told her, but it hadn't worked. Everyone had told her 'that' would happen when she did so.

I wonder what the problem is.

Didn't she do well as she had practiced? Had she acted unnatural? She had been expecting, despite her fear.

It's okay. I still have a chance.

The maids had told her more than one methods.

Ereka encouraged herself and fisted her hands.

After sometime around the mountain, she worked on her second method.

"Sungjin. I will check if there are some wild fruits nearby. Would you like to have a look on this side?"

"Huh? Sure."

He answered as if she had offered a game of treasure hunt from his elementary school field trip. The only difference was that this was not with school friends but with a beautiful princess.

That just made this time with her even more special.

Ereka, who silently disappeared beyond the bushes with light feet looked at the river which was flowing before her. She gathered her breadth in determination. And...

Splash.

"Ahhh!"

An awkward scream rang out.

"What's wrong?" Sungjin asked.

When she saw Sungjin running out to check, Ereka slowly stood up in the water.

"Sorry. I slipped and fell into the water."

Drip.

When she shook her blond hair, the splashing water made a rainbow. But the beauty of the rainbow was tainted in front of her beautiful glowing skin. Her wet dress revealed her skin in a half-opaque manner. Her spotless skin and her perfect curves were an exciting invitation.

She was gracefully dressed, but her seductiveness showed. Even her underwear was wet and showed every shape that was hidden by it.

There was a magic of a tidy concealment, but seductive revealment.

Even her most important parts left lines to the imagination due to the plastered under-wears.

Despite her blushing face as she turned her head, saying that this was not her intention.

Her body underneath was too charming.

That the contrast provoked the man even further.

There was a natural question though.

How could a level 6 knight slip into the water? Sungjin was beyond others in intelligence, but he think of that question in the heat of the moment.

"Um… If you look at me like that, I'll be embarrassed." Ereka blushed and covered herself with her hands.

Sungjin moved her movements and dragged her closer.

"It's okay. You are beautiful."

"Oh my..."

"I want to see more. Your everything."

Sungjin moved impulsively. He couldn't think. He was following a man's instinct and pulled down her clothes that had already lost their function.

"Sung… Sungjin."

"I want you."

"That's..."

"I was keeping it to myself, but I can't hide it anymore."

"If… that… is what… you want… Sungjin… I would… love to..."

With Ereka's shy consent, Sungjin started to move more boldly.

When he undressed her, her naked body showed a beauty beyond description, a pure fort that had never let a guy in.

But now, she was opening herself to the invader called love and inviting him to come in to rule her.

There was fear, but also happiness.

"Ah..."

His strong hands stopped her from covering herself.

"Don't hide."

Sungjin bit her breast. It was softer than freshly baked brioche and sweeter than strawberry jam.

"Yes… as you wish..."

She didn't resist and followed Sungjin's lead.

She wanted it if he wanted it.

She wanted it, but…

"Hm. You need to change. Do you have a change of clothes?"

Ereka's daydream ended with Sungjin's realistic question.

"Ah, I didn't bring one. But the armor of Heroic Power has no limit in shape... Give me a moment, I can take care of it."

"That is convenient. Okay. I will turn around."

"Okay."

Ereka took off her wet dress and sighed before she activated her Heroic Power to cover herself.

Even the second method didn't work.

She had done as she practiced, but why wasn't it working?

Ha… I wonder what the problem is.

Was it such a difficult task that she couldn't perfect it with a few practices? Not having any reaction from Sungjin made her sad. She had learned that there was no hero who didn't like a beautiful woman in past histories.

The problem was that some liked women too much and raped extra class women when they refused. But it was clear they enjoyed it.

But how was she meant to interpret the situation when there was no reaction despite her efforts?

I must be lacking for Sungjin's eyes.

Now there was only one method left, the boldest and most embarrassing one.

I came this far… I should try it...

But she had a feeling that even that wouldn't work.

"I'm done," said Ereka, and Sungjin turned around.

And then he realized that she didn't have to wear a gown to be beautiful. She was beautiful in casual clothes too.

A miniskirt that showed her thigh and a tight blouse that showed her cleavage.

The clothing didn't matter; her body was the key. Whatever she wore, it was clear that she was beautiful.

"I'm not used to wearing anything but armor."

"Huh? No, this looks lovely on you."

"Thank you for telling me that."

Ereka smiled, and as she approached Sungjin, she leaned on him.

"I'm cold and tired. Can I stay like this for a while?"

Her beautiful hair tickled his body, and her body scent embraced him. The touch of her skin gave him a shock.

"Huh? Oh, well, sure."

He answered without thinking reflectively.

"Thank you."

Ereka plastered herself to Sungjin.

"Um.. Uh..."

Sungjin made a vague sound that was unlike his cool and intelligent self. He didn't know where to put his hand.

Sungjin felt Ereka's breath on his chest.

Is this working? Or not? Ereka thought. Maybe this time?

But Sungjin didn't move his hand.

Ha… okay… this is it. It's not going to work.

When Ereka gave up, she suddenly relaxed.

That was when all the fatigue hit her. After declaring war against the Blood Ruler, she didn't have a chance to relax at all. Until today, as she was getting ready for this picnic she didn't take any breaks.

So when everything came crashing down, she fell asleep without realizing it.

After a while, when she opened her eyes, she was laying on his legs. Sungjin was looking at her with a smile on his face as if he would protect her from any danger.

"Ha! I'm… I'm so sorry!"

She quickly got up and dropped her head.

"It's okay. Rest more."

"But I invited you for a picnic to enjoy. I've only caused accidents and burdened you."