5. First Wedding Night (I)

“I should just burn it!” Isolde muttered after analyzing the tea leaves in her hand.

Because some poisons are actually dangerous when thrown into a fireplace, fortunately, this poison is one that doesn't leave a trace.

She immediately poured the poison-laced tea leaves into the fireplace. After a while, she lit the tea bag.

“People these days seem to be more advanced when it comes to herbs and poisons,” Isolde commented again.

Isolde now felt relieved. With this, she was free from the murderous path.

“Hohoho! That means I can just enjoy a quiet life with Bastiven!”

Tiptoeing cheerfully, she exited the bathhouse and headed for Bastiven's room. Just a few steps later, Isolde arrived at the door.

Without hesitation, Isolde opened the door to her husband's room. She cheerfully called out, "Good night, Bas—"

Isolde's words were cut off by the sudden arrival of a sword. She was almost careless, not noticing the murderous aura from behind the door.

“What does all this mean, Bas?” Isolde asked calmly.

Odd. It was Bastiven who looked surprised. “You didn’t bring a teacup?”

Isolde's brow furrowed, as she thought in confusion. ‘A teacup? Should I brought it? Did you order one? Did I forget?’

Then Isolde chuckled as she pushed the sharp sword away with her fingertips. "Your tantrum is so dangerous, isn't it, my lord? If you'd like some tea, I'll ask Nirena to prepare it."

Bastiven looked dazed. “No—ah well, if you want some tea, then go for it.”

Isolde stared at Bastiven intently. ‘Oh my! Where else would I find a man with such a beautiful body?’

Unconsciously, Isolde had approached and felt the front of Bastiven's body that was not covered by his nightgown.

“Isolde!” Bastiven called hesitantly.

Hearing her name called, Isolde immediately came to her sense. She stared at Bastiven's broad chest, then screamed, "Oh my God! I didn't realize! What—"

Isolde quickly pulled away, covering her blushing face. She didn't think she dazed too deep and lost in the sight of Bastiven's beautiful body.

Bastiven snorted. He couldn't hold back his laughter at Isolde's antics. "What were you thinking that you were unconsciously touching me, hm?"

“Well, this and that!” Isolde muttered, rolling her eyes somewhere, looking away.

‘Why is this woman so different? What’s really going on? Is she planning something else?’ Bastiven wondered.

Embarrassed and panicked, Isolde tried to change the subject. “H—how about we have some wine? Wine is better than tea, right?”

Bastiven looked at Isolde again. ‘This is different too. Shouldn’t it be tea?’

Without waiting for Bastiven's opinion, Isolde immediately ordered Nirena to prepare red wine with some snacks of cake and fruit.

While waiting, Bastiven decided to sit on one of the chairs in the room. Isolde followed suit. She chose to sit next to Bastiven so they wouldn't have to look at each other while talking.

“How come you didn’t panic when that sword almost cut your neck, Isolde?” asked Bastiven, who had been shocked and amazed by Isolde’s reaction.

Ordinary people, especially women, would definitely scream or panic in fear if they were in this position.

Isolde panicked slightly at the sharp question. ‘Ugh! How can I explain this? He must have already found out what Isolde looks like. I myself have no idea who I am in this world!’

Just as Isolde replied, “Ma—maybe I’m a little drunk. Ehehehe!”

‘Oh my God, Bianca! What an answer!’ She screamed in her mind. “There’s no way Bastiven will believe that!”

But apparently, her husband believed her foolish lie. Bastiven innocently asked, "Did my servant bathe you in wine?"

Isolde nearly choked on her own saliva. Bastiven's innocence in this area seemed too impressive!

“It—it could be!”

Isolde laughed awkwardly, hoping she wouldn't have to tell any more lies. After all, she hoped her life with Bastiven would now be calmer and more normal.

Shortly after, Nirena arrived with wine and snacks to accompany the alcoholic beverages.

Isolde was confident that she could control her alcohol intake. Just one bottle wouldn't get her drunk. Especially, if it’s just wine.

However, after just one drink, Isolde began to rave. Furthermore, she dared to climb onto Bastiven's lap, her dress barely concealing her body.

“You know what, Bas? This is my first night. Aren't you planning on touching me?”

Isolde's fingers slowly traced Bastiven's jawline, bringing a sensation Bastiven had never felt before.

The touch of the woman who had just officially become his life partner made Bastiven's body hungry for more.

After decades on the battlefield, he had no time to think about his own passions. He was busy surviving to prove to the power-hungry Emperor Thalric that no matter how harsh the battlefield, a Devereux would never be defeated.

And now, upon returning from the war, he must face the woman who was the prize of victory.

However, reality made him withdraw. ‘There’s no way I’m sleeping with my killer!’