What a Cheesy Couple

Liyana sighed, wearing an expression that said, "I knew it."

It seemed her earlier words had gone in one ear and out the other.

"Are we... going to force our way in?" Mo Lini was startled, and even the little blue creature on her head trembled as if equally alarmed.

"For safety's sake, Mo Lini, you and Liyana don’t need to come. Just stay in the room," Xia Lun said, glancing at the storybook in Mo Lini’s hands. "Aina and I will handle it. We’ll take Musen along too."

Aina shifted slightly under the covers, like a little snail, though it was unclear what she meant by it.

"R-really?" Mo Lini didn’t seem particularly relieved, though.

Liyana patted Mo Lini’s shoulder gently, offering no further explanation.

"For safety? Xia Lun, what are you talking about? Your body is mine to play with, but not your brain."

Suddenly, Aina’s crisp voice came muffled from beneath the blankets: "Is there anywhere safer in this world than by our side?"

Xia Lun’s face flushed slightly, while Liyana covered her mouth to stifle a laugh, casting a sympathetic glance his way.

"So... Aina, does that mean Liyana and I can come too?" Mo Lini’s eyes brightened, though worry still lingered. "But won’t we just be deadweight? What if we get captured and used as hostages...?"

"Don’t worry, Mo Lini. I’m plenty strong—no one can take anyone from me," Aina finally emerged from the covers, shaking out her silver hair.

Though at the moment, she didn’t look very convincing.

The inside of the blankets must have been stifling—Aina’s cheeks were still flushed, like a freshly peeled shrimp... Was she heat-sensitive? Then why did she wrap herself up like that? Mo Lini couldn’t help but wonder.

"O-okay... we’ll leave you to it." Seeing Aina finally emerge for air, Liyana quickly steered Mo Lini out of the room by the shoulders.

Once outside, Liyana exhaled deeply.

She’d never seen Aina like that before. Too many unpredictable variables—best not to overstay their welcome.

"Liyana, can I ask you something?" Mo Lini suddenly looked up at her. "What did Aina mean by ‘playing with’ Xia Lun’s body?"

Liyana: "..."

If anyone else had asked, Liyana would’ve assumed they were feigning ignorance... but coming from Mo Lini, it made perfect sense.

"Wait... is Xia Lun some kind of toy?" Mo Lini pondered seriously before gasping and covering her mouth. "Is his true identity... a puppet?"

Before the misunderstanding could deepen, Liyana hurriedly cut her off.

"Ahem... no, of course not. What are you even thinking?"

She gave Mo Lini’s head a quick pat and scrambled for an explanation the girl could grasp. "Listen... Aina meant... uh... they were playing a game. Yeah, that’s it."

"A game? What kind?" Mo Lini pressed.

Liyana: "Well... a game for married couples."

"What’s that supposed to mean? Can you be clearer?" Mo Lini frowned. "How do you play it?"

"It’s like... the plank position you did in the carriage. Ahem. You could say it’s a form of exercise... If Xia Lun’s body gives out, he loses, so Aina said he’d be ‘played with’... Got it?" Liyana wasn’t even sure what she was saying anymore.

"Ohhh!" Mo Lini’s eyes lit up with realization. "No wonder they’re so strong—they’ve been training in their room this whole time!"

Looking back, Aina’s flushed state must’ve been from an intense workout.

Liyana: "..."

Well, as long as Mo Lini was satisfied.

———

Some conversations were meant to stay behind closed doors.

"Lord Demon King, what was that earlier? Who exactly is being ‘played with’ here?" Xia Lun narrowed his eyes, watching Aina intently, his hands never pausing.

"Me... it’s me... I’m the one who’s broken... Mmm—I’m sorry, Xia Lun..." Aina was already pleading.

She’d gone too far, embarrassing Xia Lun in front of Liyana.

Now he was furious—and the consequences were severe.

"Xia Lun... please spare me..."

"Fine." Xia Lun stopped.

"Huh?" Aina’s smirk froze. He’d actually let her off... even though she’d braced herself.

"You’re my wife, Aina. How could I force you?" Xia Lun smiled, stroking her cheek as if he’d seen right through her. "I’m no monster, after all."

Aina squirmed restlessly, but Xia Lun had already stood up, turning his back to her as he began doing flawless squats—no further moves.

Her little scheme had backfired... not only did she get no satisfaction, but he’d left her craving more.

"Though, if it’s the Demon King’s command, I’ll obey without question." Xia Lun’s voice suddenly cut in.

Aina caught the provocative smirk on his lips—he was baiting her.

She bit her lip. He wanted her to surrender first.

But she was the Demon King. How could her pride allow such words?

Xia Lun, seemingly overheated, abruptly tore open his buttons, shedding his shirt to bare his torso as he stretched.

Aina swallowed hard. This man...

Fine. No one else would know. Pride be damned.

"Xia Lun, come here." Aina stretched out a foot, her toes lightly tapping his firm back.

"What do you need, Lord Demon King?" Xia Lun chuckled, leaning in.

"Xia Lun... love me." Aina opened her arms to him.

"Oh?" Xia Lun remained unmoved, his smirk only deepening.

"Lord Demon King, what do you mean? I’ve always loved you—you’re my wife, after all. So... what exactly do you want me to do? Be specific."

"You—!" Aina clenched her jaw. Even after all that, he still wasn’t satisfied.

"Say it, Aina. What do you want?" Xia Lun closed the distance, his whisper hot against her ear.

Her ears burned crimson, but in the end, desire scorched through her pride like wildfire.

"Xia Lun... please..."

Her whisper was so faint only he could catch it.

Xia Lun’s lips curled into an elegant smile, though his ragged breath betrayed his own turmoil.

"As you command, Demon King."