icvejxieun

Her line here intrigued me the most, and has further interesting implications in the Japanese version.

The fact that Fiona is willing to let Twilight sacrifice himself if he feels it's necessary shows how much she truly loves him. She doesn't love him "selfishly," as in, if he wanted to sacrifice his own life for a mission, she wouldn't stop him just because she doesn't want him to. This is in contrast to how I feel Yor would react in the same situation - she would definitely protect Loid even if he didn't want her to, not because she's "selfish," but because she sees him as much more than just his goal as a spy, something Fiona doesn't want to see. It's hard to say if this contrast will become a plot point in the series later on, but I thought it was an interesting reveal from Fiona. There's also the fact that she knows that Yor would be upset if Loid got out of bed, which shows that even she can see how caring Yor is after just a brief interaction.

And what makes it even more interesting is the ateji used in the Japanese version. I've written about ateji before, but it's when a writer uses a kanji with a particular meaning, but the furigana (the kana translation above it) is telling us to read it as a different word. In this case, the kanji is "love" but the translation is "pride." So she's saying "For that is my pride (love)!"

The fact that she means "love" but says "pride" indicates that she wants others to believe that she's doing everything she can to support Twilight in his mission because of her pride as a spy and his mentee. When in reality, she's doing it because she loves him. As unhinged as Fiona can be, I still find her an interesting character and, like Yuri, she's a character who has potential to grow for the better as the series progresses.

But Fiona wasn't the only one who had some nice development in this chapter. Even though he only appeared briefly, I like that Damian is sticking up for Anya when Emile and Ewen still insist on being jerks to her.

Damian also gave us this notable bit of information:

Why is Donovan going to the hospital? We don't know how long this has been going on, but I would assume it's somewhat recent. Assuming Donovan is indeed involved with Project Apple and other types of illegal experiments, he could either be 1) overseeing a new experiment, 2) undergoing further experimentation on himself (to enhance whatever abilities he has), 3) he's just getting his own personal checkup for experiments done on him in the past, or 4) he's been secretly visiting someone else in the hospital. Of course, there could be other reasons, but those seem the most plausible to me as of now.

This panel made me snicker~ Please handle your tiny gremlin with care 🤣

Some more panels of Anya being her hilarious self. As much as I've been loving all the focus on the other characters in the recent chapters, I missed her silly antics!

It really does seem like Endo is building up to Anya meeting Donovan. As I mentioned in my previous chapter review, it will be a major event since Anya will allow us to finally get insight into Donovan's thoughts, something we haven't gotten compared to literally every other character. I still have a theory that Donovan is able to "hide" his thoughts from other mind-readers, or some other reason that makes it difficult for Anya to clearly know what he's thinking. Or maybe someone will interfere with the meeting, like Loid, Yor, and/or Fiona? That Surjay guy will probably make an appearance too, since why else would we be given the information that he's at the symposium? There's still so many possibilities with this arc, I can't wait to see what happens next! 😯

As a little bonus, Endo made the below new illustration with the chapter release. I can totally relate to melting Anya considering how hot it's been all over the world lately 🥵 Stay cool everyone~

One of the few panels of young Penelope we have depicts her resting on a divan with gifts piling up behind her, sweets served at a table and a servant on her side opening a jewelry case. I think we can be certain that the gifts Penelope received were send from Anastacius, the crown prince, possibly already crowned Emperor, since he could afford to send her such expensive luxuries unlike Claude, his bastard brother, who received little money and could expect no support from the Empress or his mother's commoner family in courting a noble lady the proper way. When an adult starts making expensive gifts to a teenage girl with the purpose of entering a sexual relationship with her, us modern day folks would normally call that behaviour grooming. That said man is also the elder brother of her boyfriend and future brother-in-law almost adds an undercurrent of incest. Like many noble girls her age, Penelope might have been promised to Claude since birth and had grown up alongside him, which means Anastacius might have already been like a family to her. Anastacius had been preyed on and groomed by his own relative when he was a child and once he is an adult he is making advances at his future-sister in law, who must have been a teenager around the time she was unfortunate enough to have caught his eye.

The "seduction" follows a similar pattern. An older relative, alternatively someone who is almost like a family to the victim, takes an unhealthy interest in a child, a teenager. In both cases a vast status difference between the pursued and the pursuer can be noted. To Anastacius Aeternitas is celebrated as the most powerful Obelian Emperor in history books and likely an idol he looked up to, and to Penelope Anastacius was the crown prince and a teenage heartthrob. It must have felt like they were special when they were chosen by them out of all the people to become their intimate partners. A wedge is thrown between victim and their little brother-like figure (Claude). Anastacius grows jealous of Claude's magical talent and becomes paranoid that Claude is conspiring against him, wheras Penelope thinks her engagement to a bastard is shackling her and keeping her from finding happiness. Anastacius, who is born with little mana and was looked down upon by his own father for being a weak magician, mistakenly believes Anastacius can give him what he lacked since birth. Likewise Penelope, who was born a woman, recognizes an affair with the crown prince as the only opportunity to improve her own standing and reach a higher position. There is the aspect of initiation. The older one introduces the younger one to forbidden dark knowledge and together they break a taboo. Both relationships end in the same teenage pregnancy that kills the victim - metaphorically - literally- and brings the victim back but wrong (novel Jennette as a clone of Penelope corrupted by black magic, manhwa Anastacius a reanimated corpse which houses his and his abuser's soul).

There is another similarity they share. Back in the days people had been speculating that Anastacius had used black magic to brainwash Penelope into loving him which would explain her change in appeareance and personality. This thought is not that far-fetched considering Anastacius attempted to break Jennette's spirit with a curse when she showed a preference for Claude. Now, if we stripped away the magic from the story and read it as a tale of incest and grooming, then Anastacius' mood swings, violent outbursts, suicidal ideation, substance abuse and sex with a minor would be glaring signs of csa trauma. Similarly Penelope's shift in personality from a good girl wearing high collared, long-sleeved pastel dresses to a hedonistic femme fatale who dresses and acts sexually provocant and hits other girls her age at the slightest provocation, who makes out with her adult lover publically, shamelessly, not caring who catches her in flagrante delicto and convinces herself she wants to bear his child so young, can be read as a victim as well.

reiji x yui

The door to Reiji's private chambers closed with a soft click, sealing them away from the rest of the mansion. Yui stood near the entrance, her heart pounding as she felt his crimson eyes trace over her body with unmistakable hunger.

"Come here," Reiji commanded, his voice low and authoritative.

She hesitated only a moment before her feet carried her forward. He reached out, fingers curling around her wrist, pulling her flush against his chest. The scent of his cologne—something dark and expensive—filled her senses.

"Reiji-san, I—"

His mouth captured hers before she could finish, swallowing her words in a kiss that was anything but gentle. His lips moved against hers with practiced dominance, tongue demanding entry. Yui gasped, and he took full advantage, deepening the kiss until she felt dizzy.

"Mmmm..." she whimpered against his mouth as his hands roamed her body, one sliding up her back while the other gripped her hip possessively.

"You're mine tonight," he murmured against her lips, pulling back just enough to speak. "Every inch of you belongs to me."

His fingers found the buttons of her blouse, working them open with deliberate slowness. Each pop of a button made her breath hitch. Cool air kissed her exposed skin as he pushed the fabric off her shoulders, letting it fall to the floor.

"So beautiful," he breathed, eyes darkening as they traveled over her lace-covered breasts. "And all mine."

"Reiji-san..." Yui's voice trembled as his hands cupped her breasts through the delicate fabric, thumbs brushing over her hardening nipples.

"Say it," he demanded, his mouth finding the sensitive spot on her neck. "Tell me you're mine."

"I'm... ahhh... I'm yours," she gasped as his teeth grazed her skin, not quite biting but promising so much more.

He made quick work of her remaining clothes, his own following shortly after. When they stood bare before each other, Reiji lifted her effortlessly, carrying her to the massive bed draped in silk sheets. He laid her down with surprising gentleness before covering her body with his own.

"Look at me," he ordered, and her eyes met his. "I want to see every expression, hear every sound you make."

---

Reiji positioned himself between her thighs, his hardness pressing against her entrance. Yui's breath came in short pants, her body trembling with anticipation and nervousness.

"Relax," he murmured, one hand stroking her cheek while the other guided himself to her. "Let me in."

He pushed forward slowly, and Yui's mouth fell open in a silent gasp as he stretched her, filling her inch by inch.

"Ohhhhh!" she cried out, her hands flying to his shoulders, nails digging into his skin.

"That's it," Reiji groaned, his control evident in every measured movement. "Take all of me."

"It's... it's so much," Yui whimpered, her body adjusting to his size.

"You can handle it," he assured her, finally seating himself fully inside her. He paused, giving her time to adjust, his forehead resting against hers. "You feel incredible. So tight, so perfect."

When he began to move, Yui's moans filled the room.

"Ahhhh! Ahhh! Reiji-san!"

His hips rolled in a steady rhythm, each thrust deliberate and deep. The sound of skin meeting skin mixed with their heavy breathing and her increasingly desperate cries.

"Mmmm! Oh god, oh god!"

"That's right," Reiji panted, his pace increasing. "Let me hear you. Don't hold back."

"Yes! Yes! Ahhhhh!" Yui's head thrashed on the pillow as pleasure built inside her, coiling tighter and tighter.

Reiji's hand slipped between their bodies, fingers finding her sensitive bundle of nerves and circling with expert precision.

"OHHHHH! REIJI-SAN!" she screamed, her back arching off the bed.

"Come for me," he commanded, his voice strained with his own approaching release. "Now."

The combination of his thrusts and his fingers sent her spiraling over the edge. "YES! YES! YESSSSS! AHHHHHHH!"

Her body clenched around him rhythmically as waves of pleasure crashed through her. Reiji groaned deeply, his movements becoming erratic before he buried himself to the hilt, his release flooding her warmth.

"Fuck," he gasped, collapsing partially on top of her, careful not to crush her with his full weight.

They lay tangled together, both breathing heavily, skin slick with sweat.

---

After some time, Reiji lifted Yui in his arms once more. "Come. Let's clean up."

He carried her to his private bathroom, where a large marble bathtub dominated the space. He set her down gently while he filled it with warm water, adding oils that released a soothing lavender scent.

Once the tub was ready, he stepped in first, then guided her to sit between his legs, her back against his chest. The warm water enveloped them both, and Yui sighed contentedly.

"Comfortable?" Reiji asked, his hands beginning to roam her body beneath the water.

"Mmmm, yes," she murmured, relaxing against him.

His hands cupped her breasts, kneading gently, thumbs teasing her nipples until they peaked once more.

"Ahhh..." Yui's head fell back against his shoulder.

"Still so responsive," he praised, one hand sliding down her stomach, lower and lower until his fingers found her folds beneath the water.

"Reiji-san!" she gasped as he began to stroke her, fingers parting her and finding that sensitive nub.

"Shh, just feel," he whispered against her ear, his other hand continuing to play with her breast.

"Ohhh... mmmm... ahhh..." Her moans echoed off the bathroom tiles as he worked her expertly, fingers circling and pressing in all the right ways.

She could feel him hardening again against her lower back, his arousal evident.

"You make me insatiable," he growled, nipping at her earlobe. "I want you again. And again. And again."

"Yes... please..." Yui whimpered, her hips moving against his hand.

He slipped two fingers inside her, and she cried out. "Ahhhhh! Oh god!"

"So wet," he observed, pumping his fingers in and out while his thumb continued to circle her clit. "Even in the water, I can feel how much you want this."

"I do! I do! Mmmm! Ahhh!" Her body tensed, another orgasm building quickly.

"Come on my fingers," Reiji commanded, increasing his pace. "Let go."

"OHHHHH! YESSSSS!" Yui's body shook as pleasure overtook her once more, her inner walls clenching around his fingers.

He worked her through it, only withdrawing when her trembling subsided. Then he lifted her, turning her to face him, positioning her over his lap.

"I need to be inside you again," he said, his voice rough with desire.

Yui nodded eagerly, and he guided her down onto his length. The water sloshed around them as she sank down, taking him fully.

"Ahhhhh! Mmmm!" she moaned, her hands gripping his shoulders for support.

"Ride me," he ordered, hands on her hips, helping her establish a rhythm.

She moved up and down, the water creating resistance that made every movement feel more intense. Her breasts bounced with each motion, and Reiji couldn't resist leaning forward to capture a nipple in his mouth.

"Oh! Oh! Ahhh! Reiji-san!" Yui's cries grew louder as she moved faster, chasing another peak.

"That's it," he encouraged between licks and sucks. "Use me. Take your pleasure."

"Yes! Yes! It feels so good! Ahhhhh!"

The water splashed over the sides of the tub as their movements became more frantic. Reiji's hands gripped her hips harder, helping her move faster, driving himself deeper.

"OHHHHH! I'm... I'm going to... AHHHHHHH!" Yui screamed as another orgasm tore through her.

Reiji followed moments later, groaning her name as he filled her once more.

---

They eventually made it back to the bed, but neither was satisfied yet. The night was still young, and Reiji's desire for her seemed endless.

He took her again on the bed, this time from behind, her face pressed into the pillows as he pounded into her relentlessly.

"AHHH! AHHH! AHHH!" Each thrust forced a cry from her lips.

"You take me so well," Reiji praised, one hand tangled in her hair while the other gripped her hip. "Like you were made for me."

"Yes! Made for you! Ohhhhh! Mmmm!"

The sound of their bodies meeting filled the room—wet, obscene, perfect. Sweat dripped down his chest as he maintained his punishing pace.

"Touch yourself," he commanded. "I want to feel you come around me again."

Yui's hand slipped beneath her body, fingers finding her swollen clit. The added stimulation made her moan even louder.

"OHHHHH! REIJI-SAN! AHHHHH!"

"That's it. Make yourself come while I fuck you."

"YES! YES! OH GOD! AHHHHHHH!" Her body convulsed as another orgasm ripped through her, her inner walls clamping down on him like a vice.

"Fuck!" Reiji cursed, his hips stuttering as he came hard, filling her once more with his release.

But he wasn't done. After only a brief rest, he had her on her back again, her legs over his shoulders as he drove into her with renewed vigor.

"Ahhh! Ahhh! Too much! Too sensitive!" Yui cried, though her body betrayed her words, meeting his thrusts eagerly.

"You can take more," Reiji insisted, his eyes locked on where their bodies joined, watching himself disappear inside her again and again. "You will take more."

"OHHHHH! MMMM! YES! AHHHHH!"

He angled his hips, hitting that spot inside her that made her see stars.

"RIGHT THERE! OH GOD, RIGHT THERE! AHHHHHHH!"

"Found it," he said with satisfaction, making sure to hit that spot with every thrust.

Yui's hands fisted in the sheets, her body writhing beneath him as pleasure built to impossible heights.

"I can't... I can't... OHHHHH! I'M COMING! I'M COMING! AHHHHHHHH!"

Her body arched completely off the bed as the most intense orgasm yet crashed over her. Reiji groaned, feeling her pulsing around him, milking his own release from him.

"Yui!" he gasped, emptying himself inside her once more.

They collapsed together, both completely spent, bodies trembling with aftershocks.

---

As they lay in the aftermath, Reiji pulled Yui close, her head resting on his chest. His hand stroked her hair gently, a stark contrast to the passion they'd just shared.

"Yui," he said softly, his voice carrying a weight she hadn't heard before.

"Yes?" she murmured, still catching her breath.

"I want you to bear my children."

Her eyes widened, and she lifted her head to look at him. "What?"

His crimson eyes met hers with absolute seriousness. "I want you pregnant with my babies. I want to see your belly swell with my offspring. I want to bind you to me in every way possible."

"Reiji-san..." Yui's heart raced for entirely different reasons now.

"Say yes," he urged, his hand moving to rest on her flat stomach. "Let me fill you with my children. Let me make you a mother. My children's mother."

The possessiveness in his voice, the intensity in his eyes—it all spoke of a desire that went beyond physical pleasure.

"I want to see you round with my child," he continued, his hand caressing her stomach. "I want everyone to know you belong to me, that you carry my legacy inside you."

"I..." Yui's mind spun, but her body still hummed with satisfaction, and something about his words sent a thrill through her.

"Say yes," he repeated, leaning down to kiss her deeply. "Be mine completely. Give me children."

When he pulled back, Yui found herself nodding. "Yes," she whispered. "Yes, I'll have your babies."

Reiji's eyes flashed with triumph and something deeper—perhaps even love, though he'd never admit it.

"Then we'll keep trying," he said, rolling her beneath him once more, his body already responding to the promise of what was to come. "Again and again, until you're carrying my child."

"Ahhh... Reiji-san..." Yui moaned as he entered her once more, slower this time, more purposeful.

"Every drop," he murmured against her lips. "I'll fill you with every drop until it takes."

"Yes... yes... mmmm... give me your babies... ahhhhh..."

And as they moved together once more, both knew this was only the beginning of something that would bind them together forever.

"OHHHHH! REIJI-SAN! AHHHHHHH!"

"Mine," he growled. "Forever mine."

"Yours! Always yours! YESSSSS!"